Becoming Part of the FMB Community

December 25, 2011 – January 13, 2011

We have been having a wonderful time here. We have sort of settled into a rhythm of retirement activities.

Mark tries to go fishing as often as he can – weather and time permitting. On New Year’s Eve, Mark and Geff decided to give it a go. Geff needed to have the appropriate gear so he got some new hair. I think this is now his official fishing hat. As you can see the guys had refreshments as well, although, they are not always so well equipped for their trips. On the last adventure, the guys ran aground in shallow water in Estero Bay. They knew the tide was supposed to be coming back into the bay so they waited – for about 90 minutes – under a very warm sun - without water (or beer) – until they finally decided they would have to push themselves off the mud. Of course, they had to struggle to keep their footing while keeping their sandals on their feet and not 6 inches under the mud. Once afloat, they had a good time fishing.

Geff's new hair

Goin' fishin'

So far, we have not had any fruits of their labor. It is my understanding that many fish have been caught, but most are not the right size, or in season. That being said, just a couple of days ago, Mark spotted this Snook taking a siesta under his fishing boat. Fish-Tale Marina is a clean green marina and a fish sanctuary. It would seem the fish know it….

Snook in Fish-Tale Marina under tender

We have gotten to the golf course a couple of times. Most recently we participated in a golf scramble with folks from The Palms. This has given me opportunity to practice with my new Adams hybrid golf club that Mark gave me for Christmas. I LOVE THAT CLUB! The first day I used it, I drove a green over 150 yards from tee. And during the scramble, I won the longest drive contest for women. Is that cool or what??? We will probably keep participating in the scramble format – seems to take some pressure off and both Mark and I are working on consistent golf swings.

Geff, Mary Sue and Mark on the Tee

Shortly after the new year the day was perfect for boating. We went out with Geff and Mary Sue. This time out excursion took us to the restaurant, Nauti Turtle. On our way back we spotted a group of dolphins “playing”. Geff turned the boat around and got closer and set his speed at about 8.5 knots. And just like it has with Grateful, the dolphins were attracted to our wake. They indeed were in a playful mood and put on quite a show for us by leaping completely out of the water.

Dolphins coming to cruise with Mary Sue

Big and little dolphins in the group

Very happy indeed

Mark and I have found that we are becoming part of “The Palms” Ft Myers Beach community. The Palms are the condominiums where Geff and Mary Sue live. Mark and I have been welcomed to many of their activities because of our friendship with Geff and Mary Sue. Not only have we played golf, but Mark is playing poker with the guys while I play cards with the ladies. I have also joined the ladies to play dominoes and practice yoga. And I was so worried about having nothing to do…. I will leave you with a picture of the Key Lime pie that a table of five of us shared. The “No Hat Lunch Bunch” from The Palms had lunch at The Veranda restaurant, a landmark in Old Ft Myers. The pie tasted every bit as good as it looked!

Key Lime pie at The Veranda, Ft Myers

Well, my sister, Dea, is here to visit for a week so the next entry will be after she leaves – we are looking forward to our week.

Okeechobee Waterway to Fish-Tale Marina, Ft Myers Beach

December 15-17, 2010


Well, we are finally back and writing. We took some time to fully appreciate Christmas and the New Year.


Christmas Eve dinner at the Sandy Butler

 Actually, we had lovely holidays, but shortly after the new year, we purchased a new laptop. We forgot everything that is involved with learning a new operating system and transferring files, then learning the new software that goes along with the new computer. Anyway, these things as well as Mark playing with the new computer games have conspired to keep me from writing on the blog. Blah-blah-blah.

The last entry before Christmas was while we were crossing the Okeechobee Waterway. We had been delayed because of a cold front moving across Florida. The winds finally calmed to 10-15 mph which was enough for us to go. We were up and out early while it was still quite chilly (34 degrees) – the snowy egrets were huddled against the cold.

Even the turkey vultures were not moving – I think we counted 16-17 birds.

The Port Mayaca Lock is the gateway to Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee is at a higher elevation than either east or west coast of Florida so there are two locks on the east side waterway and three locks on the west side waterway. The St. Lucie Lock was the greatest lift at 13 feet, but Port Mayaca was only about two feet. As the gates opened we looked out at what the weather service called a “moderate chop”. The waves were about two footers, and Mark remained alert while steering. The channel is narrow with the first channel marker about 7 miles out. Unlike most of the other channels we have been in Lake Okeechobee’s channel is lined with rock debris – we carefully followed our GPS headings. After 25 miles we were on the west side and followed the channel through the grass.

Port Mayaca Lock

Out to Lake Okeechobee

Channel through the grass

We left the big lake at Clewiston, then turned north and followed the waterway along the west side of Lake Okeechobee for roughly 10 miles to Moore Haven. Lake Okeechobee is contained by manmade dikes with locks to prevent the water from being blown out during hurricanes. We were in the channel just on the other side of the dike. Our books told us that the USACE waged war against the casuarina trees, believed to be an invasive species. An invasive species is an organism that becomes established in a new environment, and then spreads in a way that is destructive to the native ecosystem. The name is derived from the Malay word for the cassowary, kasuari, alluding to the similarities between the bird's feathers and the plant's foliage. Our Waterways guide book referred to the trees as exotic.



