For those of you who have sailboats (or for those of you who like to spend the big bucks on fuel - power boats) and want more up-to-date current at-sea weather info (wind direction, speed, wave heights, tides, etc) check out http://www.sailwx.info/. This website offers current weather from ships around the world, displayed graphically. These in addition to forecast weather (ie, see the bottom of this page on the lower left) will help planning for departures and wx across whatever body of water you are looking for. Pretty cool site.
Best for now from Paradise!!
JonNe'
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
We are back in KW, FINALLY!!
Whew!! What a trip.
I just reread the last blog entry, and before I say anymore, I have to get back to the Edison/Ford Winter Estates - I short-changed the experience. If you have never been there it is a real eye opener into the GENIUS of Thomas Edison. We all think of him regarding the phonograph and the lightbulb, and if you really think back, the inventor of the motion picture. Those are so insignificant when you realize everything else.
When Renne' and I were preparing for this adventure, we were so concerned about generating power. We installed a 5.5kw Genset, a solar panel, and windgenerator, more batteries, regulators, and controllers, so regardless of the situation, we could keep our batteries happy and us in light, engine, refrigeration, etc. So we walk into the museum of his inventions. Edison was into DC power not AC! His inventions included solar power, DC electrical generators (you should have seen his 5.5kw generator!), renewable energy, batteries, electric cars - what goes around, comes around friends. Edison was the originator of GREEN ENERGY!! Incredible. Thank you Thomas Edison.
Now back to other things!
The '55 Chevy did get a new valve job. Taylor Automotive definately did a fabulous job at getting Renne's baby taken care of. I have to really thank our friend, Warren Gloss of the "Iron Maiden" for getting her started and completely diagnosed. Even Frank Taylor questioned the diagnosis. However when we got her back, it was exactly as Warren had said it was. The fuel had gummed up because it was so old, the oil had gummed up because we went to an Ethanol based fuel and I didn't realize we couldn't use 30 weight oil any longer without an additive, five push rods ended up bent, and two intake valves were bent. She runs so fine now.
But we didn't get her back until Monday, the 14th. So we used up all of our silver bullets staying with friends - Thanks Dean and Patty, Kent and Diane, Greg and Linda! You guys are life savers! So we ended up leaving on Wednesday morning, the 16th when all of our errands were run.
Both Renne' and I had decided we didn't want to do anymore marathon runs over the road ever again. After all we are RETIRED!! That is a cool word, especially as we are young enough to really enjoy the meaning of it all. So we stopped in Hammond to see my closest friend and former college roommate, Keith Davis (sorry Diane, we tried to stop by the bank to see you also, but the doors were locked and I was afraid of breaking in! LOL) at his violin shop. Keith makes the finest violins, so if any of you reading this have a child who is learning to play seriously or as adults have friends looking to replace or repair one, Keith does fabulous work. Keep him in mind (phone number and address at the end).
From there it was back through Pensacola. Our friends, Loretta and Charlie, are hugely involved in the songwriter/player community in Perdido Beach, Florida/Orange Beach, Alabama and we spent two nights listening to some of the most gifted songwriters in the industry play their songs. We got to get up close and personal with Crystal Schwanda and her husband DeWayne. What were there 15 of us in the club? I'll tell you this is the place to go if you are interested in songwriters. Crystal is a Canadian Country Music artist, and is growing rapidly in country music here in the states, is on the charts, a couple of CD's out with RCA records. It was a blast. In addition, was Chris Newberry, son of the late Mickey Newberry. I know, who in the heck is that???? You will remember in Waylon Jennings song, Luckenback, Texas, he referred to "Hank Williams pain songs and Newberry's Train songs" - that was Mickey Newberry. Very popular songwriter in the 70's and 80's. So if you are headed to Pensacola/Perdido Beach, stop into the Silver Moon right across the street from Florabama - actually stop in to both, they are both unique and really enjoyable.
Pensacola took us to Jacksonville for two days with Renne's sister, Priscilla, her husband, Ron, and son, Fletcher. Dinner and way too many drinks at the country club on Friday night, but we were up early heading to the marina at Jacksonville NAS (Naval Air Station) to preview our next stopover. I have to write a letter to the Commanding Officer to see if we can stay longer there than a month!
Then on to St. Cloud with Renne's Dad and Mom, Bill and Wilma on Sunday-Tuesday. Had a wonderful time and great dinner at Season's 52 with Wilma's sister and husband, Alma and Glenn, and her brother and his lady friend, Lee and Ann. Now all of them have been cruisers of the Caribbean and Bahamas and we thoroughly enjoyed comparing notes and telling war stories of our travels. They are so enthusiastic about our plans, and we are grateful to each of them for their stories, thoughts, and gifts and donations to the boat.
We were going to stop over in Naples to see my cousin Robin, but we had had enough of friends, relatives and other ne'er-do-wells (yeah, right!! LOL), and we decided to enjoy just us! So we had to take a vacation from our retirement, and spent two lovely days on South Beach in Miami. Shopped at Sailorman in Fort Lauderdale, stayed at the Marsailles Hotel (we hope it was under renovation, but it was right on the beach and the price was better than a bunch of the others - besides it is Spring Break and only 3 blocks from Ocean Drive and the Lincoln Street Mall).
On our way down the Keys, we stopped into Islamorada (pronounced Allamorada - locals can tell who are new and who have been informed!) to see our friends Ron and Karen, aboard Summertime. We had a great too few hours with them and excellent Snapper and Grouper sandwiches at the World Wide Sportsman, a Bass Pro Shop there. Great view of the water. However, we were anxious to get back to JonNe' and headed south again.
We got back to KW, ready to get back to KW, and found JonNe' still floating and waiting for us. Of course, NOONE remembered who we were, so we had to re-introduce ourselves around the dock. Funny.
This has been a long story, not detailed enough to thank you all and tell you how much we miss you.
Warren Gloss, Mobile Mechanic (and all around genius) Phone: 281-226-3596
Kieth Davis Violin Shop, http://www.kdavisviolins.com/, 108 N. Cate Street, Hammond, Louisiana, 70401, Phone: (985) 340-0137Silver Moon Cafe, 17395 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, FL 32507 Venue Phone: 251-492-3407/8
Seasons52 Fresh Grill and Wine Bar, 463 East Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701, Phone: (407) 767-1252
Sailorman New and Used Marine Parts, 350 SE 24th St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316, Phone: 866-729-3760
Hotel Marsailles, 1741 Collins Ave. | Miami Beach, FL | 305.538.5711 | 800.327.4739
World Wide Sportsman, 81576 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, Phone: 305-664-4615
Best to all and until the next entry,
JonNe'
I just reread the last blog entry, and before I say anymore, I have to get back to the Edison/Ford Winter Estates - I short-changed the experience. If you have never been there it is a real eye opener into the GENIUS of Thomas Edison. We all think of him regarding the phonograph and the lightbulb, and if you really think back, the inventor of the motion picture. Those are so insignificant when you realize everything else.
