tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27885709741100107202024-02-07T19:24:18.890-06:00 Istaboa's WaypointsIstaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.comBlogger1579125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-48305779600486842752022-05-27T10:09:00.023-05:002023-11-22T06:58:08.556-06:00All Things Must Pass<div class="flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full gap-3 gizmo:gap-0"><div class="min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start gap-3 whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+&]:mt-5 overflow-x-auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="52780638-e927-4d0e-a305-00965dfca728"><div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light"><p>George Harrison, in his profound songwriting, captured a universal truth with the lyrics: "<i>All things must pass, None of life's strings can last. So, I must be on my way, And face another day."</i> These words resonate deeply, especially considering the events of the time since my last update.</p><p>In this period of change and reflection, we experienced a tearful loss – our beloved friend and companion, Radar. His absence aboard Istaboa has left an irreplaceable void. Each day brings memories of him, a constant reminder of the joy and love he brought into our lives. The journey without him is a testament to the fleeting, yet impactful nature of life's moments, as echoed in Harrison's timeless lyrics.</p></div></div></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span><br /></span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVDLd2WpkUB3zBN2kccJvI5XOL6XcAbW_bhK9_HyiaxREemsUEKXtD1sUKeHyVBwJvX2MfWrZm57fvjM7Qp0XIVtt0t10mZ28PKB6T1linyJ6lenAo5z-X4CmPhxhDZx0k5QiSm1JHcYD/s1600/radarbeach4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1600" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVDLd2WpkUB3zBN2kccJvI5XOL6XcAbW_bhK9_HyiaxREemsUEKXtD1sUKeHyVBwJvX2MfWrZm57fvjM7Qp0XIVtt0t10mZ28PKB6T1linyJ6lenAo5z-X4CmPhxhDZx0k5QiSm1JHcYD/w640-h403/radarbeach4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><br /></span></div><div class="flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full gap-3 gizmo:gap-0"><div class="min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start gap-3 whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+&]:mt-5 overflow-x-auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="c5ef3ed8-fb6c-40e2-a7a7-d057214f836b"><div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">The COVID pandemic brought an unexpected closure to the business I founded in 1994. However, there's a silver lining: all of our long-term employees found success elsewhere. Some have even improved their careers, while others have happily retired. Still, I'll miss the friendship of those who were instrumental to the success of Taycom. We fought the good fight; it wasn't competition that took us out, but something out of our hands: a global pandemic.</div><div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light"> </div><div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">On a brighter note, against all odds and to the bewilderment of many, the small marina wifi venture, onSpot wifi, is thriving</div></div></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span> </span><img alt="Taycom" id="logo" src="http://taycom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/taycom-with-taglineEDIT-e1377623114131.png" /></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span>and... </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span><br /></span></div><br /><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span>And so, we handed over
stewardship of Istaboa to her new owners. It was an awfully painful day,
but it was time. There were many reasons and justifications for the
sale, but time has a way of changing everything — <a href="https://istaboawaypoints.blogspot.com/search?q=the+economy" target="_blank">we are not yachtistas.</a> </span><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span>Still, our many memories are vivid and will be cherished.</span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span><br /></span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span>Istaboa
is now "Realm". She's living on the Chesapeake Bay, hopefully being
taken care of and loved as much as she was during our time with her.</span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span>As George wrote all those years ago... We must be on our way and face another day. <br /></span></div></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span><br /></span></div><p><span>Adios, Istaboa - you served us well for 16 years - safely carrying us for more that 30,000 miles - we were so lucky to have had you in our life.</span></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUjYyRGVB0SLbiRLu4eHVYtThkrGs3Z-jQxgEiiWGv3qW7N7WMIKiulsjAH51WYVmkDpnSyF_DNwF_USEJEB2NR6CQsbA-kXXEK31b43d7cy4b3Lym3pjLVu99Au-pHLJapEHCi2S_19cBvnv49Mu6RcL9UPqBf1qAZCc-zYRsX3hOtNqNkALiDo9Jf7H/s640/Realm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="527" height="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUjYyRGVB0SLbiRLu4eHVYtThkrGs3Z-jQxgEiiWGv3qW7N7WMIKiulsjAH51WYVmkDpnSyF_DNwF_USEJEB2NR6CQsbA-kXXEK31b43d7cy4b3Lym3pjLVu99Au-pHLJapEHCi2S_19cBvnv49Mu6RcL9UPqBf1qAZCc-zYRsX3hOtNqNkALiDo9Jf7H/w439-h533/Realm.jpg" width="439" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span>However, we're not ones to sit on our hands and reminisce. </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span><br /></span><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span>This is our new mode of travel. We've not given our little motorhome a name, and probably won't, but we're looking forward to seeing and experiencing many of the places one can't get to in a boat. This life is somewhat different, but essentially the same. We're finding RVers are very approachable folks, friendly, and seem happy to help when help is needed. </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span><br /></span><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPcvlcjNFgPIDSn8FhJqlEWjHOZUh2Z8QD9PzlP2VwWo6gtlofn5RMo147xzqLQ4J5vJ72GdIsJ8ALupyaPjn9b-kMamv5VPd4KfYHAVJALZAViLSaJUDQGT6YBA2Hf9SDRyr9p6sA1f681PAEanwFCbLAGOBEi8qJNs6rpdrGCkb6oanFg-iiOC_ZQ/s2759/IMG_0594.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="2759" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPcvlcjNFgPIDSn8FhJqlEWjHOZUh2Z8QD9PzlP2VwWo6gtlofn5RMo147xzqLQ4J5vJ72GdIsJ8ALupyaPjn9b-kMamv5VPd4KfYHAVJALZAViLSaJUDQGT6YBA2Hf9SDRyr9p6sA1f681PAEanwFCbLAGOBEi8qJNs6rpdrGCkb6oanFg-iiOC_ZQ/w640-h360/IMG_0594.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span>Today, we're in Hot Springs, Arkansas —tomorrow we're heading west to wherever and hoping our new ride will scratch our travel itch.</span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span> <br /></span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span>I started this blog in 2007 - What a wonderful trip it's been </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEJh8LUzfOSXFuzhAjM2zPq1zUcCAqWo9RDIgiIvEoSYOq2xnz20c5ZDBWYtOHwM1gj2Bdad3jmq54sjl_5Qpl_H_8P8MTAXHY0FfaNUhRXrV59-MJRdqA1lusnougtKQhNZdnumPPz5REnq-NaxtUk3Oovq6LgUNNBEsljColyEf4I0V0LCrySq8JA/s800/DSC_0299.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEJh8LUzfOSXFuzhAjM2zPq1zUcCAqWo9RDIgiIvEoSYOq2xnz20c5ZDBWYtOHwM1gj2Bdad3jmq54sjl_5Qpl_H_8P8MTAXHY0FfaNUhRXrV59-MJRdqA1lusnougtKQhNZdnumPPz5REnq-NaxtUk3Oovq6LgUNNBEsljColyEf4I0V0LCrySq8JA/w400-h266/DSC_0299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span><br /></span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQR820MZNaveNn0JSt1srKp2Ya6AIZ4h6gDBcYErZzytpiHSzCLcopdiWUkg913-jso7CNablZzYcOrB5hSBn2jPQ7sF_ywKkrv5Je8QS6kFoy0-H5E1KNDJGXlWb119p2gC9F3xuSw7s/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span><br /></span><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span>Cheers,</span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span><br /></span><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span>Bob and Mel (and Muddy)<br /></span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vBFwzf5apmtjryL823O29P5oz7VBU736JzkppntAzrB3ajwwNR2q1vnThsncP6eAUsz666zLbOQwo4HDWgGnw027PmWdlvA3SlPX66QhGbvLIBjqfgaB7ES2nXPm-UnsbdbrBpabx3YxNGjBPuEvuulUXjgZsyCjNC4eDgBB2-VNB1MAg4VtyAbVTQ/s3024/IMG_0556.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vBFwzf5apmtjryL823O29P5oz7VBU736JzkppntAzrB3ajwwNR2q1vnThsncP6eAUsz666zLbOQwo4HDWgGnw027PmWdlvA3SlPX66QhGbvLIBjqfgaB7ES2nXPm-UnsbdbrBpabx3YxNGjBPuEvuulUXjgZsyCjNC4eDgBB2-VNB1MAg4VtyAbVTQ/w400-h400/IMG_0556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span><br /> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><span><br /></span><span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ul5cH4wAioQQwYqHUu4CQe9QUBegQU2rHxcwwRoxdW7kiaxmFjv3eack9zS1GA4jMfkdBBecKmG7rlSonoMfrd7H3Rl-VWrMZXZGi6eAmxGxMfhdeQPZytP6zkLdRIPxvYYj4kQGwl_WUnlSekEbfyUcSLgiyzvJeT3XgbP5D4dZr-siVF0XFpKpBA/s728/IMG_4903.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="728" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ul5cH4wAioQQwYqHUu4CQe9QUBegQU2rHxcwwRoxdW7kiaxmFjv3eack9zS1GA4jMfkdBBecKmG7rlSonoMfrd7H3Rl-VWrMZXZGi6eAmxGxMfhdeQPZytP6zkLdRIPxvYYj4kQGwl_WUnlSekEbfyUcSLgiyzvJeT3XgbP5D4dZr-siVF0XFpKpBA/w640-h480/IMG_4903.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="ujudUb xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAQGXDU81vq1kQ35e3Bc7_Ef_acncnhJ8Jxx3M03frDFKxdttQwatcdwJpJor5k2T2XFWB9PaVbafsAcc0UeZO9kWp2HZoC3Jtx-wPQpvZoKHqT4mu2nYq1a0KjiRnloNBH3ylsmuvbXWmxSgS12GLblF0OkjBIUOvG94H0a4Mt4n02oc5dHjGN5srA/s682/Jupiter:Carmel.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="682" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAQGXDU81vq1kQ35e3Bc7_Ef_acncnhJ8Jxx3M03frDFKxdttQwatcdwJpJor5k2T2XFWB9PaVbafsAcc0UeZO9kWp2HZoC3Jtx-wPQpvZoKHqT4mu2nYq1a0KjiRnloNBH3ylsmuvbXWmxSgS12GLblF0OkjBIUOvG94H0a4Mt4n02oc5dHjGN5srA/w640-h413/Jupiter:Carmel.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span><span> </span></div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-33290879152874870972020-04-23T04:56:00.005-05:002022-01-12T17:22:10.327-06:00Hello In ThereLove John Prine - <br />
Prine's one of those song writers you won't often hear on the radio, but when you do, you'll remember the tune and the lyrics... his songs make you smile and they warm your heart.<br />
After all the health problems he beat, this damn Coronavirus took him out. He'll be missed, but to paraphrase something Jim Dickinson once said, "He's just dead, he's not gone.".<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/RfwGkplB_sY?controls=0" width="700"></iframe><br />
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<div class="l-article-header__row l-article-header__row--lead t-semibold t-semibold--condensed">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Think about it - we all hope to be old someday - so put on your masks when appropriate - show some respect. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0X9upSjZb0Ba8xHqqS_UE8URBj8bduaxPmXjf7gVojcnoYPp-rWLw2dSSS1Ni8pL6g-60M2KO3ZWFqNw5Dt_14SPvMLkZI7ZnuJw3l7lJhElULv5IAHSR-maz4hCSI2voIdZXFSJHB5K/s1600/NINTCHDBPICT000578811940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="620" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0X9upSjZb0Ba8xHqqS_UE8URBj8bduaxPmXjf7gVojcnoYPp-rWLw2dSSS1Ni8pL6g-60M2KO3ZWFqNw5Dt_14SPvMLkZI7ZnuJw3l7lJhElULv5IAHSR-maz4hCSI2voIdZXFSJHB5K/s320/NINTCHDBPICT000578811940.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When you have time, and we all do right now, listen to this conversation >> <a href="http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/e/d/e/ede82dcaed0e163c/WTF_-_JOHN_PRINE_2016.mp3?c_id=69378686&cs_id=69378686&expiration=1587641171&hwt=67ce30ecf0634fa100ce8d455e31e6ff" target="_blank">Marc Maron and John Prine from 2016. </a><br />
