Tuesday 27 November 2007

Florida at last

At first light Solange and us left Cumberland Island and returned to the ocean for a day sail to St Augustine Florida. This was to be our first port in Florida, our 20th and last US state. Arriving in early afternoon, we anchored and went ashore to explore. St Augustine claims to be the oldest European settlement in the United States, settled by the Spanish in 1565. Although a bit touristy for my liking, with horse drawn carriages, and tourist trains, the central square and architecture of the town are undeniably beautiful. We arrived the day after the Christmas lights were lit in the main square. (It’s hard to think about Xmas when you are looking at palm trees) The highlight of the boy’s visit was the Alligator farm. This park contains all 23 species of Crocodilian species. The highlight was the main pool which held 40 American Alligators ranging from 8 – 15 feet long. The trainer walked around inside the pen, and threw food at several of the animals. Suprisingly, most of them were quite well behaved. He was able to call them by name, and they responded. “Hey Skipper turn around” and the 1000 lb lizard did!! and was rewarded with a large dead rodent. The park also contained Scarlet Macaws, some small monkeys, Storks as big as Janine, vultures, and a 10’ANACONDA. On the day we were going to leave, we got a call from Salt and Light, and San-I-Ti. They had got up early in St.Marys, and were on their way to St. Augustine. Our departure was delayed for one more day so we could have a Pizza party with all 9 kids. Early the next morning we were off down the ditch to Daytona Beach, and Titusville

Florida at last

At first light Solange and us left Cumberland Island and returned to the ocean for a day sail to St Augustine Florida. This was to be our first port in Florida, our 20th and last US state. Arriving in early afternoon, we anchored and went ashore to explore. St Augustine claims to be the oldest European settlement in the United States, settled by the Spanish in 1565. Although a bit touristy for my liking, with horse drawn carriages, and tourist trains, the central square and architecture of the town are undeniably beautiful. We arrived the day after the Christmas lights were lit in the main square. (It’s hard to think about Xmas when you are looking at palm trees) The highlight of the boy’s visit was the Alligator farm. This park contains all 23 species of Crocodilian species. The highlight was the main pool which held 40 American Alligators ranging from 8 – 15 feet long. The trainer walked around inside the pen, and threw food at several of the animals. Suprisingly, most of them were quite well behaved. He was able to call them by name, and they responded. “Hey Skipper turn around” and the 1000 lb lizard did!! and was rewarded with a large dead rodent. The park also contained Scarlet Macaws, some small monkeys, Storks as big as Janine, vultures, and a 10’ANACONDA. On the day we were going to leave, we got a call from Salt and Light, and San-I-Ti. They had got up early in St.Marys, and were on their way to St. Augustine. Our departure was delayed for one more day so we could have a Pizza party with all 9 kids. Early the next morning we were off down the ditch to Daytona Beach, and Titusville

Friday 23 November 2007

South to cumberland Island (link)

Leaving Beaufort South Carolina, (bew – frt) , not to be confused with Beaufort (bow – fort) North Carolina after lunch, when Denny installed his new starter. High Five, Solange, and Salt and Light headed out for what would be a 19hr passage to Cumberland Island, on the southern edge of Georgia. The sail was largely uneventfull, motor sailing for ¾ of the way, cold, even by Vancouver standards, the seas were calm and the wind light. A lot of traffic and a half dozen anchored freighters kept it all interesting. Sun up saw us at Cumberland Island on the border of Georgia and Florida. This sandy barrier island offered great protection and good anchorage..A national park, Cumberland Island is home to, acres of wild sand dunes, miles and miles of “long beach” type beach. After some rest we all went to the beach, where we found ray eggs, horseshoe crabs, shells of every description, a turtle shell 2 feet long, and saw pelicans fishing, and dolphins. A very cool place. The second morning 3 wild horses came to the beach in the anchorage to forage for food. Gary and Richard got some instruction on the “cast net” shrimp fishery, Throwing a 12’ diameter net for an afternoon resulted in 2 (this is not a typo) very small shrimp, and a very sore back. Fortunately a couple of locals took pity on us and gave us a handful from the 15 or 20 gallons of shrimp in their boat. Meanwhile the rest of the gang explored the island. They found the ruins of on of the original homestead and saw a real live armidillo.

