Wednesday January 30: One Last Christmas Gift -

Steve had received one last Christmas gift from Becky so Becky, Matt and Wendy, Steve and I entered our Google Hangout so they could watch him open this last gift.

A sprout kit!! A what?? For what?? Growing things on the boat .... not sure that was supposed to be allowed but since it didn't take up much room, why not! I like sprouts so what's to lose, right?

After reading the instructions and organizing all of the seeds in the kit, Steve set out to grow his own food. Maybe this vegan thing has gone too far ......

First step: soak the seeds. But each kind of seed has it own soaking time before 'planting'. Assuming you can 'plant' something that just sits in a plastic basket!

The bean salad sprouts needed the longest soak time so Steve began early in the day. The note on top indicated the seeds would be ready to be planted at 9 pm.

In the meantime, the other two types he soaked had come due and were ready to go.

What that meant was a thorough rinsing of the seeds first. Then put the seeds into the special plastic bowl that has holes in the sides for water drainage.

Rinse with water 2 or 3 times a day and keep covered ... and in a dark place. Fortunately the 'dark place' is under the dark green cover provided.

Because these containers are stackable, it really doesn't take up very much room!!

End result are yet to be seen but a peek under the cover indicates we may actually be eating fresh sprouts in the near future :-)

In the meantime, Steve has put his 'new' $15 thrift store food processor to work making cucumber salad.

Worked great and is much quicker than slicing the cucumbers by hand - not that I would know of course but that's another story :-)

 My project for the day was to finally put our new clock back up on the wall. It was replacing our old one that bit the dust.

It was so very annoying because anytime I wanted to know the time I just looked at the clock on the wall - for the last 3 years -until it was suddenly gone .... but I still continued to look at the wall were it was. Very much like the clock on the kitchen wall at the farm ..... (thanks to Tom for replacing it :-))

Of course Steve knows me too well and he knew full well that I would just drill 4 holes and put it up - even though it really needed a good polishing (it's brass) to bring out the real shine.

So he takes it all apart and starts polishing away - wow does it ever look nice! And admittedly he was absolutely right - I would have just slapped it on the wall with the thought of "well, let's get it up and then take it down to polish it" - the the second part probably never happening (at least by me) :-)

This is the best clock ever - and one of my best ebay buys at $15! It has a double swivel so even though it's on the wall at an angle, the clock face can be turned to be parallel to the floor. Crazy thing must weight 5 pounds - what a great clock!!

My world has order again - no more looking at that empty spot on the wall where the clock used to be :-)

It is still very windy - not even any bridge fishing although Steve and Dave tried. And a cold front is coming through tomorrow - which I realize has a lot different meaning than it does in Cleveland ........

Sunday January 27: Happiness Is ....

Happiness is finally being able to check the calendar on the wall by my "office" to figure out what day of the week and date it is! Becky began what has become a tradition of putting together a calendar with pictures of family events of the previous year. It's really nice and we look forward each year to her creation!

Because we celebrated Christmas so late this year, I never knew what the date was for the last 3 weeks as my last calendar ended on December 31. Most days I felt I  was very lucky if I could even figure out what day of the week it was!

Thanks Becky for helping out your aging parents in this way :-)

Yes, it is true. I actually did some work this week! We thought the electric motor on the aft head finally bit the dust. Turns out is was just missing a pin in one of the connections.

But since it was removed anyway, Steve decided we might as well sand and paint it before reinstalling it. Good plan so I sanded and spray painted it yesterday while he made a trip to Home Depot for a couple of parts. It has yet to be reinstalled but I think it's on the list for tomorrow.

It is still VERY windy so we continue to stay in the harbor.

Steve scanning the horizon :-)

Joe and Joy from High Spirits did arrive Friday to  Marathon. They are on a mooring ball at the City Marina and will stay a couple of weeks before heading to the Bahamas.

They invited us to dinner tonight at their boat so we rode our bikes to the marina and scanned the horizon for Joe to pick us up in their dinghy.

I was a little worried when Joe called to warn us to bring waterproof jackets along for the dinghy ride (it was still quite windy which can mean spray from the waves).

But it was not a problem - even on the way back! Sailors clearly enjoy being on a mooring ball a lot more than I do .... give me a dock anytime :-)

The ride back to the dock after dark was even more exciting as we had to make our way through the shallow area of the mooring field (this field has moorings for 250 boats!). With Steve and I both with a flashlight though we made our way back to the dinghy dock with no issues. Good job Captains Joy (back) and Joe (to High Spirits) for piloting the dinghy!!