When Renne' and I were preparing for this adventure, we were so concerned about generating power. We installed a 5.5kw Genset, a solar panel, and windgenerator, more batteries, regulators, and controllers, so regardless of the situation, we could keep our batteries happy and us in light, engine, refrigeration, etc. So we walk into the museum of his inventions. Edison was into DC power not AC! His inventions included solar power, DC electrical generators (you should have seen his 5.5kw generator!), renewable energy, batteries, electric cars - what goes around, comes around friends. Edison was the originator of GREEN ENERGY!! Incredible. Thank you Thomas Edison.
Now back to other things!
The '55 Chevy did get a new valve job. Taylor Automotive definately did a fabulous job at getting Renne's baby taken care of. I have to really thank our friend, Warren Gloss of the "Iron Maiden" for getting her started and completely diagnosed. Even Frank Taylor questioned the diagnosis. However when we got her back, it was exactly as Warren had said it was. The fuel had gummed up because it was so old, the oil had gummed up because we went to an Ethanol based fuel and I didn't realize we couldn't use 30 weight oil any longer without an additive, five push rods ended up bent, and two intake valves were bent. She runs so fine now.
But we didn't get her back until Monday, the 14th. So we used up all of our silver bullets staying with friends - Thanks Dean and Patty, Kent and Diane, Greg and Linda! You guys are life savers! So we ended up leaving on Wednesday morning, the 16th when all of our errands were run.
Both Renne' and I had decided we didn't want to do anymore marathon runs over the road ever again. After all we are RETIRED!! That is a cool word, especially as we are young enough to really enjoy the meaning of it all. So we stopped in Hammond to see my closest friend and former college roommate, Keith Davis (sorry Diane, we tried to stop by the bank to see you also, but the doors were locked and I was afraid of breaking in! LOL) at his violin shop. Keith makes the finest violins, so if any of you reading this have a child who is learning to play seriously or as adults have friends looking to replace or repair one, Keith does fabulous work. Keep him in mind (phone number and address at the end).
From there it was back through Pensacola. Our friends, Loretta and Charlie, are hugely involved in the songwriter/player community in Perdido Beach, Florida/Orange Beach, Alabama and we spent two nights listening to some of the most gifted songwriters in the industry play their songs. We got to get up close and personal with Crystal Schwanda and her husband DeWayne. What were there 15 of us in the club? I'll tell you this is the place to go if you are interested in songwriters. Crystal is a Canadian Country Music artist, and is growing rapidly in country music here in the states, is on the charts, a couple of CD's out with RCA records. It was a blast. In addition, was Chris Newberry, son of the late Mickey Newberry. I know, who in the heck is that???? You will remember in Waylon Jennings song, Luckenback, Texas, he referred to "Hank Williams pain songs and Newberry's Train songs" - that was Mickey Newberry. Very popular songwriter in the 70's and 80's. So if you are headed to Pensacola/Perdido Beach, stop into the Silver Moon right across the street from Florabama - actually stop in to both, they are both unique and really enjoyable.
Pensacola took us to Jacksonville for two days with Renne's sister, Priscilla, her husband, Ron, and son, Fletcher. Dinner and way too many drinks at the country club on Friday night, but we were up early heading to the marina at Jacksonville NAS (Naval Air Station) to preview our next stopover. I have to write a letter to the Commanding Officer to see if we can stay longer there than a month!
Then on to St. Cloud with Renne's Dad and Mom, Bill and Wilma on Sunday-Tuesday. Had a wonderful time and great dinner at Season's 52 with Wilma's sister and husband, Alma and Glenn, and her brother and his lady friend, Lee and Ann. Now all of them have been cruisers of the Caribbean and Bahamas and we thoroughly enjoyed comparing notes and telling war stories of our travels. They are so enthusiastic about our plans, and we are grateful to each of them for their stories, thoughts, and gifts and donations to the boat.
We were going to stop over in Naples to see my cousin Robin, but we had had enough of friends, relatives and other ne'er-do-wells (yeah, right!! LOL), and we decided to enjoy just us! So we had to take a vacation from our retirement, and spent two lovely days on South Beach in Miami. Shopped at Sailorman in Fort Lauderdale, stayed at the Marsailles Hotel (we hope it was under renovation, but it was right on the beach and the price was better than a bunch of the others - besides it is Spring Break and only 3 blocks from Ocean Drive and the Lincoln Street Mall).
On our way down the Keys, we stopped into Islamorada (pronounced Allamorada - locals can tell who are new and who have been informed!) to see our friends Ron and Karen, aboard Summertime. We had a great too few hours with them and excellent Snapper and Grouper sandwiches at the World Wide Sportsman, a Bass Pro Shop there. Great view of the water. However, we were anxious to get back to JonNe' and headed south again.
We got back to KW, ready to get back to KW, and found JonNe' still floating and waiting for us. Of course, NOONE remembered who we were, so we had to re-introduce ourselves around the dock. Funny.
This has been a long story, not detailed enough to thank you all and tell you how much we miss you.
Warren Gloss, Mobile Mechanic (and all around genius) Phone: 281-226-3596
Kieth Davis Violin Shop, http://www.kdavisviolins.com/, 108 N. Cate Street, Hammond, Louisiana, 70401, Phone: (985) 340-0137Silver Moon Cafe, 17395 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, FL 32507 Venue Phone: 251-492-3407/8
Seasons52 Fresh Grill and Wine Bar, 463 East Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701, Phone: (407) 767-1252
Sailorman New and Used Marine Parts, 350 SE 24th St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316, Phone: 866-729-3760
Hotel Marsailles, 1741 Collins Ave. | Miami Beach, FL | 305.538.5711 | 800.327.4739
World Wide Sportsman, 81576 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, Phone: 305-664-4615
Best to all and until the next entry,
JonNe'
Thursday, March 10, 2011
We are back in Kemah
for a few days.
