tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25657981577520473042023-11-15T13:10:22.228-05:00Gigi's Island Days"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-76690408531371870922016-02-10T08:42:00.000-05:002016-02-10T08:42:33.421-05:00February 10, 2016 Nassau to Cave Cay Marina
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><u><b>February 10, 2016
– Nassau to Cave Cay, Exuma</b></u></i></span></div>
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<i>12/16/2015 Ft. Lauderdale to Nassau
Harbor Club 171 nm</i></div>
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<i>12/23/2015 Nassau Harbor Club to
Nassau Harbor Club 11 nm</i></div>
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<i>12/24/2015 Nassau Harbor Club to
Nassau Harbor Club 15 nm</i></div>
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<i>1/01/2016 Nassau Harbor Club to
Hawksbill Cay, Exuma 48 nm</i></div>
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<i>1/02/2016 Hawksbill Cay to Pipe
Ck. 25 nm</i></div>
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<i>1/05/2016 Pipe Creek to Cave Cay
Marina 27 nm</i></div>
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<i>1/08/2016 Cave Cay Marina to
Elizabeth Island, Georgetown,Exuma 40 nm</i></div>
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<i>1/09/2016 Elizabeth Island to
Thompson Bay, Long Island 25 nm</i></div>
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<i>1/11/2016 Thompson Bay to
Georgetown 38 nm</i></div>
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<i>1/16/2016 Georgetown to Cave Cay
Marina 42 nm</i></div>
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<i>1/18/2016 Cave Cay Marian to Little
Bay Great Guana Cay 14 nm</i></div>
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<i>1/20.2016 Little Bay to Black Point
Settlement 3 nm</i></div>
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<i>1/21/2016 Black Point Settlement to
Cave Cay Marina 16 nm</i></div>
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<i>1/25/2016 Cave Cay Marina to Black
Point Settlement 15 nm</i></div>
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<i>1/26/2016 Black Point Settlement to
Cave Cay Marina 15 nm</i></div>
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<i>1/30/2016 Cave Cay Marina to Rudder
Cay 3 nm</i></div>
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<i>2/03/2016 Rudder Cay to Bay Rush
Bay, Great Guana Cay 10 nm</i></div>
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<i>2/04/2016 Bay Rush Bay to Western
Bay, Little Farmers Cay 2 nm</i></div>
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<i>2/06/2016 Western Bay to Cave Cay
Marian 7 nm</i></div>
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<i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;"><u><b>Total
Miles To Date:</b></u></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><u><b>1324
nm</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4700b8;">“If you reject the food, ignore the customs,
fear the religion, and avoid the people, you might better stay home.”</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #4700b8;"> James Michener</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4700b8;">“Music washes away from the soul the dust of
everyday life.” </span>
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<span style="color: #4700b8;"> Buerthold Auerbach</span></div>
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Yea I know it has been a while. The weather this year has sort of
dominated our thoughts an paths for that matter. It won't take you
long to figure that one out for yourselves. A quick glance at our
“ping – ponging” in and out of Cave Cay Marina for West wind
protection will leave no doubt of that in your mind. Besides I've
just been lazy and the stories just would not come.
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Despite the weather we have managed to delivered our relief supplies
to the Long Island Children, taken this years school photos at Black
Point Settlement and Little Farmers Cay, found 2 mermaids off Rudder
Cay, taken in the Five Fs with our friends Cori and Dale on “Hi
Flight” (a meeting 2 years in the making), and generally had a good
time while slowly going broke paying slip fees. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CwecX-KKkbw/Vrs32m595kI/AAAAAAAAcKg/EROrElAOWUc/s1600/da%2Bgang.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CwecX-KKkbw/Vrs32m595kI/AAAAAAAAcKg/EROrElAOWUc/s320/da%2Bgang.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Da Gang at Ty's Beach Bar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lYPdmh_R0ug/Vrs3tAWFFYI/AAAAAAAAcKE/D3MN12X-mko/s1600/20160202-P2020022-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lYPdmh_R0ug/Vrs3tAWFFYI/AAAAAAAAcKE/D3MN12X-mko/s320/20160202-P2020022-1.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mermaid Does Her Hair</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i> </i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ESIdTZ9ViA/Vrs6EmDDM3I/AAAAAAAAcLs/Gd0ZL5rEjQM/s1600/20160205-DSC_4602-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ESIdTZ9ViA/Vrs6EmDDM3I/AAAAAAAAcLs/Gd0ZL5rEjQM/s320/20160205-DSC_4602-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dale / Cori</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7JNLj2eU7-Y/Vrs6IMgt3MI/AAAAAAAAcL8/5h4pptTULTI/s1600/cori%2B%2526%2Bdale.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7JNLj2eU7-Y/Vrs6IMgt3MI/AAAAAAAAcL8/5h4pptTULTI/s320/cori%2B%2526%2Bdale.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cori & Dale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<u><b>Magic:</b></u></div>
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Life is full of the everyday but every once in a while something
“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>magic</i></span>”
happens. These are the moments we all live for. I was on a
collision course with one of those moments but didn't know it.</div>
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We had made our way to Little Farmer's Cay a few days before their
“First Friday in February Farmer's Cay Festival” better know as
the “5Fs.” The weather was perfect to snuggle up to the Island
in Western Bay and make the run in to take the school photos at
Little Farmers All Age School. I had called Ms. Cox, the one and
only teacher at the school, the day before and set up a shoot for
around 10:00 on Thursday morning. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftJsQUcDcbA/Vrs29gner-I/AAAAAAAAcJ8/UD9anzsUaiA/s1600/Little%2BFarmer%2527s%2BSchool.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftJsQUcDcbA/Vrs29gner-I/AAAAAAAAcJ8/UD9anzsUaiA/s320/Little%2BFarmer%2527s%2BSchool.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Farmers All Age School</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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I guess one should not have favorites but this school is mine none
the less. The kids greeted me with warm Bahamian smiles and their
usual display of proper manners. All the kids quietly came up to me,
introduced themselves, and shook my hand with no prompting from their
Teacher....all 9 of them. Nine kids thru 8<sup>th</sup> grade. What
teacher would not love to be able to give their undivided attention
to only 9 children?
</div>
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As you can see from the photo the shoot went well..as usual. The
children went back to class and Ms. Cox stayed out side to speak to
her janitor / aide. I went in with the pupils to put my stuff
away...and here is where the “magic” comes in. As I was packing
my camera. Arron came up to me, looked up with his typical Bahamian
soulful soft brown eyes, and asked, “Mr. Cope-lee (they can't seem
to get the Copelan right) do you want us to sing you our “Island
Song?” I was a little surprised by the offer but of course my
answer was yes.
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Aaron took me by the hand and lead me around the partition where all
the kids were sitting at a table working on their computers. Aaron
took his seat and at some unseen lifting of the baton they all
started quietly singing in perfect unison and in perfect harmony....</div>
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<i>Little Farmer's Cay</i></div>
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<i>smiling in the turquoise sea,</i></div>
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<i>Lazing in the Sun at noon,</i></div>
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<i>dreaming safe beneath the moon.</i></div>
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<i>Where sky meets sand and sea-</i></div>
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<i>my precious island, Farmers Cay.</i></div>
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<i>This is home to me and it will always be.</i></div>
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<i>Daytime on the Cay</i></div>
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<i>thrashers singing in the tree, buzzing bee,</i></div>
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<i>sun is shining down on me.</i></div>
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<i>Swaying of the trees,</i></div>
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<i>rising tide and rising breeze</i></div>
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<i>what a perfect place to be.</i></div>
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<i>On Little Farmers Cay-</i></div>
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<i>smiling in the turquoise sea,</i></div>
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<i>lazing in the sun at noon,</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>dreaming safe beneath the moon.</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>Where sky meets sand, and sea-</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>my precious island, Farmer Cay.</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>This is home to me and it will always be.</i></div>
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</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Three stanzas into the song something changed. Nathan, the oldest boy
in the class, became the leader. No word was spoken or sign given
but Nathan became the leader. He began to sway as if he was one with
the palm trees and the breeze was gently, quietly, putting him in
motion as well. The rest of the class followed his lead. The rythems
became more “island” with a syncopation known only here. Nathan
leading just a beat ahead of the others all swaying gently to the
music of their Island....</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<i>In the falling dark-</i></div>
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<i>laughing voices and dogs bark, at dock</i></div>
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<i>boats are sleeping peacefully.</i></div>
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<i>Windows golden light</i></div>
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<i>a million stars are burning bright-</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>what a perfect place to be.</i></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>Back home on Farmers Cay-</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>smiling in a turquoise sea,</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>lazing in the sun at noon,</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>dreaming safe beneath the moon.</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>Where sky meets sand and sea-</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>my precious island, Farmers Cay.</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>This is home to me and it will always be.</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>This is home to me and it will always be.</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>This is home to me -</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>My precious island, Farmers Cay.</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
The singing ended or rather didn't end it faded into me like a dying
breeze at sunset...peaceful, safe, with a touch of reassuring magic.
I was spellbound and totally consumed by the moment. Those children
could not have given me a better gift. That moment will live in my
heart forever. In future when ever my thought turn to Farmers Cay it
will awaken somewhere deep down in my soul the music, water, and
breezes sung to me by Nathan, Aaron and his classmates on that
Thursday, February 4<sup>th</sup>, 2016, in their school, on Little
Farmers Cay...<i>smiling in the turquoise sea, lazing in the sun at
noon, dreaming safe beneath the moon, Little Farmers Cay.</i></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b>Smashie:</b></div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-_hk3g3Ozo/Vrs32RItPvI/AAAAAAAAcKc/H0ggu2o4yW8/s1600/Van%2B%2526%2B%2BSmashie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-_hk3g3Ozo/Vrs32RItPvI/AAAAAAAAcKc/H0ggu2o4yW8/s320/Van%2B%2526%2B%2BSmashie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smashie & Smashie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
It is funny how friendships evolve. In the cruising community you
develop a keen sense of “people.” In our world place and time
are so transient we don't have luxury of the bullshit and formalities
of land-side relationships. Most new friends just drift away with the
wind and tide to be pickup again when next we meet on that never
ending circle. However, some friendships become strong as iron and
nothing will break them. You are truly a lucky person if you can
count 2 or 3 of that variety in a lifetime that, like Kipling wrote
will standby you true and true. “Smashie” Van Fergerson from
Black Point Settlement I consider one of mine.</div>
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</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
It started my first year in the Exumas. We were “newbes” and Mac
and Shirley on “Cats Paws 2” took us under their wing and we
cruised with them off and on for 2 winters. Mac and I became fast
friends and Shirley, Gigi's – 2 friendships made of iron. During
that time Shirley introduced us to Smashie who worked at Sampson Cay.
We didn't know it at the time but Smash was a living legend in
Bahamas racing/boat building circles and was to became our first
introduction to Bahamian sloop racing.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Smashie is about 5'6” tall, stocky, with a big Bahamian smile. He
has big hands...the hands of a craftsman and big wide bare feet to
match. As a matter of fact I've never seen him with shoes on but
once – the day he was inducted into the Bahamian Sailing and
Boatbuilding Hall of Fame. On that day he wore a lavender, 3 piece
suit...and yes “shoes” all bought by his son Bo especially for
the occasion. He walked right past me on his way to the podium and I
didn't recognize him until he spoke. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ged6QPx3e5Q/Vrs3yp_NHeI/AAAAAAAAcKY/maDpEKbDv2U/s1600/Smashie-Awards-email-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ged6QPx3e5Q/Vrs3yp_NHeI/AAAAAAAAcKY/maDpEKbDv2U/s320/Smashie-Awards-email-1.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smashie with Shoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Nothing upsets Smashie. He is quiet, unassuming, and a true
gentleman on and off the race course. I saw “Whitty K” hit him
so hard in the Five Fs a few years back it contributed to a cracked
mast that he lost it in the second race. Whitty K won the race and
the series. All Smashie had to say in his soft Bahamian lilt was,
“Dats alright. I get him next time.” </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitty K</td></tr>
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On our next trip to Black Point on our second year of cruising we
looked Smahie up and he introduced us to Agnes, his wife. We
casually asked Van where we could get some “real” Bahamian food
and he said, “I tink Aggie will make you some on Sunday. You come
for dinner. OK?” It was delicious and The next trip to the Point
Gigi went to church with Agnes and she took her on a “stroll”
latter that afternoon. In case you don't know what a Bahamian
“stroll” means “introduction” - introduction to EVERYBODY.
Agnes took Gigi to almost every house in Black Point and introduced
her to everyone including the new babies. For some reason we had
gained their friendship and respect. We four have been fast friends
every since. </div>
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Ten years ago Van was a force in Class C Bahamian racing. Over the
years we have know him not so much. Something always breaks, goes
wrong, or the fates just didn't align properly. This year at Five Fs
he got “Smashie” (his boat) moving again. He took first in the
“Ocean Race” (banks not really ocean) and a second overall in the
series behind..guess who...his old nemesis Whitty K.
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Typical of Van not everything went smoothly. Between the second and
third race Bo raced over to Salty Turtle in the skiff. Vic, Vic you
got a big hose clamp? Da rudder she starting to separate. We need a
hose clamp to shore her up.” I got a hose clamp, a half dozen
screws and the screw gun and off we went. Five minutes later
“Smashie” was ready for the next race.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smashie</td></tr>
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Van is always at the helm of his boat but the last race something
unprecedented happened. Van was not at the helm of his beloved
“Smashie.” Van Fergerson had turned over the boat to Bo, his
son, and his crew.... They took a second to Whitty K of course.
It seems a slow changing of the guard it taking place. </div>
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If you ever make it to Black Point Settlement go over to the house
across the street from Lorain's Cafe and you will probably find Van
and his wife Agnes sitting in the shade of their porch plating palm
fronds. Introduced yourself and tell them you know us and I will bet
you 2 Sands beers he and Aggie will break into a big smile. You see,
they are our friends...a friendship made of iron. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4c2-jln884E/Vrs33mvFiCI/AAAAAAAAcKo/22jOajS_L6s/s1600/van%2Band%2BAgnes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4c2-jln884E/Vrs33mvFiCI/AAAAAAAAcKo/22jOajS_L6s/s320/van%2Band%2BAgnes.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van & Agnes</td></tr>
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We hope to make it up to Staniel Cay the end of the week when (and
if) the weather breaks. Now if you guys would do your part and keep
those nasty Cold Fronts up North where they belong it would be most
appreciated.</div>
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Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,</div>
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Vic Copelan
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bbYVB7Qvuc/Vrs6CIJcmqI/AAAAAAAAcLg/7MNa3YaPNyU/s1600/20160205-DSC_4476-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bbYVB7Qvuc/Vrs6CIJcmqI/AAAAAAAAcLg/7MNa3YaPNyU/s320/20160205-DSC_4476-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">F5s Start of Race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potcake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrVbYIj8pSw/Vrs33KxYkSI/AAAAAAAAcKk/Yuw4X5KefDo/s1600/smashie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrVbYIj8pSw/Vrs33KxYkSI/AAAAAAAAcKk/Yuw4X5KefDo/s320/smashie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smashie </td></tr>
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"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-14664198362383708602015-11-04T11:24:00.001-05:002015-11-04T11:27:08.348-05:002015/11/04 Morehead City, NC to Fernandian, FL<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }A:link { }</style>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><u><b>November 4, 2015 – Morehead
City to Fernandian Beach, FL</b></u></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: navy;">“<i>If I were giving a young man advice as to
how he might succeed in life, I would say to him, pick out a good
father and mother..” Wilber Wright</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>10/08/2015 Morehead City to Wrightsville
Beach, NC 82 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>10/09-10/2015 Wrightsville Beach to Lady's
Island Marina, Beaufort, SC 212 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>10/19/2015 Beaufort to Bull Ck, SC 27
nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>10/20/2015 Bull Ck to Buckhead Ck,
GA 40 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>10/21/2015 Buckhead Ck to Kilkenny Ck,
GA 9 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>10/22/2015 Kilkenny Ck to Fredereica river,
GA 50 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>10/24/2015 Frederecia River to Brunswick
Landing Marina, Brunswick, GA 15 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>10/31/2015 Brunswick Landing to Brickhill
River (Cumberland Island), GA 21 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>11/02/2015 Brickhill River to Fernandian
Beach, FL 21 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i> Total Miles To Date: 477 nm</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c0Y1DEx410U/VizpTiqXUSI/AAAAAAAAbU4/TLzsCRpjXoc/s1600/20151021-DSC_2386-25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c0Y1DEx410U/VizpTiqXUSI/AAAAAAAAbU4/TLzsCRpjXoc/s400/20151021-DSC_2386-25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A pair of dolphin arched their way to
the stern of the Turtle just as the colors of dawn spread across the
marsh. I could hear the unseen explosion of the pelican's plunge as
they dove for their breakfast just off the confluence of the
Brickhill river and the little creek that lead inland. My little
world was at peace welcoming the dawn and so was I. It was a time to
enjoy a quite cup of coffee and reflect on the past weeks voyage.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Bucket list...Wrightsville to
Beaufort, SC</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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For 30 years my
best bud Mike Yount and I had been dreaming of an off shore trip
around Cape Fear to Charleston, SC, but for some reason or another it
just never happened – weather, timing, commitments and a muddle of
others. That off shore passage had lain dormant in my “bucket
list” forever. Hurricane Joaquin was going to change that for
Gigi and I...and change this years cruise as well.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fyRdsv6uYb4/VizhiORaZ7I/AAAAAAAAbHU/Fo8EXS3ofPQ/s1600/20151008-DSC_2004-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fyRdsv6uYb4/VizhiORaZ7I/AAAAAAAAbHU/Fo8EXS3ofPQ/s400/20151008-DSC_2004-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After Joaquin
passed Morehead it left us with 3 days of excellent calm weather and
a real problem for the ICW in NC, SC, and GA...big time flooding. It
didn't take long for us to make our decision. We would jump off
shore to Wrightsville spend the night and then go back out around
Cape Fear and in at St. Helena Sound and up the Coosaw River to
Beaufort, SC.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWZj5BkF_SY/Vizh-I8qNKI/AAAAAAAAbIs/oXVBEntSnfA/s1600/20151008-DSC_2032-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWZj5BkF_SY/Vizh-I8qNKI/AAAAAAAAbIs/oXVBEntSnfA/s400/20151008-DSC_2032-9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The trip off shore
to Wrightsville was as good as it gets except for having to dodge a
war ship or two off Camp LeJeune engaged in maneuvers including a
helicopter and harrier jump jet aircraft carrier and a hover craft
doing it's hovering thing at speed...pretty impressive I must say.
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<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
By my estimation
it would be about a 24 hour trip from Wrightsville to the entrance
buoy for St. Helena Sound so at 7:30 with the first good light the
Turtle hauled her anchor and were at sea by 8:30 AM headed for a new
adventure and a check mark on my “bucket list.”
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There are only 2
spots in the whole trip that require a little “attention.” The
first is Frying Pan Shoal Slue, a narrow channel thru Frying Pan
Shoal that stenches from the Cape Fear about 15 miles out to sea. The
second is the big open water entrance to St. Helena Sound and good
visibility would be a real plus when we hit the outer buoy.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
About 2 miles out
of Flying Pan the GPS quit. What the heck..or words to that effect!
After a moment or two of an “Oh! Shit!” attack we calmed down
and remembered we have 3 backups aboard – Gigi's iPad with minimal
chartplotter App (works quite well by the way), Navigational software
in the computer (already up and running below), and a compass. I
shut the chartplotter down and restarted it cold and it came back to
life (it was to periodically take a break over the next 20 hours).
Two days later I called Garmin and after 2 hours on the phone with
them the problem was diagnosed as a combination of software and an
antenna going bad. I downloaded a software update and installed a
new antenna and the GPS is now good to go.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frying Pan Shoal Slue Mark</td></tr>
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<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Gigi and I have
always enjoyed our night passages...star filled nights with little
land light pollution. If you have not been at sea on a dark star
filled night you have truly miss one of the great beauties in this
world. About an hour before dusk I fixed pork chops on the grill
for supper, Gigi cleaned up after, and I prepared the boat for a
night at sea. When I flipped on the navigation lights the port light
(red) and stern light (white) came on but the starboard (green) did
not...shit another gremlin. I left them on for a few minutes and
cycled the switch and the stern and starboard came on but the port
didn't...has to be corrosion somewhere. Finally they all came on and
stayed on..another job when we get into Beaufort (I was right by the
way, all the contacts on the bulbs needed cleaning).
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We hit the sea
buoy for St.Helena Sound at 7:35 AM with plenty of light to work our
way in but with a light fog. We had shut the navigation lights down
at sunup but with the fog nav lights are required by rule. This
time they stubbornly refused to re-light at all. There had been
rumors that some of the St. Helena sound markers were off station or
no longer there period. The rumors turned out to be wrong...at least
something was going right.</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
By 11:45 AM we
tied up at Lady's Island Marina in a driving rain storm. Steve, the
dockmaster, welcomed us “home.” Lady's Island does feel like
home...a week later as we warped the Turtle off the dock heading
South Steve hollered from the dock, “ Ya know what they call folk
that leave Lady's Island? Quitters!.”
</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady's Island Marina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
While at Lady's
Island my cousin Stacy and her husband Paul gave me one fine gift.
They brought my Aunt Christine for a visit. Christine is the last of
my Dad's sisters and is quite dear to me. It made my year. Thank
you Stacy and Paul. Time is the best gift a person can give.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>A Different Adventure This Year..</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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I knew from the
start this year would not be normal. Hurricane Joaquin made sure of
that. The South end of Long Island, Rum Cay, Crooked and Atkin
Islands and San Salvador sat under the eye of Joaquin for 2 days
before he moved on. The islands were over washed homes destroyed,
schools in ruins, stores gone. Little was left even the palm trees
had been stripped of fonds that they use to make their beautiful
baskets and hats. Gigi, Salty Turtle, and I knew we could not sit
back and do nothing. We had to give back to the communities that
have been so good to us with their time, friendship, and open hearts.
It is our turn to give.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
She looked at me,
I looked at her, and the Turtle said, “load me to waterline with
stuff for the kids and I will get you to Long Island by Christmas.”
And so a pact was made between the three of us and with the help of
friends we are doing just that. My my Aunt Christine, cousin Stacy,
and her husband Paul Brannon brought us the first load while we were
at Lady's Island. Bill Morris, Helen and Bill Brinson, and John and
Vicki Skemp sent toys and books. Steve and Aggie Knox not only
contributed toys, books, and clothes but have allowed us to use their
home to have stuff mailed to them for pickup when we reach
Titusville.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If any of you want
to raid your attic and help you can send clean children clothes (all
ages), books, school supplies, good used toys, games, sports
equipment, etc. to us and we will stuff the Turtle till the water
line doesn't show. Give me a call (242-944-5514) or drop me an email
(<a href="mailto:oconee382@yahoo.com">oconee382@yahoo.com</a>) and I
will get you and address to send your stuff – cut off date
Thanksgiving.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We hope to leave
for the Bahamas as soon after Thanksgiving as possible and beat feet
for Long Island as fast as Salty Turtle and the weather will allow,
deliver our stuff to our contacts on Long, and then assess how we can
help or if we can be of further assistance. Then.....who knows?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>A Maze of Marsh:</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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We spent a couple
of peaceful days anchored by ourselves in bend of the Brickhill River
with salt marsh to our West and Cumberland Island to our East. There
were no other boats anchored in the river. It was ours to enjoy the
beautiful sunsets and sunrises, speak to the dolphin as they cruised
by to examine Salty Turtle (and us), and listen to call of the
numerous water fowl as they discussed their day. You can sit in the
Brickhill and see the boats across the marsh on the ICW a few miles
distant on their own mission headed South. I've always wondered,
“Why don't they stop” This is a wonderful anchorage. Full of
nature's magic and healing peace.” But they don't stop and the
magic belonged to Salty Turtle... at least for a while.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frederica River</td></tr>
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The Brickhill
winds it's way for about 5 miles thru a salt marsh that extends from
Cumberland to the horizon. The Marsh is almost a sea unto it's self
with small creeks and waterie leads that thread their way thru the
marsh in a maze of tributaries and dead ends. After a good nights
sleep Gigi and I decided to take the dink, head over to Plumb
Orchard, and try and catch the tour or just go for a walk on
Cumberland. </div>
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It's about a 4
mile dingy ride from our anchorage to Plum Orchard so off we went.
I'd taken a quick look at the chart before we left and noticed
Mumford Creek wound thru the marsh and back to the Brickhill about a
mile from Plum Orchard. “Let's do a little exploring,” says I.
Right here is where I made my first error...</div>
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We ran Mule (dink)
to the tree line on Cumberland in deep water and followed a lead that
lead to the over head power cables that supplied the island with
electricity...until the water ran out that is and we were just at the
start of the ebb (high dropping tide). Time to do turn about. We
followed what we thought was the main body of the Mumford until it
dead ended within sight of the Brickhill but no way thru. Some how
we had missed the lead that would take us thru to the Brickhill.
Time to give up, do a back stroke, and go back the way we had come to
the Brickhill. Easier said than done that was.</div>
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All the leads and
creeks started to look alike – marsh grass is marsh grass ya know.
We could see the Turtle across the marsh about 2 miles distant. We
could see the terminus of the power lines that we knew ended on the
Brickhill. But...we couldn't seem to get there. Up one lead...dead
end. Up the next same story. At times we could see the main channel
of the Brickhill or Mumford (or we thought we could) but maze gave up
it's exit grudgingly. After an hour of feeling like an idiot Mule
stumbled on the main body of the Mumford and we made our way back to
Salty Turtle just a bit humbled by the experience.
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<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There is no moral
to this story but there is a lesson – <i>A Maze of Marshes are Just
That</i>. I dined on humble pie...and rum.</div>
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<b>Next:</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Turtle is
anchored in Bell River off Fernandian, FL. We are headed for Palm
Coast tomorrow to visit with Gigi's cousin Tom and his wife Olga,
replace a busted stereo, and finish our provisioning before heading
further South.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fairwinds and Rum
Drinks,</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Vic Copelan</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
PS – Don't ya
just love signs.</div>
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"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-50232531263811313912015-09-23T09:44:00.001-04:002015-09-23T10:37:42.342-04:002015/09/23 Summer 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i><u><b>2015 June to September: Iowa
to Vancouver / British Columbia</b></u></i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #280099;">“<i>Just
outside the harbor a way out on the water a ship is under sail. </i></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #280099;"><i>I wave bye
bye. </i></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #280099;"><i>I wish you God
speed. I wish you lovely weather. More luck than you need.</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #280099;"><i>You only sail
in circles so there's no need to cry.</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #280099;"><i>Oh, I'll see
you again one day...and then I'll wave Bye Bye.”</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #280099;"><i>Jimmy Buffett
</i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(Pretty
much describes the life of a cruiser. Thanks Jimmy. VC)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><u><b>Summer:</b></u></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">This
morning's coffee on the aft deck included a visit from “Fall” –
a precursor of things to come. There was a thick, soft, moist fog
that enveloped our world. Everything disappeared in the soft glow of
dawn. There was the deep throated resound of fog horns around the
harbor, and the air had the coolish nip typical of a season being
born. Boat tail grackles were swirling off their night time roost
looking for the mystery that leads them South. South where Fall
lingers all Winter. South where the “snowbirds” gather be they
winged or two legged. The same stirrings are strong is us as
well...and it is time for us to follow in their wake. This week we
hope to loose our marina bonds, take in our dock lines, and (if the
weather cooperates) head out on this year's adventure. </span>
</div>
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<br />
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">But
a little catch-up first...</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">It
has been a full summer...and that is an understatement. A summer of
doctor's visits, flying “Madogs,” Black Bears, Ice fields,
and...Layla. I spent June on a road trip visiting Noel, Celine, and
my Grandson, Malo (Madog) Copelan. Malo and I had planed all last
winter to share a birthday – his is in late June and mine mid-July.
What fun. Malo has taken to the water like his Dad, Grandad, and
Great Grandad before him. The boy is a duck. The flying Madog photo
was taken in France in August. The lady in the chair is Annie, his
French Grandmother, and the “topless” little girl is his cousin.
</span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctdyQJnKB5w/Vf7PwEnSbVI/AAAAAAAAaRY/U3f7HqoeOmI/s1600/20150618-10-books-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctdyQJnKB5w/Vf7PwEnSbVI/AAAAAAAAaRY/U3f7HqoeOmI/s320/20150618-10-books-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madog, Vic & Noel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying Madogs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> The
old Buick and I made it home just in time to attend the “Temples
Point 4<sup>th</sup> of July Parade” - an event not to be missed.
The Parade is what the 4<sup>th</sup> is meant to be – tractors,
dogs, kids, hamburgers & hotdogs, beer, friends, family..., and
love.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Gigi
spent 2 weeks exploring Vancouver and British Columbia including
their famous ice fields with her daughter Becky. According to one of
her tour guides BC is “Mountains, mountains, mountains, waterfall,
waterfall, waterfall, lake, lake, trees, trees..and if lucky
wildlife, wildlife, wildlife. After a while they start to all look
the same.” But Gigi would add, all beautiful and different in
their on subtile way. She loved her time with Becky. It was
special...a bucket list trip. </span>
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }A:link { }</style>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Layla:</b></u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZeTk4PrdTI/Vf7jbjiY_yI/AAAAAAAAayU/9UUG2Jm4M_Y/s1600/20150901-P9010003-3.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZeTk4PrdTI/Vf7jbjiY_yI/AAAAAAAAayU/9UUG2Jm4M_Y/s320/20150901-P9010003-3.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layla in Prison</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>I thought long and hard about how to tell this story and finally
decided to just let it unfold the way it happened by letting you read
the original emails. This makes the story a little long but so be
it. Here is “Layla's story. She is one of the lucky ones...here is Layla's story.</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>Vic</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>August 31st</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Vic:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dear Friends,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
A few days ago I went down at Mathews
Point to do a little work on Oconee (needed a break from working on
the Turtle). It was early in the morning. David had just returned
from his morning walk and had a "tag along" - a pretty
brindle boxer mix pup about a year and a half old. She was friendly
and just seemed to want to be around people.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
After a few minutes talking with Jett
and David I wandered out to Oconee to start work. While I was below
hunting down a can of Cetol I felt the boat move. Stuck my head out
the hatch and peered around the dodger and came nose to nose with the
boxer. She had invited herself aboard and was standing there wanting
a little attention.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
I finally got her off the boat and
down the dock we went to find David (David said he knew the owners).
While David was looking for a line to tie her up with until he could
get in touch with them I just on an off chance asked her to sit. She
did and looked up as if to say, "is there anything else?"
David found a line and tied her up and said he would get in touch
with the owner. <br />
<br />
I went on about my business, finished the
Cetol and dropped by Davids to see how he was making out getting in
touch with the owners. David said, "I got em alright. They took
the dog straight to the pound." I was in shock. That sweet dog
in the Pound. Why would anyone do that? David said they just didn't
want her.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
I went by the Carteret County Animal
Shelter to see if she had been adopted. Her name is Layla and she had
not.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
This dog "spoke" to me. If
I did not live on a boat I would not be writing this email. She would
be mine.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
If you or anyone you trust would like
a nice dog. I will gladly pay the $125 to "spring" her and
will deliver her to here new owners.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Thanks for your help. Layla is to
nice a dog to waste away in the pound.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>September 1st</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br />
<i>One day later my friends John
and Vicki in the mountains of NC responded:</i></div>
<blockquote style="margin-left: 0in;">
John:</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote style="margin-left: 0in;">
Vicki said that if you can't
find someone closer to you, "Bring her on"?
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>I wrote back immediately:</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Vic:</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thanks John and
Vicki. I can not think of a better home for a dog. Ill check with the
pound tomorrow. If we bring her may we stay over night? I suspect she
will be like Bob...your shadow.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>September 3<sup>rd</sup></b></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Vic:</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I will be going by the Pound today and discussing things with them.
The $125 fee includes shots, deworming if necessary and spay. I
expect that will take a day or so. And no I don't want any help with
the money. For some reason my heart feels she is my responsibility.
<br />
<br />
If we are able to get Layla Gigi and I are thinking about
bringing her on 10th and returning on the 11th if that will work for
ya'll? That makes for a might short visit but at this time of the
year everything turns up a notch in preparation to head South and
time is precious. My buds Mike and Jennie have agreed to keep Layla
until I can bring her up...they love dogs almost as much as you
guys.<br />
<br />
I never expected you guys to take Layla but knew you
would help find a good home for her. I feel like she has won the
lottery.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>September 4<sup>th</sup>
</b>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vic:</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><br /></b></span>Well
yesterday was a frustrating (read infuriating) day. I went by the
Animal Shelter yesterday. Told the beady eyed bitch that was behind
the counter my Layla story. Explained that I had found a good home
for Layla (the best imaginable) and even showed her a photo of you
guys on your porch with your pups. I explained that I would like to
pick Layla up on the 9th and arrange for an early pick up if
possible..we had 350 miles to drive. That's when thing went to hell
in a hand basket and Old Vic got frustrated...pissed...and just plain
mad.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
The Bitch said, "We would have
to meet them." They would have to bring their dogs in to see if
they were compatible." ...And, that they could not hold a dog
for me. They were full to the brim and needed space (figure that one
out). They had someone guaranteed to give Layla a good home in 7 days
and that was not acceptable? Yet they were going to take the off
chance that someone might walk thru the door today and adopt Layla.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
At that point I was in shock..and
getting in a very augmentative mood. After a few minutes of
discussion and my blood pressure rising every minute Gigi herded me
out the door before I strangled the Bitch.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
I left my phone number for the
Bitch's supervisor to call me back..of course she did not.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
The problem was I was honest thinking
that they would want their dogs to have a good home. That was my big
mistake. Us Copelans are pretty stubborn...in case you haven't notice
and this ain't over. I am going to call back, and (if they will let
me) start adoption procedures for Layla. I'll tell them I had a
change of heart, felt responsible for the dog, and wanted her my
self.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
I hate lies but this day and time
lying seems to be the way of the world. I'll let you know how things
go.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Frustrated, Mad, Pissed....</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Vicki:</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was afraid something like this could happen.<br />
<br />
If you thought
it would do any good, you could show them the blog post below which
shows how we dealt with adopting Bob and introducing him to the pack.
Or if the woman you spoke with (or better yet, her supervisor) wanted
to call and talk to me, my cell is XXXXXXX.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /><a href="http://vickilanemysteries.blogspot.com/2015/01/bob-dog.html">http://vickilanemysteries.blogspot.com/2015/01/bob-dog.html</a></b></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>If you want to
read a story of good hearted people take the jump over to Vicki's
blog and read her story of Bob. Vic</i></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Vic:</div>
<blockquote style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">One
More Thing...i</span></span>f the adoption does not work. I will
promise them that if they harm one hair on Layla's body I will take
the story public to Channel 12, 7, 8, and 9 and visit the mayors of
Newport and Morehead City.
