Our boat is slowly starting to look better. We have the decks all polished up and some of the teak is starting to look all shiny. We've also been slaving away on some power issues. We're installing a secondary battery charger to handle the load of our fridge better. The old charger just couldn't keep up in the heat and humidity of Florida summers. Now we'll be able to isolate the house power needs and let the little 'ol charger keep the batteries topped off. By the time we take our next trip in mid-October we should be able to stay out on the hook for longer and keep drinks cold too.

We're looking at making our next long voyage near the end of the 2010 hurricane season, maybe head west towards Texas. Any suggestions?

Up and running and sailing and flushing again

Alexis, beautiful niece, and her friend, Erica, also beautiful.

Captain back at his helm.

The boat is now fully functional again. The head is all nice and rebuilt. If we knew heads could operate this smoothly we would have rebuilt it long ago. The engine purred along for the 15 mile break-in run then sailed well that night. We even managed to run the spinnaker without any glitches. It is very nice to have it all back together again. Now, where do we go next?

Next Phase

No pictures this time. The head compartment is all torn apart, the engine (yikes!!) has been pulled from the boat and life is back to normal. I am still in Texas with plans to head home tomorrow. Marc and Jen's wedding was completely wonderful and well worth bringing the boat back in time to make the trip to Texas. Beautiful ceremony and great party. Both families are all fun and compatible so it will be a lasting memory for all

The Rest of The Story- Part 2

From Appalachicola we headed down the ICW towards home. The panhandle has been getting quite a bit of rain while we were gone and there was a lot of debris floating around. We had to stay on constant watch to avoid downed trees and other nasty looking flotsam. We'd hate to have sailed so far to be done in by a floating car part!! The only concern we had was a bridge that is charted as 50 feet. Since our mast is 48.5 feet we were afraid that the high water would be too much. We made it up to the bridge, anchored out for a nap and went under at low tide. From there we stopped at St. Andrew's YC. It is a nice club that we have enjoyed several times in the past. It's a long walk into town but we are used to going a mile or so to have breakfast, catch a bus, etc so we enjoyed our last morning out.

The boat seemed like it was ready to get home. Since Carrabelle, it has run like a scalded dog. We even managed to average over 6 knots for the last 59 mile run back to FWYC. (Ok, you motor boaters, stop laughing, that really is fast for a cruising sailboat.) We made it back to our slip about 7pm on Thursday the 28th. We had enough energy to tie up the boat and have a drink at the bar. We hauled a van full of stuff home then cleaned ourselves up and tried to sleep in this bed that refused to rock us to sleep. Everybody asks what it is like to be back. We had a truly wonderful time out exploring and learning about cruising but it's good to be home, too. It is very weird to see things around town that seem unchanged since March. It is weird to drive again and this house is now much larger than when we left. We still have a lot to do like process 2 months worth of mail and remove untold layers of cat hair from everything but we're still glad to be home. We've already started talking about where we want to go next and what repairs/changes we need to make beforehand.

I'd like to say that the house is all back in order and so is the boat but I don't like to lie. The laundry is all done and you can see most of the table tops but that's about it. The boat is much cleaner and most of the storage bins are all nice and clean but we're still working on maintenance issues. We pumped and flushed clean the holding tank and we'll pull the head tomorrow and start that lovely job. I leave for Texas on Wednesday so we'll get as much done as possible before I take off. I will add some more details about living aboard as time allows.

And Now.....The Rest of The Story-Part 1

We left you hanging back in Carrabelle with an unknown problem at the top of the mast. We had a big crowd of gawkers when we first arrived after the crossing who were quite impressed with the fool climbing his mast while thunder rumbled in the distance. Turns out one of them is a retired rigger (one who messes about with sailboat rigging) and he offered to help the next day. We were able to get it all untangled and repaired and rewound and everything was great except for the three hours of thunderstorms that hit about 10 minutes after David was down on the deck. Still, there is no better reading than knowing your boat is ready to go once the weather is ready. We were still able to depart and make it the 22 miles to Appalachicola.

