Hi faithful blog followers,
Well we set off in misty , rainy weather weather but the water was very calm , good for going long distance especially as not many boats were out either. we originally were heading for a St Simons Island Marina , but realized on a miserable day we may as well keep moving, as just sitting inside most of the day in a marina didn't make sense. We did a small detour at Brunswick for some very cheap fuel then headed north again for Medway River to a marina with the name of Sunbury Crab Restaurant and Marina.Most of the marinas in the lower part of Georgia
Are up rivers off the ICW we ended up traveling an extra half hour to find this place. The journey took us seven hours in total.A little too much on reflection but it's a learning process.Anyway the marina was worth it for the experience. It was a poorer area and quite isolated but the family who ran the marina were wonderful.Gave us a drink at the bar of their restaurant and then the son Clay, cooked us up a delicious meal of garlic shrimp, swordfish ,asparagus and special Belguim style French fries. We walked down the long dock back to our boat , stars were out and vistas of just the still ricer and miles of marshes.We slept well that night!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Fernandina Beach
Hi Everyone,
On to our next destination ! We wanted to see Fernandina Beach on our way down so it was good to add this into our itinerary north.It was a 6 hour drive up the ICW. We had originally planned an outside trip at St Augustine Inlet. We did venture out there,but once in the open sea it was rough. The boat was banging through the waves ,lots of rattling noises coming from inside the cupboards ,and I was just holding on.Graeme was his calm self as he steered the boat through it all but it was just not worth it .We decided to come back inside.Amazing how once we turned around the following sea made it so much calmer! If only we had been going south!
We passed through Jacksonville Beach (where we had dropped John and Rhonda off on our way down) and also got a call there from the Weltey's ( a couple we met who had been in Key Largo next to us at the Marina).They had seen our boat come under the Jacksonville Beach Bridge from their house by chance.They had been hoping we would call in to see them on our way up.Hopefully next time we come down!
Arrived at the Fernandina Harbor Marina which sits right beside the historic town. It sits on the ICW so very convenient. Down side it is situated right between two paper mills which emit quite interesting smells! But we got used to it.Had a nice walk into the town , historic old churches and courthouse.Some interesting shops and a good coffee bar.We checked out the restaurants and later headed back to Espana a Spanish/ Portuguese Restaurant.it was excellent In fact Graeme declared the Portuguese Fishermans stew we had , the best meal he had on the whole trip south.
Good way to end the day.
Over and Out
On to our next destination ! We wanted to see Fernandina Beach on our way down so it was good to add this into our itinerary north.It was a 6 hour drive up the ICW. We had originally planned an outside trip at St Augustine Inlet. We did venture out there,but once in the open sea it was rough. The boat was banging through the waves ,lots of rattling noises coming from inside the cupboards ,and I was just holding on.Graeme was his calm self as he steered the boat through it all but it was just not worth it .We decided to come back inside.Amazing how once we turned around the following sea made it so much calmer! If only we had been going south!
We passed through Jacksonville Beach (where we had dropped John and Rhonda off on our way down) and also got a call there from the Weltey's ( a couple we met who had been in Key Largo next to us at the Marina).They had seen our boat come under the Jacksonville Beach Bridge from their house by chance.They had been hoping we would call in to see them on our way up.Hopefully next time we come down!
Arrived at the Fernandina Harbor Marina which sits right beside the historic town. It sits on the ICW so very convenient. Down side it is situated right between two paper mills which emit quite interesting smells! But we got used to it.Had a nice walk into the town , historic old churches and courthouse.Some interesting shops and a good coffee bar.We checked out the restaurants and later headed back to Espana a Spanish/ Portuguese Restaurant.it was excellent In fact Graeme declared the Portuguese Fishermans stew we had , the best meal he had on the whole trip south.
Good way to end the day.
Over and Out
Sunday, February 26, 2012
2 nd Day heading North
Hi All,
We had a long way to cover today 116 miles and all on the ICW so we knew it would be slow! I am not a real early bird but Graeme set the alarm for 6 am!We left just after 7 am!
