Tuesday, 11/11/08

0615 departure from Georgetown.  A little chilly.  About an hour later we were in the Landagoshen.  Very rough exit out of the channel and past the jetties.  Jimmy at the helm.  Did a great job getting out of the channel.  For those of you who think that this is all Rum, Cigars and Mermaids, let me tell you, it's not.  SEE VIDEO

 

COG 224 degrees.  Following seas.  Large, wide rollers.  Clear skies.  Sunny.

NOTE Make every effort to not get any clothing even the slightest bit wet.  I went out on the deck to fix a wiper and got my shirt wet, just a little, under the arm.  For the next half hour (until I changed) it was extremely annoying. 

 

NOTE The decision to go “Inside”  or “Out” seems to be far more critical with a sailboat.  With a power boat, where you can cruise at 18 knots, you can definitely come in from the outside to get out of bad conditions a lot quicker than a sailboat.  With a sailboat, you might be committed to almost a full day unitl you can get back in again.

 

I learned a new skill today!  I actually tied my first Turk's Knot!  Wow!

 

0915 Seas have built to some good, solid five-six foot rollers.  Even though we've got following seas, our speed drops from 18 knots to around 12 knots when we get caught going up a roller.

 

We decided to come “inside” via Charleston.  We were taking the rollers directly on our beam as we came in.  Somewhat intense entry.

 

In Charleston Harbor we passed Ft. Sumpter and The Battery.  On up to Wappoo Creek and the Stono River where we got the ICW.

 

Frustrating trip through ICW.  Many No Wake zones.  In Beaufort, SC it was idle speed for about an hour or get a $1020 fine and/or 30 days in jail.  Marinas were booked so we anchored out in the Herb River.

 

Nice anchorage.  Just a bit cool.  Full moon rising.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 11/12/08

Off the hook at 0615.  Overcast, cool.  Staying “inside” today. 

 

We are winding our way on the ICW through .  The ICW really bends and winds around huge marshes.  I definitely would not do this leg at night. 

 

I was taken by some of the names of rivers, creeks and sounds that we’ve been passing.  Sure there was the ,  The Fear River, and Burntpot.  But, there was also Buttermilk Sound and Old Tea Kettle Creek

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We were boarded by Coasties today.  Just checking out the boat for the correct documentation and safety equipment.  As soon as they boarded I said “Gee, I hope this wasn’t about hitting those three manatees back there.  I would have missed them, but I guess I was going too fast.”  No, I didn’t say that.  And no, we didn’t hit any manatees (although we were on the lookout for them).

 

We did pretty good time.  We pulled up to the fuel dock at the Palm Cove Marina in around 1500. 

 

While fueling up we met Captain John Tipton. a local.  John is also retired Army, retired Merchant Marine, vet.  He also provides “Diversified Servies to the Aviation and Marine Community Since 1972”   He is also a member of the Seven Seas association.  So, he offered to drive us to Publix and ABC Liquor for some re-provisioning. 

 

He also took us to Billie’s Boat Restaurant.  Great locals place for seafood and burgersBack to the marina for a nightcap and dreams of No Wake Zones to come.

 

Thursday, 11/13/08

I know that I’ve been talking about going on the “Inside” (ICW) or the “Outside”(Landagoshen).  Here’s the difference.  SEE  VIDEO

 

O’Dark Thirty.  A little difficult to see daymarks.  Sun begins to rise, but fog sets in.  Less than 1/8 mile visibility.  Primarily operating by instruments of faith (radar, chart plotter, rosary)

 

Weather is warm.  No wind.  ICW is flat calm.

Fog begins to clear around 0815 as we enter .  We decided to follow a Customs and Immigration Boat to the outside.  Seems a little rough in the pass, but doable.  Once out and heading South we are dead into 5-6 steep waves.  The boat is handling it fine.  A little uncomfortable for me. 

 

We decide to come back in to the ICW and Ponce De Leon pass.  Surf in.  A little confusion with quite a few daymarks plus some that were added that are not on the chart.  

 

1230  Back to the extreme calm and slow-go of the Save-the-Damn-Manattees-No-Wake-Florida ICW

 

Mosquito Lagoon and neighboring areas is very surreal;  Channels and bridges in what seems to be the middle of nowhere, way too many "Save the Manattee" signs confusing where the actual daymarks are, etc.

 

In at the 1745 Cocoa Village Marina, Cocoa Beach, FL.  Very nice facilities.

 

 

Friday, 11/14/08

Out at 0615. A quick dash and before you know it, we’re on the St. Lucie River heading for Lake Okeechobee, or as we cruisers call it; The Okeechobe, The Ole’ Okeydokey, The Big O.K., The Oprahchokee… you get the picture.

 

Pass Hell Gate and on to St. Lucie Lock. SEE VIDEO.   We wait forty-five minutes for the lock to open then probably another thirty minutes while the lock lets in about fifteen feet of water from the other side.

 

Next lock is at Port Mayaca We are held up for about another forty-five minutes when an automatic railroad bridge closes to let a train pass. We finally lock through Port Mayaca Lock.

 

Now we hit the big water. We are taking Route 1 twenty-two miles across the lake. Route 2 (along the rim of the lake) is unfortunately closed. I hate to be so close to Pahokee and not be able to stop for a visit. Pahokee is the birthplace of international Country & Western star, Mel Tillis!

 

We cross twenty-two miles of The Mamma Okey and arrive in Clewiston for our last stop before we get to Marco Island. We stop at the Roland and Mary Ann Martin’s Marina. This is Bass Tournament Central. Photos of Roland fishing with George Bush I! Huge gift shop, diner and Martin’s also has one huge tiki bar. The scene rivaled the bar scene from that Star Wars movie with quite a mix of characters – SEE VIDEO

 

Watched the space shuttle take off. Espresso all around. Quick visit to the Tiki Bar and back to the boat for our last night aboard.