Istaboa's Waypoints

Accountability... time to speak up

2012-01-30T16:31:00.000-06:00

This will be a somewhat different post than you'll normally find on this blog... A bit of a rant and for that I apologize.
After this post, I promise, I'll go back to the normal pics and narratives.

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Boats break... that's a well known fact. Boats need constant maintenance, another certainty. Sometimes we boaters need to hire expertise to perform repairs or maintenance that we don't have the skills or tools for, or just don't want to do. (Which for me, the latter is usually the case) So we rely on the plethora of highly skilled (or so they say) individuals or marine service organizations for these chores.

I'll get to the point in a moment...

I was talking with a friend last week who had just recently sold his boat and he was lamenting his dream of life on a boat. When I asked him if there was anything he didn't miss about the cruising life he didn't hesitate for a second with his response, he said, and I paraphrase because my memory is for shit, "I really don't miss having to deal with the boatyards who most times overcharge and under deliver, I don't miss the high dollar servicers who tout their expertise then contract the job out to someone else while I'm not aboard, the marinas that offer a special deal until the bill arrives that's loaded with hidden charges. All of this became the rule rather than the exception... I don't miss any of that stuff. I loved the boat, I miss the boaters, and I miss the lifestyle, but I don't miss those in the business of servicing my boat."

I totally understood, I've argued my way out of more than a few boatyards, and no, not all of the marine servicers are that way. Some are dishonest and trying to take advantage of the cruisers when who are out of their area and in a bind. Others misrepresent themselves and just aren't very good at what they do, but quite a few are genuinely trying to help out in the most efficient and least expensive way possible, trying to do the right thing —but— unfortunately they are few and becoming fewer.

Some of you may remember I was in the marine biz for almost 10 years. I started that company (Boatronix) mainly because; on the Tennessee River at the top of the Tenn-Tom Waterway, there were few (read next to none) good marine service organizations, and nary a soul knew anything about marine electronics. I started that company out of necessity.
My business model was and still is... Deliver good dependable services at a fair price and always, if at all possible—even when it costs you money—do what you say you will do.... no matter what.
It has always worked for me. I don't think any of my old Boatronix customers or any of my company's customers today would deny that we live by this maxim.

Okay... so what's the point of this very lengthy diatribe?

Like my friend who just sold his boat, I too am tired of these types of business practices. I wanna out the ne'er-do-wells and tout the honest professionals. I'm gonna to post my experiences with these companies and individual contractors in a section of this blog I'm calling "Marine Services Review". My intent is to express my opinions and recount my experiences in short concise narratives; relating the work, attitude, and overall experience while dealing with these marine services companies as we travel and find their services necessary.
The objective is to show this post to any boat fixer before he works on Istaboa and explain: there are usually between 100 to 150 people a day who look at this little blog, most of these people are boaters and majority of those are boaters on the east coast.

Mr. Boat Fixer, this is your clientele. If you do a good job at the agreed upon price I will sing your praises and probably render a generous tip. View this as an good opportunity, as a free organic little advertisement.
If you deliver less than desirable service... I will write a detailed account of my dissatisfaction and make my opinions perfectly clear to quite a few folks that care.

Now, do you still want this job?

Some will walk away... I will let you know who does.

In this section, (which you will find in the column on the right side of this blog) anyone, including the subjects of praise or the opposite of, can make comments that are in agreement with me or not. Fellow boaters who have had good or bad experiences can share them here. Every boater that keeps a blog should do the same thing. Speak up! Word of mouth is cool, but our words will carry further online. Maybe we will find more positives than negatives and share those experiences and contacts for our common good.

Will this make a difference? Maybe, probably not, but you gotta try.

Why am I doing this? Accountability... There's certainly a lack of that in the marine biz.

Am I crazy? Can be. Ask some of the boat fixers.

Is this unconventional? Not really.

If this works it will be just another form of crowd sourcing... Kinda like Active Captain, which is a great source of information. (Istaboa has built up over 800 points with them) They have a section called Captain Rated that hasn't been totally put into effect yet. I look forward to the completion of Captain Rated and wish the Active Captain folks success on it's implementation. (Then I can go back to just posting pictures and writing short narratives about our happy experiences while cruising.)
My motive is not to profit from this...

I just want decent service at a fair price.

I just want accountability in this little niche industry.

I really just want a better boating experience.

We'll see what happens.

Adios,

Istaboa

And now we are 4....

2012-01-28T10:15:00.000-06:00

Yup, a new member of Crew Istaboa will be coming aboard soon.
For Mel's birthday, she dug her heels in and insisted we have another critter. Radar and I resisted for as long a we could, but she was relentless and as usual... she won.

Muddy Waters of Istaboa

He'll be known as Muddy

Mel flew up to Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Wednesday to check him out and of course she immediately fell in love. Another Havanese... and by the same breeder who gave us Radar.

Mel, Muddy, and Abby his mom, keeping an eye on the situation.

Premier Havanese is owned and operated by Carol Croop. She's a caring and knowledgeable breeder who takes Havanese very seriously. Only about 2 litters a year come out of Premier which means she does it for the love of the breed. Her passion is showing and improving the Havenese bloodline. She's doing an excellent job.

Her daughter has Radar's father.... Radar Sr.

Yes, Carol's daughter named our Radar because he looked like his father. To us, it seemed a fitting name for a boat dog whose owners were in the Marine Electronics biz. And, as a tiny pup he acknowledged the name... so Radar he is. And—he's probably gonna be really pissed when Muddy arrives. He's not used to competition on his boat, but we're sure in a short time he'll love the companionship. Who can resist a puppy, not even Radar. (we hope)

We can pick him up in three weeks... Carol likes to keep the pups for 8 weeks in order to start the training and socialization process. That's 2 weeks longer than most breeders, but we don't argue because of the wonderful job she did with Radar.

So here we go.... this should be interesting.

Adios,

Istaboa

A video of Muddy, Carol, his mom Abby, and his siblings. Very short.

Happy Birthday Melonie

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-06:00

Dock Bird and another Sunset

2012-01-24T19:59:00.001-06:00

Why they call it Sunset Bay

2012-01-23T19:37:00.001-06:00

Flying low to Lauderdale

2012-01-22T08:13:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was interesting... Bob, one of our dock buddies, was taking this boat back to Ft Lauderdale and asked if I wanted to ride along.
The Van Dutch is so totally different than Istaboa that I figured a run out in a fairly rough sea in such a boat would be an unique experience. It was.

Bob also asked another dock buddy, Rob, to go as well. Boy, is this sounding redundant? What a crew, Bob, Rob, and Bob? Sounds like an old song.

Anyway, we motored out the St Lucie inlet and hammered down. This boat will fly!

Normally in Istaboa a run to Ft Lauderdale is an all day cruise... the Van Dutch did it in 2 hours.

We had lunch at Southport Raw Bar in mind, but once there we saw everyone else had the same idea. No place to park. So we headed back out to the ICW to head north to Pompano and end the day. On the way out of the canal we passed Contigo... We stopped and talked with Dwight and the rest of the Contigo crew for a moment. Nice guys.

Passing by the Lauderdale Yacht Club we got a pic of the club's sailing school regatta. Looked like the kids were having fun.

Some pics of the Van Dutch... Slick and Sexy... all along the way folks would stare. It's that kinda boat. These shots are from the Van Dutch Website

As you can see from the photos... She is made with for a specific purpose. Not a liveaboard... Not even a weekender.

No, she didn't come with the boat, but I think she is an option.

A fun day and a beautiful boat... Not necessarily our type of vessel, but undeniably very cool.

Another great day amongst many.

