A Week of Moving ~ Riviera Beach to Marathon, FL~ 6 days

NASA's photo of the explosion

FORGOT TO POST ~ 1/19/20 ~ There was a scheduled rocket launch from Cape Canaveral. We would have liked to attend, but couldn't. What made this one so interesting, was that they planned to blow it up! You read that right! Space X wanted to test the rocket's ability to safely jettison the capsule with the astronauts on board, if there was a problem shortly after the launch. There were no astronauts on board, but the capsule with 2 dummies were successfully retrieved from the water. It was a successful mission, that many had a chance to witness!

Thursday, 1/23/20 ~ To Lake Boca, Boca Raton, FL ~ 
     Up at 7 AM. Dog walked, fed and medicated, loose items secured, and departed the slip at 8. Though the winds were out of the ENE, the current was slack. Departure from the slip at Riviera Beach Marina, was smooth.  Before heading south, we stopped for fuel.  We were on our way by 8:30.

     Temps are in the mid-60s with the sun. However, the clouds brought intermittent showers. . . And rainbows! Within an hour, 1 counted 13 different ones.  The sun was our companion for the rest of the trip. We were able to enjoy sightseeing along the ICW. Pete just a few work emails, but was free for most of the trip.
       
     

Humm . . . I am pretty sure this isn't "in season!"

     Since it is "In Season," The planes with the banners could be seen flying over the beaches.  Proof that the winds have lessened was seeing the Good Year Blimp flying. There are also a lot of larger boats that are obviously day tripping or heading out to the restaurants with docks.

      Bailey rear left very tender. She is really babying it. Today, in the calm waters, she had no anxiety, She was able to go up and down the stairs for a drink cautiously. I did call and make an appointment with our vet in Middletown, DE, during the time we will be up there for my appointments.  Going up stairs back legs couldn't clear lip. If we tap hind quarters, which Pete usually does to have her sit when there is another dog approaching, her back legs crumble.

Some Cool Bridges ~
            

         

     We found it interesting and highly unusual that, unlike most years, the bridge tenders have slightly modified their schedules to help boats as well as waiting for a slower boat to make the opening. As a result, we made all 12 bridges, but only had to wait for one of them. . . . 25 minutes.

      I did take advantage of some free time and check in with Martha. I am so glad she is doing so well after knee replacement surgery. It was fun to catch up.

The weather is a-changing!

     We have seen very little wild life in quite a while.  I did get lucky today when I saw 3 Manatees south of Spanish River Bridge.

      We dropped anchor around 3:30 PM.  though it was still sunny, I watched the clouds build from the south. Since it didn't look too promising, I thought it might be a good idea to secure for possible rain. No sooner did I finish, when the skies opened. It rained on and off for the rest of the evening sometimes heavy, except for small window when Pete took Bailey to shore.

Friday 1/24/20 ~ To Virginia Key, South Miami, FL ~ 
     It poured last night and continued after the alarm went off at 7 AM. We postponed our departure, hoping the rains would lessen. It took till about 8:30, but the rains did lessen.

    Pete had to remove 4-5 inches of water from the dinghy before taking Bailey to shore. Add to that, the dinghy engine is having issues at idle. It wants to die! While leaving shore, Pete needed to pull the start a good 15 times before it would turn over. Needless to say, he came back grumbling and a bit sore. 

      The check of the oil for the boat engine was done, and we upped anchor.  Thankfully, the rains seem to have stopped for a while. 

     With a 2-hour start later than planned, Pete called Las Olas Marina to see if the had dockage for tonight. Since they don't, and the mooring field is under renovations, we will continue on to our planned stop to anchor in South Miami, south of the Rickenbacker Expressway.

     During all this chaos, we got a call from Pete's mom.  She had a rough night and was currently, very uncomfortable. Thankful for meds, she was much more comfortable when we checked an hour later. Hospice has been wonderful with her.

Palm Beach from the ICW

Interesting lawn ornament. . .
Or trespassing deterrent ?!

