May 16-17,2016 Harbortown Marina - New Smyrna Beach- Marineland, Fl.

Sunday May15 and Monday May 16 – Harbortown, Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach

After spending a wonderful week in Canaveral, it was time to move on.  We left the eclectic group on E dock and departed at 0755.  The engine checks showed the port alternator pulley was working and the temperature was good and the belts were staying intact.  There was great joy in Katarasville.  At 1100 we entered the Haulover Canal and once again saw a number on manatees.  Traffic was light during the many miles of manatee zones so we just keep moving.  We arrived at New Smyrna at 1442.  We won dockage in this marina at the MTOA Rendezvous and took advantage of the opportunity.  We explored both sides of the ICW –beach side and old town side – with our bikes:  riding on the sand beach, walking thru town shopping, lunch at the Flagers Tavern, and milkshakes at the Little Drug Co (an old fashion drugstore and fountain).   At the marina, off the stern of the boat was a small mangrove island.  For some reason this island attracted every bird in the state of Florida – all kinds – pelicans, Ibis, roseate spoonbills, egrets, and unicorns (not really, just keeping you on your toes).  They were noisy and active until dusk, and then they calmed down for the evening.  At dawn, they slowly departed only to return the next evening.  Pam the dockmaster and Rick the other dockmaster were helpful and pleasant.  It was a nice stay.

Sunrise in New Smyrna

Peddling along the beach

A long way to peddle. We rode 2.25 miles.

The New Smyrna Municipal Marina

Another view from our boat

The bird island behind our boat

 

 

Tuesday May 17, New Smyrna Beach to Marineland

Departed at 0801, engines checks were favorable.  We took the alternative fork on the ICW to pass by the Ponce de Leon Inlet and Lighthouse.  This lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and the second tallest in the nation.  We then proceeded north past Dayton Beach.  At 1007, we pasted Halifax marina which was the farthest north, so far, by boast.  From now on we are in new, uncharted waters.  The weather was threatening all day with thunderstorms and rain.  We arrived at Marineland marina at 1460 and our luck ran out.  The boat was secured and then we experienced thunder, lightning, rain and high winds.  Glad we arrived when we did.   Between the raindrops we took a short walk to the dolphin center and the ocean beach only to head back to the boat in light sprinkles.   The rest of the evening was low key with a nice dinner and relaxing reading.

Crabbing is tough enough when your trap is in the water. This guy is a real optimist to hope that the crabs will
come on shore and crawl into his trap. Just a we enter Daytona Beach

What a retired tug boat captain has in his back yard.

The marina at Marineland, Fl.

 

Jupiter Cove to Harbortown Marina, Fl May 6-15, 2016

                 May 2016: The East Coast Trip Begins

3275 n.m. odometer reading

Friday May 6, 2016:  Jupiter Cove Marina to Vero Beach

After loading the boat and saying our goodbyes we pulled out of Jupiter Cove at 9:23 heading north. The previous day we had the fuel truck stop and refueled Greek’s Folly with 261 gallons of diesel at $2.15/ gal.  This was the first fuel we had taken on since our west coast of Florida trip in March.

During one of my engine room checks I noticed a vibration in the port side alternator which was not there before. I decided to keep an eye on it. Should have investigated further at that time because during my engine check at 1340 I discovered the alternator bracket had completely broken off. By adjusting the alternator mount back and forth I could hold it in place with a “C” clamp that I had on board. Things went well and we made Vero Beach where we anchored out at 1640. It is an anchorage right off the channel that we have used before. Not too many boat wakes and things really calm down after dark. We cooked a nice dinner of scallops on the back deck to keep the salon cool. We covered 46 n.m. today.

 

Saturday May 7, 2016 Vero Beach anchorage to Cocoa

Anchor up and on our way at 0904. At 0945 an engine alarm went off on the port engine so I shut it down and had Colletta take the helm.  We proceeded on one engine while I went down to check on our problem. We had shredded the alternator belt due to high heat of the alternator pulley. I had a spare belt on the engine already so it was a quick install and I played with the “C” clamp to adjust the alternator. By checking the pulley with my infrared thermometer I could adjust the alignment to keep the belt cool. We proceeded on our way with both engines operating and reached Cocoa West anchorage at 1620. We covered 46.7 n.m. today.