Adios,

Istaboa

RIP- Etta James

2012-01-20T10:55:00.001-06:00

Turning the lights back on

2012-01-18T14:36:00.001-06:00

Been dark for a few days because of technical difficulties and having too much fun.
Had to send my laptop back to Apple... Seems I wore out the keyboard.
Amazing depot service from Apple; I call one day, they send me a box the next day, I ship it back to the repair facility in Memphis via FedEx, and a day later... I'm typing on it. Looks like new too! Three days all together!

Oh yeah... the fun part.
Our old Chesapeake Bay buddy, Peter, flew down for a few days. We had lots of fun.

Peter's boat...The former Morewater at Onancock

Lots of fun, food, good wine, and catching up. A terrific time. What started out as a brunch of Pete's excellent French Toast with a couple of Mimosas turned into a day long party with friends from the dock. Ending up at Santa Fe Cantina and Tex-Mex for dinner. What a day!
Think we are making loose plans to head back up north this summer and we'll stop off in Baltimore to visit Pete and Suzy.
So now we're caught up.... Back to just Crew Istaboa again. Gym and the reclamation of brain cells.
Atonement!

Adios,

Istaboa

PS: If you have time... A neat little video of Morewater that some may remember.

Yup, fixed the leak... haven't sunk

2012-01-07T09:58:00.000-06:00

And found another video.
Enjoy
Frank "Sugar Chile Robinson" with Count Basie

Never ending...

2012-01-06T10:20:00.000-06:00

It seems the care and maintenance of a boat is never ending...
Yesterday, I kept hearing the bilge pump kicking on and would say to Mel that I need go down into the engine room and tighten the shaft log to stop the drip. My thinking was the cold might have loosened the packing a bit, but other things kept me busy so I don't go until late.
We have a little ceramic heater that we use for cold mornings when we aren't using the main AC system, we had looked everywhere for it except the engine room.
I go down and hear a rapid dripping of water... so let's take a look at that shaft now... Nope, not that. So I continue to search for that sound... Ah! one of the watermaker water lines has a small leak. Oh! the bilge under the engine is full of water.... Oh Shit! I touch the elbow that has the leak and the whole things explodes and starts spraying water everywhere. Holy Shit!! I can't stop it from spraying.
I bleed the pressure water system and still water is spraying, slower, but still steady.
Finally I find the cutoff valve for the watermaker and... Ahhh.... now it stops.
So that's the project du jour.
Boats are kinda like children... you gotta love em.

Anyway while waiting for some folks to return some calls this morning I found this video.
Enjoy...

Adios,

Istaboa

Memphis Horns earn a Grammy

2012-01-05T13:54:00.001-06:00

Lifetime achievement award
Congratulations fellas

Home again

2012-01-04T16:20:00.001-06:00

Flyinzablur

2012-01-04T16:14:00.001-06:00

2011-12-31T16:03:00.001-06:00

Health, happiness, prosperity, and peace...

Making preparations... for the New Year and Next Adventure

2011-12-30T10:06:00.000-06:00

Crew Istaboa has not put any plans in stone as of yet and we probably won't. We enjoy being a bit fickle about our cruising objectives. Freedom's just another word for not sticking to plans. (sorry Kris)
But, we've been busy making preparations for a move. One reason for going to Fort Myers was to find out what'd stopped working since our return from the islands last year.
There weren't many.
One of our original GPS transducers had finally gone on the blink. Circa 2002
Our VHF antennae seemed to have put on fur coats. So those had to be replaced. Also almost 10yrs old
We've decided we need to finally add that Isolation Transformer we've talked about for years... and If anyone has any thoughts or ideas along those lines, please send us an email or comment. Istaboa@gmail.com
When we get back, an autopilot calibration is in order. Loaded on new versions of, both, Nobeltec and Coastal Explorer and they aren't speaking the same language as the autopilots.
Been tinkering with the WiFi bridge aboard in hopes of speeding up throughput. Mainly because we've hooked up an Apple TV system for downloading movies... I know, I'm a geek... Mel tells me daily. I want my HDTV!
Also gonna try out MacENC just to see how the Apples handle the navigational tasks... Probably very well.
Going through our inventory to be sure we have the spares required when visiting the islands.
Rule #1: When in the islands, if you don't have it, you probably can't get it. Unless you pay a fortune to fly it in.
Rule #2: Read Rule #1.

Talked with our old buddy Captain Spooner and it looks like he's flying in from Baltimore to spend a few days with us... That's gonna be a lot of fun, so we're looking forward to going home. We miss all our friends at Sunset Bay. (Actually, Jeff and Cathy from C Dock, did come by our house in Memphis for drinks and dinner... That was nice. They were also kind enough to transport my new guitar back to Stuart.)

So plans.... Maybe not the islands and go up to the Northeast instead? Never done that past the Chesapeake. Maybe go to the islands and do some more WiFi work? Maybe both? Who knows?

We'll see...

A Happy New Year Video (you have probably seen) Cute...

better ...Happy New Year

Adios,

Istaboa

Cheetha's death a hoax?

2011-12-28T19:21:00.002-06:00

Is everything bullshit?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/28/cheetah-the-chimp-death-hoax_n_1173404.html

R.I.P.... Cheetah

2011-12-28T08:19:00.001-06:00

I loved watching this guy on Tarzan. My favorite was, "Tarzan goes to New York", when Cheetah uses the telephone.

Cheetah the chimpanzee, who acted in classic Tarzan movies in the early 1930s, died of kidney failure Saturday at Suncoast Primate Sanctuary in Palm Harbor, a sanctuary spokeswoman said.
Cheetah was roughly 80 years old, loved fingerpainting and football and was soothed by nondenominational Christian music, said Debbie Cobb, the sanctuary's outreach director.
He was an outgoing chimp who was exposed to the public his whole life, Cobb said today.
"He wasn't a chimp that caused a lot of problems," she said.
Cheetah acted in the 1932-34 Tarzan movies, Cobb said. Movies filmed during that timeframe starred Johnny Weissmuller and include "Tarzan and His Mate" and "Tarzan the Ape Man," according to the Internet Movie Database.
Sometime around 1960, Cheetah came to the sanctuary from Weissmuller's estate in Ocala, Cobb said.
In the wild, the average chimp survives 25 to 35 years and at zoos chimps typically live 35 to 45 years, she said.
Cheetah, the most famous of the sanctuary's 15 chimpanzees, liked to see people laugh.
"He was very compassionate," Cobb said. "He could tell if I was having a good day or a bad day. He was always trying to get me to laugh if he thought I was having a bad day. He was very in tune to human feelings."
Ron Priest, a sanctuary volunteer for seven years, said Cheetah stood out because of his ability to stand up – shoulders tall, back straight – and walk like a person.
Cheetah also stood out for another reason, Priest said: "When he didn't like somebody or something that was going on, he would pick up some poop and throw it at them. He could get you at 30 feet with bars in between."
It doesn't appear Cheetah had any children, Cobb said.
Cheetah put a lot of thought into his art, though if he was tired he would give up easily and not play with it much.
He wasn't into watching animal shows on television, but he enjoyed watching all the color and movement when football appeared on screen. Cobb wasn't aware of whether Cheetah had any favorite teams.
"I couldn't ask him that," she said. "I'm not a chimp psychic."

Holiday Hangover

2011-12-26T16:01:00.001-06:00

Nordhavn... The Big One!

2011-12-26T14:08:00.001-06:00

Nordhavn N120 progress video...

New guitar...

2011-12-25T16:12:00.001-06:00

Present to myself and goodwill for a friend in need...
Check out the fret markers... Gotta play this one at Compass Cay

Carbon Fiber... should be a really good boat guitar. Moisture can't hurt it.

