Bradenton, FL

Monday. April 11, 2016   to    Thursday, April 21, 2016 

We left Fort Myers at 9 AM heading to Bradenton.  The  wind was coming from the north, not in our favor, but great for sailboats heading south.  The trip was uneventful with varying speeds.  This was the night to anchor.  An area south of the Blackburn Bridge at Casey Key looked good and we approached carefully; finding 5 to 6 feet of water.

Relaxed, I finished my book and Dave updated the log book; then napped.  Dave called Don to give him our ETA and he knew where we were.  He told us the Tiki Bar on the other side of the water was very popular.  Good, an excuse for us to use our dinghy.  Headed over, it certainly is a popular place.  We ordered 2 margaritas, not your expected Happy Hour!  The drinks were $8 each; they were good.  Since we were there we decided to share a burger and fries at the Casey Key Fish House. Our check including the tip was less than the drinks.  Back on board, Dave made coffee and we watched a nice sunset.

When we are on the hook we conserve our power use as it all comes from batteries.  Dave had incorporated a third battery for this trip. The sleep sound was on, plugged into the inverter.  An hour later the inverter started beeping.  We turned it off, the lapping water of the changing tide, kept us awake for a good long time.  In the middle of the night Dave realized the two batteries we use for the ‘house’ had gone dead.

Tuesday

When Dave got up at 6:30 he found the ‘starting’ battery was weak so he started the engine.  At daylight, a large cruiser was approaching the bridge and Dave got the anchor up in time for us to follow them through the bridge.  We slowed for a rowing team that was out practicing.

With the early start we arrived at the fuel dock at the Twin Dolphin Marina at 10:45; topped the tanks.  We couldn’t ask for a more convenient slip.  We are at the base of the ramp leading to the pool, hot tub, good washers and driers at a fair price, good WIFI and all the other facilities.  On this visit the weather is perfect for pool time.  We are surrounded by catamarans.  It seems that this marina has larger slips that allow for their wide beam.  Our neighbors on a ‘Cat’ are here from California and staying for a year.  They have done the Panama Canal and parts of Mexico and South America.

Don came by and discussed our ideas on the bimini and sun screening we plan for him to fashion.  He in turn he has some work for Dave to do in his new shop, the barter system is great.

Wednesday

Dave washed all the salt off the boat.  It is so much nicer to look out the windows without the all the streaks.  Don and Ramona came by; they are loaning us a car through the weekend.

Our next venture was restocking food and meds.  It is always a challenge to store everything on the boat.  Dave and I discussed the enclosure at length.  After lunch, we drove to Don’s shop and he and Dave reviewed the wiring job he wanted Dave to do for him.  Dave also got to borrow a battery tester from Don’s friend who builds trucks for NASCAR.  On our return Dave tested , finding the oldest battery in the series was dead which in turn drained the other battery.  A new battery is in the future.

Pool time and then got some basil from our neighbor for our dinner.  They have a 'tree' of it on in the cockpit.

Thursday  “National Dolphin Day”

Dave spent part of the morning doing the planning and materials he would need for the wiring project.  We drove down to the shop and checked out some more details;  then on to Lowes, half an hour away.  Everything here is so far away.  We did find a nice Italian Restaurant for lunch.

Back to the shop and begin work. I worked on my knitting project.

More pool and hot tub time before dinner.

Friday

Dave went off to work; I stayed at the marina and did laundry.  In the afternoon, I walked the downtown; toured the Art studio, got stamps and just a nice walk.  The weather was very hot and muggy.

Dave got back around 4:30, the  hot tub was a welcome relaxer.  We treated ourselves to dinner at OBrick’s in old Main Street.  Going early was a good call.  We came back and Dave put the bikes together and we biked down River Walk and enjoyed the music at the outdoor amphitheater.  During intermission, we rode to the end of the River Walk and explored the neighborhood there.  Back at the boat where I finished another book. Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernam,  a story of the girls who worked at Oakridge , TN on the Atomic Bomb.  It is a very interesting, historical read.

Saturday

After breakfast, we walked to the Farmer’s Market.  They close off Old Main Street and a side street for a good part of the day.  We found the venders to mostly be artist and two produce stands.

The rest of the day was a work day, driving for materials and going to the shop.

