I am writing this on Sunday morning. Had just finished dinner and cleanup around 9pm because it got a little complicated. The potatoes stopped baking because the propane tank was empty because it had an older style valve that BJs wouldn't fill and my tester wouldn't fit either. The spare tank also empty and the grill tanks have the new valve but the grill regulator was acting funky...so...god bless microwaves.
Started out beautiful sunrise, dolphins and pelicans came to see us off from our anchorage in New Smyrna . I was encouraged to pilot my boat out of the anchorage but am no longer allowed to operate the drip coffee machine, something about putting in too much coffee and it overflowing all over the counter. Our destination is to head north as near as possible to Jacksonville, FL, a bit over 80 miles. This is first day we have encountered boat traffic but, due to weather, good chance of rain and thunderstorms, which we had off and on, many boaters must have opted for other activities.
As many of you know I am dreadfully red/green color blind so in traveling the 1000 miles of he ICW life is really based on staying between the red and green markers that are not like some lines on the highway and the channel that is deep enough for boats is not very wide in many places and may be less than 2 or 3 feet deep just outside the imaginary lines created by these well spaced markers. The GPS shows this narrow path but still need to maintain reality checks as the channel and depths shift around often and for me green trees in the background make it nearly impossible for me to distinguish the red marker. I can see the pole before the red triangle. Anyone want to go boating with me?
Still get this thought that I must just be a guest of the owners because this cannot possibly be my amazing, beautibul boat. Lynn and Larry Graham from Toronto who sold us the boat were the most conscientous boaters one would want to meet. Every time I run into how the galley is laid out, updates to the furnishings, equipment and supplies I find myself thinking- that was a good idea or isn't that nice the way they did that. What is wrong with those people? Nothing shoddy or sloppy? Capt and I have running joke when we need something. I know Lynn has one somewhere and we usually find it, I know Larry would have this tool or instructions or spare supplies and has yet to disappoint. Still unearthing switches, supplies , controls, tools etc. Found placemats in the middle cabin yesterday but where are the coasters Lynn?
Rain off and on but calmer waters and wind than friday. This boat is a heavy full displacement trawler that, although it has a full enough keel running aft enough to protect the running gear, she still has a tall cabin that acts like a sail, so that combination with a slow, efficient boat can feel like a wallowing pig depending on wind and waves, albeit a seaworthy and comfortable one. On friday we had following seas, good, but also coming at our aft quarter(last part of the sides toward the ends) which pushed our stern back forth all day. The auto pilot, OTTO, is a little slow to respond in general but still way better than hand steering/correcting all day.
We had scheduled a mooring ball in St Augustine but would have arrived too early to end day of travel so changed plans and decided to follow recommendations of Active Captain and Captain Bob and anchor at Pine Island. A beautiful marsh just off the waterway. Got us an extra 14 miles.
Another evening crawl into the hot engine room to burp the AC pump and when it started it was so strong I had trouble seeing the screw to tighten clam as the water was gushing in my face. Gotta love boating.
Gotta love your blog tho. Hard to imagine ALL the details entailed daily between the constant familiarization with the boat itself, the running a different course, the prep of meals, getting ready for the next day's journey and the attendant chores involved!
ReplyDeleteGood luck and keep up the good work. My compliments to Captain Bob!!