Friday, January 24, 2014

s/v YOLO Swabs Log Blog Day 254 Entry 0056 OMG 2000+ people!!!!!!!

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog
Posting Date:  Friday, January  24, 2014   
Day 254 Entry 0056
Actual Date:  January 24, 2014 Friday  

Subject:  2000 people!

YEPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU MIGHT NOT BELIEVE THIS, BUT 
2000+ PEOPLE, WORLD WIDE

ARE READING THIS BLOG!!!!!!!!!

Our pictures are listed here - give it a click!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

https://www.google.com/search?q=yolo+sailing+blogspot&num=20&newwindow=1&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=EoHZUoClJdLnsASUkYHADg&ved=0CLsBELAE&biw=1366&bih=653

THANK YOU!   THANK YOU! THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!
To all of our readers and advertisers!!!!!!!!
Sea u later!!!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

s/v YOLO Swab's Log Blog Day 253 Entry 0055 No Man Is An Islan But Our Boat is! Part 4

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog
Posting Date:  Thursday, January  23, 2014   
Day 253 Entry 0055
Actual Date:  January 17, 2014 Friday. 

Subject:  No Man Is An Island But Our Boat Is!  Part 4


So basically the boat is set up as its own island!   We can live ‘on the hook’ (translation for land lubbers - at anchor, or not attached to shore electricity) for 3 months. Based on Captain Steve’s calculations the diesel fuel should last more than 3 months, but we don’t want to get caught short!   There are so many remote places that we want to visit and in order to go there we knew we had to be totally self sufficient!   

So we can be totally independent for as long as 3 months or as long as we are still talking to each other – which ever comes first! 

 We are ready to set out to find those remote places.

Sea u later!  Now when and where to go! 


Tuesday, January 21, 2014

s/v YOLO UPDATE WITH TREE PICTURES Day 237 Entry 0046 Party like a local! 7

s/v YOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog
Posting Date:  Tuesday, January 7, 2014   
Weather:  53 degrees   Sustained winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts and up to 35 to 41.     
Day 237 Entry 0046
Actual Date:  December 31, 2013 Tuesday  

Subject:  Party like a local. 7  UPDATE WITH TREE PICTURES!

Moving on we headed towards the center of town to search out the great Bed and Breakfast  we stayed in previously.   We found the Old Towne Manor, on Eaton just off Duval Street, right were we left it!  This place is great!!!  http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/eatonstreet-keywestfl.html?aid=347990&label=sppctrip-hotel-577503_xqdz-_pool-com_slice-99999&utm_source=tripad&utm_medium=SPPC&utm_content=images&utm_term=hotel-577503&lang=en-us&utm_campaign=US&trip=UswE-wreAnYAAEbZFDAAAAAT;inj=1



This is the actual room we stayed in, but the best part in not in the picture though!
http://www.oldtownmanor.com/Rooms/Lime-tree.aspx  The bathroom was added on to the guest room.  Because the owners did not want to cut the very large tree down to accommodate the bathroom!    They built the bathroom around the tree – literally!  The tree is over 4 feet around, over 60 years old and grows through the floor boards and right through the roof!   You have to side step between the tree and the wall to get to the toilet!  The funny thing was that when I booked the room the clerk did mentioned that there was a tree in the bathroom  but didn't mention the size or height so I thought it was something similar to a potted palm.  OK not a problem.   So I never mentioned it to Captain Steve.  Well when we got there, he was bringing in the bags and immediately noticed the tree.  I was on the patio talking to the manager, when he came out and asked if I new there was a tree in the bathroom.   

The manager immediately replied for me, saying that he told me about the tree!  I guess other guests have had a problem with the tree!  I looked at both of them and asked what the problem was, as I walked into the room! 












Upon seeing the tree, I declared that I was under the impression that I thought it was a potted palm and this is definitely not a potted palm!  Then Captain Steve asked, ‘Did you pay extra for the room with the tree?’   I guess he knows me all too well – I didn't but I would have have paid extra – it was GREAT!!!!!!  Well we checked - the tree is still there! 

s/v YOLO Swab's Log Blog Day 251 Entry 0054 No Man Is An Island But Our Boat Is! Part 3

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog
Posting Date:  Tuesday, January  21, 2014   
Day 251 Entry 0054
Actual Date:  January 17, 2014 Friday. 

Subject:  No Man Is An Island But Our Boat Is!  Part 3

Since we have a reverse osmosis system (aka water maker) we don’t need to go to a dock to fill our water tanks.  I was very leery about desalinated water – really very leery.  I thought that we would just use it only for washing and not drink it.   While on the dock at Boot Key Harbor I met a man from Point Pleasant, NJ (no less).  During the conversation he mentioned that he worked for the water department at Ft. Dix.  So I asked him about the desalinated water systems – he said that it works great!  He said that the armed forces use reverse osmosis systems extensively for drinking!   He has a system on his boat!  After mentioning the system we had – he volunteered that your system is much better than mine!  So drink up!  Well I thought I would give the reverse osmosis water a try!   I was very surprised that it is crystal clear!   We conducted our own taste test using 2 identical glasses (yes I had to 'barrow ' form a restaurant) 2 glasses (OK 2 small brandy snifters) for this test  since we only have plastic glasses on the boat!   We each took a turn filling one glass with the bottled water and the other the desalinated water and then the other would drink it.   Neither Captain Steve nor I could tell the difference!  Can you tell the difference????







