ALEXANDRA - Cruising Florida's Coastline

Memories

2009-06-11T11:29:00.005-04:00

Occasionally I receive 'stories' at my inbox that include suggestions for living a good, fulfilling life. I am posting this one here because the Alexandra Adventure was so much more than just a boat ride ...

" A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.

His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.

As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.' 'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied.

Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. 'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.

Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!

Thank you for your part in filling my Memory Bank. I am still depositing.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less. "

Fair winds and following seas to all!

George

East West Yacht Deliveries

2009-05-02T13:32:00.005-04:00

George has updated and remodeled our other website:
- East West Yacht Deliveries dot com -

Click Here to Visit

We are proud of our work and are not cheap
-- we are affordable.

Yacht Deliveries & Websites

Moonrise in the Low Country

2009-04-29T19:30:00.008-04:00

Taken after sunset and just before dark off the ICW at Kilkenny, Georgia, this photo has, to me, a quality of Impressionism. It must have been the low light of twilight that 'caused' the camera to capture the serenity on the moment in this style. I didn't do anything special -- I was a point & shoot type guy... however, during this trip, I have developed some patience and a sense of right perspective when considering a shot with my Kodak 7.2 pixel camera. ha-ha BTW, it was real buggy at sunset and sunrise here. Knats. Uggg

=-=-=-=-=

I suppose this will be the beginning of my 'best of the best' photos with some editing and framing. I am really enjoying going back through the 1,000 or so photos to do this - evoking memories of events that I have almost already forgotten. Damn!

At the Dock - Sharon, Pam, Peter & George

2009-04-29T13:58:00.004-04:00

Sharon, Pam & Peter with the channel to the ICW behind them.

George, Pam & Pedro.
The dogs, Brandy and Bailey, are around somewhere.

Hickory Point

2009-04-26T08:30:00.006-04:00

All things considered, this is, year around, one of the nicest locations along the entire Intracoastal Waterway.

CLICK photo to ENLARGE

End of Journey - Home Port

2009-04-23T21:14:00.004-04:00

CLICK Photos to Enlarge - This works throughout the entire website.

Now that was fun! 4 months of "no particular place to go" ... living onboard and getting in 'boat shape' ... all the great meals, events and people met along the way -- and not one "bad" experience the whole trip! Of course, there were a few "oops" moments but they are truly hard to recall.

Alexandra fits nicely along her 3 new pilings and refurbished dock. Peter 'dredged' a nice hole for her to sit in North Carolina style - by running the engine and pushing the bottom away ... then turning the boat around and doing it some more. So far she still floats at dead low tide.

Peter plans on heading to the Chesapeake for a Bluewater rendezvous in a few months. George is back at home in Orlando and anticipating his next adventure. If anyone out there needs a first mate, chef, deckhand, b.n. for a yacht trip, please contact George...

I plan on posting some best of the best photos (my favs anyway) as time allows. I will also post notices of futre Alexandra adventures as they develope -- so check back occasionally!

Saludos and Smooth Sailing -
George & Peter

Wrightsville Beach to Hampstead, N.C. --- 14.5 nm to Home Port

2009-04-14T19:14:00.014-04:00

The last leg of a wonderful 4 month boating adventure on board ALEXANDRA with Peter Morse.

The channel to Home Port lies on the other side of the pier.

The channel winds through the marsh to the dock at Peter's home.

Docked! Looking forward from the Main Salon.

The channel looking aft. We were a little early for high tide but had little problem with depth in the channel.

Peter's Home from the cockpit of ALEXANDRA.

ALEX and Peter's Wahoo runabout.

Docked at Home Port

Saturday April 11, 2009

McClellanville to Wrightsville Beach N.C. 137 Miles

2009-04-14T18:50:00.016-04:00

We avoided the Myrtle Beach stretch of the ICW by going out then coming back in at the Cape Fear River.

Departing McClellanville at sunrise - breakfast underway.

Entering the Cape Fear River from seaward against an ebb tide with 20+ knots of wind behind us... short rough chop and minus 4 knots boat speed against the tide and river current.

Crossing the river towards the cut through to the ICW at Carolina Beach, scudding foam visible though not as choppy.

The banks along the cut and the scenery is looking a lot like North Carolina.

Wrightsville Beach dead ahead!

Alexandra parked in front of Peter's office.

Bluewater Yacht Sales, Wrightsville Beach Branch.

From here it is about an hour, 14.5 nm, to Home Port at Hickory Point. We plan to arrive at high tide on Saturday the 11th of April, 2009.

Kilkenny to McClellanville, SC - 150 miles

2009-04-12T09:05:00.009-04:00

This was the 'longest day' of the entire Adventure.

Up and underway at Sunrise.

As the day 's weather developed we had some great fun riding and surfing some big southerly swells with 20+ knots of wind behind us... even stood up and drove like in the sailboat days.

McClellanville, South Carolina
About 35 nm North of Charlestown on the ICW

St. Augustine, FL to Kilkenny, GA

2009-04-12T08:42:00.012-04:00

138 Miles

9 Hours on the water, we left St Augustine at 8 a.m. after fueling up for $2.09 per gallon.

Pam finishing up on the daily wash down and shammy detail.

The 4th full moonrise of the Alexandra Adventure.

