Little Shark River, Florida Everglades to Long Key

Date: Tuesday,  Dec 31, 2019                      

Arrival Time: 1615 ET                      

Location:  Long Key, Fl.

Weather:  80, mostly clear          

Sea State:  Calm

Destination Tomorrow: Sit tight!

Engine Hours:  1407                                                                        

Crew:  Ruth and Greg    

Mileage Log:  1008

View from tonight's anchorage

Comments:  During the night, the light winds made a clockwise rotation from S to N.  We were slightly exposed with the winds at 9 knots but it was more of a comforting cradle movement. By 0645, we could see but the fog was still dense enough for us to sit tight.  We cranked up the little Honda, made some coffee and oatmeal and eventually pulled up anchor at 0745.  Our heading was SW until we found deeper water, then eventually south.  By 1025, we cleared Cape Sable and were inside the Bay of Florida.  We hoisted the mainsail but that only added an insignificant .1 knots with the light winds.  We spotted Sandy Key by 1100, then the main island chain around 0130.  We made our way through many shallows and mine fields (crab/lobster traps) and through the Channel 5 bridge near 1600.  We anchored at 1615, SW of the bridge in 7 ft of water, at low tide. The entire 60 feet of chain deployed and anchor was visible below.  Funny, but we were awed by that.

Many Bahamas bound boats tend to gather around Marathon Key then move east.  We really struggled last night with what today's destination would be and chose the Channel 5 Bridge/Pass at Long Key because of the location.  This puts us 23 miles to the east of Marathon, which is a half day by boat closer to our jumping off point to the Bahamas and since we decided to bypass Key West for now, it made sense.  From here we’ll eventually move a little more east to our final launch for the Bahamas. 

Ruth saw a small shark and a small turtle today.  Tomorrow, we plan to sleep in a little, if possible, regroup, re-provision, jump in the dinghy to explore some and start looking at the weather for a possible crossing.

P.S.  It’s been very warm.  No shirt, no shoes….. no (cell) service…. Isn’t bad.  I should write those lyrics into a song.

Naples to Little Shark River, Florida

Date:  Monday, Dec 30, 2019                                      

Arrival Time:  1645 ET                     

Location:   Little Shark River, Everglades, Fl.

Weather:  80, Sunny      

Sea State:  Calm

Destination Tomorrow:  Florida Keys

Engine Hours:  1398                                                                        

Crew:  Ruth and Greg

Mileage log:  964 N/M   

Comments: 

Little Shark River inlet

We upped anchor at 0630 with hopes of anchoring tonight near the Little Shark River.  Butch told us of a boat delivery he had with Jack, years ago, in which they stayed there and perhaps, we were feeling a little nostalgic as we put it on our “radar.”  We cleared the short Naples jetties by 0645.  The Naples anchorage was a beautiful and a perfectly smooth over nighter. 

The sea state today couldn’t have been better unless it included winds to sail; but, we’re not complaining.  During  the 52 n/m journey, the seas went from a one foot chop to a one foot swell to barely a ripple with winds in our face near 5 knots; a fisherman’s dream.  We cleared Cape Romano near 0945 and changed course to a heading of 136, SE.  We stayed on this course most of the day.

During the morning, I mentioned to Ruth that I was surprised at the lack of sea life.  Fortunately, for us that changed.  Throughout the day, we were honored by Poseidon the Sea Goddess showing us a variety including a large sea turtle, miles of man o’ wars, a flying fish, a jumping mackerel and of course, pods and pods of dolphins.  We even had a spanish mackerel jump right on to the blue lure Bryce gave me for Christmas.  Thanks, Buddy!

Sunset watching a boat enter Little Shark River inlet

We dropped anchor at 1645, in 12 feet of water near the mouth of the Little Shark River, in the Florida everglades. The light winds in our favor gave us no reason to chance entry.  While anchoring and throughout the evening, we were greeted by approximately 20 dolphins in as many as 4 groups.  They were probably from the same pod but just hanging out with their buddies.  They seemed to know each other.  We took many pictures of the beautiful sunset in the Gulf. 

Tomorrow, the Florida Keys. 

P. S.  I remembered that I set a track on the GPS when I left Port Arthur.  When checking it today it revealed Pura Vida has traveled 964 N/M (1109 St. M) since beginning the journey on Nov. 29^th.

P.P.S.  No cell service; therefore, hopefully this will be published tomorrow, Dec. 31.

