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M/V OUTBOUND
2005 CRUISE
Outbound Cruise Log for 2005
Journal of the “OUTBOUND” in route to complete the Great Loop.
February 16, 2005 Beginning the second part of our Great Loop adventure.
Cappy and Judy left Natchez on
Wednesday the 16th day of February 2005 along with Jimmy
Robertson our trusted employee. We drove
Rusty and Cathy came over to the boat
and we all walked down to the Madisonville Waterfront Bistro for
dinner. We had a very nice
February 17, 2005, Thursday-7: 30 am
We awoke very early and very excited about leaving. Rusty and Cathy
came down to the dock to wave us off. It was a bit sad leaving them.
As we approached Biloxi, MS, now in the Mississippi Sound the
weather did improve greatly. We Stopped at the Biloxi Small
Our next surprise was that on the beautiful large sailboat next to
us out popped our Natchez friends Susan and Woody Burwell! We We had such a great visit, as we miss them so much in Natchez. They have bought property in Long Beach, Ms and hope to retire there one day and enjoy their boat. It was a very nice ending to a long and somewhat stressful day!
February 18, 2005, Friday—8:00 am We left the dock at 8am and headed for Florida! It was a long and bumpy day across Mobile Bay, AL. Amazingly enough we saw the Steamship Mississippi Queen in the bay and Cappy talked to the Captain. This is a site that we often see from our home in Natchez, MS overlooking the Ms River. It seemed so out of place on Mobile Bay, but the Captain said that they were expanding their routes. It took us 7 hours to get to Perdido Key, Fl. My favorite place and where we owned condos for 10 years. Our Great Loop friends Tom and Patsy Cochran insisted that we anchor out on Interrity Point, close to their home, for the evening. So Tom came out in his dinghy and guided us into the area, through very shallow water. He came aboard for a while and eventually took us over to his lovely home. He and Patsy have completed the Great Loop in their sailboat, “True North” and were the first people that we met when we attended a GL rally in Fairhope, AL two years ago. Because Hurricane Ivan had devastated this area in Sept, 2004 we had not been in the area. So they took us on a driving tour of Perdido Key and Orange Beach. It was so sad to see how much damage had been incurred, especially in the area that we so enjoyed. It will come back, but will take many years. After going back to their home, Patsy cooked a wonderful dinner for us and we really enjoyed their kindness. Tom took us back, by dinghy to the Outbound and the stars were so beautiful on this clear and cool night. The lights across the bay shined so brightly and we could see our old condo-Perdido Beach and Yacht- almost a surreal experience.
February 19, 2005- Saturday and Sunday, February 20th 2005
We pulled anchor at 8am and thought we might stay in Santa Rosa Beach where friends from Natchez – Bobby and Joe Smiths daughter Christy lives. Bobby and Joe were in town and we were planning on seeing them, but there were no docks available and Joe has the flu. So we headed to Destin, Fl. Arriving at the Sand Destin Resort. A very beautiful ride over and the water kept getting prettier. We made reservations at Baytowne Marina, and it was lovely. The charge here is $2.00 per foot=$11o. per night Lots of shopping and restaurants. Just across the street from Sandestine Golf and Beach Resort and Spa.
My first cousin, Joby Schilling and his wife Marilyn have a summer home in San Destin and they were there. So Joby met us at the dock and entertained us all weekend. He was so sweet to take us all around the area and out to dinner and lunch. Marilyn has the flu as well, so we didn’t see her until Sunday night, when she was much better. They have a great home in the resort area.
Cappy and I really enjoyed this area and plan on returning in the future to look at possible real estate.
SUNDAY Cappy and I had a nice walk, and had breakfast at “Another Broken Egg” in the Baytowne Marina area. Joby came over and took us touring again and out to lunch. Then we stopped at a shopping area and Cappy was able to find a T-Mobile store where he bought the card for our phone line to receive email while we are traveling. He was very happy!
Joby and Marilyn really did well buying here two years ago; this is a beautiful area and lots of things to do here.
February 21, 2005- Monday
Cappy wasn’t feeling well today so we stayed a while longer at the marina. He rested and waited for a Satellite repairman to show up and fix our TV, but of course he never arrived. I went up to the shops and browsed around. Finally about 11:30am we decided to cast off because the weather was so good that we did not want to miss an opportunity to get some miles behind us. We traveled on the Intercoastal Waterway, which became very narrow for about 30 NM. We did not see much boat traffic today- 1 barge- 5 Dolphins and lots of pelicans and seagulls. We entered the Saint Andrew Bay-Great Lagoon, which is very shallow and docked at Bay Point Marina in Panama City, Fl. Charged $1.75 per foot. At one moment during the arrival to the marina, Cappy decided to leave the helm and make sure that I had the lines and bumpers out just right, in other words “checking on me” and we ran aground!! Lesson learned to let the first mate do her job and the captain is to stay at the helm at all times when entering a shallow approach! Being the good captain that he is, he was able to get us off the sandbar without to much of a problem, but a red faced captain he was! Next time he will steer and let me do my job!!! This marina is very nice and has as great area to walk around and stretch a bit. We met a couple that has completed the GL so we asked a lot of questions-they were very nice. Another Fleming 55 “Diablo” is docked here, but no one is aboard. Some very large Yachts are also docked here.
February 22, 2005-Tuesday
Woke up to major fog today so we had to delay out time of departure. It was 10:45 before we could leave. We decided to fuel up today while we were waiting for the fog to lift— $1.84 per gallon if diesel. After we left the marina about 2 miles out, guess what? We ran aground again. This time he did a really good job of getting us stuck! Thank goodness for our membership in Tow Boat US. They sent a young man by the name of Jeremy who worked very hard to get us off the sandbar. Finally with the help of a rather large yacht ACT III, who was kind enough to give us several, passes of big wakes we broke loose. I have pictures of this ordeal!