South to cumberland Island (link)

Leaving Beaufort South Carolina, (bew – frt) , not to be confused with Beaufort (bow – fort) North Carolina after lunch, when Denny installed his new starter. High Five, Solange, and Salt and Light headed out for what would be a 19hr passage to Cumberland Island, on the southern edge of Georgia. The sail was largely uneventfull, motor sailing for ¾ of the way, cold, even by Vancouver standards, the seas were calm and the wind light. A lot of traffic and a half dozen anchored freighters kept it all interesting. Sun up saw us at Cumberland Island on the border of Georgia and Florida. This sandy barrier island offered great protection and good anchorage..A national park, Cumberland Island is home to, acres of wild sand dunes, miles and miles of “long beach” type beach. After some rest we all went to the beach, where we found ray eggs, horseshoe crabs, shells of every description, a turtle shell 2 feet long, and saw pelicans fishing, and dolphins. A very cool place. The second morning 3 wild horses came to the beach in the anchorage to forage for food. Gary and Richard got some instruction on the “cast net” shrimp fishery, Throwing a 12’ diameter net for an afternoon resulted in 2 (this is not a typo) very small shrimp, and a very sore back. Fortunately a couple of locals took pity on us and gave us a handful from the 15 or 20 gallons of shrimp in their boat. Meanwhile the rest of the gang explored the island. They found the ruins of on of the original homestead and saw a real live armidillo.

Charleston to Beaufort SC

Beaufort South Carolina, (bew – frt) , not to be confused with Beaufort (bow – fort) North Carolina, was 2 easy days travel down to ICW south of Charleston, The first day we left early for the 9am bridge, unfortunately Solange, a boat with a nice family from Alberta could not lift their anchor to join us. It seems, after $500 bucks to a local diver, that their anchor chain had wrapped around a 3 by 20 ft concrete block. When they tried to raise it, it did not budge. While they stayed to retrieve their anchor Salt and Light ( a family from Seattle) and High Five (us) continued down the canal. In the early afternoon we stopped as the tide was very low and the next section was somewhat shallow. In the morning we discovered that Solange had caught up all but 20 miles. They had got an early start and by the time they were a mile away we were ready to go……… Well unfortunately S&L’s starter motor chose this particular time to refuse to function. After an hour of mucking about we got her going and were able to continue to Beaufort. The confusion continued…..As we needed a new alternator, and a spare starter was on the list of things we should have I placed an order with the Yanmar dealer in Beaufort, for both boats. If we paid $40 then the parts would be here in the morning. A couple of phone calls in the morning, and my mistake was realized. The parts were shipped and ended up in Beaufort (bow – fort) NC not to be confused with Beaufort, (bew – frt) SC. Another couple of bucks and the Parts were overnighted from Beaufort to Beaufort and after a quick installation we were on our way.

Charleston to Beaufort SC

Beaufort South Carolina, (bew – frt) , not to be confused with Beaufort (bow – fort) North Carolina, was 2 easy days travel down to ICW south of Charleston, The first day we left early for the 9am bridge, unfortunately Solange, a boat with a nice family from Alberta could not lift their anchor to join us. It seems, after $500 bucks to a local diver, that their anchor chain had wrapped around a 3 by 20 ft concrete block. When they tried to raise it, it did not budge. While they stayed to retrieve their anchor Salt and Light ( a family from Seattle) and High Five (us) continued down the canal. In the early afternoon we stopped as the tide was very low and the next section was somewhat shallow. In the morning we discovered that Solange had caught up all but 20 miles. They had got an early start and by the time they were a mile away we were ready to go……… Well unfortunately S&L’s starter motor chose this particular time to refuse to function. After an hour of mucking about we got her going and were able to continue to Beaufort. The confusion continued…..As we needed a new alternator, and a spare starter was on the list of things we should have I placed an order with the Yanmar dealer in Beaufort, for both boats. If we paid $40 then the parts would be here in the morning. A couple of phone calls in the morning, and my mistake was realized. The parts were shipped and ended up in Beaufort (bow – fort) NC not to be confused with Beaufort, (bew – frt) SC. Another couple of bucks and the Parts were overnighted from Beaufort to Beaufort and after a quick installation we were on our way.

