3/30/2011 LEAVING DINNER KEY MARINA AND ANCHORING OFF KEY BISCAYNE

WEDNESDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 5 NM

SUNRISE: 7:15      SUNSET: 7:36

HIGH: 87                LOW: 75

After a quick bike trip to the Crook and Crook Marine Store (who would think this was a good name for a retail store?) where we were able to purchase the parts to fix the shore power cord, Dan got to work and replaced the plug end. We stocked with ice, ran a load of laundry, returned the gate key then cast off our lines and headed to the fuel dock. Quest was quite thirsty since we hadn’t filled up since Emerald Bay Marina in the Exumas.

We made the short run to anchor right off Key Biscayne, right where we stayed the night before going into Dinner Key Marina last week. Unfortunately, we somehow managed to snag a rope and Dan had to swim down to cut it loose once we were securely anchored. Not huge deals because he was planning on diving down to replace the shaft zincs anyway.

THE WIND WAS STIRING UP THE WATERS IN THE ANCHORAGE
OFF DINNER KEY MARINA

ZINCS- CHECK,! HAMMER-CHECK!  SCREWS-CHECK!
READY TO SWIM UNDER AND CHANGE OUT THE ZINCS

DAN TOOK CARE OF CULPRET THAT HITCHED A RIDE ON OUR SHAFT

We found it so much cooler once we got out of the marina and were able to enjoy the breeze skipping across the waters. Our night was peaceful with the windows open and our anchor secure.

YET ANOTHER GORGEOUS SUNSET

3/29/2011 DINNER KEY MARINA: HUMID AND HOT

TUESDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM

SUNRISE: 7:16      SUNSET: 7:36

HIGH: 85               LOW: 69

Hot and humid here today!

A dredging barge pulled up just off our dock 3 at the marina and spent several hours “doing their thing” then moved on.

THE DREDGE PULLS RIGHT UP TO THE END OF OUR DOCK

We got our bikes down and Dan installed his new front and back hand break on his bike then we peddled in the heat to Home Depot for some “absolutely necessary” little something. I also picked up a new thyme plant to replenish my boat herb garden.  The rest of the day was spent watching the weather, putting the boat back together after our company and kicking back. I finished a current beswt seller, "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resiallance and Redemption" by Laura Hillenbrand.  I had several people recommend this to me and found it thoroughly captivating.

MY HERBS GARDEN

Between rain squalls we managed to get our marketing done and the boat ready for tomorrow’s intended departure. I’m, once again, ready to be on the move.

With the air-conditioner working hard, the TV on, the washer going and numerous other power draining apparatuses begging for their share of electricity I saw a flash, heard a whoosh and with that our power went off. It appears that our bedraggled starboard shore power-plug finally shorted out. Oh well, that will give Dan something to do tomorrow!

3/28/2011 DINNER KEY MARINA AND WE LOOSE OUR GUESTS TO EARLY MORNING FLIGHTS

MONDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM

SUNRISE: 7:17 SUNSET: 7:35

HIGH: 86 LOW: 69

THUNDERSTORMS AND RAIN IN THE EVENING AND NIGHT

Mike and Brent left for the Fort Lauderdale airport prior to the “crack of dawn” for their prearranged morning flights home. We had a great time in their company!

SUNRISE AT DINNER KAY MARINA

David, Sam’s coach, generously toted us to and from the Sony Ericsson Open today where we all watched Sam and John drop their doubles match to Lindstedt and Tecau. Sam is now done in the tournament but John will play singles against Anderson tomorrow.

WARMING UP FOR THE DOUBLES MATCH

Even though the skies threatened to send crashing torrents of rain down upon us most of the day, we made it back to the boat and all but two matches were completed before the raging storm let loose. It appeared that Fort Lauderdale was getting the brunt of the storm while we just enjoyed the cooling rains while hunkered down in the safety of Quest.

3/27/2100 DINNER KEY MARINA AND SAM DROPS TO 16 SEED VICKTOR TROICKI

SUNDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM

SUNRISE: 7:18 SUNSET: 7:35

HIGH: 89 LOW: 71

This morning Dan and I walked to the village for breakfast than wandered around, stopping to explore the Barnacle Historic State Park. After passing through the tropical hardwood hammock, a stand of broad-leafed trees, shrubs and vines on a slight elevation that makes them resistant to flooding, we came upon the home and boathouse built by Ralph Monroe. The setting brought back visions of the late 1800s. The Barnacle was inhabited by Mr. Monroe until his death in 1933 then his relatives continued on there until 1973 when The Barnacle became a state park.