We find the bottom in SanDestin
We are constantly learning that boating is quite an adventure and you never know from day to day what the adventure will be. Of course keeping one’s head in a computer does not help either!!!!! Your eyes are the best source of running a boat! As we left St Andrews Bay the water became more beautiful, if possible. It was so blue/green. We are still in the Intercoastal Waterway and we saw more dolphins that anytime so far. Especially in the East Lake Area of Panama City, Fl. Someone had told me that if a woman sings softly the dolphins would follow the boat. So I tried it, singing lullabies and sure enough we had a family to follow, then one dark color dolphin followed us and performed for us for a very long time. (About 10 minutes) He was so precious and he jumped and would roll over on his side. It was such a treat for us to watch Because we had such a late start we decided to stop in Apalachicola, Fl. For the night. We stayed at Scipio Marina—a docking space next to a fish fried restaurant It was okay but they no one to help us tie up. So far we have been spoiled because so many marina have lots of people to help you, but we did just fine. The day wasn’t over yet though as far as our surprises. I had been smelling diesel all day but thought it was because we had just fueled up recently. Well this was not all there was to it! When the captain went below to check the engines we had diesel (pink) liquid all over the floor of the engine room—it so happened because someone we will not name, did not cut off the valve to the tanks when we fueled up! Horrors---a lot of that precious fuel was wasted and then it had to be disposed of in a friendly environmental way! So our ever so brilliant captain found a pump, a bucket and lots of paper towels. Needless to say everything worked out okay and he cleaned it up and disposed of it at the marina, but dinner was out and the bottle of red wine was emptied before the long evening was over. We will have everything checked out when we get to Carrabelle, tomorrow!
On a happy ending, we talked to our friends Jenny and Art Perrone tonight and we just missed them in Panama City. They are traveling in their motor home and arrived there one hour after we left—good thing they didn’t witness our exit! We may be able to see them this weekend!!
February 23, 2005-Wednesday What a day this was-we left the Apalachicola area about 9:50 am Eastern Daylight time where we had a late start because of fog! So we thought! Just about 2 miles out dense fog set in and we had to slow down to a crawl—now that is slow because we are trawler and go slow anyway! All eyes alert to watch for the green and red buoys- after an agonizing few hours we decided that the best thing to do was to drop anchor, turn on the fog horn and stay put. We stayed at the St George Bridge that was very large and we could hear cars going over it, but could not see lights or the opening to go through. After a few hours of waiting another vessel appeared out of the fog and told us it was clearing on the other side of the bridge. We decided to try it and if anything it was worse, by now it is about 2 pm.We have great computers, radios and satellite equipment on board so we crawled another few hours to our destination. God’s hand was with us as well and we finally arrived in Carrabelle, Fl. This was the worst fog I have ever seen and hope it is the last of it `ever. Cappy docked the Outbound like a pro between the very large JJ Brown Fish and Wildlife Commission and Florida State Law Enforcement Ship and the “Lady Nancy”, a 120foot yacht that we had seen in Panama City. I was very proud of the way he handled the boat. We were so glad to be in this marina, The Moorings. We walked to the local grocery store, IGA to get a few supplies and then went back to the boat for supper and a early nights rest. It is so cold and wet here. Art and Jenny will not be coming here after all, they have been in Carrabelle last week. This boating community is very small and everything is on one street!
February 24, 2005 We are in Carrabelle, Fl waiting for the weather to be good enough for us to make the great crossing of the Gulf of Mexico to Clearwater, Fl.We are hoping to find other boats that will be making the crossing. The owners of the “Lady Nancy” are from Chattanooga, TN and have a captain and first mate/chef. They will be going across, but will be to fast for us to keep up with. The owners Jim and Nancy Hudson are very nice people and have invited us to share a car and driver with them and go over to, of all places, Apalachicola for lunch and a tour of the area. We went and had lunch at a famous place call Bosses Oyster Restaurant on the Riverfront. We walked all around the town and it was a very charming place. Had we not been in such a rush to get to Carrabelle the day before in the fog we might have discovered this place earlier? Anyway it was a delightful day! It is the Oyster Capitol of the World and fast becoming a tourist town, with renovations all around. There is a lot of Civil War history here and the man who discovered air conditioning or ice cooling lived here. He is a definite hero in my estimation. There is also a charming hotel called the Gibson Inn, with a great long porch and restaurant This entire area is known as the Forgotten Coast!!! Not for long! We came back to our boats and they had us over to see their mega yacht—4 staterooms and beautifully decorated. Captain Chris and 1st Mate Alison came over to our boat and we had a visit with them. He is from Australia. I talked to Jane, Jacque, Susan Jane, Isaac and Chris today! February 25, 2005-Friday We are still in Carrabelle and it is still cloudy and rainy! Jim and Nancy Hudson have invited us over for cocktails at 6pm onboard the “Lady Nancy”. 1st Mate Alison and the Captain Chris served drinks and food. We had a great time and met another couple from Moultrie, Ga. He owns a lot of IGA groceries. It was decided that the Lady Nancy would leave for the crossing in the morning and we could follow behind. So we hurriedly fueled up the Outbound and will possibly try it! Nancy loaned me her James Patterson book ”Sam’s Letters to Jennifer” and I will mail it back to her when I finish reading it. February 26, 2005-Saturday Carrabelle—did not sleep well in anticipation of leaving in the morning. Cappy will make the final decision when the famous weather man “BUDDY” arrives. He is a legend at the Moorings for advising the best day to Cross the Gulf of Mexico. Finally, he arrives and discusses the weather with us and tells us not to go today! It would be too rough—so we listened and did not go, although we were a little disappointed, but better safe to be cautious. We said goodbye to the “Lady Nancy” as they left about 7:30am Good Thing we did not go because about 8am Cappy came down with food poisoning! We suspected that it came from last nights Crab Dip on the Lady Nancy-I thought it smelled strong so I did not eat it, but poor Cappy did and he was soooooooo sick. I feel sure that he was not the only one to be ill that day. Later in the day, Captain Russell Cohoon came aboard and we have hired him to take us across the Gulf when he thinks the weather is permissible. Sometimes things work out for the best and again God’s Hand was on us. We also found out that a lot of boaters will hire pros to make this dangerous crossing. Talked to a lot of family today and friends: Debbie, Jane, Joby, Woodus Humphrey, and Sam Geisenberger. It surely is nice to hear from everybody. We may be here a while longer! February 27, 2005-Sunday Praise God today Cappy is feeling much better! It is still raining and we have high winds today. So we will not be going anywhere today! It is getting boring and lonely and I will be so glad to get off this boat for a while! I even got out my needlepoint and worked on it for a while, who knows I actually may finish it before this trip ends. If we don’t get across the Gulf soon we will go home for a few days and come back! We talked to Jenny and Art Perrone today and they are in Sand Destin and have had a lot of rain as well. A brief period of no rain today, so we took a walk and our spirits improved greatly! Cappy is feeling much better and is working on the satellite that has been broken since we left Biloxi. The Academy Awards are tonight, but I will probably read instead of watching it. I am ready to get home! Tonight the JJ Brown Fish and Wildlife Boat left in all this rain and wind tonight, wonder what reason unless they are enforcing or rescuing. This marina is their headquarters.