Saturday 10 November 2007

Driving down the ditch

After an early morning departure from Beaufort, we joined the parade down the ICW. There are a few opening bridge in the first 80 miles. Some open every hour (except morning and afternoon rush hour) some every half hour, and some on demand. The bridges regroup all the boats. Everyone is very courteous, even waiting a few extra minutes for the slow boats (us) to catch up. The power boats, some 75 – 100ft come up on you really fast. Usually a brief radio conversation takes place and we slow down, they slow down, pass us, we turn inside their wake and then they speed up and go. That way they don’t throw a big wake at us and knock our boat around. We continue to see dolphins periodically, and more and more pelicans. These are very interesting birds to watch. Each of the next 3 mornings after Beaufort, Janine and I wake, take the dog for a quick walk and are underway by 0630 am. It gets dark between 5:30 and 6 at night so we need to be at a dock or anchored by then. One of the nights we found a restaurant right on the canal that offers free moorage to customers. This is a perfect excuse to get a free dock or a free dinner out, however you want to justify it. As I write, it is Thursday and we are anchored up a side creek, just off the ICW about 60 miles north of Charleston SC. It is very quiet and although cold, lows to mid 30s Fahrenheit, it is clear and dark. The stars are out by the millions. We hope to make Charleston tomorrow. Some of the families we left in Beaufort were planning to sail “Outside” direct from Beaufort to Charleston. They were leaving Wednesday aft/night and should be in Charleston on Fri. The forecasted weather has been 10 – 20 knots of breeze from the north so the sail should have been very nice. Charleston should be fun, Janine and I were there a few years BK (before kids) but it was ridiculously hot and humid so we did not see much. We need to do some shopping, a Costco run and start loading up on all the things we need before we cross to the Bahamas.

Driving down the ditch

After an early morning departure from Beaufort, we joined the parade down the ICW. There are a few opening bridge in the first 80 miles. Some open every hour (except morning and afternoon rush hour) some every half hour, and some on demand. The bridges regroup all the boats. Everyone is very courteous, even waiting a few extra minutes for the slow boats (us) to catch up. The power boats, some 75 – 100ft come up on you really fast. Usually a brief radio conversation takes place and we slow down, they slow down, pass us, we turn inside their wake and then they speed up and go. That way they don’t throw a big wake at us and knock our boat around. We continue to see dolphins periodically, and more and more pelicans. These are very interesting birds to watch. Each of the next 3 mornings after Beaufort, Janine and I wake, take the dog for a quick walk and are underway by 0630 am. It gets dark between 5:30 and 6 at night so we need to be at a dock or anchored by then. One of the nights we found a restaurant right on the canal that offers free moorage to customers. This is a perfect excuse to get a free dock or a free dinner out, however you want to justify it. As I write, it is Thursday and we are anchored up a side creek, just off the ICW about 60 miles north of Charleston SC. It is very quiet and although cold, lows to mid 30s Fahrenheit, it is clear and dark. The stars are out by the millions. We hope to make Charleston tomorrow. Some of the families we left in Beaufort were planning to sail “Outside” direct from Beaufort to Charleston. They were leaving Wednesday aft/night and should be in Charleston on Fri. The forecasted weather has been 10 – 20 knots of breeze from the north so the sail should have been very nice. Charleston should be fun, Janine and I were there a few years BK (before kids) but it was ridiculously hot and humid so we did not see much. We need to do some shopping, a Costco run and start loading up on all the things we need before we cross to the Bahamas.