THE 1887 BOATHOUSE WITH SIGHTS OF THE  BAY IN THE BACKGROUND

We converged on the tennis center, ready to cheer Sam on. Unfortunately, his opponent Viktor Troicki had other ideas and Sam’s singles play at the Sony Ericsson Open came to an abrupt end. The good news…. doubles again tomorrow!

TROICKI AND QUERREY

SAM'S PRE-MATCH WARM UP

3/26/2011 DINNER KEY MARINA: SAM AND JOHN TAKE THEIR DOUBLES MATCH

SATURDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM

SUNRISE:    7:19          SUNSET:   7:34

HIGH:           87             LOW:     67

Mike and Brent headed over to South Beach to check out the mass craziness and to see how many bars they could patronize. Dan and I stayed close to home, walking to Coconut Grove where I got a much needed haircut and Dan picked up the previously ordered hand brakes for his new bike.

After an afternoon regrouping and a quick nap for a couple of the players we headed to the key Biscayne tournament site. Finding our way into the player’s lounge we relaxed a bit in the cool air-conditioned retreat before it was time to join forces and cheer on our boys.

Sam Querrey and John Isner played masterfully to defeat Cuevas and Granollers. Cuevas had taken out our Andy Roddick earlier in the day and Grannolers had beaten Warwinka the day before so these boys were hot. It was a fun match to watch, especially so since John and Sam came out victorious.

THE WINNING TEAM

3/25/2011 DINNER KEY MARINA AND SAM TAKES DOWN KUKUSHKIN AT SONY ERICSSON OPEN

FRIDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM

SUNRISE: 7:20          SUNSET: 7:34

HIGH: 88                   LOW: 66

Today was all about tennis. Our USA boys did us proud with Blake, Fish, Isner and Sam Querrey winning their matches on Court 2 at the Sony Ericsson Open. Go USA! The day was not so good for Great Britain. See ya, Andy!

NICE GAME

AND THE WINNER IS..............SAM  QUERREY

JOHN WARMS UP FOR HIS WINNING MATCH AGAINST ANDREEV

Sam treated us to dinner at the fashionable Nobu in South Beach after Jose magically secured us reservations. Thanks Sam for the scrumptious meal and evening’s entertainment. Where do these stunning women come from and how on earth do they manage to stay upright on those stilts?

Image by panduh via Flickr

NOBU'S HEAVENLY BROILED MISO BLACK COD

3/24/2011 FISHING WITH MIKE AND BRENT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBERT!

THURSDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 42

SUNRISE: 7:21 SUNSET: 7:33

HIGH: 89 LOW: 65

Fishing today!!! Mike and Brent were anxious to get out on Quest and have a try at fishing so we pulled out of Dinner Key Marina and headed for the high seas. Well, not exactly make it to the high seas but we did go about 15 miles offshore with the dolphin out in force to escort our departure.

LOOK AT ME!  LOOK AT ME!

These bizarre stilt houses in the Biscayne Bay reminded us of those we saw in El Salvador but these all appeared to be uninhabited. Wonder what the story is.

STILT HOUSE WITH MIAMI IN THE BACKGROUND

Mike and Brent both caught Little Tunnys then Mike hooked a big Tuna and the fight began. “Well, what’s going on here? Did we lose it? Nope, there’s the head. Oops, Only the head.” Some big shark must have, I mean really big, must have chomped this guy. Then a large Wahoo started trying to nibble on the carcass and we, in turn, threw in another line in an attempt to reel him in. No luck there but it was a great afternoon on the water.

MIKE'S LITTLE TUNNY

BRENT'S LITTLE LARGER LITTLE TUNNY

THE ONE THAT DIDN'T GET AWAY

We decided to stay put on Quest for the evening. Mike’s friend, Jose and son Cameron joined us along with Sam. We all enjoyed a great dinner on board while watching basketball and telling tall tales.