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Hello in there - Hello<br />
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Today's Pic:<br />
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Sunrise - Solomons Island, Maryland - Chesapeake cruise, 2013<br />
If I remember correctly, it was an unusually warm fall morning. We had cranked up early to head south for Gloucester Point, VA and start our migration home to Florida. <br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-22147143558947530232020-04-10T15:13:00.002-05:002021-12-12T09:30:16.664-06:00Isolated Nicely But isolated, still —<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Rno-kgfj2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Up before The Covids</a></div>
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A post shared by @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/istaboa_pics/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> istaboa_pics</a> on <time datetime="2020-03-28T11:17:17+00:00" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 28, 2020 at 4:17am PDT</time></div>
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<br />
<br />
Mel and I won't complain. We've always enjoyed our solitude, though we've never thought of it as something that could save our lives. Sadly... we do now.<br />
Like most people, we wake up hoping this situation we're in was just a really weird dream, but within a few seconds we realize, no, it's not. There's still some bug, a virus, out there that's mercilessly killing some and making others gravely ill. We, especially me, are on the short list of folks more apt to contract this very infectious disease. Though it's now afflicting younger people it's us >60 folks that it's killing most often.<br />
Then there's the damage this fucking plague is taking on the global economy. Yes, this contagion is killing many, but the toll it's taking on the healthy and those who survive is financially ruinous. Many businesses, both large and small, are being destroyed and millions of people are out of work. Honestly, I don't see how we'll crawl from the deepening debts that is this economic black hole anytime soon — but still, I have faith in capitalist ingenuity. We'll figure a way, it seems we always do.<br />
<br />
Oft times, out of disaster opportunity is born, however one must wait till the flames burn out and the smoke clears. Unless you're Purell or Charmin.<br />
<br />
Certainly not tragic, not death nor sickness, but not frivolous either, the lives and dreams of some of those we know who mess about on boats have been seriously altered.<br />
No, these aren't the bourgeois yachtistas being catered to aboard crewed mega-yachts, they're regular folks who have worked hard for years and traded a well deserved comfortable retirement for one of self reliant adventure. <br />
Our Kiwi friends are on a boat without a country. At this time, they're anchored somewhere around Georgetown, Exumas, Bahamas. Per Ted, <i>"We’re fine. Bahamas have total lockdown. Everything is closed. Can’t leave the boat."</i>. At first they were allowed to go ashore for supplies, but now the Bahamian Government has stopped that. They can't move from island to island so they just sit on anchor waiting for something to change. To make their lives even more difficult, The U.S. will not allow them to come back either; seems they overstayed their welcome. <span class="st">Even though Ted is a U.S. citizen, the</span> <span class="st">U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) says no, no, no - at least not for a undetermined period of time. Yes, I know, trapped in paradise. —right? — but after a while, trapped is trapped.</span><br />
<span class="st">There are other folks we know who were making their way south, down the Caribbean chain of islands, then to Panama to cross the canal. Once on the Pacific side their dreams would carry them wherever they dared; knowing Roam... a circumnavigation plan was in the making. </span><br />
<span class="st">Unexpectedly stopped by the authorities in Puerto Rico, they soon realized that plan was scuttled. After a bit, they turned north and due to travel restrictions the Bahamas </span><span class="st"><span class="st">were bypassed. </span> It took 7 non-stop days at sea, but finally they arrived back in the USA. At this time they're quarantined on anchor somewhere around Vero Beach, Florida.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">This is all so crazy, so surreal. Just weeks ago, the stock market was flying higher at every closing bell and these times were being hailed the "New Roaring 20s". </span>Seems like one day we were dancing in the ether, then the next we were sequestered in fear, hiding from some unknown pathogen, scrambling for toilet paper.<br />
At first we were told, "One day it's like a miracle, it will disappear" then we heard, "opened up, and rarin’ to go by Easter", after that, "Always known this is a real—this is a pandemic", and now, “It’s called the invisible enemy, and that’s what it is: it’s an invisible enemy,”. What's it gonna be tomorrow, next week, or next month? "We'll see"?<br />
<br />
Okay, I'll crawl out of the Rabbit Hole now.<br />
<br />
Life goes on if we're happy about it our not. Still, it could be worse, though not by much.<br />
<br />
So these mornings I wake very early. I feed the boys, walk outside with them, and in the pleasant predawn temps I look up at the stars and hear the ocean's waves crashing on the beach. These moments without complication don't last long, but during this speechless hour or so there are no talking heads rapid firing worst case scenarios and death counts, there are no worries yet, there's just peace and quiet as the stars fade and the sun rises.<br />
Once back inside, I pick up my laptop and shuffle through the thousands of pictures of the many places we've been so fortunate to visit aboard Istaboa. Every morning I put a new picture on the large TV monitor and all day, every time we see that photograph, it makes life seem better. Good memories are good things. We need all the good things we can get right now.<br />
<br />
Today's Pic:<br />
Leaving Nassau, we stand by to let a couple of cruise ships enter the harbor before we leave to turn north and point toward The Abacos.<br />
Later that day, just off the southern tip of Great Abaco Island, we're astounded by a close encounter with a pod of Killer Whales. This was a very good day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlmknbD4QmVb1r29RMREn96Kt9MWNSXWwFyCxK8FEEOcNXK1yW_IkaGTWP36CwhAQ-rFYmgRDTl56z_k1w1YedRlwn50Gdjw2vGvLkh7t3hbnnrKF3qYaZiB6vR02KYlXqUrNS92I1xQf/s1600/_DSC3487.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1600" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlmknbD4QmVb1r29RMREn96Kt9MWNSXWwFyCxK8FEEOcNXK1yW_IkaGTWP36CwhAQ-rFYmgRDTl56z_k1w1YedRlwn50Gdjw2vGvLkh7t3hbnnrKF3qYaZiB6vR02KYlXqUrNS92I1xQf/s3200/_DSC3487.JPG" width="700" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Those were —Good Days— Indeed<br />
<br />
PS <br />
<br />
For those of you who enjoy boats, boating, and the folks who live the life:<br />
<span style="background-color: #666666;"><i>The story of the extraordinary lives of Nancy and Bob Griffith, who
circumnavigated the globe not once but three times between 1960 and the
late 1970’s, taking their 53-foot sailboat, and their kids, on 13 major
voyages to places no small boat had gone before.</i></span> <br />
It's streaming on Amazon Prime Video and well worth the time - and right now, most of us have plenty of that.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7EZUmZh6vys?controls=0" width="700"></iframe><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-30090674126606205092019-08-13T07:17:00.000-05:002021-12-12T09:29:31.417-06:00Time and Maintenance Several land based projects are standing in the way of any cruising plans this year, but it does look like we'll be moving aboard soon. We're renovating our home in Jupiter and having lived amidst that before - we'll not do it again. Our new home port, The Bluffs Marina, is just a couple of miles down US 1 so the boat will be the perfect base of operations. The Bluffs is as good a hurricane hole as can be found in these parts, however we're hoping that's a non issue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PJ9tHxNz842xoUmwEdALeYZO1Sxwla8V0mCv7aLIZ0WfOjlVeJf1uHH0nN7p-WMGsYbBmlSbnaNk6GrOmOIOjjoIqcOHPLPK7PePf__W0taPhZrddapKhWdDtHXhs4yk_JF8pYf2pymm/s1600/seahaven.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PJ9tHxNz842xoUmwEdALeYZO1Sxwla8V0mCv7aLIZ0WfOjlVeJf1uHH0nN7p-WMGsYbBmlSbnaNk6GrOmOIOjjoIqcOHPLPK7PePf__W0taPhZrddapKhWdDtHXhs4yk_JF8pYf2pymm/s3200/seahaven.jpg" width="700" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
With time on our hands, we'll take advantage of it and do some needed maintenance.<br />
This weekend we motored down to the new <a href="https://seahavenmarina.com/" target="_blank">Seahaven Superyacht Marina</a> in Dania Beach. From there we just eased across the Dania Cutoff Canal to Playboy Marine Center where we've hauled out to paint the bottom. There will be new transducers to replace the old, and other things that can only be done while out of the water.<br />
Craig at Hogan Marine Systems in Ft Lauderdale will be busy for a week or so.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://imgflip.com/gif/37zbzt"><img src="https://i.imgflip.com/37zbzt.gif" title="made at imgflip.com" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
There's something to be said for sitting out a year and making the time to catch up on projects.<br />
When all this is done Istaboa will be looking better, inside and out, than she has in years.<br />
<br />
Cheers - <div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-79797254456076834562019-06-06T07:47:00.000-05:002021-12-12T09:28:51.775-06:00Real Time & RecollectionsI finally got around to updating the "About Istaboa" section of this blog.
<a href="http://istaboawaypoints.blogspot.com/p/istaboa-revised.html" target="_blank">Istaboa's new interior</a>
inspired me to take a few photos and pictures often trigger an itch that only
writing about them can scratch. I guess every picture does tell a story.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXp0PxDKiHDoviZhAmEWHcwpnd5MGKt1H1PLSBBbkrFStnjEKK0STyl1f5S4zGYnHtGjUJwHihKrcBdGhn0Lj1DAp9TFHYLZq05DCbbse9jW-7FyIpRCSis9KuciI9bl_fTJ3_rIhHh538/s1600/insideistaboa234567-1.1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXp0PxDKiHDoviZhAmEWHcwpnd5MGKt1H1PLSBBbkrFStnjEKK0STyl1f5S4zGYnHtGjUJwHihKrcBdGhn0Lj1DAp9TFHYLZq05DCbbse9jW-7FyIpRCSis9KuciI9bl_fTJ3_rIhHh538/s3200/insideistaboa234567-1.1.jpeg" width="700" /></a>
</div>
<br />
This is the final installment of a multi-part section that covers finding N57-26
back in 2006 and the years aboard Istaboa that have led up to now.<br />
For those into 57s, there's a lot about N57s in general and Istaboa in
particular — See the column to your left. <br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Real Time
</h3><p>
<u><i><b>10 Years After</b></i></u><br />
<br />
It's now 2020: The economy is booming, everything's great, —however— the boats
are getting bigger and the docks are packed with them. Many of our favorite
marinas have been bought out by large corporations, gutted of their
personalities, and it seems a knowledgeable dock staff is a relic from days gone by. Due to this current illusion of prosperity, the boat fixers are busy, most
are arrogant, and they're all elusive. </p><p><br />
I'm getting older (and grumpier) and time is flying by, but it seems things have
changed dramatically in just a short time —<a href="https://istaboawaypoints.blogspot.com/2014/06/another-shot-of-our-neighborhood-and.html" target="_blank">Flashback to 2014</a><br />
I guess we miss the easygoing days of the plain old "good" economy, however...