February 28, 2005-Monday The last day of the month and we are still in Carrabelle, Fl. Seas are too high to leave, but the sun is out and it seems calm around the Moorings. We cleaned the inside of the boat today and then hired the driver Don to take us to Apalachicola for a few hours. We toured the ice museum and drove over to St.George Island, a four mile bridge across, it reminds Cappy of the Tiki Island area around Galveston, TX where his grandmother had a beach house. Not a place that we would like to live! We got back to the boat and the winds were gusting 25-40 miles per hour! A Nordic Tug from the Texas area came in to the marina today and we met the Captain and owner Jack Henry and a friend. He is on the Great Loop, the first boat that we have seen on the Loop since we left Madisonville. Later the JJ Brown boat returned, at sunset. Alan Stahlman called and he and Suzanne are flying down to Naples-Ft Myers today to meet friends Bill and Doris Herring at their condo. We wanted to be there at the same time, but probably will not get there while they are in town. We are definitely going to be in Oxford for our granddaughters 8th birthday on March 8th. Talked to Susan Jane today and Debbie, who has the flu---is it everywhere?
March 1, 2005, Tuesday
Outbound ready to leave Carrabelle, Florida
We are still in Carrabelle, Fl. A beautiful day, but high winds will keep us from making the Crossing to Clearwater, Fl. I saw a shark swimming by early this morning, at the Moorings Marina. Cappy and I walked around the little town of Carrabelle and had lunch at a local café, it was very nice. Later a young couple from Corpus Christi, Texas came aboard- Jean and Gail, they have a 40 foot Sailboat named the “Wind Dancer” . We met later and watched a beautiful sunset. Jack and Dick, joined us and we visited, had a glass of wine and wished each other a safe journey as we all hope to leave tomorrow. We talked to Susan Jane and Debbie today. Deb is feeling better from the Flu bug but still has to have some test run tomorrow. Trust all will be okay for her. Today Debbie’s friend from Rice University, Stephanie had a baby girl. She and her husband live in Santa Barbara, Ca. They have named her Sophie—how precious! Tonight we ate supper across the street at a local restaurant noted for its homemade pies, but as luck would have it they were out! So we saved a few calories! We were told that the Moorings Marina has been sold to a developer Mr. Cries, for 38 million dollars and will soon be redeveloped. It will be interesting to see how it turns out in the future. This little place is really developing into a resort area.
March 2, 2005, Wednesday
TODAY IS THE DAY! We will leave Carrabelle--- Our friends on the Nordic Tug “Sitting Duck”, Jack and Dick left at 6am just as the sun was rising—a beautiful morning. They are going on the Great Loop as well. At 7:40am we left the dock with Captain Russell. A very long 10 hours and 30 minutes across the Gulf of Mexico! A little choppy for the first few hours, then calmer waters prevailed. We saw 3 Dolphins, in my rush to see the Dolphins alongside the boat I tripped up the stairs and cut a gash in my right shin-this scar will be my reminder of a very exciting day, we also saw lots of seagulls and loons. But the water temp was cold as the air outside was 44-50 degrees. The Sun was out though and it was a beautiful day. We arrived in Clearwater, Fl. At 6:20pm just before sunset. Friends from Madisonville, La called-Rusty Burns and Woodus Humphrey just as Cappy was docking the boat. They had been thinking about us on this long stretch. We refueled the boat and took a nice walk, four blocks to a great restaurant, recommended by Woodus. Russell is a very knowledgeable captain and such a nice person. We are all very tired, and thankful to be at the city marina in Clearwater tonight! Russell is a Towboat US franchise owner in Carrabelle. Thanks to God for a safe day!
