June 10, 2011 Day 6

Happy Birthday to our friends Jeanne & Julie!!!

BTW...the bruises I mentioned in earlier blog...I have them from left hip, to left butt cheek, to right butt cheek, to right hip!! Dean wanted to take a picture but I wouldn't let him. It's from my ZUMBA dancing in the galley while underway.

Our view as I stepped out into the cockpit this morning with my coffee!

Another early morning since we are looking at another long day! We are hoping to be in Tampa Bay tonite so we can meet our crew tomorrow and have a "sit tight for the day" type of day. I am worried about Dad, as he has been fighting a nasty cold or respiratory infection since a day or so after we left. It seems it's not getting any better....every day during the day it seems better. But at night it flares and he coughs all night. I told him if we need to...my feelings would not be hurt, if he wants Kristy to come get him and we'd see to it he could get home from Tampa.  I know he's tough but I don't want him to be sick, I want him to be healthy & enjoy this trip. I want him & Mom to go with us again someday to the Bahama's!!

We got ourselves ready to go...dressed...coffee'd up...put carpet back down...everything in its place. OK Capt' we are ready!

At Anchor-view to the north of the ICW 

Heading toward the entrance to Charlotte Harbor from our anchorage.

Anchor up & we were leaving our anchorage @ 0700 hr. Once again, the channel was loaded with fishing boats. Dad hollered to a boat to find out what they were fishing for..."Tarpon"- no food value, just a blast to catch!

As we motored out of the channel we went on a major "lock down" hunt for Dean's sunglasses. We found them on the floor near the forward head. He laid them down on the floor when he was nosing around in the watermaker compartment! Geez...I think we should have extra sunglasses onboard too! We also found the water pump was leaking again! Not quite so bad this time...carpet was still damp anyway. Dean fiddled with that a few minutes...a project to dig into later...but it will be fine for now. I am sure it will bug him later on today & he will be right on it!

The calm Gulf of Mexico!

Is this really Hurricane season?!

 Today is mostly sunny; 14 kts of wind or less and 1' or less of waves. Gonna end up being another motorsail day!

Isn't she lovely? 

We are under full sail @ 0835 hr with 10-11kts of wind. Dad & I are starting to get the hang of this "sail up  - sail down" procedure and Dean really is a good Captain! Of course I am alittle partial to the guy! Our Way Too! is clipping along between 5.7 & 6.4 kts. 1000 hr - wind died to 4-6 kts so we started the engine, pulled in the jib and kept on trucking northward between 5.5 & 6.2 knots. It's still calm as can be. The Gulf reminds us of Lake Michigan. Similar in color and when there are waves they are short & choppy just like her. The Gulf is mostly shallow as well except way out in the middle where we will cross next week. It gets up to approximately 5000' according to our charts. Noon-the wind is switching to the NW...still motorsailing with only mainsail up. Had a light lunch of left-over Tuna Salad w/ cream cheese on celery sticks, carrots, and sliced oranges.

Captain & First Mate
"Third Time's A Charm!"

My sister Kathy called to check on us about 1pm! We were surprised because the cell service is very sketchy out here. We are able to text but not call out. Dean, Dad, & I are getting a real kick out of my Mom, sisters, & daughter Chrissy. They are watching our SPOT like hawks! (I hope Kristy & Chrissy don't get into trouble watching because I know they are at work!) They are addicted to it! We won't normally have it set for every 10 minutes but since they are enjoying it and it's so new to our whole family we left it set as is for this trip. I think they are checking it every 5 minutes!!! :D Mom knew we turned around & backtracked under the Marathon Bridge the same time we did. When Dad asked her what the SPOT showed later that evening she told him we were going backwards!  I decided to try to upload some pictures & catch up on the blog but apparently the signal is not strong enough to do that.

While Edgar & I took over the helm for awhile, Dean went into "putzing on projects" mode. Yep...he is back on that water pump issue! Dad is reading a John Jakes book when he isn't snoozing! ;)

Snoozing with his toothpick still in tact!

