Saturday, 3/1/25 ~ Early this morning, Mike and the new owner of SV ELAN headed north on a familiarization/delivery cruise. SV ELAN will reside in St. Augustine, on the owner's home dock. Barb took the car and the last of the items to be removed from the boat, up to their rental condo in Melbourne. Mike, Barb and Tate will stay until the end of April, then head home. They are looking for somewhere to winter close to here. I hope they find something really nice.
Tillie was not thrilled with being groomed today. She was much more intolerant having her face groomed. Pete used the 1/4 inch instead of the 3/8-inch guard on the shearers. It made a big difference and she looks great!
Lots of artisans
Chesapeake Jewelers' tent drew a lot of interest.
Melissa and Mike had a great weekend!
Interesting old fire truck
A great time was had by all, especially the seniors who will receive the scholarships!
Monday, 3/3/25 ~ Myrtle Beach is fighting a large wildfire, that exploded earlier yesterday from a person who went against the "no burning" rule, which is a red flag warning in place due to an extremely dry winter. The photos below were posted on Facebook showing plans getting water from the ICW to fight the blaze. Radio chatter in that area must have been interesting.
ICW Myrtle Beach, SC
February 19th - March 3, 2025 was the final and most watched voyage of the historic SS UNITED STATES. We grew up seeing her docking in New York City at the west side cruise line docks. Pete has always commented on her distinctive profile with exhaust stacks at an angle and the fact that she holds the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing, averaging 35.59 knots (40.96 mph) east bound in approximately 3 days, 10 hours and 40 minutes. During the speed trials, the ship reached 38.32 knots (44 mph)! Normal operational speed was maintained at 30-32 knots (35-37 mph) during the 5-day cruise.
Info from Wikipedia:
SS United States is a retired American ocean liner that was built during 1950 and 1951 for United States Lines. She is the largest ocean liner to be entirely constructed in the United States and the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic Ocean in either direction, earning the Blue Riband for the highest average speed since her maiden voyage in 1952, a title that remains uncontested.
The ship was designed by American naval architect William Francis Gibbs and could have been converted into a troopship if required by the United States Navy in time of war. The ship served as an icon for the nation, transporting celebrities and immigrants throughout her career between 1952 and 1969. Her design included innovations in steam propulsion, hull form, fire safety, and damage control. Despite her record speed, passenger counts declined in the mid-1960s due to the rise in jet-propelled trans-Atlantic flights.
True to form, the SS United States arrived in Mobile, Alabama after an approximately 1,800-mile tow from her berth in Philadelphia. The iconic national symbol and last surviving American ocean liner will now undergo preparations for her deployment as the “World’s Largest Artificial Reef” off Florida’s Gulf Coast near Destin-Fort Walton Beach. She will be the first artificial reef to be paired with a unique shoreside museum and visitor’s center, which will be the Conservancy's central mission moving forward. Conservancy President Susan Gibbs offered the following statement on the historic 401st voyage of the world’s fastest ocean liner:
“In the spirit of her record-breaking history, America’s Flagship concluded her journey from Philadelphia to Mobile faster than anticipated. As she moved through the waves for the first time in 28 years, countless onlookers and admirers along the country’s eastern seaboard were inspired by her majesty and beauty."
SS United States is a retired American ocean liner that was built during 1950 and 1951 for United States Lines. She is the largest ocean liner to be entirely constructed in the United States and the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic Ocean in either direction, earning the Blue Riband for the highest average speed since her maiden voyage in 1952, a title that remains uncontested.
The ship was designed by American naval architect William Francis Gibbs and could have been converted into a troopship if required by the United States Navy in time of war. The ship served as an icon for the nation, transporting celebrities and immigrants throughout her career between 1952 and 1969. Her design included innovations in steam propulsion, hull form, fire safety, and damage control. Despite her record speed, passenger counts declined in the mid-1960s due to the rise in jet-propelled trans-Atlantic flights.
