Seven Mile Bridge and patient bird awaiting a fisherman's catch.......

Today we walked a couple miles to the Seven Mile Bridge.. It was originally built as train tracks to Key West by Henry Flagler. The old railroad was destroyed by storms, and they subsequently used the old rails as side rails for the old highway, which is now used as a biking/walking path beside the new modern  highway.

Orchids

  These orchids are growing naturally in the trees in front of the marina ...beautiful!

Marathon

Sunset Traditions

After coming in through Government Cut,  reentering the ICW, this statue of a man blowing a conch at sunset greets boaters as they pass Tequestre Point...cool..Here in Marathon, a cannon fires at sunset....

Pelican Guards and Tiki Hut, Green Flash Surprise

12/13/11
The resident pelican keeps watch as we await the rest of our northern cruising team. As you can see the Tiki Hut is always open so we will be ready whenever they arrive this week. BTW last night when we walked across the road to the ocean side, I saw my first "green flash" just as the sun set over a calm clear Atlantic Ocean. Wow, what a treat...we weren't even expecting it...

Sailing in to Miami via Government Cut

Here are a couple of shots taken as we entered Miami....

Tiki" Hut of Knowledge"

Evening gathering space where "expertise" is shared....

What a view!

We have a lovely view of the Gulf of Mexico.

Slipped

Outside Slip at Harbour Cay Club

Marathon..safe and sound

12/9/11

We arrived at Harbour Cay Marina, Marathon, Fl. yesterday after one of the best sailing days of the entire trip! A front moved in overnight bringing 20 -29 knots of wind. It made for an exciting night on anchor, but since no other boats except Finistere were around we were fine with  just putting out a lot more chain. It seemed mild compared to our mooring ball night at Kittery, Maine a couple years back that some of our sailing buddies might remember.
With 15 to 20 knots of wind out of the north, we had a fantastic day of complete sailing, no motor noise, finally! Of course, when we arrived at the marina those 20 knots made for an interesting docking adventure. Jim, our "host" here, and all his dock friends were more than eager to assist and made it happen like an "everyday party". It was a great way to meet everyone right away!
Last night we walked up to the local restaurant named "Porky's", which of course, Captain Ron was thrilled with. Pat and Ed were a bit under-whelmed, but I think it will grow on them. It is really the ultimate tacky, laid back, Island style joint with surprisingly great food and service. Tonight we went back and were entertained by a Jimmy Buffet style singer/guitar player. Great Fun!!
Today we cleaned the boat, inside and out, and I did laundry(only 75cents)...the guys spent the late afternoon watching the sunset from the tiki hut! It's an easy life to slide into. The resident boaters are all very welcoming. I'm still working on getting pics.
When Hayden our "team photographer" arrives you will see what this place really looks like.....

Dinner Key/Coconut Grove Fl. to Plantation Key, Fl.

12/7/11
Dropped the mooring ball at Dinner Key at 7:00am and Motor sailed over 50 miles today though thin, but magnificently clear blue waters. We had planned to stop by Key Largo, but the weather and water were so intoxicating we kept on going...til we were ready to drop; so, that is exactly what we did in 6 feet of water in Cowpen Anchorage off Plantation Key around 4:30. The bottom is sandy and you can see the anchor it is so clear. Tomorrow, if all goes well, we should arrive at our destination in Marathon, Florida.Then I can spend some time working on pictures.

Coconut Grove

12/065/11
Yes, we made it to Miami today. What a wonderful ocean sail from Fort Lauderdale to Government Cut!! More pictures to follow...This was a great day on the ocean and as soon as we picked up a mooring ball we took the water taxi in to visit the area. Awesome!
It is surreal to see Christmas decorations in what feels like summer. Can't believe we are here. Tomorrow we head out for Key Largo.

CAVU anchored in Lake Sylvia, Fort Lauderdale

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Looks like we will be enjoying this anchorage for a few more days...the  predictions for the Atlantic are 6 to 8 feet waves and winds NE 25 to 30....We will wait for a calmer weather window...probably Tuesday 11/6.
 It is fun watching the homes surrounding the anchorage lighting up their palm trees and fake Christmas trees for the holidays each night as we sit out in the cockpit enclosure in shorts and short sleeves enjoying sunset dinners.  The winds are strong but we are quite comfortable here. There is a lot to keep us busy while on anchor since travel days are taken up with navigation, hand steering, sightseeing, etc.  This layover will also be a good one to do a detailed planning of our next phase of this adventure; from the Atlantic to Biscayne Bay, Florida Bay and then, The Keys! We are blessed!

