Thursday, July 11, 2013
He's Here!
Soren Moore Rinehart entered this world on June 25, 2013 in Zurich, Switzerland. His little sister, Sage, is very happy with him and taking her role as Big Sister very seriously.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
The ABC's of Florida
"A" is for Andrea. For the past week the weather has been lousy. A little bit of rain every day and we had been watching a storm system that had been hanging around from Cuba to SW Florida and it just wasn't moving. The weather guys on TV were downplaying it pretty much as just some rain and a little wind with not much chance of developing into a big storm and certainly not a hurricane. Whew.
That changed somewhat Wednesday night. We were going to get wind and rain and the "moisture" was now Tropical Storm Andrea. On Thursday the canal behind the house filled up (literally), was moving swiftly and the winds were picking up. The strongest gust was measured at Punta Gorda Airport at about 58 knots. We did not experience that at our house, thank heavens. The area was under a tornado watch until Thursday night. We got a lot of rain, a little over 4", but we did not experience any flooding in our neighborhood. In Punta Gorda they did close some streets due to flooding, but I understand that is a common occurrence. There was no real storm damage and no one was hurt.
In any case, the local paper tells us this was a "dress rehearsal" for the hurricane season. Stay tuned.
That changed somewhat Wednesday night. We were going to get wind and rain and the "moisture" was now Tropical Storm Andrea. On Thursday the canal behind the house filled up (literally), was moving swiftly and the winds were picking up. The strongest gust was measured at Punta Gorda Airport at about 58 knots. We did not experience that at our house, thank heavens. The area was under a tornado watch until Thursday night. We got a lot of rain, a little over 4", but we did not experience any flooding in our neighborhood. In Punta Gorda they did close some streets due to flooding, but I understand that is a common occurrence. There was no real storm damage and no one was hurt.
In any case, the local paper tells us this was a "dress rehearsal" for the hurricane season. Stay tuned.
Storm surge covering our neighbor's dock
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Boat Stuff & Catching Up
Well, we have been here almost two weeks and the memories of the crossing are fading. The weather here has been great and we are enjoying retirement. Our new philosophy of "never doing anything today that can be put off until tomorrow" seems to be working well. However, we can't stop spending money.
We had a "Slidemoor" system installed on our dock. Unlike Watergate Marina, our dock is not floating -- it's not even wood -- it is concrete. Tends not to move too much. The installation involved having a barge with a huge hydraulic crane/hammer snuggle up to the boat; removing two pilings and installing two taller pilings to which was attached the system that will allow the boat to rise and fall with the tide. They worked around the boat, moving it forward or back as required.
It is pretty amazing. The boat is only "fastened" to the dock at 2 points on the new pilings (as shown). No fenders or other lines are necessary. The boat only can move up and down with the tide -- there is no yawing at all. We were told that you could secure it with shoestrings, however, we chose 1/2" lines.
As mentioned in a previous blog, our jib fell when we came into Charlotte Harbor. Greg from UK sails went up the mast and we caught a break for a change. The shackle had actually bent and come apart allowing the jib to fall. After reattaching and hoisting the jib, we are back in business. We may do some sailing over the Memorial Day weekend.
As if we don't have enough clocks, barometers and thermometers already in the house, Bob has installed a new wireless weather station with its own control panel. At any moment we have time, barometric pressure, wind speed, gusts and direction, temperature, humidity, wind chill and a rain gauge. Graphs and charts too. The local TV weather guy has us on speed dial for updates.
In the middle of all this, my stove broiler quit. It would cost about half the price of a new stove to fix it, so we upgraded and have started the galley "road to stainless steel." :)
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| Bob supervises the barge moving in with clipboard (sans hardhat) |
We had a "Slidemoor" system installed on our dock. Unlike Watergate Marina, our dock is not floating -- it's not even wood -- it is concrete. Tends not to move too much. The installation involved having a barge with a huge hydraulic crane/hammer snuggle up to the boat; removing two pilings and installing two taller pilings to which was attached the system that will allow the boat to rise and fall with the tide. They worked around the boat, moving it forward or back as required.