Date: Sunday, Dec 29, 2019                                         

Arrival Time:  1800 ET                     

Location:   Naples, Fl., 26 06.1797 N, 81 47.6758 W

Weather:  Mostly Sunny, near 80             

Sea State:  2-3 ft. chop

Destination Tomorrow:  South

Engine Hours:  1388                                                        

Crew:  Ruth and Greg    

Comments: 

4 AM (0400), I can’t sleep because of the uncertainty of the coming day.

Yesterday evening we watched dolphins playing in drizzling rain as we discussed a possible passage to Naples, which could cut a 4 day trip to 3.  However, we were concerned about reports of shoaling in the Gordon Pass into Naples.  Today’s wind is reported to be the strongest of the next three days and, from the direction we are headed, SE.  So we went to bed last night with a rare uncertainty of our final anchorage. Throughout the night there was no wind, no waves, no movement, not even a mouse. 

1800

We pulled up anchor at 0745.  We waited for the overcast to shed some light.  Ruth wanted to learn the process for upping the anchor as she usually steers while I tend to the anchor, something she might regret.  We continued down the ICW instead of jumping out through the Boca Grande Pass as the winds were directly in our faces, not allowing  for sailing.  We truly hoped to make a direct offshore sail to Naples but it just wasn’t meant to be.  We reached statue mile 0 at 1120 then steered south toward San Carlos Bay and the Gulf.  Somewhere near Matanzas Pass, we briefly anchored to take the outboard off the dinghy and store it on the motor mount.  From there we ventured offshore another 25 n/m to the Gordon Pass into Naples.  We ventured only about 5 miles off the coast and I was amazed to see tall buildings the entire 25 miles.  I called Seatow and the Naples City Dock for information about passage through the Gordon Pass, but neither were able to provide information that I was comfortable with. When we were a couple miles out, I called for local knowledge on channel 16.  Sea Fox 26, answered immediately with really good information.  We anchored in Champney Bay, which is inside the most gorgeous neighborhood. 

We considered making an overnighter but the crab traps are too dense; so, tomorrow we will travel offshore again toward Cape Sable (70 n/m), Florida’s south coast.  We will probably be looking for a safe anchorage somewhere along the way.  By Tuesday, we hope to arrive in the Keys. 

PS:  I felt like I let Chuck down Friday not having ice for his drink.  Ruth has now made ice in a   The bad news is Chuck is not here to enjoy the ice.  The good news is, he left his Ole Smoky Tennessee on the boat. LOL!
baggie.

This is Ruth…Greg mentioned the gorgeous neighborhood where we are anchored.  I would never be so rude as to guess the worth of the people who own these beautiful places but I will say that some of the names on the yachts docked behind these homes are Top Dog, Mr. Money and Mr. Big!

Sarasota to Punta Blanca Island

Reunited and it feels so good, lol

Ruth has finally arrived.  Yay!  We can’t thank Chuck and Marilee enough for delivering Ruth to Pura Vida (and me).  We were hoping they would stay a night or two on Pura Vida with us, but they could see our eagerness to head south after mooring in Sarasota for 10 days.  Knowing the cruising life as they do, they headed on to their next destination for us to get an early start.  We really wanted to spend more time with them.  Before bed, Ruth and I did get a chance to replace the old anchor swivel with the new Mantus swivel.  I feel better about that. 

One of 10 bridges today

We released the mooring ball (S. Mile 75) at exactly 700.  Our plans were to travel 35 to 40 miles and anchor.  Knowing there were 10 bridges which required an opening we didn’t expect to go far.  The first two bascule bridges open at the top of the hour and the 30 minute mark.  The first bridge, Siesta Key, was only about 2 NM from the mooring so we were able to time it easily.  The second bridge, Stickney Point, is about 6 miles past the first.  As we normally travel about 6 knots/hr., it would take one hour.  However, we found ourselves against a strong current allowing us to only average about 5.5 knots at top cruising RPM’s.  Fortunately, the bridge tender was extremely generous and stretched the opening about 7 minutes.  The third, Blackburn Swing Bridge, opened on demand requiring no slow down.  And so this went on most of the day, 7 more bridges of all kinds.  As I’ve mentioned before the bridge tenders of Florida are the best.  They treated us like the professionals they are. 