Same but very different ~   The yackt is about 350 feet and5 stories 
while the other is a 125 foot Power Cat (with 4 pontoons)         


   We had 9 bridges to clear before heading out Port Everglades. While waiting to pass under Las Olas Bridge, I saw on of the unlucky "Falling Iguanas."  This one didn't make it. He probably fell into the water while in paralysis. I also read an article that a"bounty hunter" was picking up the downed iguanas in an attempt to get rid of the pests. Apparently in the 1960's someone released a pet iguana that was pregnant, and they have taken over ever since.  They cause damage by digging burrows. Speaking of pets being released or escaping, did you know that there are a few flocks of parrots in the Las Olas area as well as a number of other areas?  They too are thriving in the mild winter temperatures of southern Florida.
     By 2 PM, we were motoring in the Atlantic about a mile off shore. The Gulf Stream seems to be closer to land, so we were able to maintain speed about 1 mile or so off shore, down the coast.

     As we were approaching Miami Inlet, we watched 3 cruise ships leaving port. The timing is right- 4:30 PM for their departure, but the day??? . . . It's FRIDAY not Saturday!  As we continued to the inlet, there was a 4th cruise ship entering the channel from the west.  The USCG small boat had the lights on and the machine gun manned, but didn't ask us to stop.  Pete kept us to the extreme outside of the channel and we were able to pass them.  We continued on, and low and behold, there was another cruise ship and a freighter also heading out and passed us.

        

     

     . . .And, silly me, I didn't think there would be anything new worth photographing! Not just the cruise ships, but also this was the first time we were arriving in Miami at dusk. It was amazing to see the city skyline come to life!

Miami at the end of the day ~

      

        

    

     While sitting at anchor, enjoying the cool temps, light breezes and beautiful skyline, we also watched a local fisherman, night fishing.  This area is great for fishing Tarpon. Last time we were here, we saw a fisherman land 2 of them and release before I could get a photo.

Our favorite nighttime skyline

Saturday, 1/25/20 ~ to Key Largo ~ We woke 7 AM to light winds and mild temps. Anchor was up and we headed out. Pete wanted to go through Stiltsville, which is slightly longer than going through the Cape Florida Channel, past No Name Harbor.  As we headed south, we saw a dozen or so Man-o-War as well as some flat, round, grey jelly fish, which were about 6-8 inches in diameter and, Oh yes! and a turtle! Some large, pretty  power yachts were traveling in Hawk Channel. We would have liked to power sail, but we had the "noserlies!" (winds coming right on our nose) It was still a beautiful day to be on the water.

   

An unusually low day marker!

Stiltsville and the Miami Lighthouse

    Yesterday, Pete being concerned with the charging, called Key Largo Marina to see if they might have an opening, which they didn't. Then we remembered when we were here in 2011, the group of us walked over for an early dinner at Pilot House Restaurant, where there was an other marina. Pete found the information for Pilot House Marina, called and they could accommodate us.  It was really cool. There is a channel from Hawk Channel to Key Largo, but instead of baring right, we continued straight ahead into a narrow but very deep (15 feet) channel that runs along side homes, with  additional cuts in the coral for boat dockage. As we get to the end of the canal, which is about a 1/4 mile in, the canal opes into the marina.  It is a great hurricane hole.

View from our seats in the restaurant

     The restaurant is still there, looking the same.  When we registered for the marina, they told us to present our marina card to the server and we will receive 10% off of our dinner! Since we already had dinner reservations, it was great.  We had a good meal, and listened to a great band which performed until 10:30.  Though we were back on board by 8-ish, we were able to listen the their music until they wrapped thing up.

Our encounter this afternoon ~ YUCK!!!
         

     Once back at the boat, we decided since we wanted to top off the water tanks, we would also wash down the cockpit.  During our ride here, we were inundated with gnats.  If there was one, there was at least 5,000.  I kid you not!  Everything, including Pete and I, were covered with them. Bailey quickly disappeared down below.  I went down and tried shooing as many as possible out the door before putting up the screen.  I had to use the vacuum to get most of them from inside.  It took a good 30 minutes.  Unfortunately, there was no way to rid the cockpit of them until we turned into the wind.  By the way, we found another 100 or so coming out of hiding as we prepared for bed. YUCK!

