We have spent the last few days luxuriating in the beautiful weather here in the Keys. Temperatures continued to be in the low to mid 80s with sunshine and light breezes every day. It will be a real shock to our systems when we fly back to New Jersey tomorrow with temperatures there expected to be in the low 30s with gusty northwest winds forecast for our landing in Newark!
Besides completing various boat chores like changing the main engines' oil and making some minor repairs, we've enjoyed several lunches out at the "Hurricane" right next to the Banana Bay property. We also attended the Marathon Boat Parade on Saturday night which we viewed from the "famous" (some might say "infamous") "Sombrero Dockside Lounge". All the boats were decorated with Christmas lights and most of the crews were also dressed in Christmas costumes. It was fun watching the boats and also the Keys "characters" on the docks. You might say we just soaked up the local "Pirate" atmosphere and, in fact, there was a group called "The Pirates of the Marquesas" who ran a 50/50 raffle to buy bicycles for some of the local under-privileged kids for Christmas.
The next day we took Andrew and Sallyann to Big Pine Key and introduced them to another one of our favorite places - "The No Name Pub". It is in an out-of-the way spot on the way to No Name Key, a somewhat remote mangrove island off Spanish Channel. We first came here many years ago with our friends, Don and Joanie Shields, with whom we spent many wonderful times in the Keys. Don passed away a number of years ago, but Joanie still spends 5 - 6 months a year here, and we are looking forward to seeing her here soon.
Last night we had a "Clean Out the Refrigerator/Freezer" dinner aboard with Andrew and Sallyann and we did a good job finishing off the items on our very eclectic menu! Today we packed our bags, and readied the boat for our departure tomorrow morning at 5:30 a.m. We are anxious to see our friends and next-door neighbors, Ernie and Kay Giordano, who will be picking us up at the airport, and whom we haven't seen in many months. It will be great also seeing Pat's mom, who we hope to have back in her apartment before Christmas, and to enjoy getting together during our 10 days at home with some of our other family members and friends. Our visit will go by very quickly, because we plan to return to Banana Bay with our convertible on 12/28 in order to celebrate the New Year here with our friends, Lou and Judy Ianniello. We are looking forward to a busy and joyous Christmas holiday!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
12/8 - 12/10 - Marathon, Florida
"Reflection" at her winter slip at Banana Bay Resort
"Pretty Joe Rock" just off the marina entrance
Tiki bar at pool side.
Hot tub area.
The largest pool in the Florida Keys. (Air temperature 82 degrees - water temperature about the same.)
Getting ready for Christmas aboard "Reflection". .
For the last few days we have been getting acclimated to our new surroundings and getting used to the idea that we are "home" and not on the move for awhile! "Reflection" has gone 3,660 miles since we left Seawood Harbor on 6/6 and by the time we leave the boat next week for Christmas in New Jersey, we'll have spent 169 nights aboard!
The temperatures here have been in the low to mid 80s with lots of humidity, and the water temperatures are in the low 80s. These conditions are quite a contrast to those we encountered on our entire trip south this summer and fall, and very different from the windy, cold, and rain/snowy weather we've been hearing about up north.
We rented a car to get around Marathon, which runs for about 11 miles and 13 islands along Highway 1. We began our "love affair" with this area when we first visited it aboard a sailboat we had chartered in 1986, and at one time we even owned two homes with four rental units here. However, lots of things have changed over the years, and various stores and businesses have come and gone, so we wanted to drive around and see what the current conditions were. After mailing our Christmas cards at the Post Office, we knew that Andrew and Sallyann really didn't know anything about the area, so we picked them up and took them on a driving tour of some of our favorite places including "Herbie's" for lunch, Key Colony, and Sombrero Beach followed by visits to some of the larger box stores and grocery shopping.
On the next day George began to clean the upper decks of the boat, followed by a swim in the resort's pool, while Pat decorated the inside of the boat for Christmas. George continued to clean the outside of the boat on Thursday while Pat did the laundry, and then we decorated the outside of the boat with Christmas lights along with a big red bow on the bow light! We also had a quick lunch at the "Hurricane" next door to the resort, and in the evening went to the Marathon Cinema (where you sit at tables and chairs and can purchase wine and beer with your popcorn and hot dogs) with Andrew and Sallyann to see "Blind Side", a terrific up-lifting movie about football player, Michael Oher.
The temperatures here have been in the low to mid 80s with lots of humidity, and the water temperatures are in the low 80s. These conditions are quite a contrast to those we encountered on our entire trip south this summer and fall, and very different from the windy, cold, and rain/snowy weather we've been hearing about up north.