Sunday May 8, 2016 Cocoa West anchorage to Harbortown Marina, Merritt island, Fl.

0900 start engines and port engine is showing no rpm on tach or no voltage output on our gauges. I tried to adjust the alternator mounting again but it still was running 300 degrees on the pulley. Way too hot for the belt to take. I give up trying to adjust it and decide we can proceed on one engine. We found out the previous day the boat handles remarkably well on only one engine (not that we want to do this but must in this situation)  We only have about 10 miles to go to Harbortown Marina where we plan to meet our sister-in-law Lauren and friends Bill and Connie Bowman on Simpatico. We had cruised with Bill and Connie on and off since Huntsville, Al. on the Tennessee River. I figured we could make any engine repairs there. We had planned on staying for a couple of days but decided with ordering parts and repairs we would stay a week.

As we pulled in the slip Lauren was waiting for us with lunch. A very nice treat. We then spent the afternoon with Lauren at the beach and then dinner at Fish Lips Restaurant as it was Mother’s Day. Colletta and Lauren both got free desserts – chocolate and pineapple surprise. Sweet!

 

Monday May 9 thru Saturday May 14, 2016 Harbortown Marina

On Monday it was order parts day. Bill came down and looked at the alternator mounting bracket and thought no problem getting it welded. I called American Diesel who are the parts guys for our engines and they said they had the whole front engine mount which the alternator attaches to $ 147.00 + $35.00 shipping and I would have it Wednesday. Beautiful. I also ordered a gasket for the ice machine door to replace that.  Bill and I then took both of the alternators to Titusville and Lenz Automotive Electric so they could rebuild and check out both alternators while we were here waiting for parts. We had the alternators back on Tuesday fixed for $83.00. Incredible! Our hopes are high as we wait for parts here at Harbortown marina. A very nice place, only .90 per foot per night for dockage, a swimming pool, and restaurant/bar on premises. You can’t break down in a nicer place plus our friends have a car so transportation is no problem.

Tuesday we joined our friends Bill and Connie and went to Daytona Beach to meet Linda an old sailing friend of theirs for lunch at the Pig Stand BBQ Restaurant. We picked up the alternators on the way thru Titusville. On the way back to the boats we stopped to see Bill and Connie’s daughters’ new house she is building in Cape Canaveral. They are going to be staying there until their daughter retires in a couple of years. Nice deal.

We had all of our parts shipped to the marina. This is a standard practice in the cruising world. They hold the packages when they come in until you stop in and claim them. Lo and behold our gasket for the ice machine had arrived in one day.

The engine mount arrived on Wednesday as promised and I had already done some prep work to get ready to install the new bracket. Removed the old one and the new one fit perfectly, all the bolts aligned and there was no problem with removing the engine mount. Bill could not get over how nicely cast the piece was and how available a part can be for a 30 year old engine. It is great to have the support of the guys at American Diesel.  I reinstalled the alternator and adjusted the belt tension and the pulley ran at 115 degrees just like the other engines’ pulley.

This marina is a nice place to hang out, if needed.  The weather was warm 85-90 degrees so the pool became a daily stop for a “dip” and a few colds ones for happy hour.  By the end of the week, we became some of the regulars at the pool.  There are many live aboards here.  It seems they go to work, but make it back in time for happy hour, socializing with friends, and a relaxing evening on the boat.  Since we are at the end of E dock, we walk past the same boats many times during the day and begin to recognize faces, names, and even their pets. (a lot of dogs and even some cats).  This is a comfortable place and I can understand how I could become “home”.

Relaxing in the picnic area at Harbortown Marina

Cooking dinner with Connie and Bill

Walking my cat on E-dock

End of another tough day in paradise

 

 

 

Saturday, March 12, 2016 – Ft. Myers Yacht Basin to Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field

