ICW Day 55 Ft. Lauderdale, Royale Palm Yacht Basin, Tuesday, December 13. 18nm, STM 1068.8,

Total Miles 1166!!!  We made it!

We were concerned about the engine mount and particularly any leaking around the Saildrive seals.  Sure enough the alarm starting sounding that indicated that seawater was in the seal, but with on 18nm to go, we disabled the alarm and brought the boat home.

No fixed bridges, yea! but there were another 8 opening bridges to contend with.  Royale Palm is a no frills marina with a good price and location.  Only about 2 miles from the Ft Lauderdale channel with no bridges.

What an amazing trip.  Although we were never in danger, and the trip was nothing crossing an ocean, it was still an accomplishment.  Planning, navigation, boat handling was all different that what we were used to in the Chesapeake Bay.

Many thanks to all of our new friends on the Sail to the Sun Rally who helped us out along the way and made the trip more interesting.

 

The boat is now in the capable hands of Craig and Hannah Allison.  Craig and Hannah own MazOcean, a marine electronics company, and also run the Dream Yacht charter base in Ft Lauderdale.

ICW Day 54 Boca Raton Anchorage, Monday, December 12, 28nm STM 1048, Total miles 1148

Left a little later than the group as we were again waiting for low tide to get under the next two bridges. Atheria left about an hour earlier and lost their VHS antenna on the very last bridge for the ICW!!! First fixed bridge, Blue Heron Bridge was charted as 63ft, Brad read that the bridge was actually higher if you went under the structures to the east and not the center span, it did look higher but was very narrow, we chickened out and went for the center…just made it by inches again. Celebration!!! Last fixed bridge, unbelievable, truly. Now only a million bascule bridges to go today.

I finally took the helm for most of the day and Brad handled all the radio calls to the bridges, it worked out well. Valentine, then Doc’s Orders were in front of us, we managed to stay together for most of the openings and it worked out well. 

The anchorage was tricky and shallow, Let It Be luckily posted some great instructions to get in, and once we were there they coached us in on the radio, teamwork again! Brad and Sandy with their 6ft draft on Doc’s Orders were worried again, we radioed to them to follow us in, they did and we decided to just raft up together. 

Brad and I had a nice dinner in the cockpit, scenery beautiful here at night. Sticky night but we didn’t turn on the AC because we didn’t want to bother Doc’s Orders with our generator noise:)

The Engine Mounting!

On our way into the anchorage, we noticed that the bilge pump was a bit overactive and pumping water.  That should not happen!  It was clear that we had a leak somewhere. Once anchored, the investigation began. Salt water, particularly in the sump under the engine. Not good. Further investigation revealed that three of the starboard engine mounting bolts (into the engine block) had worked themselves loose and had fallen out, and the final bolt had sheared off. The engine was canted to the side causing the sail drive seal to leak. OMG! Wally Moran, Brad & Sandy Fisher, and Tom Wood to the rescue.

Main sheet 4 to 1 from Blue Lady, 4×6 from Wally plus his expertise, and tools and expertise from Brad. We took things apart, rigged a hoist across the companionway, and hoisted the engine back into position, so we could reinsert the three good bolts. Back in business. What a group! Tomorrow, either under our own power or via Tow Boat US we will arrive at the new home for Reflection in Ft Lauderdale, Royale Palm Marina off the Dania Cutoff Canal. 

ICW Day 51-53 North Palm Beach Friday, December 9-11  STM 1013.7, 21.5 miles, 1120 Total nm

Consensus from Wally and the rally is that all 8 of us leave anchorage today and head for North Palm Beach Marina, some 20 miles away. We left about 9:30am, bigger boats doing the ‘clean up’ Doc’s Orders left just in front of us and immediately ran aground in an area that several had run aground on yesterday! Several of us had warned them, not sure what they were thinking this am. With high winds, questionable depth (chart plotter is not reading accurately in this anchorage), etc. we could do little more than radio them with our support.  We continued to texts with them and found that Boat US had arrived and was attempting to ‘dig a tunnel’ for them to motor out of. The poor fellow with Boat US turned his boat sideways trying to dig them out and nearly capsized…Sandy said he did lose his lunch pail overboard, I advised they give him a big tip to buy lunch…

As this was happening, Mauna Kea radioed us to say that Ken  had knocked his head into the cockpit hatch and may need stitches, Laurie said he was ‘bleeding all over the place and wanted me to take a look at it…drama on the ICW, really???