March 3, 2005, Thursday
Clearwater, Fl. We left the City Dock, a very nice marina right downtown, about 7:10am. Weather is moving in from the West so we got on the Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) inland waters and protected. First off, Dolphins began showing-one pod, a large daddy, medium mama and baby stayed on our port side for as good 10 to 15 minutes, rolling over on their sides and jumping out of the water, you could almost touch them. They definitely made eye contact. We saw about 4 or 6 more as we left Clearwater and on down to Tampa Bay. Lots of beautiful homes and condo’s and golf courses. The huge Sunshine Bridge stood out as we entered Tampa Bay. There were more boats moving than we have seen in days. The weather is rainy, cold and windy, but not stormy, yet. Cappy talked to Alan today and he and Suzanne will be flying home Monday from Ft Myers. He will take us to Oxford for Claire’s birthday on Tuesday the 8th if we get to Ft Myers in time. Today we crossed under two low bridges that did not want to open for us—they convinced us that we could make it under without an opening –we did! They were on Sarasota Bay and Roberts Bay. We saw three little islands covered with Mangrove trees and the Pelicans, of all different colors, were nesting there. The trees looked the size of shrubs and grow in the sand, only in salt water. After staying on the ICW all day we finally came to Catherine Bay and it was a very rough crossing. For about 2 hours it was very difficult and I did not like it at all! But we made it to the canal at Punta Gorda, Fl. where we were meeting our friends Beth and Sam Geisenberger, originally from Natchez. They live on the canal and have invited us to stay at their pier for a while. After many narrow curves and turns we arrived at their dock and lovely home.
Sam & Beth’s Home in Punta Gorda
Last year Hurricane Ivan really hit this area and we have seen so much damage, roofs etc. all torn away. It will rebuild, slowly but surely. Captain Russell met his friends here as well and departed with them to return home. He is such a nice man and knows so much about boats etc. Sam and Beth have a great home and still are repairing it from the storm. They had to stay in their home during the hurricane and what a scary experience that was. They lost 11 trees, their roof and pool cage. We had a special bottle of wine (Greg Norman) with us, so we popped the cork at their house and toasted our long, but safe crossing over the Gulf of Mexico. We are glad to be here. Then we went into town to a nice restaurant. The weather is still rainy, and cold, not your typical Florida sunshine. Talked to Debbie tonight!
March 4, 2005, Friday
Punta Gorda, Florida.
We are staying tied up to Sam and Beth’s Hatteras (Magic Time) in
the canal behind their lovely home. This is a really neat place,
canals all
Hurricane Ivan really tore through here last fall and the community
suffered so much, but you can tell it is a great place to live and
will come
Beth was so sweet to take me shopping all day as she looked for
things for her home and I looked for boat stuff. I bought a small
rug for
March 5, 2005 Saturday
It is another pretty day in Punta Gorda. Cappy and I took a long
walk around the neighborhood and when we came back, Beth and Sam had
Cappy and Sam worked all day on the Outbound and Magic Time.
I talked to Susan Jane today and Claire had a spend the night party
last night for her 8th birthday, eight little girls came
over and had a great time.
We were going to fly with Cousin Alan and Suzanne Stahlman, but have
decided not to do this. Cappy bought tickets on Southwest Airlines
March 6, 2005 Saturday
Punta Gorda, Fla. --- A beautiful, sunny and cool day.
We are going home today and will return on the 16th of
March. Sam and Beth Geisenberger
March 16, 2005 Wednesday
We were home for 10 days and flew back today via New Orleans, La.
and Tampa-St Pete. We hired a driver (Rudy) to pick us up at the
airport
March 17, 2005 Thursday
St Patrick’s Day—More rain today, so we will stay put and organize ourselves to leave tomorrow.
Cappy refueled the boat today—A fuel truck came to Sam’s house and
serviced the boat—500 gallons @ $2.15 per gallon!!!!! $500 dollars
We had lunch at Gator’s Restaurant-Pub and it was a large crowd there celebrating St.Patrick’s Day.
The Blue Angels-Navy air team- flew over this afternoon to practice
for a show this weekend in Punta Gorda.There practice area came
right over
Later in the evening we had cocktails with Beth and Sam in there new
almost finished kitchen. They liked the gift that we gave them—A
hanging I talked to Jane today-wish she could come down and travel with us for a while…maybe later!
March 18, 2005 Friday
A beautiful day today and we leave for Cabbage Key with Beth and Sam going with us!
1 Beth, Cappy & Sam in Punta Gorda
We traveled about 2 hours to the Key, an island with little houses
and a great restaurant---with dollar bills etc tacked all over the
walls and ceiling.
After lunch we walked around a bit, then headed for Fort Myers. As
we left Cabbage Key and made our turn South we all started coughing!
Beth
We saw several Dolphins today and took lots of pictures in this
area. Afterwards we had a nice smooth ride and pretty day, although
cool down As always thanking God for a beautiful and safe day.
March 19, 2005 Saturday
Ft Myers, Fla. What a nice beautiful day, we walked all around and went to the Edison Ford Museum. WE visited their summer homes, Edison’s laboratory and gardens. Thomas Edison was such a genius and used his brilliance in so many ways. His wife Mina must have been very loving and patient with him, as well, because he was always thinking and experimenting at all hours of the day and night. Henry Ford and the Firestone family were close neighbors to the Edison’s and must have enjoyed each other grandly. As a child Thomas Edison left school to be taught at home by his mother because he was told that he could not Focus!!! His mother was a schoolteacher and knew that her son was very smart so she home schooled him—he read every book he could find—such an amazing man. He founded the Portland Cement Co and Cappy used to sell the products at the lumberyard in Natchez. Edison also planted and cultivated all species of Palm Trees; many were gifts to his from people all over the world. After World War I he and Firestone worked together to make more rubber for the next war, if there would be one—he grew a hybrid golden rod plant and developed from it .We toured his Laboratory where he created light bulbs, phonographs, rotating fans, children’s furniture, camera and more inventions than I can name. We still benefit each day from the inventions he gave to the world. Beth and Sam enjoyed the tour as well. We ate a late lunch at Joe’s Crab shack overlooking the Marina, a real tourist place and not to good After lunch we walked around the marina and met town couples that owned Katy Krogans—very nice boats and very nice people. One couple lived aboard their boat full time. She had some beautiful shells that she was drying on the back deck. We walked a lot today and it felt good! Had dinner at another local place called Henderson’s and it was nice.