View from the stern..

Bow View of Sylvia Lake Anchorage

CAVU Entering Port Everglades Cut

About 1:30 we entered the cut with barges, cruise ships standing by, ocean going tugs, various pleasure craft, with the wind suddenly picking up when we made the turn to 20 knots...wouldn't you know it... The decision had been made and we stuck with it. As soon as we entered this congested harbor we made a starboard turn to go through the 17th Street Bridge Hourly Opening in order to get to the only potential small boat anchorage. Felt like we were in the middle of a beehive!!! Captain Ron loved it!

Ocean View

It is so exciting to view the various beaches from the ocean perspective. I think this is Boca Raton...

A Magnificent Morning on the Ocean

12/1/11
It is a beautiful morning on the Atlantic Ocean. The flying fish are skimming along beside us, but are impossible to capture on camera...We are taking this ocean route to avoid some of the numerous ICW bridges on this part of the Waterway.

Hanging out with the BIG GUYS

This big mega yacht dropped anchor right beside us in the Lake Worth anchorage just south of Peanut Island. This was surprising since these big guys usually go into the dock...in a few moments a sea tow boat showed up with divers who went to work below...they left about an hour later to go into the docks...

Sunset on Hobe Sound/ Peck Lake Fl.

Christmas is Coming along the Florida Waterway

Bridges, Bridges, Bridges

11/30/11
After a beautiful day on the waterway and 8 bridges we are happily anchored in Palm Beach....What magnificent homes and mega yachts!!! Tomorrow the ocean route. We will go on the outside using Lake Worth Inlet and go back in at Port Everglades or Government Cut, Miami depending on how far we are mid day. Weather is lovely with temps in the upper seventies...palm trees and Caribbean blue/green water...beautiful!! The Journey Is the Destination! What a way to start December.

CAVU (third from left) anchored in Peck Lake

Atlantic Ocean just south of St. Lucie Inlet

Path from Peck Lake Anchorage to the Atlantic

Ed, Dinghy, Coconut Palm

Peck Lake

11/29/11
Here we are in Peck Lake. We are thinking of you, Reggie and Kay! You recommended this anchorage, and we are so glad you did. We are enjoying the serenity and beauty after spending so long at Vero Beach, with its hustle bustle. Peck Lake is quietly pleasant on a Tuesday, mid week. I can imagine it would be bouncy on the week ends because it is right off the ICW and close to the St. Lucie Inlet, which is heavily used by local fishermen. After dropping anchor we took off for the beach where we discovered our first coconut palm tree, to which we handily tied up the dinghy before exploring the path to the Atlantic, only a short walk away. This is a great stop and we enjoyed the warm waters and beautiful Atlantic the rest of the afternoon with Pat and Ed (Finistere). After a fantastic shell collecting walk up toward the Inlet we returned to CAVU for Happy Hour and a very pleasant evening. It is said that this anchorage can become buggy, but the cool breeze and dropping temps in the sixties seemed to eliminate that threat. It is nice to be on the hook again!!

Good Night Vero

Heron  guards over us our last night here in Vero Beach...

Our Dock Walking Heron

Gratitude

11/28/11
We are grateful for our awesome family, We missed Kev and his family and many others, but It was wonderful visiting those who are pictured "post football game" here and the ones who came on Friday for the" post Thanksgiving Barbeque/Oyster Scald" at Sue and Bruce's. Today we are back at Vero Beach Marina preparing to leave tomorrow for points south...
Thanks for fixing my previous picture, Brian.

DSC0101

 

Post Football Pre Dinner Gathering of Some of the Family

11/24/11
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! What a privilege it is to be able to come home to visit such a great family!
We are so very thankful for all we have!

Some of the Family...More Tomorrow

Happy Thanksgiving!
Time for a little three day land based celebration in Maryland........ football, turkey, stuffed ham, oysters, barbeque, soccer... a traditional O'Brien Family Thanksgiving! We are most grateful for our family and friends and the opportunity to pause and celebrate with them.
Back to the boat tomorrow and the call of the Palm Trees and warm weather!