Kilkenny Marina just off the ICW about halfway between Brunswick and Savannah.

We will head out at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning ...

Arrived Wrightsville Beach, NC

2009-04-11T05:45:00.002-04:00

We arrived at 3:15 on Friday, April 10th after traveling 420 N.M. in 3 9 hour days since leaving St. Augustine, Florida Wednesday the 8th. We had decent weather for the trip after waiting out the cold front: winds 15 to 25 from the West and SW with 3-5 foot quartering seas ... we hand steered for about 5 hours a day until it laid down in the afternoon...

We will be going to Peter's home and dock on the high tide tomorrow morning --

Photos and more info will be posted soon.

Peter, Pam, Brandy & George

Northbound! 4-8-09

2009-04-07T19:02:00.005-04:00

We waited out the 2 days of rain and wind and will head out tomorrow morning... destination: Kilkenny, Georgia -- weather permitting. (It is forecast to be low 30's - Yikes!, it is April ... It is good to be on the move again -- we were starting to get stir crazy --

Into The Mystic

Almost Full Moon - #4 of the Adventure

Windy & Cold

I will update as soon as possible... we will be traveling the "low country" of Georgia and I have no idea what kind of Internet will be available. Saludos!

St Augustine to Hampstead - Leg 4

2009-04-07T09:52:00.004-04:00

Possible Layovers for Last Leg of Adventure

Well -- we had planned to leave St Augustine today, Tuesday April 7th, BUT we decided to wait out this COLD Front that has brought rain, 30 mph winds and record cold (mid 30's) to the area.

Even though we are getting restless, those conditions are just plain unappealing to travel in ... and we have ALL the amenities here at the Conch House.

I will update our departure when the weather breaks ...

Peter and Pam at Conch House Marina

St. Augustine Harbor Cruise

2009-04-07T09:09:00.011-04:00

Amigo Rojo, Amanda and Peter

We had a very nice cruise of the area in March... the oldest occupied city in the USA. (Well, the 'locals' were here before the Europeans!). Very picturesque: the Fort, Flagler College, Bridge of Lions --

Bridge of Lions Renovation

City Marina and Skyline

The Boys at Hurricane Patties - Thanks Rojo!

More about Alexandra

2009-03-31T18:55:00.013-04:00

The Machinery

It all works great! The 3208 TA Diesel Cat (1470 original hours) starts right up, doesn't burn oil (no sooty build-up on the transom) and has not hiccuped once on the entire trip. She burns around 6 gallons an hour at 2070 rpm and makes 14 knots (16 mph) – which is a nice 'stately' speed and quite economical fuel burn curve. Peter will be giving the engine a full service when she gets home to Hampstead, which is right on time for the regular scheduled maintenance.

The portable Honda generator sits on the swim platform and functions perfectly for brewing coffee, toasting English muffins and charging the batteries when at anchor or at a mooring. No problemas con esto aqui! The outboard for the “rubber ducky” - 10' Avon Rover – planes out with 2 adults and Brandy on board. It has been a great water taxi for exploring, taking Brandy to the beach to do her business and us people to shore for any land errands we might have. All this and the generator stow under the dining lounge bench seating in the main salon! Really practical and elegant in its simplicity!
The CNG (compressed natural gas = lighter than air) stove/oven/broiler works great and has only consumed 1 ½ cannisters of fuel in 3 months of constant daily use, at a cost of $14 per bottle. The top loading, cold plate refrigerator is very efficient and doesn't require much power and does not cycle a lot. We are good for 36 hours at anchor and still have plenty of battery to fire the main engine right up. The deep stainless sink is big enough for any duties we have encountered. The Magma propane powered BBQ has served us well , but is a little bit of a pain to use – especially in 30 knots of wind … ha-ha.

We have AM-FM Radio and CD player – always great music on board the ALEX... In a perfect world, there would be speakers in the aft cockpit and on the fly bridge with a selector switch to control which speakers are “on”. Oh well, it can be a 'hard life' out here on the ocean..........

The fully appointed head and shower work perfectly. The mechanical marine toilet has a 'flow and dry' valve and single pump handle. The skipper keeps it lubed with Head Lube and we have had zero problems with it. To avoid that “head smell” we pump out regularly in the appropriate manner and use the marina facilities whenever available.

She is an extremely well built and sound boat. Very stable and maneuverable, she can turn in her own length. I don't know much about boat building (but I do learn a lot by watching and listening). As I understand it, this boat is faired in and bonded at every imaginable joint throughout with a finished gel-coat, even in the bilges. The hull is designed to pluck lobster pots out of the North Atlantic in a full winter gale. Peter says he would like to take her out in that kind of weather “just to see” how she behaves. He says we would just need to take all the canvas off and stow it away – and drive from the inside, lower helm station. I would be game for that – my only requirement would be that it is NOT COLD WEATHER. And, of course with Peter's confident experience, he can put her in any slip even with a strong current and wind... “One engine, no bow thruster, no problem” has become a frequent saying after we tie up in a marina... ha-ha – not arrogant, just experienced boat handling skills. Also, I am proud to admit, my deck hand skills have greatly improved – I can lasso a piling with more success and even sometimes make up a bow line cleat from the deck of the boat. Onwards!