Tonight's anchor location was chosen from above

We dropped anchor at approximately 1530 much further south than we anticipated near Punta Blanca Island (S. Mile 25).  Our current plan is to continue south and possibly anchor near Cape Sable in three nights (Tuesday) and then travel across Florida Bay to the Florida Keys on Wednesday.  Weather permitting, we may cut the 4 day trip to 3. 

Weather patterns and ground tackle

Date: Dec 24, 2019

Comments: 

PV in Sarasota - Pic by Steve Romeis

I’ve been watching and studying these (northerly) fronts that have blown in, since Apalachicola.  One thing for certain is when they blow in they are blistering.  I was amazed to see 30 knots in Cortez, but it seems that is not uncommon.  Generally the temperature doesn’t drop much as I’ve only seen about 60 as a low.  I’ve learned that when the gettin’ is good, you better get (moving) and when they blow in you better sit tight in a good spot with good holding.  After they blow through they tend to rotate clockwise, over a period of days.  The hope is they stay SE to E for a few days and settle for a little while.  On Monday (12/23) it blew in from the NW around 1415 and ripped all night into Tuesday morning.  There were lulls then it returned with a vengeance.  Don and Steve text me around 1700 (Monday) informing me they were going to dinghy to shore, with an invitation to dinner.  I declined in favor of leftover venison chili I had already started warming, plus my dinghy was tightly secured on the davits.  I never saw them return though I’m sure they did.  I wondered how bad the return trip to their boat was. 

After doing chores Monday, as Mom can attest, I checked a few things including the anchor, rode and

PV's ground tackle

swivel.  I noticed the swivel to be slightly bent where it connects to the anchor.  I assume this was caused by side loading when the wind clocked around viciously, at Cortez.  In examining the swivel I had an uneasy feeling about my ground tackle for the first time.  The ground tackle is so important.  Giving way during one of the strong fronts could be disastrous to the boat, other boats and even life threatening.  I have an oversize all chain rode (3/8 inch), a larger then recommended Mantus anchor (45 lbs.), and what I thought was a pretty good oversize (1/2 inch) swivel between the two.  When I saw the slight bend it really scared me.  After thinking about it for a while I decided I would purchase a Mantus swivel which is said to be the best available and prevents damage from side loading.  I called Phillip with Mantus, in Kemah, who told me he would be open until noon Christmas Eve.  Ruth made a trip to Kemah Christmas Eve morning. 

I’m starting to make more detailed plans for heading to the keys.  My insurance rider for the Bahamas kicks in on January 1, so we can get on our way pretty soon.  We’re currently anchored near statute mile 75 so it looks like a 2 day trip to Fort Myers (St. mile 0).  From there it’s offshore, hugging the coast for about 100 nautical miles to East Cape, the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula.  Because we will be anchoring offshore this is where the weather is the most critical; thus, we will be looking for a light easterly wind.  We choose to anchor near shore instead of sailing overnight, as the crab/lobster pots (I’m told) are everywhere.  I was astounded how many Bryce and I saw as far as 40 miles offshore west of the Clearwater Channel.  I wouldn’t want Ruth to have to go overboard to cut one off the prop or shaft.  From there I plan to head SE along Yacht Channel to Long Key, approximately 25 nautical miles.  We will dissect the Keys under the Channel Five Bridge to an anchorage south of the keys, perhaps Rodriquez Key. From that anchorage we will wait for another window to jump across the gulf stream to the Bahamas. 

So if the weather cooperates this could be about a 5 day journey to the Keys.  It could be done faster but I’m trying to ”slow down and smell the roses,” a little and be safe. 

These plans are tentative and subject to change based on weather, conditions of the boat, comfort and whatever Ruth says we will do.  I’m looking forward to her arrival but I guess as admiral she outranks the Captain.  Maybe not…. Maybe so.  

Just for you, Mom

Ok, mom.  This one is for you.  In our telephone conversation this morning you expressed displeasure in me for not blogging everyday.  I explained that I had not moved from the mooring field yet so I really don’t have anything interesting to write about.  You went on to express more displeasure, sounding like an English teacher I once had.  So I write for you.

Your awesome grandson

Saturday (Dec 21):  Bryce left on Friday (Dec. 20) leaving me with a week to complete a long list.  Don, a friend who is moored near and recently brought his boat from Kemah, rented a car for the day and offered to bring us to the airport.  We accepted his nice offer in lieu of an Uber.  It was such a treat to have Bryce for a week.   I’m so proud of the man he has become.  I miss you buddy.