Appalachicola is a great place to visit. We have been making trips there (by road) since we first moved to Florida in the late 80s. We would be stationed somewhere else and then make it back to Hurlburt Field and then move again and now we're back for good. We have a lot of good memories walking around downtown with our girls when we were on camping or exploring trips. We were weathered in for several days once and had Dad Tye on board. Since that is the only trip we had the chance to make with him, more good memories.

These are pictures of the City Marina in Appalachicola. We were through here on our original trip bringing the boat home for the first time. Back then, the docks were in bad shape due to Hurricane Ivan and the live-aboard boats didn't look much better. Meanwhile, they have rebuilt the docks and even added quite a bit to them to accomodate fishing. The permanent party boats have also had an upgrade. Apparently it is very cheap rent and the trend seems to be to large houseboats. Below is the best example but there were others in there and two more in the construction phases.

Plan ZZZZZ (Didn't quite make it to St. Andrews yet)

We thought that our snafus, glitches and bad luck with parts were all behind us. We made it out and under the John's Pass bridge with no problem. We saw a 35 foot sailboat sunk just off the main channel and really felt sorry for them. Of course, we were feeling smug like our troubles were behind us and we were going to have smooth sailing the rest of the way. One thing this trip has taught us, never get cocky with Neptune!!!!

We made it about 3 miles offshore and were able to head in a direction good for sailing so we hoist the main then pull out the jib. It seemed to have stuck on something at about the 1/2 way point so we pull harder and harder, etc. David tries to see what's wrong through the binoculars but sees nothing. So....we decide to unwrap the sail and lower it sowe can flake it (fold) and put it safely away. We didn't want to get caught in a storm with this flapping sail. Unfortunately, we can't lower it either. At this point we're rocking and rolling around with both of us on the foredeck trying to man and woman hadle this very large sail. After about an hour of trying everything we can think of, we give up and wrap it back up as best we can, tie it up as securely as we can and go back to figure out what to do next.

As much fun as we had being weathered in at the Treasure City Yacht Club, we just couldn't face going back yet again with problems!! We decided to press on but cut the leg short by a day. Originally we had wanted to sail all the way to St. Andrews Yacht Club but have ended up in Carrabelle. Some of the pictures below are of David climbing the mast. I handle the two safety lines below and pray a lot. He was able to determine what the problem was but we were both too tired to safely do anything today. The fix will hopefully be made in the morning with enough time for us to get on down the ocean a few miles.

Even though we were bummed about yet another equipment malfunction, we were able to take in the beauty of our surroundings and experience unique things about sailing.
While we were wrestling with the jib, a group of dolphins came and played with our bow wake. The water was crystal clear and we could see them so well. It took our mind off of flailing sail for a few minutes. Later, we dodged a thunder storm. It was surreal watching the awesome light show to the west and south of us. On the other side of the boat, the stars were out in full force and glory. The wind from the storms did make things a bit bouncy but nothing worse than we've felt before. Kind of like an older sibling rocking the baby's cradle a bit too energetically. David had the topper of all fish stories. He was sitting on the sole of the cockpit (less bouncy place to sit) sometime after midnight. A fish comes flying into the cockpit thrashing and flopping like crazy. He tries to rescue the fish and throw it back into the water. While reaching for it though, he feels this round thing. Taking out his handy-dandy flashlight, he sees its a fish eyeball. Being only slightly grossed out, he still plans to get the fish back in the water. Then, he finds the other eyeball!!! Realizing this fish is a goner, he waits until it quits trying to fin him and is still before he throws it back into the water. You really have to hear his version with gestures and the whole nine yards.