Up to date, it has been a very 'easy' cruise – without serious incidents or mechanical problems. All the marinas we have visited have had good facilities, have been 1/2 empty and quiet -- and have had dog friendly rules. Well, we specifically scouted this type of marina in advance. The only real thing lacking has been good mobile broadband Internet connections – and, I am sure that this will improve in the future. (Or, one could outfit their vessel with a newer state of the art satellite communications antenna.)

Well, I hope that fills in any blanks that this boat log has left out during the trip … I relied on pictures being worth 1,000 words because I realized that I might miss the trip if I spent too much time writing a blog! If anyone has any specific questions, I would be glad to answer them – just leave a comment and I will respond when/if I have a good wi-fi connection during the last leg of the trip.

Guests On Board

2009-03-30T11:18:00.009-04:00

Peter - Cousin Dawn right - Dawn's husband Dale - and their daughter

Having guests visit on board and for dinner is always fun... everyone, boaters and lubbers included, are surprised at how “big” the 35 feet of Alexandra feels. “She lives big” is our common response. The well thought out interior layout allows sitting 6 for dinner easily, the galley and equipment make it easier to prepare and cleanup than most people realize (once you get the procedure down).She can sleep 5 inside, 2 forward and 3 in the salon on the lounge and when the table drops down and converts into a double berth... make that 6 in good weather when a person could enjoy sleeping on the fly bridge lounge!

George's friend Rojo - George's daughter Amanda - Peter

Amanda

Living On Board

2009-03-30T10:27:00.010-04:00

It sure has been a healthy experience living on board for the past 3 months!

Healthy for the body because of all the movement of the boat, the bending over and reaching and rubbing – all the isometric exercise you get from just being on board Fresh air and sunshine are givens … and the fresh food we choose to prepare make for a wonderfully healthy diet at very reasonable expense compared to restaurant dining. I know that we both are more fit, trim and toned than when we first boarded Alexandra in Tarpon Springs the 17^th of December, 2008!

The ebb and flow of boat life is really conducive to a rested psyche. There is plenty of time to rest and get a fresh perspective on life in general. One can get into the natural flow of the day just by seeing the sun rise and set almost everyday, the moon and stars at night, the lapping of water on the hull, the sounds of birds and surf... all these help the mind and body slow down and get in tune with a slower pace and calmness that is more elusive or hard to maintain when on land driving 70 miles an hour and being in noisy, crowded places on a daily basis. Boating doesn't just allow us to appreciate nature -- we become aware that we are nature. When we open our eyes and learn to be a part of it, it renews and lifts our spirits and understanding.

End Leg 3 at Conch House - St. Augustine

2009-03-20T11:48:00.007-04:00

It has been an enjoyable 12 days as we wind down this portion of the trip. The weather has been good - mid 70's / mid 50's with a day and 1/2 of fog ... all in all it has been our preferred temperature range (with a little assist by the oil radiator at night) ...

We will begin the last leg to Peter's dock in Hampstead around April 9th, although we return to the boat around the 1st of April. We will keep an eye on the weather to pick a good time to head out. Possible layovers include Fernandina Beach - Florida, Kilkenny - Georgia, Isle of Palms - South Carolina, McClellenville - South Carolina, Georgetown - South Carolina, Wrightsville Beach - North Carolina then to Hampstead. Where we stop along the way will be determined by events along the route.
I will be posting "Living OnBoard" during our time away from the boat - photos and anecdotes.

Until then - Fair winds and calm seas to all!

Conch House Marina, Saint Augustine, Florida

2009-03-11T18:39:00.004-04:00

Ponce Lighthouse to St. Augustine Lighthouse - Alexandra Back in Atlantic Ocean!

2009-03-11T18:10:00.005-04:00

Ponce Lighthouse as we leave the Inlet... Northbound.

ALEXANDRA is back in the Atlantic Ocean for the first time since the early 1990's!
Daytona Beach in the distance...

Areal view of St Augustine Light with Anastasia Park between the outer harbor and the ocean.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Harbor Marina - South Daytona

2009-03-11T17:54:00.010-04:00

Ponce Lighthouse just north of the Inlet. This is the tallest light in Florida -- St. Augustine is 2nd tallest.Peter and Pam with friends that happened to be visiting Daytona for Bike Week - once again, it's a small world!

Sunset at Inlet Harbor

New Smyrna Beach

2009-03-11T17:45:00.007-04:00

... leaving Haulover Canal, which connects the Indian River with Mosquito Lagoon - south of New Smyrna Beach.

Approaching New Smyrna - that is the Hwy. 44 Bridge ahead ...

The town park on the ICW - town is located on a "bend in the river" ...

Daytona Beach is a short distance ahead --

Titusville - Northbound Towards Daytona Beach

2009-03-11T17:32:00.007-04:00

This series of photos shows us passing through the Haulover Canal. It was noon-ish on Saturday and there were many canoes, kayaks and fishermen enjoying the day ... beautiful weather!

Titusville Marina - Friday March 6th, 2009

2009-03-10T17:54:00.006-04:00

Sunset

Sunrise

... off to Daytona Beach - a leisurely cruise up the ICW passing through New Smyrna Beach and Ponce de Leon Inlet.

Vero Beach to Titusville

2009-03-10T17:11:00.005-04:00

The seagulls were following us because we look like a fishing boat?