We rented a car to get around Marathon, which runs for about 11 miles and 13 islands along Highway 1. We began our "love affair" with this area when we first visited it aboard a sailboat we had chartered in 1986, and at one time we even owned two homes with four rental units here. However, lots of things have changed over the years, and various stores and businesses have come and gone, so we wanted to drive around and see what the current conditions were. After mailing our Christmas cards at the Post Office, we knew that Andrew and Sallyann really didn't know anything about the area, so we picked them up and took them on a driving tour of some of our favorite places including "Herbie's" for lunch, Key Colony, and Sombrero Beach followed by visits to some of the larger box stores and grocery shopping.
On the next day George began to clean the upper decks of the boat, followed by a swim in the resort's pool, while Pat decorated the inside of the boat for Christmas. George continued to clean the outside of the boat on Thursday while Pat did the laundry, and then we decorated the outside of the boat with Christmas lights along with a big red bow on the bow light! We also had a quick lunch at the "Hurricane" next door to the resort, and in the evening went to the Marathon Cinema (where you sit at tables and chairs and can purchase wine and beer with your popcorn and hot dogs) with Andrew and Sallyann to see "Blind Side", a terrific up-lifting movie about football player, Michael Oher.
12/7 - Marathon, Florida
This morning we finally had the weather window we wanted to comfortably make the 110 mile Gulf of Mexico crossing to our winter home at Banana Bay Resort and Marina in Marathon, Florida. We left the Naples City Docks at 6:40 a.m. and by 7 a.m. we cleared Gordon Pass and entered the Gulf. The wind blew lightly out of the south with a slight northwest swell. The wind and waves lightened even more during the day as the sun shone brightly and temperatures eventually rose into the low 80s.
What an absolutely wonderful trip it was, and by 2:30 p.m. we started to see the outline of the Keys and the Seven Mile Bridge emerging on the horizon. Along the way "Freedom" followed us slightly behind or along-side, and "Holiday VII", who had left a little later than we did, traveled approximately 8 miles behind. We were in frequent radio-contact, and we were able to warn our "buddy boats" about the many crab-pots we had to avoid along our route.
As "Reflection" and "Freedom" approached Marathon, we broke off onto different headings which would take us to separate marinas for the first time since 10/29 when we started out from Rogersville, Alabama together! We said a poignant "good-bye" to each other over the radio, even though we'll only be 1 1/2 miles away apart over the winter. Having spent 40 days and gone 1268 miles together in all kinds of conditions was significant, and we had lots of fun along the way!
As we finally turned into the entrance of Banana Bay Marina at 4:30 p.m., we could see the dock-master, Billy, waiting for us with some of our new boat neighbors to welcome us into our slip and to take our lines. Finally after almost an hour of setting up lines, screens, electric cords, and cable TV, we were settled in to Captain George's satisfaction. Though tired after our long day, when we sat down on our aft deck to see the sun go down over the Gulf of Mexico, we reveled in the absolute beauty of this wonderful place, and were thankful for all the blessings God has given us to make this trip and our winter stay here possible. It is truly a dream come true!
What an absolutely wonderful trip it was, and by 2:30 p.m. we started to see the outline of the Keys and the Seven Mile Bridge emerging on the horizon. Along the way "Freedom" followed us slightly behind or along-side, and "Holiday VII", who had left a little later than we did, traveled approximately 8 miles behind. We were in frequent radio-contact, and we were able to warn our "buddy boats" about the many crab-pots we had to avoid along our route.
As "Reflection" and "Freedom" approached Marathon, we broke off onto different headings which would take us to separate marinas for the first time since 10/29 when we started out from Rogersville, Alabama together! We said a poignant "good-bye" to each other over the radio, even though we'll only be 1 1/2 miles away apart over the winter. Having spent 40 days and gone 1268 miles together in all kinds of conditions was significant, and we had lots of fun along the way!
As we finally turned into the entrance of Banana Bay Marina at 4:30 p.m., we could see the dock-master, Billy, waiting for us with some of our new boat neighbors to welcome us into our slip and to take our lines. Finally after almost an hour of setting up lines, screens, electric cords, and cable TV, we were settled in to Captain George's satisfaction. Though tired after our long day, when we sat down on our aft deck to see the sun go down over the Gulf of Mexico, we reveled in the absolute beauty of this wonderful place, and were thankful for all the blessings God has given us to make this trip and our winter stay here possible. It is truly a dream come true!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
12/1 - 12/6 - Naples, Florida
The offending part. This little $9.00 starting solenoid came between us and leaving for Marathon, Florida.