Dean text Captain Rob a picture of a pulley for the jib furling line...the wheel inside disintegrated and it's making it a chore to roll up the head sail. Rob is close to West Marine...we hoped maybe he'd have time to get one & throw it in his traveling bag?! (He text back soon after & said he had it in his bag!) I then decided I need to make a list &  text to Capt' Randy...hoping he could fit a few needed items into his bag too! He says "No Problem" as well.
List:
#1 FLYSWATTER (altho we didn't need one today...one never knows when they might invade!)
#2 Ibuprofen
#3 Q-Tips
#4 Batteries (for the SPOT-which ended up being wrong ones-Dean will need to open it next time!)
#5 Wet wipes
#6 Cough drops for Dad
#7 A Bathing Scrunchie! (Mine went for a swim!)

Later in the afternoon the wind picked up to about 20 knots & the waves grew to 3-4's with occasional 5's. Dean chose to stay with the main & motorsail on in.

At 1815 hr we enter the channel entrance markers of Tampa Bay. Whew! We did it and we will be there to pick up our crew on time! Dean breathes a sigh of relief!

A smile & a sigh of relief...we are entering Tampa Bay

I know he will be glad to have both Rob & Randy onboard. Dad & I are not as experienced and he needs more of a break mentally. Bless his heart...he is such a trooper...that wonderful Man of Mine!!
As we are headed into Tampa Bay, Kristy texts me & says to watch for the island that should be on the north side of us as we enter the Bay. That tells you how close they are watching the SPOT! ;) It is called Egmont Key and several years ago her & Russell went there on their jet ski's for a day. She says, "Do you remember the picture of me laying on the beach in a white bikini?" I said I did and she told me that is where that picture was taken.

Kristy's Key :)

                                                           Sooooo......I have renamed the island!!!

Florida's "Sunshine Skyway Bridge"

I thought it a unique color!

We have the Bridge in sight! It is really a kewl bridge but Our Way Too!'s Crew Poll is...It still doesn't beat the awesome Mighty Mac!! (Mackinaw Bridge) We went under the bridge @ promptly 1900 hr.

We passed this guy in the channel just before the bridge.

As we motored up into the Tampa Bay to find our
 chosen anchorage we watched this beautiful sunset over
Clearwater/St Petersburg.

It turned out to be quite the trek up into the bay. We figure about 20 miles to the spot we thought would be the best for easy access to pick up our crew. We slowly maneuvered Our Way Too! thru the dark, around a huge barge, dodging crab pots, and into the protection of a little island just off the marked channel, then we lowered the anchor and set it @ 2150 hr (9:50p).

We need to make mention of this past week with all our anchoring....it has been quite a lesson for us! As Michigander's we are used to anchoring out with the nose of our boat staying into the wind once the anchor is set. Now...dealing with Tides & Currents...it throws us off a bit! When I get up to do my walk-a-round the boat at night, I sometimes feel I have been drinking too much the night before! But...I didn't drink to much...it's the wind is blowing from one direction and the bow of the boat is pointed in a different direction due to the currents associated with the tides coming in or going out! I tell ya, it really messes with your mind when you are half asleep! I would go back down below, wake up Dean & have him double-check me! Needless to say... we have had a couple of nights with that confused/dumbfounded  feeling but we have been securely anchored. Tonite will be no different as the anchor is set well and the bow is swung completely opposite of the wind!

To this point, Our Way Too! & her crew of Dean, Katie, & Al (Dad) have covered 398.3 nautical miles!!  We are real proud of ourselves & especially Our Way Too! She keeps us safe & performs great!
Today alone we covered 90.9 nm

"Nite ya'll" from the Our Way Too! Crew

June 9, 2011 Day 5

Up bright & early-0700 hr. Dean is worried we won't be to Tampa on time to pick up the crew. We do not want to keep them waiting. Dad made breakfast of Bacon, Eggs & Toast....we are in our glory while clogging our arteries!! :D

Cookin' Breakfast!