Monday (Dec 23):  The weather has been windy and rainy since Bryce left.  Today I saw steady winds of 30 knots gusting to 45 for about an hour.  Without the sun the solar panels are not able to keep up with the electrical requirements of the refrigerator and freezer so I’ve run the generator and the engine a time or two.  This is needed anyway to make hot water for showering and to warm the engine oil to change it as I did on Saturday. 

Raw water strainer

The last two days I haven’t left the boat; completing Maintenance projects.  So Mom, here is what I’ve done:  changed the oil, changed the raw water impeller, built a new fender board, maintained the batteries checking each cell with a hydrometer, cleaned the raw water intake strainer, tightened the belts, adjusted the fuel gauge sender, replaced a foam bumper on the dinghy davit, glued a section of the v-berth liner, adjusted the mooring lines and a few more meaningless tasks.  I still need to change the primary fuel filter and a few other things.  Of course I’ve cooked and all that too.  Now you know why I haven’t blogged.

The maintenance list

By the way Mom, I know how much you like pictures in the blog so I’ll add some as exciting as my  

actions.

Also, Steve is here to help Don bring his boat south.  They are probably leaving Wednesday.  They dinghied over around noon; Steve with his go-pro strapped to his head.  So, maybe there will be a video somewhere.  It’s good to see a familiar face.  Ruth and I will head south Saturday or Sunday if weather permits. 

I’ll talk to you in the morning (Tuesday), Mom.

Guest Blogger Bryce

Some of my favorite memories as a kid are of my dad and me going fishing together. Blake was

Sarasota, Florida

always invited to go but he didn’t always (or ever) want to get up early in the morning. Of course I would always want the little brother with us but it was also nice to get some alone time with Dad every once in a while. This seven day trip from Apalachicola to Sarasota, Florida reminded me of those times. Unfortunately, my portion of the cruise with the old man is coming to an end today. It was a trip that I will not forget for the rest of my life.  When I asked my Dad a year or so ago if he could use a hand on his journey to the Bahamas he enthusiastically said yes. I figured that he would say that because he always does. However, I honestly was a little bit surprised that he didn’t even have to think twice about it. To be one half of a two man crew crossing waters we have not seen before is quite the responsibility. Especially when you consider the fact that Pura Vida is going to be Dad and Ruth’s floating home for the next several months. Lucky for me he is a great teacher. I learned quite a bit such as knots, sailing terminology, and how to read the electronic charts and radar.

As everyone reading this certainly already knows, the gulf coast of Florida is absolutely beautiful. Wecut across part the Gulf of Mexico, cruised through several bays, and rode the ICW. I thought it was pretty cool passing through the dozen or so bascule bridges spanning from the mainland to the barrier islands as we headed south.. “S/V Pura Vida Southbound to Cortez Bridge requesting an opening” my dad would call out on channel 9. After some back and forth with the bridge tender the bridge would give a blow of the horn and the leaves of the bridge would raise vertically. We would always thank the tender after passing through.

The color of the water changed from one shade of blue to another with each passing mile. We spotted more dolphins coming to the surface than I can remember. It got to the point where we didn’t even call them out to each other, they were everywhere. Each evening we would find a protected anchorage and settle in. Before the sun set for the night we would drop the dinghy and I would head off for an hour or so of fishing. Anglers around here have it good. The fish are plentiful and the spots to cast a line are endless. Before dark I would cruise back to the mother ship for an early dinner and we would hit the hay pretty early. I’ve never slept better than I did this week tucked up in the V-berth cabin.

I have always seen my Dad as the most capable of men. It still made me a little nervous when he told

Captain Greg

me him and Ruth would be making this trip. However, over this past week his skills as a captain have surpassed the expectations I had even for him. I have now seen firsthand that when traveling through waters you have not been before preparation and experience is a must. My Dad has plenty of experience and is always as prepared as he can possibly be. He knows every inch of his vessel and has her in top notch condition. We should all rest easy knowing S/V Pura Vida and his first mate Ruth are in the best of hands with Captain Greg Lynd at the helm.

Cortez, Fl. to Sarasota, Fl.

Date: Dec 18, 2019                                          

Arrival Time:  ET                               

Location:   Sarasota, Fl.