One of the nicer estates along the ICW between Vero and Titusville, FL.

Vero - Sunset & Sunrise

2009-03-10T15:50:00.007-04:00

More reasons why we enjoyed hanging on Can 54, Vero Beach

Orchid Island, Vero Beach - Mooring 54

2009-03-10T15:23:00.007-04:00

This was a favorite overnight stop with all the crew; calm, quiet and gorgeous. We had a BBQ dinner of steak with garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus and a salad ... yummy, clean plate club -- everyone slept well!

We all agreed that we would like to return here again the next time we are down this way.

Vero Beach City Marina

2009-03-10T15:13:00.007-04:00

Fort Pierce to Vero Beach

2009-03-10T09:59:00.009-04:00

... sights along the way --

Florida Hwy 60 (Vero Beach to Tampa, Florida) Bridge at South entrance to Vero Beach City Marina

.. I just liked the geometry --

Vero Beach City Marina Mooring Field - looking South from our mooring ($12 nightly)

Depart Stuart - Northbound on Atlantic ICW

2009-03-10T08:41:00.007-04:00

That's the Roosevelt Railroad Bridge and US Hwy 1 aft as we leave the St. Lucie River and cruise to Fort Pierce for fuel.

Fort Pierce City Marina:

Fuel - 160 gal @ $2.05 a gallon ... cheapest on the East Coast of Florida.

Engine Hours: 1448

Pam at the city marina.

ALEXANDRA in St. Augustine, FL 3-8-2009

2009-03-09T07:54:00.007-04:00

29° 53′ 39″ N, 81° 18′ 48″ W

We arrived yesterday afternoon at 2:30 at the Conch House Marina just in time to enjoy their big outdoor barge party: Reggae Sunday -- Monday we will go get the Suburban in Stuart.

Saint Augustine Lighthouse

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, or San Agustín, is the county seat of St. Johns County, Florida, in the United States. It is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city, and the oldest port, in the continental United States.

We did not have any Internet connectivity for the past week -- I will update the Boat Log with more posts and photos soon...

Leg 3 - Stuart, FL to St. Augustine, FL

2009-03-01T11:15:00.009-05:00

We are delaying the start of this leg until Wednesday, pushed back another day because of the winter weather passing through the Southeast United States. Will will meet up in St. Augustine where George will leave his car and then drive to Stuart in the Suburban with Pam and Brandy after lunch at The Gypsy Cab Company. Peter plans to take 6 - 7 days to cover this leg of the trip: 217.5 statute miles.

The weather south of Vero Beach, this time of year, averages mid 70s / mid 50s while north of Vero is usually 8+/- degrees cooler.

The makers indicate possible overnight anchorages depending on progress and side-trips.

The red line is our course northbound on the Florida portion of the Atlantic ICW. Peter will keep ALEXANDRA at the Conch House Marina, St. Augustine until April. Possible day trips are planned out of St. Augustine.

This image shows Leg 1 (Tarpon Springs to Fort Myers Beach), Leg 2 (Fort Myers Beach - Naples - Stuart), the current Leg and Leg 4 (St. Augustine to Hampstead - Peter's Home).
Leg 4 is planned for the beginning of April.

To VIEW a "Photo Map" of the entire cruise up to this point: CLICK HERE.

Docked at Allied Marine, Stuart - End Leg 2

2009-02-23T10:04:00.004-05:00

It was very choppy and windy when we arrived at this marina. Peter 'parked' his ALEXANDRA with experienced skills 'stern to' and we tied up the 4 corners and ran spring lines. We had a pleasant dinner in quaint downtown Stuart.

After retrieving George's Buick, we dropped John off at Palm Beach Airport, drove across state back to Fort Myers Beach to Peter's Suburban then to Orlando. Peter drove home to Hampstead, N.C. on Saturday the 21st.

We return to the boat around March 1st to continue the cruise northward on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Hasta entonces!

Clewiston to Stuart

2009-02-23T09:42:00.011-05:00

After crossing Okeechobee, the waterway mostly looks like this with sugar cane to the south and cattle/citrus to the north - on left. On this trip, there was a 13 foot 'lock down' at the Saint Lucie Locks.

Peter and George

Peter at helm and John on deck - St. Lucie River, approaching Stuart.

"Photo Ops"

George

John

George on Bow - St. Lucie River

Clewiston at Lake Okeechobee

2009-02-23T09:09:00.009-05:00

After 8 hours underway from Fort Myers Beach, 4 locks and a gorgeous weather day - we are washed down and relaxing at Roland Martin Marina in Clewiston before a nice meal at the Tiki Bar.

We will leave tomorrow for the 60 statute mile trip to Stuart, Florida where ALEXANDRA will be docked for a week or so while we return home to do our end of month "shore chores".

Fort Myers Beach to Lake Okeechobee

2009-02-22T14:21:00.019-05:00

The mouth of the Caloosahatchee River at San Carlos Bay - heading eastward towards Fort Myers.

South Cape Coral

Fort Myers at "the bridges"

Approaching Franklin Locks - the first of 3 "lock ups" totaling 13 feet on the way to Lake Okeechobee

Departing Franklin Lock

Looking aft, westward, this channel of the Okeechobee Waterway is bordered by the dike that runs all the way around the lake (on left) and marsh grass (like the Everglades) on the right.