Anchor up @ 0900 hr and we were underway. John called from Norway to check on us & see how Our Way Too! is performing for us. She is awesome John & Nelly!! We love her already!! He & Dean chatted for quite some time. I just know they are going to miss her...especially John-15 years of TLC...especially when he arrives home and she isn't docked outside his front door. It will look so empty! I guess they will have to come visit us in Texas!! ;) At least until we return...

Today is beautiful. Sunny  & in the 80's. Winds are about 15 knots out of the West. Seas are 1-2' Sails up at 1000 hr. Dad decided to wet a line right away so he kicked back read and watched the pole. I decided to clean our eisenglas since it was covered with yesterdays salt from the deck washes & splashes. That done I headed below to organize a little bit. Needed to put things away better....feel a bit more organized if at all possible! It is easier on me & my body to move around more comfortably when it is calm & I'm not being lurched across the dinette table!!

We discovered we have STOWAWAYS!! And by the gazillions I might add! Flies, flies, and more flies! Oh Boy! No flyswatter either...better add that to my list!

I made a light lunch of Mexican Corn Dip w/ Fritos, (Recipe is Compliments of Mrs Anne Johnson, friend & secretary from my school), Wheat Ritz Crackers, sliced Tomatos, & sliced Bananas. Yummy! We enjoyed lunch up in the cockpit. 

Kapt' Katie & Kewl Klyde

Kewl Klyde
The wind blowin' his hair back!

Dean decided to go on "Fly Patrol" while Katie took over the helm. He closed up cabin doors and went on the great "Hunt." He did not resurface for a very, very long time! Dad's poor fishing magazine will never look the same!

Atop the bimini...adjusting the flaking system.

Then Dean decided he needed to adjust the Dutchman lazy jack system...so when he disappeared & I couldn't see him from the helm I panicked & went looking. His brain is always ticking about something! You never know where you might find him!

Sanibel Island

The scenery is absolutely beautiful. Brilliant turquoise water and off to our east the FL shoreline and white sandy beaches of Sanibel Island. The wind calmed to almost nothing...0-1kts...switched to N/NW so I chose to motor-sail awhile. About 1545 hr we pulled the sails down and continued to motor. There was no wind at all! We wanted to arrive at our anchorage early to get some extra much needed sleep. I think the sun & wind are tiring us all out. Not used to it I guess. About 1830 hr the wind picked up along with the seas building out of the west...1-3'. We decided to keep motoring as we were just about to our destination. As we approached we could see about 40 fishing boats blocking the channel entrance...most of which had lines in the water. None of them wanted to move. We moseyed our way in and around them, might of even ticked off a couple! Wonder what the heck they are fishing for?

Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico

Anchor down & set @ 1900 hr just inside the channel of Charlotte Harbor. Dean & Dad did their "lift the dingy for air flow" routine while I set to fixing something to eat. As I was mixing up Tuna Salad for sandwiches, sliced tomatoes & chips for supper, Dad came down & discovered the carpet was soaked all in front of the companionway. We discovered our water pump had sprung a gigantic leak. :( So we had to drag out the carpet onto the dingy to dry, clean up the wet mess, and proceed to finish the food prep. While we were finishing up our supper & sitting in the cockpit I had just commented to Dean that we couldn't leave the carpet out there incase the wind came up & our carpet ended up in the water. Not a minute later the wind picked up and tried to defy me!! It flipped the carpet off the dingy, half over the lifelines toward the water...but...I was quick!! I jumped up & out of the cockpit...saved the carpet & the towel that was hanging on the lifeline! :)

We cleaned up supper. Took showers on the transom while fishing boats came by and bounced us all over the place. I think we may have been anchored in their normal cut through. Sorry guys!!

Nitey Nite Klyde!
You lucky bird....Dean hasn't hung my hammock yet!!

We put Klyde to bed along with ourselves.