March 20, 2005 Sunday
Fort Myers, Florida—Palm Sunday Today we are leaving for Naples—a beautiful day and the water is getting prettier as we go South.
We have seen a lot of Dolphin today, as they love to play in our wake! We could not get into a Marina at Naples today so we decided to stay in Bonita Springs at the Fish Tail Marina. Cappy did a super job in docking at this lovely place but the docks were very narrow and tight. Our friends Doris and Bill Herring have a summer condo here and had invited us down earlier, so this worked out so great. A very nice place and I think much better than crowed Naples. Cappy, Sam, Beth and I walked over to the beaches to pick up shells and get some exercise. We had to cross a lagoon, which was very murky and muddy and full of knee deep yucky water, but we made it and enjoyed our walk. Because of the hurricanes this landscape has changed a lot. Got back to the boat just in time to clean up and get ready to visit with Doris and Bill and there friend Shirley. They came over to the Outbound for cocktails, then we all went to dinner at a wonderful Italian Restaurant and Bill treated us all! After dinner we went to their condo on the 7th floor and what a great place they have. They are so sweet and loaned us a car to use while we are in the area. They have a really cute Pomerian dog that goes with them everywhere! A lovely evening we have had. Thanking God for a safe day and good friends.
March 21, 2005--- Ft Myers, Florida and Bonita Springs, Fla.
We are staying at the Fish Tail Marina and it is a very nice place. Today we drove Beth and Sam back to their home in Punta Gorda, Fla. Our friends Bill and Doris Herring loaned us their 1993 Lincoln town car to use while we are in this area .It surely is nice for them to do so. We enjoyed having Sam and Beth with us for the weekend (Friday-Monday) They are so kind. We stopped at a Marine/Sport store and Sam and Cappy bought fishing things, then we went to lunch. Afterwards we took them home and stayed until Cappy and Sam fixed the fishing poles and Sam gave us some lures, he and Beth love to fish. Cappy and I drove back on Highway 41 and saw so many beautiful homes, large rows of Palm Trees and many young people enjoying spring break from school. We got back late afternoon and cleaned up the Outbound. We talked to Susan Jane, Chris and Alexander tonight. Alexander’s soccer team won their game 3-0 and he really did well as the goalie. I am so proud of my oldest Grandson!. How blessed we are to have 3 wonderful grandchildren.
March 22, 2005-Tuesday
Ft.Myers-Bonita Springs, Fla.
We will stay here today because of Weather, and it will be a good day to clean “Outbound”. So much for cleaning. I did get the laundry done. We took a long walk on the Ft Myers South Beach and it has such a wide expanse of sand and very hard and sturdy for a walk. Then we drove down to Naples and wow what a place! Beautiful homes, gorgeous flowers and palm trees everywhere. I called my cousin H.J. Weathersby in Memphis, Tn because he and his wife Kate have a condo here. They were very helpful in giving us suggestions on where to go and have lunch. We went to Old Naples 3rd St and 5th Avenue, it has lots of shops and restaurants. A very neat area and I would love to go back there. We ate lunch at a restaurant called “USS Nimo” a little favorite place of theirs and Kate said to order the Sea Bass—it was fabulous and we would definitely go back there. It was located in a Strip Mall and not at all what I would have expected. But thanks to HJ and Kate we really enjoyed our lunch! After riding around a little more we headed North back to Bonita Springs. We stopped at a very nice grocery-Publix, then took the car back to Bill and Doris Herring. They had us up to their condo for cocktails and we watched a beautiful sunset from the roof of their condo---what a lovely place to live! Later we went to dinner and truly enjoyed being with these special people. We are planning on leaving in the morning for Key West! Talked to Debbie today and her exams begin tomorrow, I am sure she will do well. We are looking forward to meeting her in Key West for Easter! Thanking God for this Day!
March 23, 2005---Wednesday Ft Myers –Bonita Springs to Marco Island
We left the Marina about 11am and traveled 4 hours to Marco Island. The weather was a bit scary, but we managed to arrive at the Marco Island Yacht Club just minutes before a very bad thunderstorm came through-thank you God! This was our first day by ourselves for quiet a while and Cappy did well, but we were a bit edgy. This yacht club is very expensive, but it was the last place to dock before crossing the long area of the Gulf of Mexico before Key West. So I am glad to be here. Later in the evening we had another thunderstorm—hope tomorrow will be better weather for us. Bill and Doris called us to see if we had a rough ride, as the weather in Bonita Springs got bad as well!
March 24, 2005---Thursday
Today is Maundy Thursday. We are going to Key West and the weather
looks very good! It was a long and slow trip but the Gulf of Mexico
was beautiful. There were so many Dolphin that played in our wake
and one time I think I counted 20! A large Pod feeding and playing
and having such fun, they are so pretty. I took a lot of pictures.
Dolphins in the port wake!
I think I saw a shark right on the starboard side, as well. We arrived a 4:15pm at the Key West City Dock Marina. This is a very beautiful Old town and there are lots of boats of all sizes and people are everywhere. Spring Break has definitely arrived here. Cappy and I walked all over the town and watched the glorious sunset at the Galleon Marina (where we tried to make reservations here). We met two couples one from Ontario Canada and the other from Michigan. It is very hot down here and by the time we walked by to our boat we were worn out!!! We did see the famous Roosters that live in a lot of trees here—quiet a different place than we have been before!