Approaching Clewiston, headquarters of U.S. Sugar, with the dike on right and some solid ground on left. 10 years ago, when we passed through here, the land was covered with trees. We are doing 14 knots here -- she rides really smooth and quiet on this calm water.

Return to Snook Bight from Cabbage Key

2009-02-22T13:39:00.015-05:00

Departing Cabbage Key ... North Captiva and Captiva Islands on the right.

Looking back on North Pine Island Sound towards Charlotte Harbor.

Approaching Sanibel Island Bridge.

Sanibel Island Welcome Committee

Heading across the mouth of San Carlos Bay towards Fort Myers Beach (Estero Island) in the distance.

Cabbage Key - Lunch Expedition - Feb. 17th, 2009

2009-02-22T10:29:00.010-05:00

Lunch at Cabbage Key - Peter, John, George. The walls and ceilings of the entire restaurant are covered with dollar bills that customers have signed and taped to the surfaces - some estimates are over 1 million dollar bills!
On board, relaxing, before the trip back to Snook Bight some 26 nm to the South...

Brandy, Peter and John returning from walking the nature paths on Cabbage Key.

Scenes from life on the Key ...

We all agreed that it would NOT be difficult to live here for the cooler months of the year --

The natural vegetation that exists on the 1,000's of Keys in Southwest Florida.

Busy week ahead - lots of boating activities!

2009-02-16T03:45:00.004-05:00

I don't know how often I will post this coming week because we will be underway much of the time:

Peter's buddy John flies in mid-day Monday from New England - harbor cruise or circumnavigate Estero Island ...

Tuesday - Kayaking on Pine Island Sound with Scolley and crew 24 nm to the north.

Wednesday, we depart Snook Bight Marina (has it been a month already?!) and head eastward across the state on the Caloosahatchie River - ariving in the evening at Clewiston and Lake Okeechobee. We will 'Lock Up' 3 times as we go up the river.

On Thursday, we will cross Lake Okeechobee and proceed on the waterway to Stuart -- 'locking down' twice on the way toward the Atlantic Coast ICW.

Friday, we drop John off at Palm Beach Airport, drive across state in George's Buick back to Fort Myers Beach to retreive Peter's Suburban then to George's home in Orlando. Peter will drive home to N.C. on Saturday.

Whew ! ................ I will post as often as possible depending on wi-fi broadband availability.

... turns into Sunny Sunday --

2009-02-16T02:59:00.007-05:00

... so I decide to take the trolley (50 cents) down to the Pier while Peter and Brandy fiddle around on the boat. Lots of open air restaurants, tourists and bars -- all shapes, sizes and languages -- actually, I was a bit surprised by the diversity and all the activity ... (probably because I felt enclosed by the foggy days). Anyway, it was fun!

Notice how the Palms are yellowish from the record cold weather from 2 weeks ago -- mid 80's today!

This is looking North midway on the Pier. On the distant left hand horizon, you can see Sanibel Island with thick fog on Gulf Coast and sunny on the inside waterway. Left click on photos to view larger size ---

In the center of photo, you can see numerous boats at anchor doing the raft-up party thing. Parasailing, 'banana' boat rides and other water activities are available at the many beach concessions. There seemed to be a very "liberal" beach party policy -- a 3 day weekend was at full speed ahead!

And yes, I went swimming twice despite the 60 degree water temp --

Foggy Sunday at Snook Bight

2009-02-15T10:23:00.004-05:00

Egret on foggy day here at the marina ...

We survived Valentine's Day as invisible 60 year olds --- oh well ....

Friday 13th - Yikes!

2009-02-14T13:22:00.002-05:00

Fog - Dave to Airport - Show Boat - Fog

Not superstitious ---

Naples, Florida -- ALEXANDRA

2009-02-14T12:13:00.008-05:00

We cruised down to Naples, Florida with Dave MacFarlane of Alden Yachts onboard on Wednesday, spent the night at the city marina, did a bay-canal cruise (impressive) and returned to Fort Myers Beach in the fog on Thursday...

The canals of Port Royal - big homes, big boats and big pockets--very impressive area though...
Peter, Dave MacFarlane and Cookie Boyd and his girls on way to The Dock for lunch --

Thanks Cookie!

On the way to Naples from Snook Bight, Estero Island

2009-02-13T23:35:00.005-05:00

This sequence of photos is taken northbound on the inside of Estero Island (Fort Myers Beach). The Island is 6 miles long and sometimes it takes an hour to go 3 miles when the traffic is heavy -- which seems to be everytime we go antwhere in the Suburban ...

The very northerly end of Fort Myers Beach, FL.

Kayaking with Scolley - Mound Key

2009-02-13T22:59:00.007-05:00

Scolley Whitney, Dave MacFarlane, Peter and George go Kayaking at Mound Key, which is largely constructed from shells deposited there by Calusa Indians several centuries ago. A favorite with professional archaeologists, history buffs and picnickers, Mound Key is accessible only by boat from the southern tip of Estero Island.

I didn't get many photos because was first time kayaking for George and did not want to put the new camera in danger of 'swiming' ... oh well --- It was a great time and we hope to do it again before crossing the state.