59.4 nm today

June 8, 2011 Day 4

Up at 6:15a but my Crew slept a few minutes longer. I woke up alot during the nite and walked around the boat....checkin' to make sure we were still secure! Must be sleeping with one eye open....makes me think of Capt' Ron! :)

Reefed

Coffee & quick breakfast when my crew woke up then hoisted the anchor @ 0800. Motored under that bridge for the last time on this trip! We are used to it now...but we still watch carefully! :) Sails up & reefed @ 0900hr. Put in 1st reef but then decided to put in 2nd since we still don't have all of our sea leg worthiness yet & we are having gusts. (Admiral's request....Dad & I don't need a ton of bruises!)  Overcast-mostly cloudy w/ some sun. Waves 1-2'. Our Way Too!'s speed 6.2 up to 7.5 knots. Wind out of East @ 10 but with gusts up to 25 knots.

Underway again....just can't wait to get underway again!
(To the tune of "On the Road Again")

We had a pretty uneventful afternoon. Very relaxed cruise & crew! The wind died down to almost zilch again so we let out the head sail some. Still moving along at 5.2-5.4 kts. We are far enough out to be out of touch...no cell service! Strange feeling but nice to not have phone ringing.

Dean loving this!!

Dad watching the waves go by!

I'm thinkin' they are both pretty relaxed!!

Enjoying the view from another great watch spot!

Keeping watch with Edgar Jr.  :)

We discussed saving for a Spinnaker Sail...yep you read it correctly...Jeanne, Roni, & Janie...I never thought I would agree to a "Spinnaker" after that "scare the begeezes outa me" in the narrows on White Lake! ;)  We decided to let out the last reef & go full head sail. Then after a while...all heck broke loose!!! Wind jumped to a steady 24 kts....Seas built quickly to 5-6'. Dean  decided to put both reefs back in to keep better control & to make me happy! ;)

Now you have to remember here... (in my defense)... I have not been on a boat much for 2 years! And I am a Lake Michigan Girl so I know how quickly the waters can change & blow up a storm unexpectedly...I have not a clue if the Ocean or Gulf of Mexico act the same! And I must admit...I am pretty protective of my Daddy who is not a sailor, has NEVER been on a sailboat until this week & is turning 71 in a couple days!

In control & playing it safe!

Being safe, sitting on the low side & reading the Logbook.

So instead of taking any chances I request that we all put on our trusty lifejackets! Then....about 45 minutes later...the wind died, waves lay down and the sun comes out! And then...an hour later(...the winds pick up again to 20 kts and the waves start to build again! Oh My Gosh...You'd think we were still in Lake Michigan!! :) We do really miss her! Well, I say we need the practice and need to know how to put in and take out those reefs!

In the midst of all this I decide to cook underway because is appears we are gonna have a late arrival to our next anchorage. Dean has decided we need to make the run to the outside entrance of the Gulf of Mexico to Marco Island so we can stay on schedule to pick up our crew in Tampa.  I decided on a one pot meal...Grandma Sladick's famous Cabbage Casserole dish (revamped just a bit to be galley/boat suitable!) It is rather interesting cooking while in 4-6' seas! I get quite the workout down below...kinda like ZUMBA & Belly dancing classes...only alittle more confined to a small space!! I'm sure my belly will be terribly bruised but my abs are already tightening! If this helps then I should start planning my trip to sail around the world! I could be REALLY skinny!! ;)

Daddy on "Coffee Patrol" 

We finally reached our anchorage and got the anchor set @ 2300hr. We covered 90.9 nautical miles today! Wow! And Dean was all excited because he saw up to 8.9 for speed...Our Way Too!... can fly! We were all pooped out & ready to crash for the nite. Dad prepped the coffeepot for morning, our showers were quick...and I am pretty sure we all snored quite loudly.