March 25, 2005---Good Friday
----Debbie will join us today, as we will pick her up at the airport at 4:15 pm. We can hardly wait to see her! A beautiful day and hot (86degrees). We took a nice long walk this morning I went into the local Episcopal Church, it was beautiful and had stain glass windows all around, a very nice place to pray. Then we moved the boat to another slip after 10am.The dinghy battery is not working so Cappy has to fix it. The slip we are in had a very large sailboat with Boy Scout Leaders on board and their families (16) people! They have chartered this boat and they are from Arkansas. They gave us a tour and it was very interesting and very old! This is the slip that we moved into after they left. We returned to the Outbound and cleaned her really good. We talked to David and Marian Smith today in Nashville. Tn.; also Jean Smith, Linda and Jane. Debbie arrived although her plane was a bit late, but we are so glad that she is here safely. The airport is rather small!
Our slip neighbors Jen and Mac (Fantasy) had dinner with us and we enjoyed getting to know them. We ate at a place called Turtle Krawl, very near the boat. It was okay, but not great.
March 26, 2005—Saturday
Another beautiful day and Debbie is onboard with us! She and I walked all over Key West today and shopped, as well. Cappy met us for lunch at “Crabby Jacks” that had been recommended by Marian and David Smith, who had just been down here. We were so Hot from walking everywhere that it was diffucult to enjoy any food—but it was an okay place! There are great stores everywhere on the most popular street call Duvall’s. The Aloe factory store, Keno shoe factory (sandals- but we didn’t buy any) Clothing stores etc, Deb and I walked through the old Cemetery and it was very interesting, but we were so hot that we didn’t stay to long. There are beautiful gardens and lovely old homes all along the streets, especially on Southard Street. So many Palms, tropical plants and lots of color.
Beautiful Sunset with Daughter Deb
March 26, 2005---Easter Sunday
What a Day! We started our day today going to a Sunrise Service, which I saw advertised in the local newspaper. It was on a pier in an area that required a taxi ride. The Metropolitan Community Church. When our taxi driver questioned us about going to this place we should have been aware, but we had no idea what was ahead. The driver said he would be there to pick us up when the service was over. This was 6am in the morning! So off we went, to discover that we were in a Gay area and a Nude Beach Resort! (A sign by the pool said “Bottoms Up” only) I was still confused! Cappy and Debbie were near hysteria, but agreed to continue with me. Chairs were set up on the pier with an Eastern view of Oceanfront. Everyone was friendly and the minister was quite good and made us all (straight people) feel very welcomed. The service was sweet and full of the meaning of God’s love and acceptance for all. We did not take communion, but did not feel the need to as well. The love these people have for each other is touching to see and the parents that were there were also amazing. After it was over we left to find our taxi driver waiting to take us back to the marina!. So we experienced an amazing Easter service and one we will never forget.
We had a nice big breakfast at the “Turtle Krawl” near the marina. We three had a good laugh and no bad comments about our morning service—we had been enlightened in more than one way! Our day was just beginning!!!! A comedy of errors!
We took “Outbound” out to Little Palm Island and Pine Island, about 3 hours from Key West. It was a pretty day, warm but nice. We wanted to give Debbie a ride on the boat and let her see just how we were traveling. After putting the anchor out, we got the dinghy down and proceeded to get stuck on a coral reef! The water was so clear and very shallow as we tried to get to a small beach where we saw other people swimming, alas Cappy had to get out and pull us rather drag us to the beach—it was a sight to behold! We put the anchor out on the dinghy and Debbie, Cappy and I walked gingerly with out shoes on through the maze of coral. After we got to the beach we really did not want to stay there so went back to the dinghy and came back to the boat. Deb and I sat on the swim platform while Cappy swam around the boat checking and cleaning the blue line. Not to miss an opportunity to clean her! It was getting late so we decided to get back to Key West a little faster, THEN the port engine overheated and we had to stop to figure out what to do! Cappy called Ray at the Fleming Shipyard. He encouraged us to keep going and so we headed toward Key West to see the beautiful sunset than we had been looking forward to all day! Just before arrived into the harbor out Captain decided that we needed to put the dinghy down---WHAT a mess! The waves were rocking and rolling us and the wind picked up strongly---I did not like this because it was very hard to get the crane and dinghy down!!!I thought it was very scary, but Deb was there and calmed things down a lot. FINALLY we arrived at our dock and did see a beautiful sunset over Key West on Easter Day. We were tired, dirty and glad to be back at the marina. Two cruise ships arrived, one being the Disney cruise ship and the other was the Celebrity Cruise line. We went in-between each one on our approach into the marina, what a site! Boats and sailing yachts are everywhere down here; it is a big event every night to watch the sunset!
March 28, 2005-- Monday
Another beautiful day in Key West. Last night across from our dock at the Conch Harbor Marina a huge Fedship (140ft) mega yacht arrived named the “Detroit Eagle”. The owner is Roger Penske and Cappy knew from the yacht’s name that it belonged to him. He was so excited to see it---Amazing Yacht. We toured Ernest Hemmingway’s home, a delightful place and saw the 6-toed cats that live there. There are 50 cats, all from this special line. They are named for movie stars! He only lived in Key West for 9 years and wrote “A Farewell to Arms” here in an upstairs office behind the main house. He was an interesting man, but had a sad life.
Debbie and I went shopping again and Cappy met us for lunch at a great restaurant (Alice’s) delicious salads and best Key Lime pie ever. We walked back to the boat and on the way found another cute shop were Debbie bought pretty Ruby Amber ring and a linen skirt. I bought a blue ring and earrings to match a stone that comes from the Caribbean. Another Fleming yacht has arrived here, the “Walkabout” from Annapolis, Maryland. Cappy has met the owner.