Seven bascule bridges today!!! No fixed. Some were on request to open and a few opened on hour and 1/2 hr., 1/4 hr. and 3/4 hr. There didn’t seem to be too much waiting so it went pretty well. We were pretty protected with land on each side the entire way, had a little rain but not too much. 

Sandy and Brad reported that Boat US was unable to free them so they were going to wait for the 2ft rise of tide. 3p or so, Tow Boat US did come back and did set them free. They should be here around 7p tonight and we will all be assisting them to dock and give them exact info needed to get here safely, motoring on the ICW at night is not anything to treat lightly.

Brad and Sandy showed up after dark and joined the entire group for dinner at an Asian Street Sushi Thai Bar Restaurant right here in the marina.

Saturday Day 52  December 10  Winds 15-20 here but we are quite protected, cloudy and rainy all day. I went with the ladies, Mary Grace had a rental car to an upscale mall close by. We had a great time shopping and had lunch, stopped by a Marshalls on the way back. Brad took some guys over to the country club to swim in the pool and had snacks. Later that evening during huge downpours the group walked nearly a mile to a Mexican restaurant. Brad and I were waiting it out on the boat, so Frank contacted us to pick up their rental car for them at the boat so we were saved, but were soaked walking home as too many folks packed in the rental!

Sunday Day 53 December 11 Brad and I walked to the West Marine about a mile away, Brad bought some new Keens for the boat (like Jack’s:). We also bought a filter to hook up to hose for drinkable water, we have been buying all bottled water for drinking, many of the rally filter their own we’ll try it. Ubered over to Walmart…waste of time and money says hubby…then ubered over to Duffy’s Bar to watch the Broncos lose, game was good though, we got ‘game’ in the 4th quarter.

Sandy took the pic of Reflection above leaving the next morning.

 

ICW Day 50 Peck Lake Anchorage December 8, Thursday  STM 992.2, 40 miles, 1101 total miles

Storms in the forecast for tonight and next 3 days. Wal says we will be well protected here and the plan is for two nights. There is a small sandy bath through mangroves to a beautiful sandy beach. The guys went swimming and I spent the entire time collecting shells, haven’t seen that many beautiful intact shells for years and years…that’s what you get on a deserted beach where no one goes, right?? The water was warm too.

Wal is a bit worried, says storm may be worse than expected so he is making the call to leave in am for protection and marina in Palm Beach. Had alot of swinging on the hook last night, as ol’ Wal says, its like being rocked in a cradle…of course if you aren’t worrying about dragging anchor that is…..

ICW Day 49 December 7  Wednesday  STM 951.6, 47nm, 1066 total miles

Left Cocoa Village Marina early at 7a sharp, several fixed bridges to worry about today. A particular issue was Wabasso Bridge at mile marker 943.2. The board clearly says 63ft clearance, but Brad had read an entry on Active Captain several years back that indicated this may not be correct. We ventured through peaking our nose in slowly, Valentine had given us indication that we could make it as they went through ahead. We tweaked under with (I am sure) only about 4 inches to spare. A party boat filled with people were on the other side watching quietly. They all clapped and cheered when we made it through! Who says Floridians aren’t nice people?

