Blue, blue waters

We are on our way down the Keys and enjoying each day, taking our time exploring every Key. We've gone from Pumpkin Key to Jewfish Creek, then to Tarpon Basin (Key Largo), and tonight in Matecumbe Bight. Meeting some wonderful people: Johnson, a 9 year old live aboard in Tarpon Basin, came over with a picture of Esperanza that he drew for us; and a Morings charter boat with a Journalist and a Photographer from France writing an article on the Keys ( they needed some help} came to visit. They came over to Esperanza with a bottle of French Red Wine and we had a great visit! In the morning they asked to take pics of Esperanza - they do an annual article on Trawlers so who knows, the old girl may be in a French sailing magazine.
Ruth is captivated by the beautiful blue waters as they change from a dark blue to aqua. The dolphins have been entertaining us each night at Jewfish Creek and Tarpon Basin - exquisite creatures. And Ruth got her first fishing lesson and caught a Jack fish - she was very upset it had a name and refuses to clean fish but ate it with pleasure!! We should be in Marathon tomorrow. Enjoy the pictures of our journey. :)

Scott & Ruth enjoying $1.00 Draft at happy hour at "Steamers"- Jewfish Creek

Local live aboard in Jewfish Creek - after awhile you become mummified!!! LOL

Jewfish  Creek hotel - space is limited in the Keys - lol - looks like highway goes thru hotel.

Mooring Power Cat - French Journalist & Photographer at Jewfish Creek.

After breakfast at Gilbert's - Jewfish Creek - Scott lending support to one of the locals. :)

Tarpon Basin - nope - not Ruth's catch - lol - see next picture.

Ruth's first catch - a Crevalle Jack

Sunset at Tarpon Basin - Key Largo - at 3 o'clock see the Dolphins putting on show!

Blue, blue waters of Florida Bay

Miami to the keys

Had a good trip down from Miami. Wind out of the North again { its been that way since the first on December} anchored behind Pumpkin Key for the night and continued on to Jewfish Creek today. Just a short trip but we were exploring along the way. Dingy over to Steamers happy hour 1.00 a beer so stayed awhile and Ruth got to see her first Manatee and rubbed its nose. then over to the second bar Gilberts but the prices were more there 2.25 per beer. So, Steamers it is next time. Plan on going there for Breakfast for $3.25!

Still in Florida

Yes, we are still in Florida, sorry to not write sooner but could not get a good internet connection for about a week! We left Fort Lauderdale last Sat. for Lake Worth to meet up with Ron and Jan who are travelling on a friends boat. Of course they had boat problems and did not arrive until wed. Thursday morning looked good to cross to Bahamas, but had a big front coming in late in the afternoon. We decided it was too narrow of a window and did not attempt it.
With the forecast bad for the next 7 days I decided to take Ruth for a little tour of the Keys. We had a great trip back down the ICW and are now in Miami just returning from a day at South Beach. Leaving for the Keys in the morning. Miami, according to Ruth, is just too huge and a very busy city as we found out moving with the crowds this lovely Sunday afternoon on the way to the Beach. Too dangerous too....that is shopping wise what with all the stores!!!! :)
Had a bad leak in the stuffing box but think I got if fixed. Had Ruth convinced the boat was going to sink last night - lol - I slept like a rock while she stayed awake and listened to the drip for awhile until it put her to sleep. (Such a cruel Captain!!!!)
Well it is happy hour here now and we are just waiting for Ron & Jan and their friends on the Costelle to arrive! Will attach a few pics from our Lake Worth visit - spent the day on Peanut Island - lovely beach and Ruth enjoyed beach combing and collecting shells. Lake Worth is big with lots of anchorage. Had rain storms a couple nights. Sunny days are much nicer!
Will have limited internet in Keys so till next time....gotta love livin aboard!! :)

Anchoring in Lake Worth.

Approaching Peanut Island

Shell collection drying on the Dingy

View of the Beach from Beach Towel

Rain clouds approaching at night on Lake Worth.

Views from our Dingy: L'il Hope

Sunday, Jan. 5th, 2013 we took another Dingy tour prior to the installation of the new "after cooler" which arrived yesterday via UPS - Thank Goodness!! So much to see and do and of course, Ruth was fascinated by the Pelicans, again, and other critters on shore. Scott pulled the dingy up to a landing so Ruth could jump out and get pics of the Iguanas - there were at least 8 there basking in the sun. Yes, sunshine....all of you back North - remember what that is? We feel very fortunate to be here enjoying all the South has to offer and wish we could ship the warmth back home to you!!

Our precious part - new After Coooler. Delivered by Pelicans...safe & sound! One would think! Took sooooo long!

View of 17th St. Bridge from Dingy....soon, we hope....to go under in Esperanza to escape to Bahamas!

Local Regatta - Dingy view!

Lifestyles of the rich! "Let's just park both of our Yachts out in front of our mansion, Dear!"

Dingy perspective: "I feel so small and insignificant!"

Iguana paradise!

Love those Pelicans - what a life!

On the Move

The 17th St. Bridge, which we have driven over and now , finally, passed under....so close to getting away to the Bahamas.....soon......we hope!

Our gateway to the Bahamas - just waiting for weather window now.....

Returning to Lake Sylvia to await our weather window....so good to be anchored and feel the breeze all around us after being tied to a dock in the shade of a building for 3 weeks. Hallaleua!!

Today Esperanza was given a clean bill of health (after paying said bill!) and we motored down the canal and finally under the bridge to the channel that takes us to the Atlantic! We wanted to do a test run so we went to the mouth of the Harbour - so good to feel the salty breezes on our faces!! Everything seems to be running good , so now it's just waiting for that weather window.
I am still hoping to show Ruth the Bahama waters, let the Gods shine on us so we can get across before she has to leave for the cold north. Wish she could stay - she has learned so much, and has become an excellent first mate.

Day at the Beach

mama says Im special

lots of work getting done

work is getting done on Esperanza sitting in the boat yard. Wood work completed

five coats and sanding

lots of projects have been completed replaced the generator water pump again

its becoming a years repair

New Years Day

Well the day started off slow with two hang overs from last nights party at Waxy O'Connors Irish bar and grill. { Jeff you would love it} Had the biggest half rack of ribs that you have ever seen. I don't even think Lane could have gotten through them Ha Ha .
Ruth cooked the second best Jigg's dinner I have ever had { its close mom } and a bottle of wine a feast.
We got the second coat on the doors and upper wood work,  one more coat tomorrow and then back into the engine room for some long awaited job's - paint, sanding etc.
We will find out about the delivery of the after cooler tomorrow, and start resupplying the boat.
Ron and Jan may be arriving on the 8th so it would be nice to spend some time with them and hopefully do the crossing together.

                                         Jan. 1, 2013 - Happy New Year!

New Year's Dinner!

                                        Scott on Lea do Deck under full moon Dec. 29th, 2102.