Windy Miami

So it has been almost a week here in Miami and will be another week before we can safely cross the Gulf Stream. Have to admit there is a touch of cabin fever happening for Carryn. The mooring field is extremely choppy with Sout East winds gusting up to 20 knots and our boat is 1/2 mile from the marina. Crossing in the dinghy = three very cold, salty wet individuals. However, the good news is this marina offers a free water taxi to all of us in the mooring field. We used this service today to safely make it to shore with minimal water spray. Saturday our boating buddies from Las Sirenas (means little mermaids) arrived in the anchorage. You may recall us mentioning this family from earlier posts. We originally met them in St. Augustine at Christmas. They made the hop over to Miami from Ft Lauderdale with no problems. It was there first ocean passage. Our plan is to cross the Gulf Stream together along with another boat we also met in St. Augustine, Paul, Ela and Gus on SV Southern Bella. This is a HUGE comfort for us! It will be a first for all of us. The weather here for the next few days looks bad so the plan is to get off the boat via the water taxi. Tonight we plan on having game night on the boat and perhaps swap movies with Las Sirenas.

Hope you all having a wonderful weekend plan to post pictures another time when the internet connection is stronger.

PS
We still have an email address svsolmate@gmail.com so please send us photos whenever you get a chance we love pictures and staying connected! It took over an hour just to get this little message posted...oye, vey. Nope message never posted today, perhaps tomorrow???

Brandon, Carryn and Bella

Hangin' out in Dinner Key

Wow, time flies by. We got here Monday evening and it’s already Thursday. We are staying fairly productive though. We had a great sail down from Ft Lauderdale on Monday. 10-15 knots of wind from the West, adn we really made hay. So here we sit.

Yes, we have missed a few decent windows to get across to the Bahamas, but we had one final task to complete. If you remember back before New Years, we had to send our fluxgate compass back to Maretron for repair. They unfortunately sent the new one to our old home address, so we had Joan and Byrd sneak over and grab it off the porch when UPS delivered it, and they forwarded it to us down here. Where, you ask? That is certainly one of the many dilemmas for homeless people. Mail service and reliable internet connections have been our biggest irritants so far. Thank goodness, though. We are fortunate they aren’t things like bad weather, engine problems or stopped up heads, so I’m not complaining. So we had the bright idea to hook up with my former work colleague that lives in Miami. He agreed to collect some mail and packages for us and meet up with us when we got here.
So yesterday, we had Lorenzo out to the boat for lunch(I grilled some burgers on fresh Kaiser rolls from Fresh Market- they were awesome) and we caught up on what was going on with him and us. We even talked shop a little, but not much. It was great to see him, and hope we will stay in touch. (‘Zo- I’ll be expecting a comment posted from you).
So we got our compass back- looks like whatever afflicted our old one was terminal. Maretron sent us an entirely new unit. I feel better. Took about a half hour to put it back in, and it is back online. That will help with the chart plotter orientation and will keep our radar overlay function working spot on.


So this morning, I got up to listen to Chris Parker(the Bahamas/Caribbean weather guru) to start looking seriously for a good weather window. . Looks like early next week at best. Actually yesterday was a decent day, but… Additionally, Friday looks OK, but we are hoping the crew on Las Sirenas are coming south from Ft Lauderdale to catch up with us, so we can all go across together.

We took Bella in to shore and found a great park. We tossed the Flippy Flopper for a while(she got bored and hot pretty quick, but Carryn and I tossed it for a bit). WE grabbed a sandwich at Fresh Market and headed back to the boat. I’m not sure what came over me, but I decided to suit up to clean the bottom of the hull. I had started cleaning it back before we left Savannah, but the water was 52 degrees and I nearly went into shock, so I only cleaned the prop and the thru hulls. I checked the water temp here and it is 71 degrees, so I donned my shorty wetsuit and grabbed my scraper and brush and eased in. Brrrrrrr, 71 is still frigid. I remember swimming in Las Moras Springs at our ranch in W Texas at 68 degrees as a kid, and never flinching. Now, I worry about hypothermia in anything below 80!! Ahhh, youth. We were bulletproof back then. So anyway, I worked over the hull and boy did it need it. Now I realize why we could never break 6 knots of speed through the water. I had a half inch of fuzz covering the entire hull. What a shame. Almost 400 miles and we were dragging 40 square yards of shag carpet along with us. I look forward to seeing the improvement when we take off from here.

So, a productive day. It’s 4pm, and time for a well deserved cocktail. Carryn already has a jump on me. Unfortunatly, no pics worth interest today. Wish I had have thought about it while cleaning the bottom- I could have tested out our waterproof camera.