Weather:  Cold & windy early, cool & beautiful later     

Sea State:  choppy across Sarasota bay

Destination Tomorrow:  none

Engine Hours:  1364                                                                        

Crew:  Bryce      

Comments: 

Old Man Winter blew in last night with a vengeance.  I suppose he and Mother Nature were arguing.  Around 2030 the boat shifted from pointing dead south to east then dead north, within a few short moments.  As mentioned or implied I was very uncomfortable with our anchorage for several reasons.  First we were down wind of several permanently anchored boats that looked like they could break loose at any moment, in steady 20 knots of wind.  I also knew that during the night the winds would shift from the north and increase back to 20 knots.  I was wrong about the latter.  Around 2030 we swung as predicted but the wind blew up to 35 knots for about 30 minutes accompanied by hard blinding rain.  I guess the good news is we were now upwind of the other boats.  Holy Toledo Hawkeye, what a ride. 

There wasn’t much sleep last night and the rain continued into the morning.  After it slowed we

2 more today

pulled up anchor at 1050 and headed south toward Sarasota.  This would include an ICW trip then a run through the Sarasota Bay.  With the strong northerly winds came extremely low tides.  In fact, we grounded twice.  One time was in the middle of the ICW between the Green and Red markers in 5 feet of water.  Actually, we just plowed through the bottom.  The excitement of the day was Bryce landing  two more Spanish Mackerels trolling through Sarasota Bay.  We pulled into the Marina Jacks mooring field at 1330 where I plan to stay an undetermined period of time, due to weather and easy access for Bryce’s departure and Ruth, Chuck and Marilee’s arrival. 

PV, Sarasota, the Slayer and the Old Seadog

Bryce and I walked to PF Change in Sarasota and determined this city of about 57,000 is absolutely stunning.  Everything, including Marina Jacks is first class.  Sarasota is extremely clean and all buildings and streets look brand new.  Tomorrow we’ll do more touring in the city.  

Maximo Pt. to Cortez

Date: Dec 17, 2019                                          

Arrival Time:  1300 ET                     

Location:  Cortez, Fl.

Weather: 77/59, windy, northerly blowing in tonight.             

Sea State:  Choppy

Destination Tomorrow:  South

Engine Hours:  1361                                                                        

Crew:  Bryce      

Comments:   

We awoke early knowing a northern front would arrive tonight, with intentions of an early and protected anchorage.  We ate breakfast at 645 and pulled up anchor around 715.  We skirted under the Dick Misener Bridge into the Tampa Bay against a mild current.  Today being Tuesday meant my weekly call to Granny Rea (Mom).  I had Bryce call giving Mom a special surprise.  After their phone visit, Bryce asked if I needed to tell mom anything.  Mom didn’t need me after talking to her favorite.  By the time we reached the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the current had turned in our favor.  We were greeted by two large Coast Guard cutters crossing near the bridge.  They were very formal over the radio.  They might have waved at us.  After our final change of course in Tampa Bay, near mile 95, Bryce hooked a Spanish Mackerel.  By the way, I’ve been asked a couple times, in fear of us spending time behind bars, if we have a fishing license.  Bryce has a fishing license and he fishes one line only.  In Florida you can purchase the license online, for segments of days, which he did.  I figure if I bought one, Bryce would be pulling all the fish in anyway, so I’ll buy one when he goes home.  By the way Bryce is out in the dinghy fishing as I type.  Anyway, after the event of landing the fish and regaining our course I noticed the wind had increase to about 24 knots, gusting to 28, from the south and in our face, giving the PAYC burgee and Old Glory a work out.  The next two bascule bridges had timed openings of :15 and :45 after the hour, so we slowed down and tried to time their openings.  The bridge tenders at the Anna Maria Island and Cortez bridges were extremely professional and opened on time.  We anchored at the SE Cortez bridge anchorage, just yards from the bridge.  The Cortez Bridge anchorage is very sketchy.  There are many boats in a tight anchorage including several abandoned boats that have probably been here for years.  With the strong winds our concern is obviously that they break loose.  After anchoring, we dinghied ashore to the nearest restaurant/bar and indulged in seafood.  We hiked a short distance then returned to the dinghy for a cruise through a small mangrove canal looking for Manatee’s.  No such luck as the Manatees have gone south.  Tomorrow’s course is yet undetermined. 

Clearwater to Maximo Pt.

Date: Dec 16, 2019                                          

Arrival Time:  1325 ET                     

Location:  Maximo Pt., Fl.