We departed, bright and early at 0659 and proceeded west.  Numerous dolphins were sighted, Colletta was constantly checking the bow for dolphin, one was a baby.  At 0841, we arrived at green marker 101 which is the beginning of the “Miserable mile”.  We were spared that experience by turning south.  As we made our approach, we called the Matanzas Inn who manages the mooring field.  Even though we were told none were available, we decided to take a look ourselves.  At the very end of the west mooring field, ball number 35 sat lonely in the distance.  We grabbed it!  Colletta did a great job of hooking the pennant on the mooring ball, attaching both lines thru the loop and getting them secured on the boat.  Once again the Good Lord has taken care of us.  We notified the office that we secured a ball and they said we could stay.  $16 a night or $91 a week which included use of the dingy dock and showers.  Shrimp fest is today and spring break has also started so there is a lot to look at so we walked around and checked out the scene.  We walked the beach to find the Diamondhead hotel – where Tom’s sister and family will be staying for a week.  Our next objective was to find a dinghy dock closer to that part of the island.  We found a small marina – Island Bay Marina – which would allow us to tie up there.  It is as close as we can get which makes for an easy walk to the hotel and back to the dinghy.

View from mooring ball # 35 looking west

One of our neighbors a pirate ship that took out wanna-be- pirates daily

This is the view of the mooring field from Jody and Tim's hotel. Greek's Folly is right behind the trees in the center of the picture

A few appetizers down by the pool

 

Sunday, March 13 to Friday, March 18, 2016 – Ft Myers Beach Mooring Field

In the morning we dinghied in, tied to the very crowded dinghy dock with a long painter, and headed to the beach.  We spent the day at the beach at the Lanai Kai with the Risslers.  Colletta’s friend Carol came up from Bonita Beach to spend some time in the sun with us.  We also caught the beach show of the Cincinnati Firemen.  They do daily performances as a fund raiser for Shriner Hospital. In the afternoon we walked the beach to the Diamondhead, found sister Jody and Tim at the pool.  Spent the rest of the day with them catching up, having dinner and enjoying the sunset. 

Many of the rest of our days here on the mooring ball consisted of the same activities.  We arose in the morning slowly and confortable, took care of our boat responsibilities (charged the batteries by running the generator, checking and running the engines, cleaning ) and then dinghied into town.  We spent time with Jody, Tim and daughter Katie who arrived with the Disney on Ice” Frozen” cast.  Kate is performing at the Germaine center this week and we will be attending a show,. We enjoyed the beach, pool, and beers with them and of course dinners at Fresh Market Bistro and Doc Fords.  Enjoyed drinks and music at Windham hotel.  Met up with Dave and Sue Schau and Steve Hankins.

Tim and I hit a few pubs on St. Patrick's Day while the girls were out
watching Kate skate



Just a few friends enjoying the day,




 

Kate at the weekly class before skating in a new venue

Kate and her Julie (who is young Anna in the show)

Kate warming up

 

Jason and his boys(Wyatt and Colton) with Kate after the show

Kate is the 4th from the left. A tall butterfly.

 

 

Saturday, March 19th to Monday, 21st – Moss Marina, Ft. Myers Beach



Moved from the mooring field to Moss Marina because it was more assessable for Jody’s family and Sommers.  It was a nice marina, altho had some difficulty docking due to current.  The second time was the charm – headed straight in.  Joined Dave, Sue and Steve again the next day for a boat ride – on a fast boat – and lunch in Cape Coral.  Cousin Wally and Deb Sommer joined us on this little journey.  We made it back to Moss Marina right before the rain started.  We remained dry but the others got drenched.  On Sunday, after a bike ride to church, Jody and Tim visited us in the marina.  We walked around Bowditch Park looking for gopher tortoises and did some shelling.  The evening was spent in family time (including Jason and grandsons Colton and Wyatt) as 10 of us enjoyed Aurelio’s pizza before enjoying the Disney performance of Frozen on Ice – starring Kate Gibson.  Monday was spent bike riding to visit Steve, having lunch, found a hardware store, visited Dave on his boat and then resting after biking back 6 miles into a head wind.  Bonita Bills completed our evening as it was “open mic” night and the bar was packed with local musicians, local color and cheap beer.  After an evening like that, the mile walk back over the bridge was a pleasant stroll.

Wally and Deb on Dave and Sue Schaus' boat. Going faster then any
sailboater ever!!

Bonita Bill's for open mike night. Great music.