Adios,

Istaboa

So this is Christmas

2011-12-24T11:00:00.000-06:00

War is over... One, at least... and for that, we thank you Mr. President.

Wishing a Very Merry Christmas for the Troops and their Families

Dog got beat....

2011-12-23T17:45:00.000-06:00

Great pics

2011-12-22T17:46:00.000-06:00

I wish they were mine...

Nat Geo's photo contest

But this one is mine and it won photo of the day on Mobli. Ever heard of Mobli? It's kinda like twitter, but you don't say anything... Take a pic with your phone or camera and post it. It's a lot of fun and you see a lot of great photos. Mostly just folks having fun. Click Mobli

Photo of the day...

Our good friend Richard... There's a long story in those eyes. We'll tell you what we know someday.

Adios,

Istaboa

Sad News...

2011-12-20T08:58:00.000-06:00

Just received an email from Ken Williams passing on the bad news.
The Nordhavn 62 Grey Pearl has burned in Phuket, Thailand.

From Grey Pearl's blog.

It is with such a heavy heart that I write this last and final blog of the good ship Grey Pearl.

Early in December, while we were spending the winter at our home in Virginia away from our boat, we received one of life’s dreaded phone calls. Our beloved ‘Grey Pearl’ N6208 was on fire in her slip at Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket, Thailand. The fire started in the early evening of Dec. 6th, 2011, and was detected shortly thereafter. The fire quickly became uncontrollable and threatened the marina and other boats. The marina staff and some brave yachtsmen scrambled to remove her from the slip, tow her up a nearby river and run her aground where she continued to burn for almost another day. Needless to say we are devastated by this horrible tragedy.
In order to tend to this matter and our responsibilities, Braun & I immediately flew from our home in Virginia to Thailand.
Of course, the hardest and saddest moment was to see her…it is impossible to describe the heartbreak. To see the pilothouse wheel resting on the charred Lugger main engine…we were overcome. The raging fire had consumed her down to the water line. To put her to rest, we had a “viewing” on a Thursday…and her “burial” with flowers and a final good by on Friday.

Although heartbroken, we do understand how lucky we are…no one was injured! And the damage would have been more catastrophic if not for the brave souls that worked quickly to get the boat out of the slip and thereby save the surrounding yachts and dock.

We’ve had 11 ½ years of absolutely wonderful experiences on the Pearl…and happily, we’ve been able to share that on board passion with so many friends & family. Often we’d sit on our aft “Lido” deck and reminisce about where she’s taken us…Gibraltar, Jounieh, Lebanon, Jementos, Bahamas, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Elba, Italy, Hong Kong, Barcelona, Aleutian Islands, Panama Canal, Haifa, Israel, Rome, Petropavlovsk, Russia, Bar Harbor, Me., Singapore, Athens…to name just a few.
I personally have never been more challenged, fulfilled and happier doing anything in my life than the time I’ve spent on my ‘Grey Pearl’. And…more importantly, she was a passion Braun & I enjoyed together. She will live on fondly in our hearts & memories…forever ~

We are still “processing” this calamity so it’s way too soon to say what our future plans will be…but there will be an Act II. The fun is not going to stop.
We’re OK…and, we have the love of family & friends we can count on to get through this painful time…

A special thanks to our dear friends, Carol & Steven Argosy on our buddy boat N62 ‘Seabird’. They remain in Phuket and we deeply regret having to temporarily leave the “Bird and Pearl” cruising team.
Sadly…Grey Pearl…Out –

Tina & Braun

Merry Christmas

2011-12-19T16:41:00.000-06:00

We celebrated ours last weekend. It was a bit hurried, but — as always — a lot of fun.
So...the real Christmas will be a very quiet one for us.
We're looking forward to New Year's Eve when our friends, Jim, Sandy, and Lulu, are coming to Memphis to help us ring in 2012. (Hope those Mayans were wrong) Radar's very excited, he's quite smitten with Lulu.

To all our friends, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays... Be you Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, any other religion or belief, our wishes are the same. May you and yours be happy, healthy, and safe.
Here's to 2012

Adios,

Istaboa

Under the sea...

2011-12-16T09:05:00.000-06:00

And... an interesting concept

This can only mean one thing...

2011-12-14T09:43:00.001-06:00

This is his, "Now where are we going?", look.

Home for the holidays. A very Memphis Christmas and New Year.

Back in Stuart again

2011-12-09T07:51:00.001-06:00

We left Moore Haven at first light, heading east. Knowing it was going to be a long day for a slow boat we didn't dawdle. As we pulled into Moore Haven lock it appeared the water hyacinths had taken over the lock chamber, but we're used to that from the Tombigbee, so no big deal. We thought... Somehow we snagged a large clump somewhere under the boat and dragged it with us all the way across Florida. This slowed us down considerably. We're already a slow boat and to take a knot off our speed really screwed up the plan.

We tried every trick to shake it off, short of jumping in with a knife. I just wasn't up for the Jungle Jim maneuver. Then finally at the St. Lucie Lock as I'm talking to the lock operator; he points in the the water and asks, "Did you bring that all the way across with you?". I look at where he was pointing and sure enough there's a clump of the stuff the size of a large manatee.
Finally it had shaken loose with only 10 miles to go and darkness looming.

As the last ray of light darkened, we pulled into the slip, tired, happy, and wanting a stiff drink.

It was a fun run across the state. Met a lot of new folks and rekindled friendships with others.

Now for the holidays...

And for your listening pleasure, I end this post with... The Decemberist playing their tune, The Mariner's revenge song.
Enjoy.

Adios,

Istaboa

A one ana two ana....

All the way across Okeechobee...

2011-12-08T17:49:00.001-06:00

And this is the only pic we got?
Iphoneography

Back in the water...

2011-12-07T16:11:00.001-06:00

On the way over to Ft. Myers we stopped at River Forest Yachting Center in Moore Haven, FL for the night. While there we were offered a deal on a bottom job we just couldn't turn down. About half the price we normally pay to have it done.
The folks here at River Forest have been great. Not only did we get a great price, they way over delivered on service. Never have we had such a good experience at a boat yard.

They had it back in the water right on schedule. Even went the extra mile and bead blasted the shaft and spurs.

Looks like new...

Just for the fun of it... they painted the thruster shaft to look like an eye. The painters said if we come back, next time they would really get creative.

This is the first time in our boating life that we have left a boatyard happy. No unexpected charges and nothing but superb service. The way it should be done. Here's a link to River Forest Yachting Center.

I did some video, and will post it later, of the boat being placed back in the water that will show off the yard and equipment. Impressive.

It's so good to be home.
Tomorrow we run back across Lake Okeechobee to Stuart then we'll really be back home.

Adios,

Istaboa

Rough day at sea...

2011-12-06T12:42:00.001-06:00

Jorge, a good friend we first met at Compass Cay sent this too me. Pretty amazing stuff. To these folks the perfect storm is a common occurance.

Remember the little albino seal that was abandoned?

2011-12-06T06:36:00.001-06:00

Alas... It's found a home!! A happy ending to a story and a new beginning for Nafanya.