Sunrise over Naples Harbor
.
We have spent the past six days here in a slip at the Naples City Docks waiting a weather window for us to safely make our final Gulf crossing to our winter home port in Marathon, Florida. Some days have been sunny and warm, but we also have had our share of rain and wind as various fronts have passed over us.
We have shopped at the "Tin City" complex of stores in town, had lunch at the "Riverfront Café" there, and had a great dinner at "The Boathouse" on the waterfront. Some days we've had quiet evenings aboard by ourselves catching up with Cable TV, but we've also had pizza delivered, partaken of Andrew and Sallyann's great Turkey Pot Pie, and shared several "Happy Hours" with them.
George and Andrew have also gone on long bike rides to procure a replacement starting solenoid for our starboard engine, and a bike basket among other items. Sallyann was also happy to discover a bakery within walking distance, and everyday she took Tut out for at least one stroll on his leash. Pat was happy to catch up on her reading, made phone calls, wrote emails, placed Christmas gift orders, and signed Christmas cards to be sent out shortly.
We have also been in touch with Richard Walker aboard "Holiday VII", who led us down the Tenn-Tom Waterway to Mobile, Alabama. Richard and his wife, Carol, went home to Memphis for Thanksgiving and returned to their boat in Gulfport, Florida this week. They are on their way to meet us here, and all three boats plan to leave together tomorrow morning for our various marina locations in Marathon. At this point we haven't determined whether we will complete the 100+ mile crossing in one or two days, but we are all greatly looking forward to finally getting to our winter head-quarters!
We have shopped at the "Tin City" complex of stores in town, had lunch at the "Riverfront Café" there, and had a great dinner at "The Boathouse" on the waterfront. Some days we've had quiet evenings aboard by ourselves catching up with Cable TV, but we've also had pizza delivered, partaken of Andrew and Sallyann's great Turkey Pot Pie, and shared several "Happy Hours" with them.
George and Andrew have also gone on long bike rides to procure a replacement starting solenoid for our starboard engine, and a bike basket among other items. Sallyann was also happy to discover a bakery within walking distance, and everyday she took Tut out for at least one stroll on his leash. Pat was happy to catch up on her reading, made phone calls, wrote emails, placed Christmas gift orders, and signed Christmas cards to be sent out shortly.
We have also been in touch with Richard Walker aboard "Holiday VII", who led us down the Tenn-Tom Waterway to Mobile, Alabama. Richard and his wife, Carol, went home to Memphis for Thanksgiving and returned to their boat in Gulfport, Florida this week. They are on their way to meet us here, and all three boats plan to leave together tomorrow morning for our various marina locations in Marathon. At this point we haven't determined whether we will complete the 100+ mile crossing in one or two days, but we are all greatly looking forward to finally getting to our winter head-quarters!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
11/30 - Naples, Florida
The Gulf of Mexico, finally a smooth sea..
Our original plan was to go to Fort Myers Beach, but with the looming bad weather reports about heavy winds and rain coming during the middle of the week, we were reluctant to get caught in Fort Myers and then not be able to travel on the Gulf for many days.
There is no "inside" route to Naples from Fort Myers Beach - you must travel outside. Today's conditions would be just what we wanted, so we quickly changed our plans and untied our boats at 7:30 a.m. It would be more favorable to make this jump now, and if the weather stayed foul, we could still move on through an inside route to Marco Island, if necessary.
It was a beautiful morning again, and the conditions were calm and smooth. George managed to cancel our slip reservations in Fort Myers Beach, Sallyann and Pat made phone calls to various marinas in Naples, and we were finally able to make arrangements to stay in Naples at the Naples City Docks at the reasonable rate of $1.50 per foot rather than at other locations that wanted $2.50 - $3.50 per foot (plus tax and electric).
There is no "inside" route to Naples from Fort Myers Beach - you must travel outside. Today's conditions would be just what we wanted, so we quickly changed our plans and untied our boats at 7:30 a.m. It would be more favorable to make this jump now, and if the weather stayed foul, we could still move on through an inside route to Marco Island, if necessary.
It was a beautiful morning again, and the conditions were calm and smooth. George managed to cancel our slip reservations in Fort Myers Beach, Sallyann and Pat made phone calls to various marinas in Naples, and we were finally able to make arrangements to stay in Naples at the Naples City Docks at the reasonable rate of $1.50 per foot rather than at other locations that wanted $2.50 - $3.50 per foot (plus tax and electric).