Cards (Euchre) for the women were terrible - second night for this nonsense by the way - so Joy and I have determined that we will do dominoes tomorrow night when they join us for dinner on our boat.

Most people don't realize how I really hate to lose at cards .... or anything for that matter .....

Thursday January 24: Finally - Celebration of Christmas!

It was finally time for us to celebrate Christmas! Overcoming numerous challenges, we managed to all be ready at the same time. Becky in California, Matt and Wendy in North Carolina and us here in Marathon, Florida.

Steve had the cabin appropriately decorated and Miss Piggy and Cactus Guy were ready and in the spotlight. Packages were gathered on the seat next to Steve. Santa had arrived in Marathon :-)

Now all we were waiting for was the invitation from Wendy to join her Google Hangout!!

The invitation arrived with a 'ding' on the computer - we were very excited when Fozzie greeted us on our screen! Then Becky joined and we were ready to go.

Matt was very festive with his stocking cap and Becky had Christmas lights on her table in LA. It was almost like we were all in one place :-)

A great time - and lots of fun gifts. We even received a cookbook from Linda Limbert - along with a keychain that floats! What could be more perfect for people who live on a boat :-)

Thanks Becky, Matt and Wendy for a great time :-)

Even though it was a late night (playing with gifts :-)), this morning came especially early.

The fuel delivery truck was here (7:45) and we were first on the list and I'm still in bed!!! Steve asks "How much fuel in each tank?" (one of my jobs is to monitor the fuel level). I don't know - I need to check - doesn't anyone know I don't do mornings???

After finally getting my act together, I determined we  could take 70 gallons in the port tank and 75 gallons in the starboard tank. Having fuel delivered right to the marina is not only convenient but priced right as overall the group took over a thousand gallons. Good for us and good for the fuel place.

A few overhanging branches needed trimmed for the truck to be able to reach the boats away from the road so Steve offered to take his saw in hand and deal with them. Looks better trimmed anyway :-)

Of course we still made it to breakfast - just a bit later than usual. Like lunchtime :-)

Steve is really hooked on his new ipad. He LOVES it - not sure why but maybe I'll figure it out given a chance ......

Anyway, Joe and Joy from High Spirits arrive tomorrow. We last left them in the northern part of Florida as they stopped and returned north to spend time with their family.

A milestone was reached the other day as we returned from snorkeling and fishing: we have now traveled over 12,000 miles on Yesterday's Dream since leaving Cleveland in 2009. Wow!! I figure we could have boated to LA and back twice :-)

Monday January 21: The Winds Have Calmed!

Yes! Finally we were able to leave the slip .... last year we only made it out twice in the two months we were here at Banana Bay.

The reef system along the keys is about 5 miles offshore from Marathon - just at the edge of where the gulf stream curves around the Keys. Not too far to go but it's just about where the waves really are going to pick up. So with the normal prevailing winds coming from the SW, the seas are usually not such that snorkeling or fishing at the reef is any fun.

But yesterday was an exception so off we went with Dave and Joyce from Joysea to try our hand at fishing. It was an ok day - which means we caught SOMETHING! Two cero mackerel - the two top fish (very good to eat) and two fish that we weren't sure what they were but finally determined they were Bermuda Chubs - the bottom two fish. Steve tried the chub and decided it was pretty good. The mackerel went into the freezer.

Wave-wise, today was even better than yesterday so we headed out to Sombrero Reef - about 5 miles offshore and 10 miles from Banana Bay. The water was pretty clear (especially when the sun was out) and there were tons of fish on the reef. It took a while before I decided that I would go in the water but definitely worth it!

And then it was time to try our hand at fishing again. Steve planned ahead and had everything we needed to catch the whopper we were looking for :-)

Turns out the 'whopper' was a puffer fish! It was very heavy even pulling it in and netting it but once on board, it went into it's defensive mode and puffed up about 4 times the size it was!! And spikes all over the outside of it!

Steve managed to get the hook out with a needle-nose pliers and back overboard it went. Sadly, it stayed belly up and floating away from the boat. We were both very sad that it didn't make it as they are fun fish to see underwater.

After it floated belly up about 30 yards from the boat and after being eyed by quite a number of seagulls, it suddenly went back to normal size and swam away!! Apparently it was still in it's defensive mode until well clear of it's 'enemies' :-) Regardless, we were glad to see it swim away.

Next best and funnest catch of the day was the parrot fish that I caught. It really was fun to catch but of course is no good to eat since they eat the coral (and so the fish is poisonous to eat).

All in all a 'good day at sea' as Steve likes to say!