we tentatively adjust.<br />
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_pG8A_Q4-r39z1-hcyAsAd9SfSo2M_jBpY9p4z5KqnQqDd73x2ZMHBJ8CEZ02axUGj6UxWF5cOCHhzzR0T2KHWE8WYWKO5ZjqU3JuVVFmz4aarL_xjj4NJCpKVF6spWXWqA2x7VDRxPb/s1600/Messages+Image%25283730374829%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1160" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_pG8A_Q4-r39z1-hcyAsAd9SfSo2M_jBpY9p4z5KqnQqDd73x2ZMHBJ8CEZ02axUGj6UxWF5cOCHhzzR0T2KHWE8WYWKO5ZjqU3JuVVFmz4aarL_xjj4NJCpKVF6spWXWqA2x7VDRxPb/s1600/Messages+Image%25283730374829%2529.png" width="400" /></a>
</div>
<br />
Still — life's good. <br />
—<br />
Now a decade since moving aboard and putting Tennessee behind us; almost 20
years since we first started traveling about in boats, Mel and I have covered a
lot of water. And in all that time, at least one thing has become apparent, our
boating lifestyle is never glamorous and rarely exciting, but it is the life we
chose and for the most part it's exactly what we dreamed it would be —
probably in our DNA, but for sure our life aboard is not just a line item on a
list of things to do before we can't. <br />
<br />
Like us, our boating habits have matured, as has our boat. No longer full time
liveaboards, we have a home in Jupiter, FL. (Mel and I finally asked the
question, "wanna live here?", one time too many.) We love our little beach house
and the simple life there we share with our dogs, nevertheless 90% of our time
is devoted to boats/marinas, and still, 3 to 6 months a year is spent aboard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfPg0tVuzf5mqnCJlwiSXUkFb0ESM7GuBMpBZ2l2dYVlDAgMHiRFdfgYNHNGVgbkAphatIi59TWeKX1o1Hfb7wi8BPIszTFrGhzc9cKLTTyKeXDbkvoUnsmFChWW-eBJUfQqbl2CUceeV/s1600/gt2018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfPg0tVuzf5mqnCJlwiSXUkFb0ESM7GuBMpBZ2l2dYVlDAgMHiRFdfgYNHNGVgbkAphatIi59TWeKX1o1Hfb7wi8BPIszTFrGhzc9cKLTTyKeXDbkvoUnsmFChWW-eBJUfQqbl2CUceeV/s3200/gt2018.jpg" width="700" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Georgetown, SC
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<u><b>Our M-O</b></u><br />
<br />
For us, and I'm not promoting our lifestyle as the boat life everyone should
subscribe too, but — for us — a good boat trip is to comfortably motor
around till we stumble on an out of the way place that's interesting but not too
crowded, then slowly blend in and make it home for a while.<br />
That's the beauty of this boating thing: home is where the boat is. <br />
<br />
Last year we spent
<a href="https://spark.adobe.com/page/Bd0O1hgYGZUs7/" target="_blank">6 weeks in little Georgetown, SC</a>
and had quite a nice time, however, I don't think we would've felt that way 10
years ago. Georgetown's a very calm and tranquil little harbor town — at this
point in our life, tranquility's a blast.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Recollections
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Abacos
</div>
Years ago, The Abacos, Elbow Cay specifically, was home for a while. We once
tied up at Sea Spray Marina thinking we'd stay a few days and 2 months later we
left.<br />
That year the late spring winds, as they often do, blew hard and incessantly
into the summer months. The weather kept us tethered to the dock, however that
didn't stop us from making the best of the situation.<br />
Mel and I made lasting friendships during that long blow that have stood the
test of time and in retrospect, if it weren't for those unfavorable conditions,
none of us would've ever taken the time to get to know each other.<br />
During that, "Whisky Wind" (as Junior Maynard, the Dock Master, called it), no
matter what kind of boat you owned or what your socioeconomic status was, we all
played a part in each other's good time: everyone dressed similarly, ate the
same food, drank the same booze; we were all
<a href="https://istaboa2007.blogspot.com/2007/05/sea-spray-clan.html" target="_blank">trapped in paradise together, and life was good..</a><br />
<br />
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</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every Saturday night was a Junkanoo and a big celebration.<br />
Every Sunday morning was breakfast with Brenda's Bloodies providing post party
pain relief.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Exumas
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
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</div>
<br />
We once lived at
<a href="https://istaboawaypoints.blogspot.com/2015/06/riding-with-king.html" target="_blank">Compass Cay in the Exumas</a>. for a while. Life around the Pipe Creek area was simply special, and after some time we
were welcomed to be honorary members of the Rolle family: an honor we're very
proud of.<br />
About two months into that stay, our stores of food and drink were depleted and
we learned to get by as the out-island folk do. Departing friends and boaters
would generously leave us their unused provisions, weather permitting and if the
mail boat showed, we'd make runs to Staniel Cay where the Blue Store or the Pink
Store might have some vegetables, and on a regular basis the local boys would
bring us fresh fish.<br />
Tucker taught me how to waste not, "Clean da head, don't tro it away, dat's da
best part", he'd say. Tuck was right, fresh fish head, eyeballs and all, made an
excellent stew. (I'd eat the eyeballs, but just for effect... they really have
no taste)<br />
Following a nice Bahamian lady's instructions, a few onions, potatoes, lady
peppers, Bahamian thyme, a big clean Grouper head, thrown together and slow
cooked in a big pot fed us all for 3 days. Spider crab, lobster, conch - as soon
it was known we would cook, things just showed up on the boat and became dinner
for those who wanted it.<a href="https://istaboawaypoints.blogspot.com/2009/10/tings-to-do-wit-fish.html" target="_blank">
Tings to do wit fish</a><br />
<br />
Maybe it was the overwhelming expanse of blueness, possibly the absence of
complication, probably the combination of all that and more, nevertheless that
long stay really was mind altering and forever changed my perspective. This is
when we first experienced the
<a href="https://istaboawaypoints.blogspot.com/2015/07/with-heavy-hearts.html" target="_blank">zen of being</a> -or- How to exist in the Exumas and not lose your grip on reality.
It took a while, but eventually we settled into island think. Need food? Go
fish, or conch: Don't worry about the small things, never get excited, find some
shade with a good breeze, and in between naps, watch the tide roll in and out,
and the tour boats come and go. <br />
Kicking back in one of the ragged lounge chairs scattered around the shade of
the Compass office overhang, it was amusing watching the many big charter yachts
running pell-mell up and down the Exuma chain. Their crews were always busy
picking up or dropping off charters at Staniel Cay then anchoring at Big Majors
where their guests would take selfies with the pigs then, as they turned to walk
away, have one of those cute pigs bite them on the ass.<br />
<br />
<br />
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</div>
<br />
In the mean time, back in the shade, (and disrupting my naps, I might add), the
ancient VHF radio would be constantly crackling, "Compass Cay, Compass
Cay" and if Jamal answered, the yacht Caps would chat him up in hopes of
scoring a slip and shelter from the impending storms.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://istaboawaypoints.blogspot.com/2011/05/fabulous-day-in-exumas.html" target="_blank">There was good work done.</a>
We brought communications to places where there was none. Those projects took
much longer than they would have in the states, but no one cared. Soon it
becomes apparent, the aim of Exuma life is to make the best of the moment. You
"be".<br />
<br />
<br />
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</div>
<br />
We'd take our little Albury to visit the other islands and do what shopping we
could, and soon, Mel and I became acquainted with some remarkable and
<a href="https://istaboawaypoints.blogspot.com/2015/07/odd-shots.html" target="_blank">eccentric private island dwellers</a>. They too were happy to have fresh company to get to know. <br />
<br />
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Pickle Barrel Houses on Wild Tamarind Cay
</div>
<br />
Running up and down Pipe Creek everyday was like living in a dream. Sometimes
I'd just stop the Albury, look in all directions, and take in the view,
absorbing every shade of blue imaginable. Not a day went by without thinking how
lucky we were to be experiencing all of this, and being part of it.<br />
Like backstage passes to paradise. <br />
<br />
Late summer, sans tourist, the place is really amazing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paradise.
</div>
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</div>
<br />
As evidenced by the video below, Compass can become very crowded during season -
gentrification strikes again - still a beautiful place, though.<br />
<br />
<b>Cat Stevens - Longer Boats</b><br />
<div>
Longer boats are coming to win us <br />
They're coming to win us, they're coming to win us <br />
Longer boats are coming to win us <br />
Hold on to the shore, they'll be taking the key from the door
</div>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5-SXoCcNj9Y?controls=0" width="700"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
All of this became the norm and soon I grew confident running the Albury around
the little-known routes through the rocks and shallows; understanding which run
to take at different tide levels, almost as good as the natives. Every rocky
point, every shoal, the water color, it all means something. Like obscure road
signs, you'd better pay attention to the details or you'd quickly end up on a
coral head, high and dry, or worse.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LE6CC3YA5Ww" width="560"></iframe><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hurricane Sandy - Over Yonder Cay
</div>
<br />
This was a magical time for us, however the spell was broken by September and
the peak of hurricane season. It became apparent that it was time for us to move
on and we left just days before Hurricane Sandy blew hard across the Exuma
chain.<br />
<br />
<br />
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</div>
Yes, that four months was an amazing experience and we still like to return
"home" and fall back into Compass life on occasion. We understand and respect;
it's not our world, it's there's, and we're thankful the Rolles share it with
us.<br />
<br />
We'll not wear out our welcome.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtourism" target="_blank">Overtourism </a>?
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Chesapeake Bay
</div>
<br />
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</div>
<br />
The Chesapeake still holds a certain charm and we'll often bump around up there
during hurricane season. Annapolis is our favorite city, Solomons and the
Herringtons are our favorite hangs, but many of the historic, boaty little towns
are cool. <span class="css-0 eqpevqj2"> </span><br />
<br />
A bit like the panhandle of Florida, the food is simple and good. Think local
crabs and oysters prepared so many ways.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
We really like being around the folks on the Chesapeake. For the most part,
they're an authentic live and let live, good natured bunch; they love the Bay
and everything about it. We've made many memorable acquaintances and some great
friends there over the years; we always enjoy going back.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/HedQF9zpvD4" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<h3>
<br />
</h3>
<br />
Wherever we go - there we are
</div>
<br />
We feel fortunate to be able to take our time, keep plans open-ended, and become
up close and personal with the many marinas in the many harbors along our way.
From Tennessee to Nassau, too many places to list, we've made ourselves at home.
In all our travels there's one thing we've always found to be true: *No matter
where you go, there you are. (*credit either Confucius or
<a href="https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/f4d2a457-d067-4594-b335-3ab720c732e7#Bk_bdvdSAN.copy" target="_blank">Buckaroo Banzai</a>)<br />
<br />
If one has a curious eye and takes the time to look around, there's almost
always something unique and compelling to be found. (almost)<br />
Maybe a funky little restaurant that serves up the best shrimp and grits, like
the Beaufort Cafe, the familiar comforts of Brunswick, GA, sometimes it's just
simple naturalness and the transcendental "being" thing happens, think Compass
Cay. It can be as contrasting as the helter-skelter of an urban harbor like
Nassau or the stillness of the Sassafras River, it really doesn't matter where
you are, if you're experiencing life from a boat, it's probably pretty good.<br />
"And remember, no matter where you go, there you are."<br />
<br />
We also love this verse from "The Boxer" — we too look for those places.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Laying low, seeking out the poorer quarters<br />
Where the ragged people go<br />
Looking for the places<br />
Only they would know</i></span>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lie, la lie </i></span>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
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</div>
So now we've become seasoned boaters, which is a kind way of saying we're
getting older, (which is a kind way of saying we're approaching old AF) and the
days of ambitious boat trips may be winding down for us. Never say never, though
we're quite content bumping around familiar places.<br />
<br />
So with all that said, I'll sum it up with this mental image...<br />
<br />
At the end of a long day, there are few things more comfortable than following
an old track line into a peaceful harbor and tying up in the sunset.<br />
<br />
That's pleasure boating<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now hold on to that mental image and press play below <br />
Cheers...