 

 

Tuesday 22, and 23^rd – Sanibel Marina

Greeks Folly left Moss Marina headed to Sanibel Island. Foolishly, we did not check with the marina about availability and unfortunately the slip was not vacant yet so we anchored out off of Picnic Island for 2 hours and waited.  When we arrived, we discovered we were moored next to the Sanibel Thriller – a go-fast power catamaran for sightseeing and fast rides.  The marina was scenic but small.  The bathrooms and showers were shared with the local restaurant, Grandma Dots.  This necessitated taking showers early or late while the restaurant was still closed.  We contacted LMYC fellow members Larry and Karen Salzwedel and they came for a visit, drove us to their beautiful home in Cape Coral and had dinner with them at a local spot, Chicago Pizza.  Here we had the best pizza to be found in Florida – so far.  It was even ½ price pizza night – such a deal.  Returned to boat with leftover pizza so savor for the next few days.  Shells took up some of our time while on the island – an early morning beach search and a visit to the Shell Museum.  Bikes were essential as we rode thru town, received free ice cream and explored. This is a nice island, picturesque marina and nice bike paths.

The  Bailey- Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel

Shell poster at the Musuem



Sanibel  sMarina, very quaint on a beautiful island

A sand sculpture on the beach

Searching for that perfect shell.

The Sanibel Lighthouse

This guy adopted our railing for his afternoon perch

OK, you didn't think we would pass up a D.Q. did you?

Beautiful sun rise on the island collecting shells

None the worse

 

Thursday 24 and 25 – Cayo Costa State Park

The state park is a 25 mile ride north of Cabbage Cay.  We turned at nav marker #72and headed into the bay and dropped anchor.  We relaxed, enjoyed the view and parade of boats coming into the anchorage.  Unlike our last visit in January of 2015, this time there were over 30 boats anchored here.  A squall wind went thru about 4am, spun us around and made for 45 minutes of excitement. They are high intensity occurrences but do not last long.   Glad no one’s anchor broke loose.  Took the dinghy to the island the next day.  Walked the beach and did shelling and enjoyed the natural beauty of the island.  It is like old Florida use to be. 

Saturday 26 and 27 – Burnt Store Marina

Up early and headed to the northeast into Charlotte Harbor about 10 miles to a new spot for us – Brunt Store Marina. ($1.75 a ft. with no electric charge and a nice heated pool). As we are tying the lines, Bob and Laurie Wiesemann arrived for a planned visit.  We sat and talked on the docks before enjoying lunch at Cass Cay restaurant on the marina grounds.  The grounds consist of 22 different communities, townhouses, condos and single family homes.  The marina has 525 slips.  Although the development is large it located in a very remote spot, somewhere between Punta Gorda and Cape Coral.   We had a wonderful afternoon catching up with Bab and Laurie and appreciate them making the long drive for the visit.  Tom then helped his new Friend Tex make a mockup of a fuel tank replacement.   Easter Sunday we attended a church about 8 miles from the marina.  We got there by using a local taxi service which worked out very well.  A pleasant surprise.  We enjoyed a leisurely day and then dinner with friends Tex and Maria on board Heaven Scent.  It was a different kind of Easter for us but definitely an enjoyable one.

Monday 28 -29, 2015 – Ft. Myers Anchorage

Left Burnt Store Marina followed by Heaven Scent heading south on the ICW.  Anchored behind Lofton Island in downtown Ft. Myers.  We all took a nap then we dinghied to Heaven Scent for cocktail hour.  The evening was comfortable on the back deck but a little muggy in the cabin.  The next day we did grocery shopping with the help of a car from John and Pam from Short Vacation and then met Dan and Terri for lunch.  Once again a squall came thru with 50 mph winds.  We were in town concerned about the anchor and the cat was on the boat and panicking.  After balling out 2 inches of water from the dinghy, Tom proceeded thru a 1 ½ ft. chop on the bay to check the boat, the anchor hold and the cat.  The boat was secure so Tom headed back to land and we met up with Colletta’s brother Gary and sister in law Cindy and their friends the Davis’s.  We enjoyed a few beers with them while catching up on the all-important family news from Illinois. We greatly enjoyed our time with them and appreciate them stopping by.