3/23/2011 SHORT TRIP TO DINNER KEY MARINA AT COCONUT GROVE

3/23/2011 SHORT TRIP TO DINNER KEY MARINA AT COCONUT GROVE


HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIN!

WEDNESDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 5 NM

SUNRISE:   7:22         SUNSET:   7:33

HIGH:   80                   LOW:   64

We had a REALLY short hop today, just across the bay to Dinner Key Marina. Housekeeping chores, laundry and linen changes, fridge defrosting and we are ready for the arrival of our guests.

The weather is beautiful for the start of the Sony Erickson Tennis Tournament. Sam has a buy for the first round and may play Friday. We are ready to cheer him on and will keep you posted as to his progress.

Mike (Dan’s brother) a Brent gave us the call that they were just 3 miles from the marina and we walked out to meet them. “Nope, can’t be that Bentley. Their rental cat won’t be that Porsche Cayenne either but that maroon car that just crept past the entrance road for just might be them. Sure enough, they back up and turn into the street. Oh no, it must not be them for we are standing right in the middle of the street and they are still creeping along, looking for us. Ah, now they see us!” We got them parked and welcomed them to our Quest home.

MIKE AND BRENT WITH DAN LEADING THE WAY

Sam joined us for dinner at the little “joint” by the marina and we chatted the night away. Great to be with family!

3/22/2011 ANCHORAGE JUST OFF KEY BISCAYNE

TUESDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY:   9 NM
SUNRISE: 7:23      SUNSET: 7:32

HIGH: 80               LOW: 63

This lovely anchorage proved to be secure and quiet. Our leisurely morning was spent with the blog and a little communication with the office.

Pulling up anchor, we came into close view of the Flagler Island Monument then continued our slow southward journey.

THE FLAGLER MONUMENT

We saw dolphin for the first time in a long while. It is always such a thrill to see them leaping and cavorting in our wake or skimming just under the brow pulpit.

THE DOLPHIN WELCOMING OUR QUEST

Around lunch time we dropped anchor but soon were on our way again. We crossed the Government cut with its bustling activity. Ships were docking and cranes whirring around while we skipped right through and made our way past Claughton Island, under the Rickenbacker Causeway Bridge and into the Biscayne Bay.

THE RICKENBACKER BRIDE DIPPING INTO CLAUGHTON ISLAND

We decided to set our anchor down right off Key Biscayne where we found several yachts enjoying the calm waters and beautiful scenery. We thought the neighborhood would pass inspection too.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD WASN'T TOO HARD TO TAKE!

We watched while the sun set over the eastern Florida coast.

BISCAYNE BAY SUNSET

Robert made it to Marrakesh and here is a photo of the market.  To quote Robert, "It is filled with musicians, magicians, mystics, monkeys, spices, snake charmers, exotic foods, plays, cross-dressed belly dancers ... Craziness abounds here!  Too cool."

VIVID SPICES AND DRIED FRUIT IN THE MARRAKESH MARKET

3/21/2011 ANCHORING NEAR FLAGLER MONUMENT ISLAND JUST SOUTH OF THE VENETIAN CAUSEWAY

MONDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 16 NM

SUNRISE: 7:24      SUNSET: 7:32

HIGH: 80               LOW: 69

After a peaceful night on the hook, interrupted only by a little rain, we again motored south towards the Miami area. We are now passing through many bridge openings, coordinating with other boats going both north and south. In general, the bridge tenders are most helpful to us boaters and we are grateful for their kind attention to our needs.

While waiting for one bridge opening we amused ourselves by watching these guys netting tons of bait fish. Dan was itching to snag some of those little critters and head out fishing!

NET FILLED WITH SHIMMERING BAIT FISH

We dropped anchor twice just north of the Venetian Causeway but couldn’t get good purchase so continued on just a little further in search of our night’s resting place. We ended up in an inlet just off Flagler Monument Island and filled our afternoon and evening with reading, tinkering and general laziness. It was blissful!

FLAGLER MONUMENT ISLAND WITH MIAMI BEACH
HIGH RISES IN THE BACKGROUND

Steven made it back to work in Vermont from his Spring Break trip to Maryland and North Carolina. Robert sent a short message that he had safely arrived in Madrid, gone on to Tangier and was waiting for his overnight transit on the “Marrakech Express”. He could hardly believe that he was in Africa!!