</div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bh_dZr3rkdk" width="560"></iframe>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-84518522855877931502019-04-24T14:46:00.000-05:002019-05-05T19:58:03.273-05:00Springtime For Elvis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>April:</b></span> For a dose of reality, it's good for us to leave the beach, the manicured seaside estates with palm trees swaying in the balmy sea breezes, and make the grueling 1000 mile drive up to funky old Memphis for some much needed contrast —and, to see what our old home town is up to.<br />
<br />
We were pleased to find our neighborhood booming with cool new developments that have been squeezed into the renovated old buildings. The, circa 1909, Brewery next door has been transformed into luxury apartments and the old train station will soon be an upscale boutique hotel. An eclectic mix of restaurants are popping up everywhere and they appear to be busy, business is good. The area is thriving with young folks zipping around on those annoying little electric scooters and the trolley cars are running again. Yep, it seems like Downtown Memphis is finally enjoying a long awaited resurgence.<br />
<br />
Springtime is the best time in Memphis <br />
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Springtime means Azaleas and Dogwoods are blooming everywhere you look and the locals are happily leaving their unpleasant inclinations indoors as they come outside with smiling faces and warm neighborly attitudes. I guess everyone's been held hostage by winter's grip and finally, spring awards them with a deserved respite from the cold, damp, river winds downtown Memphis has endured for months.<br />
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April is the month for local festivals before the massive Memphis in May International Festival cranks up and downtown is inundated with hundreds of thousands of tourists.<br />
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Our local fav is the Crawfish Fest - we can't seem to find Crawfish in Jupiter or anywhere along the east coast, but in Memphis, in April, they're everywhere, every weekend.<br />
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<a href="http://www.loflinyard.com/" target="_blank">Loflin Yard</a>, one of our favorite bars, is an indoor/outdoor watering hole that's the backyard for the many downtown urbanites who have no yards. Folks bring the kids, their dogs, the whole family and enjoy. Shade to chill in the summer and fire pits to sit around when it's cold.<br />
Good music and good food = good times.<br />
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As we always do, we've enjoyed our stay. Hanging with our oldest friends and walking through the authentic funkiness that Memphis has an abundance of brings back the whole spectrum of memories — however, with some regret, we're sad to say, it's about time to pack up and bid adieu.<br />
It's time head back to Jupiter.<br />
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There's a boat trip in our future. <br />
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Adios, Bluff City — See y'all in the Fall<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-43939594711152197112019-02-22T21:12:00.001-06:002019-03-26T16:03:02.201-05:00Picking It Back UpNope — haven't written anything in a while, haven't taken any pics to speak of either, however, we've made the best of our time. Christmas in Jupiter was great; much better weather than Christmas in Memphis, and it was cool hangin' out on the boat up in Georgia. Mel's been hankering for some fall weather and Brunswick/St Simons did serve that up from time to time.<br />
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St Simons Sound Sunset</div>
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We rode out the thankfully benign hurricane season at Brunswick Landing then moved over to St Simons Island and Morningstar Marina for their view and breeze. We like spending time in Glynn County, the local culture is comfortable and the local restaurants are good— especially after Labor Day.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Maggie Mae's downtown Brunswick serves a blue-ribbon country style breakfast and the service is sincerely old school southern. Fox's Pizza is good too, but never pass up <a href="https://williesweeneewagon.com/" target="_blank">Willy's Wee-Nee Wagon</a> and their Pork Chop Sandwich. It's in the hood which gives it authenticity and street cred. (Some cruisers we spoke with scoffed at Willy's but if you're into geniune cultural experiences, you've got to go to Willy's Wee-Nee Wagon.) Out on the island is Southern Soul BBQ and it's truly fine. At the marina is Coastal Kitchen serving their version of Shrimp and Grits. The Half Shell, Halyards, Barbara Jeans, and Benny's Red Barn - All Good!</i></blockquote>
Though it's 350 miles up the boring and sometimes treacherous I-95, we made the trip several times a month to check on the boat and boater buddies. It was a nice break from S Florida's summer heat.<br />
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We took advantage of our time in Brunswick/St Simons and made a few interior changes. Nothing major but the slight update made a surprising difference.<br />
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The ladies at Overall Upholstery on the island did a good job of recovering our Salon bar stools.<br />
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We considered home-porting Istaboa at Morningstar Marina, and she will probably soon return, but several maintenance jobs are needed and it's great place to stay if we decide to take on the house project in Jupiter, so we picked a good day and started the milk run back south.<br />
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Last year on our trip north we ran outside in the ocean. This year on the way back down we took the slower more complicated route and stopped at several marinas to take care of a little business. A layover in St Augustine followed by a short run and a few days stay at Palm Coast Marina. <i>(We really like little Palm Coast Marina, Rosey, the Harbormaster, is a kind person and a pleasure to be around. We watched the NFL playoffs there.)</i><br />
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Then with the purpose of finding warmer weather we pushed rather quickly to Daytona and Cocoa Village.<br />
Leaving Cocoa was somewhat exciting. As was predicted, a nasty weather front was pushing through and in the blink of an eye a nice day turned into a raging storm.<br />
Off to the west we watched the blow heading our way with a vengeance, soon dark skies covered us and blacked out all sunlight, the wind was crazy, and it was raining sideways; on board, our instruments were indicating gusts of 50+. Luckily we were in a wide area of the ICW and our electronics were working as they should — for an hour or so we couldn't see much more than the bow of the boat but with an eye on the radar and chartplotter we slowly followed our old track lines. Then as quickly as it started, the storm passed and the sun came back out, though the harsh northwest wind remained all day.<br />
Next up was Harbour Isle Marina - Ft Pierce, a quick bite at Chucks Seafood, and the following morning we cast off for home, Old Port Cove.<br />
All in all, a nice, comfortable little run. Istaboa seemed to enjoy it, she hummed along, never missing a beat. It was a pleasure to be aboard, cocooned in her warm dry wheelhouse, during the bad weather we encountered leaving Cocoa Village. She heeled a bit during the big gusts but nothing more.<br />
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So now we're home, Istaboa's tied up at OPC, we're diggin' the Jupiter weather, happy, and as far as we know, healthy.<br />
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<b>Boat Projects</b><br />
A new venturi windshield, new lifelines, new dock lines, and a new spare anchor rode hatch. I feel carpet will be replaced soon and there's a bottom job in our future.<br />
Over the years, we've found that Istaboa treats us like we treat her - She's been kind to us so we reciprocate.<br />
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<b>Good Music</b><br />
On long beach walks, a favorite diversion, this guy has been in my ears lately. Michael Franti. Very positive, very kind, a good mash-up of reggae/jazz/funk/folk and hip-hop.<br />
Feel good music with a cause.<br />
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<b>Cut from Wikipedia</b><br />
<b>Michael Franti & Spearhead</b>, a band that blends <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_hop_music" title="Hip hop music">hip hop</a> with a variety of other styles including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funk" title="Funk">funk</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggae" title="Reggae">reggae</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz" title="Jazz">jazz</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folk_music" title="Folk music">folk</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_music" title="Rock music">rock</a>. He is also an outspoken supporter for a wide spectrum of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_movement" title="Peace movement">peace</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice" title="Social justice">social justice</a> issues.<br />
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Worth a listen<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ANoI5xVS4tI?controls=0" width="700"></iframe>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gowi31zGyQA?controls=0" width="700"></iframe>
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So what's next for Crew Istaboa? We're not sure yet... surprised? After finishing a couple more boat projects, we sense a good stiff boat trip is in our future. In the meantime though... we're content.<br />
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Good beach, good music, good food, life's good.<br />
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Cheers,<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-58996138462770728162018-08-27T10:31:00.000-05:002018-08-28T09:21:54.928-05:00Brunswick, GA - Revisited<script charset="utf-8" data-zindex="1000000" id="asp-embed-script" src="https://spark.adobe.com/page-embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script><a class="asp-embed-link" href="https://spark.adobe.com/page/PbCR4Y5TTKqwv/" target="_blank"><img alt="Killin' Time" border="0" src="https://spark.adobe.com/page/PbCR4Y5TTKqwv/embed.jpg?buster=1535383808173" style="width: 100%;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-43993748004968105022018-07-29T15:24:00.000-05:002018-07-29T15:24:39.042-05:00Georgetown, South Carolina<script id="asp-embed-script" data-zindex="1000000" type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="https://spark.adobe.com/page-embed.js"></script><a class="asp-embed-link" href="https://spark.adobe.com/page/Bd0O1hgYGZUs7/" target="_blank"><img src="https://spark.adobe.com/page/Bd0O1hgYGZUs7/embed.jpg?buster=1532895692379" alt="A good traveler has no fixed plans
and is not intent upon arriving" style="width:100%" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-6585453889957668732018-07-16T07:35:00.000-05:002018-10-03T13:03:49.758-05:00Short Legs - Easy Days - Long PostThis year we've not felt the urge to push ourselves or the boat. There's no specific plan other than to be north of Florida and we've accomplished that already. Hoping to resist complication and just be, we're patiently allowing chance to influence our travel plans for the next few months. It's said, <span class="inline_editor_value" id="__w2_i1DyvFL_answer_content"><span class="ui_qtext_rendered_qtext">“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”. So we'll stay prepared and opportunity will likely appear sooner or later. If not, we'll just keep bumping around till it's time to go back to Jupiter.</span></span><br />
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No, we'll not put a lot of distance behind us this way, but we're not sure where we're going anyway so it probably doesn't matter.<br />
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On this day we're tied up at Harborwalk Marina in Georgetown, SC. The second largest seaport in South Carolina, though it's more a sleepy little fishing village. <br />
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We've spent time here before and found the old seaport town to be a friendly place. Just off the beaten path and very quiet, there's a pretty little harbor that provides protection and relief from the strong currents of Winyah Bay. On the other side of Front St is a charming old neighborhood that's covered up in history; many of the well kept homes were built in the 1700s. Down the street we've found an assortment of good restaurants and shops.<br />
Reckoning the whole might be better than the sum of it's parts, chances are, we'll become better acquainted with Georgetown.<br />
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The getting here has been good. We're enjoying the trip and the boat seems to be happy as well. The long run up the Florida coast was the right call, but for now we'll do a few short legs and take it easy. We've jokingly tagged this portion of our cruise, The Shrimp and Grits Run — for good reason.<br />
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Sunset over marsh grass at high tide - Brunswick Landing Marina</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>⌘</b></span> catching up <br />
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Done with Florida and arrived Georgia, we stay in the Brunswick area for a few days. Having been Mel's hometown and much time spent here in the past, it's familiar to us.<br />
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Over the years there were many lasting memories formed in Brunswick. Most of them simple pleasures like hanging out with family, heading shrimp, catching and cleaning crabs. Our best memories are from the many <span class="inline_editor_value" id="__w2_s9UqxU9_answer_content"><span class="ui_qtext_rendered_qtext">Christmases</span></span> we spent here. These big holiday get-togethers always ended with the traditional Oyster Roast. At the Riverside house on a cold night, family and friends would gather around a hot oak fire, tell the same old stories, laugh, and drink lots of beer as we shucked and devoured bushels of fire roasted oysters. Mel's Dad loved putting all of this together and he worked hard at it: Sourcing the oysters, building the fire, even cleaning up the aftermath was a task he didn't mind at all.<br />
Those were good days. Yes, Brunswick is familiar to us.<br />
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Like many times before, we shopped the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning to buy fresh peas and boiled peanuts. Local <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_cracker" target="_blank">Georgia Cracker</a> gourmet delights.<br />
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Next, we motored over to St Simons Island and Golden Isles Marina. Borrowing the marina courtesy car, we had lunch at Barbara Jeans - Shrimp and Grits and Crab Cakes.<br />
A St Simons tradition, a fine little southern style family restaurant. <br />
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A little work was done for the marina then a quick weather check showed the seas were gonna be favorable. It was decided to move on to Hilton Head.<br />
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Leaving St Simons at first light on a falling tide we caught a nice ride with the current all the way out the long ship channel.<br />
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A few hours into the trip our favorable seas started changing as did the wind. Now a head sea, but not bad, just sloppy enough to make sure I washed the boat once we arrived at Harbour Town Yacht Basin. </div>
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By the end of the day the waves had turned fairly chunky and we butted our way round Savannah into Hilton Head. </div>
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Being the 4th of July, Harbour Town and Sea Pines Resort was swarming with lots of folks doing what lots folks do on Independence Day. That night, much to our young pup Muddy's dismay, there was a world class fireworks show.</div>