The day was windy and even the ICW was fairly choppy with the waves coming at very close intervals, a short chop they call that on the marine forecast.We pasted Daytona Beach where we originally had planned to stay( the was no room thee as the Daytona 500 car races were on this weekend) and headed for the next marina called Palm Coast . We did see two big blimps in the air at Daytona , covering the races no doubt. Arrived in late afternoon at the marina. The boat was pretty dirty from all the spray , so Graeme and I washed the boat down thoroughly and even cleaned all the windows with a special product called Rain-X. The Marina is low key but cosy and sheltered and very convenient to the ICW. The owners very welcoming.Fresh coffee brewed every morning for the boaters, free grapefruit to (take obviously from someone's garden).It even has a fitness center.Several boaters keep their boats here for six months.We met several from Maryland.After our boat cleaning we were in need of a shower and dinner. We set off down the road to the European Village.It consisted of a square with a central area , several restaurants and shops on the ground level surrounding it.Above that were all the apartments. It seemed to sit in the middle of nowwhere! When we arrived , there was a band playing in the square and lots of people eating and listening to the music. We chose the Piazza Italian restaurant which seemed to have won very award going for the last 6 years! Food was good as was the wine selection. Walked on back to the boat and ended up in bed by 9.30 pm!
Over and Out.
We had a long way to cover today 116 miles and all on the ICW so we knew it would be slow! I am not a real early bird but Graeme set the alarm for 6 am!We left just after 7 am!
The day was windy and even the ICW was fairly choppy with the waves coming at very close intervals, a short chop they call that on the marine forecast.We pasted Daytona Beach where we originally had planned to stay( the was no room thee as the Daytona 500 car races were on this weekend) and headed for the next marina called Palm Coast . We did see two big blimps in the air at Daytona , covering the races no doubt. Arrived in late afternoon at the marina. The boat was pretty dirty from all the spray , so Graeme and I washed the boat down thoroughly and even cleaned all the windows with a special product called Rain-X. The Marina is low key but cosy and sheltered and very convenient to the ICW. The owners very welcoming.Fresh coffee brewed every morning for the boaters, free grapefruit to (take obviously from someone's garden).It even has a fitness center.Several boaters keep their boats here for six months.We met several from Maryland.After our boat cleaning we were in need of a shower and dinner. We set off down the road to the European Village.It consisted of a square with a central area , several restaurants and shops on the ground level surrounding it.Above that were all the apartments. It seemed to sit in the middle of nowwhere! When we arrived , there was a band playing in the square and lots of people eating and listening to the music. We chose the Piazza Italian restaurant which seemed to have won very award going for the last 6 years! Food was good as was the wine selection. Walked on back to the boat and ended up in bed by 9.30 pm!
Over and Out.
Back on the road again ,well water really!
Hi Family and Friends,
We had a good visit back to Va, the Land Cruise Graeme organized went well although weather was a bit cold!Watching the Presidents Day Parade on the Monday was a fun way to end the long weekend. We headed back to Admirals Cove ,had an extra day there and left early on Feb 24 th for Melbourne. We decided to go outside in the Atlantic Ocean and left via Jupiter Inlet. It was suggested to use local knowledge while exiting , so we followed a couple of big Sprots Fishing boats out.One was called C,mon Aussie. We had a great trip , seas calm and a following wind, so perfect. We docked in at Melbourne Harbor Marina, very convenient to the little historical town and sheltered.After washing the salt water off the boat we set off to look at the town.Lots of little restaurants and it even boasted a Russian shop , British shop, Irish shop and German shop with all sorts of things including chocolate russian nesting dolls ( for eating) and we couldnt resist buying some twiglets( marmite covered pretzels) and Branston pickle.Our good friends Bev and Ed came to join us for drinks on the boat around 5 pm. Just as they arrived , we all witnessed a rocket in the air off to launch a communication satellite somewhere in the atmosphere!It was wondeful to have time catching up. There were rowers out in the harbor behind our boat , some eights and a double scull.The rowing club was situated next to our marina. We then went all together to Charthouse restaurant for an excellent dinner overlooking the ICW just around the corner from our marina. Lovely way to start our journey north.