The winds had already turned to the northwest by the time we started back and will continue to be from the north for the next several days. Makes for cooler days and nights but not great for going out on the reefs.

The most awesome sight of the night: a moon halo. Steve had taken a walk outside while I did the dishes and came back to say I HAD to come out to look at the moon. Ok. How many moons have I seen in my lifetime? Lots and lots. Whatever .... but WOW never one like this!

After checking the internet, we were seeing a moon halo. It was the neatest thing ever! Good thing someone goes out at night around here :-)

Guess we'll see what tomorrow brings ..... :-)

Thursday January 17: Wild Wind in Paradise

The weather in paradise has certainly changed. It's those doggone north winds!

Overnight it poured rain. Then the sun came out. Then the north winds came in. This is a picture taken about 5:30 tonight. The wind is howling (30 knot gusts) and the water in the marina is up about a foot above normal with all of the water being blown this direction. Sometimes it's good to be tied to a dock  :-)

This morning Steve managed to make it to his dentist appointment dry - but came back pretty soaked an hour later. Oh well.

There were definitely nice days this week. John and Colleen (our dock neighbors) tried out their dinghy for the first time. Teddy (the dog) sure takes up his space! Steve helped John get the sail up after a short paddling around the harbor. This is the first time John had the dinghy out.

Most important job this week was to replace the zinc on the shaft. The old one is on the left, the new on the right. As you can see, the zinc is definitely doing it's job!

The idea is that the zinc gets eaten away by the interaction of the metal with the saltwater instead of the metal parts of the boat getting eaten away. Better to lose the $15 zinc than the $800 shaft again ....

More to be replaced in a couple of weeks.

I tried my first dinghy fishing this week. It was sort of windy when we left and by the time Steve and I made it to the bridge, the waves were just too much. No way could the anchor hold - nor could we even fish and stay in the boat!

So back we went - nice ride regardless.

Success though yesterday as the winds had died. And we were actually catching - not just fishing!! Certainly one of my favorite things is to catch fish but just fishing is not so much fun .... Nothing was large enough to keep but it was still fun.

Last Sunday we had a Google Hangout with the kids!! We are finally going to have 'Christmas' in January :-) With Matt, Wendy, Becky and us meeting in the virtual hangout at a given time, we'll open our presents. I can't wait!!

It worked reasonably well although the audio was a bit slow. Perhaps a 3-way call along with the video from the hangout will be the way to go.

Looking forward to a good time for sure :-)

And looking for the winds to calm a bit - it's really crazy out there!

Saturday January 12: More Play than Work

About the only productive thing I've done boatwise this week was to put the flybridge plastic away for the winter.

We use a spray-on vinyl cleaner to clean both sides of the plastic. This cleans all of the salt and water spots that accumulated on the trip down. And hopefully will also condition the vinyl so it lasts longer. It was fun putting each one into it's little bag that I had sewn over the summer :-)

Steve of course has done quite a few things - along with the weekly filling of water tanks and hosing off of the boat.

The stainless is again showing that it definitely does not like the salt water air around here and was beginning to rust again. Steve found some great stuff called Spotless Stainless that works quite well. That combined with a metal polish will last most of the time we're here.

The search for new kinds of good food continues. Veggie burgers have become my lunch stay unless there are good leftovers in the fridge. The no animal protein is going well and I have to say it seems to really make a difference in my arthritis - we'll see how what difference it makes in my cholesterol in a month or so.

But eating is still very good on this boat thanks to a great chef on board :-)

 It's not been all work though as there has been time and opportunities for some fishing.

Dave (from Joysea) and Steve have been out twice dinghy fishing under the 7-mile bridge. It's about a 20 minute dinghy ride from Banana Bay to the bridge. Steve talked to the dockmaster here and now knows the best place to fish.

Plus they know what to fish with  (shrimp) and I think there is a new pole in his future for Christmas. Looking for success!

By the way, note the anchor in the dinghy (I've circled it in red). It's a bit of overkill since it's an anchor rated for a 39' boat but you use what you have right? And there is lots of current so it's actually worked out quite well!

The fishing was moderately successful and getting better. First day: a few grunts. Similar to perch but not nearly as good. I said I would not clean any more of them so don't keep em unless your going to clean them yourselves :-)

So the second day, it was a better day with a mangrove snapper and a yellowtail snapper. The winds had picked up so they called it a day.

Much easier to clean and much better to eat!

The sunset continue to be wonderful. There is a 5 pm gathering at the picnic tables near our dock. Many of the folks here stop by - sometimes there are 5 and sometimes there are 15. Just depends on the night.