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We always enjoy our time here and particularly like the resort's restaurants. (Yes, Shrimp and Grits and a bowl of Gumbo.) This is a very well managed, award winning, marina<i>. </i>Harbormaster Nancy Cappelmann makes sure everything is top-notch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONrtjsA6GhNJyYdRJskEP1CdMnxrttQajAyx9cxqiNTJCvgntkjQ48ky9VQsyHRFKAYDaPVrD8aPjhz6lMn-OnbPOQMLQ8eQZUV-o3C7qAc96dFSy3reeN3xlIrroXO7RbzAUoz2-z029/s1600/sheltercove-h.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONrtjsA6GhNJyYdRJskEP1CdMnxrttQajAyx9cxqiNTJCvgntkjQ48ky9VQsyHRFKAYDaPVrD8aPjhz6lMn-OnbPOQMLQ8eQZUV-o3C7qAc96dFSy3reeN3xlIrroXO7RbzAUoz2-z029/s1600/sheltercove-h.jpeg" width="320" /></a>A few days later we moved over to Shelter Cove Marina. Still on Hilton Head island, just further inland and up a creek. Shelter Cove is pretty cool. many places to eat (Shrimp and Grits), a coffee shop, a French bakery, and other businesses that cater to tourist. At one time there were two different bands playing at two different restaurants and both singing different Jimmy Buffett tunes. Cheeseburger in Paradise on one side, Margaritaville on the other... - I guess some things never change. </div>
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There was a strange weather anomaly, that soon became Hurricane Chris, sitting off the Carolina Coast and it wouldn't leave. At first we thought it prudent to hang out at Hilton Head and keep and eye on the storm, so we moved back to Harbour Town. Waking the next morning and checking the latest weather info things looked much better so we decided to take off and head North. Charleston was our next stop and we needed to be there at 4PM for slack tide. (if you've ever boated in this area you understand the slack tide thing.) </div>
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All day long the winds were calm and the ocean was slick, but as we got within 10 miles of Charleston the breeze picked up. Still nothing harsh, however off to the west dark clouds were building up over land. By the time we reach the ship channel everything changed. Wind gusts of 25/30 were turning our nice slick ocean into angry gray seas; a full blown thunderstorm was hovering over the entrance. </div>
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Weighing the options of circling around out in the ocean and waiting for the storm to pass or pounding our way up the channel, straight into a threatening squall — we chose the latter - hoping for the best when we arrive on time with slack water. Damn the lightning, full speed ahead.</div>
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It was interesting tying up at a marina with an Aircraft Carrier - Patriot's Point</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BOMTgWqQEGegdoMOVWhtw6nDsQ1DvJfiO0qPcbT_I4h4eyex6HjvtR_jLksRXImRXfOD3cqLKbdAFkVHR5o73_fiQVx1T6OAwxqrGbYhpxjRiuVnMpnnZ_KrIHr6jcnyiVvYoj8zBaM2/s1600/carrier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BOMTgWqQEGegdoMOVWhtw6nDsQ1DvJfiO0qPcbT_I4h4eyex6HjvtR_jLksRXImRXfOD3cqLKbdAFkVHR5o73_fiQVx1T6OAwxqrGbYhpxjRiuVnMpnnZ_KrIHr6jcnyiVvYoj8zBaM2/s3200/carrier.jpg" width="700" /></a></div>
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Charleston Harbor was full so they put us out on the far edge. It was rough. All night the boat would rock and heel over from the wakes of big ships passing by. We woke the next morning, finished doing what we came for, made the necessary calls, and moved a few miles up the ICW to Isle of Palms Marina. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTjr2jSa8SdOi3xcSO-9024lUR61aK5uO0auCHHWUJBVKsxMllPZhzkDtANkh3_OGqgkDfqCxbrxvToDeev8_SmLrmAy4QB0QL_byGyGF9bFf_Jmrr4XVZmQKjw_rSZw29YbfLplmKIxl/s1600/IMG_6155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTjr2jSa8SdOi3xcSO-9024lUR61aK5uO0auCHHWUJBVKsxMllPZhzkDtANkh3_OGqgkDfqCxbrxvToDeev8_SmLrmAy4QB0QL_byGyGF9bFf_Jmrr4XVZmQKjw_rSZw29YbfLplmKIxl/s320/IMG_6155.jpg" width="320" /></a>Isle of Palms Marina isn't really anything exceptional, however on a sunny Saturday afternoon it's the center of the universe. Hundreds of small boats use the ramp to load and unload. There was a band playing outside and 2 restaurants (one serving Shrimp and Grits with Alligator Gravy) and a nicely stocked tackle/grocery/deli. It was incredibly busy, but not in a bad way. Everyone was friendly and courteous and a good time was being had in bulk. It was fun to watch.</div>
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Putting a double finger slip to good use, I was able to get to Istaboa's port side and easily do a badly needed cleaning. It's disturbing to find what happens to the forsaken side of an asymmetrical salon boat. Out of sight, out of mind.</div>
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We stayed here for 2 nights then left mid-day to run the skinny ICW to Georgetown. <span class="st"><i><a href="https://cruisersnet.net/category/icw-trouble-spots-aicw-channel-south-of-mcclellanville-sc-to-awendaw-creek/" target="_blank">McClellanville</a> </i></span>is the snag on this stretch with a reported 4' water depths at low tide, however I believe this is falsely reported. (Boat geek stuff) We went through 2 hours after low tide and never saw less than 3.5' under our keel — (which by my calculations would make it 7' MLLW.) We were fortunate to be leaving on a rising tide; the current pushing us all the way to Georgetown. When we hit Winyah Bay, we were clocking 12 knots. Got in at 6:30.</div>
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So here we are, Georgetown - livin' easy. It's a cool little town and we're thinking we should to get to know it better.<br />
So far every restaurant has been better than the last. (wonder if they have a gym)<br />
The best to date— Shrimp and Grits with Pork Sauce — The River Room.<br />
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Harborwalk Marina is new (still being built) with floating docks; a nice clean little marina and Harbormaster Chris Carroll's intent is to make it even better. </div>
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Taking a walk across town looking for a pharmacy, I took the scenic route. This old town is lovely. </div>
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Old Antebellum, Low Country Charm</div>
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No, we're not sure when or where we'll be heading next. Mel would like to visit Bald Head Island at Cape Fear, she has a knack for picking good places - so that seems likely.</div>
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In the meantime, life's pretty good. <br />
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<span class="inline_editor_value" id="__w2_i1DyvFL_answer_content"><span class="ui_qtext_rendered_qtext">Something worth reading: <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-wise-brain/201707/whats-the-hurry" target="_blank">What's the hurry?</a></span></span><br />
<span class="inline_editor_value" id="__w2_i1DyvFL_answer_content"><span class="ui_qtext_rendered_qtext">Something else worth reading: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgetown,_South_Carolina" target="_blank">Georgetown History</a></span></span>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-26476440300810912872018-06-27T11:57:00.001-05:002018-09-30T08:07:01.637-05:00Bypassing Florida <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since we've done an all-nighter. Several reasons why, but a couple in particular stand out.<br />
Number one: Radar, our senior pup, has apparently developed sea-sickness in his old age. He's a smart dog so this all could be a show of protest, however he becomes distressed and his old heart does race; that's not good.<br />
Secondly, me, my old ass. At one time pulling all-nighters was just how it was done and I was quite good at it, but that was long-long ago. These days, the appeal of the all-night run has faded somewhat. We've enjoyed and/or endured many sleepless nights at sea so a nice tie at a friendly marina sounds pretty relaxing at this stage in our life.<br />
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We enjoy running our boat alone; no crew, no friends aboard, just two dogs and two folks on a boat. This way our unplanned/wishy-washy cruising lifestyle inconveniences no one. While this tack does indulge our desire for independence, it also means we must do everything and that can sometimes be wearing.<br />
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So, yes, running all night will be tiring, but after adding up the pros and cons; bypassing the Florida ICW and running outside in the ocean under a full moon with clear skies and flat seas was the logical choice.<br />
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== == == == == == == == <br />
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Leaving Ft Pierce was easy. Out the inlet, the forecast flat seas were
as predicted so we turned north and stayed close to shore. Catching a
happy current, we enjoyed 10+ knots all the way up to Brunswick. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrQJZnEG-zf5JnL9ACMSfEYMJykT8oWMZnvbpinUgmsP7hlDpAfj06sVnoKBTS2xlMdmLY2w2xoi3uQn_FYL2JP1AZGoaMzLxlGGkdPliI2d3IQj5iIz7QMkEbUvKyYKS6v_br_V8yD5_/s1600/blastoff1x1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrQJZnEG-zf5JnL9ACMSfEYMJykT8oWMZnvbpinUgmsP7hlDpAfj06sVnoKBTS2xlMdmLY2w2xoi3uQn_FYL2JP1AZGoaMzLxlGGkdPliI2d3IQj5iIz7QMkEbUvKyYKS6v_br_V8yD5_/s320/blastoff1x1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Rounding the point at Cape Canaveral there's a shallow spot called Chester Shoal. To get around it, one can either stay offshore or run in close to the beach and Kennedy Space Center. Choosing the latter, it was cool to see the Space Center from this perspective.<br />
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Obviously no rockets were teed up for launch, we'd have never been allowed so close, but the historic significance of the place whetted my imagination. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwZETyE04V51zqD4-ZZug33SJciKyfbX0uAq2yC-Nveq4aRQ_EUuEs_fPiSo_Kmc9caP9QZl2gCr-yrjJ34fmZhvboTzaMpp_A8ddU52V221rwnW5I1GCojRFqxvcex823WaXTkOVX2Hl/s1600/blastoff2spacex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwZETyE04V51zqD4-ZZug33SJciKyfbX0uAq2yC-Nveq4aRQ_EUuEs_fPiSo_Kmc9caP9QZl2gCr-yrjJ34fmZhvboTzaMpp_A8ddU52V221rwnW5I1GCojRFqxvcex823WaXTkOVX2Hl/s1600/blastoff2spacex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwZETyE04V51zqD4-ZZug33SJciKyfbX0uAq2yC-Nveq4aRQ_EUuEs_fPiSo_Kmc9caP9QZl2gCr-yrjJ34fmZhvboTzaMpp_A8ddU52V221rwnW5I1GCojRFqxvcex823WaXTkOVX2Hl/s3200/blastoff2spacex.jpg" width="700" /></a></div>
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Once past the Space Center, other than a another stunning sunset, there wasn't much remarkable.<br />
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Staying within a few miles of shore allowed the use of cell phones and internet; both worked well most of the way and a little work was done. Almost zero traffic once darkness fell, though there was a tug out a couple of miles making about the same speed. He was heading north as well so we ran a parallel course with him all the way to up Jacksonville.<br />
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At around 4AM, somewhere out from St Augustine, we did encounter a fleet of shrimpers. The darkness certainly wasn't going to give up a photograph and the shot below is as good as it got.<br />
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The shrimp boats working slow figure eights with their bright flood lights against the dark of night created a visual that was surreal and otherworldly; it would have been an interesting photo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspBgAjpMWTyrmeEI5vBXkKMKoaT_O8FgRMSffq2jkhA-FEK71PTZ4KkbAQj8ok5KrGJiezAziw-lZp3KlI8HgOCprju-22i0IPHf2sSZe_itup6zbIz4-eyhOiI4c1IktQBv4xLMYv0MZ/s1600/shrimpernight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspBgAjpMWTyrmeEI5vBXkKMKoaT_O8FgRMSffq2jkhA-FEK71PTZ4KkbAQj8ok5KrGJiezAziw-lZp3KlI8HgOCprju-22i0IPHf2sSZe_itup6zbIz4-eyhOiI4c1IktQBv4xLMYv0MZ/s3200/shrimpernight.jpg" width="700" /></a></div>
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Then the fat moon that had been lighting the sky all night dropped below the horizon and everything went completely dark. It took a bit to acclimate to the black night - which brought about a renewed interest in the radar screen - , but after a couple of hours the sun made an appearance and all was well once again.<br />
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After a long night, the comfort that a sunrise brings is always soothing and always welcomed. <br />
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Here comes the sun, and I say<br />
It's all right</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1W_gHkWVHKDXu3yrogGp81i-Ly3eML-LOHaUaJg1Xo-3Ml8lBACiXvqe2xxUQUPDVtpqtjRpk1YtfJf4IY8BN-_5Id2ZG03ODEJzwnhvXHa4Q_gH3SgGI207gHTpHAg3hLUKKMYU54KMf/s1600/bwxsunr2-h.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1W_gHkWVHKDXu3yrogGp81i-Ly3eML-LOHaUaJg1Xo-3Ml8lBACiXvqe2xxUQUPDVtpqtjRpk1YtfJf4IY8BN-_5Id2ZG03ODEJzwnhvXHa4Q_gH3SgGI207gHTpHAg3hLUKKMYU54KMf/s3200/bwxsunr2-h.jpeg" width="700" /></a></div>
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After a while we made the long approach to St Simons, turned, and once again motored under The Lanier Bridge to Brunswick Landing Marina. Ralph was waiting at our slip and after tying up and shutting down, Mel made one of her famous celebratory Bloodies. My tired old ass hosed some salt off the boat then caught a few Zzzzsss while the boys enjoyed their well deserved walk on dirt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k1_451tFr77xp3BRYBZFbN0ERVjH3KRL60GTiHQnqSnq1n7IsNK26LtoPcmoqC6Bf_GV4xWBRmN5YtpejBfbUtazdJsE30XhOkX5bndzz6AElmg9F8WrqRqBUweWF2YNzTjxRHBxpREg/s1600/Lbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k1_451tFr77xp3BRYBZFbN0ERVjH3KRL60GTiHQnqSnq1n7IsNK26LtoPcmoqC6Bf_GV4xWBRmN5YtpejBfbUtazdJsE30XhOkX5bndzz6AElmg9F8WrqRqBUweWF2YNzTjxRHBxpREg/s3200/Lbridge.jpg" width="700" /></a></div>
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Just before falling asleep I was contemplating my weariness and calculating where we'd be if we had run the inside route.<br />
N Palm Beach - Ft Pierce, Cocoa Village, then Daytona... then St Augustine... then a long day just to be where we are now. 4 days - Long, winding, skinny water — not to mention the fuel and marina costs.<br />
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So in hindsight; yes, we're fortunate to have the range, to be able to go damn near anywhere we'd like, and there is no better rest than that after a long sleepless night. And, yes, we're glad we did it, however — the ease that comes with a nice tie at a familiar marina can be mighty restful.<br />
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We're fortunate to be able to take advantage of either method ... just not at the same time. <br />
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No binary thinkin' aboard Istaboa.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYi-FfgdRdvXaPzwo4EvBzoQ7Kjg1JHBmL9sAf7Yjc3sNkY3U7aVWi5Wpbvi2HpPqdM56Y9l1ByWd8yGkWSWKwaIVztdg_1_NjD6Dc-G-NkH-WEarxwnANJNNBYefayG4yZ39n7MpKT9A/s1600/radarhead2-m.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYi-FfgdRdvXaPzwo4EvBzoQ7Kjg1JHBmL9sAf7Yjc3sNkY3U7aVWi5Wpbvi2HpPqdM56Y9l1ByWd8yGkWSWKwaIVztdg_1_NjD6Dc-G-NkH-WEarxwnANJNNBYefayG4yZ39n7MpKT9A/s200/radarhead2-m.jpeg" width="149" /></a></div>
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Radar? He did alright, though he'll never let on.<br />
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Adios,<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-21172493894769641872018-06-24T04:20:00.000-05:002018-06-24T08:59:47.147-05:00North - To? -<br />
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As I'm writing this we're tied up at Ft Pierce enjoying the company of those darn Kiwis aboard 'Southern Star'.<br />
It's always fun to catch up with Jenny and Ted. They've just finished a pretty extensive run of the Bahamas so plenty of island stories were exchanged.<br />
Their intentions are to cruise up to the far Northeast this year so we hope to see them again on their way back down.<br />
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For us, life's been good in Jupiter; a few projects at the house, lots of walks on the beach, and a fair amount of business has been taken care of.<br />
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Little Muddy loves the beach. <br />
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With a few new electronics added the boat was made ship shape again, the time to cast off arrived.<br />
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We left Old Port Cove at first light and made it to Ft Pierce at slack tide. The approach to the marina here is most times exhilarating and tying up can be as well; slack tide takes the drama and stress out of our arrival. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Sunrise at OPC</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PjynWIFVRMsjxamUkl8YijHBdIDQZRNE8EiIsYkV7pJ41LhXJjZZCfFdXkGe66gBbUicCFO9jtOx0Fu1k71LjA7-KOAvLna2cnD40lOdNYjVBrddyenIyqnZ0Pug61hLbPE6iQik0ggn/s1600/opc-h2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PjynWIFVRMsjxamUkl8YijHBdIDQZRNE8EiIsYkV7pJ41LhXJjZZCfFdXkGe66gBbUicCFO9jtOx0Fu1k71LjA7-KOAvLna2cnD40lOdNYjVBrddyenIyqnZ0Pug61hLbPE6iQik0ggn/s3200/opc-h2.jpeg" width="700" /></a></div>
