To Key Largo ~

Monday, 3/16/20 ~ It is easy to forget that Florida is further west than Maryland, and then The Keys extend further westward from below Key Largo.  That results in the sun rises later than back in the Mid-Atlantic – meaning that it is dark longer in the mornings and lighter longer in the evenings. Hence, the sunrise won’t occur until about 7:30. It also means that we forget that easterly winds are not our friend when traveling up the Key’s coastline. Today, they will be from that direction at about 15-20 mph.  . . .wonderful! (said with a lower, depressed voice.

Sunrise ~

         

     By 7, the skies were lightening. We had already quietly coiled the electrical cords, undone the lines, and pushed out from the dock without noise.  Once clear, Pete started the engine and we headed out.  We watched the sunrise once in Hawk Channel.  Just like Saturday, it was a slow, bumpy ride for most of day.

     Bailey had her medication shortly before departure and after an hour pacing and panting, I petted her for another hour until the medication finally settled in.  We also secured her to the pad eye by the companion way to make sure she did not roam and re-aggravate the hips.  It took a while before she realized she only had about 3 feet of area to move around in.  Soon, she settled down and relaxed.

     Pete worked for some of the day and had another conference call.

     Thankfully, the winds lightened to around 10 so we made up a little time, but today’s trip still took 10.5 hours.  Again, we called ahead for a slip assignment as we were arriving after hours. In the protected harbor we had not problems docking. We’ll square up with them in the morning.

     After dinner we watched a little TV and just chilled. Tomorrow will be another long day.

Tuesday, 3/17/20 ~ After walking the dog, Pete walked the 30 minutes to Enterprise. Most of their cars had come in after hours, none had been cleaned. Pete said he didn’t mind a non-detailed car, so they gave him a $10 discount. While he was gone, I got things together for the long day.  I vacuumed the dog’s seat protector, grabbed drinks and snacks, made up bagels for breakfast and grabbed the electronics bag, prepped the cockpit for travel.  I was ready when Pete returned.  As he paid the bill, I set up the dog’s seat protector and moved what we needed to the car.  We were on the road by 9 am.

Some Big Boys arrived in Stock Island ~ And Yup! MV READ HEAD and the Siegels are also here ~

                   First, we headed to Key West to retrieve our car. While at the marina, I picked up the slip to retrieve Bailey’s meds at the Post Office.  Apparently, they could not deliver it until they collected the 50 cents postage due. OK, so we head downtown to the main post office.  Thankfully, pickup and payment were no problem.  We were supposed to go for my next blood test, but I realized when taking my meds this morning, I never took the ones last night.  That definitely will affect my results so I will redo the test next week.  We grabbed a quick bit before leaving Key West then headed with both cars to West Palm Beach.  This way I will be able to do the blood work and get the echo cardiogram done once we arrive at Riviera Beach Marina next week. That is where we will leave the car as we continue north.  We will later shuttle it up to St. Augustine, to Charleston, and then to Maryland.

     Checking Facebook before leaving Key West, we learned that all the bars will close at 5 PM tonight, on St. Paddy’s Day!  Things are getting more intense.  I am glad we are moving the car today.  Unfortunately, we are also reading that some of the marinas are also closing.  Ft. Pierce is one of them.  We will have to be extra vigilant in our days’ travels and check with the marina’s for fuel and water availability.

     Once in West Palm, we refilled both cars before leaving ours at the marina around 4:30.  We stopped at Wawa’s for sandwiches for dinner and continued on down the road.

     It seemed as if many of the crazies were out on the road.  We were passed by a number of cars doing close to 90 mph and one that was doing 110 easily!  Of course, there are also the once that feel the need to slalom.  One tried to come between us and a truck by creating its own new lane between us.  Both Pete and he were able to spread apart to avoid the crazy one and his excessive speed.

     We got back around 9, chilled for about 45 minutes, walked dog and hit the showers!

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K

To Marathon and Beginning Our Return Journey North ~

Saturday, 3/14/19 ~  Last minute preps, dog walked, lines retrieved and we were away from the dock by 7:45.  As we emerged from the slip, there was a 20’ run-about with 7 on board, but the captain’s head was towards her guests and never saw us.  She promptly increased her speed when I yelled “boat!” There seems to be quite a few boaters who forget to look, be it in the marina or on the open water.  We have come across 6 or 7 this trip.

