s/vYOLO Swab's Log Blog Day 230 Entry 0039 On the Move.

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Tuesday, December 31, 2013 Day 230 Entry 0039

New Years Eve

Boot Key Harbor and Marina Mooring #W10 http://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/government/departments/marina-and-ports/

Marathon in the Middle of the Florida Keys

Subject:  On the move. 

Captain Steve and I decided to move the boat to the mooring on Friday.  We had some chores to do which are easier to do at the dock then on the mooring so we got up early on Friday.  While Captain Steve worked on down below I was topside.  While Captain Steve cleaned the water  intake filters and screens on the engine and generator, I worked topside, hosing down the deck.  The deck did not need to be scrubbed, since we did that when we arrived from Miami.  After the trip down from Miami the boat was encrusted with salt from the waves and sea spray.  The railing around the boat was completely covered, as though it had been dipped in salt.  Picture the rim of a 48 foot margarita glass!  But at this point the boat just needed a good rinse and some tiding up!  I pulled the dinghy up and secured it.  I got the mooring lines out and secured the chaffing guards.  When I finally went below, Captain Steve had this little present for me spread out on a paper towel on the salon table.  When I saw it on the table I started yelling to get it off the table (since we eat there!)  He kept saying 'It's OK it's on a paper towel!'   'It's only sea grass, there are no dead fish or fish parts in it.'   OMG!!!  Are you kidding???   (I ,ll let you assume who said that!) Then he said take a picture – no one is going to believe this.  So I did exactly that!   But just this once though!

YUCK and more YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!  According to Captain Steve the bright green leaves are a clear indication that the water is clean!  I am not convinced!

Captain Steve thinks that we picked up the sea grass while we were anchored in Biscayne Bay for a week! 

We finished our chores.  Let go the lines and started up river to the Boot Key Harbor and Marina mooring ball W10.  http://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/government/departments/marina-and-ports/
Ready for our next adventure.  Happy New Year!!!!!

Sea u later.  On the mooring!

s/vYOLO Swab's Log Blog Day 229 Entry 0038 Back on track! W10 (3 of 3)

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Monday, December 30, 2013  Day 229 Entry 0038

Boot Key Harbor and Marina Mooring #W10 http://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/government/departments/marina-and-ports/

Marathon in the Middle of the Florida Keys

December 27, 2013 Friday

Subject:  Back on track!  W10!  (3 of 3)

OK so there is only one 60 foot mooring left!   I asked how many of the 45s were available, with that he replied - it doesn't matter since we could not use it anyway!  GREAT!  Do we want to really stay here?  YES!  When we looked at the prices, we found that the cost of staying for 2 weeks was only $10. less then the cost of a month!!!!!!!!!!!  No wonder this place was almost full.  So Captain Steve said we will take it.  He figured that better safe than sorry with only one ball left.   So we paid for the month, even though we would not be using the mooring for a few days.  The HB hesitated and said that this is really unorthodox.  He said again that people make arrangements via VHF radios from their boats.  So I said ‘No Problem’ I pulled the hand held VHF (that I always carry when using the dinghy) out of my knapsack, proceeded to turn it on,  and said 'I’ll be right back!  I’ll call you from the boat!'  Meaning the dinghy, but the HB didn't have to know that!   At that the HB laughed, shaking his head and said all right all right – it’s yours!  This is a first for me!    As though Captain Steve and I do stuff like this all the time.  Little did he know that we are new at this ‘live aboard’ stuff and are sailing by the seat of our pants, learning as we go!  But having a great time!   We completed the paperwork, got the ID tags for the dinghy, bikes and most importantly our mooring ball number W10!  

Sea u later!  Let’s go!

s/vYOLO Swab's Log Blog Day 228 Entry 0037 Boot Key Harbor and Marina (2 of 3)

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Sunday,  December 29, 2013  Day 228 Entry 0037

Boot Key Harbor and Marina Mooring #W10 http://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/government/departments/marina-and-ports/

Marathon in the Middle of the Florida Keys

December 27, 2013 Friday

Subject:  Back on track.  Boot Key Harbor and Marina  (2 of 3)

The place is huge with over 200 mooring balls.  But we noticed that there were only about 10 unoccupied mooring balls, as we navigated through the field.  This marina has about 20 moorings that can hold 60 foot boats, the rest hold up to a 45 foot boat.   So we thought that if they don’t have any of the bigger moorings available, we would take one of the smaller moorings.  Since we are only staying for a few weeks, the difference in the length is only 3 feet, and the weight a few pounds, and with no storms in the near future the smaller mooring ball should be fine.  We pulled up to the dinghy dock and went to make a reservation with the harbor master (hm)!   Well they do not take reservations! First come First served!  GREAT!   The HB wanted to know where our boat was presently.  He mentioned that this was very unorthodox; most people call on their VHS and request a mooring as they are turning into the channel.  I asked how many moorings were available.  He offered to check the system, to see if a mooring was available, since we were standing there.  System, what system?  This place looked as though they didn't even keep paper records!  Looks can be very deceiving!  This place is right on the ball (ha ha mooring ball)!   (OK lame, I admit!  But could not resist!)   The HB would not give us any info until we answered his questions though.  He wanted our name, driver’s license, the boat name, make, year and if the boat is documented or not.  Presto changeo he pulled up the boat registration and profile, he knew more about the boat then I did!  He said you are in luck; there is 1 mooring left that can accommodate your boat!  