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We thought it prudent to do a little shake out run to Ft Pierce before completely leaving our hood behind. It was a short ride in flat seas and very enjoyable. The boat seems up to par so now we're puzzling over where to next.<br />
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Though evening thunderstorms are prevalent, there's a full moon coming up and the seas are forecast to be favorable. <br />
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As is our usual M-O; there's no long range plan other than work our way North in order to please the insurance man. We need to be above Florida until November so with that in mind we'll take this year's trip in increments and see what happens.<br />
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It sure is nice to be back aboard.<br />
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ps: throwing this in just because they're so damn good.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-10324522604878117042018-06-09T06:31:00.001-05:002018-06-09T07:09:37.000-05:00Bourdain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Beirut - 2006<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n9ygQaz1WuA" width="700"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-43868148354375168012018-03-31T07:45:00.002-05:002018-03-31T07:47:02.146-05:00Peep Show<br />
Marina Cam at Herrington Harbour South Marina. One of the many cams the good folks at HHS had onSpot install. Watching these birds build their nest is fascinating.<br />
Thanks Herrington Harbour - Very Cool<br />
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Link to other onSpot wifi Marina Cams <a href="http://onspotwifi.com/marina-cams.php" target="_blank">http://onspotwifi.com/marina-cams.php</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-13424780707575296462017-12-22T10:11:00.000-06:002017-12-22T10:11:16.299-06:00Happy Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-32200065253234907282017-11-26T04:19:00.000-06:002018-07-24T22:32:49.459-05:00Winding Down - Brunswick, GA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Brunswick, GA — Tied up at St Simons; a Golden Isles sunset reflecting off the sound, pelicans and gulls ending the day doing what it is they do, all appears peaceful. Though, just a couple days ago, Thanksgiving Day, this was a different picture all together. A damp northerly wind was blowing hard and there was no sunset to be enjoyed, just gray, grayer, then darkness and cold.<br />
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In several ways, this trip is winding down.<br />
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Leaving Beaufort: With the winds blowing and seas in the unsettled state they were in, the choices were to run the ICW or stay put. Staying put was no longer an option, so it was decided, the long plod down the ICW with all it's bumps and curves was the way home.<br />
When piloting a deep drafted boat, motoring south and winding down the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, one must contend with the many twists and turns, there are shoals around every ocean inlet to be taken seriously, and almost every mile of the way is some obstacle to cope with. Most are not as precarious as reputed (ActiveCaptain), but all bets are off, you're compelled to give these complications your attention or one of them could make for a very bad day. <i><b>Stress</b></i>.<br />
<i>(Hindsight is 20-20: Unless there's an unusually low tide, if you stay in the center of the channel there's little to worry about.) </i><br />
The stretch between Beaufort and Cape Fear is crossed with low hanging bridges that must be lifted up or swung open to pass through, all these spans across the waterway are seemingly set up on schedules that are timed to penalize any boat requiring an opening—of course a fierce current is always pushing as you approach them and the incommunicado bridge tender's watch invariably runs 5 minutes slow.<br />
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Needless to say, if one has taken on the mindset to get home, this is a chore, and this portion of the ICW is not much for stopping and smelling the roses so... <i><b>Push</b></i>.<br />
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Past the Cape Fear River and back into the ICW, St James Marina is just a short distance past Southport. A nicely manicured marina with an excellent restaurant onsite.<br />
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The Southport to Georgetown, SC run is not nearly as dreadful as it's reputation. The ICW water's fairly deep and there are fewer shoals to overthink. Once pass Myrtle Beach, other than strong currents, this bit is not bad at all. It's nice, actually.<br />
Osprey Marina is a good stop. Tucked back into a forest of moss draped low country cypress trees is a little sanctuary of a marina. A pleasant stop that's out of the current and staffed by nice folks who are happy to give you a hand tying up.<br />
Back in the ICW and a full day's run in deep water is Georgetown, SC. Harborwalk Marina is the nicest and closest marina to the restaurants and shops that Georgetown has to offer. A charming little town that's at least worth a couple of days.<br />
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The next morning, looking across the harbor at a stack towering over a nearby mill, the winds have settled, the smoke bellows straight up towards the clouds.<br />
The run out Winyah Bay and into the ocean is uneventful as is the run into Charleston and all the way up to Ashley Marina.<br />
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The winds were relenting and the seas stayed somewhat still. Leaving Charleston Bay and easing out the inlet, all remains calm and the next leg down to Hilton Head is an easy day.<br />
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Passing by the 140' Sailing Vessel ~ Athena </div>
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Soon however, the blow's back and the affected seas have picked up considerably; the pleasant days in the ocean now turn less than so, but still better than working the ICW.<br />
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The next run, Hilton Head to Brunswick, offered up quite a bit more texture.<br />
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Plowing away from Hilton Head's Calibogue Sound and out Tybee Roads, the approach was rough and busy. Turning south, the northerly winds and the following sea brought on nice speed; St Simons Sound got closer sooner than expected.<br />
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That same strong north to south wind created continuously tall nasty breakers that were crossing the channel all the way past St Simons Island. About 7 miles of contending with beam bashing seas makes this a less than pleasurable approach.<br />
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Though once it's done - It's done<br />
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Easing under the Sidney Lanier Bridge you'll find Brunswick Landing Marina. A nice community of a marina that's quite large. - Free Beer 24/7 - Nirvana for many.<br />
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We stayed at Brunswick Landing for a few days and had a nice time while getting a bit of work done. We've tied up here before but it was a long time back. 14 years ago we brought the original Istaboa, an Offshore Yacht, to downtown Brunswick and celebrated Melonie's mother's 80th birthday. The place hasn't changed much since then... just the names and faces.<br />
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Thanksgiving was aboard. Excellent Roast Beef for dinner then a few episodes of the Netflix series, <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80119411" target="_blank">Alias Grace</a>. Brunswick Landing did put on a nice Thanksgiving feast for the boaters, but it was rainy and cold out so we decided to lay low with the pups and enjoy ourselves. <br />
We've now moved over to Morningstar Golden Isles Marina to stage our departure for Florida as soon as possible.<br />
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Brunswick marks the end of a long nautical business trip. A campaign to visit the increasing number of marinas that we do business with as well as those we'd like to build a relationship. We've caught up with many old friends and made several new contacts. It's time to stop for a while and take stock of our labors.<br />
This little marina WiFi company is a win for all those it touches; we're proud of onSpot and it's service.<br />
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This trip is also winding down for Mel and me.<br />
Personally, I'm ready to be back home in Jupiter. To walk with my dogs on the warm sunny beach and sleep in a king size bed, to spend all the time I want in a large hot shower and have a car at my disposal; all the trappings that Mel and I happily left behind last May.<br />
Mel is not quite as pleased as I am about tying up Istaboa, but me thinks she'll enjoy all these things as well ... in time.<br />
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This life is in our DNA, it's not a hobby, nor an item to scratch off a bucket list, but sometimes, stepping away makes it all just that much better.<br />
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Something I wrote a few years back:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><i><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">And, yes I know, there are those who feel there's no better life
than
full time living aboard our boats, however we've been doing this cruising thing for many years and we like to think of the boat life as a dream
being realized. Though sometimes, for us anyway, it's fun to hop on the bus
and say, "there's no place like home", and our dream remains
floating somewhere awaiting our return.</span> </i></span></blockquote>
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So yes, we're happy to be heading home and now, conveniently, the boat is just minutes away and we see it almost every day.<br />
There are a few projects needed to be done; a radar that blinks, electrical gremlins, but all in all, since the start of this trip, Istaboa's been as kind to us as we've been to her. She likes to be run and enjoyed; we've been doing just that.<br />
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Like us, she also enjoys warm weather and Jupiter's pleasant winter is getting closer each day.<br />
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There are Palm Trees in our future. <br />
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Adios,<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-23553491204769850662017-11-11T11:32:00.000-06:002017-12-06T11:46:26.521-06:00South To Beaufort, NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's a cold morning in Beaufort. The wind is brisk and out of the North, conditions we've not felt since leaving Memphis last winter. We actually broke out the jeans, sweatshirts, down jackets, and—oh my god—socks. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPC6bAXnCjn6-jt5Z31A9c0rlike5enV9rWmFJeEJGdqZI480LfgGwQVVOwCSep3C80uWzsr1WiNVk6SH31TGVpPfQLttuoZG0XslViZfOGudN1H_UOAyuKEqvI_AIQi8mLEbcUwW-GCzo/s1600/blurbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPC6bAXnCjn6-jt5Z31A9c0rlike5enV9rWmFJeEJGdqZI480LfgGwQVVOwCSep3C80uWzsr1WiNVk6SH31TGVpPfQLttuoZG0XslViZfOGudN1H_UOAyuKEqvI_AIQi8mLEbcUwW-GCzo/s1600/blurbird.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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For the last couple of days it's been rainy too. We've mentally kicked ourselves for not going with the original plan of spending one night and continuing on South.<br />
On the other hand, after a few hours here, it quickly became apparent that Beaufort's a bonafide boaty little town, a good hang. It would be shame to leave Beaufort and not get acquainted - as usual we caved to impulse - glad we did.<br />
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The first 2 days of our stay the weather was perfect. 72º and sunny<br />
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The walk from the marina to downtown is through a picturesque little historic neighborhood. Only about 3 blocks and you're on Front Street, lined with waterfront shops and small restaurants that overlook the harbor and town docks. Our first walkabout took us to Spouter Inn where lunch was excellent, but after some investigation we discovered the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beaufort-Cafe-198892020130474/" target="_blank">Beaufort Cafe</a>. A local favorite.<br />
Not on Front Street, not a place most tourist would seek out, not expensive—however, The Beaufort Cafe is certainly worth the long walk down Cedar Street to experience this genuine Beaufort style diner. The best Shrimp and Grits we've ever been served. $8.95<br />
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Yep, we really like it here, however the run down has been appealing as well.<br />
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As is always the case, leaving Atlantic Yacht Basin is good; we've been here far too long.<br />
When we come and go we always stop and contribute to the AYB Fund, though I must admit the last few trips it has seemed like paying the troll to cross the bridge. But, it is what it is and AYB can be invaluable sometimes so we don't burn that bridge.<br />
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Finally, after almost 2 weeks, AYB dude is driving in the last screw as I'm warming up the engine, waiting on the bridge to open—then we're off.<br />
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Deciding to bypass the customary stop at Coinjock, we keep pushing to Alligator River Marina. This makes for a longer day, but we really like this little marina in the middle of nowhere. Rumors are there's not enough water for a boat such as ours, but, as rumors often are ... that's not accurate at all. FYI: Leaving the channel there's good depths all the way to the entrance of the marina. Then, it does shallow up to 8' right up to the long transient dock. The gas station has excellent gas station food. Yes, it's surely bad for you, but - are we actually doing this stuff for our health? Buy some fried chicken, it travels well.<br />
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Full Moon Over Alligator River</div>
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Next stop is Belhaven's River Forest Marina. We stayed here for the first time on our way up this year and found it to be one of those places we'll always visit. It seems many boats pass by River Forest and go to Belhaven Marina because it's closer to town, but Henry gives us a golf cart to make the short run to Spoon River Restaurant and we can use the cart all day.</div>
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Sticking with our plan this time, we stayed here for a couple of days.<br />
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On our second day, a pleasant Indian Summer day, all was good until a boat full of gentlemen came roaring in to get fuel and waked the crap out of us. Slamming us against the docks, and badly bending our boarding ladder, we weren't too happy, nor was the dockmaster . After a few words, with difficulty due to the captain being Argentinian, we got the appropriate insurance info and a possible resolution. We'll see. Geico?<br />
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Leaving Belhaven, promising to come back, we made our way South unsure where we might end the day. </div>
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We made a call to Morehead City Docks, but they wouldn't commit to a T-Head slip - even though there was one available. At the time our plan was rise early and head outside to wherever. We've been held here in the past by a strong unrelenting current pressing us against the dock for hours; we didn't want to repeat that so a T-Head was important to us. No joy from Morehead City Docks so we started looking for something else.</div>
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Mel did some research, made a few calls, and at the last minute we pass Jarrett Bay to go to Homer Smith's Docks. Not doing any homework, we're unsure where to get off the ICW and into the marina, but after a call and some fuzzy directions, we make it in and tie up. </div>