True to form, the SS United States arrived in Mobile, Alabama after an approximately 1,800-mile tow from her berth in Philadelphia. The iconic national symbol and last surviving American ocean liner will now undergo preparations for her deployment as the “World’s Largest Artificial Reef” off Florida’s Gulf Coast near Destin-Fort Walton Beach. She will be the first artificial reef to be paired with a unique shoreside museum and visitor’s center, which will be the Conservancy's central mission moving forward. Conservancy President Susan Gibbs offered the following statement on the historic 401st voyage of the world’s fastest ocean liner:
“In the spirit of her record-breaking history, America’s Flagship concluded her journey from Philadelphia to Mobile faster than anticipated. As she moved through the waves for the first time in 28 years, countless onlookers and admirers along the country’s eastern seaboard were inspired by her majesty and beauty."
Learn more at https://www.ssusc.org/museum-and-visitor-experience-plans
We made a decision based on the setback of not getting the new engine in a timely manner. Then, not being able to have it installed by the end of the month forced us to think outside the box. Pete ordered a Mercury 20-hp outboard engine with a long shaft and larger, 4- blade prop. It will be mounted on the sugar-spoon and should get us home nicely.
We arranged a last-of-the-season dinner. Rick, Elisha, Charlie, Melissa, Mike, Submarine Dave, Pete and I headed over to Cobb’s for dinner and an enjoyable night of music, courtesy of Dave & Paddy. We had to sit inside due to the winds. Dave and Diane could not make it as Coco was still under the weather.
Paddy and Dave, Kathy, Melissa and Elisha
Mike, Charlie, Dave and Pete, Elisha & Charlie and Mike & Melissa dancing,
and Paddy, the Fiddle King, jamming with Dave.
I did get a chance to catch up with Randy, one of the dock hands. The beautiful and friendly marina cat, Sheba, has apparently decided to get away from the water and has been seen a block west enjoying Pierced Cider Works. She went for a swim at least twice that I know of.
Thursday, 3/6/25 ~ It’s another beautiful day. Clear skies, low humidity, temps in the low 70’s and breezes out of the WNW at 10-15. Tillie and I had a nice walk around River Front Park.
Elon Musk's Starship 10 experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly for 2nd time. It had launched from the Starbase in Texas. The debris field caused a spectacular site over the Bahamas and rerouting of air traffic in the area.
The heavens is also presenting a spectacular showing of 7 planets aligning up in the eastern sky just after sunset.
Friday, 3/7/25 ~ The ladies from I-Dock, Barb, Diane, Elisha, Melissa, and I joined Bambi and Nan for lunch at Cobb's to remember Sue Ann.
Ruth, Bambi, Diane, Melissa, Kathy & Elisha Mike, Nan and Charlie
The outboard engine arrived at West Marine, weighing 116 lbs. Mike and Dave helped get in down the stairs to the dock.
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| Dolphins! Great welcoming party! |
We once again had a very low tide. Not only did we have to climb up from the boat to the dock, but looking over at the creek, it was so easy to see the bottom. Apparently, something lives below the mud. It periodically releases air causing bubbles to reach for the surface.
Sailboat sitting on the bottom, no water under the mural, and an island emerging.
Meer inches to the bottom and bubbles from below.
Thursday, 3/13/25 ~ Howie joined us for lunch at Cobb’s. The home inspection for the house sale was today.
I should have set an alarm for 3 to see the full eclipse of the moon and its orange color, but was too tired and not sure the clouds would cooperate.
Sunday, 3/16/25 ~ We awoke to the fog. It didn't take long to dissipate.
I should have set an alarm for 3 to see the full eclipse of the moon and its orange color, but was too tired and not sure the clouds would cooperate.
Pete assembled the outboard motor shifter only to find wrong cable and missing part. Frustrated, he returned it to Amazon and will find a local dealer.
Tuesday, 3/18/25 ~ Pete spent 2-hours on the toggle pin removal for prop on outboard. Putting the new, larger bladed prop was so much easier.