Wednesday 30-Friday April 1, 2016 – Crossing Lake Okeechobee to Ft. Pierce

Anchor was up at 0715, very muddy.  Met up with Short Vacation (John and Pam) and Sea Life (Robert and Kay) and proceeded eastward.  As the day progressed, we had discussions about our final destination for the day. It was decided that because of  possible high winds – again- today would be the longer day and we would travel to Clewison on the rim route which was on southern edge of Lake Okeechobee.  Tom was pleased because we had never been to Roland Martins marina in Clewiston and it was famous on the cruising web.  It did not fail to meet expectation.  Captain Sam the dock master was very knowledgeable and definitely in charge of his domain.  We were the last boat to tie up to a 700ft. face dock in a channel that was only 50 ft. wide.  He assured us he would help spin us around the following day to get us out of the marina.  We enjoyed docktails on Sealife then dinner at the Tiki hut, then to bed after a long day and a mosquito attack.   Up early, captain Sam, good to his word, helped us to turn around and we headed out. The group decided to do the rim route to see a different view of the lake and the trip.  The canal was wider than expected with much wildlife and interesting history.  At Point Chosen, there is a swing bridge that is manually opened and operated by one person.  He manually lowers the highway gates, rides his bike to the bridge, inserts a pole into the gear mechanism, and walks in a circle to rotate the bridge.  It was an amazing gear mechanism in that the bridge tender only walked a few times around but the bridge swung very quickly.  In this modern day world, sometimes the old fashion way still works best.  We past Pahokee and then took a cut thru the lake to Port Mayaca lock.  We had to lock thru with a 1 ½ ft. drop which was the first time in this lock in all our travels – we usually just drove right thru.  The ride was nice up the St Lucie river and viewed alligators and eagles.  Sealife and Short Vacation stopped at American Custom Yacht marina for the night but Greeks Folly proceed to Stuart and anchored up the North Fork of the river for the night.    Friday was a short travel day to get to Ft. Pierce.  Anchor up by 0800 and arrive in our slip at 1215.the

Roland and Mary martin's fish camp and Resort, Clewiston

The flood gate you exit from Clewiston to get back to Lake Okeechobee

This is the bridge tender at Point Chosen walking around and opening this swing
bridge. Amazing!

A job well done. He was concerned about all the vegetation in the
water we had to go thru. He gave us directions how to proceed thru
so as not to get our props and shafts fouled up.

Short Vacation hugging the wall per his directions and
safely making it thru

Some of the local residents catching a few rays

 

Greeks Folly will be in Ft Piece at the MTOA (Marina Trawlers Owners Association) Rendezvous for the next week.  Here we will meet up with old friends, met new ones and spend a lot of time talking about boats and travels and adventures.  There are workshops, guest speakers, sharing seminars as well as socials, happy hours, parties and a lot of food.  A good time is had by all.  Greeks Folly will then return to Jupiter to reprovision and complete minor repairs and updates.  In early May the adventure north will begin and the blog will continue.

 

 

Cruise to Florida's West Coast March 2016

Wednesday, March 2 – 16 – Jupiter to Indiantown

 

Departed Jupiter Cove marina, headed to Indiantown 0845.  Sighted our first dolphin, which is a good sign, and 1000.  At 1055, arrived at St. Lucie inlet and made a port turn into the St. Lucie River.  At 1245 we arrived at the first lock, St. Lucie lock, which is about 15 miles upriver.  Entered lock at 1324 and exited at 1355 with a 14 foot lift.  As we exited the lock, we saw Dovekie owned by Mel and Jean, as the small marina just west of the lock.  We crossed the Gulf with Dovekie, Dec 1^st, 2014, from Carrabelle.  Uneventful cruise thru Florida’s interior, horses wading in the canal and cattle grazing the green slopes.  Arrived at Indiantown Marina at 1545 and docked our usual spot along the wall.  To avoid colliding with sailboats, we turned about, and sterned in.  Crowded marina, a lot of Canadians pulling boats out the water, preparing to return north.  Traveled 39.7 nautical miles.