Weather:  77/65, Clear  

Sea State:  ICW calm

Destination Tomorrow:  South                

Engine Hours:  1556                                                                        

Crew:  Bryce      

Comments: 

After 180 nautical miles of trolling across bays and the Gulf, Bryce jumped into the dinghy at Clearwater Harbor and five minutes later had a beautiful redfish.  We’ll have to keep him around to feed us.  By the way, as I write this he is out in the dinghy working on dinner. 

What a beautiful day!  I finally listened to what Ruth has been telling me all alone, “slow down and enjoy yourself.”  We left Clearwater Harbor at 1000.  That’s right Art, 1000.  I explained to Bryce that by 1000 Art and I usually had 25 miles behind us.  My sincere apologies Art, but what are big brothers for.  We intentionally kept our speed to about 4 knots all day winding south down the ICW, amazed at the beauty.  The entire 22 nautical miles covered today were elegant houses, 1^st class marinas, restaurants, bars, dolphins, mangroves and just pure beauty.  We went through 4 bascule bridges in which the bridge tenders were first class.  We hardly had to slow down.  They know how to do it right.  We anchored around 1525, between Maximo Point and Indian Key, near ICW mile 135 and took the dinghy to a nearby marina for diesel and water.  Tomorrow, Tampa Bay, then southbound to a secure anchorage as a northerly will arrive tomorrow night. 

Apalachicola to Clearwater Offshore

Date: Dec 15, 2019                                          

Arrival Time:  1330 ET                     

Location:  Clearwater, Fl.

Weather:  70, Clear        

Sea State:  Overnight rough, calmed Sunday afternoon

Destination Tomorrow:  South

Engine Hours:  1350                                                                        

Crew:  Bryce      

Bryce enjoying the sunset

Comments:  We said our final goodbyes to Art and Annette and shoved off the Apalachicola city dock, Saturday, at precisely at 800.  We rode the outgoing tide down the Apalachicola River, under the John Gorrie Memorial Bridge, into the Apalachicola Bay and turned east into the St. George Sound.  Bryce was fishing by this time.  He eventually pulled out the big weapons and fished all the way to the Clearwater Channel.  We hoped to make it to the East Pass, 25 nautical miles from Apalachicola, by noon.  A 1200 departure from the pass would give us an estimated noon arrival at Tarpon Springs leaving us room for error and the opportunity to go further if daylight permitted.  At 1125, we cleared the last buoy and pulled out the sails.  I set 3 waypoints from Tarpon Springs to Clearwater, hoping to reach the latter which is the most southerly.  We sailed for about an hour with flogging sails in light winds.  Finally, we furled the sails and started the iron mule.  I was concerned about the sea state because we had been under a small craft warning the previous 4 days.  But we needed to take advantage of this window.  We saw seas of about 6 feet most of the night and into the morning.  They were uncomfortable because they were southwesterly and we were heading SE.  So we rocked side to side all night.  It was nice to see a beautiful ocean sunset.  More amazing was the moon that followed at 2015.  I actually did a double take when I saw the huge orange glow over my shoulder.  The sun didn’t rise until around 700, I guess because we are on the west side of the Eastern time zone.  Sometime in the late morning we decided to change course and head for Clearwater.  I was extremely surprised at the number of crab traps offshore, as far as 40 miles out, in 50 feet of water.  We dodged them all morning.  It made me feel at home in Sabine lake.  From Apalachicola to our anchorage in Clearwater Harbor we covered 180 n. miles.  Early to bed tonight; southbound tomorrow. 

Guest Blogger Art.

Since today is Art's last day on the boat.  I've asked him to write his version of our adventure:

The Bubble

My two weeks in a bubble by day and a cave by night is coming to an end. The bubble is the cockpit of Pura Vida surrounded by clear plastic for protection of cold weather and the cave is the V-birth that I crashed in early each night.  My 15 day journey from Port Arthur Texas to Apalachicola Florida with my brother was fun.  My part of his and Ruth’s Journey to the Bahamas, was to help Greg get their boat to Florida. Mission accomplished.

Art's Cave

Getting up before sunrise, motoring/sailing 25 to 60 miles a day has been an adventure.  So many sights in nature were revealed; eagles, ducks, pelicans, abandoned and partially sunk sailboats, people, barges, riverboats, houses, towering motels, old towns, cities, forest, swamps, bayous, sandy white beaches, rivers, including the mighty Mississippi. We sailed in sounds, bays, and the Gulf of Mexico. We even anchored at an island in the Gulf one night.  For some reason, Mark Twain comes to mind.