Unfortunately, last evening Pat received a phone call from her brother informing her that her beloved Uncle George had passed away. She called her Aunt Mae, his wife, this morning to express her condolences, and to tell her how much this wonderful man meant to her. Pat had been the flower-girl at their wedding many years ago and was always close to them. We will not be able to attend his funeral on Wednesday morning, but we will will be with his family in spirit on that day. He will be greatly missed!
We did stop in Fort Myers Beach to take on fuel at Ballard Oil Company, where the diesel was priced at $2.53 per gallon (including tax) - a bargain price for our trip! At noon we headed out Matanzas Pass into the Gulf, which was absolutely beautiful, and the complete antithesis of our trip last week. After 24 miles we headed into Gordon Pass and up the Naples River bordered by one beautiful home after another. By 4:00 p.m. we were all tied up and settled in. Andrew and Sallyann came over for "Happy Hour" and we enjoyed a beautiful Florida sunset.
We did stop in Fort Myers Beach to take on fuel at Ballard Oil Company, where the diesel was priced at $2.53 per gallon (including tax) - a bargain price for our trip! At noon we headed out Matanzas Pass into the Gulf, which was absolutely beautiful, and the complete antithesis of our trip last week. After 24 miles we headed into Gordon Pass and up the Naples River bordered by one beautiful home after another. By 4:00 p.m. we were all tied up and settled in. Andrew and Sallyann came over for "Happy Hour" and we enjoyed a beautiful Florida sunset.
11/29 - Cabbage Key, Florida
Sallyann and Andrew at Cabbage Key Inn, and yes, that is money on the wall behind them. 
Money, money, money. There is said to be over $50,000 on the walls and ceilings of the Cabbage Key Inn..
We did not leave our slip until 11 a.m. and today's trip was glorious! The inland waters were smooth, the sky was a clear blue, the sun was shining, and we were finally WARM!
Many dolphins jumped and played around our boat, while pelicans dove for fish. With island beach music playing on our CD player, we had a relatively short 25 mile trip to Cabbage Key where we planned to dock for the evening and have dinner.
The Cabbage Key Inn is rumored to be the place about which Jimmy Buffett was inspired to write "Cheeseburgers in Paradise". Its walls and ceilings were covered with decades of dollar bills several layers thick signed by its patrons. It is thought that there are over 50,000 of them!
Rather than being like a Key West style bar, the inn was quite lovely with fireplaces, a screened porch, and old-fashioned deck chairs. On the other hand, the menu was pricey, they had no Rose's Lime Juice for gimlets, and the food was just okay. We guess we paid for the island ambience and beautiful view! No matter what, it was a wonderful day!
Many dolphins jumped and played around our boat, while pelicans dove for fish. With island beach music playing on our CD player, we had a relatively short 25 mile trip to Cabbage Key where we planned to dock for the evening and have dinner.
The Cabbage Key Inn is rumored to be the place about which Jimmy Buffett was inspired to write "Cheeseburgers in Paradise". Its walls and ceilings were covered with decades of dollar bills several layers thick signed by its patrons. It is thought that there are over 50,000 of them!
Rather than being like a Key West style bar, the inn was quite lovely with fireplaces, a screened porch, and old-fashioned deck chairs. On the other hand, the menu was pricey, they had no Rose's Lime Juice for gimlets, and the food was just okay. We guess we paid for the island ambience and beautiful view! No matter what, it was a wonderful day!
11/28 - Englewood, Florida
One of the many bridges we encountered on our way to Englewood, Fl. 
Venice Avenue Bridge Venice Fl.
Sunset view from our slip at Royal Palm Marina
Another look.
Cocktails and laundry. Pat having an adult beverage while doing wash at the outside laundry..
Even though "Reflection" has a washer-dryer combo aboard, it is really for only light capacity items, so with a week's worth of sheets, and towels, etc., Pat and Sallyann were in a search to find a marina with laundry along our path.
Sallyann located Royal Palm Marina, 55 miles along our route, and we arrived there about 2 p.m. Doing laundry then became our activity for the next 6 hours, as she and Pat did several loads each in the marina's one washer and dryer. No one else had a chance, as the "New Jersey Girls" had the machines commandeered!
The captains entertained themselves by having beers at the Tiki Bar, and watching the televised football games there between carrying loads of clean wash back to the boats.
Sallyann located Royal Palm Marina, 55 miles along our route, and we arrived there about 2 p.m. Doing laundry then became our activity for the next 6 hours, as she and Pat did several loads each in the marina's one washer and dryer. No one else had a chance, as the "New Jersey Girls" had the machines commandeered!
The captains entertained themselves by having beers at the Tiki Bar, and watching the televised football games there between carrying loads of clean wash back to the boats.
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