Kent Brownhill, our fabulous crewman, had to return to Houston as he had been away from his lovely wife, Diane, for much longer than she wanted. Renne' and I were contemplating what we would use for transportation around Key West other than our bicycles. As the marina is 8 miles away from the nearest grocery store, we decided the best approach would be to head back to Kemah with Kent and pick up the Toyota and take it to Key West!
We left KW on Sunday morning, about 0730, and headed for Fort Myers. I had been to the Edison/Ford Winter home there previously, and thought it would be an excellent museum for Renne' and Kent to see. We stopped there from 1:30 - 5:00, ate a disappointing dinner at a local restaurant, then headed for Houston. The rental car was from National Car Rental and Kent and I were the drivers. I had to pay an extra $50 so I could help drive. But National rented it to us as a one way delivery, unlimited miles, no drop off charge for $360 bucks. A lot less expensive than flying.
The drive was uneventful, but we arrived pretty well exhausted after 28 hours of driving and visiting the museum. So Monday, we got the Chevy delivered to Taylor Automotive in Dickinson, TX. We are concerned we will have to have a valve job done on the engine. We had called Benson's Automotive on Hwy 3 and they don't do the extensive work that may be required. They recommended Frank Taylor. When we drove the Chevy into the shop parking lot, we found another '55 Chevy already on the shop floor, which we took as a good sign. We noticed the floors of the shop were so clean you could eat off it. As we walked into the shop office, run by his lovely wife Cindy, there were trophies all around the office and posters of Frank and his race car and team on the walls. I thought that this was the place to be!! We haven't been disappointed. We are waiting for the results of the compression test and hope it will be a minor repair!!
Monday and Tuesday nights were spent at Kent and Diane's, last night with our friends Dean Miller and Patty, tonight will be with Linda and Greg. We are planning on leaving on Friday morning and head back. Probably we will stop back in Hammond for lunch, Pensacola overnight, Jacksonville to visit Renne's sister, Gail and her husband Ron, then Orlando to see Bill and Wilma, then Naples to see my cousin, Robin Siewers Murchison. We are retired - what schedule do we have???
We will post pics as soon as we are back.
National Car Rental Reservations - 1(877) 222-9058
Edison/Ford Winter Estates - http://edisonfordfoundation.org/
Taylor Automotive - 3302 Highway 3 Dickinson, TX 77539 281-337-7060
Kent Brownhill, our fabulous crewman, had to return to Houston as he had been away from his lovely wife, Diane, for much longer than she wanted. Renne' and I were contemplating what we would use for transportation around Key West other than our bicycles. As the marina is 8 miles away from the nearest grocery store, we decided the best approach would be to head back to Kemah with Kent and pick up the Toyota and take it to Key West!
We left KW on Sunday morning, about 0730, and headed for Fort Myers. I had been to the Edison/Ford Winter home there previously, and thought it would be an excellent museum for Renne' and Kent to see. We stopped there from 1:30 - 5:00, ate a disappointing dinner at a local restaurant, then headed for Houston. The rental car was from National Car Rental and Kent and I were the drivers. I had to pay an extra $50 so I could help drive. But National rented it to us as a one way delivery, unlimited miles, no drop off charge for $360 bucks. A lot less expensive than flying.
The drive was uneventful, but we arrived pretty well exhausted after 28 hours of driving and visiting the museum. So Monday, we got the Chevy delivered to Taylor Automotive in Dickinson, TX. We are concerned we will have to have a valve job done on the engine. We had called Benson's Automotive on Hwy 3 and they don't do the extensive work that may be required. They recommended Frank Taylor. When we drove the Chevy into the shop parking lot, we found another '55 Chevy already on the shop floor, which we took as a good sign. We noticed the floors of the shop were so clean you could eat off it. As we walked into the shop office, run by his lovely wife Cindy, there were trophies all around the office and posters of Frank and his race car and team on the walls. I thought that this was the place to be!! We haven't been disappointed. We are waiting for the results of the compression test and hope it will be a minor repair!!
Monday and Tuesday nights were spent at Kent and Diane's, last night with our friends Dean Miller and Patty, tonight will be with Linda and Greg. We are planning on leaving on Friday morning and head back. Probably we will stop back in Hammond for lunch, Pensacola overnight, Jacksonville to visit Renne's sister, Gail and her husband Ron, then Orlando to see Bill and Wilma, then Naples to see my cousin, Robin Siewers Murchison. We are retired - what schedule do we have???
We will post pics as soon as we are back.
National Car Rental Reservations - 1(877) 222-9058
Edison/Ford Winter Estates - http://edisonfordfoundation.org/
Taylor Automotive - 3302 Highway 3 Dickinson, TX 77539 281-337-7060
Thursday, March 3, 2011
JonNe' is in Key West!!
Well, we finally made it!! We are quite proud of ourselves!! JonNe' performed flawlessly, as did her crew. And talk about incredible weather. When we left Kemah, the last thing we expected was to have 2 weeks of the most perfect weather you could get. Of course it would have only been a bit better if we had had winds out of the North, Northeast, Northwest, West, Anywhere but East or southeast!! Of course as everyone who has cruised on a sailboat will tell you - It doesn't matter where you are going, the winds will always be on your nose - and I don't think that theorem was violated more that twice during the entire trip. We had hoped to use the engine for charging the battery and getting into port, but we used it every day - for a lot of every day! We are fortunate we carry 130 gallons of diesel. Actually, we didn't come close to using it all, but we were happy we had it!
When we left Clearwater - for those of you interested, I lived there for two years, on-board my first boat, Dreamketcher, less than a mile from where we were docked. Anyway, when we left Clearwater, we had great winds - out of the south, which was great, until we had to turn southeast toward Key West. Winds were forecast to shift to the southwest Monday afternoon, but didn't -Instead, winds died down below 10 kts, so the motor came on. Monday night was flat and wind-less. Tuesday when the winds picked up, it was still on our nose and we ended up motoring all the way. Tuesday night was the first rain we had - it lasted all of 5 minutes, but it was long enough to wash the salt off the deck. Then the winds really picked up. We saw 30+ knots and the waves picked up to 4 or so feet off our port beam. Life was rock and roll all night. One of the reasons we bought this boat was because she is pointy on both ends. That makes a big difference in following seas - the stern splits the wave as it goes by us and makes for a more comfortable ride - so with a more traditional stern-or transom, we would have probably been a lot more uncomfortable.
We timed arrival at the Key West channel an hour after daybreak. It is a lot easier to plan your speed with the engine running also. My biggest concern was getting through the channel if the winds and waves were as bad. Fortunately, both winds and waves moderated with sunrise. It still took us 3.5 hours to get from the mouth of the channel to the marina on the other side of KW. We got in at about 11:30, docked and celebrated with champagne given to us as a gift. Thanks!!