Remains of casuarina trees

 We made it through the Moore Haven Lock and finally stopped at the River Forest Yacht Center in LaBelle. We traveled nearly 80 miles and it took a little over 9 hours. We are considering leaving Grateful at this facility over the summer when we go back to MN. Negotiations are in process with our insurance company. River Forest has “hurricane tie-downs” – cleats in the concrete – that are used to secure the boats with straps in case of high winds.

Sunset at River Forest Yacht Center, LaBelle

Thursday, we moved on. The weather was warming and Mark was able to drive from the flybridge. This day we had about 43 miles to go with two locks, three bridges and manatee zones. We passed through the citrus areas of Florida with orange trees lining the canal.

Orange groves along the Okeechobee Waterway

We had to ask for two bridges to open for us and thought that we would be able to go through the Beautiful Island RR Bridge because it is usually open. But as we approached, it closed for a train. A half hour later we were through. Fortunately, we were now in the Caloosahatchee River and had more wiggle room. That night we stayed at the Legacy Marina in N Ft Myers. Geff and Mary Sue met us at the marina having traveled there in their boat. We had a great seafood dinner at Joe’s Crabshack.

Train on Beautiful Island RR Bridge

Grateful at Legacy Harbor, N Ft Myers

Friday, December 17th, was another beautiful day. Our route to Fish-Tale Marina on south Ft. Myers Beach takes us out into the gulf. We were back to familiar territory. As we crossed under the Sanibel Causeway, the gulf was very calm.

Sanibel Causeway - familiar territory

We picked up happy dolphins who were jumping completely out of the water. We could have come in at a little higher tide because we had a bit of a scare coming into Big Carlos pass – only 3 feet of water under Grateful. It was a glorious day with sun and 78 degrees. We were safely settled in by early afternoon.

Calm "soft" gulf water

Merry Christmas 2010

December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas Dear Family and Friends! 

We are safely in Ft. Myers Beach. We have celebrated Jesus' Birthday with good friends, but we miss our family very much. 

We hope that you have been able to celebrate this special day with those you love or wrapped in their loving thoughts. 

Grateful dressed for Christmas 2010

We'll have more to tell you about our Okeechobee Waterway crossing in a couple of days.

Titusville to Vero Beach to Okeechobee Waterway

December 9-13, 2010

We left early from Titusville because we had 75 miles to go to Vero Beach. Titusville Municipal Marina has many resident ospreys. One had chosen the “soft” post on Grateful’s port side to eat its breakfast. As we were making to leave, it puffed its feathers and spread its wings to make itself BIG, but I still won the battle and it finally flew away with its catch.

We looked forward to Vero Beach because we had heard so many positive comments and we had heard that there was a dog beach close by. Our intention was to spend the weekend there. We stopped and got fuel – another 300 gallons – and they put us into a nice slip. Unfortunately it was raining off and on and things were a little soggy. However, it made a lovely sunset picture.

Friday dawned on a foggy morning and it didn’t clear until 9:00. But when it cleared, the day was brilliant and warm. We did find the dog park, and after a few Frisbee throws, Porter went to the drainage ditch for a drink – pretty much guaranteed a bath for him. Later in the day, Mark and I used the free city shuttle and went shopping. We needed dog chow, milk and sweet vermouth. My O&M friends would be proud of me because I figured out the bus schedule and we were standing on the correct side of the road to catch our ride home. But, alas, we decided to leave Vero Beach early as a cold front was going to be moving through on Sunday bringing high winds and freezing temperatures. We were able to rearrange our marina reservations so we were all set.

Saturday dawned with heavy fog again. We were ready to go but needed to wait until we could see the sailboats anchored in the harbor. Well, we could see them and we had our trusty GPS and radar, so by 8:30 we departed.

Finally the sun broke through to shine on a gigantic USA flag

The day cleared to a bright, cool day. We traveled the Indian River this whole day. The river is sometimes a mile wide, but with only a very narrow channel with 8-10 ft depths. The channel is lined with spoil islands – some have trees, beaches and room for camping.  

As we approached St Lucie Inlet, the water became that beautiful aqua. There were many more dolphin sightings and some came to swim with us. There were a lot of boats out enjoying the day. At the St. Lucie Inlet we had to turn inland to find the Okeechobee waterway. The first test was getting through a set of three bridges – one high, an open RR bridge, and a low bascule bridge. Finally we were through and into the canal.

St . Lucie Inlet

Wall dripping with purple flowers

Tight quarters through RR bridge and bascule bridge

Finally through the bridges

We made it through the St. Lucie lock – a 13 ft lift. We are old hands at locks, but this one seemed hard. In the Midwest, water is run into the lock through a pump system  - water seems to boil up from the depths. So far these locks seem to work by simply opening the lock door at the other end. We had a heck of a surge as 13 feet of water poured into the lock - we both were holding on for dear life!!

