January 26, February 9 2015, Fort Meyers, Cayo Costa to Marathon with Kathy and Dave

On Sunday, we managed to squeeze everyone into the dinghy and headed to shore.  The dinghy dock wasn't too full but there are places where the rubber rub stripping has been torn off the dock exposing nails so it took us a few tries to locate a suitable place to tie up.  Wouldn't do to have a punctured dinghy!

We walked to the beach and then walked across the Matanzas Pass Bridge (San Carlos Boulevard) with the goal of checking out the shrimp store where you can buy shrimp right off the boats.  But first we had to recharge at at one of 3 nearby restaurants.

Easy to choose you might be thinking.  Think again.  In a superb example of  group decisiveness,  we finally sat down after 30 minutes.  We ended up selecting a place Dave and Kathy had eaten at before.  I unfortunately cant remember the name of the place but I do remember its newly opened under new management.   And it was nice with seating overlooking the river.

After the recharge we did walk to the Trico Shrimp place along the river.  We looked at the boats and noted the marine parts store nearby was closed.  So we walked back across the bridge, stopping for yet another re-charge at Kilwins, an ice cream store along the beach.  

While there we were treated to watching a street entertainer setting up.  He was one of those guys in white makeup and dressed in all white that mimics a statue.  He really did look like a statue too.

We headed back to the boat around 4pm since we were expecting Russ and Kathy over for a few drinks.  We had met them at the laundry facility the day before and as we were heading in this morning I hailed them at their boat and invited them over.

And so they arrived, complete with a wine bladder.  Wine Bladder?  Yup.  Its basically boxed wine without the box, just the bag part.  She likes white wine too,  which gave the semi transparent bladder a yellowish appearance.  And yes, there was a strong likeness to a hospital catheter bag.  Quite funny!

We had a great time and when they left we sort of skipped dinner, ran the generator and made water.   Exciting evening!

Next morning we slept late.  Earlier, in the wee hours of the morning, we had a drenching downpour roll through.  The winds behind the front were forecast to be high, in the 20-30 mph range so I wanted to get moving early in the morning.

I took Dave into shore so he could get his car so he could drive it to Ft. Myers where we are taking the boat.   After I returned, we brought the dinghy onboard, even in the stiff winds.  And a few minutes later Kathy slipped the pendant off the boat and we motored out of Ft. Myers Beach into the little bay there where it was pretty rough.  Rough enough to take water over the bow.  Kathy, undeterred, stayed out there on the foredeck through most of it.

Kathy enjoying the wind on our way to Ft. Myers

We got to the Ft. Myers Yacht Basin and they assigned us to D dock again.  D dock is a long dock where we can tie along side.  It's in a little basin protected from the swells of the river.  It was a little dicey going into the narrow entrance because of the wave action, but we made it ok and, using the wind for a change, got the boat spun around and to the dock without an issue.  Once we were tied up it took a bit of huffing and puffing to push the boat off the dock far enough to get some fenders between the hull and the posts but we managed.

Docking at Ft. Meyers with Kath handling the bow lines

We settled in and had an early dinner.  Kathy elected to do dishes and as I came in from a short walk, she said the water was off.  The re-occurring nightmare returned.  Water pump failed so tomorrow morning I tackle that heinous job.   Meanwhile I hopped on the bike and brought 3 water jugs back from publix s we could flush toilets and brush teeth etc.  The joys …

Next morning the generator guy, Todd, from Gulf Coast Marine Electric came aboard and tweaked the generator for us.  He upped the voltage a little and adjusted the frequency and speed.   And found a loose wire and took care of that.  We ran it a few times with a load and he pronounced it fit and healthy.  Yeah!

Down that hole is where I go (rhyme unintentional) 

Now the water pump.  I installed the spare pump I had months ago.  It was working just fine when I tested it.  So I  moved the batteries back and replaced the access hatch.  Put all my tools, lights etc. away.  I was done, and without much trouble either.