We are here, we are safe, we are grateful for all we have. We will kiip you up to date, and as soon as we have pics we will post them.
Thanks to all of our friends and fans. we love you!!
JonNe'
When we left Clearwater - for those of you interested, I lived there for two years, on-board my first boat, Dreamketcher, less than a mile from where we were docked. Anyway, when we left Clearwater, we had great winds - out of the south, which was great, until we had to turn southeast toward Key West. Winds were forecast to shift to the southwest Monday afternoon, but didn't -Instead, winds died down below 10 kts, so the motor came on. Monday night was flat and wind-less. Tuesday when the winds picked up, it was still on our nose and we ended up motoring all the way. Tuesday night was the first rain we had - it lasted all of 5 minutes, but it was long enough to wash the salt off the deck. Then the winds really picked up. We saw 30+ knots and the waves picked up to 4 or so feet off our port beam. Life was rock and roll all night. One of the reasons we bought this boat was because she is pointy on both ends. That makes a big difference in following seas - the stern splits the wave as it goes by us and makes for a more comfortable ride - so with a more traditional stern-or transom, we would have probably been a lot more uncomfortable.
We timed arrival at the Key West channel an hour after daybreak. It is a lot easier to plan your speed with the engine running also. My biggest concern was getting through the channel if the winds and waves were as bad. Fortunately, both winds and waves moderated with sunrise. It still took us 3.5 hours to get from the mouth of the channel to the marina on the other side of KW. We got in at about 11:30, docked and celebrated with champagne given to us as a gift. Thanks!!
We are here, we are safe, we are grateful for all we have. We will kiip you up to date, and as soon as we have pics we will post them.
Thanks to all of our friends and fans. we love you!!
JonNe'
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Leaving Monday Morning
What a most enjoyable weekend. We have had a great time sharing with Renne's niece, sharon, her son Aiden, and friend Michael. A barbeque dinner at Michael's sister's house celebrating her significant other, Phillipe's birthday. Thank you for including us. Renne's dad and mom, Bill and Wilma, came down from, st. cloud and it is always a pleasure to share our lives with them. We will head out tomorrow, Monday, morning. We expect to be in on Wednesday. Winds will be fighting us for part of the way, but we are ready to get going, so we will slog away for some hours.
We miss you all,
JonNe'
We miss you all,
JonNe'
Friday, February 25, 2011
What a GREAT Day!!
Absolutely beautiful in sunny Clearwater, Florida! I had forgotten what a great place this is. Renne', Kent, and I walked around part of the island yesterday. The beaches are so white, it hurts your eyes to look. actually the ladies on the beach were really nice to look at, but, then Renne' hit me in the eye for looking to hard and now my eye hurts - was it the sun or the fist??? LOL! Not really, but it helped the story line! I lived here on Clearwater Beach on my boat in a marina provided by a local condominium. It was really nice. I have forgotten what it was like to walk around here. I spoke with my daughter, Cami, yesterday, and she she wanted to get married at one of the local beach hotels here - had to ask if there were any likely guys yet. Doggone, that was two of my ladies I didn't please yesterday. I have to watch what I say!! Haha, I am having so much fun!
We took the dinghy out for a run this morning. For those who are not aware, Renne' and I purchased a Walker Bay Genesis Rigid Inflatable Dinghy of Craigs List last year. We followed that up with a 15hp 2-cycle Yamaha Outboard Engine. We are having to learn to do so much. As we have planned all of this, but never done it in reality, we are getting a real dose of reality as it crashes into ideas each time we do something.
We are traveling with the dinghy deflated on top of the deck under the staysail boom. so this morning, as we are sitting in the slip, I thought it would be a good idea to launch the dinghy. It's HEAVY! Kent and I wrestled it out of it's happy home, inflated it on deck, then launched it. It will take a little more practice for Renne' and I to do it by ourselves. Then we wanted to drop the outboard down to the dinghy. Now neither of us have never owned an outboard before. so it was another evolution getting the engine clamped down, fuel tank installed, seat installed, life cushions onboard, ice chest put together with beer and soda, arch davits let down to board the dinghy, stabilize the dinghy on the arch davits, then we looked at each other and figured we had had enough work, it was time to enjoy. so once again, we realized we are retired, not on vacation, there is NO HURRY for anything!
We will head out for Key West on Monday morning. It is 2-1/2 days south. We should be in the marina at Boca Chica by Wednesday afternoon!
as for right now, we are enjoying the good life. We invite any of you to come sail with us or visit us. Just let us know when you are coming. We hate to overlap guests - it does get crowded. But you will enjoy every moment, we guarantee it!!
In the meantime, we will visit again in our next port!!
We took the dinghy out for a run this morning. For those who are not aware, Renne' and I purchased a Walker Bay Genesis Rigid Inflatable Dinghy of Craigs List last year. We followed that up with a 15hp 2-cycle Yamaha Outboard Engine. We are having to learn to do so much. As we have planned all of this, but never done it in reality, we are getting a real dose of reality as it crashes into ideas each time we do something.
We are traveling with the dinghy deflated on top of the deck under the staysail boom. so this morning, as we are sitting in the slip, I thought it would be a good idea to launch the dinghy. It's HEAVY! Kent and I wrestled it out of it's happy home, inflated it on deck, then launched it. It will take a little more practice for Renne' and I to do it by ourselves. Then we wanted to drop the outboard down to the dinghy. Now neither of us have never owned an outboard before. so it was another evolution getting the engine clamped down, fuel tank installed, seat installed, life cushions onboard, ice chest put together with beer and soda, arch davits let down to board the dinghy, stabilize the dinghy on the arch davits, then we looked at each other and figured we had had enough work, it was time to enjoy. so once again, we realized we are retired, not on vacation, there is NO HURRY for anything!
We will head out for Key West on Monday morning. It is 2-1/2 days south. We should be in the marina at Boca Chica by Wednesday afternoon!
as for right now, we are enjoying the good life. We invite any of you to come sail with us or visit us. Just let us know when you are coming. We hate to overlap guests - it does get crowded. But you will enjoy every moment, we guarantee it!!