Rejected Ginger Seal Pup Finds A Home, Gets Webcam

A ginger-haired seal pup who was rejected from her black seal tribe has a new home at the Akvatoria dolphinarium in Adler, Russia.
Nature photographer Anatoly Strakhov first took pictures of the animal on Russia's Tyuleniy Island in September, according to ABC News. The photographer told the Daily Mail, "the poor seal is almost blind and so was unlikely to survive in the wild."
Since then, images of the rare albino creature -- dubbed Nafanya -- have circulated the globe, spurring an outpouring of sympathy from the public.
"She now has a special enclosure with a pool, and two weeks after her arrival, people are already coming to see her," Yulia Frolova, head of the dolphinarium, told the Daily Mail. "She has a good appetite, and always seems in a happy mood. She is such an unusual seal with very beautiful bright blue eyes."
Though Nafanya is in quarantine for a month and can't play with fellow animals at the center just yet, the pup will be making plenty of virtual friends thanks to a webcam that will document her day to day living.
Other seals have been struggling as well. Hawaiian monk seals are listed as "critically endangered" on the IUCN Red List, possibly due in part to competition with fisheries over food, entanglement in nets, and habitat loss from rising sea levels.
An unknown disease has been killing ringed seals in Alaska, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration proposed last year listing the animal as threatened due to projected losses from climate change.

Railto ~ Redux

2011-12-04T07:37:00.001-06:00

We fired off some Iphone pics yesterday that didn't do this place justice. This marina is really pretty and unlike any marina we've ever tied up to before.
So we took a little walkabout to experience Rialto. Many have told us that the place was beautiful and they weren't exagerating.

Everywhere you look could only be described as... picturesque.

Radar was puzzled by all the sounds of birds and the smells of whatever had been there before him.

The marina is not very large. All side ties and maybe enough room for 10 boats, but the magic of this place is not the docks. A fellow named Bear helped us tie up and gave us a golf cart tour of the grounds. Very nice fellow that we later discovered was just a patron like we were. He was just being neighborly.
Then Steve, the fellow in charge, came by to get our info. He offered to send someone by later to build us a fire on the grounds next to our personal dock if we wanted to grill something out. A hickory wood fire grill did sound tempting, but we said no thanks, that wasn't necessary, maybe next time. (If we'd had a good steak... this would've been a different story.)
Folks could not have been any nicer.

Time has hidden the message, but if you enlarge, it says...

The owner and caretaker keep this place looking perfectly natural, yet manicured. It's truly a work of art. And did I say quiet? After staying a week in downtown Fort Myers (which we like a lot) Rialto was so quiet about the only thing you could hear was fish jumping, birds singing, and ears ringing.
I could go on and on, but I think the pictures will tell the rest of the story.

Pictures on page 2.

The common area with view of the Okeechobee waterway

Everywhere you looked was another picture.

Then the sun did set behind the trees and with Diana Krall playing some nice jazz in the background, we grilled our pork chops and enjoyed a cocktail.
Another great day amongst many...

Adios,

Istaboa

Tarzan land ~ Rialto

2011-12-03T18:46:00.001-06:00

Marv took a really nice shot of Istaboa leaving Legacy.

Everything will be brief because we're doing it all via iphone.

This place is really unique.

The proprietors have done a wonderful job of making this marina an eco paradise.
If you're ever this way, check it out.
The last pic is from our last night at Legacy Harbour aboard Kasey's Choice.


Pete, Mel, Marilyn, and Donnie holding Cloe... Docktails

Back @ The Veranda

2011-12-01T07:58:00.001-06:00

Appears we're heading back east.
Hit the Veranda for one more Happy Hour.
Oysters and Martinis!!

Downtown Ft. Myers

2011-11-26T07:20:00.001-06:00

We've been here before and like it then... and we like it now. Downtown FM is very cool.
A good grocery store 2 blocks away, a bakery just up the street, plenty of restaurants within walking distance, and the folks around here are very nice. What's not to like?

Bold Pursuit

Last night old friends and the owners of Bold Pursuit, Don and Sharon, drove into town and took us out to dinner. It was good catching up with them. They've bought a new boat and are selling Bold Pursuit.

She's an extraordinary steel hulled Motor Sailer with a galley that rivals any chef's kitchen. This boat could take you around the world in grand style with gourmet meals.

They've decided it's the time in their life to buy a home in Fernandina Beach, FL and have acquired a new boat that will better fit their new requirements.

Now we have friends in Fernandina to visit... with a dock!

Definition of flat calm

After leaving Riverforest and slowly motoring along the Caloosahatchee River there wasn't a lot to see, but passing through Labelle, FL we enjoyed the sights of the beautiful old Florida style homes. Palm trees towering above centuries-old oaks that are draped with spainish moss made for a nice frame for some of these old houses.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:41:00.001-06:00

To all our friends and family, we hope you all have a safe, fun, and delicious Turkey Day.
Personally, I want this turkey... Nirvana Thanksgiving! Then call 911.

Can you imagine the crust on this thing... mmmmmm........

Today we're tied up at Legacy Harbor in downtown Ft. Myers. Directly in front of fellow Compass Caysians, Marv and Carol. Good to come back to a marina and see old friends. Everybody here's so nice.

Our Thanksgiving plans are to walk over to the historical Veranda restaurant for dinner. We've dined here before and it is excellent.

Cut from the Veranda's website:

Young Manuel Gonzales built two houses at the corner of Second Street and Broadway. The corner house, built in 1902, was occupied by he and his family. The second, was built for his mother, and was located adjacent to the first house, in what is now the Veranda's parking lot.
The two houses were joined by Peter Pulitzer, son of the publisher, in the early 1970's for his long-time fishing buddy, Fingers O'Bannon. The original kitchen building from the second house, along with a secluded garden courtyard, now joins the two houses. Paul Peden bought the two buildings in 1978 and transformed them into the Veranda.

It really is a fine restaurant that's steeped in Ft Myers history. Click here for more history ...Veranda
Got a bunch of pictures while cruising Labelle, FL that will be posted later.

Again, Happy Thanksgiving.

Adios,

Istaboa

funny pic.. no reason, just weird.

Busted a move...

2011-11-22T15:51:00.001-06:00

Yup, we finally threw off the lines and went for a boat ride. It feels good. We've been at dock for way too long.

Woke at 5:00AM and got an early start. It's a beautiful day and Istaboa is running well. The plan is to cross Okeechobee and spend the night at Riverforest Marina on the other side of the lake.

The Lucie Canal is a lot like the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Just banks lined with palm trees instead of rocks.

Port Myaca Lock is on the eastern side of Okeechobee. Once you pass through here, you're in the lake for miles and miles. On this day the lake is very calm. Our last crossing a few years ago was incredibly nasty. Okeechobee is a muddy lake and after that run we looked as if we had taken Istaboa down a muddy row in a cotton field. Totally covered in muck from bow to stern.

Tourism, Okeechobee style.

This is what they were looking for.

Large aligators are as common around here as squirrels in a park.
This guy was quite large. Probably 8' long.

Tonight we stay at Riverforest and get a head start for Ft. Myers tomorrow. We plan to have our Thanksgiving there then spend a few days before heading back to Stuart.

It's good to be moving again, even the boat looks happy.

Adios,

Istaboa

Capt. Will wins big

2011-11-21T06:56:00.001-06:00

Very cool... Capt. Will and his wife Tara have won the 1st Annual Martin County BBQ Contest. He's worked hard for it and we've been lucky enough to be his test judges for a couple of years. (hence we're both constantly in the gym) He's always cooked excellent BBQ and now the official FBA judges wholeheartedly agree.

Cut from the TCPalm Newpaper:

MARTIN COUNTY —Will and Tara Finlay had entered about 15 barbecue contests on the Florida BBQ Association circuit in the past two years without winning in a single category.The Port St. Lucie residents, competing under the name Smoky Dog, not only won the ribs competition, they placed second in chicken and fifth in brisket Saturday to claim the title of grand champion of the first-ever Martin County Fair BBQ Festival at the Fairgrounds.
Despite steady rainfall that held down attendance on Friday night, fair officials estimated they drew about 7,000 people for the two-day barbecue festival that drew 22 entrants, 18 of them in the professional competition.
Bill Barrett, lead organizer for the fair board, said expenses totaled about $40,000. He said he hoped to recoup most of that from gate receipts and ticket sales.
The Finlays won $2,300.
"By far and away the most we've ever won," Will Finlay said. "You don't even break even 99 percent of the time."
He said he bought a smoker specifically for barbecue competitions, but now the private yacht captain is thinking about starting a barbecue business.
Will Finlay said that behind every great barbecue cook is a great woman.
"I would cook at home and about two years ago my wife started bugging me to enter a contest," he said.

