All Entries in the "Travels" Category
Entebb-a-what?
Entebbe~ as in Uganda, that place in equatorial Africa… I’ve been kind of busy lately and have been a bit remiss in keeping my website up to date with postings. I’ll have to give myself 20 lashes whilst tied to a phone pole as I haven’t been around a good solid mast for a while [...]
My new website
My new website is up and running, please have a look and let me know if you see anything I can improve on, new categories, or anything you would like to see different. This is designed as a really easy place to list any of your boat related items or services for sale, and as [...]
Marco Island, overnight
The sail north from Little Shark River was fantastic. The wonderful thing about sailing is that you’ve gotten where you are going as soon as you set foot on the boat. It’s slow and peaceful, what a way to leave the stress behind. The only thing you need to do is change the scenery once [...]
Little Shark River, the Florida Everglades
After leaving the crab trap obstacle course behind, we had an absolutely beautiful sail from Key West. There were zillions of crab traps. I just can’t imagine that there are that many crabs in the Gulf of Mexico. We spotted the entrance to Little Shark River as the sun was beginning to kiss the horizon. [...]
Marathon… Nope, didn’t make it
With all our repairs made, the boat nice and tidy, and most things in working order, we decide to strike out for Marathon. I’ve not had the pleasure of tying up to a mooring ball in Boot Key Harbor before, so this should be interesting. I have listened to all the stories from others who [...]
Key West, ahhhh…
It was a slow trek in. If you read the previous blog you know we were ripping along at about 2 knots, which is not much more than walking speed. It seemed like it took forever to get into the port. We entered Key West from the south channel, which took us right past two [...]
The Marquesas Islands
The Dry Tortugas will always hold a special place in our cruising logs. The place has so much beauty, but can be very fussy for the sailor. It would be wonderful if our federal government would use some of the excessive stimulus dollars at hand and put in some mooring balls… hummm… perhaps I’ll write [...]
The Dry Tortugas ~ Paradise with a twist!
It was a dark and stormy night… We were really glad to see Fort Jefferson. The pictures do not do the waves justice. We had spent the night pitching and rolling in the confused seas. We were looking forward to a bit calmer water as we entered the bank that supported the fort. We followed [...]
Heading out to sea… destination~ the Dry Tortugas
“Seas 2 feet, east winds 5kts, bay and inland waters a light chop.” We listened to the marine weather forecast intently before striking out into the deep blue seas of the Gulf of Mexico. The mechanical weather lady repeated the forecast for the next 5 days promising idyllic beauty and serenity with all things nautical. [...]
Burnt Store to Estero Island
Forgive me BLOG readers, for I have sinned. It has been… ummm some unknown days since my last entry. One of my readers wrote to me (thanks Ellan) and let me know that today is Wednesday. So, when anyone asks what day it is… I have an email to prove it. So here it is, [...]
Exploring around Pine Island Sound
We have remained anchored in Pelican Bay for more than a few days now. Every time we get ready to leave some new adventure presents itself and keeps us from leaving. The peaceful beauty of old world Florida is something to relish. It is disappearing so quickly under pavement and towering buildings one has to [...]
Pelican Bay / Cayo Costa State Park
I woke up this morning just before sunrise. We are anchored in Pelican Bay, where we have been for the past several days. The anchorage is along the east side of Cayo Costa State Park on the west, and protected on the east by a small Key, Punta Blanca. The waters are calm as the [...]
Longboat Key to Cabbage Key Florida
I had visions of working on the second novel during this trip. I’ve got the first five chapters done, but I don’t seem to be in control of my time anymore. I don’t know where it goes. I should have as much time as I always have had… right? The sun rises and presents a [...]
Heading South, Longboat Key
So there we were, sitting at home watching the grass grow again. And I just cut it too. It seems like a never ending cycle. Depressed at the thought of listening to the mower and weed-eater again we checked the weather. The temps are beginning to slide down into the high 60’s at night. The [...]
Florida Bay Scallops, 2010
Scalloping season has once again arrived in Florida. It opened early this year, June 19th if you were watching closely. The season normally begins on July 1, but was opened early due to the tragedy in the Gulf with the oil. Notice I did not say “spill” which is something that occasionally happens with my [...]
Tampa Bay Rays ticket prices
Hello, It’s me… the guy you folks are fighting over, the OSF. (Occasional Sports Fan) The newspapers are full of controversy concerning another major ball team rocking the bank vault again and waiting to see what falls out. They apparently have a contract with the city, but as lawyers are involved, contracts can be [...]
XLII Regata del Sol al Sol 2010 / Elice II
It’s a sad day for me… Here I sit with only my computer and imagination taking me back on the race. I was fortunate enough last year to compete in this race to Mexico, and it was the thrill of a lifetime. Stunning night skies followed by brilliant sunrises in the open ocean, it’s when [...]
Vinoy Basin Anchorage – one of my favorite stops
Located in the heart of St. Petersburg Florida is one of our favorite anchorages, the Vinoy Basin. Approaching St. Petersburg from Tampa Bay you will see the Pier sticking out in its colorful upside down pyramid. At night the place is lit up with some really nice effects. The building changes colors and is always [...]
Compass Island BCYC cruise
Sailing season in Florida, finally. After a rather long and cold winter (40′s & 50′s) the temps are finally coming back up to something livable. Once your blood is thinned by the Florida climate it becomes painfully difficult to endure anything below 60 F. The good folks at the Boca Ciega Yacht Club decided that [...]
Key West/Dry Tortugas May 2009
Early on May 02, 2009, 7 boats left the safety and comfort of the BCYC (Boca Ciega Yacht Club) basin and nearby waters to embark on our latest “trip of a lifetime”. Destination: Key West, the Dry Tortugas and point’s in-between. Xanadu, Panache, The Rachael, Casa Mia, Second Love, Sailacious, and Celebration made up the [...]