</blockquote>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>September 5<sup>th</sup></b></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n--6nRlQkEk/VgFrW5ZT7rI/AAAAAAAAa3A/WV--KfP3IM0/s1600/20150904-photo-1-2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n--6nRlQkEk/VgFrW5ZT7rI/AAAAAAAAa3A/WV--KfP3IM0/s320/20150904-photo-1-2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Vic:</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well it's a done deal...all it took was to lie.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I went by the Pound yesterday told them I wanted to adopt Layla myself and ...no problem. They brought her out and lead her to a small holding area with a wooden gate to put her new collar on but when she saw me she broke free, busted down the gate and came straight to me. Nothing was going to kepp Layla form getting close enough to touch me. Nothing.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When I lead her outside I had planed to take her for a short walk and then to the car. Layla had other ideas. She went straight to that old white Buick, jumped in the back seat, and would not come out...as if to say, "Get me the hell out of here...NOW!" I did what she asked.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jennie and Mike had agreed to keep her until I could take Layla to John and Vicki so we headed for Washington, NC. I patted the front seat and Layla slowly came up and sate beside me. She looked around for a bit and then laid down beside me and put her nose on my leg and when to sleep. She was content and safe and she knew it. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_hyyixZW_mI/VgFrZ5FzWGI/AAAAAAAAa3I/UZR_PXtt7zA/s1600/20150904-photo-2-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_hyyixZW_mI/VgFrZ5FzWGI/AAAAAAAAa3I/UZR_PXtt7zA/s320/20150904-photo-2-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leg to nose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Layla did well at Mikes and quickly settled in. She knows the "no" word. All you have to do is say "no" with authority and she stops what she is doing and says she is sorry. She asks when she needs to go out...but don't say the "go" word unless you mean it. If you do she want to go to ride.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You were right Layla adopted me. She did not want to be far from me. When Mike, Noel (my son), and I were talking she wold lay at my feet. I've never had a dog so clearly say, "You are mine." before.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was very hard to leave her at Mikes. Noel will be taking her to her new life with John and Vicki in the mountains on Sunday. I told Layla she is one lucky dog to be selected to go live in a dog's paradise in the mountains with her own pack, and the best people in the world.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQTv1ilJrtI/Vf7jfnq7MeI/AAAAAAAAayc/W1RMeGqeaUA/s1600/20150905-DSC_0005-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQTv1ilJrtI/Vf7jfnq7MeI/AAAAAAAAayc/W1RMeGqeaUA/s320/20150905-DSC_0005-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layla and Bob</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<pre style="margin-right: 0.79in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vic:</span></span>
</pre>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
She will love you guys. She is a smart dog so watch out. She likes
men and I expect she will be following you around in short order.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O9f0HOqcKAs/Vf7jgDz8yGI/AAAAAAAAayo/agTTnCOdFgM/s1600/20150905-DSC_0006-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O9f0HOqcKAs/Vf7jgDz8yGI/AAAAAAAAayo/agTTnCOdFgM/s320/20150905-DSC_0006-2.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John, Layla, & Noel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I really don't understand what attached
her to me. I only saw her once before the Pound but the attachment
was clear. Jennie said she went to the door and cried when I
left...broke my heart. She is clearly a special dog to me.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kk4Ht5NMj5w/Vf7jg9JWQdI/AAAAAAAAayw/yOP1mwQcgn4/s1600/20150910-DSC_0001-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kk4Ht5NMj5w/Vf7jg9JWQdI/AAAAAAAAayw/yOP1mwQcgn4/s320/20150910-DSC_0001-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Da Spoiling Began</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; margin-bottom: 0in; padding-bottom: 0.03in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Noel delivered Layla to her new home
with John and Vick on September 6<sup>th</sup> and Layla and Bob, one
of their other dogs, became fast friends. The rest of the pack
especially Willa is taking a “wait and see attitude. Layla is in
dog heaven running with her own pack of dogs..and humans. Here is a
link to Vicki's Blog that gives her take on the Layla Story.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://vickilanemysteries.blogspot.com/2015/09/layla-comes-home-at-last.html" target="_blank"><i>http://vickilanemysteries.blogspot.com/2015/09/layla-comes-home-at-last.html</i></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mfmU0HEmfIo/Vf7f7FLVMUI/AAAAAAAAaqU/GJrT1R6I-SM/s1600/20150617-DSC_1561-21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mfmU0HEmfIo/Vf7f7FLVMUI/AAAAAAAAaqU/GJrT1R6I-SM/s320/20150617-DSC_1561-21.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John & Vicki</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>From the bottom of my heart thank
you John and Vicki. You are good people.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fairwinds and Rum Drink,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Vic<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RZV-_o3M9A/VgFrTItqL6I/AAAAAAAAa24/-gdNP7DAacY/s1600/20150922-layla-vista-1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RZV-_o3M9A/VgFrTItqL6I/AAAAAAAAa24/-gdNP7DAacY/s400/20150922-layla-vista-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layla is Home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
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"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-44850391462089023252015-03-13T12:34:00.001-04:002015-03-13T13:54:56.416-04:002015/03/13 Pipe Creek / Big Major Spot/Black Point / White Point<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><i><u><b>March
13, 2015 Pipe Creek / Big Major Spot/Black Point/White Point:</b></u></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>2/02/2015 Black
Point to Pipe Creek, Exuma 14 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>2/19/2015 Pipe
Creek to Big Majors Spot, 5 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>2/20/2015 Big
Majors Spot to Sampson Cay, 4 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>2/23/2015 Sampson
Cay to Staniel (for groceries)/ Black Point 13 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>2/26/2015 Black
Point to Pipe Creek (Causeway) 13 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>2/27/2015 Pipe
Creek to Big Majors Spot 9 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>3/08/2015 Big
Majors Spot to White Point, Jack's Bay 12 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>3/12/2015 White
Point to Black Point </i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><i> Total
Miles to Date: 1236 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d83bNS7Kado/VQLntk4I9TI/AAAAAAAAYvg/pKd63KYuNUQ/s1600/20150311-DSC_9100-59.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d83bNS7Kado/VQLntk4I9TI/AAAAAAAAYvg/pKd63KYuNUQ/s1600/20150311-DSC_9100-59.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Point Beach N,</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;">“<i>To look at
the face and not see humanity is to lack humanity.” Edward Curtis
pioneer in photography and author of “The North American Indian”</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;">“<i>As we
frequently need to remind ourselves, history is generally written by
the victors and, as such, can be exceedingly misleading, when it does
not deliberately lie.” Farley Mowat</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blSoIMfztDs/VQLgXqEv_4I/AAAAAAAAYpA/O054UPS279k/s1600/20150207-P1000975-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pjoFeYG7Zs/VQLhAhUPkvI/AAAAAAAAYp4/lZPyCTyGzRo/s1600/20150207-P1000990-16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pjoFeYG7Zs/VQLhAhUPkvI/AAAAAAAAYp4/lZPyCTyGzRo/s1600/20150207-P1000990-16.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipe Ck Sands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Salty
Turtle has been anchored off White Point about 5 miles S. of Black
Point for the past few days enjoying a little solitude with a nice
snorkel, some exploration, and a couple of beach walks thrown in for
good measure. White Point is “beaches” thus white. Black Point
is “iron rock” thus black. White Point is a tiny peninsula of
land barely 300 feet across with beaches on both sides that extends
about a half mile out into Banks off Great Guana Cay. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sx0ZylOEWko/VQLkRX6XABI/AAAAAAAAYsU/a4D52y8GWL4/s1600/20150217-DSC_8733-34.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sx0ZylOEWko/VQLkRX6XABI/AAAAAAAAYsU/a4D52y8GWL4/s1600/20150217-DSC_8733-34.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">We
had shared this peaceful spot with only one other boat and a resident
osprey...until yesterday when the “world” decided to descend on
White Point (2 other boats showed up). Guess it's time to head for
Black Point and see if the wifi gods will let us up load this
blog....</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wp1p9BcT7PE/VQLkGzCB06I/AAAAAAAAYsE/11i0rr0BsT0/s1600/20150214-IMG_0164-32.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wp1p9BcT7PE/VQLkGzCB06I/AAAAAAAAYsE/11i0rr0BsT0/s1600/20150214-IMG_0164-32.jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conch Walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>The
Storm...</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">We wait... </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lDOblefirLY/VQLbj1KrupI/AAAAAAAAYig/QqslulJRG-Q/s1600/20150205-DSC_8613-17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lDOblefirLY/VQLbj1KrupI/AAAAAAAAYig/QqslulJRG-Q/s1600/20150205-DSC_8613-17.jpg" height="217" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming Storm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">It was a flat calm evening in Pipe Creek – a
magic kind of night. Wild Tamarind and Little Pipe cays were etched
black against the magenta sky of a dieing sun. Pipe Creek was
spooky quiet. Not a ripple. Not a bird. Not a human sound. The
Turtle hung in the current as if suspended in a black pool and did
not move...she too was waiting. We both know what is coming...by
morning Pipe Creek will be a different place. The storm with its
strong West winds will be upon us. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blSoIMfztDs/VQLgXqEv_4I/AAAAAAAAYpA/O054UPS279k/s1600/20150207-P1000975-9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blSoIMfztDs/VQLgXqEv_4I/AAAAAAAAYpA/O054UPS279k/s1600/20150207-P1000975-9.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipe Ck Sands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">We had re-set the anchor. Added as much scope
as possible. Lengthened our snubbers to 20 feet and not only had a
loop of chain between the boat and the snubber but had added a pile
of chain on the bottom for the winds and currents to have to drag
around. The charplotter was on and so was Gigi's iPad both track the
Turtle's ever move. Elongated “O” for a track indicates all is
good but “Q” shapes do not give warm and fuzzy feelings and
something must be done 'cause the anchor is (or has) been moving. We
were as ready as could be. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8TPZ7vlj6mY/VQLc8c_HOVI/AAAAAAAAYlA/80E0JAzeLzs/s1600/20150216-P1010022-37.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8TPZ7vlj6mY/VQLc8c_HOVI/AAAAAAAAYlA/80E0JAzeLzs/s1600/20150216-P1010022-37.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe - Da Mayor of Pipe Ck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">It is not like we haven't been thru this drill
before without incident. The last 5 weeks had been a series of cold
fronts with strong West winds the like of which no one in living
memory can remember. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz5UWqLSf9g/VQLajLR_8LI/AAAAAAAAYhY/COzmGev9a1o/s1600/20150122-P1000728-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz5UWqLSf9g/VQLajLR_8LI/AAAAAAAAYhY/COzmGev9a1o/s1600/20150122-P1000728-8.jpg" height="400" width="253" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">By morning the winds were exceeding 30ks in
gusts out of the WNW (NNW winds will blow straight down the Ck). The
snubbers were taught as a banjo strings fixing to bust with a shock
load every minute or so from the 3' waves that were beginning to
march down the creek, but we knew the worst was yet to come with the
switch of tide at 11:00 AM. With the start of the incoming tide wind
would be fighting current, waves would build to a short staccato chop
slamming the hull every few seconds and wind would turn us sideways
to the current. We waited keeping a sharp eye on the chartplotters
and the reefs to our W and E both of which we clear by less than
100'. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa9Mhj-ruFQ/VQLh26y28GI/AAAAAAAAYqg/hbJS2XUCj0U/s1600/20150213-DSC_8695-21.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa9Mhj-ruFQ/VQLh26y28GI/AAAAAAAAYqg/hbJS2XUCj0U/s1600/20150213-DSC_8695-21.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">By 12:00 Noon the winds and clocked to the NNW
and the winds built to a steady 30k with higher gust. The fight
between the current and the wind was becoming a real problem. We
were circling our anchor about ever 5 minutes. Our 88 pound Rocna
anchor is an amazing piece of gear. It was holding and veering as we
circled..but no anchor can keep up that kind of punishment and stay
in the bottom. It was obvious...it was time to go. When it is bad
enough to leave a relatively protected anchorage for the Banks where
we would be looking at huge seas you know it is bad.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61a30fL0bgI/VQLcdZs5wTI/AAAAAAAAYkI/iD_OI1gISq4/s1600/20150207-P1000938-30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61a30fL0bgI/VQLcdZs5wTI/AAAAAAAAYkI/iD_OI1gISq4/s1600/20150207-P1000938-30.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Gigi cranked the “Lolls” (what I call the
engines because of the deep throated sound they make) and I went to
the windless to plan my strategy. With the howl of the winds and the
din created by the canvas being shook like a dog with a rat, it was
obvious all communications were to be by hand signals. I prayed to
the boat gods we got it right the first time...there would be no
second chance. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWbObdSXZLw/VQLaN2SCs8I/AAAAAAAAYhA/kUDJYv_vrVU/s1600/20150120-P1000715-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWbObdSXZLw/VQLaN2SCs8I/AAAAAAAAYhA/kUDJYv_vrVU/s1600/20150120-P1000715-5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">We waited until the current over came the wind
and the Turtle started her circle around the anchor so there would
less pressure on the rode to over come. With hand signals to Gigi we
followed the rode. I don't know how she did it but she put Salty
Turtle exactly where I signaled her every time. Little by little
the 100' of rode crept in until it was straight up and down. One
more gust and the anchor broke free and Gigi got the “thumbs up”
signal that the boat was free and hers. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0PoNzaALIA/VQLbGU4EJmI/AAAAAAAAYiI/OzWN4Qy_zYA/s1600/20150203-P1000767-14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0PoNzaALIA/VQLbGU4EJmI/AAAAAAAAYiI/OzWN4Qy_zYA/s1600/20150203-P1000767-14.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Now it was time to do something with that damn
dingy. It had been tied along side. Gigi eased us into the current
in the wind shadow of Wild Tamarind Cay and I re-tied the dink off
the stern for towing – no way could we lift it on deck in that
wind. I can hear you asking why the dink was in the water in the
first place with a storm coming on? Answer: safety. What if you
needed to take a second anchor out or go the assistance of another
boater – with the dink in davits that can not happen. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELfKG3_nf8s/VQLa2AvUmqI/AAAAAAAAYh4/rv1F32JkLn8/s1600/20150203-P1000764-12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELfKG3_nf8s/VQLa2AvUmqI/AAAAAAAAYh4/rv1F32JkLn8/s1600/20150203-P1000764-12.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">The 4 foot seas were a piece of cake after the
anchor drill and by 1:00 PM the Turtle had her anchor down in the NE
corner of Big Major Spot with 150' of chain on the bottom and we
could breath again. We were rolling our ass off but we were safe. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Time for an anchor's down R U M! Gigi and I
had 2. By dark the winds had gone due N and settled the roll to
something liveable. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">All was right with our world again. Which just
goes to show a little fear can move mountains.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j8494OAoq1Y/VQLuEJlg3aI/AAAAAAAAYyc/Xpfrx3IX0y8/s1600/20150307-DSC_8857-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j8494OAoq1Y/VQLuEJlg3aI/AAAAAAAAYyc/Xpfrx3IX0y8/s1600/20150307-DSC_8857-1.jpg" height="400" width="333" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave & Diane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Then
There Was... </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">the wedding and
(before you ask) definitely not mine. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZw0dPrPI8I/VQL2fk4_ESI/AAAAAAAAY1Y/PygQk5yOZ_Y/s1600/20150307-DSC_8926-6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZw0dPrPI8I/VQL2fk4_ESI/AAAAAAAAY1Y/PygQk5yOZ_Y/s1600/20150307-DSC_8926-6.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave & Diane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Pam and Ron on “Legacy,” a Defever-44 like
ours, had spent most of the year in Pipe Creek with us and “Just
Ducky.” They had been excited ever since they entered the creek at
the start of the year. Their best friends, Dave & Diane ,were
coming to spend 10 days with them the first of March. Then came the
phone call. Things were changing and changing fast. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iaEQnCFQEP4/VQLxIMzsRLI/AAAAAAAAYz4/UhKgfjSNIRg/s1600/20150307-DSC_8895-12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iaEQnCFQEP4/VQLxIMzsRLI/AAAAAAAAYz4/UhKgfjSNIRg/s1600/20150307-DSC_8895-12.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Dave walked into work on or about the 16<sup>th</sup>
of February and his asshole of a boss strolled in and erased his name
off the “vacation board” and penciled in his own. Dave
protested. He had had the vacation approved for months with tickets
purchased and everything. His boss said, “so?” or words to that
effect. Dave had been considering retirement and quit on the spot.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibb0K2n2M_Y/VQLuQSwEDGI/AAAAAAAAYyk/oS9wmvtyuJ0/s1600/20150307-DSC_8858-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibb0K2n2M_Y/VQLuQSwEDGI/AAAAAAAAYyk/oS9wmvtyuJ0/s1600/20150307-DSC_8858-2.jpg" height="215" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave, Diane, Pam, Ron, & Gigi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">He went home, talked things over with Diane,
his lady friend, and decided to put his home on the market and move
in with her. It sold the day it hit the market...Dave was on a roll.
Might as well go all the way, why not get married when they were in
the Bahamas – they were going anyway and damn Dave's Boss. Good
plan!</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDOevfd20eU/VQL0s_XL_YI/AAAAAAAAY04/FCFbRob8i_s/s1600/20150307-DSC_8918-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDOevfd20eU/VQL0s_XL_YI/AAAAAAAAY04/FCFbRob8i_s/s1600/20150307-DSC_8918-2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bouquet in Progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">That's where the phone call came in and Gigi
and I entered the picture. Ron knew I was a photographer and all
weddings need a photographer...right? Of course I said yes. Now all
that was left was to find a preacher and a church. They went looking
for Burkie Rolle. Burkie works the gas dock at Staniel Cay Yacht
Club, is part owner of Isles General Store with his wife Vivian,
distributes propane for the Cay, is the best outboard mechanic on the
island, and...is the one armed pastor of the Mt. Olivet Baptist
Church (the one armed part is a story in its self). Burkie said yes
and the date was set for Saturday, March 17<sup>th</sup> at 3:00 PM.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp9VwbRnkmA/VQL2LYX8x5I/AAAAAAAAY1Q/9bdce2yKmFw/s1600/20150307-DSC_8923-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp9VwbRnkmA/VQL2LYX8x5I/AAAAAAAAY1Q/9bdce2yKmFw/s1600/20150307-DSC_8923-5.jpg" height="400" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam & Diane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">The wedding day was a splash of color as the
dinghies sped over the calm waters sprinkled with shadows of
scudding clouds dancing before the sun making a kaleidoscope of ever
shifting blues and greens. They were headed for a pre-party and
lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club. After a great lunch, a <i>number</i>
of Kalik beers, and <i>few</i> frozen daiquiris the wedding party
headed out to pick the brides bouquet (note I said picked not
pickup). Pam had come prepared and she and Diane stopped by the
bougainvillaea that grew along the road on the way to the church and
did a little <i>trimming</i> of the bougainvillaea. Pam even brought
scissor for just such a need – nothing but the best for this bride. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oCioCUaqhEY/VQL6_gV-C2I/AAAAAAAAY5Q/9uS14R0Ruak/s1600/20150307-DSC_9038-14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oCioCUaqhEY/VQL6_gV-C2I/AAAAAAAAY5Q/9uS14R0Ruak/s1600/20150307-DSC_9038-14.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vivian & Burkie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">We arrived at the church early. The ladies
were dressed in their finest beach attire and sandals. Dave actually
wore long pants..and sandals. Burkie came “formal.” He wore his
“arm” (never seen him with two arms before). Ron and Pam gave
the bride away. Vow's were given. Fifteen dollar rings they picked
up at the last minute in Nassau were exchanged and by 3:30 Burkie
had pronounced them “<i>Man and Wife.</i>” It was a simple,
quite beautiful ceremony. Vivian, Gigi and I were the witnesses.
Burkie's service was perfect. And the Bride and Groom were happy and
left hand in hand for the stroll back to the Yacht Club for...at
least one more beer. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNNV9exRbHc/VQL4g09ms_I/AAAAAAAAY24/6CW7OPAOxfs/s1600/20150307-DSC_8968-18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNNV9exRbHc/VQL4g09ms_I/AAAAAAAAY24/6CW7OPAOxfs/s1600/20150307-DSC_8968-18.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-leqmZJnhGBU/VQL6nLQ8DJI/AAAAAAAAY5A/ukjeNYq1kn8/s1600/20150307-DSC_9034-12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-leqmZJnhGBU/VQL6nLQ8DJI/AAAAAAAAY5A/ukjeNYq1kn8/s1600/20150307-DSC_9034-12.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">For the price of a meal, two $15 dollar rings,
$150 for the church, $20 for Brukie, and an odd beer or two Dave and
Diane were husband and wife. The wedding its self was simple, stress
free, and as perfect as a wedding can be. Weddings don't need to
cost fortunes (although Dave said they blew the budget on flowers).
All a perfect wedding really needs is love, good friends...and maybe
a beer or two.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ2TiKf9hxU/VQL71j17qzI/AAAAAAAAY54/QHIxbwrAWUQ/s1600/20150307-DSC_9055-19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ2TiKf9hxU/VQL71j17qzI/AAAAAAAAY54/QHIxbwrAWUQ/s1600/20150307-DSC_9055-19.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand in Hand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7DhugLevxTU/VQL93etoWCI/AAAAAAAAY7A/7WqwAnrbl74/s1600/20150307-DSC_9088-28.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7DhugLevxTU/VQL93etoWCI/AAAAAAAAY7A/7WqwAnrbl74/s1600/20150307-DSC_9088-28.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post Party</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Plans:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">We will probably spend Easter at Black Point
and then head for Rock Sound in Eleuthera, do a little exploring, and
then head on up island to Spanish Wells and up to the Abacos. Until
next time.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Faiwinds and Rum Drinks,</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Vic</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">PS – If you want to find a “private beach”
then the Exuma Sound side of Jack's Bay Cove off Great Guana Cay is
your place.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1_wm6Qaqbs/VQLshxqlXVI/AAAAAAAAYxs/4m1ruZygxdM/s1600/20150311-DSC_9146-76.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1_wm6Qaqbs/VQLshxqlXVI/AAAAAAAAYxs/4m1ruZygxdM/s1600/20150311-DSC_9146-76.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacks Bay Cove Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-36686775159170365472015-02-02T09:31:00.000-05:002015-02-02T09:31:12.353-05:002015/02/20 Pipe Creek / Black Point Settlement / Little Bay <style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; <u><i><b> </b></i></u></style>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><u><b>February</b><b> 02, 2015 Pipe Creek</b></u></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>01/05/2015 Black Point to Pipe Creek, Exuma
13 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>01/10/2015 Pipe Creek to Big Majors Spot,
Exuma 7 nm</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><i>01/13/2015 Big Major Spot to Pipe Creek,
Exuma 7 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>01/30/2015 Pipe Ck to Black Point
Settlement, Exuma 18 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i> <u>Total Miles to Date: 1158 nm</u></i></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: navy;">“<i>It's all about taking advantage of
opportunities that come your way, because, if you wait until
tomorrow, the chance will be gone forever today.” A quote from
Scotty a friend of James Rosemond the author of </i><span style="font-style: normal;">“</span><i><u>Hiding
on the Bottom – Mid Life Misadventures Down East”</u>....and they
are about as true a words as ever spoke.</i></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="color: navy;">“<i>The best moments in life are often those
stolen.” Vic Copelan</i></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: navy;">“<i>Can't hardly tell boats from cars no
more, with all the shine and chrome. And the noise of them big
outboards---Lord! Scaring the last fish out of the bays! Hit the
throttle when they hit the water, take off howling, throw up big
waves that bash our old wood boats against bulkheads. No experience
of fish or tides or weather, no knowledge of backcountry, no idea
where in the heck they might be headed for, let alone why, just
roaring around bouncing off each other's wake like damn fool chickens
with their heads cut off!” Quote from Peter Matthiessen's “<u>Lost
Man's River.</u>”</i></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAKrDmmhPko/VM-CVWlBelI/AAAAAAAAYds/qba0APRZNvc/s1600/20150126-DSC_8488-49.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAKrDmmhPko/VM-CVWlBelI/AAAAAAAAYds/qba0APRZNvc/s1600/20150126-DSC_8488-49.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Rhythm of Life</b></span></div>
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<br />
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<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
It has taken us about a month to decompress and accept the rhythm of
life dictated by the ebb and flow of the tides in Pipe Creek. Here
all life follows the gentle shift of the tides and the ever
changeable weather. Here there are few outside influences that
govern our lives other than those of the natural world and a few like
minded friends. Everything we do is metered by the tides and
weather. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNOcg8DTst4/VM-C5Hz71XI/AAAAAAAAYek/A1Un8FR4WtY/s1600/20150201-IMG_0124-56.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNOcg8DTst4/VM-C5Hz71XI/AAAAAAAAYek/A1Un8FR4WtY/s1600/20150201-IMG_0124-56.jpg" height="182" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><u><b></b></u></i>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
We snorkel at change of tide. Hunt the cuts (inlets) for lobster at
slack of tide. Walk the beaches and tidal flats when the wind gods
allow. Make the 5 mile dingy ride to Staniel Cay for groceries and a
rum punch or two at the Yacht Club when those same same wind gods
don't stack the waves against us and allow passage safe enough it
will not beat Old Vic to death. In short Pipe Creek is my version of
heaven...as long as you follow the rhythm. But there is one
“proverbial fly” in our Pipe Creek “ointment.” The best
places to anchor are either in “<i>the causeway or the runway.</i>”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIwQiIoOlGM/VM9-XkmTcjI/AAAAAAAAYYE/SDSKS7XztS4/s1600/20141224-DSC_7975-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIwQiIoOlGM/VM9-XkmTcjI/AAAAAAAAYYE/SDSKS7XztS4/s1600/20141224-DSC_7975-4.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><u><b></b></u></i>
</div>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Take a look at the chart of Pipe Creek. See the blue tape triangle,
that is where we are anchored. If you look close you will see there
is a reef between us and the deep water channel off Thomas Cay. Like
wise there are a series of small cay called the “Mice” between us
and the deep water off Rat Cay. The “casuseway” between
Thomas Cay and the small reef is a natural channel for boats moving
North and South from Compass Cay Marina, the Bahamas Land & Sea
Park, and the Staniel Cay. Look to the South of the Turtle's
anchorage and you will see Overyounder Cay and to the North and West,
Little Pipe Cay. Both are very private resorts. Both have their own
float planes that service the Cays shuttling guests and supplies to
and from their islands. The natural “runway” is right over the
top of our anchorage under normal wind directions (takeoffs and
landings are done into the wind). </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44E373KwiIQ/VM9990pAJEI/AAAAAAAAYXs/_7AQRWKI0lI/s1600/20130404-DSC_0038-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44E373KwiIQ/VM9990pAJEI/AAAAAAAAYXs/_7AQRWKI0lI/s1600/20130404-DSC_0038-1.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><u><b></b></u></i>
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<br /></div>
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So if you anchor here in good sand (good holding for the anchor) you
have choices to make. The “highway” where boats pass you at
speed, some throwing huge wakes or the “runway” where float
planes can be so close you can tell if the pilot needs a shave. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
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<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
A few days back during a not so fun West wind we had a couple of
planes out of Little Pipe land so close I literally could have hit
the plane with a rum bottle and not had to strain my pitiful throwing
arm. The pilot usually waves as he lands and I return the
gesture...we have become “passing” friends.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Anchored in the “highway” like our friends Joe and Carol on “Just
Ducky” there is a bit of good news. The current is so swift and
the boats have to pass so close the wakes don't last long and don't
pose much of a problem... but some times they can rock ya pretty
good. The bad news is the sportfish boats off most of the mega
yachts and local Bahamian boats have little respect for “anchorages.”
It is what it is....</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><u><b></b></u></i>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
In exchange for an occasional salty prop wash from a passing plane or
a good rockin' from a passing boat we get to enjoy a well protected
anchorage complete with some of the best snorkeling in the Bahamas,
gorgeous beaches, “pink” sand flats to walk ( I think made of
broken conch shell), and solitude – the same area the paying guests
on Overyounder and Little Pipe get to enjoy. Oh … and by the way,
you too can stay at Overyounder Cay. It only cost $500,000 a week to
rent. As far as the Turtle is concerned, Gigi & I will just keep
enjoying our anchorage in the “runway”..thank you very much.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b>Cabin Fever:</b></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
It has been an unusual week here in Pipe Creek. It started Saturday
night with the arrival of a cold front and 20 knot plus West winds.
Since then the winds have veered back and forth between West and
North West and stayed between 15 and 30 knots...and those winds are
not to let up until Friday morning. Five days of West winds are
un-heard of in the Bahamas in winter. In my 8 years of coming down
this is a first.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKSMCg0SW4s/VM9_quiS0qI/AAAAAAAAYaM/fea8WU0SHdo/s1600/20150114-P1000663-21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKSMCg0SW4s/VM9_quiS0qI/AAAAAAAAYaM/fea8WU0SHdo/s1600/20150114-P1000663-21.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lion Fish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i><u><b></b></u></i>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
When the winds go W at better than 10 knots it sends every boat
skittering for shelter looking for a rock to hide behind and at 20
knots it is time to honker down and wait them out. After boat chores
are done you are left with books and movies, books and movies..unless
you are a bit younger than us and then there is another option....and
I do wish I were younger, at this moment anyway. Under these
conditions it doesn't take long for “cabin fever” grab you by the
short hairs and not let go. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sik47gVRjDY/VM-BzcCbFZI/AAAAAAAAYc8/l38dQ-1Umgc/s1600/20150122-DSC_8422-43.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sik47gVRjDY/VM-BzcCbFZI/AAAAAAAAYc8/l38dQ-1Umgc/s1600/20150122-DSC_8422-43.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand Flats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i><u><b></b></u></i>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
It reminds me of a time many years ago when I <i>was</i> young. I
had had my Ranger-29 about a year and it looked like perfect weather
to go to Cape Lookout. Connie and I gave Becky (Connie's sister) and
George Shennan a call and invited them to go to the Cape with us.
Noel (my son) was about 10. Becky and George had a son a, James,
year younger than Noel and a daughter, Rebekah, about 4 years old.
No problem after all my 29' sailing “<i>yacht</i>” had 6
berths..right? Connie and I in the V-berth, Noel and James in the
quarter berth, George & Becky in the main cabin and we make a
pallet on the cabin sole for Rebekah...done! </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w0IgO1LAcl0/VM-A7KiILwI/AAAAAAAAYb8/Na3NeouUl20/s1600/20150122-DSC_8364-35.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w0IgO1LAcl0/VM-A7KiILwI/AAAAAAAAYb8/Na3NeouUl20/s1600/20150122-DSC_8364-35.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas Cay Cut (inlet)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i><u><b></b></u></i>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
It takes 2 days to get from Washington, NC to the Cape by water so we
really only had to deal with that arrangement for 2 days (one going
and one on the way back). The plan was the kids would camp on the
beach at Cape Lookout and George and I would take turns spending the
night with them. Good plan..but we made the mistake of trusting the
weather gods.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSS1ivh8Bp4/VM-DHtV4EJI/AAAAAAAAYfE/Twa9EW17FKo/s1600/20150201-IMG_0130-60.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSS1ivh8Bp4/VM-DHtV4EJI/AAAAAAAAYfE/Twa9EW17FKo/s1600/20150201-IMG_0130-60.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gigi & Ida</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
We had a great sail down, spent a wonderful night at anchor in Cedar
Creek, and arrived at Cape Lookout just a little past mid-day.
During those days all I had for a dingy was an 8' rowing pram built
by your's truly that we had christened “<i>Noel's Ark.</i>” It
took 3 trips to take all the crew, camping gear, and ships stores
(beer) ashore but by 3:00 in the afternoon all the chores were done.
James and Noel took off to explore the Lookout Bight, Becky and
Connie were wading the shallows and keeping and eye on Rebekah as she
played in the tidal pools, and George & I were doing what we do
best...nothing 'cept suckin' down a cold one. Life was good...too
good.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
About dusk the wind blew up out of the N. North wind? No N winds
were predicted. By the time I rowed the girls out to the boat it was
blowing 20 or better..and still I had to go back and get George and
the boys. It literally took me over 30 minutes to row the 150' out
to “<i>Oconee.” </i>It was quite apparent that there would be no
going back ashore for the night..we <i><u>all</u></i> would be
spending the night on the boat...again.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
I woke the next morning and the wind had actually built and Rebekah
was not in the cabin. I panicked! She was not in the quarter berth
with the boys! Oh my God, had Rebekah gotten out on deck and fallen
over board!? I ran to the cockpit and there she was watching the sun
come up. The minute she saw me she said, “We got wind we can go
sailing!” I grabbed her and gave her a great big hug of relief
with thoughts of “what if” running rampant in my mind.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
We played games. Read stories. Drank beer. Listen to music and
told “lies.” Three days later the winds had dropped out and we
woke to the cry of gulls and the gentle lap of water on the hull. It
was a race between George and I to see who would get the <i>privilege</i>
of take the kids ashore.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
And you know that trip still holds a special place in my heart. I
don't think there was a negative thought or fuss the whole trip.
Attitude is everything and brother we had it right for that voyage.
“Cabin fever” is what you make of it.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KxuT8SD0jA/VM9-_f1ogMI/AAAAAAAAYY0/4n8e9Kmzm-Q/s1600/20150104-DSC_8166-10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KxuT8SD0jA/VM9-_f1ogMI/AAAAAAAAYY0/4n8e9Kmzm-Q/s1600/20150104-DSC_8166-10.jpg" height="197" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Point Anchorage - White Building Ida's Rockside Laundry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Time to wrap this up and head for Scorpio's Bar for the Super Bowl
Festivities. We have arranged a table with our friends Bobbie and
Francie on “Barefootin.'” Should be fun...Bobbie was a little surprised at the spelling of his boat's name...but I sort of like it.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu0EqUIskGg/VM-C79nR1aI/AAAAAAAAYes/GieBHqeYXgQ/s1600/20150201-IMG_0125-57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu0EqUIskGg/VM-C79nR1aI/AAAAAAAAYes/GieBHqeYXgQ/s1600/20150201-IMG_0125-57.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iUpvVP2aUNw/VM-DL84D6ZI/AAAAAAAAYfM/Ui3HY-gmfa8/s1600/20150201-IMG_0131-61.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iUpvVP2aUNw/VM-DL84D6ZI/AAAAAAAAYfM/Ui3HY-gmfa8/s1600/20150201-IMG_0131-61.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scorpio's Bar, Bobbie in the red cap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Vic C.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulIERkSKMt8/VM-DCVI9ZRI/AAAAAAAAYe8/gVocwSC78v0/s1600/20150201-IMG_0128-59.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulIERkSKMt8/VM-DCVI9ZRI/AAAAAAAAYe8/gVocwSC78v0/s1600/20150201-IMG_0128-59.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rum Punch with a "Punch"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
PS – Scorpio's rum punches are the best.<i><u><b></b></u></i></div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-9533314869881547422015-01-03T08:57:00.000-05:002015-01-03T08:57:22.681-05:002015/01/03 Lake Worth to Blackpoint Settlement, Exuma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8vPKtKcj2Y/VKflUMCPz-I/AAAAAAAAYNE/yZyla75ME0M/s1600/20141204-DSC_7594-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yws8-cqVIE/VKfoozW2gyI/AAAAAAAAYNY/hoFceG8QkcU/s1600/20141207-DSC_7673-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><u><b>2015/01/01 - Lake Worth to
Black Point Settlement, Great Guana Cay, Exuma</b></u></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
1<i>2/04/2014 North Lake Worth to South Lake Worth, FL 7 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>12/05/2014 South Lake Worth to Ft. Lauderdale, Rio Barcelona
Canal, FL 41 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>12/10/2014 Rio Barcelona Canal to Los Olas Anchorage, FL 2 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>12/11/2014 Los Olas Anchorage to Palm/Hibiscus Islands, Miami,
FL 24 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>12/15/2015 Palm/Hibiscus Island to Nassau Harbor Club,
Bahamas 169nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>12/19/2014 Nassau Harbor Club to Hawksbill Cay, Exuma 48 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>12/20/2014 Hawksbill Cay to Pipe Ck, Exuma 25 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>12/30/2014 Pipe Ck to Black Point Settlement, Great Guana Cay,
Exuma 12 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i><u>Total Miles to Date:</u></i> <i><u>1024 nm</u></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xQ76BOSev0/VKfrJhsfgiI/AAAAAAAAYOg/lU6KCW0Mm9o/s1600/20141213-DSC_7763-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xQ76BOSev0/VKfrJhsfgiI/AAAAAAAAYOg/lU6KCW0Mm9o/s1600/20141213-DSC_7763-4.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #4700b8;">“<i>The cabin of a small yacht is truly a
wonderful thing; not only will it shelter you form the tempest, but
from the other troubles of life; as well.” L.Francis Herreshoff</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #4700b8;">“<i>The sea belongs to us all, and every
aspect of it, from halcyon calm, to howling hurricane, is fraught
with beauty.” Samuel Eliot Morison</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8vPKtKcj2Y/VKflUMCPz-I/AAAAAAAAYNE/yZyla75ME0M/s1600/20141204-DSC_7594-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8vPKtKcj2Y/VKflUMCPz-I/AAAAAAAAYNE/yZyla75ME0M/s1600/20141204-DSC_7594-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trumpy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>The Crossing:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The Turtle hauled her anchor in N Lake Worth,
took on her last fuel State side, and motored 7 miles down the ICW
past the Ribovitch Boat Yard where huge mega yachts are serviced and
anchored about 2 miles South of Lake Worth inlet to stage for the
trip to Ft. Lauderdale. It turned out to be a good choice, it was
quiet, not crowded, the ICW wakes did not seem to reach us, and we
got to share the anchorage with a beautiful classic old wooden Trumpy
motor yacht in the 100 foot range. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rcWjSXPCcms/VKfq4Y5YVCI/AAAAAAAAYOI/kvpY7KGj5KU/s1600/20141204-DSC_7597-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rcWjSXPCcms/VKfq4Y5YVCI/AAAAAAAAYOI/kvpY7KGj5KU/s1600/20141204-DSC_7597-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S.Lake Worth Anchorage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The plan was to push on the next day down the
ICW to Ft. Lauderdale either inside on the ICW or outside in the
Atlantic...we were praying for weather to take us out side. The next
41 miles on the ICW are hell on earth to sailboats and power boats
alike. Over those 41 miles there are 28 bridges and sailboats have
to open every single one (we get a break and only have to open 10).
But that is not all the evil in store in those mile, most of the trip
is thru what is known as the “canyon.” The canyon is really a
concrete walled ditch. Every boat wake sets up a rebound off the
walls of the canyon and makes for confused, un-endingly uncomfortable
seas. Stir in a few South Florida Assholes with a peppering of small
unpredictable boat traffic and you have my idea of boater's hell.
<i>Rule: Never ever do this section of the ICW on a weekend or
holiday!!!!!!!</i></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yws8-cqVIE/VKfoozW2gyI/AAAAAAAAYNY/hoFceG8QkcU/s1600/20141207-DSC_7673-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yws8-cqVIE/VKfoozW2gyI/AAAAAAAAYNY/hoFceG8QkcU/s1600/20141207-DSC_7673-2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New River </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Well the weather did not cooperate and we did
go down inside..stupid us (and it was a Monday). Never EVER again!!
