Norfolk, VA
To see as much of the world as we can,
Using the smallest carbon footprint we can,
Spending the least amount of money we can,
Making as many friends we can.
This seems a little weird. Maybe it's not as weird as it seems. After all, this is Miami; a giant city. But it isn't. It's really Coconut Grove, in Dade County, a small part of Greater Miami.
I called the local West Marine to look for starter solenoid (Cole Hersee …
I've gone the full round of sparring with Mr. Lehman, eventually got in two waza-ari, and came out victorious. And I have the cuts and bruises to prove it.
Earlier (Miami Connections) we rounded up the parts: Cole Hersee push-button starter switch and M202 solenoid.
The question is this: "Do …
Previously, we have noted that Mr. Lehman has been reluctant to start. The starter solenoid is a little rustball, and perhaps is on its last legs. For some history, see Mysteries, Cleaning and Watching.
Today, the starter didn't work.
Now we have time to do some diagnostics.
Previously, we could …
Back in October, the Whitby-Brewer Rendezvous Group decided to have a Rendezvous South. It was great. Small but great.
We had five crews in attendance: Indefatigable, Joie de Vivre, Red Ranger, Dream Ketcher, and Simbi.
What makes a good Whitby-Bewer Rendezvous? Besides enthusiastic owners, of course.
An associated event …
Started: Vero Beach Marina, 27°39.69′N 080°22.35′W
Ended: Coconut Grove near Dinner Key Marina, 25°42.92′N 080°13.63′W
Log: 155 nm. Time: 24 hr. Engine: 24 hr. Fuel: 29.1 gal.
Dropped the anchor at the edge of Biscayne Bay. Not …
It's not that we're hopeful about leaving. We're leaving. We're hopeful about the weather.
Meanwhile, we're cleaning and cleaning. Books, in particular, need frequent airing out to prevent mildew damage. Here's a typical example.
Our friends at 4ShadowsBooks were horrified that we would let good books degrade like this …
Well, hellish winter storms for all our friends up north. Just chilly here in Vero Beach.
The Whitby sandwich is great because our friends are right next door. Want to chat with the neighbors? Bang on their hull.
But the last two days have been rough on Red Ranger.
We've lost track of our mystery case files, so I don't know what number to assign this particular case, but it was as baffling as any case we've tackled.
Earlier this week, CA went looking for her favorite black hoodie. And came up dry. No hoodie.
Clearly. It's misplaced …
Cravings. Coffee (good coffee!), Power, and Wi-Fi. A short hop from the beach in the posh resort section of Vero Beach. This appears to be called Ocean Side.
It's a pleasant 1+ mile walk from the marina. Perfect.
Good, fast Wi-Fi helps with our passage planning. We're looking at the …
There's a standing Thursday night party here at the Vero Beach City Marina. Fabulous. We got to meet many of the cruisers who are staying at Vero. Some are leaving soon to get south ASAP. Others are leaving eventually.
And more are showing up, too. Today, for instance, we …
Started: Eau Gallie (N), 28°08.16′N 080°37.53′W
Moored: Vero Beach Marina, 27°39.69′N 080°22.35′W
Log: 31.5 nm. Time: 6¼ hr. Engine: 6¼ hr.
Rafted up with Creola here at Vero Beach. This is a small mooring field, very well …
Started: Titusville (N), 28°37.83′N 080°48.44′W
Anchored: Eau Gallie (N), 28°08.16′N 080°37.53′W
Log: 32.2 nm. Time: 5½ hr. Engine: 5½ hr.
Making progress toward Vero ("Velcro") Beach and some anticipated repairs. We chugged down the Indian River in …
The only thing open on Sunday in Titusville appears to be The Coffee Shoppee with no electrical outlets nor any WiFi. Friendly. Good food. Antiquated.
The Municipal Marina screen porch has outlets. That's a start. And it has WiFi. That's good, too.
It was so foggy this morning…
How …
Started: New Smyrna Beach/Sheephead Cut, 29°01.65′N 080°54.93′W
Anchored: Titusville (N), 28°37.83′N 080°48.44′W
Log: 28.5 nm. Time: 5 hr. Engine: 5 hr.
Great visit in NSB with some more friends who date back to high school. Breakfast …
Started: Daytona/Seabreeze, 29°13.79′N 081°01.26′W
Anchored: New Smyrna Beach/Sheephead Cut, 29°01.65′N 080°54.93′W
Log: 16.3 nm. Time: 3 hr. Engine: 3 hr.
Quick trip down the river from Daytona Beach to New Smyrna beach. Three separate lift …
Started: St. Augustine Municipal Marina, #26, 29°53.30′N 081°18.44′W
Anchored: Daytona/Seabreeze, 29°13.79′N 081°01.26′W
Log: 57.1 nm. Time: 8 ¼ hr. Engine: 9 hr. Fuel: 46 gal.
Did not get up in a big hurry. Didn't hustle to …
Yesterday we dismounted the windlass to check out it's internals. CA says it feels like it's "grinding" or "rough".
We took off the four huge bolts that secure it through the deck.
We took off the dozen 10mm bolts that hold the bottom in place.
What greeted our eyes …
Check this out. It's 8.5" x 11" — a full page of letter-sized paper.
The city of Green Cove Springs has some kind of officious streak that causes them to issue this kind of document when you use the public pier.
So, what do you do with …
Started: Marsh Island, 30°23.74′N 081°30.41′W
Mooring: St. Augustine Municipal Marina, #26, 29°53.30′N 081°18.44′W
Log: 38.0 nm. Time 6½ hr. Engine 6½ hr.
Last of the Sweet Potatoes. CA bought a bushel. A bushel! of potatoes from the …
Started: Green Cove Springs, Governor's Creek, 30°00.72′N 081°41.26′W
Anchored: Marsh Island, 30°23.74′N 081°30.41′W
Log: 42.6 nm. Time 7½ hr. Engine 7½ hr.
We've heard mayday calls before. They've always been far enough away that we haven't been …