Back at the marina the wind was from the east at 20 to 25 mph and rocking us badly, as well as all the other boats.  Unfortunately, we had eaten out on Friday.   I managed to do spaghetti.  We closed the blinds hoping we could watch a DVD and forget about the rocking but the volume was bad so we just sent it back.  Getting to sleep was difficult but the wind slacked off  a bit during the night.

Sunday

Sunny and low 80’s and much drier air; very welcome.  Dave did some repair on a the hydraulic hose that got damaged by the bike he stores down in the engine compartment.  He also put up two towel bars in the head.  What a domestic concept!

We left to pick up a rental car. We met Don and Ramona to go to the Sarasota Boat show at Marina Jacks.  Don was eyeing all the cushions and canvas work while Dave wanted to see what bigger boats had to offer.  The show was interesting because they mixed new and used boats in the fairway.  Later Dave watched part of the NASCAR race with Don at their house. 

Back aboard we were in for another rocky evening; not quite as bad as the previous night.

Monday

Back to work for Dave.  I started the blog and am just getting around to getting it up to date.  Later I rode my bike to the Arts Village.  Mondays' unfortunately' is not a day they are open.  I did get some photographs of the whimsical things in the yards.  Most of the artist live, work and sell from their small clapboard homes.  When Dave got back it was another hunt for stores and materials and groceries. 

The pool was enjoyable and after dinner we rode out bikes half way across the route 41 bridge to watch the sunset.  I find riding in a bike lane with three lanes of traffic going by a bit unnerving.

Tuesday

The weather has been so nice we have not had to run the AC except for late afternoon.

We stayed at the marina.  In the morning broker in this marina came down to give us a rough estimate on the value of our boat.   Dave is always dreaming!  After lunch the Shroms stopped by with friends to see the boat and loan us beach chairs and an umbrella. Their homeowner’s group was dining at the restaurant next door.  Don also dropped by to discuss more design concepts foor the bimini and shades.

At 9:15 PM we caught the spectacular site of the space station traveling from north to southwest.   That just happened to be our open view.

Wednesday

Another half day of work for Dave.  This time, it was to modify the fittings needed for the railings on our boat.  The rails are slightly larger than the rails used on newer boats.  He quit around noon and we headed to the Siesta Key beach.  We almost gave up hope of finding a parking spot.  Chairs and umbrella were our only preparation.  We had not packed food or drinks expecting to find something there.  Dave did not have a book.  The width of the beach is grand and the sand is white and like powder.  Dave got completely wet but I chickened out.  The water is clear like the Caribbean.

Back to the marina more of the same with a walk up the bridge this time.  My hip is getting stronger and Dave had difficulty keeping up with my pace.

*I apologize to this blog entry being more of a diary.  Due to this bartering, which we certainly appreciate, there has been little time to do much in the way of site seeing and culture.  I envy the ladies sunning by the pool every day and hope they don’t have to pay the price I have for my sun exposure.  This is not a city we would be comfortable living.  The traffic is horrible, yes worse than Severna Park.  I am anxious to have the canvas installed and move on to Caladesi State Park to go shelling.*

Sunset from the anchorage at Casey Key

Sunset from our stern at Twin Dolphin Marina, Bradenton

The arrow at the bottom of the ramp to the pool shows where we are berthed.

Manatee Sculpture along the River Walk

Amphitheater, along the River Walk, music every Friday 6 to 8 PM

It is hard not to post pictures of sunsets

Our friend for two days

Entering the street at the beginning of the Arts Village

Funky, whimsical stuff

 Fort Myers     April 10, 2016

We got lucky on our timing crossing Lake Okeechobee.  The wind has been strong since our arrival, white caps off the marina. Waves yesterday in the gulf were to be 5’ to 7’.  We rock here in the marina even though we are at the street side dock.  Gnats are a problem here also, although not as numerous as some spots.  Our location here gives us lots of walking time to the facilities.  We do have the shade of a building until noon.  Unfortunately, the building is being rehabbed and there is construction dirt.  Fort Myers City Marina cannot compare at all with Halifax Harbor in Daytona (also a City marina.)

Thursday is the city's outdoor market day.  The strawberries were wonderful.  One of the vendors has a great deal going.  All the veggies and fruit are in bowls.  Bowls are $3 each.  You can take a bowl and mix it up.   I got a lime, a yellow squash, green pepper, a tomato and an onion for $3. What a great deal, and no waste for me.