We're heading in to Coconut Grove to get cash out and use the public library internet connection to post this. Last night we used the fast connection to make some calls using our Majic Jack and Skype. We looked pretty goofy setting up office in the picnic area.
Until next post---(we love to get your comments)

The best laid plans.....

Well, we didn't get off to Miami on Friday. Many reasons, but fortunately, all our choice. We decided:

1) the weather seemed almost too perfect

2) we didn't want to part with our new friends on Las Sirenas

3) we calculated that 12 cases (only 288 cans) of beer wasn't enough, so needed to make another run to the package store

4) we needed to go to Home Depot to pick up a few more padlocks and security cables,

5) and on, and on, and on.....



So we made good use of our time and got the last few errands done.



Thursday, I rode with Scott (from Las Sirenas) to one of my favorite marine supply stores, River Marine Supply down in the heart of Miami. I had my eye on a little 2hp Honda outboard for some time now, but never had the courage to splurge. Well, I reasoned with Carryn, that since we have 2 dingys, we should have 2 outboards. So we will have his and hers dingys. We were even thinking about putting a BMW logo on one and the Range Rover logo on the other, but decided that may be a bit pretentious. Scott was finally convinced that having a Honda 2000watt portable generator was the ticket, so off we went to River, who has the best price by far.

Friday, we borrowed their car to hit a few last spots, including the package store and Publix for meat, chicken and fresh fruits and veggies. We are vowing that to be our last big provisioning run.

To end the day/week on a high note, we decided to make good on previous plans to take the dingies up the New River into downtown Ft Lauderdale to have dinner and drinks at the Pirate Republic Bar. So once we had everything broken down, repackaged and stowed, we jumped in the dingy and went by Las Sirenas to hook up and head out. It was a great ride over, cruising through the neighborhoods of unbelievable homes and over the top yachts. the Pirate bar was dead, so we diverted to the Briny Irish Bar and Grill and it was rockin. Had a great dinner and continued to swap stories and share history with Scott, Esme, Haley(13yo) and Alana(9yo). They are a wonderful family, and we really enjoy hanging out with them. Bella and Reina(their Australian Shepherd) got to go as well, but they are still working on their friendship, so they keep their distance from each other.



So we got up this morning, with a general feeling of preparedness. It was nice. No more running around, trying to think of all the things we "need". We did a few loads of laundry, filled water tanks, refueled the dingy and just knocked around. I actually had a "celebratory" rum and coke well before 5 o'clock!



So, here we sit for another few days. Looks like Monday is a good day to make the short jump on the outside to Miami. We will tuck in on the SW side of Key Biscayne, or we may spring for a mooring ball in Dinner Key. Honestly, I've got to get off the mooring balls though. They really eat away at the cruising kitty.



Wishing Ben Westbrock a very Happy 7th Birthday with a big lick from Belly Boo!

We should be able to post again tomorrow night.

Still in Ft. Lauderdale

Yes, I believe that we are stuck in Ft. Lauderdale. We have been on such a roll over the past few weeks, that it seems odd to still be on the mooring ball in Lauderdale (1 week now). However, we've gotten many items accomplished and also decided it was a better place to do our final staging rather than Miami. Our plan is to head to Miami, Friday Jan 15th. This means a run on the outside due to a bridge on the ICW not having the proper clearance height for SolMate. Brandon has been checking the weather and if all remains the same, our biggest jump to date in the big pond to Bimini will be Saturday! I think we are both anxious and nervous. This will mean more changes for us being able to stay in contact via our cell phones. I am sure we will do a post prior to officially leaving the states.

Rented a CAR on Monday afternoon which we had for three days!! All of Brandon's traveling is paying off. How exciting it was to be mobile on land again, knocking out a ton of errands. I think Brandon may have forgotten how to drive. My bad, he truly never knew how to drive in the first place for those of us who ever had the pleasure of being a passenger in his vehicle....ALL gas or ALL brake (does whiplash or car sickness ring any bells?). Anywho, we did get a ton of stuff done. Mostly running to all of Brandon's favorite sailor shops...West Marine, Sailorman, River Marine and a few other places for various parts.

The task of off-loading our two bad batteries, getting them to West Marine, and replaced was a huge accomplishment. Sorry, sea gods, no batteries for you! We also went to US Dept of Homeland Security to obtain our customs re-entry back into the US. You can do this in advance which makes life much easier upon our return. One call that's all!! (I sound like a commercial now). Yes, there was a need for another run to Wally World and boy do I wish we had a camera for this store...talk about the "people" from WalMart.