Wednesday, 3/19/25 ~ Pete and I went to my Neuro appointment in West Palm Beach. Doctor changed my migraine meds again. One the way back we stopped at Marine Parts Outlet in Stuart. Pete was able to order the cables he needs and to order correct Mercury shifter for outboard. They should be in within 5 days.
The water pump died as I completed my shower. This didn’t help Pete’s frustration with everything boat.
Thursday, 3/20/25 ~ First thing in the morning, and as soon as they open, Pete was at West Marine to pick up a new water pump. This one is slightly stronger and will pump better than the old one. Now I’ll be able to wash my hair, YEA! The installation went surprisingly quickly and well.
I headed over to Marilyn‘s to sew up the modifications I made on the canvas connector. I was fortunate. She has a Sailrite machine, which she had offered to let me use. Unfortunately, it was having some issues today. It didn’t want to pick up the bobbin and thread. As much as we tried, we were not able to resolve the issue. Thankfully, she has a beautiful industrial machine for fine sewing. It had no problem with the double thickness of canvas. The only issue I had was with the thread splitting a couple of times. I decided not to double stitch anything so that it will hold until we get home and then I can do the secondary stitching when I wash and treat the canvas this summer.
I had no problem putting the connector up. It looked beautiful. Unfortunately, it changed the geometry, and we couldn’t zipper of the side to the dodger. With the exception of the one zipper, all the other stitches had to be removed. I will go back to clamping until we get home and see what I can do then. Boo-hoo!
Friday, 3/21/25 ~ Melissa and Mike are in final preparation for leaving on Saturday. I-Dock feels kind of sad. By next weekend Alicia, Charlie, Pete and I will be gone. The following week Dave, Dianne and Coco head home. That will leave submarine Dave here on the dock.
I cleaned out the cubbies and storage under the starboard seats. This gave me a great chance to inventory for grocery shopping. It also helped me to verify that there was no water damage or water that infiltrated the boat. Luckily there was none.
We were both in the mood for comfort food so tonight I made Spanish rice and beans with chicken and sausage and it was oh, so yummy. We also have enough for three more meals while we’re on the way heading north. Yay!
Midafternoon, Elisha asked us ladies to join her on the dock. She presented us with her homemade, crocheted teddy bears that are soft and so adorable. Now we just have to keep them away from our dogs who think that there might be a treat for them. No way!
Saturday, 3/22/25 ~ We were up early to insure we said our goodbyes to Mike and Melissa. They were on the road by about 9:30. Next stop for them will be Florence, North Carolina. Tomorrow they’ll continue on to Seaford, DE.
Tuesday, 3/18/25 ~ Pete spent 2-hours on the toggle pin removal for prop on outboard. Putting the new, larger bladed prop was so much easier.
Wednesday, 3/19/25 ~ Pete and I went to my Neuro appointment in West Palm Beach. Doctor changed my migraine meds again. One the way back we stopped at Marine Parts Outlet in Stuart. Pete was able to order the cables he needs and to order correct Mercury shifter for outboard. They should be in within 5 days.
The water pump died as I completed my shower. This didn’t help Pete’s frustration with everything boat.
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| Water pump replaced |
I headed over to Marilyn‘s to sew up the modifications I made on the canvas connector. I was fortunate. She has a Sailrite machine, which she had offered to let me use. Unfortunately, it was having some issues today. It didn’t want to pick up the bobbin and thread. As much as we tried, we were not able to resolve the issue. Thankfully, she has a beautiful industrial machine for fine sewing. It had no problem with the double thickness of canvas. The only issue I had was with the thread splitting a couple of times. I decided not to double stitch anything so that it will hold until we get home and then I can do the secondary stitching when I wash and treat the canvas this summer.