Entering the Okeechobee Waterway

Just  narrow canal

St. Lucie Lock gates opening

We cruised until we came to the River Forest Yacht Center. This is not a marina, but has electrical power and water. This is one of the places we are considering to store Grateful rather than cruising to South Carolina.

Grateful at sunset

We had reservations at Indiantown for both Sunday and Monday evenings. We knew the cold front was beginning to move through the area. Sunday morning arrived peacefully and calm. 

Dawn in the harboe

Love these "bottle-brush" palms

However, Sunday morning I called Indiantown Marina to find out when we could arrive. Because the cold front was due to arrive, the boats that were going to leave the marina had not left. We offered to stay where we were – and the same happened for Monday.

The wind that has arrived with the cold front is crazy – gusts to 35 mph. We have been out rearranging fenders continuously as the wind bumps us against the wall. Travel across Lake Okeechobee is not advised – weather channels call it “rough”.  Lake Okeechobee is the second largest lake within the boundaries of the US, but it is only about 13 feet deep. Winds can make crossing the lake quite hazardous. When I called the Indiantown Marina today, they did not think anyone was leaving throughout the week. I guess we will wait. According to weather forecasts, we might be able to cross Lake Okeechobee by Wednesday – we will make the attempt. We will start from River Forest rather than 13 miles closer at Indiantown.

Until then……….

December 3-8, 2010

Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, St. Augustine

Halifax Harbor, Daytona Beach

Titusville Municipal Marina, Titusville

It’s been awhile since I added to the blog. We have traveled every other day and rested on the off days. We are still on target to get to Ft. Myers Beach by either December 16^th or 17^th. Even though we are traveling on the ICW, the weather could be a factor by next week. It seems so odd to have to pay so much attention to what may happen with the weather.

On December 3^rd we left Fernandina Beach for St, Augustine. We needed assistance leaving the dock again because of the tidal current, but mostly because of a strong wind blowing us into the dock. As it turned out, Mark placed one of orange ball fenders toward Grateful’s bow and pivoted the stern out using the fender against the dock. Our trip was uneventful – thank goodness – and we saw some interesting sights on the way to St. Augustine.

We passed two of these "houseboats" on the way to St. Augustine.

Lady Catherine, a beautiful Trumpy yacht, passed us.

Sunset at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor

Boats in dry dock facility being repaired

A perfect end to a long day.

Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor is very nice and protected. Last spring we spent a week at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. While we had a wonderful week there with easy access to beautiful historic St. Augustine, the hustle and bustle (construction on the Bridge of Lions, tour boats coming and going, transient boats crashing and getting caught up in the current) was quite a difference from the calm, peaceful feel of Camachee Cove. On Saturday many boaters were decorating their boats for Christmas – the big regatta is next weekend.

Grateful at Comachee Cove Yacht Harbor

Entrance to Camachee Cove

We moved on to Daytona Beach on Sunday, and returned to Halifax Harbor. We had a very pleasant stay with them last spring and this time was no different. Our trip was another easy one – and we shared the waterway with many more boats than we had seen before. As this day progressed apparently the wind shifted from the west to out of the north. We were getting a healthy push from the wind as well as the current, but it ushered in very cold weather for this part of the country. For the last three mornings we have been getting up to mid-30s for temps. I have pulled out all the winter gear that I needed last fall when we were traveling down the Mississippi. Even Captain Mark has reluctantly given up his shorts for a pair of sweatpants.

St. Augustine at dawn

Castillo  in St. Augustine

Passage through the Bridge of Lions

Halifax Harbor at sunset

On Tuesday, we continued down to Titusville and stopped at the Municipal Marina again. We had forgotten what an adventure it was to get into a slip here. Because the docks are fixed not floating and because the fingers are only about 25 ft long, we have to go stern in so that we can get off our boat. (Our doors are located about 10 ft from the back of the boat). Things seemed to be going just great with the stern fitting between the soft posts when suddenly the dockhand yells “FORWARD” because one of those posts had moved right behind us!!! Well, Captain Mark still has fast reactions and we did not hit the post. I got the stern line to the dockhand, but then I had to run to the bow to lasso those soft posts with bow lines. Good Grief – I am going to need more practice on that skill. Anyway with expert help from the dockhand, we were finally tied down. Our power cord and water barely reach from the front of the boat back to the main dock behind us, but we are connected. And this is another great place to stay. Porter loves it because he can get off and on the boat under his own power. With floating docks we need a ladder so we have to lift Porter off the boat. He is much happier this way.

First dolphins to swim with Grateful - a family of three.

Never get tired of watching

Can you find the heron?

Spilled red wine - Porter was helping clean up the mess.

Heron at Titusville Municipal Marina.

Last spring we watched the Atlas rocket launch while we were here and we thought we might see another commercial rocket launch of the Falcon 9, but it has been delayed – maybe tomorrow morning? We will look as we travel down to Vero Beach.