Boat Chores - Monday the 9th

2009-02-13T22:50:00.004-05:00

I will spare you any photos of us doing the laundry ... however, here are some of us preping to varnish ---

Sunday Bay Cruise - Moonrise

2009-02-08T18:23:00.002-05:00

The Kayaking trip was postponed so Peter took ALEXANDRA out for a nice 2 hour cruise of Estero Pass - Fort Myers Beach and poked the nose out into San Carlos Bay. This is tonight's moonrise -- the second full moon of the trip.

Dave MacFarlane arrives tomorrow night. The plan is to head south to Naples for an overnighter at Naples City Marina...

Sunday Sunrise

2009-02-08T08:05:00.006-05:00

Eploring and Kayaking are on the agenda -- Scolley is coming down from Sarasota to check out the Estero River, Mound Key and Lover's Key. It is going to be a Fabulous Florida Day with temps in the high 70's and we will have a high tide to float us through 'skinny waters' -- Photos and updates later...

Fort Lauderdale - Kharisma

2009-02-08T07:41:00.007-05:00

On Saturday we drove over to Fort Lauderdale (2 Hours on Alligator Alley) to show this Bertram 46 to Ben 'The Tooth Doctor' who flew down from N.C. to look at it to buy. An offer is being considered. Lunch at the South Port Raw Bar is always a treat. We were back at the boat by 4 p.m. Nice field trip and a good example of "the floating office" in action ...

The Galley

2009-02-06T10:22:00.004-05:00

A few photos from different angle --

... ... it is getting warmer and feels like we can come out of a 2 day hibernation -- we have been talking with Scolley W. about some exploring / kayaking and David MacFarlane arives Monday for some boating activities.

New Carpet for Galley and V-Berth

2009-02-06T10:07:00.009-05:00

On a scouting trip to Naples on Wednesday the 4th, we stopped by a carpet outlet and found a remnant that matched the colors already on board -- a good find and a nice upgrade to the interior decor!

And, this helped to keep her a little warmer through the cold snap...

Record Low Temps - 20 Degrees Below Average

2009-02-06T00:36:00.005-05:00

Well, it has been a little bit unpleasant here in Southwest Florida with 20 mph North winds and I have had a taste of 'cabin fever' but, we should be back to a nice mid 70's / 50's starting this afternoon.

Here are a few photos showing that it wasn't too cold to get out for a smoke ...

Boat Chores - (never ending) - Day 1 Second Leg

2009-02-04T00:07:00.011-05:00

Bow Plank Varnished -

Swim Step Re-Oiled --

Hosed Down and Chamoised Off ---

--- Resume Yachting ----

Feb 2nd - Back on Board ALEXANDRA

2009-02-02T21:28:00.002-05:00

We arrived around 4 p.m. on a rainy afternoon. Settled back in and all is well.

Peter, Brandy and George

Returning to Fort Myers Beach Tomorrow, Feb 2

2009-02-01T15:56:00.003-05:00

Peter is driving down from Hampstead today after visiting his Mom who celebrated her 94th birthday last week. We are going to drive to Jensen Beach and leave George's car there so we can retrieve Peter's car after we cross over to the Atlantic Coast around the 21st - 22nd of February.

This is the WEBSITE for Fort Myers Beach and you can read a little history HERE.

Exploring and Kayaking are the activities planned for the next 2 weeks ...

Completed first leg of the Florida Adventure - Successfully

2009-01-23T09:08:00.011-05:00

A Gulf of Mexico Sunset 200 yards from our slip at Snook Bight Marina on the last day of phase 1 of the cruise. All is well --

Sunrise Jan. 22 with the boat "put away" for our trip back to 'land homes' to take care of end of month business.

Peter dropped George off in Orlando and continues to Hampstead, N.C. with a stop in Jacksonville, FL to replenish the CNG "safe gas" cylinder for the boat stove. It is kind of surprising that such a safe source of fuel has been so difficult to provision...

This is George signing off until we return to Fort Myers Beach on Feb. 1, 2009.

Commence Dining - Peter Loves to Cook

2009-01-23T08:24:00.005-05:00

Even though we have had some excellent meals at restaurants, the meals on board are, day in and day out, the best dining on the water. Gourmet meals prepared with simple ingredients - simple and elegant ... like the Yacht ALEXANDRA!

By some standards, the galley on ALEXANDRA is small but, the 4 burner CNG stove / oven / broiler, HUGE top loading refer and deep sink provide good working spaces. The refer can survive 36 hours on D.C. battery and the boat still has 13 volts to start that CAT 3208 up on the first crank. It is not the size of the galley - it is the layout and experience that bring it "to life".

The Floating Office

2009-01-23T06:28:00.006-05:00

Actually, we both are able to get a lot off 'work' work done online. Peter has been brokering his yacht sales and George works on his clients websites - as well as posting to this boat log. The most difficult aspect is jumping from WiFi connections at the different marinas -- the availability of high speed broadband has greatly improved but, we need to be more patient because it is no where near as fast as a good hardwired connection. Anyone have a satellite communications dish that they want to donate to the adventure?... ha-ha!

Sights along the way ...