We didn’t watch TV; however, we did have our computers (Greg logged into his blog each night).  Guitars were brought out on several occasions.  Spending time with Greg brought back memories of two young boys sharing a room at our parent’s house on Brinkman Drive, in Port Arthur. Conversations would come up like “what do you think dad would say about this trip?”  We both concluded the same answer and laughed.  He wouldn’t care for it.

Time has gone by as quickly and as smoothly as a pair of Pelicans gliding inches above the surface of the water.  My watch is over and my nephew, Bryce, will take my place.  I’m sure he will enjoy this adventure as much as I have.

Thanks Ruth and Greg for letting me be part of your journey.

Art

Piney Pt. to Apalachicola

Date: Dec 12, 2019                                          

Arrival Time:  1655 ET                     

Location:  Apalachicola, Fl

Weather:  63 cloudy       

Sea State:  Small craft warning ending 1 am

Destination Tomorrow:  from anchorage to dock, Apalachicola

Engine Hours:  1320                                                                        

Crew:  Art           

Mr. Majestic

Comments:  We left Piney Point around 700, ICW mile 300, motoring all day.  The little wind we had was in our face or blocked by the canal banks.  The same sites, a narrow ICW canal opening into another lake or bay, etc.  We did see the most majestic eagle of the trip, a large Master sitting atop the tallest leafless tree overlooking his domain.  We pulled into Apalachicola around 1500, topped off the fuel, 20 gallons, the water and emptied the trash.  Anchor was dropped at 1555.  Actually 1655 ET. 

Chef Art

Today we completed mile 635, not counting the circles waiting for locks, bridges, tugs and dredges blocking the way.  Port Arthur is mile 285 west of New Orleans and Apalachicola is mile 350 east.  For some reason mile 0 is at the Harvey Locks, at the Mississippi River. 

Tomorrow, Chef Bryce arrives then Chef Art departs Saturday morning with his wife Annette.  They choose to do the cooking for some reason.  If the window opens Saturday as expected Bryce and I will travel the remaining 25 miles of the ICW, which ends at Dog Island near Carrabelle, through the East Pass for an overnight passage to Tarpon Springs or somewhere near.

Art has been a true big brother, taking care of little brother.  Without him I would have probably turned around somewhere near Bridge City.  Thank you, Art. 

Wheeler Pt. to Piney Pt.

Date: Dec 11, 2019                                          

Arrival Time:  1515                          

Location: Piney Point, east of Panama City

Weather:  48 all day, wind, rain 

Sea State:  Bays are rough

Destination Tomorrow:  Apalachicola

Engine Hours:  1312                                                                        

Crew:  Art           

Coldest day of entire cruise, we hope.

Comments:  Throughout the night we heard occasional loud splashes.  We figured it to be the dolphins wanting us to come out and play.  The cold north wind accompanied by hard rain blew in earlier than expected around 1700.  In the morning the dolphins were gone, probably because it was 48 degrees.  It was raining and 48 the entire day.  Throughout the day we made our way through bay after bay, including West Bay, St. Andrew then East Bay, with winds gusting to 28.  We gave the jib another workout when the winds settled to 15, but saw gusts of 24.  We made good time under sail.  We dropped anchor just east of Piney Point on the north shore of East Bay around 1515.  We’re hoping to spend the next two nights in Apalachicola at the Municipal Marina, awaiting Bryce and Annette.  Bryce will replace Art for the following week.  The window is looking positive for a Saturday and Sunday overnight Passage to Tarpon Springs.

Navarre to Wheeler Point

Date: Dec 10, 2019                                          

Arrival Time:  1415                          

Location:  Wheeler Point

Weather:  Rainy, mid 60’s            

Sea State:  Calm

Destination Tomorrow: East

Engine Hours:  1304                                                                        

Crew:  Art           

Comments:  We pulled up anchor and left Navarre around 630 after awaiting the fog to lift.  Shortly after shoving off the fog returned and stayed with us for another 30 minutes.  We made our way through The Narrows turning NE once we reached the Choctawhachee Bay.   We were under jib alone most of the way through the bay, with winds near 17 knots on the beam.  It rained most of this stretch.  Thank you John and Chuck for convincing me to add the Eisenglass curtains.  We made it to the Clyde B. Wells Bridge around 1415, greeted by several dolphins which stayed around to visit and allowed us to take pictures after anchoring.  We anchored on the NE side of the bridge in protection of the norther, which should blow in shortly. 