In the meantime, we will visit again in our next port!!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
JonNe' is in Clearwater, Florida
Now this was an interesting leg! We tried to leave P-Cola Monday about 1030, but due to operator error - i.e., Jon failed to re-install the top of the new fuel filter after inspecting it for clogging, we starved the engine of food fuel and spent an hour priming and starting the engine - now everyone knows why a Perkins 4-108 Diesel engine has mostly been replaced by Yanmar's. Following that, Kent and I spent another hour cleaning the diesel fuel out of the bilge. We knew Renne' wouldn't go across the street with that aroma, let alone all theway to Clearwater. We finally managed to clean and start the engine, so at last we were off by 1:30pm. Talk about fantastic sailing! 12 hours of magnificent winds in the very best direction. Then the wind died down on Tuesday morning sometime. We started the engine and motorsailed for Clearwater under power. Now Clearwater is 275 nm from Pensacola. 2.5 days direct. We were doing great until the fog hit-now when fog hits you on the Gulf of Mexico, it is like the curtain was dropped on your Broadway show at the last minute during a performance! 1/8 to 1/4 mile visibility for next30 hours. We were anticipating getting into Clearwater last night at about 11:30. But talk about DARK!! We could barely see the bow with all the fog. We slowed our progress down to 2-2 1/2 kts and made it in this morning.
While on this leg, we had at least 30 dolphins playing tag with JonNe', caught our first fish aboard her (a Little Tunny) which was excellent, saw a few satellites go overhead, realized when you are 150 nm from anywhere, there is little light pollution to block your view of the Hevens, and found the Gulf of Mexico can be so flat (does mirror sound flat?) that individual stars reflect in the water with no distortion, and for so long you wonder when you might fall off the edge of the earth. Great couple of days!! Except for the refrigerator going down and losing a few days worth of frozen food, everything was great.
We will be here probably until sunday. We will keep you up to date.
Best,
Jon, Renne', JonNe' and Kent
While on this leg, we had at least 30 dolphins playing tag with JonNe', caught our first fish aboard her (a Little Tunny) which was excellent, saw a few satellites go overhead, realized when you are 150 nm from anywhere, there is little light pollution to block your view of the Hevens, and found the Gulf of Mexico can be so flat (does mirror sound flat?) that individual stars reflect in the water with no distortion, and for so long you wonder when you might fall off the edge of the earth. Great couple of days!! Except for the refrigerator going down and losing a few days worth of frozen food, everything was great.
We will be here probably until sunday. We will keep you up to date.
Best,
Jon, Renne', JonNe' and Kent
Monday, February 21, 2011
First an apology
to all our friends who are not on Facebook, who have been trying to follow us on spot messenger and can't. I am not really good at this and still have not figured out how to get the messenger to record here. I will have to figure that out when we get to Key West -
Yeah Right Jon, you will not have time to do that with all the drinking you are planning on doing on Duval!!
But the big realization is that Renne' and I are NOT on vacation, we don't need to be anywhere, at anytime,on any schedule. Wow that is cool. Kent brought that up last night while we were deciding when to leave - it was an AAAHHH-Ha moment!
Yeah Right Jon, you will not have time to do that with all the drinking you are planning on doing on Duval!!
But the big realization is that Renne' and I are NOT on vacation, we don't need to be anywhere, at anytime,on any schedule. Wow that is cool. Kent brought that up last night while we were deciding when to leave - it was an AAAHHH-Ha moment!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
We are in Pensacola
Thanks to all of our friends who have expressed concern about the first week of our trip. We did great and so did JonNe'! We left Kemah on sunday, intending to stop briefly for fuel, top off the water, and pump out the holding tank. By the time we got to galveston, the fuel dock had closed and we decided to stay over until Monday. We ot everything done by 9:30am and headed east. What perfect weather. Clear skies, pleasant winds, full moon so bright it was almost like daylight.
We stood 4-hour watches during the day and 3-hour watches at night. Renne was still recovering from not feeling well, so Kent and Jon stood the night watches from 9pm-6am while Renne' fixed a lot of the meals.
We ran into difficult winds about the 5th night and spent two days beating to weather to get to Clearwater, Florida. Renne' had some bookkeeping she had to do, so she had to have access to a computer no later than sunday. Finally realizing we weren't going to make Clearwater by sunday, we chose the simpler route-head north to Pensacola. We got here saturday afternoon and pulled into a slip at the Naval Air station marina. $21 bucks a night, how could we miss. Jon's closest friend, Keith and his wife Diane happened to be here from Hammond, La and our friends Loretta and Charlie liver here, so it has been a wonderful reunion with them all.
When we entered the marina yesterday, we followed another Tayana 42, (our boat), same color, same year manufactured into the marina. How in the world did that happen???
We are leaving tomorrow morning (Monday) for Clearwater, then on to Key West as soon as we see Renne's niece and Renne's dad and stepmom. she is very excited about getting down there. Kent as usual is just rolling with the punches. We are so glad he is with us.
More when JonNe pulls into the next port!!
We stood 4-hour watches during the day and 3-hour watches at night. Renne was still recovering from not feeling well, so Kent and Jon stood the night watches from 9pm-6am while Renne' fixed a lot of the meals.
We ran into difficult winds about the 5th night and spent two days beating to weather to get to Clearwater, Florida. Renne' had some bookkeeping she had to do, so she had to have access to a computer no later than sunday. Finally realizing we weren't going to make Clearwater by sunday, we chose the simpler route-head north to Pensacola. We got here saturday afternoon and pulled into a slip at the Naval Air station marina. $21 bucks a night, how could we miss. Jon's closest friend, Keith and his wife Diane happened to be here from Hammond, La and our friends Loretta and Charlie liver here, so it has been a wonderful reunion with them all.
When we entered the marina yesterday, we followed another Tayana 42, (our boat), same color, same year manufactured into the marina. How in the world did that happen???
We are leaving tomorrow morning (Monday) for Clearwater, then on to Key West as soon as we see Renne's niece and Renne's dad and stepmom. she is very excited about getting down there. Kent as usual is just rolling with the punches. We are so glad he is with us.
More when JonNe pulls into the next port!!
Monday, February 14, 2011
We are off!!