2009-01-21T13:59:00.009-05:00

Bridges, houseboats, mangroves, ferries, inlets -- lots to see on Florida's Gulf Coast Waterway!
Temp: 66 degrees -- warm on the flybridge inside the 3-sided enclosure

Bridges, houseboats, mangroves, ferries, inlets -- lots to see on Florida's Gulf Coast Waterway!

Smooth and sweet underway - 14kts @ 2050 rpm - - - 7 gallons hour

2009-01-21T13:33:00.008-05:00

Clear, cold day at Snook Bight Marina

2009-01-21T13:20:00.005-05:00

Wed. 1-21-2009 ... "felt like" 30 earlier, but 52 now and a pretty day. Here are some shots of marina activity today:

Brandy - Alexandra - Peter

2009-01-21T13:03:00.005-05:00

There is no doubt that she loves her new boat / home... Brandy has around 40,000 blue water miles - making her the most seaworthy dog I have ever known. And, she always stands the "dog watch".

Voted #1 Duffy Flybridge Cruiser by Independent Labs

Alexandra Arrives Snook Bight Marina

2009-01-19T21:38:00.002-05:00

It was a great cruise "inside" on the ICW from Sarasota to Ft Myers Beach - 6 hours at 14 kts. Many picturesque spots alond the way... notably the swing bridge southern Casey Key, Cabbage Key - Pine Island Sound and all the wildlife along the waterway; Pelicans, Herons, Egrets and Dolphins.

Once again Peter did an excellent job of navigating the Intra-coastal -- making the maze of bouys and markers look easy - paper charts, NavNet GPS and years of experience.

So, this is what we look like at Snook Bight Marina, Fort Myers Beach, Florida ---

More photos soon....

Sarasota to Fort Myers Beach

2009-01-18T21:47:00.003-05:00

We leave tomorrow morning, Monday the 19th, 8-9 a.m. for Fort Myers Beach. We might stop and anchor along the way if something catches our attention -- weather permitting... no particular place to go.

... another great meal tonight from Pedro's Galley; Steaks, Greek zucchini and garlic mashed potatoes -- Brandy loved the leftovers!

Sunday Walk - Docks at Marina Jack, Sarasota FL

2009-01-18T15:32:00.011-05:00

Walking the docks during Sunday Brunch - Clear & Sunny 64 degrees - Winds SW @ 11 mph Click Image to View Larger

Lunch Expedition - Sat 17th

2009-01-18T07:34:00.003-05:00

Despite cooler temps, we returned to Jewfish Key and Moores Restaurant for a pleasant day trip. The grouper sandwich is excellent and the conversation varied. Fun times had by all ........

Snook Bight Marina - Fort Myers Beach Home Port

2009-01-17T08:15:00.004-05:00

Friday, Peter & George took a 230 mile r/t road trip to Fort Myers Beach in the Suburban (Land Tender to Alexandra - "Green Machine") to scout out the area and discover a good marina for "home port" during February. We looked at 6 Marinas from old school commercial to brand spanking new. Surprisingly the new Snook Bight Marina offers ALL modern transient services in addition to being 150 yards to sandy Gulf of Mexico beaches and right next to a Publix market... at reasonable, competitive rates.

We leave Sarasota Monday morning the 19th and plan to arrive Fort Myers Beach by Tuesday evening ...

Sat 17th Day Trip - Longboat Key Pass

2009-01-17T08:08:00.002-05:00

We plan to re-visit our 1st anchorage today with guests that we have met here in Sarasota -- hoping that it will warm up. "Feels like" 32 at sunrise and we expect mid 60's by the time we get there, 1 hour north. Leaving dock 11ish... I will post photos when they are available.

Cold as Hell

2009-01-16T17:42:00.006-05:00

It has been unseasonably cold the past 2 days with the high barely reaching 60 and lows in the high 30's. And, it looks like this blue norther will persist through the next 2 to 3 days. Damn. Gone are the swim trunks and tank top... George, who gets cold when it dips below 70, has 4 layers on and says it is even too cold to go on deck to smoke ciggies -- hmmm, maybe that will help him quit the nasty habit. Not. He will just get a watch-ski cap and gloves...

Today is better though and the oil filled radiant heater (like an old fashioned radiator) works real well ... Tonight will be in mid 30's and over the next few days it should get back to 70 / 50

Swim Step Gets Oiled

2009-01-16T08:17:00.003-05:00

After removing 20 years of varnish, the swim step looks real nice with a fresh coat of teak oil. The project began at Tarpon Springs City Marina and was completed at Marina Jacks in Sarasota over the course of 8 days.

Weather looks like this ...

2009-01-15T07:40:00.004-05:00

Right Now for Sarasota, FL
Fair
42°F
Feels Like
38°F
Updated Jan 15 07:25 a.m. ET

UV Index: 0 Low
Wind: From NE at 6 mph
Humidity: 79%
Pressure: 30.30 in.
Dew Point: 36°F
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Sarasota Sunset

2009-01-14T19:20:00.003-05:00

We have a great slip here at Marina Jacks; sunsets, fountains and dolphin statues ... had guests for sunset gathering - the Whitneys and "2 sailboats" George. It is pretty cold for here as a persistent cold front sits over the area.

Peter purchased some accessories for the boat today: heater, flat screen T.V., vacuum and toaster. Continue Yachting!