By the time G and I got the anchor down in the Rio Barcelona Canal
our nerves were tied in one large knot that it took 3 rum &
tonics to even start to loosen. As bad as it was for us, the poor
sailboaters behind us had it much worse...there were 2 busted bridges
that were operating on an “adjusted” schedule – one opening
every 6 hours...god help'em. Never EVER again!!</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Well Rio Barcelona is not really an anchorage
but Middle River was full..and any port in a storm as sailors like to
say. We spent the next few days anchored at the ass end of the Rio
with the tour boats using us as a turn point since we blocked their
further progress...we put out extra anchor lights and slept like
babies. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2uYnJS1VGw/VKfpJo2A3rI/AAAAAAAAYNo/NqfrEpGqczc/s1600/20141207-DSC_7678-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2uYnJS1VGw/VKfpJo2A3rI/AAAAAAAAYNo/NqfrEpGqczc/s1600/20141207-DSC_7678-3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Rabbit Warren"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Lauderdale is a veritable “rabbit warren”
of canals with little marinas, gorgeous homes, and boats, boats and
more boats. It took us a little over an hour by dink to
by-gosh-in-by-golly our way out to the New River, that severs the
heart of Ft. Lauderdale, and make our way to the Downtowner, a local
bar that had a good Sunday brunch and even better “bloodies.”
What's not to like about a place that asks you if you want your
Bloody Mary “to go?” We left “bread crumbs” in the water and
it only took 20 minutes on the return trip.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFjeKIWherk/VKfpZ9sscZI/AAAAAAAAYNw/qKUIPdt_8as/s1600/20141209-DSC_7699-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFjeKIWherk/VKfpZ9sscZI/AAAAAAAAYNw/qKUIPdt_8as/s1600/20141209-DSC_7699-4.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Los Olas Anchorage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">After waring out our welcome in Rio we moved on
down the ICW to Miami Beach, enjoyed some good Cuban food, made our
last Publix stop, and settled in to wait for a window...and for once
it was not a long wait – only 5 days. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">There is a rule in Gulf Stream crossings –
“<i>Never cross with any wind out of the North East to North
West.” </i>The winds were supposed to be a less than 10 out of the
<i><b>North</b></i> and seas between 1 & 2 feet...but close
together (the closer the seas the more a pain in the butt).
Non-the-less, it sounded good and we were about to break that rule. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">It takes Salty Turtle about 24 hours to cross
to Nassau out of Miami and we plan accordingly. We pulled anchor
around 8:00 AM and cleared the inlet a little before 9:00. The
crossing was a piece of cake (even with that N wind). We saw only 5
ships in crossing, actually had to alter course for 2 and hailed 3.
It could have been better but we have seen much worse. By 3:00 PM we
were in the Bahamas, our Q flag hoisted (yellow quarantine flag), and
the beautiful aqua waters of the Bahamas foaming off Turtle's bow.
Turtle was home tasting Bahamian waters again.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLWhGxWy2mk/VKftZcxCxgI/AAAAAAAAYPY/I_SY4ZTo5AU/s1600/20141215-DSC_7841-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLWhGxWy2mk/VKftZcxCxgI/AAAAAAAAYPY/I_SY4ZTo5AU/s1600/20141215-DSC_7841-3.jpg" height="213" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Flash..Well Greenish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The sunset was spectacular with colors from
brilliant reds to soft golds and ending in our first “green flash”
at sea with the actual setting of the sun. Tongue of the Ocean was
its usual “cluster.” Where the Tongue joins NW Providence
Channel there used to be a light (now a submerged stump of what's
left of a light). Thru here pass most of the traffic East and West
bound. No matter what the time of day or night it is a busy spot and
you best keep a good watch. We spoke one small Bahamian freighter at
NW Providence Channel “Stump” and passed a safe port to port. </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsHxCT6cTS0/VKftTcYqp_I/AAAAAAAAYPI/ynfJjNhGf7Y/s1600/20141215-DSC_7834-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsHxCT6cTS0/VKftTcYqp_I/AAAAAAAAYPI/ynfJjNhGf7Y/s1600/20141215-DSC_7834-1.jpg" height="345" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">It had been a dark night with stars painting
the sky and the great swath of the Milky Way slashing its way across
the heavens. A dark night at sea is one of the true wonders of the
world I wish you all could experience it. I was headed somewhere
with this story before the sky side tracked me..Oh ya, the “devil
moon.” </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQD33nn5u1o/VKftjPvG8jI/AAAAAAAAYPo/jsdvgFQZ7QQ/s1600/20141216-DSC_7872-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQD33nn5u1o/VKftjPvG8jI/AAAAAAAAYPo/jsdvgFQZ7QQ/s1600/20141216-DSC_7872-5.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nassau Sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">It was about 2 in the morning. Gigi was off
watch and asleep. I had been fiddling with the chartplotter when I
looked up and saw what appeared to be two iridescent orange horns
rising from the sea...an unholy sight at best. Then it gained a body
and morphed into what appeared to be the hull of an orange ship, sort
of a crescent shaped bowl with bow and stern accentuated with those
“horns” all aflame slowly rising out of the sea and it was
BIG...and I mean big. I was stumped. What the hell is this thing?
Was it a ship afire? A cruise ship with every light it had on and
its hedonistic passengers preparing to party in the dawn? I grabbed
the binoculars and pinned them on the mystery ship. Even thru the
binoculars it was a puzzle. Gradually it dawned on me it was a
crescent moon rising out of the sea so distorted by atmosphere it was
almost unrecognizable in it's shimmering orange coat – a “devil
moon” and as odd a sight as I've seen at sea. ...And no rum was
involved. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jx74s49LA9o/VKftsqf-ZnI/AAAAAAAAYPw/xP2eiMMO6Cg/s1600/20141216-DSC_7880-6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jx74s49LA9o/VKftsqf-ZnI/AAAAAAAAYPw/xP2eiMMO6Cg/s1600/20141216-DSC_7880-6.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearing in Customs and Immigration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">By 9:00 AM we were tied to the dock at Nassau
Harbor Club and with the help of our friends Dudley and Clark and
another safe passage under our belt. It was time to check in with
Immigration & Customs and then grab a well earned nap. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Exumas!</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Three days later we were anchored off Hawksbill
Cay in the Exuma Land and Sea Park for the night. We had planned to
stay at Harbor Club until Monday but we had changed the oil in all
engines, washed the boat, rummed up, had lamb chops at East Villa,
made 4 mandatory trips to BTC (phone company) to get our phone and
broad band stuff done, and had a nice catchup with our friends Clay
and Rita Kay. We were ready, the boat was ready and the weather was
too good to miss. By noon the next day we were anchors down in Pipe
Creek and it was time to decompress after a long journey.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tPAHMLd3qwY/VKft0jGZSfI/AAAAAAAAYQA/c4DAggL5YXs/s1600/20141220-DSC_7924-8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tPAHMLd3qwY/VKft0jGZSfI/AAAAAAAAYQA/c4DAggL5YXs/s1600/20141220-DSC_7924-8.jpg" height="238" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Turtle in Pipe Ck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Christmas dinner was a potluck organized and
hosted by our friends Joe and Carol aboard “ Just Ducky” and we
were joined by new friends Garheart (German) and Innes (Dutch) off
“Fussel” (Dutch for “dust bunny”). Innes said when they
bought the boat it was full of “dust bunnies” so Garheart said,
“We name her Fussel.” I asked them how they met? Garheart and
Innes in unison said, “Spain... of course.” Gotta be a story
there. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijyFYg-mT6Y/VKfuBIKUznI/AAAAAAAAYQQ/I2vF6-bp9ns/s1600/20141220-DSC_7934-10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijyFYg-mT6Y/VKfuBIKUznI/AAAAAAAAYQQ/I2vF6-bp9ns/s1600/20141220-DSC_7934-10.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over Younder Cay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We have spent our days snorkeling, fishing,
hunting lobster and conch (finding little) and getting back into the
gentle swing of the life in the Bahamas. We are currently anchored
off Black Point Settlement spending a few pleasant days among friends
here before we head back to Pipe Creek for another go at those
lobster, fish and conch. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3QvY6rCh8o/VKfucLAdIZI/AAAAAAAAYQw/wKB97ZRSgg0/s1600/20141225-DSC_8009-14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3QvY6rCh8o/VKfucLAdIZI/AAAAAAAAYQw/wKB97ZRSgg0/s1600/20141225-DSC_8009-14.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Christmas "Just Ducky"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">May the New Year Be Kind To You All,</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Vic C.</span></div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-89398189931877893452014-12-23T07:54:00.002-05:002014-12-23T07:54:59.156-05:002014/12/23 A Chistmas Story...Again.<br />
<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style>
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>2014/12/23 A Christmas Story...Retread</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">A few years back Gigi and I were in Vero for
Christmas. The “Woman with the Brown Coat” is one of my favorite
stories so you get it again whether you like it or not..and it
happened just the way it was written. As a matter of fact, I liked
it well enough I'm gonna publish it on the blog and send it as an
email since some of you follow the Blog and some the Spot only. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Sorry about not sending photos but broadband is not very
broad in the Bahamas. Photos will probably have to wait until we
“reach” Black Point where they have real wifi.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Woman With the Brown Coat:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">It was a couple of days before Christmas and
Gigi and I had taken the bus out to the mall to see “<i><u>Lincoln</u></i>”
(must see movie, by-the-way). The bus's air breaks had just
announced a stop near Publix Super Market and I could see a short
stub of a lady in a brown coat standing near a grocery cart with 4 or
5 heavy bags of groceries inside and a young black man standing on
the opposite side of the cart. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">She was a short roundish woman with bowling pin
legs, a pair of black, road weary shoes and white stockings rolled to
the knees like tight garters. Her hair was clean, stringy and of the
salt and pepper variety that hung to the shoulders of her dusty brown
coat. She was one of those ladies that could have been 50, 80, or
anywhere in between nor could her “race” be known simply by
looking. She might have been Black, White, or Latino but I could not
tell. Her eyes were cold black with a twinkle of arthritic pain set
in a round face with a smile that gave your heart a lift just by its
presents. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">As the door opened to the bus the young black
man on the other side of her cart grabbed his single bag of
groceries, bolted for the door, pushed his way inside, and slid into
a seat toward the middle of the bus. The Lady In The Brown Coat had
barely been able to awkwardly turn, square her self with the cart,
and start her struggle to lift her heavy bags by the time the young
man was seated. She was in obvious pain and loosing the struggle. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">My heart said, “help her” but before I
could move two young Black Men with the grace of gazelles cleared the
door as if floating on air and were at her side in an instant. One
gently touched her shoulder, she looked up with questioning eyes that
broke into a Christmas smile as one man took charge of the bags and
the the other young man helped her to board the bus. The young
White Man in front of me quickly moved his bags from the seat next to
him and slid over to make room for The Lady With The Brown Coat near
the front of the bus to make it easier for her on exit. Her young
helpers, without so much as a word, simply vanished into the
anonymity of the bus's interior as the bus pulled away from the curb
headed for the Hub to transfer its inhabitants to waiting buses.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The last I saw of the Lady With The Brown Coat
was at the transit hub when a young White Woman scooped up her
groceries, helped her down the steps, and began chattering away as
they slowly made their way arm in arm to the next bus. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Neither, race, nor age, nor the lighting speed
of today's society had mattered. The spirit of Christmas was on that
bus in Vero Beach that day and had warmed its way into the hearts of
most of us (one young man excluded). <i>Christmas spirit, humanity,
common decency,</i> whatever you want to call it hangs around this
time of year, every year waiting... just waiting... to warm the heart
of an unsuspecting passersby. More often than not it succeeds. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Merry Christmas,</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Fairwinds & Rum Drinks,</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Vic</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">PS - I will get out a Blog on the crossing...when I decompress a bit. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-20478458158395265272014-12-02T15:09:00.000-05:002014-12-02T15:09:00.577-05:002014/12/02 Palm Coast to West Palm Beach, Florida <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdlL8xMs_OM/VH3MGpUm2TI/AAAAAAAAYKo/z8s16iCMEqE/s1600/20141123-vicki-bob-gigi-vic-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><u><b>2014 /11/29 Palm Coast to West Palm Beach, FL</b></u></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1<i>1/13/2014 Palm
Coast Marina to Titusville RR Bridge, FL 65 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>11/14/2014 Titusville
RR Bridge to Titusville City Marina, FL 2 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>11/19/2014 Titusville
City Marina to Indiatlantic Bridge, FL 36 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>11/20/2014 Indiatlantic
Bridge to Vero Beach Mooring Field, FL 30 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>12/01/2014 Vero
Beach Mooring Field to N. Lake Worth, FL 55 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> <u>Total
Miles to Date:</u><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span><u>788
nm</u></i></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #280099;">“<i>It
does not matter how many times you get knocked down. What matters is
how many times you get up.” Bobby Mock – Coxswain for 1936
Olympic championship 8 man rowing shell.</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #280099;">
</span><br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>CLOD
For a Day (Cruisers, Living On Dirt):</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday - maybe
the only holiday the “commercial” has not been able to screw up.
Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to gather, share a
good meal, and catchup on each other's lives. My Uncle Jack and Aunt
Katherine Hankins from Kinston were my only relatives in North
Carolina. Katherine was a wonderful lady with a generous heart and
never failed to invite my family for Thanksgiving Dinner. However,
there was a <i>catch</i>. Jack had a big yard with lots of trees and
a huge supply of leaf rakes. Jack's Thanksgiving tradition meant
raking his leaves. It sounds sneaky but it was actually fun..working
with friends always is.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEqQnTRmg6o/VH3Ne6WQhuI/AAAAAAAAYLw/-l7Cal9CYaU/s1600/20141119-DSC_7493-9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEqQnTRmg6o/VH3Ne6WQhuI/AAAAAAAAYLw/-l7Cal9CYaU/s1600/20141119-DSC_7493-9.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtle's Eye View of Victoria Gaye, Temptation & Skat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">We had stopped in Titusville to visit with
Steve and Aggie Knox, share an early Thanksgiving dinner, and catch
up on each other's lives. We met Steve and Aggie while anchored at
Royal Island near Spanish Wells Gigi and my first year cruising
together and for some reason became fast friends for life – it
happens that way when you cruise relationships develop fast. Steve
and Aggie were full time cruisers until a few years back when Steve
found a job, bought a house, moved ashore for a spell, and became a
“<i>CLOD.” </i>Steve was actually the first person I ever heard
use the term CLOD...so Aggie if you don't like it its Steve's fault.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa49lVwnJTQ/VH3Nt5du_jI/AAAAAAAAYMQ/PS0BusbLakg/s1600/20141124-DSC_7524-13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa49lVwnJTQ/VH3Nt5du_jI/AAAAAAAAYMQ/PS0BusbLakg/s1600/20141124-DSC_7524-13.jpg" height="400" width="282" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Saturday rolled around and Gigi had been
announcing for weeks that she and Aggie were going to do a “girls”
day out and Steve and I could just “hang out” at their house.
Aggie showed up at 9:00 and the girls were off. Steve pick me up and
on the way out to the house started mumbling something about “bushes
and elephant ears” Not speaking CLOD anymore I rode on in
“cruisers bliss.” It was only when we turned into the drive and
large piles of brush appeared piled next to the fence that I started
to suspect something was amiss. It was right there I became CLOD for
a day...what I didn't know was I was going to be sucked into becoming
a pirate as well.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Steve put a shovel in my hand and said “let's
go.” The house next door was vacant having been in foreclosure on
for many months and as it turned out had a huge “volunteer”
supply of elephant ears growing wild in the jungle at the back of the
house. Aggie liked elephant ears and Steve was on a mission to
liberate a few from the neighbor's jungle. We jumped the fence or in
my case sort of clambered over doing as little bodily harm to my self
as possible, slunk not so deep into the neighbor's swamp, quietly
liberated a few plants, and beat our way back thru the palmetto and
across the fence to Steve's. Me, all the time thinking, “So this
is what CLODS do.”</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">As we put the shovel away and the liberated
elephant ears in a cool place in the garage for planting later Steve
muttered, “How 'bout helping me hump the brush out to the street
and then we can cut that palmetto palm back out by the drive. Aggie
want's that thing out a here.” “Why not.” I said, with
visions of my Uncle Jack's Thanksgiving <i>tradition</i> starting to
crystallize in my feeble brain. Steve stuck a set of long handled
pruning shears in my hands and we went at this huge palmetto that I
sort of thought looked nice near the front edge of the drive....but
if Aggie wanted it down, down it would be. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">An hour later the bush was down and brush piles
humped to the street we retired to the house. Steve and I had just
settled into enjoy a well deserved beer and Gaterade out by the pool
when we heard the girl's car pull into the drive (Steve is smarter
than I and does not drink). </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Aggie being the astute person she is noticed
the huge pile of brush near the street and...the missing palmetto
palm that had once lined her drive and was not happy. With steam
rolling out of her ears she made a beeline for Steve. I really
sort of felt sorry for Aggie at this point. She had company and
could not unleash her full wifely ire on Steve. At least I felt
sorry until Steve muttered, “It was Vic's idea” and quickly
disappeared out the door to plant elephant ears – Steve is quick on
his feet he is. I did what my old buddy Jeff Hildberg taught me to
do with mad women - looked at my feet and kept my mouth shut (I got
ya back Steve, old buddy, but ya owe me). </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Aggie of course calmed down and forgave us
both, fed us a great meal, and I got to be a CLOD for a day even
managing to piss off someone else's wife. And as a bonus, was
rewarded with warm memories of my Uncle Jack and Aunt Katherine, and
had the great pleasure of working with a good friend...even if he did
get me in trouble with his wife. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">In truth, I enjoyed being a CLOD for a day but
don't intend to make a habit of it...not yet...not yet.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCZ8kIlYhR8/VH3Np3pntbI/AAAAAAAAYMI/lSD4RcT2mD0/s1600/20141124-DSC_7516-12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCZ8kIlYhR8/VH3Np3pntbI/AAAAAAAAYMI/lSD4RcT2mD0/s1600/20141124-DSC_7516-12.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vero by Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>A
Cruiser's Thanksgiving:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Some of the best things in our lives seem to
just “happen.” Our second Thanksgiving was shaping up to be one
of those time and will be one of my most memorable. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_KHTxKqlsE/VH3J2W-DgDI/AAAAAAAAYKM/-Krhs6x3JuY/s1600/20141112-DSC_7436-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_KHTxKqlsE/VH3J2W-DgDI/AAAAAAAAYKM/-Krhs6x3JuY/s1600/20141112-DSC_7436-2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">We made Vero Beach Mooring field as a group
with the Turtle slightly ahead of the pack followed by Buck and Vicki
on <i>Victoria Gaye</i>, Earl and Karen on <i>Temptation</i>, and Jim
and Barb on <i>Skat </i>(all<i> </i> Matthews Point Marina Boats...or
honorarily MP boats). Craig and Dovie on Bubbles would arrive a few
days later in some of the worst weather we have had...bless 'em. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yt535JOEMh4/VH3J_Omti3I/AAAAAAAAYKc/tboSnW-kqBk/s1600/20141112-DSC_7441-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yt535JOEMh4/VH3J_Omti3I/AAAAAAAAYKc/tboSnW-kqBk/s1600/20141112-DSC_7441-4.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buck & Vicki</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">The girls immediately went into planning mode.
The <i>Turtle </i>offered the most room so was naturally drafted as
host boat for Thanksgiving dinner. Vic would do the turkey and
gravy. Barb mashed potatoes (I love mashed potatoes) and some lovely
flowers for the table. Vicki pecan & pumpkin pie, green bean
casserole, and asparagus. Karen mushrooms, cornbread dressing,
cherry tarts, and her famous whole cranberry sauce (which Earl forgot
to bring and was to leave a full plate of food to go back and
get..and it was worth it, I might add). The girls gave Dovie a <i>by</i>
since they were to arrive on Wednesday just before Thanksgiving and
would have little time to prepare...but as any good cruiser would,
was not going to be left out and prepared some yummy sweet potatoes.
</span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfAaWWY6Abw/VH3NLSwDz2I/AAAAAAAAYLI/160eI_HBbHQ/s1600/20141117-DSC_7468-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfAaWWY6Abw/VH3NLSwDz2I/AAAAAAAAYLI/160eI_HBbHQ/s1600/20141117-DSC_7468-4.jpg" height="227" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim & Barb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Dinghies started arriving about 1:00 and the
ladies set a table for the menfolk on the aft deck and a more formal
gathering in the main salon for the women's table. A buffet was set
on the counters and all were called to dinner. It was about the time
Earl finished piling his plate with food he discovered the missing
cranberry sauce. He stood staring at the turkey and dressing with a
forlorn, life without cranberry sauce is not worth living look on his
face for about 4 seconds and he was back in his dink headed to
retrieve Karen's sauce. And I have to say, after slathering my
dressing with Karen's cranberry sauce, I'm glad he did. As you can
well imagine, everything was delicious...and so were the seconds. As
a matter of fact the seconds were so good the turkey and sun slammed
Buck's eyes shut and he almost fell out of his chair before could
headed off for a nap back on <i>Victoria Gaye.</i> </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">However, the best thing at both tables was the
friendship, the warm conversation, and the sense of peace filled the
Salty Turtle to overflowing. That... my friends is what Thanksgiving
truly is. I wish you all peace, love, family, and friends. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSTWcyiYZ-k/VH3NHbIrgyI/AAAAAAAAYLA/w0s7Y3W3_sQ/s1600/20141113-DSC_7453-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSTWcyiYZ-k/VH3NHbIrgyI/AAAAAAAAYLA/w0s7Y3W3_sQ/s1600/20141113-DSC_7453-3.jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Anchor Titusville RR Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>SeaSea:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">My third Thanksgiving was a real surprise...and
a big one. It was 6:00 AM in the morning a few days after
Thanksgiving and I was on the head. Gigi was in the galley fixing
the morning coffee and had turned the VHF on. I thought, “that's
odd. Why the VHF this early?” but didn't give it another thought
and went back to business when I heard some one hailing the <i>Salty
Turtle </i>on the radio. Gigi said, “you need to get that. I
can't.” So...with pants at half mast I made my way up the steps to
the VHF and hailed the boat calling <i>Salty Turtle</i>. <i>SeaSea
</i>answered with a distinctive Georgian lilt to her voice, “<i>Salty
Turtle</i> this is <i>SeaSea</i> switch 17.” Where the heck did
<i>SeaSea</i> come from that's my cousin's boat? And it <span style="font-size: medium;"><i><u>was</u></i></span>
my sneaky cousin Stacy Brannon and her husband Paul passing thru Vero
on their way to join another boat in Stuart, FL. She and Gigi had
set this up as surprise...and it was. She literally caught me with
my pants down. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">We had breakfast and a great visit before they
headed on South to Stuart. I love my family. Vero and two conniving
females had given me “family” for Thanksgiving...a really great
gift. But Stacy...I will not forgive you if you do this again and
don't stay with us on <i>Salty Turtle</i>. The V berth belongs to
you and Paul.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pWXzaAPdPc/VH3OZfGQj9I/AAAAAAAAYMw/yvdY5-o4tgs/s1600/20141201-DSC_7549-17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pWXzaAPdPc/VH3OZfGQj9I/AAAAAAAAYMw/yvdY5-o4tgs/s1600/20141201-DSC_7549-17.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ICW Underway Making Way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Plans:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">We are currently at anchor in N. Lake Worth.
As weather permits, we will move on South to Ft. Lauderdale and will
stage either there or Miami for a crossing to the Bahamas as soon as
a window develops. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Vic Copelan</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdlL8xMs_OM/VH3MGpUm2TI/AAAAAAAAYKo/z8s16iCMEqE/s1600/20141123-vicki-bob-gigi-vic-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdlL8xMs_OM/VH3MGpUm2TI/AAAAAAAAYKo/z8s16iCMEqE/s1600/20141123-vicki-bob-gigi-vic-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vicki, Bob, Gigi, & Vic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">PS – Bob & Vicki of <i>First Look, </i>thanks
for taking the time to give us a visit. Your visit gave us yet another
Thanksgiving. May <i>First Look</i> be back in one piece soon and
you guys underway making way. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>Note:
First Look was hit by lighting this summer and is under a major
refit.</i></span></div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-86846013684243399532014-11-12T09:33:00.001-05:002014-11-12T09:35:16.497-05:002014/11/12 - Fernandian Beach to Palm Coast, Florida<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>2014/11/ 12 - Fernandina Beach, FL to Palm Coast, FL</b></u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>2014/10/30 Brickhill River to Bell River, Fernandina, FL 21 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>2014/11/04 Bell River to Pine Island, FL 43 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>2014/11/06 Pine Island to Palm Coast, FL 33 nm </i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i><u>Total Miles to Date:</u> <u>600 nm</u></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhFO8qHHvfM/VF9qcaHcV-I/AAAAAAAAYFU/kaYZBAPn3H0/s1600/20141030-DSC_7301-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhFO8qHHvfM/VF9qcaHcV-I/AAAAAAAAYFU/kaYZBAPn3H0/s320/20141030-DSC_7301-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ibis Headed Home for Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: navy;">“<i>I find the great thing in the world is
not so much where we stand, as what direction we are moving; to reach
port, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it –
but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.” Oliver
Wendell Holmes</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Small World - Jimmy Copelan &
Dale Tingle</b></u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Friday, the 31<sup>st</sup> of October, was the day before the
Georgia / Florida football game and Fernandina, like all towns within
50 miles of Jacksonville, was packed with football fans gettin'
“prepped” for the big game. When in Fernandina Gigi always gets
her a “mani and a pedi” and I always go to the Palace Saloon and
drink beer – do what ya do best I always say. </div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPBG7RDbkNw/VF9qlVP0oPI/AAAAAAAAYFk/ePcavcFRH48/s1600/20141030-DSC_7313-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPBG7RDbkNw/VF9qlVP0oPI/AAAAAAAAYFk/ePcavcFRH48/s320/20141030-DSC_7313-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fermandina By Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
I left Gigi at the “Mani & Pedi” store and headed for the
Palace. The town was full of fans dressed in Red and Black with a
sprinkling of fans of the “other” persuasion – clearly
Fernandina was a Georgia town that just happened to be in Florida.
The Palace was filled to overflowing with “Dawgs” already well
oiled and it was only 2:00 PM, the day before the game. The Georgia
fight song was blowing the doors open on the Palace and sounds of
“Ooof Ooofs” were echoing in my ears. The Palace was no place
for me today! I headed for the Green Turtle Bar about 2 blocks away
to do my duty and suck down a beer or two.
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPSj6n9jA44/VF9yCfDPvmI/AAAAAAAAYH0/oApCZMeLMUQ/s1600/20141104-DSC_7372-7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPSj6n9jA44/VF9yCfDPvmI/AAAAAAAAYH0/oApCZMeLMUQ/s320/20141104-DSC_7372-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walk the Dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
As I crossed the street there was a man with a GA shirt sitting on a
bench in front of one of the stores obviously doing what most men do,
wait for their shopping wives. We struck up a conversation. Being
originally from Georgia my self I asked where he was from. He said
Edenton to my surprise. I told him I was from Sparta a scant 30
miles from Edenton and introduced my self. His eyes widened. He was
Jessie Copeland originally from Greensboro and he had met and had
nothing but respect for my Grandaddy, Jimmy Copelan. He said, “Mr.
Jimmy”planted and cut hay for his Grandad.” When he called him
“Mr. Jimmy” I knew he was the genuine article - a Green County
boy that truly did know my Grandad. When you meet someone like
Jessie that actually knew your Grandady it, in away, brings him back
to life for a warm moment or two. It is a small world. But that was
not the only surprise Fernandina had in store for me that day...</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgJGjNqXtII/VF9qhGKyfGI/AAAAAAAAYFc/YV9xZP0G4c0/s1600/20141030-DSC_7307-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgJGjNqXtII/VF9qhGKyfGI/AAAAAAAAYFc/YV9xZP0G4c0/s320/20141030-DSC_7307-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bell River Sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
After “a few” beers at the Green Turtle and some pleasant
conversation with new friends Gigi called and asked me to meet her at
the Ice cream Store...don't remember a time I've turned down ice
cream. While waiting out front of the Ice Cream Store (you always
wait on women..think it must be a rule) I noticed a couple with red
and black “Oconee” shirts on some folk. I introduced my self and
told them the story of my boat “Oconee.” They were from
Watkinsville, a small town that is now part of Athens. My cousin
Steve Tingle has a business in Watkinsville and I asked if by chance
they knew Stevie. The husband said he did not but...his wife piped
up and said “but I'm distant kin to Dale, Steve's wife. Dale and I
grew up in the same town.” For the life of me I can't remember
names..wish I did. They too were nice folk.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
All and all, it was a really good day. I enjoyed the company of
some new friends. Drank me some good Florida beer...and Florida
makes some good beer. Ate some good food. And had me some real
pleasant surprises. But best of all, I got to remember my Granddad.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b>The Broken
Rule:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
One of my all time sailing heroes was Dick Bradley. Dick wrote a
column for <i>Motor Boat & Sailing</i> in 60s and 70s. Dick's
columns on boating (of course) and on life yielded bucket loads of
simple wisdom. Dick used to say that you didn't need courses in
“seamanship” you needed courses in “landsmanship.” “God,”
Dick said, “would teach you all ya needed to know about
seamanship.” On land it was a complicated “crapshoot.” He
also had a hard fast rule he called the rule of “<i>Chicken
seamanship: Never put yourself in a position you might need
seamanship.</i>” I have done my best to live by Dick's
rule...occasionally I fail.</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
We left Fermandian and rode the height of the tide down the Amelia
River. The first part of the Amelia can be a little skinny and G and
I like to have at least a couple of feet of tide under us for this
section. We hit 10 knots in places between Fernandian and the
crossing of the St. Johns river. I commented to Gigi that we were
seeing more current than normal in this section and was not looking
forward to pushing that current once we crossed the St. Johns. I had
no idea...</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SfQdyy1PzYs/VF9yNZ-xsZI/AAAAAAAAYIM/5PvjJPEKaHI/s1600/20141104-DSC_7387-10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SfQdyy1PzYs/VF9yNZ-xsZI/AAAAAAAAYIM/5PvjJPEKaHI/s320/20141104-DSC_7387-10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1960 Crocker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
After we crossed the St. John's River our speed dropped to 4.5 knots
- one whale of a current and now we had us a convoy of boats in
front of us to add to the mix. The current thru the first bridge
turned us every where but loose. The second bridge in this section
always has the worst current. The ICW narrows here and all the water
of the Sound flows between the fenders of the second bridge. Our
friend Dan Boeny often anchors and waits for slack before attempting
the passage thru the bridge..Dan is a wise man. Ahead of us was a
couple of catamarans, <i>Slow Fight</i> – another Defever 44 like
the <i>Turtle</i>, and last in line just ahead of us was an about 60'
express cruiser. Express cruisers can create a huge wake when they
apply power. Their stern digs a hole in the water – result huge
wakes. </div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CIIyNtONqrE/VF9xrqhilLI/AAAAAAAAYHE/2QvlV8RRtKc/s1600/20141104-DSC_7353-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CIIyNtONqrE/VF9xrqhilLI/AAAAAAAAYHE/2QvlV8RRtKc/s320/20141104-DSC_7353-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
We waited our turn, backed way off on the throttles and put about 100
yards between us and the Cruiser. We could see it was not going to
be fun from the way the other boats were getting kicked around but it
looked do able. It was all we could do to hold position in the 5
knot current. When the last cat cleared the bridge and the Express
kicked her engines to life with all but full throttle and pushed a
huge wake thru the bridge. I powered up the Salty Turtle and started
to follow the Express thru the bridge. Gigi mumbled something like,
“Do you think we should wait..?” At that slim point I had a
choice - go or spin the Turtle and wait a bit for the wakes to die
down. Right here is where a lifetime rule was broken. I applied
more power. I had no idea how big a trouble I was in. </div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWrE-b5BK0g/VF9q9_rRvRI/AAAAAAAAYGc/Oj8WwuhWvRM/s1600/20141031-DSC_7338-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWrE-b5BK0g/VF9q9_rRvRI/AAAAAAAAYGc/Oj8WwuhWvRM/s320/20141031-DSC_7338-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
One hundred feet off the bridge fenders the Cruiser's wake ricocheted
off the shore and combined with the standing way under the bridge
creating 4' waves that seemed to be coming at the Turtle from all
directions – sort of like trying to push a 52 thousand pound boat
up a mountain cataract. I pushed the throttles to unknown territory
around 2000 RPMs, A-framed my legs to brace my self, and did what
the boat told me. This is one of those situations you can't think
thru you just have to react. Waves and current were kicking Turtle
all over the place. We were rolling 15 degree from port to starboard
at the whim of the standing waves and kicking Turtle's stern about
like a ping-pong ball. I was making 20 degree rudder corrections and
the Turtle was still not responding. It took adding every drop of
power we had to port or starboard engines as required (steering with
engines) to keep us from careening off the bridge fenders...and even
then it was a matter of slim feet. Slowly, ever slow slowly I was
able to regain control of the boat. By the time we were exiting the
bridge fenders the Turtle was just fighting current and I was able to
ease off on the throttles a bit. At this point I glanced at the GPS
and we were doing a screaming 3 knots...and safe.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Gigi took a breath..I think her first since we hit the wake...and
said,” Were you scared?” I took <i><u>my</u></i> first breath
and said, “No, too damn busy to be scared.”</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Dick Bradley don't ever let me break that rule again!!!!
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b>Memories:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Memories are our most prized possessions..maybe our only true
possession. A good one is like gold in the bank to warm our hearts,
minds, and yes..bodies. They can change a back day light and shift
our moods in a blink of an eye. It was like that the other evening
at anchor South of Pine Island. It had been an especially grueling
day (see above). The Turtle was swinging to her anchor and I was
sucking down a well deserved “sundowner” when I looked up to see
a navy blue Island Packet swing off the ICW and quietly anchor a
couple of hundred feet ahead of us in the creek. I knew that boat?
I grabbed the glasses and took a closer look. It was...it was...
“Slow Dancing” and suddenly, in a flood of memories, it was 8
years past in January and Mike Yount and I had just finished a long
wait for weather to cross to Bimini...</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P7t5qa-KmBI/VF9yxcZ8PVI/AAAAAAAAYJc/2QDI5rPOb9Q/s1600/20141105-DSC_7410-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P7t5qa-KmBI/VF9yxcZ8PVI/AAAAAAAAYJc/2QDI5rPOb9Q/s320/20141105-DSC_7410-20.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine Island Morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
The night was dark and there were 29 boats that were crossing at the
same time, about 10 going to Bimini the rest headed to Nassau,
Morgan's Bluff, or Chub Cay. For some reason we struck up a
conversation with Paul and Diane Kline (?), also first timers, on
<i>Slow Dancing</i>...and we did not know it at the time but a
friendship was born and one of my lifetime memories was deposited in
the bank. </div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AAJ3ebjEr9U/VF9yfYr8ObI/AAAAAAAAYI0/__xPnP9lFkQ/s1600/20141104-DSC_7398-15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AAJ3ebjEr9U/VF9yfYr8ObI/AAAAAAAAYI0/__xPnP9lFkQ/s320/20141104-DSC_7398-15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine Island Sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
In Bimini Mike and I ate our first Bahamian lobster cooked by Diane
aboard <i>Slow Dancing</i>. We crossed the banks a few days later
together and held up for a three day 30-40 knot Northeaster in
Fraiser Hog Cay – <i>Slow Dancing </i>at the Berry Island Club and
Oconee at anchor. That storm is still the storm by which I measure
all others. The Mule and I turned <i>Slow Dancing's</i> bow and
pushed them off the Berry Island Club dock after the blow and helped
them escape the grip of the dock and bottom (they were aground). We
met again in Marsh Harbor in the Abacos and they “shepherded” me
a bit since they knew I was now single handing.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQqNw5YJebU/VF9yj8c2kbI/AAAAAAAAYI8/bhGGiexJaBY/s1600/20141104-DSC_7402-16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQqNw5YJebU/VF9yj8c2kbI/AAAAAAAAYI8/bhGGiexJaBY/s320/20141104-DSC_7402-16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine Island Moon Rise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Paul and Diane sold <i>Slow Dancing</i>, moved to (of all places)
Washington, NC and took up golf and became a CLOD (that's “Cruisers
Living On Dirt”). But..Slow Dancing kept her name and is still
cruising fulfilling another couple's dreams...and salting away gold
in their memory banks. Me? Just seeing that boat sail once again
into my life brightened my day. </div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qC3kJ8OyOJc/VF9y107HcWI/AAAAAAAAYJk/T_Rn72zuCl8/s1600/20141105-DSC_7412-21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qC3kJ8OyOJc/VF9y107HcWI/AAAAAAAAYJk/T_Rn72zuCl8/s320/20141105-DSC_7412-21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slow Dancing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
We are in Palm Coast waiting the arrival of <i>Victoria Gaye</i>,<i>
Temptation, and Skat </i><span style="font-style: normal;">with </span>long
time cruising friends NC aboard. Today there will be one hell of a
reunion on the back deck of the Turtle. Tomorrow Salty Turtle will
start her plod South again. Next destination Titusville and a visit
with Steve and Aggie Knox (another set of CLODs).</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Vic C.</div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-68974793976915803332014-11-03T15:50:00.000-05:002014-11-03T15:54:15.009-05:00<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><u><b>2014-10-31 Long Creek, SC to
Cumberland Island, GA</b></u></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
10/13/2014 Long Ck to Bull River, SC 61 nm</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
10/14/2014 Bull River to Ladies Island Marina, Beaufort, SC 17 nm</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
10/18/2014 Ladies Island Marina to Beaufort Anchorage, SC 2 nm</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
10/20/2014 Beaufort to Bull Ck, SC 25 nm</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
10/21/2014 Bull Ck to Herb River, GA 18nm</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
10/22/2014 Herb River to Thunderbolt Marina, GA 2 nm</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
10/24/2014 Thunderbolt Marina to Buckhead Ck, GA 24 nm</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
10/26/2014 Buckhead Ck to Thunderbolt Marina, GA 24 nm</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
10/27/2014 Thunderbolt Marina to Wahoo River, GA 40 nm</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">10/28/2014 Wahoo
River to Brickhill River, Cumberland Island, GA </span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-weight: normal;">59
nm</span></u></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Total Miles To date: 502 nm</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3IvFyL7Eu0/VEjvOj-gF3I/AAAAAAAAX4o/cf3VJf9Juv8/s1600/20141019-DSC_6883-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3IvFyL7Eu0/VEjvOj-gF3I/AAAAAAAAX4o/cf3VJf9Juv8/s1600/20141019-DSC_6883-9.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #280099;">“<i>Is it possible for us to struggle and
overcome fate..or are we merely being swept along a course which all
our efforts fail to alter or change?” Elizabeth Cochran (Nellie
Bly)</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRhQq9c3_Sc/VEjwPpzvImI/AAAAAAAAX6o/uVBb7Wx7hqM/s1600/20141020-DSC_6939-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRhQq9c3_Sc/VEjwPpzvImI/AAAAAAAAX6o/uVBb7Wx7hqM/s1600/20141020-DSC_6939-9.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>The Boarding:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The Turtle hauled her anchor in Long Ck and
headed for the 4 mile stretch of the ICW between the bridges off Mt
(un)Pleasant with 2' of tide under us. Over the last 3 years this
section has shoaled in and in conjunction with cross currents that
move water in and out of numerous small creeks make this area just
pain unsettling at low tide. We hurtled S. at a screaming 6 knots,
thru the panorama of Charleston Harbor, pushed the 3 knot current
down Elliots Cut to the Stono River and started our slow trip South
on the Stono. Our plan was to reach the shallow entrance to the
Dahoo River and the shallow water of the S. Ashepoo / Coosaw Cutoff
at the top of the tide. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">About 10 miles down the Stono we noticed a
Charleston City Police boat slowly overtaking us. The VHF sprang to
life and the courteous but firm voice of a Southern Gentleman said,
“Salty Turtle this is US Customs would mind if we boarded you.”