Sea u later!   Back on track!  W10 (3 of 3) 

s/vYOLO Day 227 Entry 0036 Back on Track (1 of 3)

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Saturday, December 28, 2013  Day 227 Entry 0036

Boot Key Harbor and Marina Mooring #W10 http://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/government/departments/marina-and-ports/

Marathon in the Middle of the Florida Keys

December 27, 2013 Friday

Subject:  Hope you enjoyed the show! Back on track!  (1 of 3)

While we were docked at the Marathon Marina and Boat Yard, we scouted out (rather scooted in the dinghy) other places to stay in the area.  We found that a majority of the slips and moorings are rented for months at a time, especially during the holidays.  GREAT!  We did not want to stay in the slip, and would rather be on a mooring, but the marina did not have moorings.   We find it much easier on a mooring ball, we don’t have to adjust the lines every few hours when the tide changes, as in a slip.  

We found the Boot Key Harbor and Marina.  This place looked as though it should be in the Caribbean – tiki huts with picnic benches every where – more people than not didn't have shoes on, even though they all appeared to be over 60.  It appeared to be a summer camp for senior citizens.   Barefoot in paradise!   Very laid back and rustic!  We thought this place is right up our alley (or canal!)    

Sea u later!  Back on Track (2 of 3) 

S/vYOLO Swab's Log Blog Entry 0035 Day 226

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Friday, December 27, 2013  Day 226 Entry 0035

Boot Key Harbor and Marina Mooring #10 http://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/government/departments/marina-and-ports/
Marathon in the Middle of the Florida Keys

December 26, 2013 Thursday Boxing Day

Subject:  Marathon, Florida
I set out to write about the activities that Marathon has to offer.  BUT I got sidetracked by a TV show on TRU TV entitled the Impractical Joker, which just happened to be on while I was trying to post!  The show is about 4 guys- 3 from Staten Island and 1 from Brooklyn (I think) who play outrageous practical jokes on each other!  Apparently they have been playing jokes on each other since high school!  No matter how long - they have it down to a science - they are hilarious!!!!! I can't stop laughing!  If you don't get TRU TV; log onto the web site below!

http://www.trutv.com/shows/impractical-jokers/index.html

I will post the blog that I intended to post today tomorrow!  

Sea u later!

s/vYOLO Swab's Blog Entry 0034 Day 234 Christmas Boat Parade!

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Thursday Boxer Day, December 26, 2013  Day 225 Entry 0034

Marathon  Marina and Boat Yard - Slip 63  
http://www.marathonmarinaandresort.com/

Middle of the Florida Keys

December 25, 2013 Wednesday 

Weather:  Gray and overcast with light drizzle in the morning!  Sporadic rain showers throughout the day.and evening.  Temps - 65 - 80 degrees.  Winds ESE 10 to 15mph  gusting to 20 knots.  

Subject:  Christmas Boat Parade!
Enjoyed day with other cruisers!  Went for a walk on 7 mile bridge.  Beautiful views of ICW and the ocean.  Stopped for a drink at the Lazy Days restaurant. http://lazydayssouth.com/     Met a very nice couple from Michagen.  They were very impressed when Captain Steve held up his hand with the palm facing out and asked them to show him on his hand where they lived in Michagain. https://www.google.com/search?q=michigan+and+hand&num=20&newwindow=1&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=w7K7UrCHIsjY2gWgkYCoAw&ved=0CC8QsAQ&biw=1366&bih=652#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=vbOUB9Wyo55emM%3A%3BIkzRbKSbRi4QlM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fmichigan.modularhomes.info%252Fmichigan-map.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fnerdjockprincess.com%252F%253Ftag%253Dfamily%3B320%3B312
They have a RV in the park by the 7mile bridge and a 30 foot motor boat (m/vProud Mary) there also.  They have been to the Bahamas multiple times.  They gave us a great deal of information and advice. They are going to Bahamas http://www.bahamas.com/ in March, hopefully we will meet them there! 
https://www.google.com/search?q=michigan+and+hand&num=20&newwindow=1&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=w7K7UrCHIsjY2gWgkYCoAw&ved=0CC8QsAQ&biw=1366&bih=652#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=vbOUB9Wyo55emM%3A%3BIkzRbKSbRi4QlM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fmichigan.modularhomes.info%252Fmichigan-map.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fnerdjockprincess.com%252F%253Ftag%253Dfamily%3B320%3B312
Miami has a boat parade every year.  http://miamionthecheap.com/miami-outboard-club-holiday-boat-parade/  When we were there we watched it from the marina.  I have included some picturers below.

s/v YOLO Day 224 Entry 0033 First Christmas Eve on the boat!

