5:35 AM
Today is Sunday, here is an update from the past few days.
Thursday - Little Shark River
We rose bright and early to bight clear skies and a beautiful sunrise. We did not leave at dawn as today was a short run. The seas were as forecast, 1-2' with a 5 - 10 knot wind. 
The owners wanted to try their hand at anchoring so this was to be the place. Out of the way, 15 foot depths, and little current makes it a good anchorage. If you want to find the location, its on the western side of the Everglades below the southern most inhabited spot in Florida and just above Cape Sable. The run was about 3.5 hours, arriving a little after noon.
I instructed Mercy on how to make a bridle for her chain rode and she accomplished the task to perfection. We dropped anchor and settled in for the night
The mosquitoes were as big as hummingbirds.
Dinner was grilled chicken...Mn, Mn, good. Mercy keeps her crew well fed!
Friday - Islamorada
We pulled anchor at sunrise and began our trek to the Keys. It would be a short run to Channel 5, only about 35 miles. Crab pots were not present on this trip which made navigating much easier.
I let Mercy operate the boat today and had Mike do the chart reading and way point programming. Both of them were doing quite well after 4 days on the water. Mercy was a little intimidated at first behind the wheel of a large vessel but quickly got the hang of things. Mike understood why I insist that you always have paper charts on hand even if you have the latest electronic charts. Sometimes the data on each does not match, which we did find on occasion!
We had a problem with the AC last night and Mike wanted to stop in the Keys to trouble shoot it so we got a slip for the night. As it turned out, we had to find a diver to unplug a thru -hull. Yes, running aground does create problems even if you get back off Mike learned. He now knows why you must stay in the marked channels at all times unless you know the waters.
The Memorial day weeked has brought boaters out in numbers; fishing boats, motoryacht, cruisers and trawlers were everywhere, hundreds of them. I thought there was a fuel problem?
I nice dinner of Mahi at a local hangout topped the day off.
Saturday - Miami
We began the days run north at bout 6:30, trying to beat the rush of fishing boats out of the marina. No such luck, but we managed with them.
We took Hawk Channel on the outside as its an easier and shorter run the the ICW. Mercy performed navigational duties today.
We crossed over into Biscayne Bay at Angelfish Creek a little north of Key Largo. This route is more protected than the Atlantic run in Hawks. The run north was met by many boaters coming south for the weekend. Miami rose into view some 20 miles away.
As we cruised into Miami the storm clouds we had been observing dealt their blow with lightning and heavy rains. We decided to drop the hook just west of Key Biscayne to ride it out and let it pass. Shortly afterwards, the wind increased substantially; I would estimate to 50 -75 miles per hour.We heard a crash and the bridge Bimini came crashing off the side of the boat, shredded. At the same time I saw that we were dragging anchor. I rushed out on deck in the blinding rain and managed to let out enough rode to finally stop us again but the wind continued and the rain poured.
Needless to say, this event caused Mike and Mercy some anxiety so we decided to pull anchor and head to a marina. We found Miami Marina just up the way and pulled in for the night.
After showering and drying out, we treated our selves to some Majitos and Cuban food at Bayside.
I advised Mike and Mercy that boaters all have stories to tell; they now have their first one. I went on to say that things happen while on boats; some good, some not so good. You just have to roll with it. It happens to us all.
Well I'm catching a cab in 30 minutes to the airport. Time for me to get back to my wife..:)
Mike and Mercy will be just fine now. They have the basics to continue on their journey. They will taking their boat to the yard for a little work, the continuing on their full-time cruising journey.
Mike
6/3/2008
6:55 AM
UPDATE!
I spoke with Mike yesterday afternoon and they are in Daytona Beach. The run from Miami was without any trouble at all. They will be at the yard Wednesday afternoon late.
So there you have it; with a little coaching and self confidence, operating your new yacht is a breeze.
Mike
1 comments:
Nicely done, Mike! Enjoyed reading about your adventures. So, you left Mike and Mercy stranded, in Miami, on Memorial Day weekend? Gee, what a pal! LOL Safe travels, as always! :-)
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