We had been dealing with engine belt problems since January in Vero Beach, so with advice from several CCYC friends we ordered a new pulley system for the alternator and Dan installed it. Unfortunately the pulleys came with the wrong size belts and it took time and several calls to get the right ones. SO as we prepared to depart Ft. Myers Dan ordered two extra belts to have as spares. They ended up back ordered! We wanted to leave Snook Bight on a high tide Monday afternoon, and luckily the belts arrived at 3:15 pm and we shoved off at 3:20! The forecast was for light winds, 5-10 knots from the NE. It ended up being W for most of the night but it wasn't a problem and we made it to the Seven Mile Bridge/Moser Channel around 10:30 am and made it into Marathon by noon. What would an overnight passage be without a sunset and sunrise picture!
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There actually was a green flash in the picture on the left - - it's just hard to see. Middle picture was 5 minutes later
and, of course, sunrise the next morning. |
We picked up a mooring ball and were headed in to pay when we saw a Catalina 380 from Bethlehem, PA! We hailed them as we went by and chatted a bit. They told us the SSCA (Seven Seas Cruising Association) was having a pot luck up next to the office so we had a short nap and joined about 40 sailors ashore for an enjoyable meal. As Dan was putting potato packets on the grill he met Brian Mistrot who is the Technical Editor for the C-400 association. We have been in correspondence with him for at least 9 years, so it was fun to meet him and exchange ideas. He and his wife Christie live aboard with their two sons (10 and 13) and are home schooling them. We may see them in the Chesapeake this summer.
Originally we thought we'd spend just two nights here, but strong East winds have kept us here another day. As we listen to the cruiser's net each morning we realize there is quite a community here. Lots of boats, some with lots of character...
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Top is the world;s smallest dinghy, bottom is one with a lot of character
and middle is typical harbor. |
Here's the harbor, day and night
Brunelle - one of many, but special to us.
Early departure tomorrow, so early to bed. ~~~_/)~~~M&D
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