This morning was definitely interesting and fun. We started out with breakfast with 16 of our favorite friends. We all met at skipper's at 0630, and you begin to realize who your friends really are when they will get up that early on a sunday morning! Breakfast was fabulous. We then went back over to the boat to finish up getting everything aboard. Well at least down below! We were concerned about the low tide- which turned out to be a valid concern. It took us two hours to get out of the slip and slipway. Everyone was enjoying Mimosas watching us struggle with the really LOW tide! Towboatus was finally called and we were towed out of the slipway. We weren't out of Kemah until 11:11am. We were able to sail nicely til we hit the ship channel and the winds from the south forced us to motor to Galveston. We averaged about 3.4 kts. Arriving, we stopped at the Galveston Yacht Basin but they were closed for fuel, water, and our pumpout prior to going off-shore. We tried Pier 19 (which we found after an hour of searching, but as it was sunday, they had closed also. We decided to pull into a slip at the Yacht Basin for the night. We will wait for their opening at 8am. Kent's wife Diane came down for dinner and the night. salmon, broccoli, and sweet potatoes for dinner. We also toasted the beginning of our adventure with a very nice beer from our friends Gerhard and Daisy Meinecke. Leave it to a German to find an appropriate beer called Full sail.
This will probably be our last post until the next stop.
Take Care Friends and Fans.
Jon and Renne'
This will probably be our last post until the next stop.
Take Care Friends and Fans.
Jon and Renne'
Sunday, February 13, 2011
We are on our way
Finally, we will be leaving Sunday morning at about 8 am. Watch us on our spot messenger.
Best,
Jon and Renne'
Best,
Jon and Renne'
Friday, February 11, 2011
Our Window has opened
Today, Kent and I finished installing the last of the tie-down eyes on deck for the liferaft, and I was able to replace the clevis pin at the base of the jib roller furling with a longer one. The original had been installed improperly and neither Renne' nor I felt comfortable without finally replacing it.
Our insurance will go through tonite. So we are saving about $700 going with USAA and Markel American Insurance Company rather than Lloyd's of London. It sure is expensive though. The advantages are several: First, it is an American company through USAA. What a great company - I have been a member of USAA for 35 years. Boy does that make me feel old!! Secondly, we are able to have coverage in Key West and Jacksonville during hurricane season, and we are not excluded from the Gulf of Mexico as we are with several others.
Renne' has finally turned the corner on whatever was causing her difficulty, so she is finally feeling better. We have decided to leave on Sunday morning about 730am or 8. We would love to have you join us for breakfast on Sunday morning at Skippers at 0630 Sunday morning. We look forward to seeing you and saying farewell. We have a great weather window for the next week, so we expect to have a great sail. Pay attention to the upper left corner of this page for our progress!!
We are so excited. We are finishing up packing on Saturday, need to turn in my car at CarMax also. Loosing my shirt on that one, but it is important. Renne' went grocery shopping today and has been putting away groceries for the past two hours. She also found the insurance for us, and overall has been really busy with the administrative issues we have to deal with. Bless her heart!!
Man, we are excited.
Our insurance will go through tonite. So we are saving about $700 going with USAA and Markel American Insurance Company rather than Lloyd's of London. It sure is expensive though. The advantages are several: First, it is an American company through USAA. What a great company - I have been a member of USAA for 35 years. Boy does that make me feel old!! Secondly, we are able to have coverage in Key West and Jacksonville during hurricane season, and we are not excluded from the Gulf of Mexico as we are with several others.
Renne' has finally turned the corner on whatever was causing her difficulty, so she is finally feeling better. We have decided to leave on Sunday morning about 730am or 8. We would love to have you join us for breakfast on Sunday morning at Skippers at 0630 Sunday morning. We look forward to seeing you and saying farewell. We have a great weather window for the next week, so we expect to have a great sail. Pay attention to the upper left corner of this page for our progress!!
We are so excited. We are finishing up packing on Saturday, need to turn in my car at CarMax also. Loosing my shirt on that one, but it is important. Renne' went grocery shopping today and has been putting away groceries for the past two hours. She also found the insurance for us, and overall has been really busy with the administrative issues we have to deal with. Bless her heart!!
Man, we are excited.
Friday, February 4, 2011
This is Houston and it is COLD!!
We are here in Kemah at least until Thursday, February 10, 2011.
The weather here is miserable!! Granted both Renne' and I have spent time north of Dallas, but this is bitter cold for us. Today is one of those days we are really glad we have a great heater on board. Prior to two years ago, just before moving aboard, heat was generated by small ceramic heaters. When our old air conditioner was rendered useless by an electrical surge caused by a nearby lightening strike, we replaced the A/C unit with a reverse cycle A/C - Heating unit. It keeps JonNe' at a toasty 75-76 degrees continuously during the day and 68 deg at night. Otherwise, the boat was a lot less comfortable and did not make a real cozy place to stay during the winter. So many thanks to all of our friends who have offered their homes as a refuge during this winter storm.
Several things have been accomplished since the last posting. The battery charger was returned to us on Wednesday. The little auto battery charger we have been using to assist the wind generator and solar panel has been getting pretty warm and for whatever reason, wasn't keeping the batteries up. Renne' and I had re-installed it yesterday afternoon but shortly after the installation, I noticed it wasn't putting out anything - I had to think about this - fresh back from the manufacturer and not working. We went to dinner last night with our great friends Steve and Judith Andriko at Don Julio's. Great muscians, excellent food, excellent companionship. That was enough to relax my mind enough to come up with the thought of blown fuses in the feed lines to the batteries. I had installed 50 Amp fuses on each of the House and Start battery banks, and I knew I had to put one in for the genset battery bank, but I had skipped that step when I re-installed the charger. So I pulled the bed apart AGAIN to get to the batteries, put a meter on the fuses to check for current flow, and discovered both of the 50 Amp fuses were blown. I think that happened prior to sending the charger in for repair (at least it makes sense). So I had to run to the storage unit (28 deg outside) twice, for fuses and then fuse carriers (they had both been blown out with the fuses), replacing them prior to going to bed. This morning, lights are running well, the batteries are reading 13.5 volts (hooray)!!
We also have finished installing our new amplified WiFi antenna. Wow, what a difference. In order to use the system wirelessly, I have to install a wireless router today, but that is only to get rid of the network wire stretching across the room.
We have new cell phones. These will allow us to use local sim cards in countries we are visiting. We understand the cell phones can be unlocked after 40 days of use - perfect for us. Renne's phone stays the same, mine will change. Oh well. We will alert you as soon as we know something.
Let's see, the companies used for this episode are:
Newmar Power, Inc (battery charger), Santa Ana, Ca (714-751-0488
L-Com, Inc., (amplified WiFi antenna, bullet, and Point of Entry) - 800-341-5266, ask for Tia Vaden
WalMart, (cell phones) WalMart FamilyMobile
Best to all of you!