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Wednesday Christmas Day, December 25, 2013  Day 224 Entry 33  First Christmas on the Boat

Marathon  Marina and Boat Yard - Slip 63  
http://www.marathonmarinaandresort.com/

Middle of the Florida Keys

December 25, 2013 Wednesday 

Weather:  Gray and overcast with light drizzle in the morning!  Expected to clear up later this morning.  Temps - 70 - 85 degrees.  Winds ESE 8 to 12 gusting to 20 knots.  

Subject:  Merry Christmas!  How we celebrated Christmas Eve!

We strung small white lights from the mast!  Captain Steve really wanted large colored lights  but he gets to use the colored lights on the Christmas tree at home.  Anyway I was the one who went to the store and bought them, so I should get to choose!

I drew a Christmas Tree and hung it on the wall above the navigation station. I hung our ornaments  from the shelf above.  The sand dollor was a gift from Dan and Gina.  The sailboat  with 'YOLO' on the sail was a gift from Gen. I hung the candy canes from the ceiling hand holds, but they kept falling off when the boat rocked!.  So I hung them from the shelf.  Finally placed our presents under the tree.  All with our alligators - Gator and Ally - keeping watch for Santa.  (Instead of elf on a shelf we 'Floridized' it with our alligators.)  http://www.elfontheshelf.com/content/about-us

A power boat in the marina all 'decked'out for Christmas with Palm Trees.

We went to the dock Christmas Party in the evening.  Met a couple who lived in BrooklynHeights and a women who is from Bay Ridge.  Another couple from Pennsylvania often anchored in Great Kills harbor on Staten Island .  The Richmond County Yacht Club http://www.rcyachtclub.org/ is located in Great Kills.  They loved the area and the proximity to Manhattan!  Very small world.  We had a good time!  

Captain Steve and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  Enjoy!

Sea u later! 

s/vYOLO Swab's Log Entry 32 Day 223 Merry Christmas Eve!

s/v YOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Tuesday, December 24, 2013  Day 223 Entry 32

Marathon  Marina and Boat Yard - Slip 63  
http://www.marathonmarinaandresort.com/

Middle of the Florida Keys

December 24, 2013 Tuesday 

Weather:  Beautiful!   Temps - 73 - 85 degrees.  Winds ESE 5 to 8 knots, sunny with blue cloudless skies.

Good morning world!  Merry Christmas Eve from Marathon Key, Florida.  We have a busy day for today (just like most people all over the world today!)  We will go to the grocery store to pick up a few things, very few things, since we will be riding our bikes; decorate the boat and wrap our gifts to each other. 

I am very surprised at the number of other cruisers who are spending the holidays here.   We were invited to the dock Christmas Eve party this evening.   I will bake cookies for the party.  I am looking forward to the party and meeting other cruisers.  Hopefully we will meet the captain and crew of s/vOur Nest.  (Will let you know.)

It is very weird not to be in the kitchen cooking up a storm, polishing silverware, ironing table clothes and napkins.  But I am ready to try new ways of celebrating. 

I spent a few Christmases in Hawaii.  Many Hawaiian families celebrate by having a pig roast on the beach!  So instead of cooking up a storm in the kitchen; people sit around the oven which is a hole in the sand.  Instead of polishing silverware, you eat with plastic forks or your fingers.  No one irons anything, so leaves are used instead of table clothes.  Napkins are not needed; just rinse your fingers in the ocean.   This is so totally foreign to me.  I am so used to the ridged formality of family dinners.  Nothing is written in stone, with the exception of tomb stones, Captain Steve and I are open to trying new ways.  Celebrating Christmas differently from what I am used to, will be just another one!

One thing that I clearly remember was Santa all decked out in red board shorts, suspenders (sans the shirt) and flip flops. 

That vision of Santa was so odd and far fetched to me.  I always thought Santa wore the red board shorts after Christmas when he is on vacation!   People adapt traditions and incorporate them into their way of life.   To be perfectly honest Santa would have looked ridiculous wearing a white fur trimmed red velvet suite and black boots.  At least the Hawaiians’ kept the color red!  I can’t tell you what Santa wares in Florida, since I haven’t seen him yet!  Hopefully he drops by tonight!  (I’ll let you know.)

Got to go – have to make our Christmas Tree so Captain Steve and I can decorate it.   Another thing that is totally new to me I never made one before.   

