March 31, 2013 Easter Sunday

Monday, March 25, 2013. Today was a shopping day.  We met Darrell and Ruth at the Galleria Mall and then decided to go to lunch on the beach.  We ate at the Oasis on the beach (where all the booths are large porch swings) and then Darrell and I went to the new West Marine here in Fort Lauderdale.  It is supposed to be the largest West Marine Store and the best stocked.  It is south of town by the airport.  Well, it may be the largest and the best stocked, but………….no lamp oil and no zinc for my MaxProp.  The three cashiers at the front of the store were obviously in training and the customer service reps only knew how to look stuff up online, but did not know what they actually had on the shelves.

Lisa, Jeff and Ruth went to Tommy Bahamas and had much better luck finding what they were shopping for.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013.  Today I took Jeff to the airport.  He is flying home so he can finish his private pilot’s license and get into the summer program at Lakes region Community College.  We will certainly miss him traveling with us.  The boat seems much larger and quieter tonight.  Lisa and I walked into town (Las Olas Street) and then took some pictures along the waterfront. Tonight is car night in Fort Lauderdale.  Some very nice vehicles on display.

One of Lisa's favorite glass artists id Dale Chihuly.  He does amazing things with blown glass.  We saw his exhibit at the Museum of Fine Art in Boston in 2011.  One of the ice cream shops here (Sweet Udderances) has several of his chandeliers hanging in their shop.  Apparently, the owner knows Mr. Chihuly.  I am sure the chandeliers are worth as much as the shop.  We also saw some of his art in a shop just down Las Olas from Sweet Udderances. Check out his fabulous works in glass!  http://www.chihuly.com/

Wednesday, March 27, 2013.  The plan is for me to drop off Lisa at hazel’s sister’s house in Boca Raton, where she and Hazel and Hazel’s niece (Darlene) will repaint a bedroom.  While they are doing that, I will drive to Palm Beach and pick up some parts for our winches.  When we arrive at Hazel’s, Darlene comes in from a walk with the dog.  The dog looks like a Manchester Terrier and is barking and growling.  After he settles a bit, they ask Lisa to let the dog smell her hand and he should settle down.  Nope.  Dog latches on the Lisa’s hand and doesn't want to let go.  I guess this had happened before, but not like this.  Hazel is mortified.  Lisa is shocked.  We, obviously, do not stay to paint.  We feel really bad for Hazel – not her dog – her brother’s I think.

So…………off to Florida Rigging for winch parts.  We are met by Peter Linwick, who went over our wish list and offered some other parts we might want to keep aboard. He spent 2 hours with us going over the particulars of the winches we have on board.  In the end, he had every part on the list in stock except of a couple of large Teflon washers.  So, he sent us next door to Sunray Plastics, where we bought a sheet of Teflon to make our own washers.  What a great experience!  If you ever need winch or windlass parts, or service -  email Pete at pete@rigginghydraulics.com    www.rigginghydraulics.com

Thursday, March 28, 2013.  Today is prep day to depart Fort Lauderdale.  Lisa and I took showers, then did laundry, washed the boat, filled water and emptied holding tanks, grocery shopped and turned in the rental car.  We had dinner at the Downtowner.

Friday, March 29, 2013.  Another beautiful day in Florida.  We are off the dock at 8:45am.  We had planned to wait until later in the day, but the tide has eased considerably, so we are off.  The wind is coming out of the NE at 10 knots.  We debate going outside to Lake Worth Inlet, but the wind is supposed to built to 15+ and the waves have not yet settled down from the front that went through on Wednesday.  Today is a bridge day. 19 bridges.  We missed five openings and finally arrive at Lake Worth at 8:30pm.  Lisa made dinner while we were underway, so as soon as the boat is settled, we are in bed.  North Lake Worth (North Palm Beach) 26° 50.23’ N, 42° 13.19’ W.  42.8NM, 53.8SM, 42.8NM today. Mile Marker 1064.

Saturday, March 30, 2013.  We try to start the genset and it does not want to run.  It will start and then it dies.  After several attempts, we give up and start the main engine to charge the batteries.  We are meeting Robert Wyman and his friend Lorain.  Robert and Lisa took a couple of glass carving classes together at Aliento in New Mexico.  He and his friend live in Lake Worth and we meet them for breakfast at Sarah’s Kitchen.  It is on the corner of US1 and A1A behind the shopping center.  Great little place.  Like a diner.  Marvelous!  If you tie up at the bridge at the north end of Lake Worth, it is a 10 minute walk.  After a leisurely breakfast, we went back to the boat and are underway at 12:15pm.

If you look at Lisa’s website, it will give you a better idea about her work in glass.  www.lisajeansglasscreations.com

We arrive at Peck Lake (just south of Stewart) at 5:15pm.  It is a busy place as it is Saturday and the beach (ocean) is just across a narrow strip of land.  Lots of boats, people and partying.  There are pontoon boats which ferry people from the mainland over to the beach.  Today, we negotiated 7 bridges, and only missed one opening.  Peck Lake 27°06.89’ N, 080° 08.61’W.  24SM, 20NM today. Mile Marker 992.

By evening, the wind has switched to the SE and has increased to 18-20.  About 100 yards off our bow are two sportfishing boats rafted (only one has an anchored down and the second boat is tied to the first).  They are doing some serious partying.  By midnight, one of the boats has left and the party is over.  At 12:45am, we hear and feel a large BANG, then another.  When we get on deck, there is a 35 foot sportfishing boat alongside us and drifting aft.  We bang on the hull, yell and scream, and finally wake up the occupants.  They are having a bit of trouble functioning, but finally get their anchor up, which is too small and has no chain to keep it on the bottom.  They drug this anchor a significant way across the lake and were headed north up the ICW.  I tried to get the name and address of the owner and the registration or at least the name of the boat, but there were no numbers or name on the boat – and they took off!  Hit and Run.  Nice.  He banged up our pulpit pretty good (see pictures), but there was a lot of fiberglass on our bow roller, so he had damage too.

Sunday, March 31, 2013.  Easter.  Bent pulpit.  Generator still not working.  No Easter Basket from the Bunny, but a nice day to walk on the beach! There is a trawler anchored close by, so we asked them if they happen to see or hear any of the wreck last night.  He said he heard the commotion, but did not see what happened, nor did he see the boat that hit us.  Oh well.  These folks are George and Martie Aspland on “Whales Way”.  We have drinks with them in the afternoon and find out they have just purchased a condo in Stewart after living on the boat for 14 years!  Nite Cap is in Stewart and we hope to catch up with them soon.  Dinner on board and early to bed after last night’s adventures.

Check out this week's pictures - 20130331