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| Top of the world! |
As mentioned in a previous blog, our jib fell when we came into Charlotte Harbor. Greg from UK sails went up the mast and we caught a break for a change. The shackle had actually bent and come apart allowing the jib to fall. After reattaching and hoisting the jib, we are back in business. We may do some sailing over the Memorial Day weekend.
As if we don't have enough clocks, barometers and thermometers already in the house, Bob has installed a new wireless weather station with its own control panel. At any moment we have time, barometric pressure, wind speed, gusts and direction, temperature, humidity, wind chill and a rain gauge. Graphs and charts too. The local TV weather guy has us on speed dial for updates.In the middle of all this, my stove broiler quit. It would cost about half the price of a new stove to fix it, so we upgraded and have started the galley "road to stainless steel." :)
And last but not least -- Bob has been wanting to replace our dinghy for some time. It has a high pressure floor rather than fiberglass and it has finally sprung a leak. After some computer research, he found a lightweight AB dinghy that has an aluminum floor. We drove to Naples and ordered it. It is 9'5", smaller than our current dinghy and will be easier to handle. We plan to get our current dinghy repaired and sell it. We sure don't have room for 2. Need a dinghy? No sense in letting a trip to Naples be entirely business -- we
checked out the City Marina and had lunch at The Dock.
We have joined the local civic association. We attended a "meet & greet" last night and met new PG residents from all over the US (and Canada). They have several clubs within the organization and we plan to join a sailing club and a social club. It seems to be a great way to meet new people with common interests.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
HOME SWEET HOME
We made it! About 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, Water's Edge arrived at her home dock in Punta Gorda, Florida. When we left Longboat Key Club Moorings in Sarasota Saturday morning, we weren't sure we would make it all the way. The wind was strong, OTN of course, and we decided to take the ICW. About 3 p.m. we made the decision to go the rest of the way home rather than stay someplace for the night.
The scenery along the ICW is beautiful, and we really enjoyed the trip. After 11 bridges, a lot of boat traffic (yes, Dick, morons and idiots -- had to use the horn twice) and fighting the current and wind we arrived at Charlotte Harbor. We were tired but excited to finally get home. Bob decided to hoist the jib a little to give us a boost as the current was against us and we didn't feel we were getting the speed we should. We picked up a few tenths and he let it out a little more...oops! The jib fell down into the water. Are you kidding me? So close to home. However, MUCH better that it happened here than the last time we used it -- during the night in a wind event!
I was at the helm and put it in neutral while Bob pulled the sail onto the deck and tied it up. Man, we were THAT close with all systems humming and boom! Reality check. What else can happen? Going aground? The channel is famous for low water. We will just have to wait and see...
At 7:00 p.m. we start down the Ponce de Leon channel. The water is 5' deep and our keel is 5.5'. OK, maintain speed. It only got more shallow. I read 4.3' at one time. Yikes. We were bouncing off the bottom which, fortunately did not stop us. A trawler had decided to get out of the channel ahead of us and went aground. Too bad, fella, call Towboat U.S. Once we got in the canals the depth was great and we had a nice ride to home. Note to self. Leave at high tide. :-)
Now the big test. How deep is the water at our dock? Not sure, fingers are crossed. Bob took the helm and we successfully docked Water's Edge at home! Our neighbors and friends, Ken and Cynthia, came out to greet us. After tying up the boat, showers and a Red Stripe, we called it a night. I'd forgotten how really big and comfortable a king size bed is. After a couple days of rest, we will give the boat a good cleaning, get the sail repaired and get ready for our first sail in Charlotte Harbor.
What a 3-week adventure (ordeal?) we had. I'm sure memories will fade over time, but I reminded Bob that if we ever thought about doing something like this again, we will read this blog first.
The scenery along the ICW is beautiful, and we really enjoyed the trip. After 11 bridges, a lot of boat traffic (yes, Dick, morons and idiots -- had to use the horn twice) and fighting the current and wind we arrived at Charlotte Harbor. We were tired but excited to finally get home. Bob decided to hoist the jib a little to give us a boost as the current was against us and we didn't feel we were getting the speed we should. We picked up a few tenths and he let it out a little more...oops! The jib fell down into the water. Are you kidding me? So close to home. However, MUCH better that it happened here than the last time we used it -- during the night in a wind event!