This evening at 6pm, just when the sun is setting here in Florida, Captain Steve and I will be sending you warm wishes and happy thoughts for a safe and very Merry Christmas where ever you are!

I have included the URL for pictures of Santa Hawaiian style.

https://www.google.com/search?q=santa+in+hawaii+pictures&num=20&newwindow=1&tbm=isch&source=iu&imgil=aTLT3QUBWCjmxM%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fencrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9GcSFdH7b9b0bv7qr5tg8tPLH_AqeC6yk-o2b6uJLKmK2rpQTp0MUXA%253B380%253B320%253ByFj39NSidOme5M%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.travelandleisure.com%25252Farticles%25252Fbest-hotel-santas%25252F3&sa=X&ei=4ZC5UtTnMOTn2QXa4YHADw&ved=0CDkQ9QEwBQ&biw=1366&bih=652#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=oSenGam6UA3-iM%3A%3BjDklCBCRM6-LDM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F_048g8goJhH0%252FTRitXjOtfHI%252FAAAAAAAABPE%252Ftxp3lquE5rA%252Fs640%252FSanta%252Bin%252BHawaii%252BAttending%252BThe%252BFederal%252BBar%252BAssociation%252BDecember%252BConference.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcopyrightlitigation.blogspot.com%252F2010_12_01_archive.html%3B320%3B480

Sea u later!  Merry Christmas Eve!  

s/v YOLO Swab's Blog Day 222 Entry 31 Now I'm back!

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Monday December 23, 2013  Day 222 Entry 31

Marathon  Marina and Boat Yard - Slip 63  
http://www.marathonmarinaandresort.com/

Middle of the Florida Keys

December 22, 2013 Tuesday 
Weather:  Beautiful!   Temps - 73 - 85 degrees.  Winds ESE 8 to 10 knots, sunny with blue cloudless skies.

Subject:  I'm back!

I apologize that I have not posted lately but we have been so busy – doing chores on the boat; having company for a week; practicing anchoring; researching various destinations and marina amenities; deciding how and where we are going to celebrate Christmas and New Years; selecting alternative cities and marinas; shopping for Christmas presents; mailing presents; keeping track of inventory and provisions among other things.  Please be assured I  am not shunning my commitment to post but a multitude of ‘things’ got in the way.  In the future I will post at least every other day, even if it is not as informative as I would like.  Living on a sailboat in Florida and blogging are very new to me.  But on the positive side - all this activity has created a lot of material for this blog; some very interesting, exciting, funny; unbelievable and all true!  So hopefully the wait will be worth it!  Thank you for you patience and understanding and most importantly reading and sharing this blog with others!

The following is a recap of the past 3 weeks, each of which will necessitate multiple posting to cover!

·        My sister Gen came for a week so we moved the boat to the Miami Municipal Marina (Miamarina.) http://www.miamigov.com/marinas/pages/marinas/  Had a great time with the three Ms – Miami, Marina and Mojitos!  (actually 4 and Me)

·        Anchoring in Biscayne Bay.  http://www.sandbarhopper.com/biscayne.htm   The process; what we did wrong and right.  What we learned about anchoring, going ashore, our systems and ourselves.

·        Sailing Biscayne Bay.

·        Moving on south.  Traveling on the ‘outside’ for 2 days in very rough seas!  OMG!

·        Coexisting on the boat for 10 consecutive days – and still talking to each other!

·        The sunrises, sunsets, stars, sun and sand!  Best of all no snow!

·        Preparing to celebrate the holidays!

Sea u tomorrow - Christmas Eve!

s/vYOLO Swabs Blog 0029 Day 197 Port Miami.

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Monday December 9, 2013  

Miami Municipal Marina Dock B slip 33

December 3, 2013 Tuesday

Blog Entry 0029 Sailing Seniors Adventure Day 197

Subject:  Port Miami.

We have had such an enjoyable trip!  So very different from the last time we ventured out to the ocean!

As we approached the Government Cut  of Port Miami, (http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/),  I contacted the US Coast Guard to find out if we could use the Main Channel.  If two or more Cruise Ships are in port, the Main channel is closed.  Therefore you have to take the channel to the south called Dodge Channel.   Well the Main Channel was closed so we turned south as we cleared the cut.  This was fine with me because we would have had to go through 2 bridges and I have had enough of bridges!   Since all the traffic was being diverted to the Dodge Channel it was a madhouse!!!   So we slowly wove our way around the ferries, barges, tankers, container ships, cabin cruisers, sailboats, tour boats (including a Pirate Boat),

sailboats and jet skiers zigzagging through the channel!   As we headed to the east shore to pick up the ICW and head south to Coconut Grove, I took these pictures.

There 7 cruise ships in port that day!  

Sea you later!  Coconut Grove.