Hugs from the S/V Our Way Too! Crew

June 7, 2011 Day 3

Slept in alittle longer than planned. Up about 7....coffee...cereal with leftover peach cobbler in it for breakfast- Yummy!! I think Dean & Dad have decided that is a must for 'blah zay' cereal. I suppose I will have to keep it as a staple on board!

First @ the wheel this morning....Katie & Klyde

In preparation for departure Dean found that the raw water strainer for the engine was leaking. Luckily it was just the wing nuts on the cover for cleaning was loose. Quick fix!!

We hoisted anchor @ 8:45a & had sails set @ 9:35a. Its mostly sunny with 12 knot winds & 1-2' waves.
11:45am - Relaxing, working on blog, Dean is navigating. We're cruising along @ 5-5.8 knots.

Our visitor....

Just before he zipped away....

I rigged up Dad in a life jacket & tether because it's alittle bouncy for my taste to let him be out there incase he gets a fish on! He is relaxing, reading, & keeping an eye on his pole! Do you think there were no fish because one lone Porpoise was following us? He made a short appearance...enough for 2 pictures then off he went!

Let's try again....

The Mighty Fisherman

Capt' Scruffy & his Amigo....

Mid morning I sat smiling at my husband in the cockpit and said, "The First Mate requests that the Captain shaves....He is lookin' rather Scruffy & gives very prickly Kisses!!" Apparently he wanted more kisses since he went down below & returned with a smooth baby soft face. :)

Seas  &  wind rising....waves rising to 3-4 ' and winds built to 15-17 constant with gusts up to 30knots.

Lunchtime!! We decided on P & J sandwiches for a late lunch. I think our late big dinner last nite stuck with us.

Tethered & Safe!
Our Way Too! has a GREAT fishin' deck! ;)

Dad diligently fished....but was skunked today. About 1:40p he had a good hit, but....it got away! He spent a good 2 1/2 hours sittin' out on the sunpad watching his pole. He got alittle too much sun on his skinny lil legs!

 Dean took a little nap about 2:15p. I have proof! ;)

My PROOF!!!

Our view of the scenery is beautiful turquoise seas, Hawk Channel, the Keys, the long bridges, and the parasailors! Sure can't beat that on a gorgeous sunny day out on the water. We are loving this! A great BIG Thank You to Jim & Jane for teaching us how to sail (even tho we still have alot to learn!) and encouraging us to follow our dreams! They took us out sailing all the time back home in MI on Lake Michigan and inspired another True Love within each of us...."Sailing"!

We are getting more comfortable with our new home! And we are getting better every day at trimming the sails. It just takes practice!! And we are definitely getting some practice this trip!! ;) We ended up pulling in the head sail as the wind was directly behind us. Keep losing the wind. Hummmm...

The water pump is running all the time even when we are not using water! Wondering what that is all about??? Another little hic-cup we will watch.

We also now know what our friend Randy means by "puckering" your butt cheeks when going under a bridge!! Holy Sh__!!!!! We need 63' to clear the mast and antenna's & we had a 65' bridge! Looked like alot less clearance to Dad & I. We still awaited the "ting, ting, ting" of the antenna's & lightening dissipater.

Marathon, FL Bridge

Sqeeee.....zzzee of the butt cheeks!!
Whew....we made it!

So.....we decided to do the bridge clearing as practice and do it one more time! Now it will be 3 times! (Third Time's A Charm!) ;) As we turned around and headed back to a Boot Key anchorage because Dean wasn't comfortable with the anchorage we had originally chosen heading us north to Marco Island. It wasn't protected at all with the winds that were forecasted and we just really need a good sleep without worry.

Anchor was set @ 7p in about 11' of water. Dean looked at the charts for tomorrow's run, then up toward Tampa where we pick up the rest of our crew....Capt's Rob and Randy and I baked a loaf of Beer Bread to have with our cheater's cans of Chili. (Which I must say aren't too bad!) Dad relaxed & helped me prepare for morning coffee. We ate and also Skyped with Tammy Annie for a few minutes. I miss all my kids....it is nice to be able to share this with them through this blog at least since they can't be here!