I was at the helm and put it in neutral while Bob pulled the sail onto the deck and tied it up. Man, we were THAT close with all systems humming and boom! Reality check. What else can happen? Going aground? The channel is famous for low water. We will just have to wait and see...
At 7:00 p.m. we start down the Ponce de Leon channel. The water is 5' deep and our keel is 5.5'. OK, maintain speed. It only got more shallow. I read 4.3' at one time. Yikes. We were bouncing off the bottom which, fortunately did not stop us. A trawler had decided to get out of the channel ahead of us and went aground. Too bad, fella, call Towboat U.S. Once we got in the canals the depth was great and we had a nice ride to home. Note to self. Leave at high tide. :-)
Now the big test. How deep is the water at our dock? Not sure, fingers are crossed. Bob took the helm and we successfully docked Water's Edge at home! Our neighbors and friends, Ken and Cynthia, came out to greet us. After tying up the boat, showers and a Red Stripe, we called it a night. I'd forgotten how really big and comfortable a king size bed is. After a couple days of rest, we will give the boat a good cleaning, get the sail repaired and get ready for our first sail in Charlotte Harbor.
What a 3-week adventure (ordeal?) we had. I'm sure memories will fade over time, but I reminded Bob that if we ever thought about doing something like this again, we will read this blog first.
Water's Edge in her new home
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Traveling the ICW
The trip from Clearwater Beach to St Pete was beautiful. The homes along the ICW are lovely. There was very little boat traffic and we really didn't have to wait for any bridges. Note for mariners: The 25' Pinellas "C" Bascule bridge at MM 114 has been replaced with a new fixed 72' bridge. Sweet!
There is a 65' fixed bridge at Maximo Point (MM 110.5) in Tampa Bay. Our mast is 63' with an antenna on top. We were nervous about this bridge, but the gauge said 66' and we held our breath and had no problem.
St Pete is a beautiful city. The municipal marina is right downtown with parks and shops nearby. A great walking city with wonderful restaurants. The transient dock was great and we kind of had a "window on main st" feeling. There was a lot of boat traffic and we enjoyed watching the activity from the comfort of our cockpit. We finally raised the Texas flag in St Pete!
Our friends, Tim and Beth Hermes, were able to join us for one night and we had a wonderful dinner on Beach Drive. We spent 2 nights in St Pete and look forward to returning for a longer stay.
On Friday we bid adieu to St Pete and headed for Sarasota. There was a lot more boat traffic on the ICW this time. Also, the water gets pretty skinny in places. We stayed at the Longboat Key Club Moorings. Oh my. What a beautiful place. Everyone here wears a uniform. :) This is a resort with golf, hotel, marina, tennis, pool and six restaurants. We must come back here for a longer stay some day.
We finally head for Punta Gorda today. Not sure we will make it home today but certainly no later than Sunday.
There is a 65' fixed bridge at Maximo Point (MM 110.5) in Tampa Bay. Our mast is 63' with an antenna on top. We were nervous about this bridge, but the gauge said 66' and we held our breath and had no problem.
St Pete is a beautiful city. The municipal marina is right downtown with parks and shops nearby. A great walking city with wonderful restaurants. The transient dock was great and we kind of had a "window on main st" feeling. There was a lot of boat traffic and we enjoyed watching the activity from the comfort of our cockpit. We finally raised the Texas flag in St Pete!
Our friends, Tim and Beth Hermes, were able to join us for one night and we had a wonderful dinner on Beach Drive. We spent 2 nights in St Pete and look forward to returning for a longer stay.
Tampa Bay Sunshine Bridge
On Friday we bid adieu to St Pete and headed for Sarasota. There was a lot more boat traffic on the ICW this time. Also, the water gets pretty skinny in places. We stayed at the Longboat Key Club Moorings. Oh my. What a beautiful place. Everyone here wears a uniform. :) This is a resort with golf, hotel, marina, tennis, pool and six restaurants. We must come back here for a longer stay some day.