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Homer Smith's Docks and Marina is a perfectly descriptive name. Homer Smith was an old time fish broker, looking around you'll see his docks, crowded with shrimp boats and fishing boats; where we are out at the end is the marina portion. It's small but the service is good and attitude here is refreshing. First they give you - for free - 2 pounds of shrimp that you just witnessed being taken off a boat, then they offer to let you buy more at $6.00 a pound so we bought 6 pounds. Floating docks, loaner car, usable WiFi that's soon to be excellent, we've found our, "always stop at", marina in Beaufort.</div>
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The next morning, planning to crank up and leave early, I walk up to find dense fog that's only getting worse.</div>
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Knowing we'd need every bit of daylight to make it to Masonboro Inlet and down to Southport, we quickly realize that staying put for another day will be a good idea.</div>
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It was, and around 11:00 AM the sun burned off the fog and presented us a glorious day, the perfect conditions to explore our surroundings. </div>
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Checking the weather for the next day, it was forecast to be the same or worse in the morning. So, it was decided to give Beaufort yet another day. And we did—and a week later—we're still here.</div>
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Not entirely because of weather; we really like this marina a lot, just the smell of the place pleases our senses, and they offer a weekly rate after 4 days stay making the next few days were free.</div>
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Watching the shimpers and fishermen come in to unload is fun. They're a friendly bunch, always happy to strike up a conversation as they go about refueling or unloading the days catch.<br />
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Staying here is being backstage at the fish docks.<br />
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Today, the weather's howling and outside the Atlantic is building huge seas.<br />
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Tomorrow, our time's up, we'll untie and head south on the AICW. Not much fun, but it's time to go.<br />
Hopefully, the seas will soon subside and we can point outside towards Charleston, Hilton Head, Brunswick, then home as fast as we can go.<br />
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We've had a great time this year. Worked hard, but enjoyed doing it, got a lot accomplished while living the life we love. Probably stayed at more marinas in more cities than we ever have and that's been a blast. <br />
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We left Jupiter in May with a plan to go to the Bahamas for a couple of months then return. It's now November and we've not made it home yet.<br />
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We always seem to know when it's time to go home.<br />
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It's time.<br />
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Adios,<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-67758042857079162172017-10-22T04:48:00.001-05:002017-11-15T06:30:56.479-06:00Saying Bye To The BayWe've had a great time on The Chesapeake this year and we're somewhat sad to say it's time to head South. Though on this day, the weather is beautiful and it's forecast to be this way for a while longer, we know cold and colder is inevitable — so...<br />
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This year was just a continuation of our normal cruising habits, we carried on by revisiting our favorite places and discovering a few new ones, making new friends while catching up with a few old amigos. <br />
We've really enjoyed connecting with Jenny and Ted, our running buddies aboard Southern Star. Jenny, a Kiwi, gave us Yanks an excellent tour of our nation's capitol and it's history. We're all hoping to cross paths again before they start their long and epic passage back home to New Zealand. Yes, as it ofttimes happens, the last minute decision to ditch plans and run up the Potomac to DC was one of our all time better redirects. A large time was had, a capitol idea. (pun intended)<br />
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Mostly good experiences and nothing but great memories.<br />
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It truly has been a pleasant trip and at this point in our boating life, pleasant is what we're looking for. No, our run's not over; we've still got a lot cruising to do. As written in an earlier post, point A and point B is the same place to us and that would be Jupiter, but who knows where we'll indulge an impulse and, again, alter plans for the better. With all that said, we do look forward to going home and spending some time by the beach. Life's pleasant there as well.<br />
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And then there's Memphis — <br />
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We'll be adding more pics as we get the time and motivation.<br />
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Adios, Chesapeake — Good fortune and good health allowing, we'll do it again.<br />
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During our last couple of days at Solomons, we put together a loose plan to run down to Deltaville then on to York River to hang for a couple of weeks. Eventually, we'd motor to Atlantic Yacht Basin where we'd officially put an end to the Bay and have a bit of work done before starting our return South.<br />
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With that idea in mind, we left and made way out to the Bay. It was another nice soft day and the forecasts predicted the weather to hold for a week.<br />
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We'd been running for a few hours when the radio crackled and a friendly Kiwi accent was heard, it was Southern Star.<br />
We asked about their time at Trawlerfest and they asked about our plans and told us they were about to turn and head up the Potomac to spend a few a days in Washington, D.C.; I could see on AIS they were just a few miles in front us.<br />
I told them our intentions and said hopefully we'd all meet up somewhere soon, wished them safe travels, and signed off.<br />
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I guess it was somewhere around Point No Point Light when Mel and I started rethinking our plan... then at about the same time we both said, WTF. We'd actually thought about DC a few weeks ago, but scrapped the idea due to business in S. Carolina. However, the Hilton Head project had been rescheduled, so.<br />
Quickly looking over charts of The Potomac, we did some calculations, discussed things a bit, then decided to forego the current plan, (typical for us), and like Southern Star, head to DC.<br />
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A right turn at The Potomac was made.<br />
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For the sake of the pups, we found a little marina that wasn't too far up the Potomac and made arrangements to stay for a night.<br />
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White Point Marina <br />
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This little marina reminds us of some of "off the beaten path" marinas we loved to visit while running the Tennessee River. I'd forgotten the restful sound of quiet.<br />
As the sun set and the moon rose, not much was resonating other than a <span class="full-answer-content" id="full-answer">skein of </span>geese honking in the distance, an occasional fish breaking the surface, and the ringing in my ears. <br />
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The next day we caught up to Southern Star and it was decided we'd both stop and anchor just up river from Quantico, VA. We set the anchor at a little state park where we dropped the dink and took the boys to shore for their biz. Leesylvania State Park. <br />
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Another nice night and another fat moon.<br />
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Rising early, we both pulled anchor and motored toward DC.<br />
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Mel and I have been cruising rivers for many years and, while we do find The Potomac to be a pretty river, we're just not too excited about it until we get closer to Washington. Then, we start to see things along the shore like the above pic.<br />
George Washington's digs, Mount Vernon.<br />
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As we get closer, the Capitol building and the Washington Monument appear on the horizon. Now, we're interested.<br />
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So we finally pull into Washington Channel, tie up at Gangplank Marina, and wait for Southern Star to arrive. After much confusion we end up moving slips where we tied up next to Jenny and Ted.<br />
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Here's another story: Istaboa and brand new Bellingham Marine docks don't seem to get along. After tying up and attaching our power cord to the pedestal at Gangplank, we kill the electricity for whole dock. Needless to say we weren't very popular with the other boaters. A bit of a discussion ensues with the dockmaster about the source of the problem, ELCI type breakers, and their pros and cons. Eventually we're moved to the older section of the marina and just next to Southern Star; no problem there with power, all's well that ends well. This has happened to us before with these new Bellingham docks and their new highly sensitive breakers. It's our inverter that's at issue, however I do find it interesting that we don't have the same issue with new Technomarine docks we tie up to. I also find it interesting the Harbormasters at the marinas with these new Bellingham Marine docks are overly defensive when discussing them. (think Ft Pierce Municipal, Marathon Marina, Stock Island Marina)<br />
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There are a couple of fixes, though not cheap.<br />
<a href="http://www.proboat.com/2016/11/finding-fault-lies-elci-tripping/" target="_blank">http://www.proboat.com/2016/11/finding-fault-lies-elci-tripping/</a><br />
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/<a href="http://waggonerguide.com/new-shore-power/" target="_blank">http://waggonerguide.com/new-shore-power/</a><br />
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But I digress ... We've had a nice time in DC but, Damn! It's hard work being a tourist here. Averaging about 6 miles a day of walking amongst the swarms of sightseers has taken a toll on this old guy.<br />
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All in all, Washington is an amazing city and we've seen things that we always wanted to see. Maybe next time we'll stay a month. DC's worth a long stay.<br />
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Now we're on the move again. The weather's being weird so plans are in flux — Surprised?<br />
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Adios,<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-33761453958264142362017-10-01T06:22:00.000-05:002017-11-15T06:28:07.952-06:00Deale, MarylandHerrington Harbour North - Tracys Landing<br />
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Just a quick hop across the Bay, the run to Tracys Landing and Herrington Harbour North was an easy one. On our way, there was hardly a breath of wind, the Bay was flat and the sky was clear. We were in no hurry so we saved some fuel and took our time crossing ... a good day.<br />
Being here on marina business, the staff gave us a nice T-Head slip with a clear view of the harbor's entrance. After tying up and shutting down we walked the boys and familiarized ourselves with this huge marina.<br />
At first glance, Herrington Harbour North appeared to be a nice clean marina with old fixed docks and a boat yard; after spending some time there we soon realized the place is so much more than that.<br />
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This little clip was shot with my phone just off the back of the boat. Again, it was worth getting out of bed every morning to see this.<br />
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We really didn't do much other than what we came to do, nevertheless HHN is certainly nice place to knock around. We'd been to the South marina before but never made it over to the North side. Big Mistake.<br />
Herrington Harbour North is a definite do over marina. The grounds and the facilities are beautiful.<br />
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This Cheney family owned marina has a quality and personality you won't find anywhere else on the Bay. They call it Central Maryland Charm; Mel and I tend to agree. Everyone's pleasant, the staff, the contractors, and management team are hospitable, and the boaters all seem genuinely happy to be here. During our stay, not a negative comment was heard about the marina or the whole facility.<br />
The yard is immaculate and has the ability to lift boats up to 80 tons; the many onsite contractors and vendors can do about anything needed. I'd been told there were depth issues getting in, but we saw nothing less than 10' all the way to the docks.<br />
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The onsite restaurant is quite good and certainly convenient. A warm Sunday afternoon brought a pleasant walk to Dockside's for a dozen Blue Crab; they gave us 20 and they were some of the best we've had on the Bay.<br />
Pickin' Crabs and watchin' football — Mel was in heaven.<br />
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Local favorites, The Brothers Osborne, recorded a video just across the creek from our slip at Skipper's Pier. Not being a big country fan, I'd never heard of these guys, but I've since been told they are more than just local favs.<br />
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Nice video — <br />
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Mix it with rum mmm mmm mm mm<br />
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So we stuck around for 4 days and really enjoyed ourselves while taking care of biz; we'll be back again and stay longer next time, just for the fun of it.<br />
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On this Sunday morning, we're down the Bay at Solomons Island again. This place is really starting to feel familiar; the track lines on our charts have become thick with the frequent trips in and out. The nice folks at Zahnizer's have come to know us as well and they always seem to find us a good spot to tie up.<br />
Terri, the dockmaster, was just over tying on a fender for us. She didn't think we were aboard and took it upon herself to protect the boat from the strong winds that had started blowing.<br />
Like I said, nice folks.<br />
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Across the way, the Krogens are stacking up. There must be a rendezvous coming up.<br />
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Not sure where to next, I guess we'll see when the wind quits blowing — it's been blowing like hell for two days and the weather's starting to cool off.<br />
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It's October already... Fall has fell... The days are getting shorter... Time flies... <br />
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Adios,<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-28613197800320361392017-09-24T12:50:00.000-05:002017-09-27T06:23:11.023-05:00Saint Michaels, MarylandIt must be Sunday morning...<br />
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Leaving Annapolis and heading for Saint Michaels, the weather was beautiful. It wasn't a sunny postcard day, instead; a muted, desaturated depiction of a day that made for a comfortable cruise and a few interesting photos. Mel and I have always enjoyed running from inside the boat on cloudy misty days; much the same way as our dead of winter boat trips on the Tennessee River, it's kinda like cruising through an old black and white movie.<br />
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On this day, the Bay was flat, the winds were light; sunless and foggy, but not uncomfortably so.<br />
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Relaxation was our only reason for visiting St Michaels and we certainly accomplished that.<br />
No work on this stopover, just a good time visiting friends and exploring one of our favorite places.<br />
Steve and Jane, long time friends from our days at Sunset Bay in Stuart, have created a beautiful home with views that pan the harbor entrance; so they saw us coming in to tie up. Their thoughtfully renovated house truly looks like a page torn from a Chesapeake Bay Magazine; not too big, just Eastern Shore cool. It was good to spend time with them again, they're awfully nice folks, as are most of the locals we met. We're finding friendly to be the norm up here in Maryland.<br />
