Monday, January 28, 2013

St Augustine to Daytona Beach


Left Conch House Marina January 4th in the midst of fog.  As we left Salt Run and entered the main channel the fog thickened and we had to drop anchor and wait for visibility to improve.  As the fog lingered we ate bananas and joked about the superstitions/bad luck that supposedly accompanies bananas on a boat.  Didn't think much of it until  our electric windlass used to lift the anchor failed to operate.  Steve got a work out lifting the chain and 50lb anchor off the bottom.   Maybe no more bananas on the boat.

 


We arrived  at St Augustine Boat Yard and the process of removing the old bottom paint and applying new paint began.




Steve completed a few additional boat projects, fixing the windlass and cleaning the transom coping.

In our free time we decided to take in some of the local sights.  Climbed the St Augustine Lighthouse and went to the Gator Park to zip line.



Enjoyed many nice sunsets.














Simon had time to meet new friends and play too.
 
We will miss St Augustine and all the lovely people  and plan to make a  return trip.

Arrived at Halifax Marina in Daytona and enjoyed the warm sunny weather along with a lovely dinner with family (son in law’s parents).   Stayed an extra day awaiting the local nut and bolt shop to open. While in transit from St Augustine to Daytona we discovered three of the four flange bolts on our starboard prop shaft had sheared off.    The nuts/bolts are now replaced and we have returned to having bananas on the boat.

Side note:  if anyone has recommendations on how to apply google earth plug-in to blogspot, please let me know.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Christmas


We hope all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, 2013.  St Augustine is an enchanting place to visit during the Night of Lights.  Simon and one of Santa’s Elves became fast friends.










We traveled to Huntsville, Alabama to celebrate Christmas with our parents and son.  Since we don’t have any small children in the house, the small dog became the center of attention. 





 After returning to St Augustine and prior to initiating any new boat projects we made a quick visit to Orlando enjoying a surprise Birthday party for our Daughter’s 30th.




 After the fun celebrating we returned to Panasea and completed several boat projects:  shelves, refrigerator insulation/ gaskets. anchor chain/locker cleaning,  carpet placement, as well as fuel tank replacement and building a fuel polishing system.  Who knew retirement could be so relaxing?