Tonight our gourmet Chef in training, Debbie cooked us a fabulous dinner. Fresh Shrimp curried broth with ginger and rice – it was delicious. She gave me the recipe but I doubt that I can make it the same way it was so good. She is so precious to have around us.
March 29, 2005—Tuesday
Another beautiful day in Key West. Our boat friend Jena and Mac (Fantasy) left today for Stuart Florida. They have been here for 4 months!! They live in Maryland and are very nice. The “Detroit Eagle” is back and tied up across from us again. It is so large that it has to move out into the open waters for the daytime because the dock is a fuel station and it does not have another area to dock this huge mega yacht. Sort of funny isn’t it! Our sweet Debbie is leaving for Houston today, we will miss her. We went to a late lunch at “Pedro’s after thoroughly cleaning the boat. Then we took Deb to the airport. We enjoyed having her onboard so very much. After she left we went back to the Aloe store and bought gifts to take home, then walked back to the marina. A beautiful sunset today, again and it looked as though the sun went all the way down into the water, the prettiest since we have been here. Many large yachts are coming and going today. As soon as one leaves another bigger one appears. We saw as fishing boat today named the OLE MISS! Good sign. The entire time we have been in Key West our Captain has enjoyed his scooter and managed to get me on it one day as we toured around the town. Quite an adventure!!!
March 30, 2005---Wednesday –Marathon , Florida
Debbie made it back to Houston safely, thank you God! We left Key West at 10:30am . Noticed that the Detroit Eagle did not return last night so guess they went to another port! We traveled out to the reef today and the water was beautiful and we anchored our first mooring anchor hook and all. Then we left and went to Marathon, Fla..Cappy ran aground in a highly protected area for SEAGRASS! It was late afternoon and rather than stop at our marina, where we had reservations, he decided to explore the area and then go back to our marina for the night!! Well our plans were changed a bit. We could be fined here because this is a protected area –Cappy called Towboat Us and they turned us in! When the security boat came to check on us he said we were in the sand, not the grass (good kid), as he was about to get stuck as well. Anyway several people in there dinghy offered to help us, it was nice ,but we couldn’t move until the tide gets back in! Our Captain was looking down at his computers rather than eyeing the markers, while the first mate was preparing the boat to dock—so who do you this got us in this mess? This is the 3rd time this month that we have done this and had to be towed twice! Well it is a nice place to be stuck and when the tide comes in tomorrow at noon we will be free!! We talked to Deb and Jacque and Jane tonight. STAY TUNED-
At Midnight the first small tide came in just enough water that Cappy, our Captain, brilliantly was able to move us off the marine sea grass reserve in Marathon, Fl.He woke me up and said that if we hurry we could pull our anchors and MOVE! Very carefully we were able to navigate in the dark with stars overhead and a three-quarter moonlight and beacons of light from our boat, my flashlight and the Good Lord’s helpful Angels. We made our way to the Faro Blanco Oceanside Marina and low and behold a lady and her dog, a spaniel happened to be walking the docks at 1:30am so she kindly helped us tie up-(she was the dock master’s wife) She knew that a Fleming was due in and was aware of our dilemma ,so she was glad to see us and help us, but not as glad as we were to see her! We got to bed around 2am. Today we are staying put and resting. The other Fleming “Walkabout” had been down to visit us when we were in the sea grass, they were enjoying their dinghy and a glass of wine, but could not help us very much. Anyway they left today for Miami. We took the scooter down and rode around town and saw many pretty homes, a very nice place. Cappy lost a crown on his tooth today so we have been trying to find a dentist—no luck yet. Talked to SJ and Debbie today. We finished the soup that Deb had made for us and it was even better warmed over! Hope tomorrow will be a good day for us to leave!
April 1, 2005, Friday----Duck Key, Florida---Hawks Cay Resort
Today we left Marathon without Cappy getting to a dentist, not that he didn’t try! The day was just beautiful and a bit breezy. While leaving the marina in Marathon we spotted another Fleming “Barbet”.Cappy radioed them and we had a nice visit. They sounded like nice people and offered us their slip in Stuart Florida if we needed a place to stay. Mr. Comm Abnee is his name-phone number 312 804 1524.We had a difficult task of trying to load the dinghy while underway and the wind was really blowing. It frightens me to do this. After finally getting everything hooked up we left and I did not like the rough seas so we began looking for a place to stop as soon as possible. We found Hawks Cay listed as a nice resort in Duck Key, Fla. About 18 nautical miles from Marathon it was a lovely and beautiful place, with the prettiest water and Dolphins in a pen where you can get up close and feed them. We had a nice swim in an adult pool, as there are children everywhere, and met a couple from Michigan, Keith and Barbie Plonk ? From the St. Claire area. Later they came by the boat for a visit. Later Cappy scrubbed the Outbound from top to bottom, as she was full of salt water. We have decided to stay here for two or three days. It is a great spot to relax. There is a full spa here and lots for children to do. Sadly tonight on the news it was reported that Pope John Paul II is gravely ill.
April 2, 2005--- Hawks Cay Resort--Saturday
What an amazing day we have had!
First the news that Pope John Paul II has passed away at the age of 84 years, in Rome, Italy, having served 27 years as Pope, he was a wonderful man.
Cousin Pam Tucker from Dallas sent word by Jane that her daughter Alison gave birth to a baby boy today, Cade Campbell Darnell. Her husband Mike and daughter Kaleigh are very excited.