Jam Session at the Docks

Ocean side of Vero

Here you finally get to see the ocean side, the real Vero Beach. This beach is within walking distance of the mooring field and docks for the ICW.

Vero Beach

11/20/11
This paddle boarder moving through the mooring field this evening is a perfect example of the beautiful day here in Vero Beach!
This picture was taken from our slip here at the dock. We came in to the dock to have our refrigeration repaired and will leave the boat here while we fly to Md. for Thanksgiving.

Colphins fishing around our moored boat

It is so intriguing watching the dolphin round up their catch as a team. This happens right beside our boat as we sit here in the Vero mooring field. Too Cool!!

Vero Beach Mooring Field

11/18/11
Here  are on a mooring in Vero Beach....high today was 76 degrees, comfortable, but very windy. Last night we were happy to be on a safe mooring....gusts were 35 knots. Yesterday we took the free bus into town to the Publix for a few fresh items...although the refrig is acting "iffy"...Don't want to put in too much. Yesterday evening we rode the dinghy in for a "Cruisers Happy Hour" on the Marina Grounds...seems they have one every Thursday for the cruisers to get to know one another. It is really funny how we keep running in to the same boats/people. We feel like a moving neighborhood at times. It was great fun. Captain Ron, with my assistance,
..spent the day trying to install another hand pump but it was too big, so it has to be returned...and the job lingers on.....
We plan to take a slip on Sunday and rent a car to drive to the airport. Then, we will catch a flight to "family Thanksgiving" in Maryland. This is a highly complicated undertaking when it is done last minute, as we are doing it. It is even more of a risk for the Captain, as the first mate may just jump ship!

Haulover Bridge

Finistere following us through the Haulover Bridge Opening, one of many  bridges that open on request...

Wildlife Everywhere

Indian River

Fwd: Indian River

11/14/11
This is a sight all along the waterway down here. Yes, we've seen manatee but haven't captured a photo yet!!

Vero Beach!

Arrived here in Vero Beach at 3:00 this afternoon. Mooring field is pretty full. Rafted up(common practice here)on mooring ball with Finistere. Wearing shorts and T-shirts...Florida!!! Happy Hour on CAVU....More tomorrow. 50 mile days take a lot out of you.....No pity deserved!!!

Tiki Torch Party Under the Palm Trees

11/12/11
Happy Birthday to my brother Paul!
Today was an interesting day that began with a leisurely breakfast, long walk on the beach and lunch aboard our docked boat at Marineland Marina. Walking down the Atlantic beach this morning was a delightful way to start the day. It is so cool to be able to just walk across the street and be able to walk in the sand of the Atlantic Ocean. After returning we went to the Marineland  Dolphin Research facility sponsored by the Universities of Florida and Georgia and owned by the Atlanta Aquarium Corporation. They do not put on shows, but offer education programs with experiential interactions with dolphins. We observed several dolphins, one baby. for several hours where their behaviors were explained by the docents. While we were there a family of three fed and played in the water with the dolphins.
This afternoon I did laundry taking advantage of the free laundry facility! This is only the second such facility we've seen. Pat and Ed came by CAVU for Happy Hour before we walked over to a fantastic Dock Party hosted by the Marineland Marina Staff. Chris, the friendly dockmaster says They will host a party whenever they have  at least 10 boats in the marina at one time. this is a small marina that has just opened and we felt very welcomed!!!
The party included an awesome live band called "The Seaweeds"! Ten dollars per person for a shrimp gumbo or pulled pork meal. It was great! Lighted kayaks glided up the waterway, bonfire under the palm trees, dancing under the light of tiki torches to the live band...it was a super party that couldn't have been better. What an awesome accidental discovery this stop has been.
Hey, how about a IP Mini Vous here next November??
Tomorrow we drop the lines and head south....

Spanish Guard with Pat and Mary Ann at San Marcos Fort, St. Augustine, Florida

Florida Homes along the ICW

Fort Frederica, Georgia

Marineland Fish

Here is a grouper, one of several species of fish that U of Florida and U of Georgia Marine Biology departments are maintaining since the original tanks of Marineland tanks were emptied years ago.

Marineland Marina

From English Fort in Georgia to Spanish Fort in Florida And a respite with the Dolphins

 

Happy Birthday, Lana!  Happy Anniversary , Kevin and Lana!!!!  Happy Birthday, Molly!

Happy Veterans Day.  Thank you to all those who have served our country so well.