That night, we all sat for dinner at the marina's Crab and Steak House. The small town lifestyle of St Mikes was prevalent; everybody knew everybody and now, much thanks to Jane, they know us too. <br />
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Hanging out at St Mikes is like stepping back into time, everything is as it should be. The harbor has the appearance of a 19th century fishing village. Walking the dogs through the neighborhoods is like stepping back into the 50s until you pass one of the old churches, then you realize just how old the town really is.<br />
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After a couple of days, we moved over to the Harbour Inn Marina and it was good that we did.<br />
The distant Hurricane Jose passed by and pushed the Bay waters up so high that St Michaels Marina was underwater. No danger but we couldn't have hopped off the boat without boots. (we have no stinking boots, we're from Florida)<br />
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Steve and Jane loaned us their car and we drove over to Oxford to check out Campbell's Boat Yard. Scott Kinney at DeMillo's Yacht Sales actually let us test drive a 41 Back Cove downeast style boat. An interesting boat that would make a good little Bay cruiser. Pretty too.<br />
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Dinner for our last night in town was at <a href="http://www.208talbot.com/" target="_blank">208 Talbot</a>. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was even casual enough for us in all our boatiness. (we've been out for 5 months and we're quite boaty) The restaurant's an old house on the main drag that's a local favorite and understandably so. The steaks were great, however the homemade ice cream?! <br />
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St Mikes is a always a good hang and we always leave here not wanting to. The Lindemanns showed us a really nice time and we'll always stop here when on the Bay.<br />
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As I write this... We're tied up in Deale, Maryland at Herrington Harbour North Marina — another new stop for us on the Chesapeake.<br />
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More about HHN later.<br />
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Adios,<br />
<br />
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ps: <i>Happy Birthday, Jane!! </i></h3>
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<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-17413488688021257882017-09-17T09:52:00.000-05:002017-10-01T07:30:01.903-05:00Annapolis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Hurricane is over, Florida is busy rebuilding itself and quickly coming back to life, our home in Jupiter has returned to 100%, and now, we're back to doing what it is we do. Currently, that's walkabout Annapolis.<br />
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Here, The weather's perfect.<br />
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We've spent quite a bit of time in Annapolis and we always find it interesting. The Annapolitans are friendly folk. They seem to go out of their way to be kind to strangers. They love their city, boats, good food, and they don't seem to mind sharing all those things. We're grateful, we love all those things as well.<br />
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Everywhere you look is a photo that needs to be taken and I've taken quite a few.<br />
The photo to the left is Back Creek. We were tied up at Port Annapolis before moving closer to town and Annapolis Yacht Basin. The Yacht Basin's pricey but worth spending a few bucks for a couple of days in the middle of all things Annapolis<br />
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<b>Speaking of Hurricanes, before I forget — this link is to Southeast Cruisers' Net's list of marinas that have been affected by Hurricane Irma. Pretty useful. <a href="http://cruisersnet.net/marina-conditions-and-updates/">http://cruisersnet.net/marina-conditions-and-updates/</a></b><br />
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A beautiful weekend with perfect weather brought out all kinds of vessels and their toys. The harbor was crazy busy.<br />
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So to better enjoy the day, we dropped the dink, loaded up the boys, and went out to join all those boaters doing the same.<br />
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Dinkabout Spa Creek<br />
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The end of another good day, the sun goes down.<br />
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This is truly a cool town, our kinda place. We always daydream about picking up stakes and moving here to enjoy the city and the convenient cruising lifestyle that living on The Chesapeake Bay allows. The weather is a disagreement, Mel likes the idea of seasons, I do too — if we could exclude winter.<br />
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We'll stick around another day to watch some football and probably do another dingy ride; tomorrow we're booked into St Micheals. Just a short ride over to the Eastern Shore, it's an altogether different experience. There are old friends at St Michaels and it'll be fun seeing them again, been a few years. <br />
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After a week of stress and worry brought about by Hurricane Irma, it's certainly relaxing to kick back and absorb Annapolis.<br />
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Unfortunately, we're forced to remain mindful of the new storms currently spinning out in the Atlantic. Right now there are 3 different disturbances that could become something to pay attention to.<br />
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As Peter Benchley, the author of Jaws, once said.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...”</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h4>
Adios,<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-67998704228262545732017-09-12T11:23:00.002-05:002017-09-14T07:20:38.954-05:00Irma's Gone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day after day of staring at images like the one above, we had moved on, we'd resigned ourselves to and accepted the outcome of the overwhelming probabilities. Pretty much everything we owned in Jupiter, FL was about to be relentlessly swept away by this massive hurricane. Normally, we don't pay much attention to the weather-heads, but this time — just the size of the damn thing was undeniable.<br />
We kept saying things to each other like, "it's just stuff", and "all that really matters is on the boat right now", nonetheless in our hearts and minds, we were controlling the sad thoughts that much of the business that we'd worked hard to build, our little bungalow by the beach, and our world in Jupiter was about to be blown away. Life was about to change.<br />
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<br />
Irma finally arrives.<br />
Sitting on the boat, on the Chesapeake Bay, enjoying beautiful weather, it was unnerving seeing all this unfold on TV and the net, but as time went on, we started breathing a bit easier after seeing the storm leaving Cuba and pushing west. Now out of the "Cone of Uncertainty", though not out of the woods yet, it no longer looked like the end of the world as we know it. <br />
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Because we had access to the many surveillance cams onSpot has installed along the coasts, we were glued to our computers watching the increasing blow at the marinas that were in the path of Irma, .<br />
Key West was the first to go dark, but before losing video I watched a large fellow, (wearing a child's life preserver?), standing in front of the Southernmost Point Buoy. He seemed to enjoy the massive breakers that violently smashed him head on - then hurled him backwards. He'd get knocked down and sweeped back to the street only to get up and do it over and over again. That's Key West.<br />
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North Palm Beach Marina lasted much longer, but eventually marina management was forced to cut power and it too went dark; the surge had pushed water over the fixed dock landings where the electrical power was located. Danger.<br />
The Bluffs Marina stayed live till late but went offline after a large yacht broke a line and smashed into a power pedestal - completely knocking out power and water for the whole marina.<br />
Then, other than the little Drop Cams, taped to the windows of our house, we were without eyes on the storm. A bit disconcerting, but...<br />
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As the storm moved North and the winds subsided, we starting feeling better about the house and the area in general. Though there wasn't much to see in the darkness, just knowing electricity and internet was still working gave us hope that everything was pretty good.<br />
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Then at 11:03, video died at the house, which means lost power.<br />
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Luckily, the next morning, other than no power or air conditioning, we discovered there was comparatively little damage, everyone's good, and all is okay other than a mess to clean up.<br />
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Thankfully, we seem to have dodged another bullet. There's still a life in Jupiter.<br />
For us on Istaboa, if there's anything good that came outta the storm, it's the realization of what really matters most.<br />
<u>IT IS just stuff</u> and <u>all that really matters is on the boat right now. </u> (although there is a guitar at home I would have missed.) Realizing that everything in Jupiter was about to just go away had been fairly easy to accept; kinda liberating actually. We'd envisioned our old life as our new life — again.<br />
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Simple = (insert what you want here)<br />
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Our next door neighbor posted a video of Irma's blow on Instagram. Doesn't look too dangerous, but I bet the anticipation was killer.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BY36PsbhIWz/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">My back yard#ihatehurricanes!</a></div>
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A post shared by Glenda Green (@glendagreenart) on <time datetime="2017-09-10T20:16:53+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Sep 10, 2017 at 1:16pm PDT</time></div>
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<br />
Now, for the clean up.<br />
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I spoke with a couple of friends yesterday and both said they were amazed how quickly the area was being brought back to life. All agree that the South Florida's East Coast escaped disaster.<br />
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<b>Old Port Cove Marina.</b><br />
Mark Lavery told me that they are having electrical problems. The docks are okay, but so far power is not on. He hopes to have power back to the inner docks today.<br />
<b>North Palm Beach Marina.</b><br />
Serious electrical issues. "It may be a while." was all Mark would say.<br />
<b>Ft Pierce City Marina</b><br />
No power at this time.<br />
<b>The Harborage at Stuart</b><br />
Fixed docks are seriously damaged. No power to the floating dock either.<br />
<b>Bahia Mar Marina</b><br />
The marina is back up and running, per Megan Legasse, the GM<br />
<b>Soverel Harbour Marina</b>.<br />
The marina is okay, but no power for now.<br />
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miraculously, the marinas around the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas are reporting little to no damage.<br />
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That's all we've got for now.<br />
<br />
Will and Carl, are assessing the damages and onSpot has already started rebuilding. Yesterday they went to Ft Pierce City Marina then worked down to Stuart to bring back 3 marinas there.<br />
Of that group, The fixed docks at The Harborage in Stuart was hit hardest. Pics below<br />
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The guys have plenty more work to do, but as they did after last year's Matthew, they'll have them all back as soon as it's safe to do so.<br />
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Key West? We've yet to see anything there. It may be a while.<br />
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All in all, the storm wasn't as bad for those in South Florida as we had feared.<br />
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This crew is happy with the decision to keep on going North after leaving the Bahamas. The Chesapeake Bay is very pleasant... so far.<br />
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However, no one is exempt from Hurricanes on the East Coast. We just hope our luck continues.<br />
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Adios<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-77406147570120795702017-09-10T08:27:00.000-05:002019-03-03T20:14:36.988-06:00Solomons Island and IrmaYep, another beautiful Sunday morning after a somewhat sleepless night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPwZzOtwYa28y7wIlq44HfZPQRM78_c0Fxf717XJGf9935wbAmxaGmvdaKMVyi2u8Z9R0sg9PJlpSLNbhgbHWEMK4rDJ08nM8iW_A8TevXzeGT4GOMjXqKYalJij0XlfGTJil-F0KU_ST/s1600/solomonsharbor_HDR.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1080" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPwZzOtwYa28y7wIlq44HfZPQRM78_c0Fxf717XJGf9935wbAmxaGmvdaKMVyi2u8Z9R0sg9PJlpSLNbhgbHWEMK4rDJ08nM8iW_A8TevXzeGT4GOMjXqKYalJij0XlfGTJil-F0KU_ST/s3200/solomonsharbor_HDR.jpeg" width="700" /></a></div>
There's a loss for words when trying to describe the feeling while looking out the salon window. Out there, the reality is the beginning of another beautiful day in Solomons' tranquil little harbor. Meanwhile, at home, in Jupiter, our house is being pounded and our friends, who have stayed put, are confronting Hurricane Irma that's bearing down on South Florida. (See live video of the effects of Irma here: <a href="http://istaboawaypoints.blogspot.com/2017/09/live-video-north-palm-beach-marina.html" target="_blank">NPBM)</a><br />
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Below, in the video that's streaming from a front window at home, as I write this, not much is happening. It looks just like last year's Hurricane Mathew that passed by without doing much damage.<br />
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Hope it stays that way.<br />
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Guilt is certainly not the descriptor that comes to mind, though anxiety is definitely in the mix. Conflicted doesn't seem to fit either.<br />
Is there a word that combines fortunate and grateful? If so, that's it.<br />
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And then I turn and look out the salon window again —<br />
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Yes, anxious, fortunate, and grateful all apply. — God willing, we can add "Lucky" later.<br />
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Our thoughts are with everyone in the path of Irma. For those who stayed in Florida, please be safe. For those of us away, who have property in Florida — it's just stuff. <br />
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Adios,<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788570974110010720.post-69299639093413463132017-09-07T07:19:00.000-05:002017-09-10T15:12:47.547-05:00Live Video -S Florida- North Palm Beach/Jupiter/Key west<br />
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onSpot wifi Live Video Feed:<br />
North Palm Beach Marina -<b><span style="color: red;">Power or internet is down for now</span></b><br />
The Bluffs Marina - Jupiter, FL <br />
Key West - <b><span style="color: red;">Power or internet is down for now</span></b></div>
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online — as long as possible.</div>
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<b> </b><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="545" src="https://ipcamlive.com/player/player.php?alias=npbmptz" width="800"></iframe>
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<b>The Bluffs Marina - Jupiter, FL </b><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="545" src="https://ipcamlive.com/player/player.php?alias=bluffscdock" width="800"></iframe>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Nordhavn 57-26 Istaboa</div>Istaboahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414134166972039672noreply@blogger.com2