No sunsets over the water yet but still amazing colors some nights.

Although I personally have yet to experience a sunrise, Steve does most days. It's just too enjoyable to sleep in .......

Sunday January 6: Another Project - Really?

Up early and on the road yesterday by 8:30 (yes - I realize this isn't really early but consider the source :-)) headed to the 7-Mile Grill restaurant for breakfast and then a ride across the old 7 mile bridge (which is now about 2 miles long).

Sadly it began raining as we were eating so we waited that out with another cup of coffee - then headed back to the boat. The sun wasn't out and it's impossible to see into the water from the bridge without the sun shining. We were looking for the eagle rays that frequent the waters under the bridge.

So instead, Steve decided it was time to try to straighten the aft railing. We aren't sure what happened but think it likely another boat caught our railing and yanked it without realizing any damage was done. Regardless, the arm of the railing that folds over was about 1/2 inch from actually closing!

It was tied shut with a rope in the meantime but that was just a temporary fix. So Steve stung a piece of chain across the opening and used a piece of threaded rod to bring the two sides together. Didn't work so well.

So he got a BIGGER chain and strung it from one side all the way to the other.

That didn't work either! The next try was with a ratcheting tie down strap we had on board. And that didn't work! Just not strong enough to do the job as the ratchet part bent instead of pulling the strap tight.

Next plan: (I won't mention who's idea this was from the start :-) ) get the BIG BOY ratchet from Home Depot!

Although, I have to admit, I thought the smaller ratchet would have done it.

With the strap strung from one side to the other, it was easy to crank away on the ratchet until the opening was closed.

Except it slowly went open again. Ok - crank it shut plus another 1 1/2 inch overlap.

Unhook the ratchet and back it went but this time it ended up right were we wanted it!

Successful job completion - yea!!

We're getting into a rut already here in Marathon. First it's up and bike somewhere for breakfast.

Note the use of full safety equipment (helmet, water bottle and biking gloves) - there are some crazy drivers around here so we are ultra-careful when riding around.

People have been hit by cars WHILE ON THE BIKE PATH - what part of BIKE path wasn't understood??

We did make it to the 7-mile bridge with sunshine this morning. Sadly though no eagle rays. But a wonderful morning ... and a stop at West Marina - just because we could - on our way back. Today's ride was 9 miles round trip - nice way to work off breakfast :-)

As if that wasn't enough, Steve suggested a kayak ride! So we blew those up for the first time (they will just stay blown up now) and off we went.

Steve went for the full ride out to the mangroves. I went part way and headed back.

Still working on loading pictures into picasaweb ..... plus it's time to think about taxes ..... I just LOVE Turbo Tax :-)

Friday January 4: Banana Bay Marina in Marathon

The sunset was nice at Long Key Bight but the sunrise was even better!

A windless night as predicted - a nice start to the day for sure.

Anchorages like this are always nice for a number of reasons but the downside is the shallowness of them.

Most of the water we were in coming in was about 5 feet - pretty true to the chartplotter depths indicated. Once in though the way out is very easy!

Just follow the pink and black dashed line! The thought is that if we didn't hit anything on the way in, go the same way back out and we're good to go. It works well - particularly if I actually follow the line like I should :-)

It was very calm as we moved from the bight back into the channel and then under the bridge to return to the bay side of the Keys.

Our marina is on the bay side so it saved us about 10 miles by crossing to the bay under this bridge near Long Key rather than staying outside on the ocean side and crossing under the 7-mile bridge at Marathon.

The trade off were the zillions of crab pots (or lobster - we don't really know) EVERYWHERE - including the channel.

In this water the pots are pretty easy to see - and so are the lines of old crab pots that no longer have a buoy attached. Instead the old line is just floating there under the surface waiting for me to run it over and entangle it in the prop!

A couple of close calls but fortunately no issues.

Steve found new use for one of the large round fenders we carry.

The water was so clear and calm that he just couldn't resist watching as we passed over large sponges and small fish along with one rather large fish (probably a barracuda).

Guess he got tired of standing :-)

We pulled into Banana Bay about 1 or so. It was like we had never left!

Many of the same folks as were here last year along with a few newcomers. Five o'clock sunset watching as usual (we won't be able to see the sun set over the water here until March - so no green blip watching yet) and lots of catching up with what everyone did over the past 9 months.

I can always tell that we're staying for a while when I see Steve rolling up the end of the line on the dock!

Of course, we were out to breakfast already this morning on our bikes.

What a great place to spend the next 3 months :-)