This is the St. Lucie River after you get thru civilization around Stuart and head to Lake Okeechobee

 

Thursday, March 3, 16 – Indiantown to Moore Haven

 

Departed at 0802 with very calm winds. At 0930 we approached the Port Mayaca Lock, 15 miles west of Indiantown.  Upon approach is a railroad lift bridge with a clearance of 49 foot.  This bridge is a challenge for sailboats with tall masts.  In order for some boats to get under it they need assistance.  This assistance comes in the form of a local boat tipping service – not what you think.  The service attaches plastic barrels to the side of the boat and a weighed line to the top of the mast.   The barrels are filled with water until the attached line touches the water to heeled the boat to one side. At that point, they have enough clearance to get under the bridge.  Once under and thru the bridge, the barrels are emptied, the boat is up righted and the travel continues.   We have read about this process, but this time we got to witness it firsthand.  This boat happened to belong to a couple of snowbirds from Hungary.  The lock gates will both open, as they were last year because of high lake levels, so we proceeded thru smoothly into Lake Okeechobee.  Very light winds, lake flat, wonderful conditions for a crossing.  During the crossing we made plans and called ahead to Ft Myers to reserve a slip for the weekend.  At 1225 we arrived at Clewiston lock on the southwest side of Lake Okeechobee and traveled along the rim to Moore Haven.  Saw a gator at 1244, water skiing plans were cancelled.  Arrived at Moore Haven lock 1351, good timing.  Out of lock in less than 10 minutes with a 3 foot lift, but had to wait for a train going over the channel before we could tie at Moore Haven municipal dock.  Paid for dockage at City Hall $1 a foot.  Traveled 43.1 NM.  Stretched our legs, went for a walk, stopped at library, Agape thrift stop (pocket t-shirts for Tom), and chatted with locals. 

A palm tree blown over in a storm but still growing. Make trimming the top easy.

Moore Haven Dock and Town Hall



Entering Port Mayacca Lock



Exiting Port Mayacca Lock and entering Lake Okeechobee



 

The Admiral steering a true course across Lake Okkechobee



Entering the channel to exit the Lake

 

 

Friday, March 4, 16 – Moore haven to Lofton Island, Ft. Myers

 

Departed at 0846 and ran with generator running because refrigerator was not running on 12 volts power.  This is also a shakedown cruise prior to our travels up the east coast this spring  See what works, what needs fixing, and what need to be tweaked.  Windy conditions, we are glad we crossed the Lake yesterday.  0928 we passed an east bound boat called Arawak.  This boat is featured in Power and Motoryacht magazine as a “project boat” which means they are refitting it cause it is an older boat that needs updating and refurbishing.  At 1030 we arrive at the Ortona Lock, with an 8 foot lift and out at 1055.  Arrived at La Belle.  We considered staying at the free docks there.  No boats in the marina and with strong winds and poor mooring arrangements we decided to keep moving. Arrived Ft. Denaud Swing Bridge where the bridge tender walks to the center of the bridge, opens the bridge, records the name of the boat and waves as you go by.  1345 we arrived at the last lock on the traversing of the state with a 1 ½ foot drop with a young, female lock tender, originally from southern Illinois.  At 1540, the anchor was down north of Lofton Island by the Ft. Myers Yacht Basin.  Traveled 47.8 NM.  First anchoring out of new boating season.
 

Saturday, March 5 thru 11, 16 – Ft. Myers Yacht Basin

Called Yacht basin and were assigned a slip in the east basin .  0950 pulled up anchor, clean with no mud, off we go the marina.  1015, in our slip.  Traveled ½ NM. 

Ft. Myers Yacht Basin was a good spot for us.  We were planning on staying 3 days but the facilities, town, management and the central location made it favorable, so we changed our plans and stayed a week.  One of our objectives while on the Gulf coast was to catch up with friends.  We had that opportunity while staying here.  We reconnected with Dan and Terri Rissler from the old Lake Calumet Boat and Gun Club from back in the 1970s.  We caught up with them, met their twin daughters, Meghan and Colleen, and enjoyed their friendship and hospitality on a number of occasions.  They are fun to hang around.  Enjoyed lunch this week with Bruce and Pat Leshinski from Chicago who are wintering in Vanderbilt Beach.  They are boating friends from our home port of New Buffalo MI.  Our favorite cousin Wally and Deb Sommer are staying on Sanibel Island and he agreed to fight the traffic and pick us up for a visit to the island for the day.  A nice treat.  We spent the day with them and their daughter and family, Emily, Trevor, and Baby Nora, at a mini family reunion.  Deb, always the gracious hostess, served us delicious food and great hospitality.  In preparation for departing on Saturday, we filled water tanks, pumped the head, dropped the dingy and checked the outboard motor, went to the grocery store, got ice and enjoyed our last day at the Basin.