     Once clear of the marina, the winds were as predicted, out of the east at 15-20 mph with higher gusts.  Great sailing weather providing you are going in another direction.  We were headed east all day.  That meant all day long, we were dealing with the “noserlies” and beating into the 2 to 3-foot waves. That also meant that we were only making 4.3-5 mph.  As a result, the 8-hour ride became a 10-hour ride. At one point, Pete noticed that the engine temp had climbed a bit and the engine sounded like it was straining.  Since there is a possibility that we might have picked up something on the prop or in the sea chest, Pete came to a stop and then reversed. That seemed to help.  He also decided to try going the opposite direction to make sure that we were cruising at the right RPMs since it was readjusted. Yep, there must have been something around the prop, because the temp returned to normal and the engine sounded right.  And, yes, we were at cruising speed, but we were hindered by those damn “noserlies!

Shades of blue

Hawksbill courtesy of the internet

     Pete thinks he saw 3-4 loggerhead turtles today. One definitely - it was right by the boat before it dove.  I spotted a much lighter greenish large turtle on the surface. Pete saw it also. After checking online, we had spotted a rarely seen Hawksbill turtle! 

     We pulled up to Marathon Marina at 5:30. Pete had called the dock master earlier for a dock assignment knowing that we would arrive after closing.  To our surprise, one of the dock hands was waiting at the end of the finger pier to help us in.  Our neighbor to the port, Rob, also caught some lines and even at low tide, we were still had 10 inches below our 5.5-ft keel. 

     Bailey has become more anxious about travel.  In the car she is constantly on alert, never sleeping.  Unfortunately, in any sea, she simply pants and can’t find a place to settle.  We were able to get anti-anxiety prescription for her and we gave it as we departed.  Unfortunately, it takes a while to work.  She panted for hours and kept jumping onto the seats or lying on the floor and then, after about 10 minutes, up to find another spot.  This went on for hours, but thankfully, the panting stopped after the first few hours. Remember. I mentioned coming in at low tide.  Well, with docking at one of the fixed docks, there was a good 2+ foot jump from our deck up to the dock.  Bailey was so sore, her hind quarters were barely supporting her.  We had to lift her up to the dock.  Her walk with Pete was slow and stiff.  Thankfully, the walking helped to loosen thing a bit.  She was able to get herself onto the boat. After a quick dinner and watching the sunset from our aft, we spoke for quite a while with our starboard neighbors, Rick and Melissa, MV SOUTHERN LATTITUDE.  We definitely missed this in Key West!

Sunset from our "porch"

     As we caught up on Facebook, we found that Key West has closed Mallory Square.  Today was the last day that cruise ships were to be in port as all cruise lines have suspended service due to the Corona virus-19. Pete also expressed his concern for possible closure of all The Keys due to the virus.  We made plans to retrieve the car when we get to Key Largo.  To insure that we have dockage, Pete made reservations for Monday at Pilot House Marina, in Key Largo for 2 nights and immediately reserved a car for Tuesday. 

     Things are getting unnerving.  My brother, Wayne in Milan has been house bound for 2 weeks; Italy has completely shut down.  They are only permitted to go outside to walk the dog or to go to the food market or pharmacy. Many other nations are following suit.  Here in the US, schools have closed, colleges and universities are closed, with courses are held on-line.  Businesses are closing or having their staff work from home. Heather starts this new reality from home on Monday. The affected patients increase exponentially as unfortunately the deaths do also. It feels like a scary movie or book, but unfortunately this pandemic is very real.  Thankfully, our family and friends are currently well.

Sunday, 3/15/20 ~ After breakfast, Pete started prep work for tomorrow’s conference calls, while I headed up above to catch up on the blog.  Instead of working on the computer, I spoke with our neighbors, helped a sailboat into the dock after it had been towed into the marina with engine problems, and was visited by Ed from MV SERENITY. Since I mentioned our route north, he wanted to confirm some of the information with the charts. Pete came up to help. Since they are heading up to Connecticut with plans to come up The Bay, we promised to stay in touch.