Whatever curse I aimed at Neptune at some point in the past must have finally caught his attention.   Not two hours later the pump failed.  No water.

Ok, so I once again moved the batteries, hung upside down in a hole, removed the pump, made up another wiring harness and installed my other spare pump.  If any one is keeping count, this was pump number two.

I didn't even curse when it failed a few minutes later.

So Dave kindly drove  me to West Marine where I returned one of the failed pumps (I brought both of the failed pumps along not knowing which one was under warranty), purchased an extended warranty plan for $23 so that when they fail again I’ll get a new pump for free (they cost $170 now).  But then a surprise bonus!  The West Marine guy gave me another new pump for the older pump that was near out of warranty.  So now I have 2 new pumps for basically $23.  

I was on a roll.  If I were in Vegas I'm be rich.  But it will be satisfaction just to hear the sweet whirring of a new pump.     

Curse not ye Neptune lest ye find theyself upside down in a dark, wet bilge.

While Dave and I were at West Marine Greg and Dona stopped by.  So when we returned to the boat everyone was up on the fly bridge having a party.  I of course went right to work on the water pump, hanging upside down in the bilge where I could hear the laughter from two decks above.

And yes, once I had it installed it worked just fine so I figure I have 6 months with a working pump before it fails again.  I wonder though.   Will I be treated to another opportunity to install three water pumps!

Mary, Dona and Greg and Fords Garage (poor photo, sorry!)

I eventually joined everyone up on the flybridge and after a while Dave and Kathy went off into town and we (Greg, Dona, Mary and I) walked over Fords Garage after an hour and had dinner there.  Greg and Dona decided to stay on the boat instead of driving to Ft. Myers Beach the next day.  But all we had were couches.  We dug out all the extra bedding etc. and I guess everyone slept ok.  Not much else we could provide for comfort unfortunately.  They had left by the time I woke up.  I think I slept late though and Dona is one of those early risers.

We headed to Sanibel Florida with Dave and Kathy the next day to see Linda, an old  friend of Kathy's.  We had a little picnic lunch on the beach and then Dave and I went to the Dunes, golf course on the island.  Not to play, but to just hit some golf balls while Mary, Linda and Kathy soured the beach for stuff. 

Thats Dave in the dark clothes.

My rusty clubs still work!  We'll leave any analysis of my swing for later.

We eventually met up at the beach again and dropped Linda off at her place and headed back to Ft.Myers.  We stopped at the Publix there to grab some dinner.

The next day Kathy and Dave volunteered and did a great job of tidying up the boat while Mary and I showered before the gang arrived around noon.  We were having a party!

The gang are Chip and Pat, Jeff and Judy, couples we spent numerous months on the rivers as we made our way south on our Great Loop journey last year.

They all  arrived around 12;30pm and we had a great time catching up.  We headed out to lunch at, where else, Fords Garage.  Dave and Kathy joined us too and we had a riotous time telling and retelling stories from our river travels together. 

Chip and Pat are down here by car while Jeff and Judy are living on their boat in Venice and will be heading our way in a few days as they head to Ft. Lauderdale.

We finally, I think much to the relief of the Fords Garage staff, left the place and walked back to the boat where we engaged in another little party before everyone left.  Chip and Pat had to drive back to Tampa which is a quite a hike from Ft. Myers, we bid farewell  late afternoon. I don’t think we've laughed quite this much in months!  Great to see everyone again.

After they had gone we hit the Publix to stock up for the trip to Marathon.  We’ll be anchored out for about 10 days as we make our way first to Cayo Costa State Park until Monday or Tuesday, then Ft. Myers Beach for fuel and then down the west coast to the Keys.  Gotta have sufficient quantities of beverages and food stuffs!

At Cayo Costa we'll be meeting up with Dave and Joann and maybe even Jeff and Judy who'll be cruising right by there in a few days. 

We hauled ourselves out of Ft. Myers around 9am, right on schedule.  But before we left Dave and I pumped out the holding tank.   But I noticed the tank watch indicators ceased to show an empty tank.   Guess I get to look forward to removing the sensors and cleaning them. 