Of course it was not really a question..was it. I Southern
Gentlemaned right back at him, “We will slow to idle. Meet me at
the starboard gate and I'll help you aboard.” I gave Lt.Daniel
Maddock, Charleston County Sheriff, and Kenzie Driggers with US
Customs and Border Protection a hand aboard. Both were very
courteous and allow us to return to speed. They wanted to see the
boat's documentation. Gigi keeps all our papers filed so I turned
them over to her and I took over on the bridge. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Odd combination, a Customs supervisor, a
Sheriff's Lieutenant, and a Charleston Police boat clearly outside
Charleston's jurisdiction. Odd? Ten minutes went by, then twenty,
and I was beginning to worry when Gigi finally returned on deck and
took over the helm while I helped the officers to re-board their
vessel and they were off after apologizing in their best Southern
manner for our delay. Gigi said all they wanted to see was Turtle's
documentation and our driver's licenses...nothing else – not the
heads, not lifejackets, not passports, not nothing. They called our
licenses numbers in to Columbia and waited for a response. To this
day we do not know why they boarded us. Our best guess was they were
looking for someone. 'Tis a mystery. Certainly was not normal.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYb6cbcafjs/VEjv9DwPMsI/AAAAAAAAX54/O_vBYECjYCc/s1600/20141020-DSC_6909-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYb6cbcafjs/VEjv9DwPMsI/AAAAAAAAX54/O_vBYECjYCc/s1600/20141020-DSC_6909-3.jpg" height="320" width="263" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>A Mooing in the Marsh:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Once we crossed into Coosaw Sound the current
was in our face and (more importantly) it was approaching cocktail
hour - by 5:00 our anchor was now in Bull River about a 20 miles N.
of Beaufort. We'd make that run tomorrow morning with a rising tide
and the current with us. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Bull river has a habit of giving us a dolphin
show and it did again this day. We had sundowner's with dolphin
doing tail walks and back flips what could be better. That night the
sound of dolphin pinging the hull lulled us quickly off to sleep.
Mornings just as the sun's first rays first starts to paint the sky a
deep blue with hints of color usually finds me on the aft deck
enjoying a cup of coffee – a peaceful way to greet the new day.
This morning had a surprise in store. I was startled out of my
contentment too the sound of “mooing” in the marsh. I've seen
deer, raccoon, hogs, eagle, stork, all sorts of wildlife in the
marsh but cows? Never. What the heck were cows doing in a
marsh..besides the obvious - eating of course. This trip seems to
be full of mysteries.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZWBQDE6AfM/VEfXc90NWkI/AAAAAAAAXxM/FU2R96ZmQdU/s1600/20141013-DSC_6730-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZWBQDE6AfM/VEfXc90NWkI/AAAAAAAAXxM/FU2R96ZmQdU/s1600/20141013-DSC_6730-1.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsh Cows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Ladies Island Marina – Beaufort, SC:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Cruisers (us included) rush South on a mission
to get to “Paradise” in the warm waters of Bahamas and as a
consequence miss some great places and people in doing so. It was
supposed to blow like a mother with a cold front passing over the
area. Usually we anchor off Beaufort and dingy into the town. Gigi
said, “Vic, why don't we stop at Ladies Island Marina and enjoy the
luxury of a dock for the night. That will put us within walking
distance to a Publix and a liquor store (we needed ships stores).”
“OK by me,” said I. This was to turn out to be a near disaster.
</span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Steve, the dockmaster, moved some boats around
to fit the Turtle in on the T head and Gigi headed for Ladies Island
Marina – I handle lines and Gigi steers the boat. Gigi did her
usual perfect job of bringing us in and I hustled the lines ashore to
eager, competent, hands. When I slowed up enough to look up it
seemed almost everyone at the Marina had showed up to welcome the
Turtle “home.” Home? This is not home? How could this be home?
We are headed South...weren't we? </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zde5oWnUTjU/VEjijw_AVbI/AAAAAAAAXzg/9weZGaHfB3Q/s1600/20141017-DSC_6775-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zde5oWnUTjU/VEjijw_AVbI/AAAAAAAAXzg/9weZGaHfB3Q/s1600/20141017-DSC_6775-3.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We planed on staying one night and stayed 4.
This is a dangerous place – a dream killer. We had not settled in
good before we had offers of a car, a truck, and even a “an ice
cream truck” to run errands. Everyone treated us like long lost
friends. The marina even has a huge, well equipped shop..did I
mention this place was cheap. It even has a restaurant and bar next
door...sort of.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LaaNRteg_k/VEjjgI8dc6I/AAAAAAAAX0A/E-CTTUlPw-E/s1600/20141017-DSC_6786-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LaaNRteg_k/VEjjgI8dc6I/AAAAAAAAX0A/E-CTTUlPw-E/s1600/20141017-DSC_6786-7.jpg" height="275" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YC-LhJ-Vd9M/VEjkEwyeeCI/AAAAAAAAX0Q/e0Cezs86Uos/s1600/20141017-DSC_6793-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YC-LhJ-Vd9M/VEjkEwyeeCI/AAAAAAAAX0Q/e0Cezs86Uos/s1600/20141017-DSC_6793-9.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">“The Filling Station” is a local dive with
character of it's own. In the parking lot it is not unusual to find
beat up pickup trucks of unknown lineage side by side with brand new
BMWs. The bar is run by an former Marine (everyone know that there's
no such thing as an ex-Marine) and his Philippine wife. They don't
serve food <i>but</i>...on Wednesday you can get a hamburger,
hotdog, and fries for $4, Thursday 2 pork chops and 3 home cooked
sides for $5, and on Friday a huge ribeye steak and 3 sides for $10.
Gigi and I did pork chop night and were wowed...decided to stay to
Friday and try “steak night” and were wowed again. Their steaks
and pork chops are some of the best I've ever eaten. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Friday night after supper at the Filling
Station Steve, the dockmaster, came aboard for a gam and touch of rum
and did his worst to talk us into staying thru the following week.
When Steve left. I looked at G and she at me. We both said, “We
gotta get out of here or we might never leave.” See what I mean,
Laddies Island is a dangerous place, a dream killer..a place you
could call “home.” </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>To Hell and Back...and Back:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Cruising boats are really a combination
“<i>private island and time machine</i>” that slowly drift with
the tides and currents in the general direction their inhabitants
wish. <i> Occasionally</i>, we allow special people to share our
island and even more rarely we are transported back in time by
circumstance and company. John and Nancy Holmes joined us in
Thunderbolt, GA for a weekend cruise. It was to be special in both
place and time. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBHjCbArbRU/VE1jC-Y4a1I/AAAAAAAAYAk/wDjD8PXHx2M/s1600/20141025-DSC_7105-37.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBHjCbArbRU/VE1jC-Y4a1I/AAAAAAAAYAk/wDjD8PXHx2M/s1600/20141025-DSC_7105-37.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckhead Ck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">John (Monk) Holmes was my best friend in high
school. I had met Nancy at our Sparta High reunions but had not had
the chance to know her well. This trip was going to fix that. I
wanted to give John and Nancy a taste of our life – a little of
what it takes to cruise and a little of the beauty the marshes and
tidal creeks of Georgia could provide. Within a short 25 mile trip
we could do some of both. Hell's Gate is a cut with swirling
currents and shallows that should be run at half tide or better and
require a little planning or luck (the challenge). Five miles
further South lay Buckhead Creek, one of the most remote anchorages
on the ICW (the beauty). Buckhead was our destination.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mT42vaejfGQ/VE1jIONFN6I/AAAAAAAAYAs/5ZQ5rzehLik/s1600/20141026-DSC_7115-38.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mT42vaejfGQ/VE1jIONFN6I/AAAAAAAAYAs/5ZQ5rzehLik/s1600/20141026-DSC_7115-38.jpg" height="187" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagles for Breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Within minutes of John and Nancy coming aboard
John had transported me back to the 60s growing up in Sparta, Georgia
our friendship a warm as ever. Gigi, usually takes a little time to
warm up to strangers. Nancy Holmes turned out to be an exception.
Before the anchor was down in Buckhead Ck she and Nancy were
(scarily) <i>comfortable</i> with each other. Talking and yes...
giggling (quite un-nerving – when ya don't know what a woman is up
to, you don't know what a woman is up to). </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6DndGlezb0/VEjviKVY5yI/AAAAAAAAX5Y/FYVsp5sbQVw/s1600/20141019-DSC_6895-15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6DndGlezb0/VEjviKVY5yI/AAAAAAAAX5Y/FYVsp5sbQVw/s1600/20141019-DSC_6895-15.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Buckhead delivered and then some. Beautiful
sunsets (and good sundowner's), coffee with Bald Eagles in the
morning, time to relax and catch up on each other's lives, time to
solve most of the world problems, and most importantly, time to
re-discover the joys of each other's company. All too soon it was
time to cross Hells Gate for the second time on the voyage back to
Thunderbolt Marina and time to part ways. Thank you John and Nancy
from the bottom of my heart...time is the greatest gift that can be
given.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UV-ZQ2Ka8TI/VE1jU_sB6qI/AAAAAAAAYBE/8O2WqaaCVv8/s1600/20141026-DSC_7126-41.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UV-ZQ2Ka8TI/VE1jU_sB6qI/AAAAAAAAYBE/8O2WqaaCVv8/s1600/20141026-DSC_7126-41.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vic, Gigi, John, & Nancy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The next day we passed thru Hells Gate for the
third time this trip headed South for our date with Cumberland
Island.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Cumberland Island:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Cumberland is one of the “Sea Islands” of
Georgia. Originally a private island owned by Nathaniel Green and
developed during the “railroad baron” era of the 1800s by Thomas
Carnegie the brother of Andrew as an opulent estate / cotton
plantation. Lighthorse Harry Lee, Robert E. Lee's father, came here
to die and was buried here for a time. Eli Whitney invented the
cotton gin on Cumberland. Today it is a US Park and open to us
all...and man are we lucky. Cumberland is one of the most beautiful
places on this earth. </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J7vEyni9870/VFfcsmCummI/AAAAAAAAYEA/enpKsfCztx4/s1600/20141030-DSC_7264-22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J7vEyni9870/VFfcsmCummI/AAAAAAAAYEA/enpKsfCztx4/s1600/20141030-DSC_7264-22.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We spent 3 days anchored in the Brickhill River
off the North end of Cumberland Island. Gigi and I had explored the
S end near the ruins of Dungeness Estate in past years but had never
had seen the N end. We explored the shore line until we lucked upon
some primitive camp sites shaded by live oak and were able to beach
the dingy there and spent a pleasant afternoon wandering the sand
roads canopied with live oak. If you like wildlife this is the place
deer, raccoon, pileated woodpecker, snakes (yep), fox squirrel,
turkey, and plenty of bugs (bring your bug spray here). Cumberland
has a large herd of wild horses but while we saw piles and piles of
“evidence” we saw none this day.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpCGaKkrUhs/VFfd8MtM5OI/AAAAAAAAYEo/31uFvaVv_eM/s1600/20141030-DSC_7278-27.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpCGaKkrUhs/VFfd8MtM5OI/AAAAAAAAYEo/31uFvaVv_eM/s1600/20141030-DSC_7278-27.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coon Tracks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">John John Kennedy was married in the small
Black Anglican Church in the Black Settlement on the N. end in a very
private, very secret ceremony. I wanted to photograph the preserved
settlement but it was not to be for this trip anyway. We were still
4 miles S of the settlement and that was too much of a walk for Old
Vic. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25hgA4z_xN4/VFfb8tG3IaI/AAAAAAAAYDw/ggqIWk1n-B0/s1600/20141030-DSC_7252-20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25hgA4z_xN4/VFfb8tG3IaI/AAAAAAAAYDw/ggqIWk1n-B0/s1600/20141030-DSC_7252-20.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The next morning we jumped in Mule and ran the
Brickhill 4 miles S to the Plum Orchard Docks for a little walkabout.
Plum Orchard is the second of 3 estates on Cumberland build by the
Carnegies and maintained by the Park Service. On an island like
Cumberland where every inch is special the beauty of Plum Orchard
stands out with acres of sweeping manicured lawn, live oak lined
drives, and (yes) Cumberland horses wandering the grounds. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYi6hXOj2FI/VFfdP3bv2-I/AAAAAAAAYEY/cY4eEuRS7mY/s1600/20141030-DSC_7275-25.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYi6hXOj2FI/VFfdP3bv2-I/AAAAAAAAYEY/cY4eEuRS7mY/s1600/20141030-DSC_7275-25.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plum Orchard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Cumberland is personal for me at least. It is
my vision of what Eden must have been like...and in some ways still
is. While I'm on the island I feel like it is mine and I'm the first
and only person here. It is primordially quiet, natural, and
breath takingly beautiful. The best part, you don't have to be a
boater to visit Cumberland. You can reach the island by ferry from
St. Mary's, Georgia. You owe it to yourself to put Cumberland on
your “bucket list.” You will not be sorry. It is Eden still. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We are anchored in Bell River off Fernandian
Beach, FL and plan to leave here tomorrow for Pine Island and Palm
Coast the next day to visit Gigi's cousin Tom and his wife Olga. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Faiwinds and Rum Drinks,</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Vic C.</span></div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-74418213605847930922014-10-12T15:48:00.001-04:002014-10-12T15:48:35.152-04:00October 12, 2014 - Wrightsville to Charleston<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><u><b>October 12, 2014 –
Wrightsville Beach to Charleston</b></u></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmdkr78pWlY/VDp2kkZBU6I/AAAAAAAAXkg/FuxOw6OBuOY/s1600/20141007-DSC_6331-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmdkr78pWlY/VDp2kkZBU6I/AAAAAAAAXkg/FuxOw6OBuOY/s1600/20141007-DSC_6331-2.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barefoot Landing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>10/06/2014 Wrightsville Beach to Barefoot Landing (Myrtle Beach,
SC) 66 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>10/07/2014 Barefoot Landing to Enterprise Ck, SC (Waccamaw
River) 19 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>10/08/2014 Enterprise Ck to Prince Creek, SC 7 nm</i></div>
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<i>10/09/2014 Prince Ck to Throughfare Ck, SC 9 nm</i></div>
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<i>10/10/2014 Throughfare Ck to South Santee River, SC 27 nm</i></div>
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<i>10/11/2014 South Santee River to Dewees Ck / Long Ck, SC 31 nm</i></div>
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<b>Total Miles To Date: 234 nm</b></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">“<i>This is one of the few sports whose
technique never quite match the demands. Throughout a sailing
career, we never stop finding new skills to master and new problems
to solve.”</i></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i>John Sousmaniere</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><u><b>The
Waccamaw River:</b></u></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="color: black;">We left Wrightsville on a mission to check off
a long cherished item from our “bucket list.” In years past we
had sped thru the Waccamaw River spending no more than a brief night
at anchor on our way South. Always we had looked wistfully at the
myriad of cypress lined creeks and always we had said, “next time.”
“Next time” was upon us and we planed to spend the next few days
relaxing, enjoying and exploring the Waccamaw.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8AJLkl4nPM/VDp37BxbP2I/AAAAAAAAXnA/qwIu8KRPcN4/s1600/20141007-DSC_6436-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8AJLkl4nPM/VDp37BxbP2I/AAAAAAAAXnA/qwIu8KRPcN4/s1600/20141007-DSC_6436-22.jpg" height="166" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">moon rise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--oJu9O9Tm44/VDp4McIAKrI/AAAAAAAAXno/Z5wDDxYiTXE/s1600/20141008-DSC_6468-27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--oJu9O9Tm44/VDp4McIAKrI/AAAAAAAAXno/Z5wDDxYiTXE/s1600/20141008-DSC_6468-27.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: black;">To me the Waccamaw has always meant peace and a
respite from tensions of daily life and the shallow water navigation
the rest of the ICW brings. The Waccamaw is an old river meandering
its way South in snake like fashion leaving oxbows and cutoffs in
it's wake. It's peaceful, quiet, deep, tea colored, fast flowing
water is, lined with cypress, cattails, waterlilies, wildflowers, and
is inhabited with all types of wildlife. Here live feisty little
King Fisher, Red Wings singing the morning away in the marsh, owls of
all kind herald the late night hours, heron fish for their supper and
(of course) alligator quietly doing what alligators do. The Waccamaw
to me seems a magic place – a place out of time. A place to
collect one's self. A place of peace.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwZmepYgqCg/VDp3Jsxq62I/AAAAAAAAXlg/53OQc_ZiTqs/s1600/20141007-DSC_6368-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwZmepYgqCg/VDp3Jsxq62I/AAAAAAAAXlg/53OQc_ZiTqs/s1600/20141007-DSC_6368-10.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;">The River was named for the Waccamaw Indians
who called this area home. They were river dwellers similar in
lifestyle to Lumbee Nation who lived on the banks of the Lumber River
in NC. The Waccamaw Indians hold the dubious distinction of being
the some of first American Indians enslaved by the Spanish explorers
( the Spanish and Portuguese were a tough bunch). The Waccamaw river
basin runs from up above Winston-Salem, NC to where it empties into
Winyah Bay near Georgetown, SC and is navigable by Salty Turtle as
far as Conway, SC. The ICW joins the Waccamaw about 20 miles South
of Myrtle Beach near Enterprise Creek. We were to spend our first
night there anchored in the swift current of the river with River
marker No. 2 in sight leading the way to Conway 15 river miles North.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09NmHkIAf_Q/VDp295m-C-I/AAAAAAAAXlQ/qgpjXAgtd-c/s1600/20141007-DSC_6362-8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09NmHkIAf_Q/VDp295m-C-I/AAAAAAAAXlQ/qgpjXAgtd-c/s1600/20141007-DSC_6362-8.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring in Mule</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Every creek and anchorage has it's own distinct
personality Enterprise was no exception..I call it Enterprise but, I
guess, technically it was the Waccamaw its self. Where we anchored
was fairly shallow for this river – only 13 feet. We dropped Mule
in the water and headed North poking our collective noses into
little tributaries as we went. Spanish moss hung from the popular
and oak lending a cool protective feeling to the exploration with
flowering waterlilies and water hyacinth gently being pushed aside by
the bow of Mule. We explored about 5 miles North and returned to the
Turtle for <i>sundowners </i>accompanied by a little good music. As
we sat on the aft deck enjoying our drinks we watched rafts of water
hyacinth sail past headed down river with the current and wind. They
looked like little green schooners with all sail set headed for
ports unknown. Gigi wanted me to photoshop some little green men on
board the rafts but I just couldn't do it (not that I wouldn't I just
don't know how).</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LfVaa3Xuw4A/VDp4JmNz_aI/AAAAAAAAXng/E05q7UTigwM/s1600/20141008-DSC_6463-26.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LfVaa3Xuw4A/VDp4JmNz_aI/AAAAAAAAXng/E05q7UTigwM/s1600/20141008-DSC_6463-26.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Hyacinth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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<span style="color: black;">The next morning the Turtle upped anchor and
headed for Prince Ck about 7 miles down the Waccamaw. Prince is
narrow deep and lined with cypress and occasionally a small tributary
choked with cattails. It is really a cutoff that begins and ends in
the Waccamaw. We anchored around a bend in a secluded spot about
half way down Prince. We need Mule fodder (read gas) so we dropped
her in the water and headed for Wacca Wache Marina about 3 miles from
our anchorage on the Waccamaw...and got lucky. Not only did they
have gas they had a nice little restaurant - <i>K-Rayes Bar and
Grill</i>..and they were right in the middle of “Octoberfest.” I
had knockwurst & sauerkraut with course German mustard, potato
pancakes with homemade spicy applesauce...and beer of course - so
good we did it again the next day before we moved to Throughfare
Creek. On the way back to the Turtle we explored Bull Ck., another
great anchorage complete with a rare sand beach, sand bank and rope
“swinging” tree. </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Mornings in Prince Creek are my idea of how
“mornings” should be. Picture, we are floating in a mirror of
tea colored water at a slight bend in the creek with water and bank
indistinguishable in the reflected water, the coffee is hot and the
sky is just starting to show signs of pink and ever lighting blue. I
am sitting on the aft deck when a concert slowly starts to build –
warblers, carolina chickadees, red wings, great blue heron all
playing their parts in morning song. Prince Creek is the kind of
place that leaves you speechless and cleanses the soul. Prince has
earned a place in my heart and I will anchor here again. </span>
</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TqDeicXYKoQ/VDp4CjjeKSI/AAAAAAAAXnQ/HnVdlmc_deM/s1600/20141008-DSC_6456-24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TqDeicXYKoQ/VDp4CjjeKSI/AAAAAAAAXnQ/HnVdlmc_deM/s1600/20141008-DSC_6456-24.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;">After lunch at K-Rays (told you we'd do it
again) we headed down river for Throughfare Creek and again a
different experience. Much of Throughfare is part of a park owned by
the Nature Conservancy complete with a nice walking trail. It is a
unique habitat with high sand dunes apparently left over from when
the shore was here eons ago. Behind the dunes is a small lake and
what is left of a development most only accessible by water. Gigi
and I ran the Mule into the lake and most of the canals. It looks
like many of the homes are abandoned and some of the sites have been
re-claimed by nature with only hints of the humans that once lived
there. We found one spot with brilliant red lilies growing along the
bank with the sign nailed to the tree all that was left of the
homesite. </span>
</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAL9Sg8KOxM/VDp-ga4M9ZI/AAAAAAAAXpQ/6DAGSRtKj4Q/s1600/20141009-DSC_6555-2-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAL9Sg8KOxM/VDp-ga4M9ZI/AAAAAAAAXpQ/6DAGSRtKj4Q/s1600/20141009-DSC_6555-2-5.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;">The next morning we headed South for Dewees /
Long Creek just North of Charleston one of my all time favorite
anchorages on the ICW. The Waccamaw and the Pee Dee join to become
Winyah Bay at Georgetown, SC and flow East to the sea. About half
way down the Bay the ICW takes a hard right and enters the SC Low
Country. The stark difference between the cypress lined deep running
Waccamaw and the shallow marshes, creeks, and rivers of the low
country offer quite a contrast – 15 miles and everything is
different...very different. The Low country is just as beautiful as
the Waccamaw just different. Here we saw our first eagle this trip
riding the morning thermals just North of McCellansville. We
anchored in Long Creek after a night in the S Santee just North of
Charleston and settled in for a pleasant 2 days on the hook with it's
salt marsh and ever changing light palate of reds, greens, and fall
orange painting the marsh for our private entertainment. </span>
</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GErZ0IJJF8g/VDqErmvNsoI/AAAAAAAAXrA/eseJT0xwyVw/s1600/20141011-DSC_6653-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GErZ0IJJF8g/VDqErmvNsoI/AAAAAAAAXrA/eseJT0xwyVw/s1600/20141011-DSC_6653-11.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Monday we head South toward Beaufort and
another adventure.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Vic C</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">PS – Bucket Lists have a way of expanding.
Next year I want to go all the way up the Waccamaw to Conway, SC</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-46901365978015755012014-10-04T15:43:00.005-04:002014-10-04T15:43:44.185-04:002014/10/04 Morehead City to Wrightsville Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEPc3ybX26s/VC_rg_m2h1I/AAAAAAAAXjc/j3pl_H2AUR8/s1600/20141003-DSC_6284-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<i><u><b>October 4, 2014: Wrightsville
Beach – The Voyage Begins</b></u></i>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>10/02/2014 Morehead City Yacht Basin to Wrightsville Beach, NC 74
nm</i></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjroFSGTnq0/VC_rWTdKYAI/AAAAAAAAXi0/L_NDzz1LcC4/s1600/20141002-DSC_6275-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<i> <u>Total Miles For Voyage:</u> <u>74 nm</u></i></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>O're the glad waters</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>of the dark blue sea,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>our thoughts as boundless,</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i>and our souls as free.</i></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>Lord Byron</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNTb9SoP5Y8/VDBH-eqBN0I/AAAAAAAAXj0/9GE1JofE_4M/s1600/20141003-DSC_6301-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNTb9SoP5Y8/VDBH-eqBN0I/AAAAAAAAXj0/9GE1JofE_4M/s1600/20141003-DSC_6301-2.jpg" height="202" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spritsail Skiff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i> </i></span><b>Sometimes You Da Entertainment</b></div>
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</div>
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“Sometimes you da audience and sometimes you da entertainment,”
or so the saying goes. It was our time to be on “stage”... but
I'm getting ahead of myself.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
It was an absolute “bluebird” day – a good day for beginnings
and heading South. Not a cloud in the sky with light NW winds and 1
to 2 foot waves - a prefect day for the run off shore from Morehead
City to Wrightsville Beach, NC. Galen Newton and friends helped us
slip our docklines and we were away by 7:30. We even had the current
with us and cleared the inlet by 8:30.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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The only fly in our ointment was the watermaker. I had rebuilt it
this summer and needed sea water to test it but there was a “but.”
In a casual conversation with the manufacture of the membranes he
said, “Oh they only have a shelf life of 6 months before they
should be installed.” We had had ours stored in the bilge for 2
years. The kind man speculated they would probably not work. If not
we had just pounded $900 and 2 days work down a rat hole.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Once off shore and in clean water I cranked the generator, brought up
the watermaker and held my breath. After an hours run time we were
making water with only 184 ppm salt, better than that straight out of
the tap at the Yacht Basin. Life is beautiful...and we were lucky!
More to the point we were $900 richer and I don't have to rebuild the
damn thing again.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjroFSGTnq0/VC_rWTdKYAI/AAAAAAAAXi0/L_NDzz1LcC4/s1600/20141002-DSC_6275-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjroFSGTnq0/VC_rWTdKYAI/AAAAAAAAXi0/L_NDzz1LcC4/s1600/20141002-DSC_6275-5.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rickshaw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
The Fates really were with us on this day. We caught a nice Spanish
for supper. Had dolphin dancing our bow. Scared hell out of a lot
of flying fish. Our new friends on Rickshaw (another Defever-44),
and Kenny on Tortuga, a friend that runs a dive charter out of
Morehead, caught us just before Wrightsville Beach Inlet. We
anchored just before the bridge in Banks Channel. Dropped the dink
in the water and had sundowners with Jim and Belinda Wolfe on
Rickshaw – a perfect end to a perfect day...or so we thought.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBSU2-SIngc/VC_rPDcZ_eI/AAAAAAAAXik/tLwwSsZ3USs/s1600/20141002-DSC_6252-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBSU2-SIngc/VC_rPDcZ_eI/AAAAAAAAXik/tLwwSsZ3USs/s1600/20141002-DSC_6252-3.jpg" height="186" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tortuga</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
The weather was supposed to continue to be trouble free until late
Friday night when a significant front was supposed to pass thru
Wrightsville. At 2:00 AM in the morning (Friday morning not Saturday
morning) a squall hit with probably 40 k gusts. It was about then
that the horns started blaring announcing <i><u>someone</u></i> was
dragging. Why! Why I ask! Is it always 2 in the morning when shit
happens! Rain was blowing sideways, visibility sucked, and as it
turned out the Turtle and Rickshaw were the <i>someone</i> and
consequently ordained as the entertainment for the evening. I'm
still not convinced we were going walkabout but we were closer to the
boat behind us and elected to move.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Let me tell you getting up an anchor in a driving rainstorm with a 52
thousand pound boat to hoss around is no small task. An hour later
drenched to the skin after wandering around a bit we re-anchored a
little further South in Banks Channel off the Wrightsville Beach
Yacht Club. Like I said, if you voyage sometimes you are gonna be
the entertainment and not the entertained.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-so2uDLpkJSU/VC_rfTVD0FI/AAAAAAAAXjU/0QSuxHtkNF4/s1600/20141003-DSC_6283-9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-so2uDLpkJSU/VC_rfTVD0FI/AAAAAAAAXjU/0QSuxHtkNF4/s1600/20141003-DSC_6283-9.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrightsville Beach Morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
There is a little “Ying and Yang” in everything however. We may
have lost a bit of sleep and got soaked to the skin but we did get
our clothes washed for free even if they were on us at the time.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEPc3ybX26s/VC_rg_m2h1I/AAAAAAAAXjc/j3pl_H2AUR8/s1600/20141003-DSC_6284-10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEPc3ybX26s/VC_rg_m2h1I/AAAAAAAAXjc/j3pl_H2AUR8/s1600/20141003-DSC_6284-10.jpg" height="185" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Peace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Faiwinds and Rum Drinks,</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Vic C.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
PS – The Saturday night front was a
non-event...go figure.</div>
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</div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-67074698013218007822013-11-26T10:11:00.000-05:002013-11-26T10:11:04.425-05:00Nov 26, 2013 - Morehead City to Palm Coast<br />
<i><u><b>Log of the Salty Turtle:
October 24</b></u></i><sup><i><u><b>th </b></u></i></sup>thru
November 26, 2013<br />
<i><u><b></b></u></i>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>10/24/2013 Morehead City to Mile Hammock's Bay, NC 37nm</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>10/25/2013 Mile Hammock's Bay to Wrightsville Beach, NC 35nm</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>10/26/2013 Wrightsville Beach to Southport, NC 23nm</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>10/28/2013 Southport to Doster's Loop (Waccamaw River, SC) 64nm</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>10/29/2013 Doster's Loop to Butler Island, SC 19nm</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>10/30/2013 Butler Island to Dewees / Long Ck, SC 52nm</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>10/31/2013 Long Ck to Beaufort, SC 72nm</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/3/2012 Beaufort to Herb River, GA 42nm</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/4/2013 Herb River to Wahoo River, GA 42nm</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/5/2013 Wahoo River to Frederica River, GA 37nm</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/6/2013 Frederica River to Bell River (off Fernandian, FL) 43nm</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/7/2013 Bell River to Fernandian Harbor Marina, FL 1nm</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/9/2013 Fernandian Harbor Marina to Pine Island, FL 43nm</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/10/2013 Pine Island to St. Augustine Mooring Field, FL 12 nm</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/12/2013 St. Augustine, to Palm Coast Marina, FL 22nm</i></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i> </i><i><u>Total Miles To Date: 537nm</u></i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i> </i></div>
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<span style="color: #2323dc;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #2323dc;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srtBgrXQkhY/UoY8YnM0PrI/AAAAAAAAV7w/JiwBYrxqoww/s1600/20131107-DSC_2364-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srtBgrXQkhY/UoY8YnM0PrI/AAAAAAAAV7w/JiwBYrxqoww/s320/20131107-DSC_2364-7.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #2323dc;">“<i>Yacht Design is rather like making love
to a woman. The approach is completely empirical. In the end, the
male, even though he might be successful, usually had no idea how and
why he had succeeded.”</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #2323dc;">Prof. E. J. Richards</span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #2323dc;">“<i>Music washes from the soul the dust of
everyday life.”</i></span> </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #2323dc;">Berthold Auerbach</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PzhU7YW9dg8/UoZBDWRRqAI/AAAAAAAAWAM/m0PMqlrpXzI/s1600/20131031-DSC_2221-35.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PzhU7YW9dg8/UoZBDWRRqAI/AAAAAAAAWAM/m0PMqlrpXzI/s320/20131031-DSC_2221-35.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon Set At Dawn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">“<b><i>Stroke it..Ride It...Pound It</i>”
and Wait and Wait Some More:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The trip down the ICW, to me, is always a joy
and an adventure in it's own right especially with good crew like
Paul and Stacy Brannon aboard – boat people to core and enjoying
every minute on the water. The thing about the ICW is there is no
telling what will be around the next bend. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Mile Hammock's Bay (actually a part of the
Marine Corp Base at Camp LeJeune) has always been a source of
entertainment. This year was no exception. Just as we got the
anchor down and our traditional anchors' down drinks in hand we heard
the approach of a couple of big Sea Stallion helicopters flying in
low from the West. They began a slow circle of the Bay, stirring the
waters with their down drafts and sending up clouds of dust from the
land. Then the first Stallion in line slowed in flight and hovered
with it's rotors just visible above the tree line next to the
anchorage. Then the rhythmic beat of the engines completely changed
to a throaty roar of engines under full power and obvious strain.
The chopper lifted above the tree line and we could see what looked
like an I-beam slung under it's belly. The helicopters were doing
heavy lift drills and we were in for a show. Each chopper in turn
would circle the Bay a couple of times, hover over the lift site, and
discharge or pickup it's “cargo.” </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfqgs-ckHbY/UoY-ZVQHs6I/AAAAAAAAV8M/tx20BPkGEaU/s1600/20131024-DSC_2055-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">They did this until just about dark. We
enjoyed sundowner's, hors d'oeuvre, a free show...and a bit of
noise. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfqgs-ckHbY/UoY-ZVQHs6I/AAAAAAAAV8M/tx20BPkGEaU/s1600/20131024-DSC_2055-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfqgs-ckHbY/UoY-ZVQHs6I/AAAAAAAAV8M/tx20BPkGEaU/s320/20131024-DSC_2055-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Stallion Heavy Lift</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
<span style="color: black;">Turtle and company left next morning bright
and early and were at anchor in Banks Channel off Wrightsville Beach
in time for lunch ashore and to stock up on Robert's Grocery's famous
chicken salad and pimento cheese. Our plan was to leave at first
light the next morning for Southport and be tied up well before noon.
Our intent was to spend a couple of days there just enjoying the
town before continuing on our journey South. The “early” part
was not to be. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8NC2n1dQ00A/UoY-yW6jd9I/AAAAAAAAV8s/uoYBzyxJ8No/s1600/20131026-DSC_2073-7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="88" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8NC2n1dQ00A/UoY-yW6jd9I/AAAAAAAAV8s/uoYBzyxJ8No/s320/20131026-DSC_2073-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stroke it, Ride it, Pound it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We arose as planed around 6:30, made coffee,
cranked the engines, and headed on deck. We were greeted to the
splash of 1500 swimmers in flights of around 300 all “hell bent for
election” to round the turning mark just to our South and then down
channel toward the ICW. Turned out it was a Mini-Iron Man and both
exits to the anchorage were blocked. We had lost our opportunity to
leave for at least the next 2 hours...but man what a show. I used to
work corners as part of the safety crew in SSCA Sports Car Races but
this is the first time I ever saw “corner workers” on paddle
boards one complete with his own “rescue dog” - a big yellow
labrador apparently having the time of his life. Paul told me the
Iron Man motto was “<i>Stroke it, Ride it, Pound it</i>”...has
sort of has a ring to it doesn't it. We made Southport by 2:00 AM
after enjoying our second surprise in two days.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6o8uy1x3BXU/UoY_Glj6F6I/AAAAAAAAV9M/eV0W2RasiRw/s1600/20131026-DSC_2101-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6o8uy1x3BXU/UoY_Glj6F6I/AAAAAAAAV9M/eV0W2RasiRw/s320/20131026-DSC_2101-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safety Workers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">You see what I mean about the ICW? Some people
would see the chopper noise as an irritating pain in the butt or
would go ballistic over the “un-called for delay” at Wrightsville
Beach. Me, I see entertainment, a chance to enjoy a second cup of
coffee, and the addition of a little spice to our journey. The ICW
can be heaven or hell. The choice is yours. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbcfSl18yCk/UoZBfW6lRoI/AAAAAAAAWBE/Vi6zqg150NU/s1600/20131102-DSC_2248-42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbcfSl18yCk/UoZBfW6lRoI/AAAAAAAAWBE/Vi6zqg150NU/s320/20131102-DSC_2248-42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Pigs Can Surf:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The old Salty Turtle is not a fast boat. She
lumbers along at a steady 7 knots and doesn't get in a hurry to do
anything. I always said that if the Turtle ever hit 12 knots she
have to have fallen over a water fall and a steep one at that. In
short the old girl is built of comfort and a bit of a “pig” in
the speed department...but she was to prove me wrong in the Sounds of
Georgia. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We lumbered our way South thru the always
beautiful Waccamaw – in Spring with it's coat of new life green and
fall with the orange glow of warmth from the low sun on the brown of
the cypress. It is beautiful and there is a settling peace about the
place. South to our favorite anchorage in Dewees / Long Creeks.