Over and out
We had a good visit back to Va, the Land Cruise Graeme organized went well although weather was a bit cold!Watching the Presidents Day Parade on the Monday was a fun way to end the long weekend. We headed back to Admirals Cove ,had an extra day there and left early on Feb 24 th for Melbourne. We decided to go outside in the Atlantic Ocean and left via Jupiter Inlet. It was suggested to use local knowledge while exiting , so we followed a couple of big Sprots Fishing boats out.One was called C,mon Aussie. We had a great trip , seas calm and a following wind, so perfect. We docked in at Melbourne Harbor Marina, very convenient to the little historical town and sheltered.After washing the salt water off the boat we set off to look at the town.Lots of little restaurants and it even boasted a Russian shop , British shop, Irish shop and German shop with all sorts of things including chocolate russian nesting dolls ( for eating) and we couldnt resist buying some twiglets( marmite covered pretzels) and Branston pickle.Our good friends Bev and Ed came to join us for drinks on the boat around 5 pm. Just as they arrived , we all witnessed a rocket in the air off to launch a communication satellite somewhere in the atmosphere!It was wondeful to have time catching up. There were rowers out in the harbor behind our boat , some eights and a double scull.The rowing club was situated next to our marina. We then went all together to Charthouse restaurant for an excellent dinner overlooking the ICW just around the corner from our marina. Lovely way to start our journey north.
Over and out
Friday, February 10, 2012
Back to Admiral's Cove our Home away from Home.
We left Sunset Bay Marina after fueling up !Took just over $1,000.00 worth! I know you sailors will be saying that would take us a couple of years of sailing at least to spend that much!
We went back down south on the Intracoastal Waterway and this section was familiar to us as we had down it already. Saw an Australian flag flying at one of the mansions and suspect it may be Greg Norman's home.It was a pleasant journey going around 10 knots ( that saves fuel big time)and we tied up at the Schneider's dock with no problems at 1 pm. It is so restful and lovely here .We are indeed blest to have such kind friends.Just had a quiet rest of the day ,cleaning the boat and eating in.
Next Blog:
We have 2 days here then Sat am we will be heading out in a rental car over to Punta Gorda to join the Mobil Saudi crowd for lunch And we will then fly back to Virginia for two weeks. I will resume this blog around the 23rd Feb when we will start our journey north to Hilton Head.
Over and out.
We went back down south on the Intracoastal Waterway and this section was familiar to us as we had down it already. Saw an Australian flag flying at one of the mansions and suspect it may be Greg Norman's home.It was a pleasant journey going around 10 knots ( that saves fuel big time)and we tied up at the Schneider's dock with no problems at 1 pm. It is so restful and lovely here .We are indeed blest to have such kind friends.Just had a quiet rest of the day ,cleaning the boat and eating in.
Next Blog:
We have 2 days here then Sat am we will be heading out in a rental car over to Punta Gorda to join the Mobil Saudi crowd for lunch And we will then fly back to Virginia for two weeks. I will resume this blog around the 23rd Feb when we will start our journey north to Hilton Head.
Over and out.
Second half of Okeechobee journey
We started the morning with the good American breakfast at the marine.Eggs ,hash browns
( grated fried potato) and toast and coffee.at 9 am we slipped the lines and made our way across the Lake Okeechobee. It is a wide lake in fact we couldn't see land for most of it.The weather looked a bit ominous but the water was fairly calm ,about 1 to 2 ft. Suddenly we saw the most amazing rainbow in the sky.It was complete and very defined and bright. God,s wonderful handiwork on display! Our MJM boat companions Bob and Mary, had decided to try the outer rim of the lake. As the water depths were good. we ended up arriving at the same time at the lock which took us back into the Okechobee canal heading East. We heard stories that back in 2007 there was so little water that it was impossible to cross the lake and even Rolland Martin Marina was completely dry at their docks. We were just fine with at least 13 ft. Carried on towards Stuart , one more lock to do then arrived at Stuart around 2 pm. Our reason for stopping at Stuart was so we could catch up with Captain Dan who had led us through the boating course here nearly three years ago.We were able to dock the boat just in front of the huge one he was Captaining for a wealthy Californian owner.It was 115 ft, and made our boat look small!Dan had us come to look over the boat and later we had drinks on board.Interesting to see how some people like to travel ! We went for a walk into Stuart old historic area and found it a quaint little place with lots of interesting shops! Later we joined Dan and his girlfriend for dinner at Sailor's Return an excellent restaurant attached to our Sunset Bay Marina .