Sunday, 1/26/20 ~  to Marathon Anchorage ~

   

Pilot House Marina & Restaurant

We were underway by 8:30.  As we travel down the chain of Keys, we seem to be able to do 8 to 9-hour days and cover the 50 to 60-mile distances between evening stops. It works pretty good as long as the weather cooperates.  Today it did!  We were able to put out the jib and motor sail all day.  The winds were 10-15 mph moving between coming from the NNW to the North and for a while from the NNE.  Thankfully, we were able get 2/10 to a full additional mile per hour push.  The waves started at 2 to 3 foot laying down to about a foot later in the day.   We were passed by a few sailboats.  SV ISLAND JULE  photographed PEKABU motor sailing. Both they and their buddy boat, SV RMANDO are heading to Marathon also.

Views as we left the marina this morning ~
        

This private compound sits on a peninsula at the entrance to the canal  ~ (with the warning posted above)~ House, pool with rocks and slides, dockage for "toys,"  Tiki bar and viewing gallery!
       

      Shortly before Marathon, Pete spotted 2 different pods of dolphins.  They apparently didn't like to be photographed.  All I could get was a splash. They were the only wildlife we saw today.

  As you can see it was quite nippy on the water today!
         
     We downed the sail and motored into Boot Key, stopping to fill the fuel tank and walk Bailey.  The harbor is crowded, but we were able to drop anchor in a small opening in the anchorage field.  Without wind we will be OK for the night, except when the tide changes and there is no wind.  All the boats drift into different directions.

        

     We have dockage at Marathon Marina for 2 nights.  We will rent a car and bring our car down from Riviera Beach to Key West, since we will be at Stock Island Marina on Saturday for the month.
     As the sun sets, all the boats (primarily sailboats) in the harbor have their anchor lights on.  It is like a field of stars. Tonight as the clouds disappear, the stars above joined in the show.  It is kind of magical!

This is the fish that hung
 around our boarding ladder
this morning.

Monday, 1/27/20 ~ Marathon Anchorage to Marathon Marina ~ We upped anchor around 9 AM, but soon found that checkout even at a marina is 11.  Pete spoke with John as we cruised the mooring field to pass time.  As he talked, I emailed other friends from CCYC, Debbie and Mike of SV RESOLVE. I was pretty sure they are still here in Marathon. Within minutes, they called and Yes, they are still here.  We made plans to meet mid-afternoon. We are all looking forward to it.
     Once in the dock, Pete went to the marina office to settle up.  He also asked the harbor master if it was possible to stay the rest of the week.  It turns out that we can.  I am pleased as the winds are supposed to be 20-25 mph on Thursday out of the West, which is the mouth of the anchorage / mooring field. It is not that we are concerned about anchoring in a blow, but we are concerned at the close quarters in the anchorage and the fact that live aboards here tend to use multiple anchors on short scope, which make it impossible to anticipate the boat position when the winds change directions.
     During the afternoon, we checked the forecast through the weekend is looking "interesting."  Saturday, when we are supposed to be heading to Stock Island, the winds are due to return. Not only will it be a rough ride, which Bailey will not like, but it might also mean that whoever is currently in our slip, might not be able to leave.  We will be watching the weather closely for the rest of the week.
     Debbie and Mike arrived around 3.  Bailey was so excited to see one of her favorite people. Debbie always has special treats for Bailey . . .and Bailey doesn't forget!  We visited aboard PEKABU.  Since it has been quite a while since we have seen them, it took quite a while to catch up.  We headed up to Lazy Days Restaurant here on the property. We had drinks and appetizers, (Tuna, fried calamari, jalapeno poppers, and potato skins) which were on sale for Happy Hour(3-6 PM).  We then ordered out Cheeseburger platters.  Everything was delicious and the company super.  Perhaps we will get together before we leave later this week.  Hope so.
     Debbie had to say goodbye and give Bailey her last treat before they journey home.  They are on the opposite side of the harbor, and with the no wake zone, it will take 30 minutes to get back to their boat. Hugs shared, they were on their way.
     I worked on the blog, hoping that I can get the past week posted soon.  I am caught up on the writing, I just need to process the photos.