Brandon is off with our friend Scott to visit River Marine, AGAIN. He found a two cycle dinghy motor he wants badly, brand new so we can both have our own dinghy. We have two dinghy's, one is a hard bottom and the other soft bottom. The hard bottom is much better to have in the Bahamas due to the coral reefs etc... the idea was to sell the soft bottom when we get to the Bahamas not keep it. I swear, some things never change. Oh well!

I will close on that note, because I could go on, no need. Hope everyone is having a good week we truly do love reading all the comments it makes us feel connected.

Take care for now-

Cold and Wet in Fort Lauderdale

WE had a nasty day yesterday. In the 50's and rained all day. This morning it is quite windy and cold and 35 degrees, but looks dry outside. We are still in bed, trying to stay warm.



Here is an image of all the different places we have stayed on our journey to head South. Pretty exciting seeing it all mapped out.

Since we have been here in Ft Lauderdale, we have managed to reconnect with long time family friends Pat and Richie McMechen (Carryn's parents friends from New Jersey). They live in Boynton Beach, FL and drove down to Ft Lauderdale for a visit. We all managed to fit into the dinghy, including Bella for a ride back to the boat to show them our new home. It is always fun to share our boat with people who don't have any idea what to expect. They were pleasantly surprised and we were thrilled to get a chance to catch up with them and hear all about their children and grandchildren. Also, we like to wish them an early Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary!!! It will be 50yrs on January 23rd. Congratulations!


The project for today is replacing our battery bank. We bought 2 new batteries last year they have an 18 month warranty and Brandon is sure they are not holding a proper charge. Well we are on a mooring ball, freezing cold and each battery weighs over 100lbs. We have friends here with a car who are willing to run Brandon over to West Marine to have them tested and replaced. What an ordeal to get these batteries out of the engine room hoisted up and over the life lines and slowly lowered into the dinghy. The whole process took an hour and he only took one battery to not leave me here in the boat without any heat. Don't ask me if he will be able to do the second battery today. We hate tying up our friends whole day just running Brandon back and forth to West Marine.


In the meantime, I hope all of you are staying warm I know it has been extremely cold all over the country. I will let Brandon inform you of the details from today's project, if anybody is interested, and perhaps he may be to exhausted to share.

Las Olas, Ft Lauderdale- Realized!

Just realized we haven't posted in a few days. We were on the move again.

We last reported from Lake Worth in Palm Beach. We were on the hook for 2 days/nights and the anchorage was not much fun. Tuesday, the wind blew hard ALL DAY. we clocked steady 20=25 knots and a few gusts to 30, even 34 knots. No fun. We hunkered down on the boat all day, we even snuggled up with Bella for a nap. So with all that, and a fair weather forecast for Wednesday, we decided to make a run on the outside to get to Ft Lauderdale.

So we got up Wed morning and pulled anchor. We were out through the channel by about 10am, and we turned south. We unfurled the headsail, and it filled with 15-20 knots of NW wind. The seas were rolly, 2-3 feet, but since we were running with them, the motion was reasonable. I left the engine on to get a little extra push, since we got a late start and had about 55 miles to go to get to the Port Everglades/Ft Lauderdale inlet. We parallelled the beach keeping a mile or 2 east, which took advantage of the strong land breeze. At some points, the wind was almost westerly.

I phoned Capt Byrd(our friends from Marietta/Tybee) to "file my float plan" for the day. He reminded me to put a line in the water, so I dug out my tackle bag and selected a delicious looking lure. I was confident that any tuna or mahi would be thrilled to snack on it. I trolled it for about 2 hours, but nothing fell for it. Oh well, probably best since I don't have a Florida fishing license.

Overall, a great sail. We entered Port Everglades around 430p and had to wait for the 17th St causeway bridge to open at 5. We motored north up the ICW into the very posh area of Ft Lauderdale. IT is obvious why they call it "the Venice of the Americas". with all the waterfront homes on dredged channels. The homes and yachts are absolutely incredible.

We found a mooring ball at Las Olas marina, and as we were pulling up to snag it, we heard a familiar voice call out. Only a hundred yards away, our friends on Las Sirenas were tucked into a slip on the other side of the channel. It was great to see them, since we had lost contact with them when they passed by Vero Beach to continue south.

So here we sit, right in the thick of things. We have a great view and are walking/biking distance to about anything you could want. I told Carryn, that when I was working/walking stores in FLL, I always made it a point to drive through this area, often grabbing lunch in between stores. I would look down at the little anchorage at the few boats tucked in, and affirm, that someday, SolMate would some day enjoy this posh spot. It has come to be, and it feels great.

We took Bella to shore to play catch with the Flippy Flopper(she loves it), and decided to walk a few blocks to A1A boulevard. We decided to splurge on dinner and grabbed a table on the patio at the QuarterDeck restaurant. Carryn had a burger and I went big with baby back ribs. We deserved it. So we closed out our first night in FLL, and have plans to venture out Thursday on the bikes. a little shopping, some groceries, and a trip to the liquor store. We'll let you know how that goes.