Last night proved to be quite restless, as the thumping of the mooring ball came way to frequently with the winds and currents. We were feeling the effects of being very close to the St. Augustine Inlet open to the Atlantic. Ed called on the phone, and after a quick conference, it was decided that we would move on for a very short day to the peace and security of the newly opened Marineland Marina, only $1.00 a foot with free washer and dryer(funny, the things that become so important…)!!  After a very twisty passage we arrived here to be assisted by the most enthusiastic  and knowledgeable dock attendant we've met so far. He must have been a marine biology major and was full of info on the local ecology and marine research programs.  Marineland is not what the Captain remembers from 50 years ago when he was last here as a boy. It is much more a marine research resource with wonderful walking paths along the ocean side and a dolphin adventure facility where you can experience a quick program of touching and feeding the dolphins to more interactive experiences like swimming with them.

Being  here allows us to be plugged in and have all the electricity we need to use the computer, send emails, watch TV or movies, or bake in the oven without things rocking and rolling, wash down the outside of the sea salt encrusted boat and enclosure, etc…. all the fun things that become the day's little luxuries.

This is an ICW stopover that is much like the Dismal Swamp stopover on Route 17…..this one with highway Route A1A running between the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Waterway on the other. It is a lovely treat to be able to take a short walk from one to the other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/10/11

Morning found us rested and waiting for the pump out boat which punctually services the mooring balls on call. After this practical chore was accomplished we lowered the dinghy to go in to explore the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental USA, St. Augustine.  In 1565, fifty five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, St. Augustine was founded.  As soon as we landed the dingy we met up with Finistere's Ed and Pat Land and headed to Castillo de San Marcos, the ominous fort that stood guard as we waited in front of the Bridge of Lions the afternoon before. Construction of this fort began in 1672 by the Spanish to defend their claim in the new world. It is build of native coquina stone which could actually absorb cannon balls shot into it. This fort is magnificently restored and maintained in contrast to the smaller English Fort Frederica which we visited just a few days ago… We learned so much about our nation's early history as it came alive while visiting both of these forts.

Next, we decided to get a good overview of the old city  by taking a carriage ride around historical St. Augustine…We did learn and see a lot, but I think it was not worth the money. Continuing our tour on foot we were impressed with the distinctive Spanish architecture, a definite change from the southern mansions of Charleston and more English influences of Beaufort. This has been a whirlwind of unbelievable glimpses into the past for me, and I can't quite believe I am seeing all this from our 'Home on the water, CAVU"!

As clouds started rolling in along with another cold front, we decided to dinghy back to the boat for the evening.  Soon after, the winds and currents made us very glad we had decided to return to the safety and coziness of dinner in the cockpit of CAVU.

On 11/9/11 we passed under the Bridge of Lions with strong wind and current after a 25 minute wait, pulled into a stiff wind up to the fuel dock for a "fill up" and then went to our assigned mooring ball #57. All this might sound simple to the uninitiated, but I always feel victorious after accomplishing these necessities, particularly in adverse conditions. Each fuel dock is a little different and each mooring is potentially different.  The fuel docking this time required us to back out to deal with current, wind and other boats. The mooring ball had a pennant that I needed to thread….This particular ball had the mooring line neatly curled on the top which oddly enough made it harder to pick up. I have become too accustomed to picking up the the slimy ones that just hang in the water at Annapolis. However, all that said, another victory for the "first mate" for it was grabbed  successfully with the boat hook, the line threaded  and cleated, ready for Capt. Ron finish up with the "cross over" to the other cleat over and around the bow.  It was  3:45 in the afternoon, time to sit back and enjoy a quiet afternoon in front of the famed St. Augustine. We were safely harbored in what, I believe, is a fairly new mooring field that is the biggest one I've seen so far on this trip. Many boats are here to wait out the weather… The night proved to be interesting as the ball bumped up against the boat with every current/tide change. Knowing that we were safely tied to a mooring helped us sleep better in spite of the high winds. The moon rising over the lighthouse on such a clear night was a glorious sight and as the current swung us around, we could see "Old Glory" on the shoreline waving in the bright moonlight.

Captain Napping

  Hard to take pictures through this beautiful stretch of the Waterway....too busy watching markers and magnificent Florida homes all along the way...while Capt. rests his eyes...These homes are magnificent!

View of the ICW from St. Simons