Tuesday, 1/28/20 ~ Once again we were up with the sun. The car rental is reserved for 8:30.  We had time walk Bailey, eat breakfast before Pete was being picked up by Uber.  While he was gone I needed to straighten up and prep the stuff needed to take while we traveled with Bailey. Since it is 3.5 hours each way without traffic, that meant grabbing drinks for on the way, food and bowls and a sheet  with clips to protect the back seat for Bailey, as well as the GPS and phone chargers, etc. Oh yea, the keys for our car also!  We actually got about 4 miles down the road, when we realized Pete didn't have his computer.  Currently there are no issues to be addressed, so the day is free.  However, if he doesn't have the computer, it is guaranteed that someone will need info on the computer. Hence a slight delay in our plans.
     Traffic north was pretty normal for a weekday, though heavier than I anticipated.  It was past one when we split into the 2 cars.  We headed slightly north to North Lake Boulevard so that I could stop at the lab for more blood work.  Since it is with Lola's Seafood, of course we couldn't pass up the opportunity to share a lobster roll for lunch. Unfortunately, it also meant that traffic would be pretty normal for heading south. . . for commuter traffic!  Since our car still has temp registration plates and we don't want the rental's surcharges, we took 95 to the end in South Miami, with all it's traffic lights and retail lining many of the streets.  It added a full hour onto our travels.
     Pete spoke with Stock Island and we have permission to park the car down there since we will be there shortly. We were told to call the security guard and he will have the pass for parking.  He was very nice, but never received the call. He still gave us permission to park in the lot.  Then it was the hour drive back to Marathon.
     When we approach Big Pine Key, we needed to reduce our speed to 35 mph due to Key Deer activity at night. They are a 30-inch high deer that is only found in the lower Keys. The heard is comprised of about 800 deer. Knowing that Hurricane Irma devastated this area with a 6-foot storm surge, I have been curious as to their survival. I found an article that mentioned the loss of 24 deer during the storm,  It was much less that anticipated. They have survived for a couple of thousand years and weathered hurricanes before.
     We arrived back at Marathon Marina around 9:30 PM.  It was a long day, but a good used of a layover day.

Wednesday, 1/29/20 ~ We are watching the weather. Originally, tomorrow and Saturday are supposed to have wind events.  However, things are constantly changing. Right now Saturday is supposed to have winds 20-25 out of the west, which will be right on out nose.  It will be a very rough, wet, and very long ride. We are looking into the possibility of leaving on Friday.  We will continue to watch the forecast closely.
     Pete  returned the rental car at 9 this morning.  I exercisized, did some work onboard before checking in with Pete.  It was 10:30 and he still hadn't returned.  He was walking back from the airport where the rental company was.  It is 4.6 miles from there to here!  I have no idea why he opted to walk, I just met him as he came on board with a bottle of cold water and 3 Advil.  He is going to be a sore puppy.  His knees and hips won't like all that walking!
     Pete spent the of the retrned the day working.  I still find it a amaizing that Pete can still work while we cruise.  It is the best of both worlds!
     After exercising, I worked in the cockpit, continuing to make the daily drafts for the blog.  However the sunlight was much too bright to work on the photos.  I had to give into the headache and crash in a darker place for a while. Thankfully, it helped.

Thursday, 1/30/20 ~ Pete started work earlier than usual as there was additional prep work that was needed for the 9 AM conference call. He and George worked non stop until 5:30.
     After visiting for quite a while with my sister, Steph, via phone this morning, I was determined to get the blog posted and up to date. The daily entries are almost up to date, but the photos need to be processed.  Since Pete was using the table, I used the forward bunk, which is up to my waist so I can stand and work on the computer without outside glare. I am almost done.
     I talked with Dave, MY LEELOO, our slip neighbor to our port side and he agreed for Kate and he would join us around 5:30 for hors d'oeuvres.  A little while later, I was able to catch Wayne, SV MEMENTO VIVERE, our neighbor on our starboard.  Wayne said he will check with Suzanne.
    We gathered aboard PEKABU for some yummy nibblers and great conversation with wonderful, new friends.  Both couples are planning to explore the Bahamas.  We shared some of our experiences. Wayne and Suzanne plan to explore the Chesapeake this summer. We told them to definately call when they get to our neck of the Bay. Conversations covered more than just boating. We didn't realize that we had talked for over 3 hours.  What a great evening!
     Earlier in the day, after assessing the weather, Pete spoke with Stock Island and we have dockage for tomorrow, a day earlier than our contract. He also notified the harbor master here at Marathon Marina, that we would be leaving on Friday. Currently it looks that winds will be 25-30 on Saturday.  Definately not a good day to travel. So we will be up and out tomorrow by 8:00.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~    P & K