A Beautiful Night

Esperanza in the Bahamas

A Year To Remember

Well the year is coming to a close. Jim and his father Rae (85) rented a car in Port Charlotte and drove to Marathon to join me on my last voyage of the season. With a little delay Thursday morning and a trip to see super Kendal again with a Generator problem we stayed at Marathon Boat Yard for the night and departed the following day. And what a trip it was three of the best days on the water that I have had all season.A light breeze flat sea's and good company. with everything working great.  If only the hole season could have been like this.
Rae was great he started of a little slow but at the end of the trip he was moving around the boat like a old pro and even took the helm when I went down for my rain jacket the last hour of the trip.
Arriving in South Gulf Cove Saturday afternoon at 6 pm.
the next 7 days were very busy closing down the boat. In a lot of ways its the same as closing down a boat at home except it 85deg and sunny skies.  In preparing it for summer storage you have to prepare it for the.Little things like BUGS,Snakes, and other critters are the big problem's  and the Sumner sun will bake everything.
So with the boat put away I am ready to leave Jim's for home with a little side trip to Detroit were I am delivering a car to Jim's son's, meeting another cousin and enjoying a evening.. Brother Rae will be picking me up at the border crossing on Monday morning where I will visit for a week before returning home for the summer.
Well until next season all be safe.
and remember
So you want to be a live aboard
And I Say YES

Not Again

Well Jim and his Father Rae arrived at Docksides yesterday afternoon. Esperanza finally has a good weather window to leave for Port Charlotte Tomorrow Wed. Morning.
But Marathon will not let me leave. This morning the generator failed, so down in the hole I go, check oil , change fuel filter no luck. So phone call to super Kendal and off to Marthon Boatyard for repairs.
Well repairs only were done within an hour but it now 10.3am and to late to leave for the 10 hour crossing.
Will try again tomorrow.

Having a Great time

Well has been great having Donnie here. We have been having a good time. Had planned to leave for Port Charlotte Today but the weather is saying no no. and winds from the NE at 25k for the next 3 days. So we just have to enjoy Marathon for a little while longer.

Donnie Arrived

lobster dinner

swimming off Esperanza

Marathon At Last

Up early on Friday morning leaving the marina at 7.45am Heading for Jewfisk Creek arriving at 7.30pm and anchor for the night. The weather forecast looked good with winds 14-17k out of the SW with a moderate chop. Well I learned what NOAA {the national weather } meaning of chop are today. Light chop is a Very Pleasant day boat hardly moves. Moderate chop, chop spraying occasionally over the bow. Heavy chop sea spray slapping you in the face on the Fly bridge. Winds building 20-25k I had all three conditions today.
Now Saturday up early again leaving at 7.45am arriving Marathon at Docksides 5.30pm  one of those perfect days that makes everything all worthwhile winds NE light chop sunny just perfect. Everyone was here to help with my lines and a Big hamburger waiting for me. To bed early two very long days. Sunday the boat had to be washes inside (took several heavy chops with the side door open stupid) the decks covered with salt.
Have to get the forward cabin ready for Donnie's arrival tomorrow.

Just got back from the Fort Lauderdale marine and the Officer did what he said he would and gave me my cursing permit. So after 5 hour bringing the boat back and 3 hours waiting at the office. I am back on the boat no fines or jail. So I poured myself a stiff pop and relaxed for am hour now to supper water tanks and get ready for am early start tomorrow.
still no e-mail