Sea u later!  
Subject:  No Man Is An Island But Our Boat Is!  Part 4





Sunday, January 19, 2014

s/v YOLO Swab's Log Blog Day 249 Entry 0053 No Man Is An Island But Our Boat Is! Part 2

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog
Posting Date:  Sunday, January  19, 2014   
Day 249 Entry 0053
Actual Date:  January 17, 2014 Friday. 

Subject:  No Man Is An Island But Our Boat Is!  Part 2

The electronic dinghy hoist has 2 cables each with its own hand held remote control.   The boat’s electronic system can not handle both cables being operated at the same time!   Basically if both buttons are pressed simultaneously, the circuit breaker is tripped.  No big deal!  All of our guests seem to be very interested in the dinghy hoist, since I guess, not many people have them!   When some one other than Captain Steve or I is using the hoist, we always tell them – ‘Don’t press both buttons at once!’   Everyone heads these instructions and have operated the hoist successfully; with the exception of one!  How come there is always ONE!  Well he knows who he is!  I’ll leave it at that!
The other electricity exception is the thing that generates the most amount of heat when use; is the iron!   OMG!!!!  Believe me when I say; ’I am not complaining!!!!!’   I don’t enjoy ironing anyway!   Actually I don’t know anyone who does!!!   When packing for this trip, I limited the number of clothes that require ironing to 1 dress for me and 5 dress shirts and 2 pair of slacks for Captain Steve.   I can iron when only the bare minimum of systems and appliances are turned on – not a problem!  Actually I think it’s a great excuse not to iron!

Sea u later!  No Man Is An Island But Our Boat Is!  Part 3



Friday, January 17, 2014

s/v YOLO Day 247 Entry 0052 No Man Is an Island, but Our Boat Is! Part 1


s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog
Posting Date:  Friday, January  17, 2014   
Weather:  Beautiful, blustery cool and crisp!  Sweat shirts, Long pants and socks required!   53 degrees going to 64.  Breezy 5 to 7 mph out of the east.  Perfect Polar Day!  
Day 247 Entry 0052
Actual Date:  January 17, 2014 Friday. 

Subject:  No man is an island, but our boat is!  Part 1

The boat has the systems to run with out shore power (hooked up to electricity).  s/v YOLO has a generator to produce electricity and 12 batteries to maintain it for up to 48 hours.  Using this stored power we run all systems and appliances with 2 exceptions.  The generator is turned on every day (usually in the morning) for 2 hours, which requires less than a half gallon of gas; to charge the batteries.  I can operate all of the house appliances such as:  the coffer maker; microwave; toaster oven; electric fry pan; and slow cooker; washing machine; water heater; both TV’s; 
Captain Steve hoisting the TV antenna!


reverse osmosis; use all the electrical outlets; turn on all the interior and exterior lights and most importantly the electronic toilet for 24 to 48 hours. Longer, if only a few of the systems are turned on.  This is in addition to all the boat and navigational systems such as:  navigation lights; bow thruster; electronic hoist; reverse osmosis (water maker) and electronic winches and windless (anchor.)  There are 2 exceptions to this though!   The exceptions are the electronic dinghy hoist and the clothes iron.   

Sea u later!   No Man Is An Island, But Our Boat Is!  Part 2



Sunday, January 12, 2014

s/vYOLO Swab's Log Blog Day 242 Entry 0051 What's in a (boat) Name?

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog
Posting Date:  Sunday, January 12, 2014   
Weather:  Beautiful!  77 degrees going to 85.  Slight breeze 3 to 5 mph out of the east.  Perfect Day!  
Day 242 Entry 0051
Actual Date:  January 12, 2014 Saturday. 


What is the connection between the name of a boat and the Captain??
I have mentioned a few boat names in  previous posting that I thought of as interesting.  I will continue to include boat names and/or post pictures of boat names in future blogs.  I will select boat names that we liked, or thought unusual, or are totally baffled as to what it means or it's origin.   We often wondered what the story is behind boat names; sometimes we speculate or even make up stories!
What is your first impression of this boat name?

No the captain of m/vBLISS is not disenchanted or unhappy with his boat.  'BLISS', is not crossed out!  Yes I know it looks as though 'BLISS' is crossed out!  But motor boats cross there stern lines when tied up to the dock with the stern in. .  
We liked this one!  Captain Steve thinks it is the Captain's first boat!