Wally told us that Vero Beach may be a bit sketchy as we may be required to raft off with strangers on their moorings, God forbid, it hard enough to raft up with friends you know:) Sure enough we were given the assignment to raft up with a boat, and luckily while we were cruising around we saw that Doc’s Orders was all alone on their mooring, turns out Destiny was supposed to moor with them, but they continued on and did not stop. Anyhoo, we moored up with our buddies and all was content and happy!!! Thank you Destiny!

We immediately got in the dingy to register at the office, caught a little shuttle and went to the beach. Sat in some colorful Adirondack chairs over looking the beach with Valentine and Doc’s Orders (and Penny, of course). It was good to catch up with Sandy and Brad as they just returned from Brad’s mother’s funeral, they both looked exhausted and surprisingly each had two daiquiris while we sat there…..and they don’t drink!!!!!

UberXL back to boat, quiet dinner, tuna steaks, potatoes and okra. Watching a Netflix show called ‘The Killing’…..I am hooked, on my 12th episode:) 

ICW Days 45/46/47/48 Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday  December 2,3,4,5, 6 STM 897.5 19nm 1019 total miles

 

Friday – Short motor to marina, 2 fixed bridges and 2 bascule…child’s play. 

The devastation from Hurricane Matthew has been apparent all along the way, home repairs, docks blown away, sailboats on their sides with tattered sails flapping in the wind. Difficult to see and a first for me.

Walked to town after checking in. Immediately went to waterside to see where all of our rally friends were anchored and docked. We are the only ones in the marina today aside from Doc’s Orders who have flown to Michigan for Brad’s Mom’s recent passing. We walked the town and had lunch at Pub Americana, Brad got a hair cut, and I visited my (so far) favorite shop Green Apples:) It was a must that we visit the famous Travis Hardware, incredibly huge and very old with every thing a guy could want, shelves loaded with dust, dirt and a guy’s dream. Went over to the Sugar Hut for donuts and coffee!

That evening we walked over to Ryan’s to meet the gang and a kick off from our host Brad (different Brad). Received goody bag with rally flag, good insulated cup and lots of coupons and guide magazines. Ate too much white pizza and walked over to Jazz bar, great band. Guys were cutting up with the picture taking trying to kiss each other, pretty funny.

Saturday– We walked the Village this am, there was a large arts and crafts exhibit throughout the town. Went to lunch at  Murdock’s and set outside, Brad had fried okra, our fav!

Sunday -Best Day! Left at 9a to take van ride (Booze cruise host Robert) to Space Center with Valentine, Mauna Kea and Radiance. Amazing things we saw, including the shuttle Atlantis, Saturn V, the Vehicle Building (largest building in US for years that they build the spacecraft in). We saw a great IMAX film and hated that we didn’t have time to see the second one. Brad, Ken and Jack were like kids in a candy store! Tour bus to cruise security area with the launch pads, saw 3 alligators in a pond, driver said they restricted area is full of alligators, one was caught walking down the hall in one of their offices one day I bagged on the cocktail party with the major, Brad went and represented…speeches from major, Wally and city council members, they are interested in the rally’s opinions about their city docks and anchorages and what they need to do to improve. Heard they served fab appetizers.  

 

Monday– Walked over to catch the shuttle with Peter and Christine on Destiny, they are docked beside us now. Went to Ron/Jon Surfshop, biggest store we’ve ever seen. Bought some t-shirts for Xmas gifts. Walked across street to beach and ate lunch at the pier, rented chairs and an umbrella and sat for 2 hours on the beach. Brad took two naps, ha, ha. Weather is sunny, high 70’s, surf is wild, Brad did some body surfing. He adores going to the beach, I believe I have pretty much outgrown my love for the beach but it was good to see him enjoying himself so much. We walked to Publix for some grocery shopping and Ubered home.

Tuesday– We had been scheduled to leave this am, but Wally recommended we stay put one more day, weather today has thunderstorms and wind, in addition to fact that he says next stop may not be as much fun.!! We went to breakfast with Valentine and Mauna Kea, Wally joined us, open croissant egg and cheese and great pastries.  Diane and I shopped the streets for 3 hours and had a ball, did a little Xmas shopping, etc. Brad did some contract work on the boat, we did have some heavy thunderstorms around 1pm, good day to stay put, thanks Walls. 