I had no problem putting the connector up. It looked beautiful. Unfortunately, it changed the geometry, and we couldn’t zipper of the side to the dodger. With the exception of the one zipper, all the other stitches had to be removed. I will go back to clamping until we get home and see what I can do then. Boo-hoo!
 |
| Melissa, Kathy, Elisha & Diane with our bears |
I cleaned out the cubbies and storage under the starboard seats. This gave me a great chance to inventory for grocery shopping. It also helped me to verify that there was no water damage or water that infiltrated the boat. Luckily there was none.
We were both in the mood for comfort food so tonight I made Spanish rice and beans with chicken and sausage and it was oh, so yummy. We also have enough for three more meals while we’re on the way heading north. Yay!
Midafternoon, Elisha asked us ladies to join her on the dock. She presented us with her homemade, crocheted teddy bears that are soft and so adorable. Now we just have to keep them away from our dogs who think that there might be a treat for them. No way!
Saturday, 3/22/25 ~ We were up early to insure we said our goodbyes to Mike and Melissa. They were on the road by about 9:30. Next stop for them will be Florence, North Carolina. Tomorrow they’ll continue on to Seaford, DE.
Second Wind 5k racers this morning around 8 am.
Last visit to the Farmer's Market for the season.
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| MV GADABOUT |
While perusing Facebook this morning, I saw friends featured at Fernandina Beach Marina. Ann and Suzie, MV GADABOUT have begun their Great Loop adventure.
We spent the afternoon emptying out the lazarette so either tomorrow or Monday, Pete could check the clearance in the sugar spoon. We will be installing the plate to mount the outboard engine. By Monday, the part should also be in for the remote gear shift and throttle.
Tuesday, 3/26/25 ~ I had my cardiac check-up appointment in Miami. Doctor was pleased. He will see me in the fall.
Conversation covered numerous topics and landed on car wraps. I wondered if the registration needs to be amended to cover the new color from the wrap. I also brought up a Mercedes G63 that was wrapped in an iridescent white. Shortly after we were passed by a Tessler Cyber Truck enveloped in that particular wrap!
We spent the afternoon emptying out the lazarette so either tomorrow or Monday, Pete could check the clearance in the sugar spoon. We will be installing the plate to mount the outboard engine. By Monday, the part should also be in for the remote gear shift and throttle.
Tuesday, 3/26/25 ~ I had my cardiac check-up appointment in Miami. Doctor was pleased. He will see me in the fall.
We made great time traveling time south to the appointment. Homeward bound traffic was compounded by heavy, intermittent storms.
About 45 minutes from the marina, Tillie needed a break, so we pulled off of 95 onto a road with no area to pull off. Pete found a road that advertised a wholesale orchard with tape covering “public access.” As Pete was walking Tillie, a Rolls Royce with tinted rear windows, turned onto the road. Pete quickly returned to the car where we both commented on the 2 men in the front seats, who studied us intently. We both were uncomfortable and commented on the fact that it sight brought to mind a cartoon with 2 huge gorillas riding in front as protection for the mafia boss. 
Once the storms blew out
Friday, 3/28/25 ~ The part FINALLY came in, after being lost for a few days. Pete has already sealed the wood backing, measured multiple times, drilled the holes in the jack plate, the backing wood for the interior of the transom and transom itself. He found the bolts were too short and went to West Marine for the longest bolts he could find. Fingers crossed! Tomorrow, we should be done.
Saturday, 3/29/25 ~ We headed over The Sunrise Café for a great, final breakfast here in Ft. Pierce. Once back, Pete prepped and started to install the remote to the outboard. After about 90 minutes, Pete was not only frustrated, but also angry. He asked the Mercury customer service as well as the Marine Parts Outlet store salesman when he ordered the kit: “Are there any other parts & pieces needed for the installation?” Both said “no”. They lied! There is an additional adapter kit that is needed. There is no way we can order the kit and still leave on Tuesday. Pete once again dove into the internet. The kit is very complicated to install. We would have to find someone to have it AND install it on Monday. After more internet searching, Pete feels he has a viable workaround. Parts were ordered from Amazon should be here on Monday.