Our bike riding has ramped up since docking here.  The first day we rode 5 miles to ACE Hardware to get clamps for the water hoses on the head faucets.  We had a hose pop off on the way to Clewiston and the fresh  water tank emptied.  With the engine running we did not hear the water pump running.  When the tank was filled the water pump would not prime.  Dave worked on it; the motor ran but no pressure.  We were lucky to be in the right spot.  This marina does have a good ships store.  They had the right water pump and Dave also purchased a spare impeller for the raw water pump. We are back pumping! The hoses are double clamped!

Coming back from Ace Hardware we came by the stadium.  (See picture)  The Tabebuia trees are in full bloom.  They are sometimes referred to as trumpet trees due to the flower shape.   We have seen some lavender ones but the yellow is so spectacular.

Yesterday morning we took the bikes to tour a sculpture exhibit around the downtown area.  To see the metal sculptures go to www.allureexhibit.com.  Carmona’s attention to detail is meticulous; as is his sense of humor.  During the afternoon, we took the free trolley around the loop to see the town.  This trolley runs ‘during the season’.  The season ends April 27.

Today our big bike trip was to Publics Market and restock. The Public Store is closer here than in Bradenton.  So on return, all cupboards rearranged as well as the freezer and the icebox.  Those of you who boat  understand that chore.

Dave is planning the next leg of the trip. It looks like an overnight on the hook near Venice and Bradenton the following day.

Tabebuia Tree

Boulevard 

Cyclist, not the cat on the back of the bike

Ches game, all pieces authentic shapes.

Note the detail

Dave feeding his pets

The damaged impellor

Sculpture in Melbourne

Cross/Over in Melbourne

She sure is pretty

Just off the day mark

The Pool at Loggerhead, Grand Harbor, Vero Beach

No, we didn't leave the country, this is on the St. Lucie River

 Friday, April 1, through April 5, 2016

 We left Dayton at 7:15 AM.  The dock master came out and held out a skimming net and we dropped our gate/bathhouse keys into it as we motored by and we were off.   The weather was cloudy and humid.  The weather man stated that this was weather you could wear.  He got that right.  The sun came out and the thermometer soared to 91.  Travel was average and we arrived at the Melbourne Marina around noon.  Our slip was in front of the bathhouse and a few short blocks from downtown.  Several boats our size came into slips, a stop on their way to the MTOA gathering in Fort Pierce. 

We braved the heat and walked in to town and checked out the restaurants.  On our last visit we ate at the Irish Pub ‘Meg O’Maleys’ so let’s try something different.  There is a wide range of establishments including brew pups.  It turns out that the Florida Institute of Technology is a mile from town so Friday and Saturday night get lively.  Back to the boat and relaxed, showered and walked two blocks to ‘The Nomad Café’.  A nice atmosphere and variety of food from various countries, our meals were delicious.

Saturday dawned grey and cloudy with rising temperatures.  I went into town to shop and Dave did boat maintenance.  Engine water temps were high on the run from Daytona.  On inspection of the water pump he found the impellor had 3 ½ of the original 12 blades remaining.  He carries a spar with us.  Job completed and next was to find the leak over my bunk.  The side running light is now sealed and no problems since.  We went to lunch at the Ichabod's Bar and Grill with the chit we got infrom the dockmaster at check-in.

We were invited aboard a 43’ Viking down the dock from us.   The Captain and his wife had retired to Maine but he was offered a job as Head Master at the Episcopal School in Melbourne and his wife is teaching there also.  During the conversation, he mentioned being in Baltimore for part of his career.  There is was the head of the English Department at Boy’s Latin.  It was an interesting visit and a nice way to spend the rainy part of the afternoon.

Sunday, April 3, 2018

We left Melbourne at 9 AM with a school of dolphin leading us out.  You know to stay in the channel when you see a man wading in the water fishing on the other side of the marker.  The trip to Vero Beach was a run all the way with no slow zones.

Cross/Over was docked in the Logger Head Marina in Grand Harbor at 11:15 AM.  Plenty of time to lunch, make plans with our friend Victoria and spend the afternoon at the pool.  Victoria and her friend, Jack, came to the boat.   Jack did the boat tour and we went to dinner and visited despite the loud band.

The cool air was delightful but no one had warned us about the no-see-ums.  Dave had a dream that he had the measles and woke with his arms bitten.  We closed the boat and raised the blinds and took paper towels and squashed great numbers of those flies with teeth.