A bunch of us folks from Sunset Bay were the cheering squad and Will and Tara shared some of their special competition stash with us all. It was incredible. They did well and deservedly won Grand Champion. The trophy was a large Pig that was carved outta wood. Better than the usual metal trophy.

Congratulations to Team Smoky Dog!

Marcel the Shell

2011-11-16T06:58:00.001-06:00

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Funny....

Anyway... Last night we made a really good Crab Stew.
Mel had procured a few Blue Claws and though they were excellent, they were a bit small, which makes for a tedious job extracting the tasty morsels of crab meat. But... those that know Mel understand, that won't stop her. She spent 3 hours picking crabs and the only thing we could come up with to do with the yield was a Crab Stew.
The loose recipe goes like this...
I made a nice dark roux, then pitched in 1 cup of onion, 3/4 cup of bell pepper, 3/4 cup of celery, and 4 cloves of garlic. Cooked that down and pitched in salt, pepper, 2 bay leaves, bouquet of fresh thyme, a few drops of Worcestershire, and cayenne to taste. Then deglazed the pan with 5 cups of chicken stock and simmered for an hour. With all that done, I waited until just before eating to pitch in the fresh crab and voila. Served over rice.
Kinda like a gumbo/Bahamian stew fish, but not quite.
Ah Yee!!!! Irie!!!
Crab Stew Istaboa

Occupy Sesame Street

2011-11-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

Ha!.... Occupy Sesame Street

Stuart's getting busy

2011-11-13T08:11:00.001-06:00

Things have really taken off around here. The Snow Birds have landed and the anchorage is almost full. What was a moderately quiet little town has now evolved into a crowded urban municipality.
The roads are packed with folks that come down to escape the weather of the Northeastern US and Canada and they're frantically scurrying around provisioning for their stay, which will last till April.
But, with that comes lots of entertainment, (not that we need any help).

This weekend was Veteran's Day Weekend and the Stuart Air Show.

Starting on Friday, the area seemed like a war zone; Jets,vintage Bombers from WW11, and old Bi-Plane fighters from WW1 were flying over the marina from all directions to take part in the show.

We could see a lot the action while enjoying happy hour at the marina aboard Istaboa.

Even Dock Bird, who thinks of C Dock as his domain, decided to sit it out and watch all the really big birds occupy his air space.

So yesterday we took our friends, Bob and Mary, out in the Albury to a cove that's just below the airport to get a better view. We found the crowd of boats and dropped a hook amongst them all for a little while. It was fun, loud, and smoky; we had a nice afternoon.

We're starting to have that itch to do some traveling, so a trip may be in order soon. Not sure which direction yet... we just want to get away for a while. Do a shake out cruise in preparation for another run to the islands. We'll see...

Adios,

Istaboa

More pics on the next page.

This has nothing to do with any of this, but it's entertaining... Love what young folks are doing with the digital medium. It's worth you're time.

Hudson - Against The Grain from Dropbear on Vimeo.

Happy Birthday!

2011-11-11T05:48:00.001-06:00

11-11-11
It's said that all those 1s are good luck. We hope so.
Found this on the net...

"Eleven is a number of illumination and enlightenment, a number of insight, blinding flashes of the obvious, and a number of transformation"

Wow!

Happy Birthday to our old Chesapeake/Nordhavn buddy, Pete, and to Cousin Dave out in Northern California.

Pete on Morewater crossing the Chesapeake Bay

Cousin Dave on the happy day he took possession of his new Ducati.

Happy Birthday Guys, here's to your lucky year and those blinding flashes of the obvious.

Let us know about those flashes, will ya?

Check this out... 11-11-11

Adios,

Istaboa

The Art of Racing in the Rain.

2011-11-09T04:11:00.000-06:00

Radar's selection...

Great book...
#1 on Radar's book club list of his favorite novels... A must read for dog lovers.

Cut from Garthstein.com

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.

Seriously, it's a very good read.
(Thanks to Lulu's mom)

Fifi B-29 flys again

2011-11-07T07:06:00.000-06:00

Someone did a nice job of filming Fifi, the only flying B-29 .

"FIFI" First Flight with New Engines from Hangar Workshop Productions on Vimeo.

R.I.P. — Andy Rooney

2011-11-05T08:09:00.001-05:00

Sunset Bay's Halloween Night Party

2011-11-01T09:28:00.000-05:00

Seems like everyone had a great time. The food was great, plenty to drink, and everyone showed off their Halloween rags.

Rusty was our, "Monster of Ceremonies" and did a great job.

And it sure looks like Mel enjoyed herself.

She won the Murder Mystery contest and was awarded a bottle of Capt. Morgan's Rum

Radar, much to his chagrin, won the Cutest Costume Award

He really seemed to enjoy all the attention though.

Mary won the Best Chili Award in the Mild to Medium category.

And it was excellent chili.

The judges of the First Annual Sunset Bay International Halloween Chili Cookoff

Mel, Bob#1, Tim, and I'm taking the picture

Though he wasn't at the party, had to throw this one in.

Our grandson Silas checking out the edge on his sword.

A handsome lad and a mighty fine pirate he be.... Arrrrr Matey

Yes, it seems all the folks at Sunset Bay had a fine time.

More pics on page 2.

Radar enjoying every bit of his 15 minutes of fame.

Rusty looks like a cross between something from Pirates of the Caribbean and an Oakland Raiders fan. (You did a good job, Rusty)

Just part of the motley crew.

Our good friends aboard Lyric, Cathy and Jeff. The Hippie chick and the fisherman, with Carp in tow.

And last, but not least, Danielle of Alpha Divers. She showed up late, but would probably have won the best costume contest.

Okay... so that's Halloween in Stuart.

Adios,

Istaboa

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T08:44:00.001-05:00

Potlucks at Sunset Bay are always delicious

Fresh meat!

So today is Halloween and the folks at the marina are making the most of it. Though Crew Istaboa has never been big Halloweeners, somehow we have been named judges for the Officially Santioned First Annual Sunset Bay Marina Halloween Chilli Cook Off. Not sure why we were selected, but we weren't able to wiggle out of it, so judges we are. So now I google how to be a chili cook off judge. Hope I find a hit.

Below are a couple of Spooky videos.
Check out the big apple in the first one... That's the scary part. Why is a huge apple on the beach?

The scariest is the Great Pumpkin... Funny! Surprised he wasn't smoking a cigarette.

If it's in your plans, we hope you have a fun Halloween.

Adios,

Istaboa

That's a big engine!

2011-10-30T10:03:00.001-05:00

From the Cummins tent

Devil Fish

2011-10-30T07:40:00.001-05:00

Guess they hadn't embraced the Catch and Release program yet.
Kinda sad actually.

Comeback!

2011-10-29T09:42:00.000-05:00

Boat show stuff

2011-10-28T17:15:00.001-05:00

Opulence still exists

Zeelander

2011-10-28T17:12:00.001-05:00

Bahia mar

2011-10-28T15:08:00.001-05:00

Krogen Express

2011-10-28T15:05:00.001-05:00

Nice boat
It's hot... not the boat... No breeze and the Florida sun reflecting off all this white fiberglass is blistering.