Before coming down into the air conditioning, Pete started filling the water tanks. About a half hour later, we heard loud voices on the dock. When they continued, I found both Officer Dave and Dave trying to tell us the hose for the water tank is sinking the dinghy! After repositioning the hose, I had to climb down to bail her out.
Sunday, 3/30/25 ~ Pete’s plan for today was to finish the installation of the outboard engine. He rolled the engine, which was sitting on a jack stand to the main part of the dock, where it is close to the transom. Rather than try to lift the 116-lb. engine off of the stand, he laid it down and we rotated it off. Under the engine hood is a lifting ring. He attached one of the dinghy davit lines to lower it onto the stand. I helped Dave lower the line while Pete guided the engine onto the mount. He had prepped some shins to level the engine. I am happy to report at least this worked as planned!
Oh what fun!
The chaos, the aches, the frustrations. . . and the success!
Thinking all was ok, I headed out to pick up the extenders Georgia made for the enclosure on my request from her workshop on 2nd Avenue. Then I continued on to do our heavy provisioning for the cruise north.
While I was out, Pete, Officer Dave and Dave from next door, pow-wowed about the position of the engine. As it sits now, it isn’t deep enough into the water and it can’t be securely tightened. The plate, in the upright position, has it too close to the transom step. SO… another trip to Home Depot for longer bolts and wood. The jack plate was removed and was inverted with blocks in between the plate and the transom. This will allow for the depth and clearance that is needed.
I was waiting in line to check out at Walmart’s when the heavens opened up. The predicted storms had begun. I got lucky to catch breaks in the rain, which allowed me to get to the car, load, drive back to the marina, help Pete unload the car and almost make it back to the boat before the next storm rolled in. I had a loaded canvas bag over each shoulder and my backpack on. As I stepped across from the dock to the boat, the wind pushed it slightly further away. Between the increased distance and the rain, my foot slipped on the side rail and I began to fall backwards off the boat. Somehow, I managed to hold onto the Bimini support. Pete helped me up, but items escaped from my bags. Pete was especially concerned as something also escaped & drowned from my purse. We were very relieved when we saw my phone and wallet were still in the purse. I will be sore and probably sporting some colorful bruises by tomorrow. All things considered, I felt pretty good.
I inventoried my purchases to assess out what I was missing, then put everything away. Oh yea, The thing that exited my purse was the bag with the extenders to secure the enclosure. There were also about 4 cans that are now at the bottom of our slip.
Pete continued on the modifications with Dave’s help, but he broke to walk Tillie around 4:30 as he wanted me to chill. Once back, he continued working until 7:30 pm.
As we were heading up for the last walk and bathroom stop of the evening, I experienced some chest pain. Nitro took care of it, but my pulse was irregular. So, Pete and I headed to Port Saint Lucie Hospital. They admitted, punctured, tested, probed, x-rayed, starved, then fed me delicious food. During it all they treated me extremely well.
After being proclaimed well, they sent me home on Friday, 4/3/25. I was tired and very sore, especially in my shoulders. I also made a follow-up appointment with my cardiologist for next Thursday. This little escapade was definitely not in our plans! our plans for departure are on hold until the cardiologist gives us an OK. We were scheduled to leave on Tuesday, 4/1/25. Now we are looking at a 10-day delay, and that is if everything goes well.
Once back, Diane said numerous, strong thunderstorms passed through the marina. The worst of the rains happened as we were arrived back at the marina.
Once the storms blew out
Friday, 3/28/25 ~ The part FINALLY came in, after being lost for a few days. Pete has already sealed the wood backing, measured multiple times, drilled the holes in the jack plate, the backing wood for the interior of the transom and transom itself. He found the bolts were too short and went to West Marine for the longest bolts he could find. Fingers crossed! Tomorrow, we should be done.