Smooth waters on the way to Cayo Costa

Anchored on a sand spit near the entrance to Pelican Bay

Kathy hung on the bow most of the trip and was treated to several dolphins who seemed to take an interest pity in us even though we have an inferior bow wave.  They much prefer a more curvaceous bow wave.   But today they hung with us for quite awhile riding along on our bow.  Kathy took several pictures.

We entered Pelican Bay, which is the bay where the Cayo Costa anchorage is located, and hit a small patch of shoaling where the depth sounder alarm blared for a few seconds.   We anchored near a sailboat and when Kathy went over to see how they were adjusting to us being so near them, they related how uncomfortable they were with us being so close and hoped we'd move.  No comment on naivety but we moved so they'd have a comfy night.  

I like to anchored in this spot where its 8-10 feet deep.  They were right on the middle and evidently haven't had much experience with anchorages.  Just like us a year ago.

Dave walking along the sand spit While Mary rests in the dinghy

We went to the park/beach the next day. Nice walk.  Mary found shells and we bought ice cream.  Came back and had some nice cocktail partying with the sun going down on the top deck.

Next day, same thing.  Went into the park, walked the beach came back aboard and enjoyed the sunset and David's muffins which he baked in our new oven.  Mary is so proud.

The anchorage.  Pelican Bay at Cayo Costa

Cayo Costa Beach

Generator starting acting a little nutty this morning so I’ll have to talk with the Todd, the generator tech in Ft. Myers.  We’ll have to go back there for some additional work if I cant get it to where it provides a steady voltage.  My only shot at this is to lubricate the governor/throttle linkage.

Dave and Joanne have arrived in Bokeelia which is on the north end of Pine Island.  We're hoping we'll see them tomorrow.

Had a nice weather window today so we all went to Cabbage Key.  Floyd and the other cast of animal characters were there.  We visited here last year where Floyd stole my hamburger.  This time he ate Marys burger.  

Floyd patrolling the entrance to the restaurant 

Dave at the bar.  Yes, those are dollar bills on the wall

View from the dining patio

Floyd, the well fed heron

One of several tortoises 

And it wouldn't be compete with out a few ducks

Returned to the boat right before a rain shower hit us.  Then the winds picked up out of the north and we rocked and rolled all night.

The next morning was windy.  Mary and I tried to head out to Bokeelia to see Dave and Joanne but we were taking water over the bow as we got out into the sound.  So we turned back into the anchorage and instead we went to shore and headed for the lagoon where there are gators.

I walked ahead with the idea that I could call the others to inform them of the route and if it was worth while.  I called, but no one had their phone with them.  Never made it to the lagoon either.  The trail (Osprey) led around to the shore and then along the mangrove encrusted beach with no apparent access to the lagoon.

We returned to the boat where Dave and I finished up the radar install.  All we have left to do is cut the cover plates for the holes.

Later in the afternoon we were surprised by Dave and Joanne zooming in to the anchorage.  The swells moderated enough for them to run over here.  What a great surprise! 

Moon over BeachQuest at Cayo Costa

Generator started acting up again tonight so when we get to Ft. Myers we’re getting the voltage regulator!  Leaving for Ft. Myers tomorrow around 10:30

We arrived and were assigned to D dock again.  Nice!  But before we went there to tie up we stopped for fuel and a pump out. 

Jeff and Judy's , Just Fakin It right behind us

Jeff and Judy had called us on the radio earlier telling us they were thinking of staying at the yacht basin too.  And sure they were waiting for us.  They were on D dock as well, right behind us!  We had a few drinks on board and then headed over to a Mexican place for dinner!  Fun times!  The weather was turning bad and we were snug on the dock when the rains hit that evening.  Winds picked up to.

We putzed around the next day boat enduring the heavy north winds.  Dave and I finished up the radar move project and tackled the dockside water project. 