Test shot

2011-10-28T09:29:00.001-05:00

Using Iphone For FLL boat Show
Too rainy for Nikon
Later

It's finally over — over there!

2011-10-25T12:33:00.001-05:00

Stewart is so funny... unless you don't think so... huh?

........................................................................................................................

Not much going on with crew Istaboa. FLL boat show coming up so we think we will go to the Nordhavn owners gathering for a drink or two.
Big Halloween Chili Cookoff here at the marina... With costumes? That should be interesting.
The mooring field is starting to fill up which means this place should start getting lively. Fun, but we will miss the quiet and solitude.

So that's it.

Adios,

Istaboa

The meaning of life... 42?

2011-10-22T10:05:00.001-05:00

You iphone users will love this...

A Duet With Siri. (if you don't know what Siri is, click here)

But wait! There's more

Jonathan Mann... is a trip.

Song A Day #1019 http://www.jonathanmann.net

Dude kayaks with whales in California

2011-10-21T08:41:00.002-05:00

Credit: Rick Coleman

From 10/8/2011. A whale lunge feeding right next to the Kayak, plus some underwater footage. While the lunge feed was heart pounding excitement, I found that seeing one undewater was relaxing and peaceful. Was an awesome day!!! Some of our underwater photography can be seen at ricksusie.com

Those darn Canadians...

2011-10-20T08:25:00.000-05:00

That's a lotta boats

2011-10-19T07:27:00.000-05:00

(From Huffington Post)
Nearly 2,000 boats made their way through the waters of the Gulf of Trieste in an attempt to win the 43rd annual Barcolana Regatta on Oct. 9.
Dubbed the largest single-start regatta in the world, the Regatta attracts thousands of spectators, as hundreds of crews attempt to maneuver through the 16.5-mile course, PR Newswire reports. The event takes place on the second Sunday of October.
This year's winner, the Esimit Europa 2, finished the race in just under an hour. The yacht's crew comprised sailors from six different countries, according to the report.

Also, last night's Bela Fleck show at the Lyric lived up to his legend. Great band.
Piano/ Harmonica— Howard Levy was amazing, as were the Wooten Bros.

An interesting video about the band's new CD, Rocket Science, and the supporting tour on page 2.

Back aboard Istaboa

2011-10-18T09:17:00.000-05:00

And happy to be...
It wasn't a bad drive, a thousand miles or so, but it did wear on us a bit.
I remember many years ago, (this will make some cringe), we could drive a thousand miles and only stop for fuel. With a cooler of beer and a bucket of fried chicken on the floor board between the seats of my old van, we could drive it non-stop.... set up and do a night's gig in a smokey old rock and roll bar in the middle of nowhere, then catch a few hours sleep and do it all over again.
A long time ago... another life.

Like I said it's good to be back. Upon arriving, we were told that some of our friends from the dock had gone to Occupy Fort Lauderdale.
It's true! Bob and Mary, Jeff and Cathy had made the drive south to participate. Proud of them. They even got their picture in the Sun Sentential.

As evidenced below:

Darn hippies! These kids today, why don't they get a job instead of just waving signs in the street?

Oh wait, those aren't kids and they're waving signs because no one can find a job...

Anyway... We left Memphis with a mission; to arrive and be rested because tonight is a concert by an extraordinary band at an incredible venue.

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones @ The Lyric Theatre.

Parahawking

2011-10-13T07:29:00.000-05:00

Something very cool about this...

Had a nice dinner with old friends, Clayton and Deanna, last night, they're in the process of remaking,"Tivoli", their newly acquired N50. It was fun talking boats and old times.
Almost back to Stuart and Istaboa. Looking forward to the show at the Lyric Theater in Stuart. Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. More on that later.Next stop... Albany, GA

Ship of faith... now Beacon Won

2011-10-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Captain Bruce Dunham showing the plans for Beacon Won

A few days ago we did a post about, our friend and fairly benign pirate, Capt. Bruce of the Bahama Star, well it seems there's much more to the story of his soon to be launched vessel than we knew.

The Bangor Daily News published this endearing tale of a man's faith in God and the building of his dream.

Cut from the Bangor Daily News:

ADDISON, Maine — There are times in everyone’s life when patterns emerge, or coincidences become too frequent, or disparate series of events are inexplicably linked. Some raise their eyebrows and call it chance, while others credit divine intervention.

Such is the story of a 65-foot two-masted wooden schooner being built in Addison by a band of volunteers who believe it was destiny that brought them together and their belief in God that will launch their vessel.

Click the title to read the whole article and hear Capt. Bruce tell his story in a video. I'm sure you'll find it quite interesting, especially for those of us who've had the pleasure of experiencing Bruce.

Volunteers finishing ship inspired by man’s faith in God

It will be over tomorrow

2011-10-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday — John

2011-10-09T09:32:00.001-05:00

Just Win Baby Win

2011-10-08T11:39:00.000-05:00

Sad day for us Raider fans

He was one of the crazy ones that changed the game forever.

Love him or hate him... in his day, he made football way more interesting.

Al Davis died at the age of 82 on October 8, 2011
Good read...
http://www.raiders.com/

Today, I think I'll do something I've never done

2011-10-07T12:27:00.002-05:00

I'm going to wash my house

Mission Accomplished

2011-10-06T17:49:00.003-05:00

2011-10-05T19:10:00.002-05:00

http://youtu.be/UF8uR6Z6KLc

Glass Beach – The Dump You’ll Want to Visit

2011-10-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Stumbling around the net today, this popped up... Glass Beach in California.

Crew Istaboa has always scoured the rocky shores around our favorite islands foraging for sea glass, but this beach at Fort Bragg on California's Mendocino coast is pretty spectacular; the stuff is everywhere.
Check it out...

Cut from Fort Bragg's official site...

Glass Beach is a unique beach, not because nature made it that way, but because time and the pounding surf have corrected one of man's mistakes.Beginning in 1949, the area around Glass Beach became a public dump. It is hard to imagine this happening today, but back then people dumped all kinds of refuse straight into the ocean, including old cars, and their household garbage, which of course included lots of glass.
By the early sixties, some attempts were made to control what was dumped, and dumping of any toxic items was banned. Finally in 1967, the North Coast Water Quality Board realized what a mistake it was and plans were begun for a new dump away from the ocean.
Now, over 30 years later, Mother Nature has reclaimed this beach. Years of pounding wave action have deposited tons of polished glass onto the beach. You'll still see the occasional reminder of it earlier life, such as a rusted spark plug, but for the most part what you'll see is millions of pieces of glass sparkling in the sun. (As part of MacKerricher State Park, collecting is no longer allowed).
Glass Beach also has a very interesting array of tide pools to explore. Crabs, mollusks, and many aquatic plants make their homes in these ever changing environments. It is very easy to spend your whole day poking aound the tide pools and watching the busy little worlds that go on inside each one.

More pics on page 2.

Pics provided by Gina
Her blog is worth a look. Click her name above.

What Gina had to say...

Before you say anything about the content of this article, I hate people who litter. I’ll judge you if I think you’re too lazy to recycle. I hate pollution and the death of our fragile ecosystems and all the rest. But- with that disclaimer out of the way- Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California is the incredible result of human wastefulness and the resilience of nature.

Nicely said, and nice pics too

Adios,

Istaboa

Return to Rocky Point

2011-10-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

And all that goes with it.

So we said our—see ya laters—to all our buds at Sunset Bay and have made way to Memphis.

It's fall in Memphis and the leaves should be starting to turn and if Rocky Point has anything, it has leaves.
It's always nice going home and seeing old friends.

Our back yard at Rocky Point

lots of little deer this time of year

If you're in the mood, there are lots of fall pics on page 2.