Until then, take care. Thanks for checking in on us. Leave us a comment if you have a minute.

Chased South by Old Man Winter

We continue to push south, and the weather follows us. We spent 2 nights in Stuart where we linked up with ouir friends from Sail Harbor, Terry and Deb. They left Savannah the same day we did, but went outside and straigh to Canaveral in 36 hours. They held up in Sutart waiting on some parts which allowed us to catch up with them. We took a big walk to West Marine(about 5 miles RT) which we all needed. I had to buy a new belt- my pants are getting looser- which is a good thing. Deb had us and another couple over for sundowners and apps. It was a nice visit, but in an effort to get to warmer climes, we let loose of the mooring ball and got back on the ICW. It was a nice ride, but with quite a few lift bridges in Jupiter. You've got to time them just right or you end up burning up the day waiting on them to open on their schedule. There were several stretches of beautiflu blue-green water, especially coming into Jupiter. We even saw a manatee, but he/she was about a hundred yards away and not putting on a show for us like the dolphins often do. We made it to N Palm Beach Monday afternoon and anchored just south of Peanut island which sits just inside the Lake Worth inlet.

Last night, we wanted to get Bella out, so we put the motor in the dingy and headed to Peanut Island, to find a great rec area. It appears the county did a big makeover of the spoil island, by putting in bathroom facilities, picnic areas, and even a camping area. The island has a walkpath all the way arouind it. We landed the dingy on the beach and Bella cut loose- running, chasing her Flippy Flopper(a great soft frisbee that Jack and Ben gave her for Easter several years ago), and wading into the water. Within minutes, we were nearly struck by our first tragedy. Carryn turned to see the dingy being carried off the beach by the waves and current. Fortunately, it didn't get far, but I had to wade in to get it. You can't get lax in this gig, or it will bite you in the butt.

We had a nice night on anchor last night. Plenty of wind, but not too bumpy. The wind generator hummed through the night, filling our batteries with the juice that Carryn burned watching "The Bachelor". I was down by 8p, snuggling with Bella. Carryn joined us later.
We plan to go on the outside tomorrow to get to Fort Lauderdale. While we will miss some great sights on the ICW(big beautiful estates on the waterfront and huge mega yachts) we will also miss the dozen or so lift bridges that can be a real hassle. So today, we have much work to do, securing all the equipment on deck and putting away everything down below, so it doesn't get tossed to the floor when heeling and taking the wave action offshore.
Hope all is well with everyone.

Happy New Year to All

We hope you are had a great New Year's Eve and are up and enjoying the day.

We had a big day of errands yesterday, putting about 15 miles on the bikes to get to WalMart and Home Depot. We picked up a few goodies at HD- a small padlock for the Y-valve so the Potty Police will be satisfied with our no-discharge setup, a big rubber backed carpet door mat for Bella to potty on at the bow(we decided it wasn't really good for the gelcoat for her to be peeing on it and it also compromises our ablility to catch fresh rainwater on the decks and divert it to our water tanks), and some other things. We also made a run to Publix and Fresh Market, but didn't need much there.

On the way back, I spotted a Alan's Bicycle shop- I have been badly needing to find one to replace my chain. We darted in and found a really nice bunch of folks. They set me up with a new chain, new middle chainring and new 7speed cassette(rear sprockets). Carryn found a comfy "ladies" seat that she hopes will be a little easier on her bottomsides. The guys installed the drivetrain and tuned it up nice. It pedals like a new machine- not bad for a 20 year old bike that I bought when I was in college.

So we got back to the boat and found we seemed to be missing quite a few things from the Walmart bags, when we concluded that we had left a whole bag at the register. I hate those "turntable" baggers that walmart uses. They really make it likely that you will leave a bag on it the way they spin it around. We called WM and they said "no problem, just come back in and we'll take care of it". Crap- another 15 mile ride to get a sack of stuff. But we need it, so we planned on heading in today.

But the weather has other plans. We woke this morning to light rain, and it has continued all day so far. There is a pretty nasty cold front moving in and we will be treated to NW winds 20-25 knots and mornign temps in the 40's.

But this negative was trumped by a big positive- our friends Ted and Noreen from Savannah are driving back from Ft Lauderdale adn want to drop in and visit us. We are thrilled. Our first visitors! Even though the weather is crappy, I'm sure we'll have a great time. We look forward to catching up with them(even though we have only been gone a week and a half).

We're heading to meet them and go for a little lunch- and a car trip to WalMart!!