Jon and Renne'
The weather here is miserable!! Granted both Renne' and I have spent time north of Dallas, but this is bitter cold for us. Today is one of those days we are really glad we have a great heater on board. Prior to two years ago, just before moving aboard, heat was generated by small ceramic heaters. When our old air conditioner was rendered useless by an electrical surge caused by a nearby lightening strike, we replaced the A/C unit with a reverse cycle A/C - Heating unit. It keeps JonNe' at a toasty 75-76 degrees continuously during the day and 68 deg at night. Otherwise, the boat was a lot less comfortable and did not make a real cozy place to stay during the winter. So many thanks to all of our friends who have offered their homes as a refuge during this winter storm.
Several things have been accomplished since the last posting. The battery charger was returned to us on Wednesday. The little auto battery charger we have been using to assist the wind generator and solar panel has been getting pretty warm and for whatever reason, wasn't keeping the batteries up. Renne' and I had re-installed it yesterday afternoon but shortly after the installation, I noticed it wasn't putting out anything - I had to think about this - fresh back from the manufacturer and not working. We went to dinner last night with our great friends Steve and Judith Andriko at Don Julio's. Great muscians, excellent food, excellent companionship. That was enough to relax my mind enough to come up with the thought of blown fuses in the feed lines to the batteries. I had installed 50 Amp fuses on each of the House and Start battery banks, and I knew I had to put one in for the genset battery bank, but I had skipped that step when I re-installed the charger. So I pulled the bed apart AGAIN to get to the batteries, put a meter on the fuses to check for current flow, and discovered both of the 50 Amp fuses were blown. I think that happened prior to sending the charger in for repair (at least it makes sense). So I had to run to the storage unit (28 deg outside) twice, for fuses and then fuse carriers (they had both been blown out with the fuses), replacing them prior to going to bed. This morning, lights are running well, the batteries are reading 13.5 volts (hooray)!!
We also have finished installing our new amplified WiFi antenna. Wow, what a difference. In order to use the system wirelessly, I have to install a wireless router today, but that is only to get rid of the network wire stretching across the room.
We have new cell phones. These will allow us to use local sim cards in countries we are visiting. We understand the cell phones can be unlocked after 40 days of use - perfect for us. Renne's phone stays the same, mine will change. Oh well. We will alert you as soon as we know something.
Let's see, the companies used for this episode are:
Newmar Power, Inc (battery charger), Santa Ana, Ca (714-751-0488
L-Com, Inc., (amplified WiFi antenna, bullet, and Point of Entry) - 800-341-5266, ask for Tia Vaden
WalMart, (cell phones) WalMart FamilyMobile
Best to all of you!
Jon and Renne'
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Projects, con't
Sunday Morning, 7am
We have been staying with our friend Janet while I have the bed torn apart - Thanks Janet! Friday and Saturday, I built and installed the battery box for the two Trojan 105 batteries. The box had to be reinforced with fiberglass roving to ensure it wouldn't come apart in rough seas, and the platform it is installed on definately had to be reinforced, as it is sitting on the side of the hull. So the shelf brace was reinforced with a three stainless "L's" and glassed to the hull so it won't slide either. Then it was bolted into place. The support for the new SSB Automatic Tuner went in just above the battery box also and is well supported.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner with our friends Ralph and Rhonda Hull and Shirley and Dan Jones at their house. Wonderful company, incredible food!! You guys amaze me every day!!
Then back over to Janet's house to meet up with Janet and Scott and Lee Carpenter and his lady friend.
Over the past week, I ordered new LED lights for the overhead cabin lights. I got those installed this morning and I am very impressed as to 1) how bright they are, 2) how little amperage they draw (.5 amps vs 3-4 amps), 3) how cool they are to the touch. As I was removing the existing halogen light bulbs, I burned my fingers and swore never to use them again if at all possible. They are bright, hot, and very expensive when it comes to calculating amp draw. Good Riddance to bad Rubbish as far as I am concerned.
Haven't run the generator or engine for a while. Had the prop and hull cleaned earlier this past week by Bob Saunders (he always does a great job for us), so this morning when I got up and moving over here, I ran both the engine and generator for an hour. Noticed the tach is a little off, so I have to ask my friend Bill Hudson about that.
Warren Gloss (Iron Maiden Fame) stopped by yesterday also to look at the engine. He gave me some hints on how to pull the plugs so I can install the overheat alarm, and I guess that will be my big project for today. That and installing the components for the SSB. Then Monday I have go get or order all of the cables for it.
All in all, looking like Thursday is a go. Weather will be the determining factor. If the weather holds up, the temp will drop into the 40's or slightly lower (man that sounds cold), but the weather front should pass over us by the end of the morning. We are keeping an eagle eye on the tides. It has been down quite a bit. We may need to move to another area of the marina if we have a chance of leaving on Thursday. The water tends to drain out of here precipitously when a Norther comes through.
Renne' is starting to feel better. She slept well last night, so hopefully she will be on the mend and rested by departure.
I thought I would list the companies I work with for each post:
www.LEDwholsalers.com - excellent customer service, broad selection of LED's to choose from - very reasonably priced!
Superiordiveservices@comcast.net - Bob and Amanda Saunders - They have been friends of our for years. Bob is an excellent diver, reasonably priced, reliable service. Gets the job done.
Kemah Hardware, Hwy 146, Kemah, TX - Toni is the Mayor of League City, great customer service, they know what they are talking about, great prices on marine grade stainless steel, pipe fittings, West Systems supplies, etc. We go there before anywhere else.
Continental Battery, 600 N. Shepard, Houston - Trojan T-145 and T-105 6-Volt Batteries.
Thanks for stopping by.
Jon and Renne'
We have been staying with our friend Janet while I have the bed torn apart - Thanks Janet! Friday and Saturday, I built and installed the battery box for the two Trojan 105 batteries. The box had to be reinforced with fiberglass roving to ensure it wouldn't come apart in rough seas, and the platform it is installed on definately had to be reinforced, as it is sitting on the side of the hull. So the shelf brace was reinforced with a three stainless "L's" and glassed to the hull so it won't slide either. Then it was bolted into place. The support for the new SSB Automatic Tuner went in just above the battery box also and is well supported.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner with our friends Ralph and Rhonda Hull and Shirley and Dan Jones at their house. Wonderful company, incredible food!! You guys amaze me every day!!
Then back over to Janet's house to meet up with Janet and Scott and Lee Carpenter and his lady friend.