We already miss the great people we had the good fortune to spend time with back at Treasure City. Joe and Les were great sources of information, jokes and the occasional ride. Thanks a million!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY-For Real

Mary's birthday is the 24th which is what day it is now in Sydney. We wish her the best year ever.
Love,
Dad and Mom

St. Petersburg and Pass-A-Grille

Since we have been delayed here at the Treasure Island YC we've been getting out and visiting the area. After our foray into successfully riding the bus system to the Caliber factory, we've ventured into downton St. Petersburg a few more times. We were still learning the local system when we literally missed the bus trying to go to Mass last Sunday. On other island trolley systems, all you had to do was wave and the bus would stop. Here, they're more serious and they only stop at designated spots. The bus passed us by eventhough we were in about 100 feet of a stop. This week we'll know what to do.
We're starting to get a bit antsy to get on or way but we're not willing to risk high seas. Hopefully the window will be open on both sides of the gulf tomorrow afternoon. We currently plan on crossing from John's Pass up to St. Andrew's Bay YC in Panama City, about a 40-50 hour trip. We'll keep you posted


In our ramblings we decided to ride to the end of one bus line and found the quaint town of Pass-A-Grille. Judging by the buildings, I'd guess that it is one of the original resort/tourist area. This building looks to be an old inn and it's in the process of being renovated.

These pictures are from a picture of public sculpture in downtown St. Pete. It actually covers quite a bit of space. The pieces include all kinds of Florida flora and fauna found on both land and in the ocean. It was fascinating trying to see it all.

CLick on the plaque's picture to read the details of the world's first scheduled airline. We were surprised at how long ago that was and it was between St. Pete and Tampa. The second picture if of the airport.

In part of our ramblings we went out on the pier. This unique building in an inverted pyramid. It houses several shops and places to eat and an aquarium. It was pouring rain but between the storms I was able to get this picture of downtown from the top floor's observation deck.

We stopped off for a tour of the St. Petersburg YC and had a great lunch. They are celebrating their 100th anniversary. It is a very regal club but they were all so nice to us hicks. This is one of the premier sailing clubs. They seem dedicated to furthering the sport of racing and fostering the next generation's love of sailing. Their rooms and halls are full of pictures, trophies and placques honoring past endeavours.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY

In case we don't have a good signal, we want to make sure and wish Mary, our beautiful, talented and eldest daughter, a very happy birthday in the land down under. We are very proud of she and her husband Eric for taking off on their own adventure.

Caliber Factory Tour

Along with getting out in the local area we made use of the local transportation system and went to visit the Caliber factory where our boat was built. They were super nice and accomodating. Kathy took us on a personal tour all over each step of construction. They still hand build each boat with loving care. The fact that the boats are still holding together (alternator and water pump issues are not their fault) is testimony to their quality. We were lucky enough to see a boat similar to ours in the 1/2 way completed phase. They no longer build this boat except on request. It is amazing to me that so many novice sailors think of a 40 footer as a "starter" boat. I think that's why so many people new to sailing don't last. The longer the boat the more work and more money just to keep it slipped much less sail and maintain it.

We were able to see the hull layup molds, the deck molds and all the pieces inbetween. It was funny to see notes for the boat written on it's keel. I guess it takes the place of writing on their hands.

Treasure Island

The rain finally let up enough yesterday for a while and we went on a walkabout. Being Treasure Island, pirates are the cities theme. If you click on the picture below you'll see that this is truly a Florida pirate, his treasure is oranges. The unique thing about this town that distinguishes it from other tourist places is their clock tower. Those are real bells in there. It chimes on the quarter hour and tolls the hours. The third picture is the bridge opening up. Since I've posted pictures from the water, I thought I'd add one from the road point of view.

This is a type of palm that I've never seen before. The fronds are very fluffy and feathery looking. They grow to be very large and seem popular in the landscapes around here.

The city obviously put some thought and money into the non-opening bridge to the island. Each of the supports is nicely decorated with inset tiles with various pictures. The sea being the dominant theme, they also have the obligitory pirate. The rails are wavy metal and the pedestrian strip also has inlaid tiles. There are towers on two corners, one that matches the bell tower.