We always loved our times cruising the Tennessee River in the fall.

Sandy Carroll's CD prelease

2011-10-02T05:34:00.000-05:00

Just As I Am

The party's today. The actual release date is Oct 18 and the official release party will be at Huey's in Memphis, but this one is just for friends and we made the cut.
So... a special trip to Pickwick has been cued up. Goin back home.

Cut from Blues Revue Magazine

Just As She Is…
Just As I Am is Sandy Carroll‘s debut album (due out on October 18) on the Catfood Records label. And quite the album it is.
Carroll has been singing the blues and paying dues for a while now. She headlined at the Lafayette’s Corner club on Beale Street in Memphis when that famed street re-opened in 1983. She has her own note on Beale Street and has released several other well received albums for other labels.

Link to the article here... Just as I am...
Good reveiw... BluesWax Rating: 9
A YouTube video with Sandy, her producer/husband Jim, Huey Lewis, and who's who of legendary Memphis Music artists on page 2.

And today is Jim's birthday so it's a twofer... this is sure to be another great day amongst many.

Play the moments

2011-10-01T09:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday— Jimmy G

See ya tomorrow,

Crew Istaboa

2011-09-30T16:56:00.000-05:00

Except a hangover... tried it, just made me want a drink.

Beacon Won!

2011-09-29T12:28:00.000-05:00

Seems that's the new name of CS Charters' new boat.

You may remember Capt. Bruce and the Bahama Star from an earlier post.

Got an email from Bruce today, showing the progress on Bahama Star's successor.

A 65' two masted, gaff rigged schooner, Beacon Won will carry 30 passengers and 6 Crew.
With that many folks aboard, Bruce is going to have to get a couple more turkey fryers.

This has been Capt. Bruce's and his wife/1st mate Sheila's dream for years. We're happy to see it coming true.

She's laid up in Maine, but from the looks of this picture Beacon should be in commission this winter.
We can't wait to see her under full sail around the Exumas next year. Gonna be a beautiful vessel.

Congratulations, Bruce and Sheila!

More pics here http://7cscharters.com/v5/Beacon_Pictures.html

Adios,

Istaboa

Wow!

2011-09-28T06:07:00.000-05:00

When you have a few minutes... kick back, put on a headset or turn up the speakers, and listen to this... it worth your time.

Interesting

2011-09-27T08:18:00.001-05:00

Albino seal pup

2011-09-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

Albino seal pup left all alone after being rejected by his family

A rare albino seal pup has been left in need of rescue after being rejected by his family.

With his bright pink flippers, light brown fur and pale blue eyes, this seal pup stands out from the crowd.
And that’s exactly his problem – just like the Ugly Duckling, nobody wants to play with him.
The rare albino seal has been rejected by his family and left to fend for himself... all alone.

A simpler time

2011-09-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

Before Walt Disney World... we found other forms of entertainment down here in Florida.

This looks good...

2011-09-24T11:44:00.002-05:00

From Wikipedia:

The story involves a journalist named Paul Kemp, who moves from New York to work for a major newspaper, The Daily News, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Set in the late 1950s, the novel encompasses a tangled love story of jealousy, treachery and violent alcoholic lust among the Americans who staff the newspaper.

Go my attention.

The trailer...

Nice pic!

2011-09-24T10:07:00.002-05:00

A friend sent this to us... great photograph.

Last Shuttle "ENDEAVOR" flight from KSC - 5-16-2011.

A seriously nifty photo of the shuttle launch, from the best

seat in the house!!! An F-15E Strike Eagle at 26,000 feet

- the protective combat air patrol for the launch.

I have humans...

2011-09-22T20:39:00.002-05:00

the rest of the story.... I got humans

Hate when this happens

2011-09-22T11:02:00.000-05:00

Hiatus from high seas exploits

2011-09-20T07:20:00.000-05:00

In other words, Istaboa is presently tied up at a marina and is now our floating Florida Condo.
So....
There's nothing to say, except... a one ana two ana.... now imagine bubbles floating through the air.
(bet some of you have no idea what I'm talking about... google Lawrence Welk)
And check out that bass player!!

We're still here...

2011-09-19T08:51:00.001-05:00

We're just not up to much that seems blogable.

Nope, not my pic. Not sure who took it but what a nice shot

Still working on a few projects... Got a new mattress , Yay!, so much better than the old one. Mel and I were actually alternating weeks on the good side of the bed because the bad side would kill your back any longer than that.
Angel, the gel coat guy, has done a nice job of repairing the few little cracks that have annoyed us for years.
Got a fellow who's going to put on a coat of wax on Istaboa to keep the topsides looking shiny.
And... got to pull Istaboa out of the water for a bottom job soon.

That's just the outside... The inside?

We refreshed the salon display with one that has the current HDMI/Ethernet/WIFI connections because we've added Apple TV. We haven't made it all work together yet, but I did stream a trailer of a movie in HD and it looked great. Also it allows us to be able to stream everything from our Itunes music library through the ships sound system and broadcast it anywhere on the boat we like. Wirelessly.... Pretty cool.

Clyde's Cake

Clyde, the dock dog, had his birthday party on Saturday. What an event!
Bob, Clyde's human, brought his new date, Tim. Yes, Tim is a female.
Yesterday we loaded a bunch of us up in the Albury and ran over to the Dolphin Bar for Bloody Mary's and brunch.

So... that's it... big time in River City, but we have to say it's been a nice time.
=======================================================

This morning I came across this article on the net that would seem bizarre, but it's about politics, mobocracy, or both actually... so bizarre is an understatement in reality.

Pirate Party Enters Berlin Parliament After Historic Election Win

Politics appears to have morphed into (and probably always has been) grown-up mutations of children's fairy tales. The Tea Party and the Pirate Party is like a mash-up of Alice in Wonderland and Captain Hook.

Ya think the whole world has Peter Pan Syndrome?

Or maybe it's those flashbacks we were warned about in the 60s coming home to roost.

Saw this Tea Party furniture at Saks Fith Avenue in Palm Beach en-route to the Apple store.

Kinda trippy, huh?

Oh well, luckily, Crew Istaboa doesn't have to live in that world too often. Hopefully we can keep ourselves insulated. Like going to Dog birthday parties or Junkanoos at Compass Cay.

This morning the rains came early and have already left; now the sun is coming out. It's gonna be one of those sauna days.

Adios,

Istaboa

Ahoy me buckos

2011-09-11T10:55:00.000-05:00

It's rained everyday for a couple of weeks... like clockwork, the afternoon heat arrives and a storm follows it. But, because it's so predictable, we can usually plan around it.
Today we waited till the first round finished before walking round the riverwalk and over to the Pirate Fest.

But... The pirates have overtaken our little town and look to be enjoyin' their liberities.

Arrrrr... Me town has b'n o'er run by pirates

They're runn'n round like a blithering bunch o' rats...

Fight'n "Smoke 'em if yew got 'em, matey!" an' drink'n like fools.
Even "Nancy-Pants!" fight'n their lasses.

More, "ya' blisterin' ol' barnicles", on page 2

But "Blow Me Down!" th' lassey can fight

But "Thar Be Devil T' Pay!" ne'er underestimate a pirate winch...

Th's lassey's packin' a flintlock

an' blow th' man down she does

And a bit of music...

And a pirate ship... like we've never seen before.

The Pirates swear to leave today... so life will return to... well... quasi normality.

Adios,

Istaboa

A One Man Mobile Studio At Burning Man

2011-09-10T18:28:00.000-05:00

Today we got a few pirate pics at the festival, but haven't processed them yet. Nothing like this guy's photographs though.

Crew Istaboa's not the desert type... or the large crowd type, but I bet Burning Man would be a trip.