Saturday, 3/29/25 ~ We headed over The Sunrise Café for a great, final breakfast here in Ft. Pierce. Once back, Pete prepped and started to install the remote to the outboard. After about 90 minutes, Pete was not only frustrated, but also angry. He asked the Mercury customer service as well as the Marine Parts Outlet store salesman when he ordered the kit: “Are there any other parts & pieces needed for the installation?” Both said “no”. They lied! There is an additional adapter kit that is needed. There is no way we can order the kit and still leave on Tuesday. Pete once again dove into the internet. The kit is very complicated to install. We would have to find someone to have it AND install it on Monday. After more internet searching, Pete feels he has a viable workaround. Parts were ordered from Amazon should be here on Monday.
Before coming down into the air conditioning, Pete started filling the water tanks. About a half hour later, we heard loud voices on the dock. When they continued, I found both Officer Dave and Dave trying to tell us the hose for the water tank is sinking the dinghy! After repositioning the hose, I had to climb down to bail her out.
Sunday, 3/30/25 ~ Pete’s plan for today was to finish the installation of the outboard engine. He rolled the engine, which was sitting on a jack stand to the main part of the dock, where it is close to the transom. Rather than try to lift the 116-lb. engine off of the stand, he laid it down and we rotated it off. Under the engine hood is a lifting ring. He attached one of the dinghy davit lines to lower it onto the stand. I helped Dave lower the line while Pete guided the engine onto the mount. He had prepped some shins to level the engine. I am happy to report at least this worked as planned!
The chaos, the aches, the frustrations. . . and the success!
Thinking all was ok, I headed out to pick up the extenders Georgia made for the enclosure on my request from her workshop on 2nd Avenue. Then I continued on to do our heavy provisioning for the cruise north.
While I was out, Pete, Officer Dave and Dave from next door, pow-wowed about the position of the engine. As it sits now, it isn’t deep enough into the water and it can’t be securely tightened. The plate, in the upright position, has it too close to the transom step. SO… another trip to Home Depot for longer bolts and wood. The jack plate was removed and was inverted with blocks in between the plate and the transom. This will allow for the depth and clearance that is needed.
I was waiting in line to check out at Walmart’s when the heavens opened up. The predicted storms had begun. I got lucky to catch breaks in the rain, which allowed me to get to the car, load, drive back to the marina, help Pete unload the car and almost make it back to the boat before the next storm rolled in. I had a loaded canvas bag over each shoulder and my backpack on. As I stepped across from the dock to the boat, the wind pushed it slightly further away. Between the increased distance and the rain, my foot slipped on the side rail and I began to fall backwards off the boat. Somehow, I managed to hold onto the Bimini support. Pete helped me up, but items escaped from my bags. Pete was especially concerned as something also escaped & drowned from my purse. We were very relieved when we saw my phone and wallet were still in the purse. I will be sore and probably sporting some colorful bruises by tomorrow. All things considered, I felt pretty good.
I inventoried my purchases to assess out what I was missing, then put everything away. Oh yea, The thing that exited my purse was the bag with the extenders to secure the enclosure. There were also about 4 cans that are now at the bottom of our slip.
Pete continued on the modifications with Dave’s help, but he broke to walk Tillie around 4:30 as he wanted me to chill. Once back, he continued working until 7:30 pm.
As we were heading up for the last walk and bathroom stop of the evening, I experienced some chest pain. Nitro took care of it, but my pulse was irregular. So, Pete and I headed to Port Saint Lucie Hospital. They admitted, punctured, tested, probed, x-rayed, starved, then fed me delicious food. During it all they treated me extremely well.
After being proclaimed well, they sent me home on Friday, 4/3/25. I was tired and very sore, especially in my shoulders. I also made a follow-up appointment with my cardiologist for next Thursday. This little escapade was definitely not in our plans! our plans for departure are on hold until the cardiologist gives us an OK. We were scheduled to leave on Tuesday, 4/1/25. Now we are looking at a 10-day delay, and that is if everything goes well.
It is a mystery, an adventure and a boat. What could possibly go wrong?!
~ ~ ~ / ~ ~ K & P
~ ~ ~ / ~ ~ K & P
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