Catching some rays

     Once Pete was done with work, we partially emptied the back cabin so he could check the sea chest.  Sure enough, there was some debris inside the strainer, but not much.  Now it is clean and things put back in their place.

Cool Marathon Mailbox

     We walked over to Castaways Waterfront and Sushi Bar to meet for the last time with Mike and Deb, SV RESOLVE. We had a great lunch and still plenty to talk about.  Tomorrow they begin their cruise up Florida’s western coastline, then back to Vero Beach while we head up the eastern shore. After “linner” we all got into the dinghy so they could drop us off at our marina.  It is only a 5-minute direct dinghy ride, but a roundabout 20-minute walk. As always, it is hard to say good-byes knowing it will be a while before we see them again.

Visitors to our boat ~

   

     Once back we were content to read and enjoy the water and sunset.

     It was an early night as we have to be up by 6:30 am to be gone by first light. It will probably be a repeat of Saturday, with more miles to cover.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K

Key West ~ The Final Week Six

Saturday, 3/7/20 ~ We enjoyed sitting above, reading and talking with the family from Montreal who are currently aboard the Air BnB.  Bailey is especially fond of the dad. Heading back from her walks, she will beeline to the catamaran and wait, with tail going a frantically, until she is noticed and he comes off the boat to say “hi.”

Navy jets ripping the air
And maneuvers in the clouds

        

     Around 7 pm tonight, the Navy launched its flight squadron.  They were circling the airfield at different circumferences and heights.  It was quite eerie with the noise from the jets, and their lights fading in and out as they passed through the intermittent clouds, which were back lit by the full moon. For some reason, it made me think of War of the Worlds. Thankfully, the exercise was over by 8:30.

Sunday, 3/8/20 ~ We decided to take a ride.  Called Debbie and Mike, SV RESLOVE, to see if they were free to grab a bite to eat.  It was definitely a pretty day to take a ride up the Keys.  We met them at the Florida Keys’ Steak and Lobster Restaurant.  Since it was “Linner,” we had dinner while they opted for appetizers. Pete really enjoyed his Phili Cheese Steak while I had a super Bacon Cheeseburger.

     Once back we enjoyed reading and watching the sunset.

The Fishing Fleet

Monday, 3/9/20 ~ While Pete was walking Bailey this morning, he met a local diver who is cleaning boat bottoms on our dock.  He agreed to include ours. There was some bio growth, but the new ablative paint is harder than the one we have used in the past and has deterred growth.  There was only a little erosion on the zinc, but it was uneven.  It would have degraded much more quickly being pitted, etc. so Pete asked him to replace it with our new one.

     Pete continues to be very busy with work.  I did a quick vacuum while he ran an errand, but read up above once he returned.

Tuesday, 3/10/20 ~ Most of the news for the past month has been centered the CoVID-19 virus. It has exploded from a few hundred cases in China to thousands around the world. With its higher than flu death rate in the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, it was classified today by the World Health Organization as a Pandemic. Extraordinary steps are being taken by governments around the world, including quarantining entire countries. People are worried and have begun to empty shelves in grocery stores.

     After exercising, in preparation of beginning our trip north this weekend, I organized, and inventoried our provisions.  I also made up a substantial grocery list. We just want to be prepared if we cannot get into towns from any marina or anchorage for additional provisions on the way home. Hopefully, I will be able to get most of what is on my list. 

     Pete was able break from work to purchase and do an oil change.  Unfortunately, he ran out of time to drop off the used oil.

Wednesday, 3/11/20 ~ Pete was able to put in 2 and a half hours before our 10 am departure, when we headed up to my appointment in Miami.  We were an over an hour on the road, when the office called to say that the echo cardiogram tech is sick so it will need to be postponed, again!  However, the doctor can still see me if I wish.  We decided to continue. 

     Somehow, we got off the Florida Turnpike and on to local roads.  Unfortunately, 3 separate areas were crawling due to road construction. The 3-hour trip actually took 5 with all the delays. We made it with only 10 minutes to spare.  Pete had to take a conference call, so he waited in the parking garage, while I went in. It was a worthwhile appointment for reassessment. Since the tech is in every Wednesday afternoon, I can call, even the same day, to come in to have it done. The doctor will call with the results; hopefully, I will be able to stop the Warfarin.  I am dying to have a big salad!  We will probably wait 2 weeks, to allow time to get to West Palm Beach and retrieve the car.  In the meantime, I will have to find a lab for testing while in transit.