With it's full marshes and hint of Charlestown on the horizon. South
thru the skinny ever changing waters of the Low Country and on to
Beaufort, SC where we took a break and enjoyed the hospitality of the
town. South to Herb River near Thunderbolt, Georgia where the ICW
starts it's winding road thru the Sounds. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3ee_UFQpXI/UoZBWZ0hByI/AAAAAAAAWAs/QFTklYQOlDY/s1600/20131031-DSC_2236-39.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3ee_UFQpXI/UoZBWZ0hByI/AAAAAAAAWAs/QFTklYQOlDY/s320/20131031-DSC_2236-39.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charleston Harbor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
<span style="color: black;">Georgia is notorious for it's skinny water but
in truth Georgia is easy – you just play their 8' tides. And you
only have to play the tides in 3 places: Hells Gate just South of
Isle of Hope, Little Mud River North of St. Simons Island, and
Jeckyll Island and Sound. The rest is deep. The only problem this
year was weather and an abundance of wind. It was in Jeckyll Sound
that the Turtle showed me a thing or two. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We anchored along with half a dozen other boats
in the Fredrecia River off St.Simon's Island and rode out a blow of
25 to 30 knots over night. The weather looked iffy but the forecast
was for improving conditions with NE winds below 15k. Our next stop
was to be Fernandian Beach, FL, a trip of just over 40 miles, but to
get there the ICW passes just to the West side of Jeckyll Island and
East into the inlet where you round Red 32 and turn almost 180
degrees back West into Jeckyll Sound and the shelter of Cumberland
Island. Gigi polled the crew and we decided to go for it. With a
rising tide and wind and current in the same direction at the
notorious R32 it should not be too bad. Yea Right. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3ee_UFQpXI/UoZBWZ0hByI/AAAAAAAAWAs/QFTklYQOlDY/s1600/20131031-DSC_2236-39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The 8' tide was almost full when we passed thru
the ICW behind Jeckyll and eased out into the inlet and the 2 mile
journey to R32. The inlet quickly turned into a bash with 5 foot
seas with an occasional 6 footer's on the nose. Not unsafe but a bit
more than we bargained for. At R32, we waited for an opening in the
waves, put the helm hard over and turned our stern to the seas for
our run back inshore. Things went from a “bash” to “peace”
in a matter of seconds. It was then that this old, lumbering, pig of
boat surprised me (I think everyone). We went from a 5 knot bash to
a steady 8 knots...then her stern would rise to an on coming wave and
she would surf at 12 knots down the face, riding like some ancient
pig on a surfboard for about 100 yards until the sea slid under her
and then she would slow to 8 and rise to the next and again build
until she was surfing at 12 and start the process all over again. We
surfed our ass off all the way in behind Cumberland Island. So you
see, at that point I knew “Pigs” can surf. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKGXhE6gJAM/UoZCo_soxbI/AAAAAAAAWCc/gfhGoqY5gBQ/s1600/20131106-DSC_2344-53.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKGXhE6gJAM/UoZCo_soxbI/AAAAAAAAWCc/gfhGoqY5gBQ/s320/20131106-DSC_2344-53.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul & Stacy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We anchored in Bell River, a well protected
anchorage, about a half mile from the dingy dock in Fernandina. The
next morning we moved Salty Turtle to Fernandina Harbor Marina to
make it easier for Paul and Stacy jump ship. The next morning we
each in our own way cruised the town and rendezvoused at the Palace
Saloon, the oldest Saloon in Florida, and took what has become “the”
traditional photo. By 4:00 in afternoon Paul and Stacy, had packed
their stuff in a rental car and headed back home to take care of my
Aunt and Uncle in Athen, Georgia. I know for a fact their car had at
least one more thing than they had when they signed on as crew. They
left with a car full of “dreams.” Dreams of cruising again in
their own boat.</span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EkNZJosg6L4/UoY8E_06qlI/AAAAAAAAV7Q/xFHh71pIyEM/s1600/20131107-DSC_2354-3.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EkNZJosg6L4/UoY8E_06qlI/AAAAAAAAV7Q/xFHh71pIyEM/s320/20131107-DSC_2354-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palace Saloon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>How Not To Take a Mooring Vol. 2:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">After the winds died down (winds again –
winds seem to define this trip), we headed for Pine Island 112 miles
above St. Augustine, FL. We were thru the Bridge of Lions the
following day around 10ish and headed for our assigned mooring ball
near the back of the field absolutely determine not to make as
spectacular a show of our selves as we did the previous year (if you
remember, last year we managed to get the ball stuck on our shaft
struts and actually moor backward – hard to do but we did it just
the same).</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We cautiously approached the ball (Gigi put us
right on it). I hooked the short pennant that barely reached the
cleat and hauled it over the rail and slipped the eye around one horn
of the cleat. Right here is where things started to slip out of our
grasp....and turn a bit ugly. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">I was focused on the ball and had already fed a
line from the bow thru the eye in the pennant when the wake from a
sportfish bounced the shit out of the Turtle, ripped out our
starboard bow cleat and left it dandling like an errant earring from
the bow. The Turtle was washed backwards at a good clip and I
snatched the cleat and dropped the pennant before it sucked both me
and that damn cleat overboard. We regrouped and tried again..but
were rattled by now and each pass was a near miss. By this time 3
dingies from other boats had come to our rescue, with their help,
the Turtle was soon secured to a mooring pennant on the port cleat.
After a rum, I put the shit back together and added the starboard
mooring line.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">What happened? A number of things. First, the
pennants are quite short and short pennants are always a pain in the
tail. Second, the perfect timing of that damn sportfish and his
significant wake. Third, Vic getting his come-up-ins for thinking
again. All the boats I've ever been on the cleats were backed from
hell and gone. To pull them out you literally have to pull the bow
off. The cleats on the Turtle are designed to pull thru a hole in
the center of the cleat and held on with wood screws– strong as
all get out used as directed, weak and worthless if you pull in the
opposite direction as I did. Old Vic did a permanent fix in Palm
Coast a few days later with epoxy, wood plugs, and 5200
calk/adhesive.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<br /><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">I learned a valuable life lesson. <i>I don't
think St. Augustine Mooring Field likes us...and a little about our
cleats.</i></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>To Give a Shit...or That Bloody Head:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We arrived at Palm Coast Marina for a planed
stay of a week...and are still here two weeks later. We do love it
here but, as usual, have stayed well beyond our planned stop over and
but don't know why but it always seems to work out that way. Tom
and Olga, Gigi's cousin and wife, live here and Bill another of her
cousins lives in Orlando a couple of hours drive away so we do
Thanksgiving while we are here and visit back and forth. It is a
great spot to replenish supplies and fix what we have broke to this
point. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The list: Fix a coolant leak on both engines,
replace the injector pipe seals on the starboard engine (minor but
needed doing), rebuild the horn that quit on the way down, and fix
that damn bow cleat. We had all that done and our visiting finished
by the first weekend and we were on schedule to leave Monday (we hate
traveling on the weekend in FL. It is a zoo). Monday came around on
the jukebox and it was blowing a gale and raining in buckets we
stayed. It was about then that the head reared its... ugly head. It
had been running slower and slower since we left Morehead. I knew
what it was and dreaded the thought. It had to be calcification in
the pipes from the head thru the ParaSand (small waste treatment
plant) to the overboard thru hull fitting. I don't so much mind
wallowing in my on poop but dealing with head plumbing is brutal. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tE1LkENxuLU/UpSn2eqFH2I/AAAAAAAAWDM/ZMoVzrphE-w/s1600/20131121-DSC_2385-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tE1LkENxuLU/UpSn2eqFH2I/AAAAAAAAWDM/ZMoVzrphE-w/s320/20131121-DSC_2385-5.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That Bloody Head</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tE1LkENxuLU/UpSn2eqFH2I/AAAAAAAAWDM/ZMoVzrphE-w/s1600/20131121-DSC_2385-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnoQKVRPNlU/UoZA_vqXGmI/AAAAAAAAWAE/BFJW5HVNnEQ/s1600/20131030-DSC_2212-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Better to do it here since we have a dock and
access to transportation. Gigi ordered new hose, a Y-valve, and when
the parts arrived late Wednesday I tore the head system down Thursday
morning. It took half a day of getting my language right and a pure
bloody struggle (if you know me you can take that bloody part
literally). There was no way to get to most of the plumbing without
pulling the head. Those of you that know what working with PVC
chemical, odor free hose is like will understand, the language and
blood bath (mine) that followed. The next day I put it back together
with even more blood and gnashing of teeth. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The head won every battle but I, Old Vic, won
the war. I have not been that sore and beat up in a long long time,
but the good news is we can “give a shit again” and man does it
flow (not us the head).</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnoQKVRPNlU/UoZA_vqXGmI/AAAAAAAAWAE/BFJW5HVNnEQ/s1600/20131030-DSC_2212-34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnoQKVRPNlU/UoZA_vqXGmI/AAAAAAAAWAE/BFJW5HVNnEQ/s320/20131030-DSC_2212-34.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The plan was to leave Monday the 25<sup>th</sup>
and be in Vero for Thanksgiving but a cold front is moving thru
(again) and we will stay in Palm Coast until probably Thanksgiving
morning or break a hard fast rule and leave Friday after Thanksgiving and travel on the weekend (god forbid). </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Fairwinds & Rum Drinks,</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Vic </span>
</div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-36396484139259124472013-10-12T12:13:00.000-04:002013-10-12T12:13:00.633-04:00October 12, 2013: There's a Nip In the Air<br />
<i><u><b>October 12, 2013: There's A
Nip In The Air</b></u></i><br />
<i><u><b> </b></u></i>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc0DC5C-16c/Ullkn9TcgrI/AAAAAAAAV54/UwQ8NAaqcC8/s1600/20131005-DSC_1771-8.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc0DC5C-16c/Ullkn9TcgrI/AAAAAAAAV54/UwQ8NAaqcC8/s320/20131005-DSC_1771-8.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: blue;">“<i><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
way I see it, you got two choices. You either gotta get busy
livin'...or busy dyin'.”</span></i></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Frank Darabout</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: blue;">“Fun is about as good a habit as there is.”</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: blue;">Jimmy Buffett</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QiElYX29i-8/UllklziuS6I/AAAAAAAAV5s/ybdaxjop0ek/s1600/20131005-DSC_1766-7.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QiElYX29i-8/UllklziuS6I/AAAAAAAAV5s/ybdaxjop0ek/s320/20131005-DSC_1766-7.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: blue;">
</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>There's A Nip In the Air:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There's a nip in the air and I'm
considering “long pants” for the first time since last November
(god forbid). Salty Turtle is provisioned, as readied as we can
make her, and straining at her lines as if to say “turn'em over,
run'em up, and lets's go”...go South (for swimsuit weather – have
I mentioned I don't like cold weather). We are ready, the boat is
ready, but it is not quite time yet. There is one more thing to do –
a wedding. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m11QAjA9WCk/UllkwelDeGI/AAAAAAAAV6M/c-l1npNBCrU/s1600/20131011-DSC_1784-11.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m11QAjA9WCk/UllkwelDeGI/AAAAAAAAV6M/c-l1npNBCrU/s320/20131011-DSC_1784-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solar Panels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It has been a busy and expensive
summer. We have rebuilt the high pressure pumps and injectors on
both main engines...and the generator. Rebuilt the rams on the
stabilizers. Added 1000 watts of solar power and installed a battery
monitor. Although I'll admit having Shay Glass as a friend and
helper made this job less painful. The Turtle now sports a brand
new Force 10, 3 burner propane, cook stove with custom outside
cabinet to house the propane – it is a beaut, looks like it grew
there. The old electric stove will never ever ruin a meal of mine
again – actually considered selling it but didn't want anyone to go
thru what the beast did to our food... besides I got too much
pleasure out of throwing the bastard in the dumpster. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75ua_FJ_Fj4/UllksFltIgI/AAAAAAAAV6E/5g-PQiIHTM4/s1600/20131011-DSC_1781-10.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75ua_FJ_Fj4/UllksFltIgI/AAAAAAAAV6E/5g-PQiIHTM4/s320/20131011-DSC_1781-10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Propane Storage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our annual haul out at Bock Marine
brought one surprise, as I took apart the second seacock to clean and
grease it fell apart in my hands – not good, as a matter-of-fact,
quite bad. A failed seacock under way could ruin your whole day..and
then some. With the help of Dale and Kenny at Bock Marine we
replaced every seacock below the water line...all 12. Don't ask how
much that cost. While I worked on the seacocks Gigi waxed the
topsides and made the Turtle all beautiful. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gff-zMIKGiU/UgpLeW2OwwI/AAAAAAAAVrI/5bPLQagmOqw/s1600/20130808-DSC_1111-1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gff-zMIKGiU/UgpLeW2OwwI/AAAAAAAAVrI/5bPLQagmOqw/s400/20130808-DSC_1111-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madog..wet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRdSRgUJ6D4/UgpJnsz7kmI/AAAAAAAAVnA/taChOzk9iVg/s1600/20130807-DSC_1007-12.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRdSRgUJ6D4/UgpJnsz7kmI/AAAAAAAAVnA/taChOzk9iVg/s1600/20130807-DSC_1007-12.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRdSRgUJ6D4/UgpJnsz7kmI/AAAAAAAAVnA/taChOzk9iVg/s320/20130807-DSC_1007-12.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madog..dry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And of course, between projects and
doctors visits, we managed to see our grandchildren and their
parents (always good). The bad part of cruising is the lack of time
to visit our kids so the few visits we get are even more precious. I
can't wait to take Malo “Madog” Copelan, Noel's son, and Gigi's
“Triplets” snorkeling in the Bahamas or just for a splash on the
beach at Twin Cays. I can close my eyes and see them running that
curve of pure white sand, little naked “butts” shining in the
sun, splashing gin clear water everywhere, and looking for treasures
with their sponge like minds and bodies soaking up all that is above
and below the surface. It's a dream but man has to have his dreams
doesn't he? </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By the end of next week Oconee will be
winterized and put to bed for her winter's sleep. Our last emotion
filled visits with friends will be behind us and we will be <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRdSRgUJ6D4/UgpJnsz7kmI/AAAAAAAAVnA/taChOzk9iVg/s1600/20130807-DSC_1007-12.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>ready...almost, that is. My cousin, Chris Dunn's son Christopher is
to be married in Columbus, Ga <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRdSRgUJ6D4/UgpJnsz7kmI/AAAAAAAAVnA/taChOzk9iVg/s1600/20130807-DSC_1007-12.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>on the 19<sup>th</sup> and we are
going. It looks like a great party with a mini-family reunion thrown
in for good measure. We will spend the night with my Cousin Stacy
Brannon and her husband Paul in Athen on the 20<sup>th</sup> and drag
them back with us to Morehead City where they will join the crew of
the Salty Turtle for the first leg of her trip South. We hope to
head out on or about October 23. I can't wait to be moving again.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Vic C.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-57118364225271682082013-05-31T10:13:00.000-04:002013-05-31T10:18:57.547-04:002013-05-31 Georgetown to Palm Coast, Florida<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><u><b>April
29, 2013 – 5/31/2013: Georgetown, Exuma to Palm Coast, Florida</b></u></i></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>04/29/2013: Georgetown to Black Point Settlement 54
nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>04/30/2013: Black Point to Big Majors Spot 9 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>05/01/2013: Big Majors to Nassau Harbor Club,
Nassau 74 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>05/8-9/2013: Nassau Harbor Club to Vero Beach, FL
237 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>05/15/2013: Vero Beach to Titusville, FL 65 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>05/16/2013: Titusville to Palm Coast, FL 66 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Total
Miles to Date: 2002 nm</b></i></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ-uWDFA_zA/UX0wFMUce0I/AAAAAAAAUTI/Q8nrdpMHuws/s1600/20130424-DSC_0546-129.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ-uWDFA_zA/UX0wFMUce0I/AAAAAAAAUTI/Q8nrdpMHuws/s320/20130424-DSC_0546-129.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Stripe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: navy;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>The Sea finds out everything
you did wrong..or did not do.”</i> - FRANCIS STOKES </span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: navy;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>There must be more to
sailing than the mere setting out to sail from A to B via C. There
must be exploration, not only of new areas of the ocean, but of new
parts of yourself.”</i> - TRISTAN JONES</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8oH-JrGNIU/Uaia2uC3ZVI/AAAAAAAAVNA/a-noZx7pzbY/s1600/20130521-DSC_0004-1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8oH-JrGNIU/Uaia2uC3ZVI/AAAAAAAAVNA/a-noZx7pzbY/s400/20130521-DSC_0004-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palm Coast Marina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Boy on a Bollard: National
Family Island Regatta, Georgetown – April 26 thru 30, 2013</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MW9Z6D7eVM/UX05GEWR8LI/AAAAAAAAUt0/QA7_BadWLkw/s1600/20130427-DSC_0055-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gigi's cousin Tom Cook joined us
in Georgetown for National Family Island Regatta. Tom's wife Olga is
in Russia helping her mom and Tom signed on as crew for the trip back
to the states. We met him at <i>Peace and Plenty's Bar</i> (of
course). <i>Peace and Plenty's</i> bar is the home of the Doc Lerman
– The Doctor of Libation (read bartender). The Doc makes the best
drinks in the Bahamas (and that's saying something) and if he likes
you he will introduce you to some his “regulars.” I've spent
many an interesting day in discussion some of Doc's friends. This
year Gigi and I met John Sanders, the head of the Bahamian Post
Office and his best buddy Vince (for the life of me I can't remember
his name) who was second in charge of the Power and Electric Service
for the Islands. Both x-racers and full time racing fans. The
stories they told... .</span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">To us National Family Island
Regatta starts when the boats arrive as deck cargo on inter-island
ships. Gigi and I make a point of being there for the unloading. The
slings used to unload the boats are enough to stop the heart of most
OSHA inspectors here in the States. The unloading and re-rigging is
a show in its self. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDhUpjW2MWc/UX0ol4i4QQI/AAAAAAAAT_M/vvnenx2sfPM/s1600/20130422-DSC_0057-22.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDhUpjW2MWc/UX0ol4i4QQI/AAAAAAAAT_M/vvnenx2sfPM/s320/20130422-DSC_0057-22.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was doing my usual wandering
around taking pictures when I noticed a boy of about 11 or 12 sitting
on a yellow bollard intently watching the boats as they came off the
ship and their masts stepped. After taking a couple of photos I
wandered up to the boy, introduced myself, and struck up a
conversation. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">William, that was his name, was
the skipper of the brand spanking new E Class sloop, “One Bahama”
in the Juniors Regatta. William is a bright young man. As each boat
was unloaded he told me about her good and bad points and her
skipper's “abilities.” He proudly told me he had finished second
in the last regatta and he was going to “reach” first this year.
When Gigi, Tom and I left William was still quietly sitting on his
yellow bollard watching the boats lowered into the water. When we
dropped by the dock a few hours later William was still there as
intent on his boats as ever. </span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFjiF_KsvvI/UX0oDIA5LeI/AAAAAAAAT88/wo_nh3Moltc/s1600/20130422-DSC_0005-4.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFjiF_KsvvI/UX0oDIA5LeI/AAAAAAAAT88/wo_nh3Moltc/s320/20130422-DSC_0005-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-size: small;">One Bahamas” was built and
sponsored by Sir Durwood Knowles, the first Bahamian to win a Olympic
Gold Medal for sailing. Sir Durwood has spent his life encouraging
young Bahamians to sail and to carry on the Bahamian boat building
traditions. Sir Durwood would be happy and proud to know that those
traditions were secure in the hands of William of the yellow
bollard...and other like him. </span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tO5roQtl3Ag/UX01fgjBTqI/AAAAAAAAUgA/sw9ozFz1mUg/s1600/20130426-DSC_0222-68.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tO5roQtl3Ag/UX01fgjBTqI/AAAAAAAAUgA/sw9ozFz1mUg/s320/20130426-DSC_0222-68.jpg" title="One Bahama" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Bahamas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tO5roQtl3Ag/UX01fgjBTqI/AAAAAAAAUgA/sw9ozFz1mUg/s1600/20130426-DSC_0222-68.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span> </a></span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh! The Racing was spectacular
this year. Red Stripe out Black Point and Tida Wave out of Staniel
Cay were tied for first going into final race with Running Tide from
Long Island a distant second. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">All three boats got excellent
starts with the edge going to Red Stripe. At the first windward mark
it was Red Stripe by just feet followed by Tida Wave...but Tida had
to tack to make the mark. Which should have been no problem and kept
her in second except.... Lady Maril another Staniel Cay boat just
plain screwed up and held on trying to ooch their way around the
mark. Lady M's bow man failed to tell the skipper that Tida was dead
in from of them. Had it not been for our friend Smashie Furgerson
who told the helmsman to tack just in the nick of time she would have
center punched Tida and sunk her. As it was she did tack just in
time to hit Tida a glancing blow and take both boats totally out of
the race and the series. Red Stripe sailed a safe race and finished
first for the race and the series. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YRoKQFmECA/UX0uFZK8PiI/AAAAAAAAUK4/DmC6qyvKrb8/s1600/20130424-DSC_0317-63.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YRoKQFmECA/UX0uFZK8PiI/AAAAAAAAUK4/DmC6qyvKrb8/s320/20130424-DSC_0317-63.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">If would have been a very
different race if Lady Maril had not taken Tida Wave out of the
picture. Red Stripe would probably have still won but man it would
have been fun to watch. I expect Staniel Cay is a very very small
island at the moment especially since the skipper of Tida taught the
skipper of Lady Maril to sail. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">When Salty Turtle reached Black
Point a few days later the whole island was just sobering up. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MW9Z6D7eVM/UX05GEWR8LI/AAAAAAAAUt0/QA7_BadWLkw/s1600/20130427-DSC_0055-17.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MW9Z6D7eVM/UX05GEWR8LI/AAAAAAAAUt0/QA7_BadWLkw/s320/20130427-DSC_0055-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Stripe Head For Home and First Place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Nassau to Vero Beach - Vic
Amazes Himself</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">At 7:00 AM on the 8<sup>th</sup>
of May Salty Turtle dropped her lines at Nassau Harbor Club cruised
slowly under the twin highrise bridges that connect Nassau proper and
Paradise Island. We were headed for sea and the USA. Nassau harbor
is a busy place. This day was no exception. At the request of
Nassau Harbor Control the Turtle and half dozen other boats held in
place for about 30 minutes until a cruise ship docked. Then boogied
out the harbor entrance before a second cruise ship came in. Like I
said, Nassau harbor can be a busy place. </span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5cGiuHtT_as/UaiY9cOuOrI/AAAAAAAAVKE/HMtg0ZJpPHk/s1600/20130508-DSC_0038-22.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5cGiuHtT_as/UaiY9cOuOrI/AAAAAAAAVKE/HMtg0ZJpPHk/s320/20130508-DSC_0038-22.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nassau Harbor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was a beautiful day with clear
sky and a 8 to 10 knots of South East wind – just perfect for a
crossing. We ran at bout 7 knots down the Northwest Channel and
Tongue of the Ocean fishing for Mahi but not catching. And hit the
banks at Northwest Channel Light (that doesn't exist anymore. Only a
short stub sticks above water) and headed across the banks. The SE
wind went flat by the time we dropped off the edge of the earth into
the Atlantic at Hens-In-Chickens / Great Isaac just N of Bimini at
around 11:00 PM.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39QUR-7D-rE/UaiZDKMS54I/AAAAAAAAVKU/RVj-YOzR2Is/s1600/20130508-DSC_0043-24.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39QUR-7D-rE/UaiZDKMS54I/AAAAAAAAVKU/RVj-YOzR2Is/s320/20130508-DSC_0043-24.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northwest Channel "Stub"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
winds according to Chris and all other weather web sites were suppose
to do just that - go light an variable with flat seas and 5' swells
for the next 3 days. But..when we hit the Gulf Stream the wind went
NW at 15 and 3 - 4' chop in our face and square seas. Off Lauderdale
I ran the boat in shore about 2 miles off the beach in hopes it would
ease the chop. It did but it was still uncomfortable...and
stabilizers don't do much for head seas....shit! The Turtle and her
crew were tied to one of Vero Beach's mooring balls by 2:00 PM on the
9</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></span></span></span></sup></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It was not the worst crossing I've ever had but it was not fun and my
old ass was whooped. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6gRTb1B7j0/UaiW4BBNvQI/AAAAAAAAVHI/7EXH2WoG9Bs/s1600/20130501-DSC_0001-1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6gRTb1B7j0/UaiW4BBNvQI/AAAAAAAAVHI/7EXH2WoG9Bs/s320/20130501-DSC_0001-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Green Heron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Now the rest of the story...<br />
<br />
Some
times I amaze even me with my ability to screw up. About mid-way
across the banks it was time to cook supper and switch from Port to
Starboard fuel tanks (the generator only works off starboard tank).
Salty Turtle had about 40 gallons of fuel left and port tank and
about 190 in starboard – more than enough in starboard tank to
finish the run to Vero Beach.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
We cooked and ate a supper that could
not be beat and I went back down to shut the fuel supply off from
the generator so that I can turn the fuel polishing system on and
continue to run on Starboard fuel tank (the polisher uses part of the
plumbing for the generator and both can't be run at the same time). I
always run the polisher when underway and polish the tank we are
running on, in this case Starboard tank. Well....Old Vic
accidentally turned the "return to aft tank valve"
open...and we kept on keeping on...for a while at least (this little
detail will become important and apparent later in the tale).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mrUMn7HjHlc/UaiZE04OQaI/AAAAAAAAVKc/CtCjEjblysY/s1600/20130512-DSC_0053-25.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mrUMn7HjHlc/UaiZE04OQaI/AAAAAAAAVKc/CtCjEjblysY/s320/20130512-DSC_0053-25.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Six hours later Gigi and Tom were on
watch, Vic was asleep, and we were about 20 miles out into the
Atlantic when the port engine shutdown followed shortly thereafter by
the starboard engine. I was awake and in the engine room as instantly
as an old fart can move. It took a few minutes to shake the “sleepy
fuzzy” out of my brain and figure out we had run out of fuel in the
Starboard tank. Just where the hell did that 175 gallons of diesel
fuel go? We could not have burned that much in 6 hours...more like 24
gallons? No time to think about that now. I switched to port and
bled both engines. This little operation took a lot longer than it
takes to write this and we positively will not talk about the “diesel
geyser” I produced when I pressurized the fuel filters with the
electric lift pump and took my first ever diesel shower. Gigi fired
both engines and after a few tense moments they cranked and we were
on our way again.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
That was the good news. The bad news
was we did not have enough fuel in Port tank to reach Ft. Pierce.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1u5_4fS_ZI/UaiY4LyGmCI/AAAAAAAAVJ8/aiVaxi6mWqU/s1600/20130507-DSC_0036-21.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1u5_4fS_ZI/UaiY4LyGmCI/AAAAAAAAVJ8/aiVaxi6mWqU/s320/20130507-DSC_0036-21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nassau West Entrance Light</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
After a few minutes to clear my fuel
fumed soaked head and a large cup of coffee I figured out the fuel
had to be in the aft tank, went back to the engine room, and yep! the
handle on the aft tank return line was open. So in theory at least,
all 175 gallons that had been in Starboard was now in the Aft tank
put there by the fuel polishing system. We ran on Port until dawn.
Then shut down both engines, shifted the polishing pump to deliver
fuel from aft to port tank to make sure there was no air in the fuel
line (and the fuel was in fact there) and then re-cranked on Aft. We
were back in business and with enough fuel to reach Ft Pierce. Yee!!
Ha!!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Like I said, sometimes I amaze even
me at my ability to do something really dumb. Tom jumped ship in
Vero (can't figure out why) and Gigi and I continued on to Palm Coast
alone. We anchored off Titusville on the way and were lucky enough
to have the anchor down and a rum and tonic in hand in time to see an
Atlas V launch...pretty cool.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
We are currently tied up in Palm
Coast Marina waiting for the diesel shop in Dayton to rebuild the
generator and port engine high pressure fuel pumps. With luck we
will be back under way by the end of the week. North Carolina here
we come...baring something else breaking, of course. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVTcx3VZNKM/UaiY0Apw5hI/AAAAAAAAVJ0/SfJIxrdHGs4/s1600/20130507-DSC_0031-20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVTcx3VZNKM/UaiY0Apw5hI/AAAAAAAAVJ0/SfJIxrdHGs4/s320/20130507-DSC_0031-20.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Watling Rum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Vic Copelan</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
PS – Thanks Tom for the help and
for your excellent dingy driving. It sure made taking photos easier.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTEnwynWqnc/UX00c1YaFyI/AAAAAAAAUbI/KCo5Hd7Q7CM/s1600/20130426-DSC_0132-29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTEnwynWqnc/UX00c1YaFyI/AAAAAAAAUbI/KCo5Hd7Q7CM/s320/20130426-DSC_0132-29.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-75705875804423762782013-04-18T08:47:00.000-04:002013-04-18T08:47:09.957-04:00Bedlam...Bahamian Style: 4/17/3013<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><u><b>April
7, 2013 to April 18, 2013: Black Point to Georgetown, Exuma</b></u></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--KpopQKF1iw/UW_aF8X6H0I/AAAAAAAATsg/-wtWMB31Z-s/s1600/20130401-PICT0017-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--KpopQKF1iw/UW_aF8X6H0I/AAAAAAAATsg/-wtWMB31Z-s/s400/20130401-PICT0017-3.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>4/08/2013 Pipe Creek to
Staniel Cay / Black Point Settlement 16 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>4/09/2013 Black Point to
Little Farmers (Western Bay) 11 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>4/11/2013 Western Bay to
Black Point 11 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>4/15/2013 Black Point to
Georgetown 54 nm</i></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Total Miles to Date: <u>1493
nm</u></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_8POwYIPoc/UW_gFiiYsAI/AAAAAAAAT4o/qkgXl89fsHE/s1600/20130409-DSC_0003-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_8POwYIPoc/UW_gFiiYsAI/AAAAAAAAT4o/qkgXl89fsHE/s320/20130409-DSC_0003-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Farmer's All Age School</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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<span style="color: #4700b8;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #4700b8;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>The
trickiest part of any voyage or cruise may turn out to be the short
leg between any harbor entrance and dock, both on the way in and the
way out.” Carleton Mitchell</i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #4700b8;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>In
certain places, at certain hours, gazing at the sea is dangerous. It
is what looking at a woman sometimes is.” Victor Hugo</i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Qb0SHEiZXA/UW_eiqm3tMI/AAAAAAAAT1o/y-tnmgvXZRY/s1600/20130401-DSC_0038-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Qb0SHEiZXA/UW_eiqm3tMI/AAAAAAAAT1o/y-tnmgvXZRY/s400/20130401-DSC_0038-8.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Kevin Rolle:</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The first year Gigi and cruised the Exumas was 5 years
ago..can't be that long ago, but it was. We were knee deep in 4
weeks worth of laundry. The guide books said the only place really
to do laundry in the upper Exumas was Ida's Rockside Laundry in
Black Point Settlement. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We anchored in the bay off Black Point and headed for
the dingy dock with a boat full to running over with dirty clothes.
Lugging three bags of laundry and sundries we headed down the dock
and up to the street. Gigi and I each had a bag in our outboard
hands plus the huge LL Bean bag strung between with Gigi on one
handle and me on the other. </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We had just reached the street when the Black Point
Police car (ain't but one) pulled up beside us and stopped. Gigi
looked at me and I looked at her with that question of a look that
says, “What have we done..and we just got here too?” look on our
collective faces. The Officer rolled down the window, peered out
with his big Bahamian smile and said, “You folks look like you need
a ride to Ida's. Hop in.” And that is how we met Kevin Rolle and
he has been a friend ever since. We fell in love with the Black
Point community at that instant and have been hooked on its friendly
helpful people ever since. </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Friday, two weeks ago, we were at anchor in Pipe Creek
when Kevin came by in the police boat out for a day of fun with his
sons. We waved. Kevin flashed us one of his big Bahamian smiles,
waved back, and headed off toward Compass Cay. We didn't know it at
the time, but that was the last we would see of our friend Kevin on
this earth. Kevin was to die saturday night of a pulmonary aneurism.
He was flown to Nassau but did not survive. Kevin was just 46 years
old. He left behind a wife and family and three communities in shock
(Black Point Settlement, his brother's in arm in the Bahamian Police
Force, and us Cruisers). He will be buried with full military honors
in Nassau this Friday as is only fitting. </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Kevin was more that just a policeman and preacher. He
was the heart of his community. He was the best ambassador Black
Point could have chosen. And he was our friend...and in truth, a
friend to countless other as well. </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Bedlam..Bahamian Style:</b></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oX-0mJYl874/UW_ddwDVuEI/AAAAAAAATyc/XB7xH-vEHlc/s1600/photo%25284%2529-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oX-0mJYl874/UW_ddwDVuEI/AAAAAAAATyc/XB7xH-vEHlc/s400/photo%25284%2529-7.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Black Point Settlement is home of some of the best
“C-Class” Bahamian Sloops ever built like “Smashie” and
“Seahorse” built by Van Fergersion and his son Bo. In the off
season or when they are built or repaired they sit high on a sloping,
iron rock, bank in back of the All Age School known as “da yard.”
Every since I have been coming to Black Point Settlement I've
wondered just how in the hell do they get a fixed keel, one ton boat
from the iron rock to water with no mechanical help or conveyance
without destroying it. I have always admired and been amazed by the
Bahamian approach to projects like this. This year I found out how
it was done and actually got to help launch “Seahorse” (something
I can now check off my “bucket list). </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPOWa61L4SM/UW_di75627I/AAAAAAAATzA/YeFIoBX3kms/s1600/20130413-DSC_0087-11.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPOWa61L4SM/UW_di75627I/AAAAAAAATzA/YeFIoBX3kms/s320/20130413-DSC_0087-11.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">First, timing. “Tings” don't happen at an appointed
time here. They just happen when “day” happen. People start
showing up as if the time was set by some internal Bahamian clock –
Seahorse's launch was no exception. I knew that much at least so I
watched from the Turtle until people started to show and then jumped
in the dink and headed for shore. No one was in charge or gave
orders. Men just assemble on both sides of Seahorse grabbed “holt”
and then bedlam broke out. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Everyone shouting at the top of their lungs, everyone in
charge, and everyone with conflicting orders. <span style="font-size: small;"><b>“Pulleft!
Pullrite! Slidtinga! Pickdastarn! Fardroll! Ramovedabord!
Straitendatinga! Diswaymon! Disway! Slakline! Slakline!</b></span>”
It was a den of shouting, pulling, tugging, and all in opposing
directions, plywood being slid under the keel, water pipe rollers
between the keel and plywood, and slowly the boat pushed, shoved,
pulled and rolled its self to the water with toes that should have
been smashed and arms that should have been crushed left undone. All
to a den of shouting that the multi-languages of Bedlam could not
have held a candle too (imagine all those words plus many more
shouted at the same time in a staggering rhythm and you will have it
about right). Then she was a float, all was quiet, and the Bahamians
left as if someone had punched their time clock, leaving Bo, Van, and
I standing on the iron rock watching “Seahorse” rock to the
gentle swell of her new home patiently awaiting her mast and lead. </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For the record, I am still in awe (as in shock and awe
<i><u>and</u></i> as in true respect for ) how Bahamians approach
projects like moving Seahorse. All I can say is it is still a
mystery to me just how the job was done and why no one was hurt, but
it did happen and no one was… and I got to be part of whatever did.
</span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">One “ting certain Mon”...it was pure Bahamian...<i>Pure
Bahamian</i>. </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(I apologize for the photos. I screwed up and left
the camera's autofocus set on manual..thus the blurry images)</i></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hand Line Fishin':</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_uBbhRNoTs/UW_d1nO-iyI/AAAAAAAAT0o/Xlg-lmpBXtI/s1600/20130415-DSC_0319-24.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_uBbhRNoTs/UW_d1nO-iyI/AAAAAAAAT0o/Xlg-lmpBXtI/s320/20130415-DSC_0319-24.jpg" width="193" /></a>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">After a week of waiting for a window to head down to
Georgetown and the 60<sup>th</sup> Family Island Regatta on Monday
the15th one finally opened. It wasn't the best window in the world
but it was the best we were going to get for at least another week
with winds in the 10-15 knot range on the nose and 1 to 3 foot seas.