Sea u later!

Saturday, January 11, 2014

s/vYOLO Day 241 Entry 0050Swab's Log Blog 2014

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog
Posting Date:  Saturday,  January 11, 2014   
Weather:   
Day 241 Entry 0050
Actual Date:  January 1, 2014 New Years Day, Wednesday   

Subject:  2014 

We enjoyed the warm, sunny weather on New Years Day, which is a total out of the box for us.  So we decided to just 'hang out and take the day off!' Which is exactly what Captain Steve did  - literally! 







I think he found a new 'happy place!'

Captain Steve attached the 'dunken chair' to the cable used to raise and lower the dinghy.  Unfortunately  I couldn't get the audio to work.  So you will have to imagine what he is saying to me as I raise and lower the chair, but I guarantee you he was not complaining! 
We went to dinner at a brand new restaurant just across US 1 from the marina - it was superb!  I would tell you the name but it's so new they don't have a sign  up yet!
Sea u later!




Friday, January 10, 2014

s/vYOLO Day 240 Entry 0049 Party like a local 10. Sloppy Joe's

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog
Posting Date:  Friday, January 10, 2014   
Weather:   Cool 60 to 70 degrees with a 20 percent chance of rain  and wind out of the south at 5 to 8 mph.  Nothing as it was!
Day 240 Entry 0049
Actual Date:  December 31, 2013 Tuesday  

Subject:  Party like a local. 10 Sloppy Joe's 

Well we had a celebratory beer at Captain Tony's and moved on in search of more adventure!   We didn't have to go far to reach our next destination - Sloppy Joe's on Duval Street.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sloppy_Joe's  




Well it was getting close to sundown, so we just snapped this picture of Sloppy Joe's Bar!   With plans to circle back later to  watch the 'Conch' descend while counting down 2013.  
We headed to Mallory Square to enjoy the street party that takes place every evening just before sundown.   The street entertainers and venders are quite diverse, therefore you never know what they have in store for you!  Just south of Mallory Square is the southern most point, of the continental  United States facing with an unobstructed view facing due west!  the best place to be when watching the sun go down.  So we thought it fitting that we watch the last  sunset of 2013 from there!    Well it did have an unobstructed view when cruise ships are not in port.    We were assured by the staff that the ship was departing shortly. 


 And they were true to their word!


There you have it - the last sunset of 2013!

After eating dinner and toasting the sunset we decided to return back to the boat!
We arrived back at the boat at 11:45, sat on the bow reminiscing where we have been and where we are going!
I wanted to end the year by recapping our adventurers but every day brings something new for us to deal with.  I have enough material for a year, but the important thing is that we are acquiring new material every day!  So I will include past occurrences amongst the daily posts!  I hope you have enjoyed this Swab's Log Blog thus far and will continue to read and comment on them!  
May your sails be full and your seas gentle in the coming year!


Sea you later!  2014



Thursday, January 9, 2014

s/vYOLO Day 239 Entry 0048 Party Like local 9. Captain Tony's Saloon - fish.

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog
Posting Date:  Thursday, January 9, 2014   
Weather:   70 degrees with a 60 percent chance of rain wind out of the south at 5 to 8 mph.
Day 239 Entry 0048
Actual Date:  December 31, 2013 Tuesday  

Subject:  Party like a local. 9  Captain Tony's Saloon - fish.

As we  saw the sign with the fish, we both looked at each other and asked each other simultaneously for a quarter!  I went first!  I stood in the gutter, with my back to the sign.  Captain Steve stood on the sidewalk stopping people from crossing in front of the sign so I would not hit them!  He counted down, I threw the coin and missed by yards and yards.  Being a gentleman - Captain Steve gave me another try!  I again I failed miserably!  
Now it was Captain Steve's turn.  By this time a crowd had gathered to watch! He said it was not necessary to stand in front of the bar to keep anyone from walking past, because could through pretty well!   Even the patrons in the restaurant across the street stopped eating to to watch!  I thought that Captain Steve was way over confident and laughed!   So I stood across the street with the camera ready to catch the momentous occasion just in case he hit his mark! 

Well Captain Steve has never failed to amaze me!  As pedestrians walked around him  but most stopped to watch and cars whizzed by, I counted down!   Through the lips, over the gums, look out tummy here it comes!  He let it rip!   OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He nailed it on the first try!   He didn't believe it!  He actually looked around on the ground for the quarter, until the women in the picture assured him that he really hit the mark!    As I hooted and applauded, people stopped and congratulated him, passing cars honked their horns saluting him!   People came out of the bar and restaurant to congratulate him.   Well I was thrilled when I realized that I got the picture!    Everyone telling him that he will have very good luck for the year! Hopefully they meant 2014!  But all in all, I must say that 2013 was a great year for us!   So when you visit Captain Tony's Saloon in Key West - try your luck!!!!! 


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