     We thankfully, didn’t have much traffic on the way home.  We did enjoy watching the sunset over the keys. 

Sunset over Seven Mile Bridge with determined scrub that has taken root on the original bridge ~

        

     Bailey did just fine while we were away, but she always protests us leaving her by “re-arranging” her bed and some of the area rugs.  This time it was no different.

Thursday, 3/12/20 ~ While Pete worked, I cleaned inside the boat.  For as long as I can remember, I drive Pete a little bit crazy. I have this compulsion that when we travel, the boat/house needs to be clean and in order. Since it makes me feel better, after 45 years together, he doesn’t comment. I also defrosted and inventoried the freezer.  Since there are still some meats and meals frozen, I want to make sure I have the meats I need going forward.

The Sea Slug came to visit again

     After cleaning, I headed over to do laundry.  Thankfully, there were 2 machines vacant so no wait.  Shortly after starting my laundry, the woman I met last week, who did the 6 loads, was back with 3 more.  This time she had to wait and stagger her wash.  With heavier loads, I did add additional time to the drier.  In the process I used all the monies I had on my card!  I know, it is the simple things that make me happy! In the past, I lost the unused amount remaining on the card. 

    After dinner, Pete and I took a walk to see the speed boats that were here after their poker run.  The boats were unbelievable with all that power.  There was even a designated tanker truck to refuel all the boats and a support mechanic & truck.  As we were walking by one boat, the mechanic informed the driver that he just found a major leak in the steering pump. Neither was very happy.

        

         

   For noisy machines they came and left very quietly ~

     

Friday, 3/13/20 ~ Pete once again is very busy.  I headed down to Publix, not knowing what I would find.  Thankfully, they were well stocked and I was able to get everything on my list, with the exception of the soft-soap refill and Clorox spray cleaner.  Those areas of the shelves were empty. What surprised me most was that the shelf for toilet paper was empty. (No, we don’t use regular TP on board.) Who needs that much TP?!

     Once home, I hurried to place perishables and meats into the fridge.  Pete had a conference call at 1:30 and needs quiet for it, so I read for the 90 minutes he was on the phone.  Once he was off, I started to put things away as well as seal the meats into individual meals with the vac-u-seal.

     He had errands that also needed to be done, so after the call, he headed out to dispose of the oil from the oil change, refilled the propane tank, and last-minute items at West Marine. He also stopped at the marina office to return the laundry card, let them know that we depart in the morning, and pick up the mail.  They have not received Bailey’s prescriptions.  I had to call the pharmacy and get the tracking number.  It was mailed this past Monday as promised, but it is still waiting for a signature. I will need to check with them on Monday.

     Pete was also able to speak with the Marina Manager.  He let her know how disappointed we are this year with the loss of the sense of community.  With 8 of the boats on our dock Air BnBs and 3 long term live-aboards, it wasn’t a very social dock.  And the community is the draw!  Pete suggested that they should consider putting all the BnBs on the same dock. The other thing to consider, which it would cost them nothing, is to include with their weekly emails that on Tuesday (or another day) at 6pm everyone is invited to bring appetizers and docktails to the picnic table at the top of a specific dock, or a covered dish for a pot luck dinner. She thought was a good idea.  Let’s just hope it can be implemented.

      He was supposed to also pick up Bailey’s prescriptions that should have arrived yesterday. Unfortunately, when I called the pharmacy, I was told it shipped on Monday as planned, but was still out for delivery.  They gave me the tracking number. Since I was in the process of walking Bailey, I made the notation in my phone.

     Pete and I headed over to Hogfish for dinner, which we have been looking forward to for a while.  We were not disappointed with the Hogfish and chips.  We were seated on the high tops that overlook the harbor.  We watched the pelicans, dolphin and manatee come to feed in our little corner of the harbor. Then we headed over to say goodbye to Key west from Mallory Square. Sunset, crowds, & performers. 