Beaufort North Carolina

Beaufort Our fridge died. Our last morning in New Bern NC, Janine went to the fridge to get milk and as she opened the lid she was met with a wave of warm, scented air. Well…. 4 days at Oriental’s “Sailcraft Service” boat yard, and a couple of “boat bucks” we are the proud new owners of a new fridge compressor and evaporator. We have yet to make ice cubes, but have frozen some chicken, and cooled a few beers. Leaving Oriental was bittersweet, we had been in the area for 2 weeks. Jimmy, the owner of the Inland Waterway Provisioning Company, had decorated a flat deck trailer for Halloween, and taken about 30 or so kids out trick or treating. The kids loved it! The night before several of us left, a bunch of boaters gathered for a drink. In all there were 16 boat kids between 3 and 15 yrs old. It was cold, everyone was wearing jackets and fleece, and sox!!! Rebecca was even wearing a fleece scarf. I hope we will stay in contact with everyone, and see all the kids further down the road. The next morning, on the way to Oriental NC, Adams Creek contained a small pod of dolphins. The kids were up on the bow watching, but none of the dolphins wanted to play. Later in the day, in Russel Slough close to Beaufort, we saw a bunch more dolphins, and in the anchorage at Beaufort, we saw Andy from San-I-Ti rowing his dinghy with dolphins all around him. He was very excited, and so were we when the dolphins came very close to our boat. Shackleford Bank, also known as Carrot Island, is home to a herd of wild horses, we were moored right beside it and were able to see a few of them grazing on the sea grass. Beaufort is one of the towns that I would like to spend more time at. The local who rented us the mooring said “Where else can you have a cold beer with a pretty girl and look out and see dolphins, wild horses and a beautiful sunset all in the same line of sight……. It just doesn’t get any better than that.” All too soon it was time to go.

Beaufort North Carolina

Beaufort Our fridge died. Our last morning in New Bern NC, Janine went to the fridge to get milk and as she opened the lid she was met with a wave of warm, scented air. Well…. 4 days at Oriental’s “Sailcraft Service” boat yard, and a couple of “boat bucks” we are the proud new owners of a new fridge compressor and evaporator. We have yet to make ice cubes, but have frozen some chicken, and cooled a few beers. Leaving Oriental was bittersweet, we had been in the area for 2 weeks. Jimmy, the owner of the Inland Waterway Provisioning Company, had decorated a flat deck trailer for Halloween, and taken about 30 or so kids out trick or treating. The kids loved it! The night before several of us left, a bunch of boaters gathered for a drink. In all there were 16 boat kids between 3 and 15 yrs old. It was cold, everyone was wearing jackets and fleece, and sox!!! Rebecca was even wearing a fleece scarf. I hope we will stay in contact with everyone, and see all the kids further down the road. The next morning, on the way to Oriental NC, Adams Creek contained a small pod of dolphins. The kids were up on the bow watching, but none of the dolphins wanted to play. Later in the day, in Russel Slough close to Beaufort, we saw a bunch more dolphins, and in the anchorage at Beaufort, we saw Andy from San-I-Ti rowing his dinghy with dolphins all around him. He was very excited, and so were we when the dolphins came very close to our boat. Shackleford Bank, also known as Carrot Island, is home to a herd of wild horses, we were moored right beside it and were able to see a few of them grazing on the sea grass. Beaufort is one of the towns that I would like to spend more time at. The local who rented us the mooring said “Where else can you have a cold beer with a pretty girl and look out and see dolphins, wild horses and a beautiful sunset all in the same line of sight……. It just doesn’t get any better than that.” All too soon it was time to go.

Tuesday 6 November 2007

I want to catch a fish!!!!!!!

Hi it's Richard! It is getting colder here and i am they only heater besides dad and mum really wants to go south.so we are. Bye Richard

I want to catch a fish!!!!!!!

Hi it's Richard! It is getting colder here and i am they only heater besides dad and mum really wants to go south.so we are. Bye Richard