The day was beautiful; Victoria came by about 10:30 to chauffer us around town.  The first stop was ACE Hardware, a tour of the beach front and a stop by her beautiful condo overlooking the water.  We lunched at BOBBY’S. Then back across the bridge and we all shopped at Publics. Thank you so much, Victoria, for making our time in Vero Beach special.  Later I had time to enjoy the pool again, exercising in the water was a delight.   

The next interesting happening was to ask a woman in the lounge, who was using a cane, if she had had surgery.  No, but she explained her situation and before the end of the conversation I learned that she was from Leesport, PA.  Her two sons live aboard their 47’ Chris Craft and attend the Florida Institute of Technology.  She was just visiting.  What a small world!  We had dinner on board and then walked the docks and Dave looked at some work Brad sent from Trega. Strangely, over night the whole marina lost electricity for about 3 hours.  The night was cool so it was not uncomfortable even with the boat closed.  We never learned what happened.

Monday, April 5, 2016

We needed fuel so did not get an early start.  Another beautiful day;  not a cloud in the sky.  Wind was not a blustery today so the trip was smoother.  By 11 AM we were in the St Lucie River and ready for the trip toward the locks and Lake Okeechobee.   We had a wait of an hour to get into the first lock that took us up 14 feet into the lake.  The second lock only rose us a foot.   The lake is much higher this visit.  Conditions were favorable so we came across to Clewston, a 104 mile day.  Here we were lucky to get a place at the dock for the night.   Showers felt great after the sun and 89 degrees.  We shared a burger and ourselves with the big black mosquitoes that came out at dark.  Ironically here at this “fish camp” we have has the best internet connection of the whole trip.

Tomorrow we are off to Fort Myers.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

This is our last night in Daytona, Halifax Harbor Marina.  There are live boards here that are very friendly, we had offers for the use of cars and such but we decided to rent one for three day.  How cute were we in a bright yellow KIA  Reo!  Yes, it was appropriate, it looked like and Easter egg.

We spent Easter weekend doing things with Dave’s cousins and extended family.  They were a bright spot on a rather rainy weekend.  The only pool time I got with the girls at the hotel was on a cloudy afternoon but the water in the heated pool must have been 85 degrees.

Dave has spent numerous hours cleaning the boat exterior and the bilge and also the dinghy.  Our spot in the boat yard was next to the street and boats next to us  were having  their bottoms sanded.  Add that to all the maintenance men climbing aboard and iron shavings from cutting off the coupling on the prop shaft.  He took the time to reseal the forward hatch over our bunk.  Thank You!  The insurance company reimbursed us on a graduated scale for the secondary  anchor I had to cut loose when we were being pulled off the sand bar.  (A correction:  We were towed by BOAT US not Sea Tow as I stated in a previous blog.)  A trip to West Marine and the surplus boat store has us prepared with new anchor, chain and rode.

We have ridden our bikes and I love my new big, wide seat.  I feel fortunate that I feel no pain after I ride.  There are some new interesting restaurants in the historic section.  Zappi’s Italian would be on the top of the list. The food is very good, nice selection and reasonably priced.   We will leave the others for our return trip.

Yesterday Dave and I explored the Sugar Mill Plantation.  The old trees were spectacular but there was not much in bloom.  (http://dunlawtonsugarmillgardens.org/index.html)  The remains of the sugar mill and the explanations were very informative.  Dave was amazed at the kettles and the size of the cast iron gears from that time period.

Yesterday afternoon my good friend from Kempton  days, Theresa Nilles, stopped by the boat for a visit.  We hope to get together with her and Bill on our return trip.  They are super busy people.

This morning Dave returned the rental car while Jim Ballard could still drive him back to the marina.  During the trip he found himself in a liquor store and they carried Ezra Brooks, his preferred bourbon.  It was $2 less than at home.  I did 2 loads of laundry; got it dry after losing $1.50 because I put my money in the washer slot instead of the dryer slot.

More boat washing and filling water tank for our leaving tomorrow.  I updated my computer and had to relearn my pictures program before I could edit photos for the blog.  We took a break and went for a bike ride through downtown and over to Bowman Street and said goodbye to Ricci Ballard.  The temperature was 91 degrees but the breeze made it comfortable.

We were waiting to hear the results of Adrienne’s surgery, all went well but recovery will take some time.  Knowing that all is well we will move on south.   Tomorrow we leave for   Melbourne  for two nights.  This is a new stop for us and should be fun.