We showered off the salt after dark on the transom and danged if the wind didn't steal my bathing scrunchie as a donation to Mermaids that live in the Keys! ;) Then we hit the hay. Fresh air and long days are catching up with us! :) We love it!!

58.7 nm today

Hugs to all!~~
S/V Our Way Too! Crew

June 6, 2001 Day 2

Katie:
Happy Birthday to Uncle Bobby!!

Breakfast...Gotta keep the crew happy!

We were up so late last nite I was surprised I popped up like I did! Up...made coffee...had breakfast....did dishes...prepared to depart. Dad found some water on the floor in the forward-cabin head (for the nonboaters...bathroom) so he & Dean began to investigate. It didn't smell too good in there and the shower sump was rather funky! Another not-so-good sign! The seals on the toilet flush motor were leaking so Dean decided "we don't use until fixed" goes into effect immediately. We all will use the Aft-Cabin head until further notice!

We hoisted the anchor @ 0845 hr and were underway and out into the ocean within minutes. Had to motor about 2 hours as winds were dead on the nose & light @ about 5-7 knots. 1-2' waves

Pretty day! A bit overcast & in 80's. Cooler & a bit more comfortable.
Within the first half hour, with Katie @ the helm...we had a boat pull up beside us & and pay us a visit! "The US Customs & Border Patrol" They just asked where we are from, where we are going, and how many on board.  Thank you & have a nice day!! :)

Slowed down so Dean decided we needed to start the engine...so we started to motorsail @ 12:45p. I had spent most of the morning working at the Day 1 blog, trying to figure out how to add the photos so I figured I should feed my crew. We threw together Chicken salad,wheat crackers, sliced tomatos, string chez, & bananas. Hit the spot!

It was a pretty quiet afternoon. We watch for the wildlife constantly. Not sure but we think the let down of preparing for the trip and just being alittle nervous yet to know our boat alarms & such, we all feel tired and in need of naps. Short nights because if I hear something I get up & walk around the deck to check things out...then I wake up Dean & have him double check me. We are still learning about tides & such so we are sort of sleeping with 1 eye open! Dean's still fighting a nasty cold...wakes up coughing so I am sure that doesn't help him get solid sleep.

Back "Sail" @4pm. Dad decided to wet a line so we hung out on the sunpad for awhile. Dean hasn't had time to hoist my new Mother's Day Hammock yet so Dad & I are patiently waiting! ;) Really...we are just finding enough things to keep us busy! Other than Dad's magazine....we haven't even opened a book to read! And our friends Barry & Ruth sent a whole big bag along with us!!!

We arrived @ Rodriguez Key alittle after 6pm and set the anchor. 2 other boats not too far from us. We had a really strong breeze so Dad & Dean had to sit out on deck & hold the towel up so the grill would stay lit. We had our "celebratory dinner" I had planned for our 1st nite out on the 2nd nite instead. I made Grilled Ribeyes; Grilled Shrimp on skewers; Sweet Potatoes w/ Jalepeno, onion, maple syrup, yougart, & mayo; Snap Peas; & Peach Cobbler for dessert! I enjoyed using my oven for the first time! We all enjoyed a glass of wine with dinner, cleaned up dishes, finished our glass of wine while we chatted about our game plan for morning then showered on the back of boat & hit the hay! 10:30 to bed is certainly better than the 1am the nite before! I think I still need earlier!!!

55.3 nm today

My Daddy enjoying his sail.  Reading about fishing in the Keys!

Our first visit from The US Customs & Border Patrol

He works hard all day! Rigging the fishin' pole. :)

Is he thinking? Or is he napping? You decide.......

Readin', fishin', & enjoyin' the view!!

Katie found her & ALL her kids & Grandbabie's favorite spot!!
On "Porpoise" watch!

At anchor....sun going down.

Our Way Too!'s "celebratory dinner" (one day late).
Her crew went to bed with very full tummy's!!