Week in Sarasota Planned

2009-01-13T09:03:00.006-05:00

Cold weather front coming in with 30 kt winds. Scolley, who lives in Sarasota, gets in touch with Peter and some plans are made to stay in this area for a week ...THEN south to Fort Myers. We plan on going to Tarpon Springs this morning to retreive Peter's Suburban - our land yacht. Some local exploring and kayaking are considered into the weeks activities.

It is a brisk 42 degree morning, Wednesday 14th. It will warm up soon when sunrises at 7:22 but not much! Only going to 65 today -- I know... not really cold.

Sarasota - Marina Jacks

2009-01-12T18:50:00.004-05:00

We are considering going onwards to Fort Myers in the morning -- more of a "beach town"... but for now, off to the goochie tiki bar!

Trendy and High End Facilities - Hotel like Showers - Internet Access - Restaurant & Bar - walk to Downtown

At Anchor - Nightime

2009-01-12T18:46:00.001-05:00

1st Anchorage

2009-01-12T16:11:00.005-05:00

We departed Tarpon Springs in a thick fog at 9 a.m. Peter's experience and the NavNet equipment got us through it w/o any problems and the fog broke after about 2 1/2 hours just north of Tampa Bay entrance. We arrived at Jewfish Key / Longboat Pass at 1:40 and set anchor, inflated Avon 'Rover' (outboard started on 3rd pull after no use for over a year) and prepared a great Shrimp Alfredo Pasta w/ brocolli and salads w/ balsamic vinagrette. Full moon - 68 nm @2,000 rpms = 13 knots. All is well. Tomorrow we will make Sarasota (a distant 14 nms) with no particular plan set in stone ...

Thoughts from the Gulf

2009-01-12T13:12:00.001-05:00

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold December morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that a thousand of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

Day Trip

2009-01-10T10:17:00.003-05:00

Day Excursion: The plan is to cruise out the channel from Tarpon Bayou to Anclote Key / Three Rooker Bar and anchor for lunch, inflate the Avon Rover dingy and enjoy what looks like is going to be a beautiful afternoon. There are no major 'work' projects planned for today. We are ready to "commence yachting" as Peter likes to say... and, on this boat, that is an appropriate statement.

Fuel Dock

2009-01-10T10:12:00.003-05:00

Tarpon Springs City Marina
28 09 N 82 45 S
Engine Hours: 1,400
Fuel: 200 Gallons @ $2.12
Tarpon Springs Commercial Fuel Dock
Sunny, Warm, Calm

Stripper on Swim Step

2009-01-10T10:05:00.002-05:00

We continue to strip the varnish off of the swim step, it will look real nice after the teak is sanded and oiled. See Peter on his hands and knees, sweating -- it is a tough job but good exercise... better than going to some damn Gym. So, when we say we had stripper on swim step for past two days -- do not misunderstand.

Great Weather

2009-01-10T09:54:00.003-05:00

Another Chamber of Commerce morning here in Tarpon Springs. We are sitting "in the mud"; full moon and extreme low tide ... harder for some old dogs to get off & on the boat.

... continue to strip varnish from swim step - will oil teak, inflate 'rubber ducky' later, 'one more trip' to Walmart for stuff -- almost ready!

Living Aboard Alexandra

2009-01-08T17:16:00.004-05:00

... as we get settled in and work through the "to do" list we are enjoying how easy it is to be onboard this yacht. Wednesday was rainy and kinda cold. Today, Thursday, is delightful mid 70's and clear blue skies. The 'plan' is to spend Saturday on the hook at Anclote Key then head out Sunday towards Sarasota, Florida with a layover at St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

Commence Yachting

2009-01-06T16:08:00.002-05:00

Generator operating on 1st pull, galley fully functional, provisions stowed -- next up; fine tune the inflatable and outboard motor ...

Alexandra Launches

2009-01-06T15:54:00.003-05:00

She splashed on Monday Jan 5th at 3:30 on a beautiful afternoon. New waterline stripes, name and flybridge bimini -- the enclosure will be completed by Jan 9th or so ... then we will wander southward --

Launch Date is January 5th, 2009

2008-12-30T12:34:00.007-05:00

The launch date has been bumped up a couple of days --- New Years and all ... and to give the canvas shop a little more time to finish up the bimini and enclosure for the flybridge. (Travel-Lift pictured) The weather guys predict some rain for this weekend so we will avoid all that. Alexandra will be here for time to service the big engine, the outboard for the dingy, get the galley shipshape and to provision. We will then cruise south to Sarasota Bay, exploring along the way.

For anyone who wants to "follow" the Alexandra, you can subscribe by clicking the 'follow this blog' link under the Doppler Radar report on the lower right hand side of this page...

Saludos and Prospero Año Nuevo!

Alexandra in Tarpon Springs Boatyard -- ready for bottom paint

2008-12-28T11:03:00.004-05:00

... after lots of scrubbing and re-installing what was dismantled from trip across country on tractor-trailer.

Proposed launch date is Jan 2nd to Jan 5th.

'Alexandra' when she was named 'Elise" by original owner

2008-12-28T10:49:00.001-05:00

Setting Up This Blog as Log / Journal

2008-12-28T10:21:00.000-05:00

This will be an easier way to publish and post entries as we travel along the coastline. George will be posting by wi-fi mobile connections when available...