So we were off out Dothom Cut at first light.We had heard that mahi
were everywhere and we should get a boat load on the way down and we
were anxious to try our luck.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We had hand lines in the water within the hour. Our
friends had told us to fish with rigged ballyhoo with a pink skirt on
it's nose, about 120' behind the boat and run about 7k. We zigzagged
our way south running on and off soundings with no luck. It was
Gigi's watch (of course, she is the fisher lady) and she had just
fixed her lunch (again of course) and the Turtle was in about 100' of
water when the fish hit .</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We have no boat rod or reel (we will next year) - we use
hand lines. Our technique is to let the fish drag behind the boat a
bit before we pull him in to take the fight out of him and pray a
shark doesn't get him before we do. We keep a bucket handy to dump
the extra line in as it comes aboard. Gigi hauled and I dumped the
line in the bucket, we swung him aboard and dumped him in the
scuppers. The Turtle Crew had caught a 10 to15 pound Cero Mackerel
(about a 4 to 5 meal fish). Cero is similar in flavor and texture to
a King Mackerel. Within 30 minutes he was cleaned and in the frig
ready for supper. </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">That evening at anchor in Georgetown off Kid Cove, we
marinated a couple of pieces in zesty italian dressing, grilled him,
and had him for supper with a little wild rice. Mmmm Gooood!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqW4IsOPrlg/UW_de_uNJMI/AAAAAAAATyk/Hm4MQFD6idM/s1600/20130412-DSC_0035-8.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqW4IsOPrlg/UW_de_uNJMI/AAAAAAAATyk/Hm4MQFD6idM/s320/20130412-DSC_0035-8.jpg" width="212" /></a> </span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Our friend, Jim off “No Regrets,” says we should be
off soundings for mahi. On the trip North we will try that...but
Cero ain't bad by a long stretch and we still have 3 meals left in
the freezer. </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcrnxFzpEGw/UW_abmF-WaI/AAAAAAAATuA/q1Ui_xrlQ3s/s1600/20130402-PICT0077-15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcrnxFzpEGw/UW_abmF-WaI/AAAAAAAATuA/q1Ui_xrlQ3s/s320/20130402-PICT0077-15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>That Time of Year..</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bH-S1WAK7E/UW_amHgmMuI/AAAAAAAATuw/otoJAqbVTgw/s1600/20130402-PICT0095-21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bH-S1WAK7E/UW_amHgmMuI/AAAAAAAATuw/otoJAqbVTgw/s400/20130402-PICT0095-21.jpg" width="400" /></a> </b></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It is that time of year again... the time when all us
cruisers feel a “stirring.” Like the great flocks of migrating
water fowl just before the spring thaw something awakens in our very
marrow and swings our compass Northward. A bit of restlessness
descends on the anchorages and clouds our collective thoughts. Our
senses are heightened to every color and sound. Every swim in that
gin clear water is absorbed and savored to the fullest. Every
sunset takes on a special heightened must see priority and the
pastels of the dieing sun somehow are exaggerated. We visit our
friends in the settlements with emotional hugs and smiles of “until
next year” at every meeting. “Goodbys” take on a bit more
permanence and heart felt poignance as friends depart - friends that
we will not see again until the fall... and some never ever again in
this life. All cruisers know that goodbys are part of the lifestyle
but they still go straight to the heart (we have known people that
quit cruising because they could no longer take the goodbys). </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4_puMdoEJo/UW_aCItPbCI/AAAAAAAATsQ/ybi3x7rErp8/s1600/cow-fish-1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4_puMdoEJo/UW_aCItPbCI/AAAAAAAATsQ/ybi3x7rErp8/s320/cow-fish-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cow fish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>
</div>
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<br />
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<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The words “fair winds,” “safe travels,” and
“until next year” fill the air waves on the VHF as boat after
boat hauls its anchor and heads North. North to the States. North to
Canada. North to Europe. North to England. North to Home. North
to Family and Friends. North to the “unreal world” we all left
behind. </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And Salty Turtle will follow in their wake North as soon
as Family Island Regatta is over...but not yet..not, just yet.</span></div>
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<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Fairwinds & Rum Drinks,</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
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<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Vic C.</span></div>
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"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-81146137971471105632013-04-07T09:49:00.000-04:002013-04-07T09:51:58.782-04:00Great Exuma Gas Wars: 2013/04/07<span style="font-size: small;"><i><u><b>March
3<sup>rd</sup> to April 7, 2013: Pipe Creek to Little Farmers (Upper
Exuma)</b></u></i></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVB0z9fZ3dY/UVQaRUShKvI/AAAAAAAATYI/kMQWJkgA3Sg/s1600/20130307-DSC_0022-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></i></span>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>3/08/2013 Pipe Ck to Black Point/Bitter Guana/Big
Major Spot 27nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>3/10/2013 Big Major Spot to Black Point 6 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>3/13/2013 Black Point to Sampson Cay 10 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>3/17/2013 Sampson Cay to Little Farmers Cay (Oven
Rock) 21 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>3/18/2013 Oven Rock to Black Point 9 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>3/19/2013 Black Point to Alan's Cay 53 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>3/20/2013 Alan's Cay to Nassau Harbor Club 33 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>3/22/2013 Nassau Harbor Club to Pipe Creek 73 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>3/31/2013 Pipe Ck to Big Major Spot 6 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>4/03/2013 Big Major Spot to Pipe Ck 7 nm</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8VZdzQjBSQ/USuI2W9ifHI/AAAAAAAATO0/f9DpzQ5Jdis/s1600/20120318-PICT0004-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA0O_CXz7Kw/UVQfQgYegII/AAAAAAAATe8/QwdClSi7KC8/s1600/20130308-DSC_0156-63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></i></span></div>
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<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Total Miles to Date: 1406 nm </i></span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exUKaEaOmJc/UVQfVYkSKhI/AAAAAAAATfE/hhj8IIql4e4/s1600/20130308-DSC_0157-64.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exUKaEaOmJc/UVQfVYkSKhI/AAAAAAAATfE/hhj8IIql4e4/s320/20130308-DSC_0157-64.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></span>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #4700b8;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>The Journey is the Reward.”
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">Taoist Proverb</span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #4700b8;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>If you reject the food,
ignore the customs, fear the religion, and avoid the people, you
might as well stay home.” </i><span style="font-style: normal;">James
Mitchener</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #4700b8;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWswqg87v44/UVQgjE2GI0I/AAAAAAAATfk/s6l8SAAilyk/s1600/20130310-DSC_0005-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></i></span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Mike and Maril Doster's Visit:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWswqg87v44/UVQgjE2GI0I/AAAAAAAATfk/s6l8SAAilyk/s1600/20130310-DSC_0005-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWswqg87v44/UVQgjE2GI0I/AAAAAAAATfk/s6l8SAAilyk/s320/20130310-DSC_0005-2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><b> <span style="color: #4700b8;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp-ktzXIKnc/UVQbaw8-8OI/AAAAAAAATaE/GAmEh45Isps/s1600/20130307-DSC_0055-24.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp-ktzXIKnc/UVQbaw8-8OI/AAAAAAAATaE/GAmEh45Isps/s320/20130307-DSC_0055-24.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The weather was awful and expected to deteriorate even
further. We were tucked into Pipe Creek all safe and secure but Mike
and Maril were arriving on the Watermaker Air's 3:00 PM flight and...
god our dingy is so small when it comes to facing a 5 mile ride one
way in 3' chop on the Banks or (god forbid) the sound. Jim
Treadwell, our friend off “No Regrets,” volunteered to go down in
his 17' inflatable. Man that would have been a miserable trip in our
dink. He saved 3 wet butts. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WU1Aw70xOCc/UVQd0YLaO8I/AAAAAAAATr4/I37OV337ApE/s1600/20130308-DSC_0127-51.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WU1Aw70xOCc/UVQd0YLaO8I/AAAAAAAATr4/I37OV337ApE/s320/20130308-DSC_0127-51.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Once the front passed the weather cleared and Mike and
Maril could not have had better weather week. The week went by in a
blur as they usually do when friends are together. We went snorkeling
down at what we call “Mushroom Reef” near Compass Cay Cut and, to
our surprise and delight, Maril took to snorkeling like a duck to
water. G and I took them over to Tucker's Compass Cay Marina where
you can swim with his pet sharks (for some reason both Mike and Maril
demurred). Tucker also servers up one of the best (and most
expensive) hamburgers in the Bahamas. After lunch we walked his
beautiful beaches.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTxKXpIvKvg/UVQWr19-0-I/AAAAAAAATU0/Cz1myj62irY/s1600/20130305-DSC_0027-13-10.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWozqkrgvFc/UVQWMAW4RhI/AAAAAAAATT0/aJWNhrQx_o8/s1600/20130304-DSC_0009-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWozqkrgvFc/UVQWMAW4RhI/AAAAAAAATT0/aJWNhrQx_o8/s320/20130304-DSC_0009-2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Speaking of beaches, I think one of the most beautiful
in the world is on Twin Cays about a mile off Sampson Cay on the
Banks between Sampson and Pipe Creek. It is known to us as “Magic
and Missy Beach.” Buck and Vicki Dawkins and Jim and Barb Thompson
named it after their pups Magic and Missy that loved to run the beach
and swim the shallow lagoon. The beach is a crescent shaped and
with pink / white sand with a texture so pure and fine it feels like
standing a feather bed for the feet. The beach is ringed by clear
aquamarine waters with deep water accents of navy blue. This beach
truly is “Magic.” </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVB0z9fZ3dY/UVQaRUShKvI/AAAAAAAATYI/kMQWJkgA3Sg/s1600/20130307-DSC_0022-9.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVB0z9fZ3dY/UVQaRUShKvI/AAAAAAAATYI/kMQWJkgA3Sg/s320/20130307-DSC_0022-9.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span> </span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We finished the week with a whirl wind tour of Black
Point Settlement, Bitter Guana Cay (home of an iguana research
project) and finished with the swimming pigs on Big Major Spot and
lunch (not BBQ) at Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Let me tell ya seeing
Maril face to face with iguana was worth the price of admission.
Next time we hope to get them down to Little Farmers for some of
Earnestine's famous chicken souse.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cthcYNK7a70/UVQdg43yelI/AAAAAAAATdE/Wwv7HfczwNQ/s1600/20130308-DSC_0118-48.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cthcYNK7a70/UVQdg43yelI/AAAAAAAATdE/Wwv7HfczwNQ/s320/20130308-DSC_0118-48.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA0O_CXz7Kw/UVQfQgYegII/AAAAAAAATe8/QwdClSi7KC8/s1600/20130308-DSC_0156-63.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA0O_CXz7Kw/UVQfQgYegII/AAAAAAAATe8/QwdClSi7KC8/s320/20130308-DSC_0156-63.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bitter Guana Chalk Cliffs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWswqg87v44/UVQgjE2GI0I/AAAAAAAATfk/s6l8SAAilyk/s1600/20130310-DSC_0005-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Breadboy The Gas Can Savior:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Not long after Mike and Maril Watermakered their way
home the outboard on the dink became hard to start. I suspected
water in the fuel...as it turned out water was the symptom not the
cause. I pulled the pickup line to the gas tank and the whole
fitting came off in my hand. This was not a problem it was a
disaster. Our dingy is our life line. It is everything. No dink.
Can't get ashore. Can't get groceries. Can't go snorkeling. Can't
go fishing. Can't visit friends. We were in a “fix” as they say
in the South. <span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We were anchored off Black Point doing laundry at the
time of the disaster. I gave Breadboy, a friend of ours, a call on
the VHF and asked if he knew where we could find a new or used gas
tank. Without blinking Breadboy said, “I think I got one Vic. It
got some fuel in it but you can pore dat out.” An hour later he
returned to Salty Turtle with an old tank half filled with ancient
fuel...and would take nothing for the tank. Breadboy was quickly
elevated in our eyes from “friend” to “savior.” After
dumping the fuel, rinsing the tank (twice with very expensive gas),
and running the piss out of the outboard for a while we were back in
business...almost but that's another story.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YXW5D-1fQLU/USfMfGKnIuI/AAAAAAAATMc/-dBc3msGf8Y/s1600/20130205-DSC_0043-10.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YXW5D-1fQLU/USfMfGKnIuI/AAAAAAAATMc/-dBc3msGf8Y/s320/20130205-DSC_0043-10.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">breadboy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">You don't make friends down here or anywhere for that
matter for what they can do for you. You make them because you like
them and respect them. But when the chips are down friends do what
friends do everywhere...save your butt when they can. Bahamian
friends are no exception. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The best thing that came of this whole experience is the
knowledge that we really do have a friend have a friend here and his
name is Breadboy.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Great Exuma Gasoline Wars:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It all started about a month ago when the fuel barge
that brings fuel to Staniel Cay in the Exumas broke down and had to
be hauled for repairs in Nassau. It could not have come at a worse
time. Starting about the first of March colleges in the US have
spring break. That means that all the Mega Yachts loaded down with
kids complete with gas guzzelin' sportfish boats in tow head for the
Exumas, anchor off Staniel and Sampson Cays, belch Seados and other
gas powered toys, and descend on the fuel docks at Staniel and
Sampson to suck up fuel and gas. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Staniel Cay Yacht Club ran dry almost instantly. That
meant the only source of fuel and gas between Highborne Cay and
Gerogetown ( a span of close to 80 miles) was Sampson Cay Club.
Mike, the manager of Sampson, immediately announced no more gas or
fuel except for folks tied to his dock or locals in need until
further notice. He had no choice, otherwise the 5 Mega Yachts
anchored off Sampson would suck him dry in a matter of days. Sampson
gets its fuel from a different source than Staniel but he is lucky if
“da barge reach” every couple of weeks..and even then it is
nothing better than a “Bahamian guess” when it actually will.
By-the-way, if a Bahamian says tomorrow he means he ain't got a clue
– could be tomorrow, could be next month, “when it show up it
reach.”</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">About 3 weeks ago it started to get real serious and
took a nasty turn. Salty Turtle was under power headed back from
Black Point to Sampson to tuck up next to Sampson for the next cold
front when the VFH crackled to life. A Bahamian (who we will call
Sam) that rents boats was calling Sampson to see if he could get some
gas for his boats. Fly, the dockmaster on duty, told him they were
still not selling gas. Sam snapped back, “You gotta' do something
Mon!”and he said it with a tone I had not heard before - this was
serious. Fly responded with, “Nuttin' I can do Mon.” You could
tell Fly was a bit irritated but under control. A heated discussion
erupted on channel 16 VHF in front of God and everyone who was
listening..and in the Bahamas that is everybody. Gigi and I looked
at one another wide eyed in astonishment. In our 6 years here we
have never seen “tings gets dis” serious. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">A few days later I was over at Sampson and the fuel
crisis was reaching a real critical stage. Mike was almost out of
fuel for his generators (if he ran out that meant no electricity and
the Mega Yachts at his dock that suck up electricity at almost as an
unbelievable rate as they do diesel fuel under way). Mike was down
to serious rationing for gas as well. He was selling only absolutely
necessary amount to locals that depend on gas for their livelihood.
The situation was getting desperate and tempers were getting short.
</span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">After listening to Mike's tales of woe Gigi and I eased
back out to the Turtle to listen to the Wolf Pack woop Virginia Tech
in the ACC Tournament. About an hour after we left Sampson full
scale warfare broke out. Boatboy (name changed to protect the
righteous) who also rents boats was there to get gas when Sam storms
up to the dock and demands Fly sell him gas. Sam has a habit of
being a bit slow to pay according to stories we have heard. Mike
immediately injects himself into the situation. Asked Sam to come
into the office where a heated discussion boils over into a shouting
match. Mike finally calms Sam down and agrees to sell him gas. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Sam heads back outside and announces to the world that
Mike said to, “sell him gas.” It would have been fine if he had
left it at that but no. Sam decided it was time to insult Boatboy
and add to his coup for the day. Well, those of us who know Boatboy,
know he ain't no little guy and is not a person you would want to
piss off. Boatboy told Sam he needed to get his gas and shut up.
Well Sam could not leave Boatboy alone and got right back in his
face. Boatboy told Sam “You better not do dat again!” He did
and Boatboy exploded and Sam hit the dirt. It took 5 grown men to
pull him off Sam or so I'm told. Mike told me later that Boatboy
called that night and apologized even though he didn't start the
fracas. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The war finally ended in another 2 Bahamian weeks ('bout
a month Mon) when both Staniel and Sampson started getting gas and
fuel again on some sort of a regular schedule. I don't know whether
this was the end of the war or just a lull in the battle but for now
peace has returned to the Exumas and there exist a somewhat shaky
truce to say the least. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Twq3s06c6N0/UVQXtm4a3qI/AAAAAAAATro/0UPzFeYWQkg/s1600/20130305-DSC_0093-23.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Twq3s06c6N0/UVQXtm4a3qI/AAAAAAAATro/0UPzFeYWQkg/s320/20130305-DSC_0093-23.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span> </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Snorkeling:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8VZdzQjBSQ/USuI2W9ifHI/AAAAAAAATO0/f9DpzQ5Jdis/s1600/20120318-PICT0004-4.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8VZdzQjBSQ/USuI2W9ifHI/AAAAAAAATO0/f9DpzQ5Jdis/s320/20120318-PICT0004-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">purple sea fan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This has been our best year snorkeling by a long shot
for a couple of reasons. First, Jim Treadwell took us under his wing
and shared his reefs as far North as Jeep Reef off Little Wax Cay and
as far South as BAS Reef (Big Ass Shark) off Little Major Spot.
Second, with a little confidence under our belt, we found new sites
on our own such as Osprey Reef near Compass Cay Cut and No Fishing
Reef off Big Sampson Cay. We have seen new growth of Stag and Elk
Horn Coral (very encouraging), large stands of Purple Sea Fan Coral
undulating with the current, some of the largest Angle Fish I've ever
seen (some as big as large platters) and two huge Barracuda (longer
than me and bigger around than my leg) and even a live Tulip Mollusk
close to 18” long boogieing along on in single foot fashion off Rat
Cay at over 6 feet a minute...yes, I timed the bugger. <span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmiRXPMF4eo/USuLzUVi6MI/AAAAAAAATQc/qzyEJzZeElg/s1600/20120319-PICT0035-17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmiRXPMF4eo/USuLzUVi6MI/AAAAAAAATQc/qzyEJzZeElg/s320/20120319-PICT0035-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boogie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jpxt6zDFEEw/UVa_TGbir9I/AAAAAAAATqI/p9RByVf4Nag/s1600/20130322-PICT0040-10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jpxt6zDFEEw/UVa_TGbir9I/AAAAAAAATqI/p9RByVf4Nag/s320/20130322-PICT0040-10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulip Molusk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Every place we find seems better than the last. Neither
Gigi nor I tire of just getting in the water and going walkabout and
seeing what we can see. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WV14t4beZ00/USuNi3bCxRI/AAAAAAAATRs/GywOSX6dXJM/s1600/20130222-PICT0061-27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WV14t4beZ00/USuNi3bCxRI/AAAAAAAATRs/GywOSX6dXJM/s320/20130222-PICT0061-27.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></span> </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Want to know where these reefs are? We'll show ya.
Let's go swimming. Yea Mon!</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To Come:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We have spent the last 2 months basking in the warmth of
waters and friends in the upper Exumas. This has become our home as
much as Matthews Point Marina in North Carolina is our home, but it
is time for a change. Monday we head down to Little Farmers to take
the photos for the All Age School there then back to Black Point for
laundry, haircut, and pizza and then we will catch the next weather
window to Georgetown. There Gigi's cousin Tom will join us for
Family Island Regatta (60<sup>th</sup> anniversary this year) and
help us bring Salty Turtle back to the States in early May..or late
May..or whenever she reach. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPHJnfooRSI/UVQbtd1YxjI/AAAAAAAATak/sBv1fkgpopQ/s1600/20130308-DSC_0072-28.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPHJnfooRSI/UVQbtd1YxjI/AAAAAAAATak/sBv1fkgpopQ/s320/20130308-DSC_0072-28.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Point Sands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Vic</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">PS – We also made a fast trip to Nassau to get a crown
put back on one of my teeth...but that's another story. Thank you
Clay and Rita-Kay!!!!!!! </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPHJnfooRSI/UVQbtd1YxjI/AAAAAAAATak/sBv1fkgpopQ/s1600/20130308-DSC_0072-28.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></i></span>
</div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-69751570407899831102013-03-01T13:29:00.003-05:002013-03-02T06:41:59.723-05:002013/03/02 Nassau to Upper Exumas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-usFuCnOYjEM/USfTb7ogPHI/AAAAAAAATMA/rkjzFpHgQog/s1600/20130204-DSC_0032-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-usFuCnOYjEM/USfTb7ogPHI/AAAAAAAATMA/rkjzFpHgQog/s320/20130204-DSC_0032-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset Big Major Spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TU97h6Y-XcQ/USfMqerKabI/AAAAAAAATMo/ceLt8n9aRUE/s1600/20130205-DSC_0050-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><u><b>January
31 to March 3, 2013: Nassau Harbor Club to the Upper Exumas</b></u></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>1/31/2013 Nassau Harbor Club to Big Majors Spot 74nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>2/03/2013 Big Majors to Little Bay, Great Guana
Cay 11nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>2/05/2013 Little Bay to Blackpoint Settlement 2.1nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>2/06/2013 Blackpoint to Big Major Spot 12nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>2/08/2013 Big Majors to Pipe Creek 5.6nm (inside
route)</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>2/20/2013 Pipe Creek to Blackpoint 12 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>2/21/2013 Black Point to Little Farmer's Cay 11 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>2/23/2013 Little Farmer's to Big Majors Spot 19 nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>2/24/2013 Big Majors Spot to Pipe Creek 2.1 nm
(inside route)</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Total Miles Traveled to Date: <u>1154 nm</u> </i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: navy;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Sacred cows make the best
hamburger” Bob Kingsbury, M/V “Pretty Penny”</i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: navy;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>It is perfectly legal to
serve your husband bacon.” M/V “Big Run”</i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Da
Plane, Pipe Creek, and Other Stories:</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finally after and expensive (but
fun) stay in Nassau we made our escape and crossed the Yellow Banks
to Big Majors Spot in the upper Exumas. It was a long 71 nautical
mile run but there was weather coming and we wanted to be snuggled up
to a big solid island before it arrived.** Here we were reunited with
our friends Bob and Penny on M/V “Pretty Penny,” Ray and Susan on
“No Agenda” and made a couple of new friends Jim and Christine
Treadwell off “No Regrets.” We didn't know it at the time but
Jim was to change our lives.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TU97h6Y-XcQ/USfMqerKabI/AAAAAAAATMo/ceLt8n9aRUE/s1600/20130205-DSC_0050-13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TU97h6Y-XcQ/USfMqerKabI/AAAAAAAATMo/ceLt8n9aRUE/s320/20130205-DSC_0050-13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Anchor Big Major Spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">A West wind was coming and Jim and
Christine were headed for Pipe Creek - one of the few all weather
anchorages in the upper Exumas. Gigi and I have always loved Pipe
Ck. but have been too “chicken shit” to feel our way in. Jim
volunteered to lead us in on “No Regrets.” Jim has been cruising
this area for the past 20 years and, like us, loves the upper Exumas
especially Pipe Creek. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FMOySOIx1B8/USt60B9l1TI/AAAAAAAATN8/vFNY45dRh-E/s1600/20130224-DSC_0010-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FMOySOIx1B8/USt60B9l1TI/AAAAAAAATN8/vFNY45dRh-E/s320/20130224-DSC_0010-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full Moon Shadow in 12' of Water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">We left the following morning at
mid-tide. The Turtle following “No Regrets” to a point about a
mile off Wild Tamarind Cay (Rat Cay) where a rectangular rock on
Thomas Cay lines up with a small white stretch of beach on Wild
Tamarind. “No Regrets” took a heading directly in line with the
visual marks until we were about 200 yards off the beach and then
hung a right paralleling the island keeping to the “blue” water
(blue is deep). At the end of Wild Tamarind we lined up on “the
House” on Over Yonder Cay (see photo) and and continued in the blue
water past the shoals off the end of Wild Tamarind. Jim lead us to a
weed line (dark green) off the South end of Thomas Cay. The trick is
to say on top of that weed line for about 100 yards and at mid-tide
you will see no less than 7 feet of water. Once in we anchored in 12
feet of water over the prettiest sand you ever saw...and Old Vic
could breath again. “The House” on Over Yonder, by the way, is
reported to be own by the founder of Intel and there is as much house
below ground as above, plus 3 huge wind turbines, and over an acre of
solar panels...and it's own sea plane base. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DK6hvGZucTo/USfQQriQQrI/AAAAAAAATI0/dgw9loACMqg/s1600/20130215-DSC_0131-29.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DK6hvGZucTo/USfQQriQQrI/AAAAAAAATI0/dgw9loACMqg/s320/20130215-DSC_0131-29.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhef2H5cd6c/USfPiHZOB7I/AAAAAAAATGk/5Ed68XeG4W8/s1600/20130214-DSC_0057-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhef2H5cd6c/USfPiHZOB7I/AAAAAAAATGk/5Ed68XeG4W8/s320/20130214-DSC_0057-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">da Plane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DqOz9xIMV9U/USfQCnnF7wI/AAAAAAAATIE/RcYbGlcYUd0/s1600/20130215-DSC_0096-23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DqOz9xIMV9U/USfQCnnF7wI/AAAAAAAATIE/RcYbGlcYUd0/s320/20130215-DSC_0096-23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fisherwoman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">About 2 days after entering the
creek (not really a creek, by the way, but I'll get to that in a
minute) Gigi and I were out fishing up near the cut between Thomas
and Over Yonder Cays when we noticed the big yellow float plane that
belongs to “The House” circling. We gave it an fleeting glance
and went back to fishing as it appeared to head out over the Exuma
Sound. The next thing we heard was the roar of it's engine as it
split two rocks and passed over our head close enough to feel the
prop wash from his propellers. Shit! ….would have if I had time.
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">The next day we watched this same
plane land next to a sailboat at anchor below the level of his mast.
Take a trip over to the photo page and look at that series of photos.
I'm glad I was not on that boat. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pipe Creek is not really a “creek”
at all it is a channel that winds it's way thru the Cays and rocks
from Compass Cay on the North and Over Yonder Cay to the South and is
the “pipe” thru which the tide waters flow. For Gigi and I this
is heaven. There are flats to explore, great reefs to snorkel,
beaches to walk and friends to enjoy. Pipe is about a 10 minute
dingy ride in all weather to Tucker Rolle's Compass Cay Marina and
home of one of the best burgers (and most expensive in the islands)
and, of course, Tucker's pet sharks. Compass is a beautiful Island
with arguably one of the most picturesque beaches in the Exumas.
Sampson Cay is about 3 miles South and Staniel about 5.5 miles and on
a good day not a bad trip by dingy. The best thing about Pipe Creek
is it is not full of boats like Big Major's Spot, home of the famous
swimming pigs, not-to-mention it's water are the clearest I've ever
experienced...and that's saying something. Salty Turtle has found
its Bahamian Home. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Db77EzOTvWA/USt7E1xyDCI/AAAAAAAATOE/LKx_FRH6uSk/s1600/20130225-DSC_0014-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Db77EzOTvWA/USt7E1xyDCI/AAAAAAAATOE/LKx_FRH6uSk/s320/20130225-DSC_0014-2.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just before the storm hit
(remember we came in Pipe to get out of a Westerly blow) I took this
photo of “No Regrets” and “Pretty Penny.” I had just enough
time to get the camera below before the front came thru with a
vengeance. We had driving rain and a quick swing to the NW. It blew
20 to 30 most of the night. Gigi stayed up on watch. I went to
sleep..wasn't any need in the two of us not getting any sleep. I
believe a fresh crew is better than a worn out one...and I'm stickin'
to that story. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgAAv8ljHFk/USfQflAyxYI/AAAAAAAATJk/cqyEuxJVPhA/s1600/20130216-DSC_0147-35.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgAAv8ljHFk/USfQflAyxYI/AAAAAAAATJk/cqyEuxJVPhA/s320/20130216-DSC_0147-35.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Stingray As My Guide:</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gigi had been about to die for
some “Chicken Souse” so after the blow we headed for Little
Farmer's Cay and “Ocean Cabin” run by Terry Bain and his wife
Ernestine. Earnestine makes the best chicken souse in the Bahamas
and you could fill a book with Terry Bain stories. He is infamous.
There was a second purpose for going to Little Farmers. We needed to
deliver this years school books to the all age school and to take the
2013 photos of the school kids. We delivered the books but it was a
“holiday” for the kids so the photos would have to wait. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">What is “Chicken Souse” you
might ask? Well it is not what you are thinking. It is sort of like
Southern “Chicken Pastry” - a stew of sorts. You cut up chicken
parts (usually wings but could be any piece of chicken chopped up
with a machete to un-recognizable bits – why they do this I don't
have a clue) and marinated with lime juice. Then the Bahamians cook
the chicken in chicken broth with carrots, onion, celery, and
potatoes, add whole allspice and serve with “Johnny Cake” or
“Turnover.” Johnny Cake is sort of cornbread with a high mix of
wheat flour with just a hint of sweet. The difference between Johnny
Cake and Turnover is Johnny Cake is baked and Turnover is cooked on
top of the stove with a cast-iron skillet. Chicken Souse is served
with slices of lime and bird pepper to kick it up a bit. Ernestine's
“souse” is the best and we have done our research. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYmKYtoQJrk/USfR3ZBYL2I/AAAAAAAATK4/nrxqzAGhgUs/s1600/20130221-DSC_0023-6.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYmKYtoQJrk/USfR3ZBYL2I/AAAAAAAATK4/nrxqzAGhgUs/s320/20130221-DSC_0023-6.jpg" width="212" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">A little after noon Terry came
back to Ocean Cabin. He and a friend had been over to Big Farmer's
Cay trying to catch a goat. A few years back Terry released a few
goats on the island as a source of “just in case” mutton.
Mutton? Thought you said it was goat he was trying to catch? In the
Bahamas “mutton” is goat so if you see “mutton curry” on the
menu it is goat you will be eating. Da goat was too far back in the
bush for them to catch so there was no “mutton” on Earnestine's
menu that day- shame too I wanted to try her mutton curry. Terry and
his bud didn't catch a goat but from the look of the empty rum bottle
they sure had a good time not catchin' one. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">While anchored off Western Bay at
Little Farmers before heading into “Ty's Sunset Bar” for
sundowners and ribs Gigi and I jumped in for a swim and snorkel. Ty
claimed to make the best ribs in the Bahamas...which he doesn't but
he does make a damn good rum punch and the view is wonderful. </span></span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA9ERJAaZPo/USfSJinHliI/AAAAAAAATLo/yRHuAnKaL10/s1600/20130221-DSC_0037-12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA9ERJAaZPo/USfSJinHliI/AAAAAAAATLo/yRHuAnKaL10/s320/20130221-DSC_0037-12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Ty's Sunset Bar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the great things about
snorkeling is the wonders (or mysteries) of nature continue to
surprise even seasons “waterholics” like us. Off the end of
“Salty Turtle” a small stingray was swimming and he had a
“friend,” a “Blue Runner” - really a “Bar Jack” in the
snapper family but most Bahamians call them “Blue Runners.” I
watched this pair for 20 minutes. If the Blue Runner went forward
the Stingray went forward, if he backed up the Ray gave a couple of
flips in reverse. Wherever the Blue Runner went the Ray went. They
never touched each other so it was not some sort of “cleaning
station.” I don't know why or what dove the odd behavior. When I
left the water they were still buddy swimming. I've never seen that
type of behavior before. Maybe it was a “fishy” version of a gay
marriage? Any body reading this have an answer for this strange
behavior inquiring minds want to know? Please drop us a note if
you have an explanation. This one has us stumped. </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WV14t4beZ00/USuNi3bCxRI/AAAAAAAATRs/GywOSX6dXJM/s1600/20130222-PICT0061-27.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WV14t4beZ00/USuNi3bCxRI/AAAAAAAATRs/GywOSX6dXJM/s320/20130222-PICT0061-27.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray and Frien<span style="font-size: small;">d</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">The winds went South and Little
Farmers, Blackpoint and Big Majors become a bit “rolly” with
Southerly winds so it was back to Pipe Creek for us and our friend
Jim on No Regrets. In our absence Jim's wife had flown out for a few
weeks back in the US and his brother Doug had flown in to join Jim
for a few days of R&R and “brother” time. The two of them
are the salt of the earth and generous to a fault graciously sharing
their larger more comfortable boat tender, stories, and most
importantly – their friendship. Over the last couple of weeks Jim
and Doug have shown us more great snorkeling spots than we ever
thought existed and extended our knowledge of this area quite a bit.
We owe Jim big time and really enjoyed meeting his brother Doug. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDbSlKUTCYU/USfQL3Ho0jI/AAAAAAAATIk/Qqxs7g9jEMw/s1600/20130215-DSC_0124-27.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDbSlKUTCYU/USfQL3Ho0jI/AAAAAAAATIk/Qqxs7g9jEMw/s320/20130215-DSC_0124-27.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light house marking Cut between Pipe and Little Pipe Ca<span style="font-size: small;">y</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mike and Maril Doster will be in
Sunday for a visit and they don't know it yet but they owe Jim
already. He volunteered to pick up Mike and Maril in Staniel Cay and
it is supposed to be blowing 20 – 25 out the West and my little
dingy would beat them to pieces and soak them to the skin. Even in
Jim's tender it will be a bit of a wet ride but nothing like “the
experience” would be in our dink.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">After Mike and Maril's visit we
plan on taking the school photos at Blackpoint and Little Farmer's
and then heading for Long Island for a few days and a reunion with
“Pretty Penny” and “Barefootin”</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdp2mcFaNDM/USfNl1lQgjI/AAAAAAAATDY/udCAcLqNQQA/s1600/20130207-DSC_0004-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdp2mcFaNDM/USfNl1lQgjI/AAAAAAAATDY/udCAcLqNQQA/s320/20130207-DSC_0004-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staniel Cay All Grade School 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,</span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vic & Gigi </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dWR_9B3-Fo/USfOrnMWEMI/AAAAAAAATFM/sGHrjcUPWMA/s1600/20130209-DSC_0014-3.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dWR_9B3-Fo/USfOrnMWEMI/AAAAAAAATFM/sGHrjcUPWMA/s320/20130209-DSC_0014-3.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clear Water Pipe Ck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">PS – Ply me with enough rum and
I might show you how to get into Pipe Creek...might I said. You'll
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>just have to take the chance if ya want da local knowledge.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dWR_9B3-Fo/USfOrnMWEMI/AAAAAAAATFM/sGHrjcUPWMA/s1600/20130209-DSC_0014-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">**Note to Sailors: Using the
Explorer Charts if you cross the Yellow Banks using the line from
Porgee Rock to Allen's Cays you will experience the fewest coral
heads to watch out for. We use this line until we reach Longitude
77<sup>0 </sup>0.0' by then you are out of the coral and can head
south to any destination you chose with no worries mate. </span></span>
</div>
<br />
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"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-20342262988795476512013-01-30T05:18:00.000-05:002013-01-30T05:18:07.812-05:002013/01/30 Crossing / Nassau<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><u><b>Log of the Salty Turtle:
Lake Maul to Nassau January 14 – January 29, 2013</b></u></i>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>1/14/2013 Maul Lake to Key Biscayne,
FL 17nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>1/16/2013 Key Biscayne to Between Palm and
Hibiscus Island, Miami 14nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>1/20/2013 Hibiscus Island (Miami) to Nassau,
Bahamas 166nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>1/26/2013 Nassau Harbor Club to Nassau
Harbor Club (aborted crossing) 7nm</i></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa1IlY4tjt8/UPtSS_gFTBI/AAAAAAAASrc/6Z2arztyVPc/s1600/20130114-DSC_0006-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa1IlY4tjt8/UPtSS_gFTBI/AAAAAAAASrc/6Z2arztyVPc/s320/20130114-DSC_0006-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miami by Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: navy;">“I no longer had the sensation of traveling
but a feeling of living an isolated life on an island 44 feet long.”</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: navy;">Ray Kauffman</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipIfhGQxbMc/UQjlybWLwLI/AAAAAAAASt4/cotiBEl7jik/s1600/20130120-DSC_0025-12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipIfhGQxbMc/UQjlybWLwLI/AAAAAAAASt4/cotiBEl7jik/s320/20130120-DSC_0025-12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miami Beach Sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Maul Lake to Miami Beach (Between Palm and
Hibiscus Islands):</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The ICW between Ft. Lauderdale and Biscayne Bay
is not my favorite but it is better than the stretch between Lake
Worth an Lauderdale (thank god) – less bridges, more open water,
and fewer assholes. We worked our way across the busy Port of Miami
and under the Rickenbacker Causeway Bridge into Biscayne Bay. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">When you pass under Rickenbacker you enter a
different world – the world of Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys.
To me, Biscayne Bay is meant for sailing small boats. The Bay is
open, shallow, and protected. As we passed under the bridge the
Turtle was greeted by a fleet of 49ers (18' boats with winged
trampolines for hiking and long bowsprit for flying asymmetrical
spinnakers). They barely seemed to touch the water, man they smoke or
at least we thought they did until two days later when we found out
what “fast” really was. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08_F7K6cUiY/UPsFnOkqAsI/AAAAAAAASpk/guZfeeg-JBU/s1600/20130116-DSC_0022-7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08_F7K6cUiY/UPsFnOkqAsI/AAAAAAAASpk/guZfeeg-JBU/s320/20130116-DSC_0022-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moths </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We were sitting on the stern of Salty Turtle
enjoying our afternoon sundowners when out on the horizon an
appropriation appeared – two specks moving at the speed of light.