We finally head for Punta Gorda today. Not sure we will make it home today but certainly no later than Sunday.
Water's Edge Docked at Longboat Key
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Bob and I have made it to the West Coast of Florida! It was not without its trials, however. We spent 4 nights in the Port St Joe Marina waiting for a "weather window." After our 2 previous offshore trips, we were smarter now and decided to wait. I have to laugh. :)
Sunday was a beautiful morning (the first time we had seen the sun there) and the forecast was not perfect, but promising. The wind would be favorable (not OTN!) and the seas not too bad. Wrong. First, there was nothing in the NOAA forecast about a rain storm (The Ugly). It hit about 5 pm. A virtual cloudburst, but it only lasted about 20 minutes. Up to that time, we had been sailing with only half the jib and half the mainsail and cruising along over 8 knots most of the time. Winds were consistently 18, gusting 22-25, but still from the WNW.
After the rain, the waves started (the Bad). Oh my. They were HUGE and slamming us, however, they were behind us instead of coming at us. Thank goodness. There was absolutely no relief. We pulled in the mainsail when the rain hit, so we had the jib still out. No engine, still cruising at over 7 knots. But it was uncomfortable. The waves were hitting us on our right stern and spinning us around. Amazingly, the auto pilot never broke and we maintained course. Bob changed course a little to try to give us some relief but it really didn't help. This lasted all night. The sky was clear, beautiful boat stars (the Good), but we were anxious for daylight. We never saw another boat after the rain. What idiot would be out in this? :)
About 10 a.m., the winds had shifted enough that we pulled in the jib and motored the rest of the way. The winds subsided some, but the waves were unrelenting. As we got nearer the coast, things improved considerably and the rest of the trip was fine. We saw a lot of dolphins on the trip -- they loved playing around the boat (the Good). Seeing as how we were the only boat out there -- they didn't have much choice!
We arrived in Clearwater about 3:30 p.m. The marina is nice (of course no floating piers) and we have enjoyed our time here -- walking on the white sand and just sitting in the boat and watching other boats go by while enjoying a cold one or two and listening to Jimmy Buffett. We leave tomorrow to go to St Petersburg via the ICW.
Sunday was a beautiful morning (the first time we had seen the sun there) and the forecast was not perfect, but promising. The wind would be favorable (not OTN!) and the seas not too bad. Wrong. First, there was nothing in the NOAA forecast about a rain storm (The Ugly). It hit about 5 pm. A virtual cloudburst, but it only lasted about 20 minutes. Up to that time, we had been sailing with only half the jib and half the mainsail and cruising along over 8 knots most of the time. Winds were consistently 18, gusting 22-25, but still from the WNW.
After the rain, the waves started (the Bad). Oh my. They were HUGE and slamming us, however, they were behind us instead of coming at us. Thank goodness. There was absolutely no relief. We pulled in the mainsail when the rain hit, so we had the jib still out. No engine, still cruising at over 7 knots. But it was uncomfortable. The waves were hitting us on our right stern and spinning us around. Amazingly, the auto pilot never broke and we maintained course. Bob changed course a little to try to give us some relief but it really didn't help. This lasted all night. The sky was clear, beautiful boat stars (the Good), but we were anxious for daylight. We never saw another boat after the rain. What idiot would be out in this? :)
About 10 a.m., the winds had shifted enough that we pulled in the jib and motored the rest of the way. The winds subsided some, but the waves were unrelenting. As we got nearer the coast, things improved considerably and the rest of the trip was fine. We saw a lot of dolphins on the trip -- they loved playing around the boat (the Good). Seeing as how we were the only boat out there -- they didn't have much choice!
We arrived in Clearwater about 3:30 p.m. The marina is nice (of course no floating piers) and we have enjoyed our time here -- walking on the white sand and just sitting in the boat and watching other boats go by while enjoying a cold one or two and listening to Jimmy Buffett. We leave tomorrow to go to St Petersburg via the ICW.
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| Land Ho! Clearwater, FL aptly named. |
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