Removed the unrepairable small radar and re-located the larger one here

We did a minimal shopping after we went to the Home Depot to buy the necessary fittings for the dockside water project.  Hit a goodwill store and then went to Publix only to turn around and head back to Goodwill to fetch Mary's purse which she left at the checkout.  We picked up lunch at Publix and subway and just stayed aboard the rest of the day.

Todd brought a new voltage regulator next morning and spent a few hours tweaking it.  Now it seems to work ok.

We decided to leave the next day so we had to cancel another Dave and Joanne lunch so we could make preparations to leave.

Recently open for business right at the dock!

I think Kathy likes her Pampano 

Kathy had found a fisherman who was selling fresh fish right on the dock so we wandered over there and nabbed a few pounds of fish, crab and shrimp.

We ate on board and then went to bed because of the early 7:30 departure. 

Entering Marco Island

Next morning we were all up, sorta, and got off the dock by 7:35.  It was a 63 mile trek to Marco Island and Smokehouse Bay which is  a wonderfully protected anchorage.  Came in there around 3:30 and relaxed on th boat before dinner.  Another golf looper couple was anchored nearby and we exchanged info on Little Shark River .  We plan to leave early tomorrow morning to catch the falling tide and have enough time to make river.  Then to Marathon the next day before the weather begins to turn bad in the evening.

We left at 7AM today, well behind journey who we talked with last night.  We left so early for two reasons.  One was to catch the tide before it fell to far.  Low tide was around 9:20 so we had some time to leave the anchorage through the narrow and sometimes shallow channel. 

The other reason is simply to beat the weather into marathon.  It supposed to get nasty late Monday night.  Today though its pretty nice and tonight the forecast is for east winds and calm seas so we’ll try and anchor off of Shark river or my favorite, Cape Sable.

A boat that had passed us yesterday followed us out this morning and we talked a bit on the radio are loosely traveling together.  They think they'll join us tonight off the cape.

Voyager with Mike and Diana from Michigan followed us to Cape Sable.  We were within a mile of the anchorage spot when his engines both quit.  We went back to stay with them until he got one going and then followed us up to the anchorage which was about 200 yards off shore and free of swells making it much calmer for him to tinker with his engines.

We invited them over for cocktails and had a wonderful time.  After they left we grilled and heard

Sunset at Cape Sable

him fire up the engines later that evening.  Our on mistake was keeping all the doors open.  Invading hordes of no-see-ums just ate me alive.  And we all were murdering mosquitoes for a good portion of the evening.  The next morning I had to spray the fly bridge there were so many mosquitoes up there. 

Note to self:  anchor half a mile off shore at Cape Sable

Next morning we were up and moving around 8am.  Voyager was running fine.  We had smooth seas for the most part until the 7 mile bridge when it started getting rough.  And then rougher as we past through the bridge.

Seven Mile Bridge and Marathon a few miles to the left

It was a relief to enter the smooth water of  Boot Key Harbor.  But it was very crowded leaving very little room for us to anchor.  We ended up anchoring by R18 and sort of poking out in the channel.  There are high winds forecast for the next few days but we seem to be anchored securely albeit pretty close to a Canadian boat, Devine.  Once we swing around to the north we’ll be out of the channel and my perfect eye measurement has us clearing the Canadian boat by at least 20 yards.

Once the anchor was set we immediately launched the dinghy and headed into the City Marina to get on the wait list for  mooring ball.  The dockmaster on duty noted our 46 foot length and wouldn’t assign us a normal (45 ft. and under ) mooring ball.  Last year they did and we were assigned a ball within two days.

We were put on the big mooring ball wait list.  In our experience these larger mooring balls are filled by boats staying for months down here.  So it may be a long wait even though we are #1 on the list.

As I was waiting for Mary I spotted Steve and Liz and sort crept up and jumped out at Steve around a corner of the laundry building.  He about had a heart attack.  But it was so good see them again!

We got our dinghy and bike tags and headed back to the boat.  It rained a little and the winds did clock round to the northwest and began to blow in earnest.  But we held just fine.   We'll see what awaits us tomorrow!