Gulf Shores to Navarre Beach

Date: Dec 9, 2019                                            

Arrival Time:  1515                          

Location:  Navarre Beach, Santa Rosa Island, FL

Weather:  Beautiful, 72, No wind             

Sea State:  Calm

Destination Tomorrow:  Protection from approaching norther

Engine Hours:  1298                                                                        

Crew:  Art           

PV at anchor off Santa Rosa Island

We left Tacky Jack’s around 800 this morning after waiting for the fog to lift.  It is a perfect and protected dock to tie to for the night and eat some good seafood.  The water throughout the day was smooth with no wind.  The anemometer read the speed of the boat.  We dropped the anchor about 100 yards off the Navarre Beach Park on the Santa Rosa Island around 1515 and dinghied to shore.  The distance traveled today was about 50 nautical miles.  Today was the first time we were able to see the anchor on the bottom.  Tomorrow we'll try to make moderate distance then find protection from the approaching norther.  

Dauphin Island to Gulf Shores, AL

Date: Dec 8, 2019                                            

Arrival Time:  1430                          

Location:  Gulf Shores, AL

Weather:  Cloudy, some rain     

Sea State:  Extremely rough       

Destination Tomorrow: 

Engine Hours:  1290                                                        

Crew:  Art           

PV resting at Tacky Jack's

Comments:  Today was going to be our day off.  Well things changed a bit.  During the night the swell on the south side of Dauphin Island increased.  By morning it was somewhat uncomfortable, so we decided to move further east with more protection, anchor the boat then dinghy ashore and see the sights.  It made since because, besides expecting a calmer anchorage, it was also closer to the township of Dauphin Island.  When we got to the possible anchorage we found it to also be somewhat choppy, so we selected to go around the east end of Dauphin Island  The east end is connected to Pelican Island which extends south because the cut that separated them no longer exists. Therefore, we would have to travel south around the sand bar that makes up Pelican Island.  The chart shows it to extend approximately 1.75 miles south.  We turned south expecting a short trip.  However, as we made our way the island continued endlessly. 

Ship’s Log to Dauphin Island, AL

Date: Dec. 7, 2019                                           

Arrival Time:  1745          

Location:  Dauphin Island, AL

Weather:  Cloudy            

Sea State:  Rough chop, 5 feet  

Destination Tomorrow:  Day off

Engine Hours:  1284                                                                        

Crew:  Art           

Sunset over the Gulf

Comments:  The anchor alarm went crazy at 2015 last night as we drifted 145 feet from where it was set.  We had about 70 feet of chain out in only 7 feet of water knowing there was a northern blowing in overnight.  No, the Mantus was not dragging, but we knew when the front hit with winds shifting from 85 degrees to 350 degrees.  We reset the anchor alarm and went to bed.  It held there throughout the night with winds near 15 and an occasional gust to about 20.  One advantage being anchored, especially with just a bow anchor, is you are usually facing the wind; thus, it was not a bouncy night.  However, it was an eerie feeling knowing that if the anchor gave way we would drift straight out into the gulf.  Now I’m glad I spent the extra money to get the big 45 pounder and 3/8 inch chain. 

Cat Island, MS

Date: Dec 6, 2019                                            

Arrival Time: 1530                           

Location:  Cat Island, MS

Weather:  Slightly cloudy, 60 - 75 degrees        

Sea State:  Light chop in the Mississippi Sound   

Destination Tomorrow:  Dauphin Island, AL (maybe)

Engine Hours:    1275                                                      

Art giving thumbs up

Crew:    Art

Comments:  Today felt like the first day of real cruising.  We're island hopping.  It started off a little shaky getting fussed at by only one bridge tender, but we only went through one bridge that needed tending.  When we left the Seabrook Marina, at 630, I contacted the L & N bridge tender to see if there was a curfew, which is a period of time they won’t open during rush hours.  She said “No, but you’ll have to wait on this train that is coming.”  I replied that I’d just idle forward the 1 ½ miles and watch for the train.  Around 730, we were contacted by a gentlemen from the bridge (letting me have it) stating that I needed to step on it or I’d have to wait a while for the train.  I guess there was a shift change and a lack of communication.  Well, like I told Art the bridge tender is always right.  After that we were free….. no more bridge openings, no more locks.  We did see one last eagle, before leaving Louisiana, which swooped down and plucked a fish from the water.