Over and out
( grated fried potato) and toast and coffee.at 9 am we slipped the lines and made our way across the Lake Okeechobee. It is a wide lake in fact we couldn't see land for most of it.The weather looked a bit ominous but the water was fairly calm ,about 1 to 2 ft. Suddenly we saw the most amazing rainbow in the sky.It was complete and very defined and bright. God,s wonderful handiwork on display! Our MJM boat companions Bob and Mary, had decided to try the outer rim of the lake. As the water depths were good. we ended up arriving at the same time at the lock which took us back into the Okechobee canal heading East. We heard stories that back in 2007 there was so little water that it was impossible to cross the lake and even Rolland Martin Marina was completely dry at their docks. We were just fine with at least 13 ft. Carried on towards Stuart , one more lock to do then arrived at Stuart around 2 pm. Our reason for stopping at Stuart was so we could catch up with Captain Dan who had led us through the boating course here nearly three years ago.We were able to dock the boat just in front of the huge one he was Captaining for a wealthy Californian owner.It was 115 ft, and made our boat look small!Dan had us come to look over the boat and later we had drinks on board.Interesting to see how some people like to travel ! We went for a walk into Stuart old historic area and found it a quaint little place with lots of interesting shops! Later we joined Dan and his girlfriend for dinner at Sailor's Return an excellent restaurant attached to our Sunset Bay Marina .
Over and out
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Feb 6 th Start of Okeechobee Canal
We were unsure how long this would take us to get to Clewiston and Rolland Martins Marina, the first real marina stop.We decided to leave at 10 am and set off in cloudy weather but the canal was flat and smooth. It is slow going initially as there's are many built up areas , small fishing craft and manatee zones.We went around 6 to 10 knots mainly. There are 3 locks to negotiate along the way and not far from the first one we were passed by an MJM boat similar to are old Sabre 40 ft.Kindly they radioed that they would wait for us at the first lock These locks varied in water depth but is was fun and not too difficult ! Making sure you had at least 3 fenders out to protect the boat on the side you tied up on and both Graeme and I had to hold onto a line each which was usually thrown down by the lock keeper.One at the bow and one at the stern.You had to play the line out as the water dropped.One of the locks went down 13 feet I didn't think I was going to have any line left! We arrived at the marina in time to tidy up and have our new traveling MJM companions over to our boat for a drink.We then all went over to dinner at the marina restaurant. I real old style USA bar style .The waitress was delightful and the food was good.Lovely fresh fish on the menu as this marina sits right on the edge of the big Lake Okeechobee.
Over and Out
Over and Out
On the move again Feb 3 rd and 4 th Feb
Well we are on the way again, down to Sanibel Island which we missed coming up to Sarasota.Seas were not too bad around 1 to 2 feet and we left at a leisurely 11 am.We were able to get the last slip in the marina as another boat had just left for Key West.Sometimes the marinas have lots of room and other times they are full .Seems this time of year is more busy, lots of transients who stay longer periods in the marinas.Parked right outside Grandma O's Restaurant where we went for dinner.Lots of fish on the menu .Had an early night .