Taken from Hogfish ~ Key West signage, pelicans, manatee and dolphin fishing and large plan doing a fly-by ~
       

Mallory Square, for the last time this year! ~



        

       

     Once back, we did a final check for our departure in the morning.  It is hard to believe that 6 weeks passed do quickly.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K

Key West ~ Week Five

Sunday, 3/1/20 ~ We took advantage of the continued winds and cooler temperature to polish the cabin and toe rails. Pete was determined to complete it before it got too hot.  It is slightly warmer than yesterday. Thankfully, we were finished by 12:30, just in time for lunch.

     We treated ourselves by reading for the rest of the afternoon.  Unfortunately, we did the polishing with shorts and tee shirts. The winds and temperature made both of us don jackets and long pants by 4.

    After dinner we just chilled and watched TV.

Monday, 3/2/20 ~ After exercising this morning, I went to take a shower.  I didn’t think about February being a short month.  Here at the marina, the code changes on the 1^st.  Pete didn’t send me the new number and I didn’t have my phone to call him.  Thank heavens one of the “red pants” (as the staff are referred to) was passing.  He gave me the new code.  Unfortunately, the reason I couldn’t get into the one by the laundry was that the battery was dead.  However, the code worked on the main showers.

     I just chilled and read while staying out of Pete’s way.  He had a number of phone conferences today.

Tuesday, 3/3/20 ~ Today was a lazy day.  Pete actually finished early and we both enjoyed the sunshine and breezes and good books. I have been reading the Outlander series.  I am on book 3 of 7. They are so good all I want to do is read, and the books are long. I have to force myself to do other things.

      We decided to eat an early dinner so that we could head down to Mallory Square and catch the sunset.  It was a cloudless sky and the sun set over one of the Keys further west so there was no chance of the green flash. It was a great chance to people watch and photograph sailboats.  We didn’t see any new entertainers or acts other than a “flying” jet skier.  He used the jet ski to power the jet pack attached to his feet.  He was really good.  Every time I went to take a shot someone stepped in front of me.  I was able to video a little bit on my phone.  Now I just need to figure out how to use just one frame of the video.  Hope I figure it out so I can post a photo.

Views from Mallory Square ~
         

       

Lights made from fishing floats
used by the hotel at Margaritaville Harbor

       We detoured on our way back.  The DQ was calling. Great way to end the day.

Wednesday, 3/4/20 ~ Woke up to a very humid morning.  The winds have died, and the temperature has begun to climb.  I did some chores this morning then read up above. I am on book 4 of the series.

     We had a phone conference with Pete’s Mom’s medial facility.  She has had a rough couple of weeks with issues popping up here and there. We are all on the same page as to where she is and what to expect.  She is our “Energizer Bunny,” taking a licking and still keeps ticking, even though she has been on Hospice Care for 20+ months!

     There were a number of phone conferences as well as prep for tomorrow’s conference for Pete. He did manage to put away the computer around 3 and joined me reading.

Thursday, 3/5/20 ~ I stayed out of Pete’s work space for most of the day. He was very involved with his client from California.  He and George spent 4 hours on a conference call that finally ended at 7 PM.  Since I didn’t want to come down and work in the galley, I suggested we head over for a pizza at Rustica.  Once we got there, we both forgot about pizza in favor of their lasagna.  Yum! And we have enough for another meal!

Friday, 3/6/20 ~  Pete worked this morning and I exercised. I did catch up with Betty and texting with Ann who is on Baby-Mia watch.  Her 1^st grandchild was born today.

     Pete was done by lunchtime today, so I took over the table.  I was able to most of the day on the blog and process the photos.  With luck I will be able to post it later this weekend, and be caught up again!
     After dinner we walked over to see the cigarette boats which took place in a Poker Run earlier in the day.  The amount of horsepower on each of these relatively small boats is astounding.  30-35 foot boats with 1400-1800 horses in 4 huge engines!  Not only that, but there was a private, unmarked tanker truck refueling all the boats as well as mechanics and their Poker Run support truck.  On a side note: when Pete was walking Bailey before dinner, he saw a Bentley sedan wanting to get into the restricted parking for the marina with out success. He had to park with the hotel guests.  We figured he must be one of the boat owners.  Now I have more photos to process and post.  Oh well. . . .
       

       

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K