They were “Moth” class sailboats. These boats are about 16' in
length, with a deck of only about 2' in beam and trampolines for
hiking out, but what makes these boat unique is they are hydrofoils
with foils on keel and rudder. The whole boat weighs in at around 80
pounds including sails. In 10 knots of wind the skipper will ride
about 2' above the water and reach speeds approaching 18 knots. Moths
are real cruiser entertainment.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Our window to cross evaporated and we decided
to move over to Miami Beach between Palm and Hibiscus Islands to hide
from a blow and wait for the next window. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Hibiscus and Palm Islands:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Hibiscus and Palm islands are two of many spoil
island situated between Miami and Miami Beach. Anchoring between
them gave great protection from all directions but did have one,
small disadvantage. We were now the turning mark for the tourist
boats out of Miami. On the other hand, we learned a lot about the
homes on the islands free of charge.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOfcU5e8M80/UQjloffOIVI/AAAAAAAAStQ/GMrnTzXPOwY/s1600/20130119-DSC_0017-7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOfcU5e8M80/UQjloffOIVI/AAAAAAAAStQ/GMrnTzXPOwY/s320/20130119-DSC_0017-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacardi Home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The homes on the Palm and Hibiscus are not your
normal gaudy, 20,000 square feet, expensive, boorish, houses one
comes to expect in South Florida. Each home is an architectural
masterpiece. Each as different from the other as the taste of the
individuals that built them. They are not huge monuments to money
(but obviously are about money, individuality, and taste). Take a
look at the photo of the one of the homes we were anchored near. We
didn't know it until the tourist boats started circling us but it is
one of many that belongs to the Bacardi family (we had anchored off
a rum “Meca” and didn't even know it) – it is for rent,
by-the-way, for a mere $30,000 a day. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QA_U-BKwg-0/UQjlmFzkHeI/AAAAAAAAStI/fOYeMBalGmA/s1600/20130119-DSC_0013-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QA_U-BKwg-0/UQjlmFzkHeI/AAAAAAAAStI/fOYeMBalGmA/s320/20130119-DSC_0013-6.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i><u>Observation:</u> A smile or salute of
simple recognition gives pleasure to both the giver and receiver.</i></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">In the tradition of sailors, every afternoon
Gigi and I would adjourn to the stern of the Turtle, enjoy
sundowners, and await the close of the day and the sparkle of lights
as they twinkled on around us – quite a pleasant tradition I might
add. It became a habit to salute the tourist boats as they passed
with raised glass and a smile. We noticed on every boat people would
return our gesture of friendship with a smile of their own. The
simple acknowledgement of a fellow human being can give great joy and
it cost nothing. </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcG7bbXFHuM/UPsEjYuZVDI/AAAAAAAASos/f4fbsFgKgeU/s1600/20130115-DSC_0248-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>The Crossing:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kCK-AtXFigM/UPsGLHn_J2I/AAAAAAAASq8/cJ5484Sraso/s1600/20130117-DSC_0058-18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kCK-AtXFigM/UPsGLHn_J2I/AAAAAAAASq8/cJ5484Sraso/s320/20130117-DSC_0058-18.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">On the morning of the 20<sup>th</sup> we got
our chance – a mild 2 day weather window to cross to Nassau. By
9:00 AM we had dodged a couple of ships (Gigi don't like big ships)
and cleared the inlet. We were at sea and on our way. The Gulf
Stream greeted us with 4 to 6' swells spaced about 10 seconds apart
(like riding an elevator with its gentle rise and fall). I don't
really understand why but the Gulf Stream gave us a little push all
day and we were on the Bahama Banks near North Rock, just N. of
Bimini, by 3:00 PM. We crossed the banks under a crystal clear sky
filled with stars counting red starfish in 20' of water. By 8:30 the
next day were tied up at Nassau Harbor Club and greeted with big
Bahamian hugs from our friends Peter, Dudley and Clark. We were back
in our Bahamas and home. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcG7bbXFHuM/UPsEjYuZVDI/AAAAAAAASos/f4fbsFgKgeU/s1600/20130115-DSC_0248-23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcG7bbXFHuM/UPsEjYuZVDI/AAAAAAAASos/f4fbsFgKgeU/s320/20130115-DSC_0248-23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Customs and Immigration, as usual, threw us a
curve. Customs gave us a years cruising permit. Immigration gave us
just what we wanted for a change, 180 days before we have to search
for somewhere to renew, but... only gave us 60 days on our fishing
permit so we will still have to be in Nassau or Georgetown in 60 days
to get a renewal – the Bahamian government “givith and takith”
away. 'Dis da Bahamas Mon. What you get is what they give.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEBw62iCxoo/UQjmPflaZ_I/AAAAAAAASvw/ScMIlWGCPrI/s1600/20130121-DSC_0078-27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEBw62iCxoo/UQjmPflaZ_I/AAAAAAAASvw/ScMIlWGCPrI/s320/20130121-DSC_0078-27.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>BTCO:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Gigi and I decided since the Bahamian Telephone
Company (BTCO for short) had gone “4G” we would get a broadband
card and a data plan ($30/month unlimited data). Sounds simple
doesn't it. Nothing but nothing that has anything to do with BTCO is
ever simple. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>Tues:</i> We met Clay, an almost Bahamian
Texas friend that was to be our guide, at TPA(his marina) and walked
the 5 blocks to the BTCO office on Shirley St. There we got a sims
card for Gigi's old Bahamian phone and asked if they had any
broadband cards. “No mon”, was the answer (technically they were
right, the importance of this will come later). But we had an “ace”
we had Clay and he had heard that a computer store at the corner of
Meridian and Royal Streets had a “Zoom” broadband card. Simple
we catch the No.1 bus to Royal and see if we get lucky.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">It was the consensus of the group that we grab
a good breakfast at the little place around the corner from BTCO
before we make the trek. While at breakfast we remembered that we
needed “minutes” for the phone or it would not work. Back to
BTCO. They sold us “minutes.” Why they didn't ask us while we
were there the first time if we needed “minutes” (it was obvious
we did). The “why” will remain a Bahamian mystery in marketing.
</span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We took the No. 1 bus to Meridian and Royal,
but... for some unknown reason the bus driver decides to take a short
cut and by pass Meridian and Royal. Luckily Clay caught it and got
the driver to put us out only a short block or 2 from the computer
store – in the Bahamas all things seem to be the same but never
quite are. We were in luck, the computer store had a Zoom and sold
us one, but they do not sell sims cards or data plans. Back to BTCO.
This time the down town store since all buses go down town. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We caught the No. 19 bus. Then walked the 6
blocks to the BTCO office where we bought a sims card and data plan
(we are getting smarter we bought both this time) and thanks to Clay
got them to activate the sims card by putting it in our phone and
doing some magic. We walked the 8 blocks to catch the No. 19 bus
back to Clay's Marina and Harbor Club. Clay asked if I needed help
installing the Zoom. “Na” I said confidently. I didn't think I
did since the nice lady at BTCO had given me explicit instructions
and I had written them down. It seemed pretty straight forward. Two
hours later I was back at Clays boat begging help. Two hours later
we were both throughly beaten. I was beginning to believe it was a
sims card or a BTCO issue. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>Wed: </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Next
day I took the No.19 bus to BTCO and found the nice lady that had
helped us the day before. She took the sims card out of the Zoom and
tested it in a phone. It worked. She tried to install the Zoom on
a PC she had in house and it would not work. Finally, she said I
needed to take it back to the computer store she thought it was bad
or we were missing something. As a parting shot she said, “If they
will take it back I have an Android phone for $100 that will act as a
G3 hotspot and you would have your broadband and phone in one.”
Why the folk at the Shirley St. BTCO didn't tell us this</span><i>
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">I'll never know – again
Bahamian marketing at it's best. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Grabbed the
No.1 Bus to the Computer Store but this time it does not take a short
cut and lets us off at the store (our luck is changing). I explain
the problem to clerk. She looked at my install information on my
computer and she said, “Why you put the phone number there?” I
said, “Well, it ask for the phone number.” “No mon, you put </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
</b></span><i>*9***99*#</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. You
not follow the instruction?” I said, “What instructions other
than the ones in the package with the Zoom?” Too which she produced
a sheet of typed paper from behind the counter with instructions and
said, “Dis instructions.” “Sorry Mon,” she say as she hand
me da sheet. They wouldn't take the Zoom back...of course.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We took the No.19 bus back to Harbor Club. It
took 2 minutes to install the Zoom and have it up and running on both
Gigi's and my computers. <i><u>The moral to the story: </u></i><i>
“Tings' usually work in the Bahamas but ya gotta' pay your dues
first.” </i></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>Short BTCO Story:</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
This one Clay shared with me and it was too good not to share with
you. A miserly friend of his needed to make a short call to the
States. He checked his minutes as he always did before the call, made
his less than 1 minute call, and again checked his minutes. The
phone said he had used 5 minutes when the call had been less than 1.
He was pissed and immediately called BTCO and as calmly as a pissed
off man can explained that the phone had ate 5 of his minutes on a
less than 1 minute call. The operator with out a blink indignantly
explained, “Our minutes different dan your minutes,” and hung up.
Score one for BTC. If you lose your sense of humor here you will be
one frustrated cruiser. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;">To end my BTCO
rant on an “political” note... Two year ago British Wireless
bought 51% of BTCO and started to make positive changes in the
system. This year a different political party took over control of
the Government and are trying to take back control and put BTCO back
in Bahamian hands. The international banking community has warned
them that if they break their contract with British Wireless their
lending status will go down the toilet. No one know what the out
come will be, but...the Bahamians do have a habit of blowing large
holes in their feet. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>All For One Regatta:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.01in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9EJq5rlJ9g/UQjr9bqR7QI/AAAAAAAAS_g/OkZzBqceM_M/s1600/20130127-DSC_0543-120.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9EJq5rlJ9g/UQjr9bqR7QI/AAAAAAAAS_g/OkZzBqceM_M/s320/20130127-DSC_0543-120.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Chris Parker, the weather guru, said the winds
were supposed to go 5 – 10 NE with 1 to 2 foot seas on Saturday but
pump back up on Sunday. We had our window to cross the Yellow Banks
– narrow, but a window. Saturday at 9:00 we left Harbor Club and
headed out. It was anything but light. We had 15 to 20 on the nose
with 2 to 4' seas. It was an abort and by 10:30 were back tied up at
Harbor Club with no window in site. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-St2PmHszuB4/UQjrJYFHsSI/AAAAAAAAS74/mN-cGa2oqM0/s1600/20130127-DSC_0435-91.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-St2PmHszuB4/UQjrJYFHsSI/AAAAAAAAS74/mN-cGa2oqM0/s320/20130127-DSC_0435-91.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The window was closed but the first ever “All
For One Regatta” was being held off Montague Park complete with A,
B and C Class Sloop racing and, again, first ever E Class sculling
races. It turned out to be 2 days of some of the best racing I've
seen in the Bahamas, great Jerk BBQ, and more beer and booze than
even I can drink. We sat with fellow cruisers, made new Bahamian
friends, and had a ball. There is nothing like Bahamian Sloop racing
any where – good food, ladies dressed to the 9s, Bahamians
explaining the finer points to their children (and anyone who will
listen), and line a up of line “Sunday Morning Skippers”
critiquing the tactics at the top of their lungs. It is a true
Bahamian experience and both G and I love their regattas and their
people. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gRnPdOTynxs/UQjrcZ6G2mI/AAAAAAAAS9g/f2mL0wZd9dg/s1600/20130127-DSC_0492-104.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gRnPdOTynxs/UQjrcZ6G2mI/AAAAAAAAS9g/f2mL0wZd9dg/s320/20130127-DSC_0492-104.jpg" width="212" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gRnPdOTynxs/UQjrcZ6G2mI/AAAAAAAAS9g/f2mL0wZd9dg/s1600/20130127-DSC_0492-104.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: black;"> </span>
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<span style="color: black;">It looks like we will finally get out of here
on Thursday. Our plan (written in Jello) is to cross the Yellow
Banks on Thursday and go all the way to Big Major Spot near Staniel
Cay. Our window slams shut early Friday and we need to be hold up
somewhere by then and Big Majors is a good spot.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Vic</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5lh4iRkrts/UQjr1H9fO9I/AAAAAAAAS_I/ZktnMWy_i6I/s1600/20130127-DSC_0531-117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5lh4iRkrts/UQjr1H9fO9I/AAAAAAAAS_I/ZktnMWy_i6I/s320/20130127-DSC_0531-117.jpg" width="320" /></a></span> </span></div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-13236318472444354592013-01-13T11:39:00.002-05:002013-01-13T11:40:54.032-05:002012/01/13 - Vero to Lake Maul<br />
<i><u><b>Log of the Salty Turtle: Vero
Beach to Lake Maul, January 2 – January 13, 2013</b></u></i>
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<span style="color: black;"><i>01/02/2013 Vero Beach, FL to North Lake
Worth, FL 63 NM</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><i>01/03/2013 N. Lake Worth to Middle River,
Ft. Lauderdale (off shore) 51 NM</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><i>01/11/2013 Middle River</i></span><span style="color: black;">
</span><span style="color: black;"><i>to Maul Lake (N. Miami, FL) 14 NM</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><i>Miles to Date: 784 NM</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><i>ICW Mile Marker: 1077 SM</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBVjdVHW2aE/UPCA635izPI/AAAAAAAASkk/bmrp-7RwS2U/s1600/20130106-DSC_0262-47.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBVjdVHW2aE/UPCA635izPI/AAAAAAAASkk/bmrp-7RwS2U/s320/20130106-DSC_0262-47.jpg" width="307" /></a>
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<span style="color: #280099;"><i>Though we travel the world over to find
beautiful, we must carry it with us or find it not. </i></span>
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<span style="color: #280099;"><i>Ralph Waldo Emerson</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><i><b>Vero
Beach:</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Well..they don't call it “Velcro Beach” for
nuttin'. There is always a reason to stay just one more day. </span>
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<span style="color: black;"> The harbor is well protected and the mooring
balls are cheap. Natural beauty is every where. Ibis and crane fill
the mangroves and manatee and dolphin greet you for coffee in the
mornings. Walks are thru cool arches of live oak and the homes
adorned with flowers. The dingy dock is sturdy and ample. The
(free) bus service will carry you any where in the city your heart
desires. It is an easy walk to the beach with a great Farmer's
Market on Saturdays. One of my favorite bars, “Riverside Cafe,”
is a short dingy ride away. There are parks, medical facilities,
Publix Supermarket, theater rated the best small theater gild in the
country, a great art gallery, and the list goes on. Not to mention
you have made it to the temperate zone and it don't get too cold.
You get the picture. You stick to Vero like Velcro. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xeHpnrzvz5c/UOg4ImKlGEI/AAAAAAAASYs/plwmvInEDW8/s1600/20130101-DSC_0016-1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xeHpnrzvz5c/UOg4ImKlGEI/AAAAAAAASYs/plwmvInEDW8/s320/20130101-DSC_0016-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>
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<span style="color: black;">First it was let's wait another day and go see
“Lincoln” (great movie). There we saw the previews to the
“Hobbit” and decided we would like to see that as well. Then we
wanted a chance to get up with our friends Harriett and Skip and find
out how he was doin' (he has had an infection in his hand that is
refusing to heal). Well if we wait just 2 more days we can boogie
over to Riverside and watch the Wolf Pack play in the Music City Bowl
(turned out they didn't play they laid down and died – it was
ugly). Then it was the <i>weekend </i>and Salty Turtle, “don't
travel on the weekends in South Florida.” If you want to be strung
tight and stressed out at the end a day on the water just travel on
the weekends in South Florida and (trust me) you will be. </span>
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<span style="color: black;"><i><b>Vero
Beach to Lake Maul (North Miami):</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><i><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TLoFTgvbF2w/UOg421ob-eI/AAAAAAAASZc/4YLgjAXFmS8/s1600/20130103-DSC_0075-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TLoFTgvbF2w/UOg421ob-eI/AAAAAAAASZc/4YLgjAXFmS8/s320/20130103-DSC_0075-6.jpg" width="320" /></a> </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">We finally escaped Vero on the 2 day of
January. Yeee! Ha!! We had hoped to make the jump to Lake Worth off
shore but after sticking our nose out into the Atlantic our GPS put
us arriving in Lake Worth inlet after dark so we aborted and make the
trip down via the ICW. We anchored in N. Lake Worth right at 6:00,
ate supper and crashed. It had been a long day.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17SgfYGzfgY/UOg4tdsvW5I/AAAAAAAASZM/UFiaWmSYLv8/s1600/20130103-DSC_0067-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17SgfYGzfgY/UOg4tdsvW5I/AAAAAAAASZM/UFiaWmSYLv8/s320/20130103-DSC_0067-4.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Lake Worth South on the ICW is “<i>South
Florida Hell.” </i>First , there are 19 bridges between Lake Worth
and Ft. Lauderdale. Most of the trip is down what we call the
“canyon” - a concrete alley of water between rows of condos and
zillion dollar homes. From here South English is a second language
and “macho” rules...not the “rules of the road” are obeyed.
We went off shore...much more pleasant. It was an absolute blue bird
day with brilliant blue water with aqua foam streaming off the stern
of the Turtle and flying fish skittering from wave to wave. It was
so flat there were kayaks with coolers fishing over a mile off the
beach. </span>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><i>(<u>Note to Off Shore Sailors:</u> South of
Ft. Pierce inlet you should stay inshore as much as possible –
within about a mile or somewhere between the 100' and 50' contour.
If you move much further out the effects of the Gulf Stream will
start to slow your progress. We saw as much as a knot difference.)</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GmHuxum2Nk/UOg5dRL2kLI/AAAAAAAASbM/Rk8RVs8emKE/s1600/20130103-DSC_0176-20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GmHuxum2Nk/UOg5dRL2kLI/AAAAAAAASbM/Rk8RVs8emKE/s320/20130103-DSC_0176-20.jpg" width="320" /></a> </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span>
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<span style="color: black;">Running the inlets in South Florida are never
fun and Ft. Lauderdale is no exception (maybe the worst of the lot).
There are no navigational issues. It is straight, deep and easy.
However, here you are faced with hordes of boaters with “rights”
(theirs and no one else's), they don't monitor their radios and most
don't speak English, add BIG ships and it is most assuredly “pucker
time.” I suspect our doctors would be real concerned about Gigi's
my blood pressure if he could monitor it after running an inlet. We
were at anchor in Middle River, Ft. Lauderdale by around 3:00 PM with
our anchors down rum in hand – well 2 rums for the inlets sake.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj57pfUd1gc/UOg5svGQVTI/AAAAAAAASb8/Bwf7HqcOYOw/s1600/20130103-DSC_0230-26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj57pfUd1gc/UOg5svGQVTI/AAAAAAAASb8/Bwf7HqcOYOw/s320/20130103-DSC_0230-26.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yv4dHSAMGQ0/UOl99kQpa9I/AAAAAAAASec/cdin59bf1gI/s1600/20130104-DSC_0051-10.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yv4dHSAMGQ0/UOl99kQpa9I/AAAAAAAASec/cdin59bf1gI/s320/20130104-DSC_0051-10.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocket Man</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: black;">Speaking of Lauderdale..Lauderdale is Mega
Yacht capital of the world with excess in all things – flamboyance
and money rule. Take a look at the screen shot of my GPS near Los
Olas Bridge. Every one of those red triangles represent a mega yacht
(boat of 85 feet or over) and most of the canals and rivers that make
up Ft. Lauderdale are lined with mega yacht. What you see on the
screen is just the tip of the iceberg. I don't know where all that
money comes from but I sure know where it doesn't. </span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6d4e2s5qdW0/UOg53l-UXyI/AAAAAAAAScU/9sZMNR1Gda8/s1600/20130103-DSC_0244-29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6d4e2s5qdW0/UOg53l-UXyI/AAAAAAAAScU/9sZMNR1Gda8/s320/20130103-DSC_0244-29.jpg" width="320" /></a>
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<span style="color: black;">We spent a week at anchor in Middle River.
Again this is one of those hidden jewels. It provides deep water,
good dingy access, a Publix Supermarket , a Galleria Mall (with Apple
Store), good restaurants, movie theater, and the CSU. CSU? </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fK8-wAgAPcQ/UPB-CYDlWrI/AAAAAAAASfM/dz9E0Y9Bn78/s1600/20130106-DSC_0014-4.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fK8-wAgAPcQ/UPB-CYDlWrI/AAAAAAAASfM/dz9E0Y9Bn78/s320/20130106-DSC_0014-4.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CSU</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkNGmxXwtiA/UPB96ctbtAI/AAAAAAAASe0/TuVQy2Xjc3k/s1600/20130106-DSC_0003-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="color: black;">Diana Schildt is a friend we met in Georgetown
during Family Island Regatta a few years back. She and husband Walter
live in a condo overlooking Middle River. No boat escapes her
benevolent eye. Diana is the CSU – that's “Cruiser Support
Unit.” When one of her friends anchors in the river the CSU
springs into action. Thanks to Diana we have finished all our prep
for our jump to the Bahamas, enjoyed a wonderful supper with she and
Walter at their flat, and even spent a musical sunday with the South
Florida Bluegrass Association in Grenynolds Park in N. Miami. If you
like bluegrass, and I do, this was a fun day. Did I mention Rocket Man? That day entertainment came to us.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkNGmxXwtiA/UPB96ctbtAI/AAAAAAAASe0/TuVQy2Xjc3k/s1600/20130106-DSC_0003-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkNGmxXwtiA/UPB96ctbtAI/AAAAAAAASe0/TuVQy2Xjc3k/s320/20130106-DSC_0003-1.jpg" width="212" /></a>
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<span style="color: black;">We boated the dink and headed out on the 11<sup>th</sup>
bound for Maul Lake 14 miles to our South in N. Miami. The trip was
uneventful (except for the large container ship that Gigi had to pass
that puckered her up tight – not sure if she has pooped yet).
Lake Maul is an almost perfectly round lake bordered by condos to the
East and N., A1A to the West and the Oleta River and State Park to
the South. Access is easy via a canal. There is a good dingy dock at
park on the Oleta River and shopping for last minute items is good.
What I really don't understand is there is almost no boats here -
great protected anchorage, with good land access, and amenities and
no boats? Great for us. I ain't knocking it. It just doesn't make
sense. </span>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;">We have spent the weekend here (remember the
Turtle don't move on the weekends in S.FL) exploring with an aside at
a local bar to enjoy the NCSU victory over Dookie. Plans are to head
for Biscayne Bay on Monday, top up with fuel and water, and
(hopefully) catch a weather window to cross the Gulf Stream to Nassau
on Tuesday. Wish us luck we are ready for some clear water.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Vic </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjSz6BcCbJ4/UOg5D5BxhqI/AAAAAAAASaE/OHyeBpNBTiY/s1600/20130103-DSC_0097-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjSz6BcCbJ4/UOg5D5BxhqI/AAAAAAAASaE/OHyeBpNBTiY/s400/20130103-DSC_0097-11.jpg" width="400" /></a> </span>
</div>
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"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-6312020624290027652012-12-24T17:48:00.000-05:002012-12-24T17:55:38.494-05:002012-12-25: Woman With The Brown Coat<br />
<i><u><b>Log of the Salty Turtle: St.
Augustine to Vero Beach, Decmber 14 – December 25, 2012</b></u></i><br />
<i><u><b> </b></u></i>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zso0EzFKW9A/UNjK4c2gdGI/AAAAAAAASRk/R6NH6Bi7awI/s1600/20121220-DSC_0178-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zso0EzFKW9A/UNjK4c2gdGI/AAAAAAAASRk/R6NH6Bi7awI/s320/20121220-DSC_0178-10.jpg" width="320" /></a>
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<br />
<i>12/1/2012 St. Augustine Marine Center to Daytona, FL 48 NM</i></div>
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<i>12/14/2012 Daytona to Coco Beach, FL 56 NM</i></div>
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<i>12/17/2012 Coco Beach to Rockpoint Spoil Islands 25 NM</i></div>
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<i>12/18/2012 Rockpoint to Vero Beach, FL 24 NM</i></div>
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<i>Total NM To Date: 669 NM</i></div>
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<i>ICW Mile Marker: 952 SM</i><br />
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<span style="color: #4700b8;">“<i>Sailors have made a good bargain with the
world. We get to borrow it, play with it, and be released from its
deadening grip. We get to use it without owing it.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4700b8;"><i>Reese Palley</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFxrbW0mSLs/UNjLUtsO2LI/AAAAAAAASSc/Ouxf6jqXRcw/s1600/20121217-DSC_0079-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFxrbW0mSLs/UNjLUtsO2LI/AAAAAAAASSc/Ouxf6jqXRcw/s320/20121217-DSC_0079-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Woman With the Brown Coat:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">It was a couple of days before Christmas and
Gigi and I had taken the bus out to the mall to see “<i><u>Lincoln</u></i>”
(must see movie, by-the-way). The bus's air breaks had just
announced a stop near Publix Super Market and I could see a short
stub of a lady in a brown coat standing near a grocery cart with 4 or
5 heavy bags of groceries inside and a young black man standing on
the opposite side of the cart. </span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2K0l9lSvxXA/UNjKwzkCXBI/AAAAAAAASQs/_ZvuUXbtF1o/s1600/20121220-DSC_0157-3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2K0l9lSvxXA/UNjKwzkCXBI/AAAAAAAASQs/_ZvuUXbtF1o/s320/20121220-DSC_0157-3.jpg" width="212" /></a>
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<span style="color: black;">She was a short roundish woman with bowling pin
legs, a pair of black, road weary shoes and white stockings rolled to
the knees like tight garters. Her hair was clean, stringy and of the
salt and pepper variety that hung to the shoulders of her dusty brown
coat. She was one of those ladies that could have been 50, 80, or
anywhere in between nor could her “race” be known simply by
looking. She might have been Black, White, or Latino but I could not
tell. Her eyes were cold black with a twinkle of arthritic pain set
in a round face with a smile that gave your heart a lift just by its
presents. </span>
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<span style="color: black;">As the door opened to the bus the young black
man on the other side of her cart grabbed his single bag of
groceries, bolted for the door, pushed his way inside, and slid into
a seat toward the middle of the bus. The Lady In The Brown Coat had
barely been able to awkwardly turn, square her self with the cart,
and start her struggle to lift her heavy bags by the time the young
man was seated. She was in obvious pain and loosing the struggle. </span>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;">My heart said, “help her” but before I
could move two young Black Men with the grace of gazelles cleared the
door as if floating on air and were at her side in an instant. One
gently touched her shoulder, she looked up with questioning eyes that
broke into a Christmas smile as one man took charge of the bags and
the the other young man helped her to board the bus. The young
White Man in front of me quickly moved his bags from the seat next to
him and slid over to make room for The Lady With The Brown Coat near
the front of the bus to make it easier for her on exit. Her young
helpers, without so much as a word, simply vanished into the
anonymity of the bus's interior as the bus pulled away from the curb
headed for the Hub to transfer its inhabitants to waiting buses.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The last I saw of the Lady With The Brown Coat
was at the transit hub when a young White Woman scooped up her
groceries, helped her down the steps, and began chattering away as
they slowly made their way arm in arm to the next bus. </span>
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<span style="color: black;">Neither, race, nor age, nor the lighting speed
of today's society had mattered. The spirit of Christmas was on that
bus in Vero Beach that day and had warmed its way into the hearts of
most of us (one young man excluded). <i>Christmas spirit, humanity,
common decency,</i> whatever you want to call it hangs around this
time of year, every year waiting... just waiting... to warm the heart
of an unsuspecting passersby. More often than not it succeeds. </span>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Merry Christmas,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Fairwinds & Rum Drinks,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Vic</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">PS – Our plans are to move South after
Christmas and make the jump to the Bahamas with the next..or maybe
the next, next weather window. It will be when it will be.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4tvyrqJkZQ/UNjL5xKGz8I/AAAAAAAASTM/tP84rtlh590/s1600/20121215-DSC_0004-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4tvyrqJkZQ/UNjL5xKGz8I/AAAAAAAASTM/tP84rtlh590/s320/20121215-DSC_0004-2.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BqI2C9wTYk/UNjL8bE_nXI/AAAAAAAASTc/NMmZpLYqOv0/s1600/20121215-DSC_0022-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BqI2C9wTYk/UNjL8bE_nXI/AAAAAAAASTc/NMmZpLYqOv0/s320/20121215-DSC_0022-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-81590407306675602552012-12-13T15:27:00.001-05:002012-12-13T19:24:45.008-05:002012-13-2012 St. Augustine<br />
<i><u><b>Log of the Salty Turtle:
November 11 – December 13, 2012</b></u></i>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CpwVb5AbitU/UL4jS6tYxHI/AAAAAAAASEA/uqs0Lk_Afh8/s1600/20121201-DSC_0002-1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CpwVb5AbitU/UL4jS6tYxHI/AAAAAAAASEA/uqs0Lk_Afh8/s320/20121201-DSC_0002-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>
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<i>12/12/2012 St. Augustine Marine Center to Dock – St. Aug. Marine
0.5 NM</i></div>
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<i>Total NM To Date: 514.5 NM</i></div>
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<i>ICW Mile Marker: 780 SM</i></div>
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<span style="color: #4700b8;">“<i>A ship is always refereed to as “she”
because it costs so much to keep her in paint and power.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4700b8;"><i>Admiral Chester Nimitz</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_XYCHV84mSI/UMoxk_N-F1I/AAAAAAAASOk/W9s_tmNAKRU/s1600/20121211-DSC_0007-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_XYCHV84mSI/UMoxk_N-F1I/AAAAAAAASOk/W9s_tmNAKRU/s400/20121211-DSC_0007-1.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><u><b>Living
in Boatyard Hell...and Making a Small Heaven:</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Early on the morning of the 12<sup>th</sup> of
November with current running (but not at it's worst) Gigi put the
Turtle in the travel lift slip as if she had done it hundreds of
times before. With me scurrying around like the preverbal “chicken
with it's head cut off.” Fenders were a blur dropped in here, moved
to there, lines lassoed a bow and stern cleat in the slip on port,
lines flung to the starboard side, jumped off secured the starboard
lines and pulled Turtle to the middle of the slip. Salty Turtle was
secure. </span>
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<span style="color: black;">Gigi had put the boat where it had to be and
Old Vic had done what had to be done all while 2 travel lift
operators sent down to help us tie up watched. When I got enough
time to breath I asked, “Why didn't you help us.” They
responded, “Well you looked like you knew what you were doing.”
It was an omen of things to come..or not come as the case may be. </span>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;">By <b>9:30</b> we were hauled, blocked, and
installed in our “penthouse apartment” near the fence next to the
“US Customs Training Center” which was to become our home for 5
weeks plus a little (although we did not know it at the time). My
first look at the props we expected to be dinged were suspiciously
Not. We expected the prop shop to send someone to pop them off and
scan them by lunch. Lunch came – nothing. We dropped by Pete's
(yard manger) and asked when someone would come pop the props? “Oh,
I'll get someone right on it.” <b>2:00</b> Nothing. We asked
again. “I'll give the prop shop a call and get back with you.”
By closing time no one had shown their shining face. </span>
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<span style="color: black;"><b>8:00 AM, 11/13/2012 – </b>Gigi marched
into Pete office. “They will be there by noon.” Noon came and
went. </span>
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<span style="color: black;"><b>2:00 PM</b> – Vic, “Pete when are they
going to pop the props?” “We will get to them today.” Nope!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><b>7:30 AM, 11/14/2012</b> – Vic in Pete's
Office. “Pete we have been real patient but when are they going to
check our props – how about now?” “I'll get someone right over
there.” By <b>10:00 AM</b> no one had showed. Back to Pete's
office. Same deal. <b>11:00 AM</b> - This time Gigi went. Again no
show. 12 Noon, Gigi tried again. <b>2:00 PM</b> it was Vic's turn -
“Pete what the fuck is gong on.” Pete, “We had to get that
Lazzara back in the water. We will be there this afternoon.” Vic,
“Yea?” </span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FeMbHoD3zM0/ULpRK47zh6I/AAAAAAAARwY/XN0gn1UH7dg/s1600/20121124-DSC_0078.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FeMbHoD3zM0/ULpRK47zh6I/AAAAAAAARwY/XN0gn1UH7dg/s320/20121124-DSC_0078.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black;">After 3 days the prop shop folk finally showed
up, pulled the props, scanned them, checked the balance and my
suspicion was confirmed - the props were perfect. It had taken them
all of 1 hour to pull the props, scan them and confirm they were OK.
Three days to do 1 hours work! What now? Bent Shafts? Out of line
shafts? Time to pull the shafts and find out. </span>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Three more days of constantly pestering the
front office and tracking down staff when they did show up finally
got the shafts out of the boat. It was like herding cats. They
would show up for a few minutes take a little baby step and then
disappeared – frustrating is not the word. The shafts were very
tight and had to be jacked out of the boat and when they exited the
boat they “jumped” close to an inch off center line of the
bearing in the log and when they were put on a bench and measure for
true were out of straight by as much as .035” - Not good. The
shafts had to be straightened, new cutlass bearings installed, and
the intermediate struts moved. </span>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;">By this time we had figured out what was going
on in this yard – didn't help the frustration but did explain why
things were so screwed up. I need to say up front that St. Aug.
Marine had a good reputation or we would not have come here.
However, St. Aug is a yard in transition. The yard has just been
taken over by the management from the now closed Lurs factory from
across the creek – the one and same management team that drove Lurs
into the ground. The yard manger, Pete, is leaving and the yard is
going from on site staff to an all “contractor” yard so the left
hand does not know what the right is doing and no one
communicates...period. Add to that if you need glass work it's a
different contract. Engine work different contract. Rigging
different contract. Hydraulics, different contract. It's almost as
frustrating as a union shop but not quite. It took 2 contracts and
sets of contract staff ( different “cats to herd”) to get the
cap rail they busted hauling the boat fixed (didn't mention that did
I). Once we figured out the struts needed to be moved the holes
where the struts were originally needed to be glassed in and (of
course) needed a different contractor and that added 3 days to the
project. Why? Again, different set of “cats to herd.” </span>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;">I'll spare you the rest of the blow-by-blow of
the repair job but after 5 weeks the job is almost complete and we
are back in the water. Hopefully, the final alignment will be done
today and the Turtle can again get under way / making way. </span>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;">The best thing that has come out of this whole,
maddening deal is Danny. Danny is the guy that has done most of the
work on the alignment. From the first, we worked well together...but
then he <i><u>is</u></i> an “old gray beard” like me. Danny has
done alignments on more engines than he cares to think about. He is
old and slow with busted up knees, through, patient, meticulous, and
a good teacher. He possess the kind of characteristics that only come
from experience. In short just the kind of guy you want doing a
complicated job like Salty Turtle needed. Danny has taught me a lot
and now I am lucky enough to call him my friend as well. </span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldOje56uzAc/UL4kbmdGF9I/AAAAAAAASGk/S_0O4NwMDy0/s1600/20121201-DSC_0098-42.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldOje56uzAc/UL4kbmdGF9I/AAAAAAAASGk/S_0O4NwMDy0/s320/20121201-DSC_0098-42.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black;"><b>Our Penthouse Apartment:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Living on a boat on land is not like living on
a boat in the water. She is a beached whale and out of her element
and her inhabitants are as well. The head does not work because it
has no water to flush with and if it did your “poop” would “plop”
on the ground and the boats around you would get really pissed.
Every time you go to the head (night or day) you have to scurry down
two flights of ladders to the ground (with your knees crossed and a
prayer) and scurry across the yard to the the head that might or
might not have TP. At night we kept a 5 gallon bucket in the head
for “emergencies” - luckily Gigi is “bucket broke.” </span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Showers are the same deal. We carry enough
water to use our shower but again it is a “no-no” to eject a 2”
stream of water out the side of your boat while in a boat yard. The
showers here at St. Aug. boat yard gave the ones at McCotters Marina
a run for their money in the in the cleanliness department (or lack
there of). And speaking of cleanliness...every time you come aboard
half the boat yard comes with you and transfers its self to your
decks. Cleanliness does not happen in a boat yard. TV?? Well the
Turtle was backed up to a big Butler Building and it did an excellent
job of filtering out all channels except FOX TV - yuck. In short
boats are not meant to live on out of the water..and neither are a
boats inhabitants. </span>
</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv5WTir9H7k/UL4jtQFuwKI/AAAAAAAASFA/rBZkttiwYl0/s1600/20121201-DSC_0033-17.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv5WTir9H7k/UL4jtQFuwKI/AAAAAAAASFA/rBZkttiwYl0/s320/20121201-DSC_0033-17.jpg" width="214" /></a>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Life is What Ya Make of It:</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Life is what you make of it – hell, heaven,
misery, or adventure and <i><u>it is for you to pick</u></i>. About
the end of the second week we started to “adapt” and enjoy St.