Check this guy out:

When acclaimed studio photographer Eric Schwabel goes to Burning Man he doesn’t leave his passion behind. In 2010 he took a clever hand built “light suit” to the massive festival in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert and captured the plethora of beautiful, colorful revelers in engaging detail. Below we catch up with Schwabel for an exclusive interview about his experiences on the dusty playa.

Article here... Eric Schwabel

Later,

Istaboa

Treasure Coast Pirate Fest

2011-09-09T13:52:00.000-05:00

Coming up this weekend

Should be interesting.

Inventor Of The eBook dies

2011-09-09T04:30:00.000-05:00

Nothing about boats or all that goes along with them.
For you old grey geeks out there... ARPAnet!... when was the last time you heard that?
Michael Hart has died at age 64.
It was announced today, on International Literacy Day, that one of the great pioneers of electronic literacy and the inventor of the e-book had died on Tuesday.

"If what you did yesterday
Still seems great today,
Then your goals for tomorrow
Are not big enough.”

Michael Stern Hart

Watching the caulk dry...

2011-09-08T08:42:00.000-05:00

Nope... we're not up to much. Having those maintenance issues dealt with in between rain showers. It's pretty hot after those bouts of rain due to the steam and the Florida sun. We're not complaining though... been catchin up on our reading (just finished the Stieg Larson Mellenium trilogy... it's good... Mel's nose down into Jodi Picoult's Sing you home... must be good too.) and doing some research... not to mention tussling with the folks at the Apple store in Palm Beach. (That's a whole other story to be told in person.)But yesterday as I sat inside Istaboa, watching the steam rise off the docks, I thought of Bagan; remember the 57 Nordhavn that did the Northwest Passage a couple of years ago? If you keep up with this blog you probably will. So I googled Bagan and came up with the trailer for the movie that has yet to be released. Too bad, it seemed to be such a good idea and a great adventure.A fellow named Sprague Theobald. Watch.

Then I googled a little deeper and found this video. Sights, sounds, and images of a world that most of us will never experience. I did go to Greenland years ago in another life, but I didn't see Narwhals or Polar bears.... Did hang out with some Eskimos though...( that too is a whole other story to be told in person.)
Interesting video.

Almost cooled us off just watchin this video—almost.

So, now it's back to watchin the caulk dry.

Adios,

Istaboa

Those darn sailboaters...

2011-09-07T07:56:00.000-05:00

Police: Boater defecates in squad car: wavy.com

Our kinda woman

2011-09-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

Heroic woman hairdresser punches massive black bear on the nose to rescue her pet dog

Labor Day

2011-09-05T08:16:00.000-05:00

Just a few funnies for Labor day.

This one reminds me of Pickwick Lake in Tennessee; where we had a home and kept Istaboa for several years... There the real labor day weekend was the weekend after, when the locals would throw a party at Jon's Pier and party at the waterfall without the crowds.

Yesterday we took our friend Bob, his daughter Sarah. and her family out in the Albury to sight see and lunch at Fins in Manatee Pocket.

They're a nice family and it was a nice day.
We later saw Bob walking Clyde and he seemed happier that we've seen him in a long time.
They made his holiday and ours too.

Hope everyone stays safe going home.

Adios,

Istaboa

PS: Very funny...

Celebrities Who Look Like Historical People

Seal

2011-09-03T15:43:00.003-05:00

Happy Labor Day to the USA

A baby

2011-09-01T20:38:00.000-05:00

... had to put it up.

This will be a happy day at Compass Cay and Wild Tamarind. Will has flown back to the Exumas to complete the project at Wild Tamarind and repair the damage Irene inflicted on the system at Compass Cay. Tucker's very proud that his island will be the first to get their net back since the storm.

Gotta have net, especially in the islands where it's the only reliable form of communication.

Meanwhile back in Stuart... We've started the maintenance projects on Istaboa.

All seams will be stripped and re-caulked, a fresh coat of polish over the entire exterior, and it seems that Florida Yacht Interiors and the infamous Chase Camacho will finally do a proper job on the soft goods. If so... I promise to post the interior pics.

After all that is done, we are hoping to return to the Cays. Life is much simpler there and we seem to fit in nicely.

Adios,

Istaboa

Interesting

2011-08-31T04:00:00.000-05:00

short films...
3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage… all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food into 3 beautiful and compelling short films.....
= a trip of a lifetime.

move, eat, learn

Rick Mereki : Director, producer, additional camera and editing
Tim White : DOP, producer, primary editing, sound
Andrew Lees : Actor, mover, groover
All Music composed and performed by Kelsey James

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.
EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.
LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Hurricane preparation advice

2011-08-30T20:35:00.000-05:00

"Stealth" Boat Could Revolutionize Naval Warfare

2011-08-30T14:48:00.000-05:00

The Ghost is designed to move very quickly and stealthily through water by generating a layer of gas around its underwater surfaces. Handout photo provided by Juliet Marine Systems Inc.

A stealth boat that moves through water at high speeds and with near invisibility could revolutionize the Navy's ability to carry out special operations on water.

The craft, called The Ghost, moves by generating a layer of gas around submerged surfaces, greatly reducing friction. It's unique design makes it ideal for special operations, according to DiscoveryNews. The ship can reach speeds of 60 miles per hour and has a shape designed to reduce its visibility to radar, similar to the Navy's "Sea Shadow" project of the 1980s.

Gregory Sancoff, president and chief executive officer of Juliet Marine, said the U.S. government is interested and his company is working with a defense contractor to build a 150-foot model. The friction reducing gas technology, called supercavitation, works by generating a low-pressure zone around the ship's surface.

The Ghost keeps a low radar profile the same way stealth planes do, by making the radar waves bounce off of its surface.

Sancoff said The Ghost is ideal for missions close to coasts, such as getting special operations teams into and out of areas quickly. It could also be deployed against pirates and even used to attack on aircraft carriers and destroyers.

Eric Wertheim, analyst at the U.S. Naval Institute, told DiscoveryNews the boat's makers must show it can do what a submarine can't.

"This is a tough budget time to be introducing any technology that isn't being specifically called for by the Navy," he said. "You have to answer the question of what is the need not being met."

Seems to be all over, but the clean up

2011-08-28T10:43:00.000-05:00

Hopefully this time tomorrow we look back on Irene and think; could've been worse, but what a mess. Luckily, it seems that she didn't pack the punch to the east coast (though it did hurt) that we were afraid it would do. No one can say we weren't prepared and absolutely no one can say we weren't warned... 24/7 for the last few days.

We heard from Tucker and our friends at Wild Tamarind—everyone is okay.
Wild Tamarind seems to have lost an east facing dock, but that and some damage to the vegetation is about all. We're sure Leonora, Artemio, and crew will have that repaired in no time.
Tuck has no damage at all (except to our Sat Dish) boat, dock, houses, everything good... as Preston would say. We may be heading back over with some supplies soon and to bring the net back up.

Boy did we get out of the islands and head to the right place or what? We almost took Istaboa back up to the Chesapeake again this year... That wouldn't have been a good move.
We almost stayed at Compass Cay. That would've been interesting. Maybe too interesting for our tastes.

Found some pics of the Abacos and it looks like they did okay... again, just a mess and loss of power, but nothing like we've seen in the past. e.g. Hugo, Wilma
Pics here http://www.local10.com/slideshow/weather/28974547/detail.html

Now we read that New York City has escaped major damage and the storm is subsiding.

Everything good?

Adios... Irene!

Istaboa

PS... Totally off the subject, but an interesting article out of my hometown... Grew up with the dancer... Bet he's not dancing now.

Hollywood directed defense, challenged old case against 'West Memphis Three'