Next morning 4 th Feb ,we got a couple of the marina bikes and explored some of the Island. Lots of good cycle tracks here.Sanibel is about 12 miles long similar size to Manhattan. Beaches are white sand and lots of shells.Favorite pastime seems to be shell collecting here. We also went to a historical village which gave us a great sense of life on the island back in the early 1900's.Lots of old houses in style of that time period ;a school house,store, even a Sears kit set house which was surprisingly roomy.Had a quick lunch then headed to Fort Myres . It only took 2 hours to get there.The Legacy Marina recommended by Mary Jane and Scott was perfect.Floating docks( my favorite) and a lovely view out on the water and the sunsets.Also close to Publix my go to supermarket.We had two nights here so we could watch the Super Bowl!The first night we ate at Joes Crab Shack and had a great meal.SuperBowl Sunday we decided to go after lunch to a big Arts Festival they had near the waterfront.Had fun time wandering around looking in the stalls , lots of unusual art work and most of the artists were the on hand to explain it all.Loved being able to watch the super bowl on our TV. It was in HD and nice and clear. We ate superbowl fare including chicken wings .Great game both teams deserved to win judging from the score.
Go Giants! Sorry Patriots.
Next morning 4 th Feb ,we got a couple of the marina bikes and explored some of the Island. Lots of good cycle tracks here.Sanibel is about 12 miles long similar size to Manhattan. Beaches are white sand and lots of shells.Favorite pastime seems to be shell collecting here. We also went to a historical village which gave us a great sense of life on the island back in the early 1900's.Lots of old houses in style of that time period ;a school house,store, even a Sears kit set house which was surprisingly roomy.Had a quick lunch then headed to Fort Myres . It only took 2 hours to get there.The Legacy Marina recommended by Mary Jane and Scott was perfect.Floating docks( my favorite) and a lovely view out on the water and the sunsets.Also close to Publix my go to supermarket.We had two nights here so we could watch the Super Bowl!The first night we ate at Joes Crab Shack and had a great meal.SuperBowl Sunday we decided to go after lunch to a big Arts Festival they had near the waterfront.Had fun time wandering around looking in the stalls , lots of unusual art work and most of the artists were the on hand to explain it all.Loved being able to watch the super bowl on our TV. It was in HD and nice and clear. We ate superbowl fare including chicken wings .Great game both teams deserved to win judging from the score.
Go Giants! Sorry Patriots.
Catch up time from 6 th Jan to 2 md Feb
Hi Family and Friends.( Guess you thought I wasn't going to continue!)
Well I have been a bit behind that is for sure!
Graeme and I headed back to New Zealand and arrived one day after Roy died , the 8th of January.Fortunately all the children were able to get back before he passed away. It was good to be there and give the family support as much as possible.
So hard to believe, as Roy seemed to be so fit and healthy and to find it wasn't so. We are so glad he didn't have to suffer and he seemed to add more into his 64 years of life than many 90 yr olds could ever do.The 2 hour funeral was a great send of for a great guy , and an emotional end was to see his favorite blue ute truck with his racing bike in the back following the hearse to the crematorium driven by his sons David and Philip. Behind them were a large group of his fellow racing cyclists from the Ramblers Club riding as a tribute to Roy who had done so much for the club.He had been their president for 8 years.Two days later we were able to sail out into the Hawkes Bay on a lovely perfect day and scatter his ashes, as he would have wanted it to be.
We gort back to Virginia somewhat shattered and jet lagged , then made our way down to Sarasota .We were relieved to see our boat was fine and were thankful to our slip neighbors Joan and Bruce who had done a great job checking the lines ,washing the boat and making sure the side against the concrete pier did no damage.Boaters on the whole are a great bunch of people.As we had rented the slip for a month we stayed on in Sarasota. We were able to start relaxing and enjoyed visiting our friends Doug and Elizabeth.Played a round of golf at Founders Club where they have their house, biked across to Lido and Longboat Key,ate out most nights and even went to see a comedy show .
One day we had a lovely couple on board to sea trial our boat as they were thinking of purchasing a Sabre 48 like ours. They were sold and ordered one the next day! I think Sabre are now up to finishing the tenth 48 in line and have orders for 27 boats First one was finished just under a year ago , not bad for this difficult economic times.
Over and Out.
Well I have been a bit behind that is for sure!
Graeme and I headed back to New Zealand and arrived one day after Roy died , the 8th of January.Fortunately all the children were able to get back before he passed away. It was good to be there and give the family support as much as possible.