ICW Day 34, Monday November 21, Cumberland Island, GA anchorage.  25nm, statue mile 710.7, 837 total miles.

Easy run from Jekyll to Cumberland Island.  No bridges!  Anchored well north of the Sea Camp dock in a protected area.  Jack and Diane picked me up (dinghy motor still not working…) and we visited the island and hiked over to the beach. Cumberland Island is a national seashore park with historic buildings, miles of wide beach, camp sites under the Live Oaks all strewn with Spanish Moss, and wild horses.   Pristine area with hiking and mountain biking.  The pictures tell the tale.

ICW Day 33, Friday November 18, 43nm, statue mile 665.9, 799 total miles.

The big concern today is making it through the Little Mud River before low tide.  Only 4.5 feet at low tide.  And if we do not make it through today, we will have to wait all day tomorrow to make it under the Jekyll Island bridge.  Woke up to fog, and had to wait…  almost 2 hours.  Wally and the rest did not think we would make it through the Little Mud River, so made plans to anchor prior to the river.  We finally got underway around 10 or so.  I moved up behind Valentine.  Once the fog cleared it was a beautiful day, and making good time we realized the faster boats could make it through the Little Mud River, so we pushed ahead.  10 feet of water in the river and we were good to go.  Very happy to make it to Frederica.

Anchored with Valentine, Let It Be, and Elan in the Frederica River off of the historic Fort Frederica.  Deep, narrow, and winding river, and yet another interesting place.   Tried the dingy and it was hydro locked again!  I can’t believe it.  Rode around the anchorage with Jack and Diane.   Cooked a cheeseburger for dinner and enjoyed a quiet evening.

ICW Day 32, Thursday November 17, 44nm, statue mile 619, 756 total miles, Walberg Creek Anchorage, GA

Welcome to Georgia.  Hard to believe.  Sailed past Harbor Town on the way out of Calibogue Sound, but could not get a good picture of the 18th hole.

Single Handed!  Terrie left with Frank and Sharon Taverna this morning to fly home for Thanksgiving, and I set off from Windmill Harbor single handed.  We decided to go outside in the ocean to bypass a shoal area and a couple of bridges.  By the time we were all underway, the whole fleet went outside.  Another wonderful weather day.  The ocean was almost like glass.  We came back in through St Catherine’s Inlet south of Ossabaw Island and continued south on the ICW.  A quick turn left and we were in Walberg Creek.  Lots of room and I was able to set the hook without any trouble.

Ken and Laurie from Mauna Kea rafted up with me, and I cooked some steaks on the grill for us.  I had been looking for an opportunity to thank them for all of their help.  A quiet night…

ICW Day 29/30/31 Windmill Harbor on Hilton Head Island, November 14/15/16 20nm, statue mile 558.4, 712 total nautical miles, 12 gallons fuel.

Lovely run down from Beaufort to Windmill Harbor on Hilton Head.  What a place.  You have to go through a lock to enter the marina which is also the home of the South Carolina Yacht Club.  One of the members put together a whole list of activities and arranged for us to have use of the yacht club.  We had to anchor outside of the lock with the super moon low tide to wait for the tide to come in.  6 boats locked in.  Very cool.  I have included a video of a small boat locking in.

Pizza party the first night at a locals home.  Frank and Sharon rented a car and took us on a tour of Hilton Head.  Lots of trees down and some marinas damaged.  Harbor Town marina was seriously damaged and will not open again until the spring  Dinner at a local low country restaurant on the island.  The next morning we went on a tour of the plantation and some of the homes, beautiful.  A potential permanent home for Reflection in the future.  That evening one of the original developers of Hilton Head and the developer of Windmill Harbor gave a talk about the history of Hilton Head, fascinating.