Augustine. St. Augustine is full of history. After all they will be
celebrating their 500<sup>th</sup> year next fall - will that be a
happening or what. It has one of the best brew pubs on the East
Coast, A1A Brewery and any number of great restaurants. Then there
was the annual re-enactment of the “British Night March” and
light show. The tradition started when the Brits were in charge of
St.Augustine. Every night when the gates were closed the town cryer
would lead the troop around the city announcing the closing of the
gates letting the town folk know to get their “<i>hiknees</i>”
inside or spend the night outside the walls at the mercy of whatever
was..well.. outside the walls. It was actually quite a show with
drum an fife corps, and many people in period costumes (children
included).</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RljIjVyFK_I/UL4-VsMfc2I/AAAAAAAASII/UIazw7ERn08/s1600/20121201-DSC_0136-56.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RljIjVyFK_I/UL4-VsMfc2I/AAAAAAAASII/UIazw7ERn08/s320/20121201-DSC_0136-56.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span> </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etNqS0HipcA/UL4j01Z1CHI/AAAAAAAASFQ/G8Ltvh0FaHI/s1600/20121201-DSC_0047-21.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etNqS0HipcA/UL4j01Z1CHI/AAAAAAAASFQ/G8Ltvh0FaHI/s320/20121201-DSC_0047-21.jpg" width="239" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">On the first friday night of every month the
city's art galleries open their doors to everyone for “Art Walk.”
If you are every here spend a pleasant Friday night wandering from
gallery to gallery accompanied by the sounds of live Jazz filling the
air with laid back music perfect to enjoy a little wine and cheese
provided by the galleries. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We had reunions with cruising friends passing
thru (and now well ahead of us on the path to the Bahamas) – Bob
and Penny Kingsbury on <i>Pretty Penny</i> & William and Francis
on <i>Alexia</i>; and Harriett & Skip on <i>Moondancing</i>. I ran to earth John Fitzgerald, a former employee
and friend, that as it turned out lives here. He now has a beautiful
wife and two fine boys. We had Thanksgiving dinner with Steve and
Aggie Knox who live not far away in Palm Coast and a real “Russian”
dinner with Tom and Olga Cook, the couple who made the trip part way
down the water way with us this year. Tom took us to The Rat Rod
competition at the Iron Horse Saloon in Daytona (see photos). Tom
won “best in show.” Then there was the boat parade and lights,
lights, more lights. All this and Olga re-painted Gigi's dingy
cowling. Olga is a true artist and she out did herself this time. </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUSBLoz5Mc4/ULpS513G6ZI/AAAAAAAAR0U/LjR6VgzQ_m4/s1600/20121124-DSC_0146.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUSBLoz5Mc4/ULpS513G6ZI/AAAAAAAAR0U/LjR6VgzQ_m4/s320/20121124-DSC_0146.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJSTI8RR4ko/ULpUuWHtiaI/AAAAAAAAR48/gTsPRszcAhA/s1600/20121124-DSC_0237.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJSTI8RR4ko/ULpUuWHtiaI/AAAAAAAAR48/gTsPRszcAhA/s320/20121124-DSC_0237.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbINgtq_AfU/UMop7I2gDFI/AAAAAAAASLk/TNQKWhEJcFg/s1600/20121207-DSC_0152-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbINgtq_AfU/UMop7I2gDFI/AAAAAAAASLk/TNQKWhEJcFg/s1600/20121207-DSC_0152-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbINgtq_AfU/UMop7I2gDFI/AAAAAAAASLk/TNQKWhEJcFg/s320/20121207-DSC_0152-2.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Then there was just walking around the
“Lincolnville” township. Lincolnville is really a part of <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbINgtq_AfU/UMop7I2gDFI/AAAAAAAASLk/TNQKWhEJcFg/s1600/20121207-DSC_0152-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></span></span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbINgtq_AfU/UMop7I2gDFI/AAAAAAAASLk/TNQKWhEJcFg/s1600/20121207-DSC_0152-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>St.Augustine on the “wrong side of the tracks” that lies between
St. Augustine Marine and in our direct path to A1A Brewery and
downtown – about a 1.5 mile walk. Had we not been hauled out at
St. Augustine Marine we would not have experienced Lincolnville. We
quickly found out it was an area to be savored and lingered in not
sped thru. It is full of small well kept homes, flowers, small
gardens and friendly people. It's history is steeped in the civil
rights movement of the 50 and 60s. Much of Florida's Civil Rights
reform started here and their inhabitants are proud of their heritage
and rightfully so. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>12/11/2012 - Splash! Yeee! Ha!</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We are back in the water. It is wonderful to
be able to pee in my own head again. Hopefully Danny will finish the
alignments tomorrow.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Fairwinds and Rum Drinks, <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6M7R8Nn-i1g/UMorWHOaJ1I/AAAAAAAASN0/1Mm5-sC2dBU/s1600/20121210-DSC_0075-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Vic <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6M7R8Nn-i1g/UMorWHOaJ1I/AAAAAAAASN0/1Mm5-sC2dBU/s1600/20121210-DSC_0075-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6M7R8Nn-i1g/UMorWHOaJ1I/AAAAAAAASN0/1Mm5-sC2dBU/s1600/20121210-DSC_0075-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6M7R8Nn-i1g/UMorWHOaJ1I/AAAAAAAASN0/1Mm5-sC2dBU/s1600/20121210-DSC_0075-1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6M7R8Nn-i1g/UMorWHOaJ1I/AAAAAAAASN0/1Mm5-sC2dBU/s320/20121210-DSC_0075-1.jpg" width="232" /></a><span style="color: black;"><i><b>PS 12/13/2012 -</b></i> Well we thought
Danny was going to be down first thing this morning to do the final
</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span>aliment of the engines. Danny had not showed by 10:00 so it was time
go find him and see what was going on. Danny was no where on site
and time to do what we have learned to do here go find Pete and force
“communications.” Pete called Rick, Danny's boss. Danny's lady
friend had had a biopsy done a few days ago. The results come in
this morning and the doctor wanted to see here immediately. Danny,
(of course) did what all good men do, he was going to be by her side
at the doctors and went with her. Keep them in your thoughts over
the next few days. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">If Danny can not make it to work tomorrow Gigi
and I will do the alignment ourselves and move on down the road....we
hope.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i><b>PPS
12/13/2012 – </b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Danny
arrived at 8:00 this morning and we were finished with the alignments
by noon. They removed a “hunk” of malignant growth from Bonnie's
leg yesterday, Danny's lady. The doctors think they got it all. Keep
her on your “thoughts” list.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-52047666832208297252012-11-16T12:34:00.003-05:002012-11-16T12:35:07.124-05:00November 16, 2012: Beaufort to St.Augustine<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><u><b>Log of the Salty Turtle:
November 2 – 8, 2012</b></u></i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/02/2012 Beaufort, SC to Herb River, GA (Near Thunderbolt) 42nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/03/2012 Herb River, GA to Frederica River, GA (Near
St.Simon's) 70nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/04/2012 Frederica River to Cumberland Island,GA (Near
St.Marys) 40nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/05/2012 Frederica River to Bell River, FL (Near Fernandina)
7nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/08/2012 Bell River to Pine Island, FL (Near St.
Augustine) 43nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/09/2012 Pine Island to St.Augustine Mooring Field, FL 13nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>11/11/2012 St.Augustine Mooring Field to St.Augustine Marine
Center 3nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>Total NM To Date: 514 nm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<i>ICW Mile Marker: 780 sm</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: navy;">“<i>Men in ships are always looking up, and
men ashore generally looking down.”</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: navy;"><i>JOHN MASEFIELD</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LCtMm2ELE-8/UKK3x9HZeaI/AAAAAAAARn0/TdM4UBJINas/s1600/20121104-DSC_0274.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LCtMm2ELE-8/UKK3x9HZeaI/AAAAAAAARn0/TdM4UBJINas/s400/20121104-DSC_0274.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>South To Georgia:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Finally after 10 days pinned to the dock in
Beaufort, SC the winds from Hurricane Sandy dropped down to less than
10 knots and it was time to head South. With a strong incoming tide
pushing us, Gigi handling lines, and fear in my heart I eased the
Turtle out into the current with only the engines to maneuver
(remember the steering wheel / rudders do not work at slow speed).
An unexpected, blast of current careening off bow of the good
X-mayor's boat pushed us sideways toward the small coastal cruise
ship on the next dock. A quick power up and kick from port engine
turned us away from the ship and added power to starboard shot us
astern into the bay and clear of the docks. With a spin from forward
and reverse engines the Turtle tuned 90 degrees, power to both
forward, and we were headed for the ICW, and free of Beaufort Down
Town Marina. The throb of the engines (and my heart) eased and the
Turtle nosed South into the current. ….And Gigi and I started to
breath again. Free of the dock and no one hurt or hit.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5j0FLJResE/UKKpzBGJlrI/AAAAAAAARh0/RBcsY7wrFFw/s1600/20121104-DSC_0059.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5j0FLJResE/UKKpzBGJlrI/AAAAAAAARh0/RBcsY7wrFFw/s400/20121104-DSC_0059.jpg" width="400" /></a> </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Georgia:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Georgia is the most beautiful section of the
ICW (in my opinion) and that includes the Waccamaw River in South
Carolina. The ICW here is like an <i>old bob-tailed dog </i>chasing
it's tail and almost catchin' it...but not quite. It snakes its
way thru, rivers, sounds, and salt marsh creeks. Salt marsh creeks
that fill with the ebb and flow of the tide and spill life giving,
nutrient rich, water over the estuary. </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tRCGEaGLb9s/UKKz6Kd1hLI/AAAAAAAARmQ/9EOiIkaKhcU/s1600/20121104-DSC_0229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tRCGEaGLb9s/UKKz6Kd1hLI/AAAAAAAARmQ/9EOiIkaKhcU/s320/20121104-DSC_0229.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Coastal Georgia is both deep and shallow but it
is chock-a-block full of wildlife. Wildlife of all kind. This year
I saw my first ever Wood Stork while at anchor in Herb River, an
immature Bald Eagle sitting on a red marker near Isle of Hope, and a
pair of Balds roosting in a tall pine in the glow of the Fall evening
sun while anchored off Cumberland Island. There are dolphin around
ever bend just waiting to play in your bow wake. And butterflies,
hundreds of Monarchs winging their way South with us “Snowbirds”
dipping in and out from under our bimini as if to say “you guys
must be a turtle even I can out race you.” And they were right.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUFoVg8RZOY/UKKoRqylwDI/AAAAAAAARhU/Q1iIDtxR3Pc/s1600/immature+bald+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUFoVg8RZOY/UKKoRqylwDI/AAAAAAAARhU/Q1iIDtxR3Pc/s320/immature+bald+1.jpg" width="235" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zCOxDBs1Vg/UKK4j3UE6UI/AAAAAAAARoM/wyIDwtSLadg/s1600/20121104-DSC_0282.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zCOxDBs1Vg/UKK4j3UE6UI/AAAAAAAARoM/wyIDwtSLadg/s320/20121104-DSC_0282.jpg" width="257" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Many cruisers bypass Georgia because they say
it is “boring” and “shallow” plus you can put Georgia behind
you on the outside in 20 hours in what will take you 3 days on the
ICW. I'll answer the boring question first...NOT! If you love
wildlife; hundreds of quiet, secluded, spanish moss hung, tree
bearded anchorages; and beautiful sunsets you will never be bored in
Georgia. As to the “shallow?” Actually most of Georgia's ICW
carries deeper water than average ICW depths. However there are few
places that are damn shallow at low tide – Fields Cut, Hells Gate,
Little Mud River, Buttermilk Sound and Jeckyll Island are the few
that come to mind. But...Georgia has 8' or better tides so just play
the tides and <i>you gotta' no problem</i>. If you are in too big a
hurry to enjoy Georgia you probably picked the wrong lifestyle. Slow
down and live brother. Slow down and live.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LCtMm2ELE-8/UKK3x9HZeaI/AAAAAAAARn0/TdM4UBJINas/s1600/20121104-DSC_0274.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LCtMm2ELE-8/UKK3x9HZeaI/AAAAAAAARn0/TdM4UBJINas/s400/20121104-DSC_0274.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">This trip we anchored in the Frederica River,
just N. of St.Simon's Island, for the first time. The Frederica takes
a left off the ICW and slowly meanders its way thur the salt marsh
for almost 7 miles before it re-joins the ICW just before the
St.Simon's Island highrise bridge. The chart shows good water for
it's entire length and no obstructions so we decided to see if we
could actually run the 7 miles back to the ICW the long way (actually
not much longer in reality). We made the run at low water and in the
early morning light (Oh Wow! What color!) and saw no less than 8' of
water and most of the time 18 to 30 feet. The Frederica turns out to
actually be deeper than the ICW. About mid-river is the remains of
Ft. Frederica - now a State Park. Next trip we plan on anchoring
off the fort and do a little exploring. See what I mean about
Georgia? It offers new experiences at almost every bend. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qT2hSSeFw2U/UKKuND4oDoI/AAAAAAAARjc/lHSwgP4ELNg/s1600/20121104-DSC_0138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qT2hSSeFw2U/UKKuND4oDoI/AAAAAAAARjc/lHSwgP4ELNg/s320/20121104-DSC_0138.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Fernandian, FL - Bell River and BBQ Toes:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Salty Turtle wound her way South past Jeckyll
Island, thru Cumberland Sound, past Kings Bay and the submarine base
where the little machine gun clad guard boats make sure you do not
get too near, past the sub degaussing station (removes static
electricity from the boats) and anchored off Cumberland Island for
the night. Plans had been to stay a few days here before continuing
on to Fernandina, FL to celebrate Gigi's birthday. However, weather
changed that. Anchored off Cumberland Island is no place to be in a
N wind and that is exactly what was predicted. Bell River about a
quarter mile from Fernandian Harbor Marina is much more protected and
provides easy access to the town. That is where we went. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TebhXcKhinM/UKK0w4n9oCI/AAAAAAAARms/fTmZ7hIrBTw/s1600/20121104-DSC_0255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TebhXcKhinM/UKK0w4n9oCI/AAAAAAAARms/fTmZ7hIrBTw/s320/20121104-DSC_0255.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We spent Gigi's birthday (Nov. 7<sup>th</sup>)
wandering around town. Gigi went to “Gaze Way” (her favorite
clothing store) plus a zillion other shops and got her “toes done”
(whatever that means). Vic found Gigi something for her birthday and
retired to the Palace Saloon for a “cold one” to do what we men
do when our women are shopping ...wait (if lucky there is a bar to
wait in). Then we both went to the “Happy Tomato” for lunch.
Don't laugh the place has real good pulled pork and ribs and you get
a mountain of both if order a combo platter. We did. Ate the pork
and “doggie bagged” the ribs for supper. </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_6ZV5BioJAM/UKK1aL98zHI/AAAAAAAARnE/aU-mTjKxam0/s1600/20121104-DSC_0259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_6ZV5BioJAM/UKK1aL98zHI/AAAAAAAARnE/aU-mTjKxam0/s320/20121104-DSC_0259.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">On the dink ride back I put the ribs on the
seat beside Gigi. It was a little rough so I gave “Little Cay” a
little more throttle to kick the stern down and bow up so it would
shed water around us instead of on us. About the third wave the dink
hit bounced the ribs straight up in the air and down of my starboard
foot. The BBQ sauce neatly transferred its self from the ribs to my
now saucy toes. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We still ate the ribs for supper (could have
used more sauce).</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPaIGFSJlGA/UKKqq1TA8VI/AAAAAAAARiA/Qe1YtlKGqOc/s1600/20121104-DSC_0061.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPaIGFSJlGA/UKKqq1TA8VI/AAAAAAAARiA/Qe1YtlKGqOc/s320/20121104-DSC_0061.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>St. Augustine, FL - How Not To Pick Up A
Mooring Ball:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">As Salty Turtle approached the Bridge of Lions
and entered St. Augustine harbor the fort “Castillo De San
Marcos's” ancient cannon fired a salvo across our bow. Was it in
warning or a salute to the staunch vessel Salty Turtle? </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">G and I had decided to take a mooring ball in
the harbor for a few day since my cousin Chris Dunn was in town for a
biker thing and planning a visit. Chris and I go back a long ways to
summers together on my grandfather's farm and reciprocal visits to
each other homes when we were kids. Chris is a year older than I and
therefore at the age of 5 to 10 he was my “hero.” He taught me
how to drive a tractor at the ripe old age of 8...or at least to
leapfrog it down the road on 2 wheels – scared the poop out of me.
His visit has been the highlight of the trip for me so far and the
fact he made the effort meant a lot. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">St. Augustine Marina gave us our mooring ball
assignment and we proceeded to go walkabout thru the mooring field
until No.48 hove into sight. It was a beautiful bluebird day with a
strong current running and a light cross wind. Should be no problem.
Neither Gigi nor I like picking up mooring pennants but have done so
many times with on minor skirmishes. With the ominous sound of
cannon fire somewhere in the back of my head, I eased up to the ball
with G on deck to hook the pennant. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Gigi did a great job and boated the pennant on
the first try. It was a short pennant however and barely reached
the rail of the Turtle (here is where<i> </i>the<i>“tides”</i> of
fortune turned against us). As Gigi reached for our bow line to
thread thru the eye of the pennant that “tide” I was talking
about ripped the pennant out of Gigi's hand and good old No.48
disappeared from sight under the boat and was swept aft. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Options? Two came to mind. <i><u>Option 1:</u></i>
Use power to maneuver the Turtle off the ball. No way - Can't use
the engines to try and get us out of this mess without taking a huge
chance of entangling the mooring line in the props. <i><u>Option 2:</u></i>
Wait and see if the ball will slip astern and then we can take a
second shot at the mooring. We picked option 2. Turtle and crew
took the “wait an see approach.”</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Slowly, slowly, the mooring ball worked its way
aft...and hung between the starboard strut and prop shaft. Slowly,
ever so slowly, Salty Turtle rotated like the hands of a clock
pivoting on the mooring pennant from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock and
there she stopped,... hung,... and stuck perfectly moored backwards.
Well we wanted to pickup a mooring didn't we? We had and in a quite
unconventional manner I might add. Now what do we do?</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Option 2 was still the best approach...we
waited. 10 minutes – nothing. 15 minutes – nope! Time to own
up to our unconventional mooring and call the marina. They sent the
water taxi. I asked them to tie along side and see if they could
move us aft off the ball. That did the trick - Free At Last!! The
captain of the Water Taxi was nice enough to give us a hand
re-mooring Turtle in the correct orientation (I suspect he feared he
would have to come back a second time if he didn't).</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We are currently hauled out at St.Augustine
Marine Center trying to figure out a vibration problem and it has
become abundantly clear that the “cannon's salvo” <i><u>were</u></i>
warning shots...but that is another story.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Vic </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-9999937717781081252012-11-01T09:29:00.002-04:002012-11-01T10:35:53.184-04:002012/10/31 Southport to Beaufort, SCLog of the Salty Turtle:
October 19 – 31, 2012<br />
<i><u><b></b></u></i>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">10/19/2012 Southport, NC to Waccamaw River Ox
Bow 58nm</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">10/20/2012 Waccamaw River Ox Bow to Waccamaw
River, Butler Island 19nm</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">10/21/2012 Butler Island, SC to Dewees / Long
Ck 51nm</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">10/22/2012 Dewees/Long Ck., SC to Bull River,
SC 62mn</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">10/23/2012 Bull River to Beaufort,
SC 16nm</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPuGF3IqwAI/UJGTD5MmxJI/AAAAAAAARUI/J6FMQx3izoY/s1600/20121022-DSC_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPuGF3IqwAI/UJGTD5MmxJI/AAAAAAAARUI/J6FMQx3izoY/s320/20121022-DSC_0103.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black;">Total NM to Date: 299nm</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">ICW Mile Marker: 537 </span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: navy;">“<i><b>It
takes several years for anyone to learn to handle a yacht reasonably
well, and a lifetime to admit how much more there is to learn.”</b></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: navy;"><i><b>MAURICE
GRIFITHS</b></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Southport to the Waccamaw River:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Speaking of a learning curve..</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Boat handing with this behemoth called “Salty
Turtle” is becoming more natural. A twin screw power boat at slow
speed responds very little to rudders. At anything less than about 3
knots turn the wheel and nothing happens. Maneuvering is
accomplished by applying power to port and starboard engines –
power to port engine with starboard reverse and she pivots in her own
length, power just to port in forward and she turns to the right,
power forward on starboard and she turns left...you get the idea. It
is very different than maneuvering a sailboat and a big learning
curve for us. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lKNP1zHlokw/UJJ0K8ca8_I/AAAAAAAAReU/gSDgbhwC_DM/s1600/20121024-DSC_0010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lKNP1zHlokw/UJJ0K8ca8_I/AAAAAAAAReU/gSDgbhwC_DM/s320/20121024-DSC_0010.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We were on the back side of a T-dock at
Southport Marina with boats and other dock on both sides and a salt
marsh to our stern. I put the “bitch” in there like I knew what
I was doing. When it came time to leave it was Gigi's turn. She
backed her to the end of the T, turned her 90 degree, cleared the T,
turned her 90 degrees again, and slid out into the ICW like a pro. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bqfAl2H6aCg/UJJz74naabI/AAAAAAAARd0/MtLzomTMH-o/s1600/20121024-DSC_0269.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bqfAl2H6aCg/UJJz74naabI/AAAAAAAARd0/MtLzomTMH-o/s320/20121024-DSC_0269.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confederate Rose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The Turtle worked her way South on a rising
tide thru the skinny waters of Lockwood Folly and Shallotte inlets,
past Little River inlet, and into South Carolina water. From here
South for the next 29 miles you are in a “ditch” dug out of
limestone. From Little River Swing Bridge to Barefoot Landing Swing
Bridge it is narrow and literally cut out of stone with the unseen
walls of the channel at 90 degrees to the surface. This area is
known as the “Rock Pile.” Prudent skippers will announce their
intentions to enter this area on the VHF to let other boaters know
they are entering because large vessels can not pass each other in
this section. If there is a barge or other large vessel in the area
you hang out until he exits. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">This day it was not the rocks or other traffic
that were the problem. It was floating debris driven out of the
marsh into the channel by a full moon high tide. Debris was
everywhere logs, limbs, pieces of lumber, even a chunk of a dock all
just barely visible on the surface and we were constantly dodging
and weaving. About half way thru the Turtle's luck ran out – we
hit a deadhead (submerged log or piece of timber floating about 2'
below the surface and impossible to see). We could feel the thud as
whatever it was churned it's way pass the props. Shit!</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">The Turtle is OK but we think we dinged a prop
– we pickuped a vibration above 1600 RPMs. Salty usually travel at
below 1600 so plans are to move on to St. Augustine, FL and haul the
boat there to get the props fixed. As an old friend of my was fond
to say, “That's boating.” Vic's translation, “Shit Happens!”</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ha93q_34ZO8/UJGYX5HONrI/AAAAAAAARbU/qhmMxdLR-rU/s1600/20121024-DSC_0239.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ha93q_34ZO8/UJGYX5HONrI/AAAAAAAARbU/qhmMxdLR-rU/s320/20121024-DSC_0239.JPG" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We spent 2 beautiful Fall days anchored in the
Waccamaw with beautiful sunsets, warm coffee filled mornings, good
food, and the company of Tom and Olga Cook. The only down side –
we took on more fuel than I thought existed. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Waccamaw River to Dewees / Long Creek:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3EC4vsKVh_g/UJGXM08suLI/AAAAAAAARa0/gYeb8nVex1g/s1600/20121030-DSC_0022.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3EC4vsKVh_g/UJGXM08suLI/AAAAAAAARa0/gYeb8nVex1g/s320/20121030-DSC_0022.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black;">From Butler Island the Waccamaw River
straightens out and joins the Great Pee Dee River spilling their guts
into Winyah Bay near Georgetown. South to the Georgia you are in the
“Low Country” of South Carolina. And “Low Country,” is the
proper name for this area of the world with low salt marsh and a
never ending crossing of creeks and rivers slowly meandering their
way to the sea with the ebb and flow of the tide. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uUPZWXJ0ceo/UJGVF-Sc_yI/AAAAAAAARYU/5OcMS9KcUck/s1600/20121025-DSC_0052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uUPZWXJ0ceo/UJGVF-Sc_yI/AAAAAAAARYU/5OcMS9KcUck/s320/20121025-DSC_0052.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="color: black;">The passage thru the Cape Romain National
Wildlife Area near McClellanville is always a treat this time of year
with the low fall light bring the marsh to life with glowing sunsets
of brilliant orange and reds, migrating waterfowl, and the song of
the red-winged black birds echoing thru the marsh. This year gave us
dolphins in almost ever mile of the ICW and a pair of bald eagles
soaring great circles above Salty Turtle. Every time I go by
McCellanville I think of the first time I sailed Oconee to the dock
there, but that's another story...</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">It was in the Cape Romain area that I first
learned dolphin speak Russian. Every dolphin brought Olga to the
Turtle's side. At each encounter Gigi and I would hear Olga's
soothing, musical, almost whisper like voice wishing the dolphin good
morning in melodic Russian tones. The dolphin in turn, would turn
their bodies sideways as they swam along side apparently mesmerized
by Olga's Russian greeting. Olga loves dolphin and they her. So if
anyone ever asks you, “do dolphin speak Russian?” They do.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Dewees / Long Creek to Beaufort, SC:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Only 5 miles South of Dewees Ck. the ICW breaks
out into Charlestown Harbor. Charlestown Harbor is one of the most
beautiful on the East Coast. Forts Sumter and Moultrie guard the
entrance. Charlestown its self sit on a spit of land at the
confluence of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. The Charlestown skyline
is dominated by the sail shaped Cooper River Bridges, beautiful old
homes (of course), and church steeples. Charlestown is alive with
blue blooded history, music and food. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0bNRq5X2lE/UJGURP3Q7OI/AAAAAAAARWo/u2d89KFUNi8/s1600/20121025-DSC_0022.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0bNRq5X2lE/UJGURP3Q7OI/AAAAAAAARWo/u2d89KFUNi8/s320/20121025-DSC_0022.jpg" width="211" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otItjDsTeFY/UJGVZ524xPI/AAAAAAAARY0/Z1wwYCOr4tc/s1600/20121025-DSC_0071.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otItjDsTeFY/UJGVZ524xPI/AAAAAAAARY0/Z1wwYCOr4tc/s320/20121025-DSC_0071.jpg" width="212" /></a>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Elliots Cut joins Charlestown's Ashley and the
Stono rivers just South of the city. Now we begin our trip thru the
Low Country in ernest. Plans were to anchor in Tom's Point Creek
about 30 miles South of Charlestown for the night but high tide and
current the Turtle could ride changed those plans. This section of
the trip South is really a series of cuts that connect creeks and
rivers that snake their way South. In many places you can see boats
heading in exactly the opposite direction as you just over the marsh
and both of you headed South on the ICW. We anchored in Bull River
for the night and made Beaufort, SC the next day. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Usually we anchor in Beaufort but with Olga and
Tom (our good weather totems) leaving us here and Hurricane Sandy
predicted to bring high winds and water we decided to take a slip at
Beaufort Down Town Marina. ...Our luck left with Tom and Olga on
Thursday the weather went to shit...of course. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Beaufort, SC:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Beaufort is one of our favorite stops on the
trip South. Beaufort is a very Southern old city with classic charm,
beautiful homes and gardens, and a vibrant downtown and water front
park. This year it was to bring and little “ying” and a little
“yang.” </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>Ying:</i></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">We called ahead, made reservations, and ask
that they have pity on boat owners new to power boats and put us
somewhere <i>easy in – easy out</i>. Not! They put us in front of
“Argonauta” a large power boat owned by Henry Chapman, the
X-mayor of Beaufort that the beautiful “Henry Chapman Water Front
Park” is named after - sure as hell don't want to hit him on the
way out. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7a4w-B094hg/UJGWuXMVMHI/AAAAAAAARaU/Puz9WKwsD2Y/s1600/20121027-DSC_0003.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7a4w-B094hg/UJGWuXMVMHI/AAAAAAAARaU/Puz9WKwsD2Y/s320/20121027-DSC_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black;">About 2 days later the “ying” started. For
some reason known only to the dockmaster they decided to put a 20
foot wide, 42 foot sail cat owned by a Frenchman out of Canada named
Bernard in front of us. With cross winds and a following current he
hit us on the way in and did minor damage to the Turtle's cap rail.
But that wasn't the <i>ying, </i>after all shit does happens<i>.</i></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Bernard refuse to give Gigi copies of his
insurance. That took a day of arguing. Even the dockmaster tried
and was refused. Finally when we threatened the “cops” he gave
in and let us copy his insurance. Then he insisted “he would fix
it.” No you will not! No and hell no! Then he announced to all
“Americans were cheats and, like all Americans were trying to steal
from him.” Boy that went over real well with Gigi and I. You can
think what you want about our country but you better not say it. All
I really wanted to do was strangle the bastard but I didn't have
time. I way too busy trying to keep Gigi from leaping off the Turtle
and telling the bastard to get the fuck out of our country if he did
not like “us Americans.” Discussions had taken a nasty turn and
a minor war with France had begun.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">After a day of cooling down for both sides.
Gigi and I decided if he would pay for material to fix the damage we
would let it go at that and worked up a cost of materials (about $400
– Awlgrip ain't cheap). We figured that would settle it. It
didn't. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Bernard and his friend Dave (lawyer out of
Canada off another sail cat) came aboard to discuss the “settlement.”
All Bernard wanted to do was argue and offer $300. Up until this
point Dave (the lawyer) thought we wanted $1000 (cost if someone else
fixed the ding). Dave said, “Barnard you need to give the folk the
money and settle this.” Bernard said, “No, I can get the paint
cheaper and fix it myself. I'll buy the paint and have it shipped to
you. Don't you trust me?” As calmly as I could under the strain of
really wanting to bash his head in I said, “Bernard it is not about
trust. I do not know you.” Bernard, again started his American
bashing. At that point Dave said I think we better leave – smart
man Dave.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">After a few minutes cool down I joined Dave on
the dock. He explained to me how tough cross boarder litigation
could be and all over a minor difference of $100 bucks. I explained
to him I had seen Gigi argue for months with Enterprise Car Rental
over a $15 traffic ticket she was wrongly charged with...and won.
She was not going to give in. She had been wronged and that was
that. “But will she settle for less than $400?” Yea maybe when
“Hell freezes over, when the mouth of the Mississippi wears
lipstick, or when politicians don't lie. Whichever comes first”**
Dave reached in his own pocket and added $100 to the pot. Gigi
accepted and the war with France was over. The Frenchmen left the
next day. Hitting no one.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">“Yang:”</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">You know despite the dings, cold weather that
has now set in, and the wind blowing it's hi-knee off Beaufort is a
great place. It is what a small town with rich history and a great
water front should be. Once a year on or about Halloween the town
closes up shop, the main streets are cordoned off, and the park
dressed for spooky fun. Then the downtown merchants open their
doors to hordes of trick-or-treating kids. It is just plane clean
fun, especially for a photographer on the loose with a camera. Gigi
and I have been lucky enough to be here for 2 Halloweens, one Marine
Corp Ball complete with starched dress blues with their “uplifting”
ladies dressed to the 9s, and once, even a drum circle. This town
knows how to enjoy its self. Take a look at the photos from this
and previous years and you will see what I mean.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69Xf2GYo27Q/UJGUdyam5jI/AAAAAAAARXE/Z8Eb0oEQimo/s1600/20121025-DSC_0025.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69Xf2GYo27Q/UJGUdyam5jI/AAAAAAAARXE/Z8Eb0oEQimo/s320/20121025-DSC_0025.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">With luck, the winds will back down tomorrow
and we will be once again headed South.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">Vic</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">** Quote brazenly stolen from Capt. Fatty
Goodlander...after all he would do the same for me.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2565798157752047304.post-60988470241014082482012-10-18T14:28:00.001-04:002012-10-18T14:49:09.825-04:002012 Salty Turtle Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fv3KR9Ww0lk/UIA7iqqHhsI/AAAAAAAARKo/3BdGIYPu-VE/s1600/20120512_7849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fv3KR9Ww0lk/UIA7iqqHhsI/AAAAAAAARKo/3BdGIYPu-VE/s320/20120512_7849.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><u><b>Log
of the Salty Turtle: Oct 15<sup>th</sup> to Oct 19<sup>th</sup></b></u></i></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>10/15/2012 Morehead City Yacht Basin to Mile Hammock
Bay, NC - 37nm</i></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>10/16/2012 Mile Hammock Bay, NC to Wrightsville
Beach, NC - 35nm</i></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>10/17/2012 Wrightville Beach to Southport, NC - 23
nm</i></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i> Total: 94nm</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Quote: “I know who you are,
but you will have to wipe your feet.” </i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> (Capt. Richard Brown of the
Schooner America to Prince Albert of England - 1851)</i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Salty
Turtle</b></u></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Never though I'd be on a “power boat” but here I am.
Salty Turtle is a 1987, Defever 44, a go slow, trawler, kind of girl
or as Big Al Carson, likes to say “Built for Comfort not for
Speed.” Why did we do it? Well because....</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8mmvtsmb9Ac/UIA8AcWg-4I/AAAAAAAARLY/hcQwgaTbrCI/s1600/20120803-DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8mmvtsmb9Ac/UIA8AcWg-4I/AAAAAAAARLY/hcQwgaTbrCI/s320/20120803-DSC_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">One of my all time heros, Dick Bradley, had a theory he
called his “<i>Shaky Card Table Theory of Life</i>.” Dick said
that when we are young (in our 20s) we go find a job and settle in.
Then God issues us a rickety old card table complete with “puzzle.”
Over the next 10 years or so we spend our time puttin' the puzzle
together. Then we stand back, admire our efforts, and spend the rest
of our our lives dancin' around that table trying to keep everyone
and his brother from kicking it over and making a shamble of our
creation. Not Dick, at that point he would kick over that table and
scream at the top of his lungs, “God! Give me another puzzle!” </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l00GketGjXw/UIA8L7UF-iI/AAAAAAAARMs/fAt9xPclOE4/s1600/20120905-DSC_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l00GketGjXw/UIA8L7UF-iI/AAAAAAAARMs/fAt9xPclOE4/s320/20120905-DSC_0027.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Best explanation I can come up with for how the
SaltyTurtle entered our lives. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Summer was a blur mostly working on the <i>Turtle</i>..the
old girl is a hard taskmaster. There was generator issues, bottom
paint that failed, painting lessons (boat not house), new radio with
AIS and GPS to install (that's a story of its own), moving stuff from
Oconee to Turtle, provisioning, a wonderful Copelan Reunion (thanks
again Paul, Stacy and the Athen Gang), and ….Grandbabies to see,
hug and love. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">On Oct 12, Tom and Olga Cook joined us for the trip down
the ICW from Morehead City to Beaufort, SC. Tom is a neat guy –
author, diver, sailor, rat rodder (built an old Chevy) and jack of
all trades. Olga is Russian and just a sweetie. Good crew and
pleasant company.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1j4Dwm3JaNQ/UIA8m6qh6jI/AAAAAAAAROs/K_LEFF4zjBo/s1600/20121013-DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1j4Dwm3JaNQ/UIA8m6qh6jI/AAAAAAAAROs/K_LEFF4zjBo/s320/20121013-DSC_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We spent the first night at anchor in Mile Hammock Bay
nestled in the bosom of Camp Lejune Marine Corp Base. “Bay” is
really a misnomer. It is really a dug out basin roughly the shape of
an rectangle. The day came complete with entertainment. Flights of
“Osprey” (the helicopter not the bird) clopped circles around us
searching some unknown prey. Tracked, amphibious, attack vehicles
loaded with marines plowed across the ICW in front of us with red
flagged Marines directing traffic from the bank. The night settled in
with the echoed sound of cannon fire all around. I can't quite
explain it, but it was strangely serene and peaceful night.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVCR0Dmb9wc/UIA97mmUpwI/AAAAAAAARQs/IG1DPNeg0gM/s1600/20121017-DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVCR0Dmb9wc/UIA97mmUpwI/AAAAAAAARQs/IG1DPNeg0gM/s320/20121017-DSC_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The next day found us at anchor in Banks Channel at
Wrightsville Beach by 1:30. As much as we hurried we caught all the
bridges wrong. Surf City Bridge has 12' vertical clearance (we need
21' to clear) and opens on the half hour and hours. We arrived 4
minutes after the hour. Figure 8 Island bridge (clearance 23' at the
time we arrived) opens on the hour and we hit it dead on...and would
not have needed an opening. Wrightsville Beach Bridge normally has a
clearance of 23' at the state of tide we arrived had only 18' because
a construction barge was parked under it and we waited another half
hour. “That's cruising.” as they say or "screw speed just go slow." </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSZjRE0qwds/UIA-eWQgrfI/AAAAAAAARSQ/8fE-0LfXeuM/s1600/20120614-DSC_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSZjRE0qwds/UIA-eWQgrfI/AAAAAAAARSQ/8fE-0LfXeuM/s320/20120614-DSC_0404.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Wrightsville Beach gave us a great lunch, rendezvous
with friends on Escape - another Defever, and (of course) a stop at
Roberts Grocery. Roberts has homemade chicken salad and pimento
cheese ..MMMMM Good. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We are currently in Southport with plans to leave
tomorrow for the Waccamaw River in South Carolina with a stop
somewhere to fill up with fuel (shudder)...but SC is much cheaper
than NC.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Vic</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">PS – Note for you Sailors: If you leave Wrightsville
Beach at the turn of high tide at Southport you will ride the tide
all the way down the Cape Fear.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NtsLXutpdE/UIA-I4e1UlI/AAAAAAAARRw/nZfypcfE8kA/s1600/20121017-DSC_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NtsLXutpdE/UIA-I4e1UlI/AAAAAAAARRw/nZfypcfE8kA/s400/20121017-DSC_0092.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />"Gigi's Island" Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17102518761908163051noreply@blogger.com0