So hard to believe, as Roy seemed to be so fit and healthy and to find it wasn't so. We are so glad he didn't have to suffer and he seemed to add more into his 64 years of life than many 90 yr olds could ever do.The 2 hour funeral was a great send of for a great guy , and an emotional end was to see his favorite blue ute truck with his racing bike in the back following the hearse to the crematorium driven by his sons David and Philip. Behind them were a large group of his fellow racing cyclists from the Ramblers Club riding as a tribute to Roy who had done so much for the club.He had been their president for 8 years.Two days later we were able to sail out into the Hawkes Bay on a lovely perfect day and scatter his ashes, as he would have wanted it to be.
We gort back to Virginia somewhat shattered and jet lagged , then made our way down to Sarasota .We were relieved to see our boat was fine and were thankful to our slip neighbors Joan and Bruce who had done a great job checking the lines ,washing the boat and making sure the side against the concrete pier did no damage.Boaters on the whole are a great bunch of people.As we had rented the slip for a month we stayed on in Sarasota. We were able to start relaxing and enjoyed visiting our friends Doug and Elizabeth.Played a round of golf at Founders Club where they have their house, biked across to Lido and Longboat Key,ate out most nights and even went to see a comedy show .
One day we had a lovely couple on board to sea trial our boat as they were thinking of purchasing a Sabre 48 like ours. They were sold and ordered one the next day! I think Sabre are now up to finishing the tenth 48 in line and have orders for 27 boats First one was finished just under a year ago , not bad for this difficult economic times.
Over and Out.
About time to carry on From 6 th January to 25 th January
Hi Family and Friends,
Well much has happened up to this date.As many of you know we headed down to New Zealand and it was a sad occasion to farewell my older brother Roy who was in the height of wellness and fitness or so we thought! We made it back a day after he died , on the morning of 8th of January. It was good to be with family and be as supportive as we could, still hardly believing this had really happened.Roy had a good send off.A 2 hour funeral and was escorted to the crematorium by David and Philip v P driving in Roy's old blue ute truck ( had served him well with 200,000 kilometers on the clock)with his racing bike strapped on the back. The Ramblers Cycling Club of whom Roy was a very active participant and president of for 8 years followed behind on their racing bikes. a true tribute to a great guy, who gave his all and as one of the tributes said he lived more in 64 years than some people do in 90 years.two days later the family went out to sea in the Hawkes Bay and scattered his ashes (as he would have wanted )and white roses We are so glad he didn't have to suffer . Hard for the family left behind of course.
So we headed back to USA and got back to Sarasota on the 25 th January. We were relieved to see our boat was in good shape, due we are sure to the caring hands of Bruce and Joan our slip neighbors who washed it , checked the lines and made sure the side of the boat was well away from the concrete pier it was next to.
We had booked the slip for a whole month so were able to enjoy some days of getting over the jet lag and relax .
Will carry on the next blog.
Well much has happened up to this date.As many of you know we headed down to New Zealand and it was a sad occasion to farewell my older brother Roy who was in the height of wellness and fitness or so we thought! We made it back a day after he died , on the morning of 8th of January. It was good to be with family and be as supportive as we could, still hardly believing this had really happened.Roy had a good send off.A 2 hour funeral and was escorted to the crematorium by David and Philip v P driving in Roy's old blue ute truck ( had served him well with 200,000 kilometers on the clock)with his racing bike strapped on the back. The Ramblers Cycling Club of whom Roy was a very active participant and president of for 8 years followed behind on their racing bikes. a true tribute to a great guy, who gave his all and as one of the tributes said he lived more in 64 years than some people do in 90 years.two days later the family went out to sea in the Hawkes Bay and scattered his ashes (as he would have wanted )and white roses We are so glad he didn't have to suffer . Hard for the family left behind of course.
So we headed back to USA and got back to Sarasota on the 25 th January. We were relieved to see our boat was in good shape, due we are sure to the caring hands of Bruce and Joan our slip neighbors who washed it , checked the lines and made sure the side of the boat was well away from the concrete pier it was next to.
We had booked the slip for a whole month so were able to enjoy some days of getting over the jet lag and relax .
Will carry on the next blog.
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