3/20/2011 LEAVING NEW RIVER, FINALLY! SPRING IS HERE!

SUNDAY

FIRST DAY OF SPRING

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 11 NM

SUNRISE: 7:25 SUNSET 7:31

HIGH: 81 LOW: 66

Finally, after waiting for the afternoon’s high tide, we untied our Quest from the New River’s side wall and headed out from our home for the last 24 nights. We waved  good-bye to Garth and Cathy with promises to keep in touch and wended our way out of the river and into the busy ICW.  Boy was I ever ready to get back on the water.

I just cannot fathom how many huge yachts are docked here. Today we passed even more beauties. I think all three of the following biggies are private charter yachts. Holy cow!!

TRIUMPHANT LADY

281' CAKEWALK

Steffi sent me word that she had seen the Octopus (Mr. Allen’s big boat) last summer while in Reykjavik. Funny how those coincidences happen.

Since we are heading back south to the Dinner Key Marina in Coral Gables for the duration of the Sony Erickson Tennis Tournament, we don’t have far to travel. We wended south to anchor between Golden Beach and Sunny Isle, just east of Williams Island. How wonderful to be out of the busy New River with the speeding boats, clanking bridge alarms and chatty foot traffic. We watched the sun set between two big buildings and were thankful for this first day of spring.

OUR SUNSET FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING

Robert left from Burlington early this morning to begin his trip. He flew Burlington to JFK and spent the day there waiting for his evening flight to Madrid. I did get an email that his non-revenue, stand-by status had garnered him a first class seat and he was a happy camper. Tomorrow he will go from Madrid to Seville then make his way to Tangier in Morocco, on to Marrakesh, fly to London for a few days, then onto Bergen where he will take the famous train ride before flying out of Oslo and return home. What a WOW trip!

3/19/2011 NEW RIVER, FORT LAUDERDALE AND GADDING ABOUT ON THE ALGONQUIN

SATURDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM

SUNRISE: 7:26      SUNSET: 7:31

HIGH:    79             LOW:   63

Dan started off the morning applying the fourth coat of varnish to the brightwork and then took the rest of the day off to play on the Algonquin with Garth and Cathy.

Boy, have we seen some “wow” boats around here. Today we saw Peter Allen’s 198’ Meduse. Now this beauty is not the only motor yacht that the co-founder of Microsoft has here in the Fort Lauderdale area. Last week we spotted his 303’ Tatoosh that has a 40’ boat housed on each side, one being a power boat and the other a sailboat. She also a had a helicopter on top. We did not have the pleasure of seeing his “big” yacht, the 414’ Octopus. We are definitely not in Kansas anymore, Toto!

THE MEDUSE

Garth did a great job of maneuvering his boat around the channels, practiced setting the anchor and worked on using his two engines to make strategic turns. He and Cathy are now chomping at the bit to get things finished and o finally be on their way. If things work out, we may travel with them for a while as we move north after tennis in Miami.

DAN GIVES ANCHORING LESSONS

Tonight we were witness to the largest full moon of 2011 as it swung 50,000 km closer to the earth than normal. This “supermoon” phenomenon last occurred in 1993 and will not happen again until 2029. Hope you saw it!

Image by Shayanthan via Flickr

3/18/2011 NEW RIVER, FORT LAUDERDALE AND STILL WORKING ON BRIGHTWORK

FRIDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM

SUNRISE: 7:27 SUNSET: 7:30

HIGH: 80 LOW: 71

First thing this morning Dan was out applying the first coat of varnish to the brightwork. He wanted to get started before the temperatures heated things up too much. The pilot house doors are also getting a touch-up and are looking really good.

NICE WORK

LOOK AT THAT SHINE!

I spent much of the day accompanying Cathy (from M/Y Algonquin) as she ran errands. We managed to hit all the “high” spots while our guys worked hard back on the boats. Garth has had someone working with him all week and is learning all about his Hatteras and how to maintain it properly.

Where does the day go? By the time everyone was cleaned up and ready for dinner it was really late. We joined Garth and Cathy for a glass of wine then (with their Portuguese Water Dog-Zeke) headed out for BBQ. Since the 10 O’clock hour was creeping up on us we ended up getting take-out just before closing and retreated to Quest to devour our much needed meal.

HAPPY PUPPY!