This afternoon Cappy and I were able to participate in a Dolphin Discovery event! We actually got into the water with 6 Dolphins and their instructors. With hand signals, they jumped, waved their tails, stood up so we could hold their fins, let us rub their bellies and back and gave us a big kiss, they sang and blew out of their air hole. We fed them a fish after each routine trick that they performed. It was amazing. They are such smart mammals and have been trained here at Duck Cay from birth. It was a dream come true for me, as I have always wanted to see what it was like to be so close to such amazing animals. Not to forget that the weather was so windy and turned cold, that Cappy and I was the only two guests for a 45-minute encounter with these huge but gentle creatures! It was well worth the cost of $100,each, to have this very special adventure. I will never forget it!
April 3 2005-Hawks Cay Resort—Sunday
Today we decided to stay in port because the weather was very windy and the seas were very high! We had a nice walk, read the Sunday paper and visited other boaters in the marina. We have met some very nice people. We plan to travel to South Miami tomorrow with several boats that are going our way! It will be nice to follow along with other people. One couple, Jane and Curt Hvette on the “Sea Sway” from Cape Coral, Fl will be ahead of us.
Bill Stahlman called today and informed us that Cappy’s sister; Jacque was not well and had been taken to Jackson, MS to have more tests run. Cappy talked with her later this evening and she was much better. Julius Knotts was with her. A couple from Decatur, Al -Buck and Haldine Baxter came aboard for a while this evening. They have a Grand Banks and had seen our Great Loop Flag, so they had lots of questions about our trip. We really enjoyed meeting them and hope to travel with them in the future. They will be in Key West this week.
April 4, 2005—Hawk’s Cay Resort----South Miami, Fl.--Monday
After an episode with our engines (Judy had turned them off on Sunday while Cappy had replaced the oil filters, and evidently pushed the switch buttons too hard and a circuit had snapped!) Cappy called Ray and Pat at Burr Yachts and they finally figured out what had happened. We thought for a brief moment that we really had some engine problems but thank goodness it could be fixed. We left the marina at 8:10am and did catch up with Jane and Curt Hvette on the “Sea Sway”, whom we were to follow to South Miami. Their friends went ahead in faster boats. Anyway it was a very long day, but the water was beautiful, a deep green, blue and aqua. We arrived at the Diner Marina at 5pm. This is a HUGE marina with 500 or more slips plus many anchorages all around. We cleaned the salt water off the boat then walked uptown to Coco Walk a shopping, restaurant area in a nice district. The waterfront here is very nice and the Miami City Hall is located in the Pan-American headquarters right at this marina.
We talked to SJ, James Biglane and John Christian today. Jacque had her MRI tonight after waiting all day in a Jackson hospital. Hope all will be well.
April 5, 2005 –South Miami, Fl to Ft Lauderdale, Fl.---Tuesday
We left early and stayed at the Los Olas Marina in Fort Lauderdale. Lots of mega yachts are here as this marina is right downtown! Our friend Walt S. a yacht broker met us and took us to see a Catamaran the “Barbara Mae”. She is 55ft long and 22ft wide. Cappy like her, I did not. We came back to the Outbound and had a light supper.
April 6 2005---Ft Lauderdale to Lake Boca Raton, Fl---Wednesday
We traveled to Lake Boca Raton today on the intercoastal waterway and put our anchor out in this beautiful lake with mega condos all around us. We had a nice relaxed afternoon but could not put the dinghy onshore because of the elite area we are staying in. We grilled steaks and had a nice dinner. The wind picked up during the night and it was quite miserable as we were swinging on the hook, howling wind and no sleep! We pulled anchor at 7am and headed to Stuart, Fl.
Prince Rainer of Monaco died today.
April 7, 2005—Boca Raton to Stuart, Fl.---Thursday
We left at 7pm and started up the intercoastal waterway. There were so many bridges that had to open and so many delays that it took us 10 hours to go 50 miles! I didn’t think we would ever get there! As we finally approached the canal to the Whiticar Boat Yard we ran aground! They spotted us and came out in a small boat with a crew to help us get in. They were so nice and had their own lines to tie us up, so I didn’t have to do anything about docking. It was a welcome relief! There are 5 Flemings being worked on in this we recommended place. They furnished us with a car to drive into town, so we had a nice dinner and the Outback in Stuart and then came back to the boat for a well-needed rest!
April 8, 2005—Stuart Fl---Friday
It has rained all day today and we are happy to be in this place! Cappy has a list for the work to be done on the Outbound and has discussed it with the nice people here! We are getting ready to go home tomorrow and will leave her here for a few weeks while repairs are being done.
April 9, 2005---Saturday until May 24, 2005
HOME
May 24, 2005 Tuesday
Returned to the Boat! After a few weeks back in Natchez we arrived back in Stuart, Fla. mid-afternoon. We flew into West Palm Beach and hired a driver to bring us to the Whiticar Ship Yard. The Boat has been worked on and the varnish on the teak railings was done, but some of the work has to be redone and it and this will delay our leaving for the Bahamas. Such is Life and Boating. Patience and Money go hand in hand! We borrowed the courtesy car and went to supper and the grocery store. We ate at “Finz” restaurant on the water and had a fair meal but good view. We rode around town for a while to get an overview of what is in Stuart. Boating in this area is very good because we are close to the Bahamas and the intercoastal waterway. We have had a very long and tiring day-so to bed early!
May 25, 2005 Wednesday Sea trials today to check out the “Outbound”. We had problems with the Trim tab pump/ propellers had barnacles on them from sitting in the water so long. The men at Whiticar worked all day correcting the problems. When it was time to put her back into the water a huge thunderstorm broke so we didn’t get to try her out, we rescheduled for in the morning, early
We took the courtesy car again and went into the old town of Stuart where all the old buildings have been restored and renovated into shops and restaurants. It is a very cute place. We had lunch at a sports bar and grill. Since it stormed again this afternoon and evening we stayed onboard and watched a movie.
`May 26, 2005 Thursday
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