Over the past week, I ordered new LED lights for the overhead cabin lights. I got those installed this morning and I am very impressed as to 1) how bright they are, 2) how little amperage they draw (.5 amps vs 3-4 amps), 3) how cool they are to the touch. As I was removing the existing halogen light bulbs, I burned my fingers and swore never to use them again if at all possible. They are bright, hot, and very expensive when it comes to calculating amp draw. Good Riddance to bad Rubbish as far as I am concerned.
Haven't run the generator or engine for a while. Had the prop and hull cleaned earlier this past week by Bob Saunders (he always does a great job for us), so this morning when I got up and moving over here, I ran both the engine and generator for an hour. Noticed the tach is a little off, so I have to ask my friend Bill Hudson about that.
Warren Gloss (Iron Maiden Fame) stopped by yesterday also to look at the engine. He gave me some hints on how to pull the plugs so I can install the overheat alarm, and I guess that will be my big project for today. That and installing the components for the SSB. Then Monday I have go get or order all of the cables for it.
All in all, looking like Thursday is a go. Weather will be the determining factor. If the weather holds up, the temp will drop into the 40's or slightly lower (man that sounds cold), but the weather front should pass over us by the end of the morning. We are keeping an eagle eye on the tides. It has been down quite a bit. We may need to move to another area of the marina if we have a chance of leaving on Thursday. The water tends to drain out of here precipitously when a Norther comes through.
Renne' is starting to feel better. She slept well last night, so hopefully she will be on the mend and rested by departure.
I thought I would list the companies I work with for each post:
www.LEDwholsalers.com - excellent customer service, broad selection of LED's to choose from - very reasonably priced!
Superiordiveservices@comcast.net - Bob and Amanda Saunders - They have been friends of our for years. Bob is an excellent diver, reasonably priced, reliable service. Gets the job done.
Kemah Hardware, Hwy 146, Kemah, TX - Toni is the Mayor of League City, great customer service, they know what they are talking about, great prices on marine grade stainless steel, pipe fittings, West Systems supplies, etc. We go there before anywhere else.
Continental Battery, 600 N. Shepard, Houston - Trojan T-145 and T-105 6-Volt Batteries.
Thanks for stopping by.
Jon and Renne'
Friday, January 28, 2011
New things
Well :^b As we are not leaving until sometime around next Thursday, I decided to tackle another project or two. We replaced our Trojan 105 batteries with 145's two weeks ago. After a few years, we thought it best to go ahead and start this cruise with new, more amperage hour batteries. So I removed the four 105's, turned two in and kept the other two on a board in the storage unit. Our thought was if we had the time we would add a third bank of batteries and run the Generator off that. It would recharge them, be isolated from the house or engine start, and might be a good source of emergency power. So we are in the process of building a support base for the battery box. In order to glass the base onto the hull, I had to grind down the paint to bare glass. So with Renne's health issue this week, I had to send her off to our friend Gail Rassmussen for the night while the dust got cleaned up.
So last night while I am getting ready to go to dinner with Renne' at Malcolm Jones' and Linda Van Wagner's house, I realized the refrigerator was shut down, checked the battery voltage and it was down, checked the battery charger and it is on the FRITZ! So it is a good thing we aren't leaving until Thursday, cause that is how long it will take to get the battery charger BACK!!!! ARRRGGGHHHH!! Just glad it happened NOW and not offshore!! God plans for fools!
So while working on those, I think I will also get the SSB radio in so we can get weather reports offshore also.
Have a great day, we are!!
So last night while I am getting ready to go to dinner with Renne' at Malcolm Jones' and Linda Van Wagner's house, I realized the refrigerator was shut down, checked the battery voltage and it was down, checked the battery charger and it is on the FRITZ! So it is a good thing we aren't leaving until Thursday, cause that is how long it will take to get the battery charger BACK!!!! ARRRGGGHHHH!! Just glad it happened NOW and not offshore!! God plans for fools!
So while working on those, I think I will also get the SSB radio in so we can get weather reports offshore also.
Have a great day, we are!!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Sunday's Departure
Renne’ is still not feeling well today, Thursday. She is headed back to her doctor to figure out what is going on. This is now into her 2nd real week and her cold has changed it’s character. In addition, it looks as though it will be raining on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. So, after considerable discussion (about 5 minutes lying in bed with Renne’ and listening to her cough), we have decided to re-evaluate our departure date and slip it probably to Wednesday or Thursday (Feb 2-3). Departures are fluid when you are cruising – Oh, have we told you we already ARE cruising, we just haven’t left the dock yet – and our health is foremost of importance,so we will sit tight until the window opens. Thanks to all of you who are so encouraging and thoughtful. We couldn’t be doing this without you.
Jon and Renne’
Abrd s/v JonNe’
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
We are done with the outside!!!
We are finally finished with the outside projects on JonNe'!! Today, again with the help of Kent Brownhill, I was back up the mast to reinforce the tv antenna with external st/stl brackets. There is no way the antenna would have survived a storm, let alone banging up and down in rought seas. We had to drop most of the ceiling panels to run the cables through, but HOLY MOLY, you should see the picture on the tv!! Well worth the effort. At the same time, I completed 90% of the amplified WiFi antenna system, and it should be completed inside tomorrow also.
Our friend Jack Weir just finished our dinghy cover and zippers around the full enclosure of the cockpit. The full enclosure allows us to sail year round and in any type of weather. It is a God send during the winter. It is the reason we are able to consider leaving for Key West in January or February!! The chaps are made of sunbrella material and will act to protect the Hypolon material the air-tubes on the dinghy are made of.
Renne' sewed new straps for the diesel jerry cans and for securing the dinghy while we are traveling. I also had to confirm the new Air Breeze Wind Generator was actually making electricity. It is, and that completed the jobs outside.
Tomorrow starts the cleanup of the storage unit so I can find all of the spares we need to take with us.
Wish us the best, we can't think of a lot remaining to do. Oh, I do need to install an overtemp alarm for the engine and that will be a project for tomorrow also. We will soon be on our way.
Jon and Renne'
Our friend Jack Weir just finished our dinghy cover and zippers around the full enclosure of the cockpit. The full enclosure allows us to sail year round and in any type of weather. It is a God send during the winter. It is the reason we are able to consider leaving for Key West in January or February!! The chaps are made of sunbrella material and will act to protect the Hypolon material the air-tubes on the dinghy are made of.
Renne' sewed new straps for the diesel jerry cans and for securing the dinghy while we are traveling. I also had to confirm the new Air Breeze Wind Generator was actually making electricity. It is, and that completed the jobs outside.
Tomorrow starts the cleanup of the storage unit so I can find all of the spares we need to take with us.
Wish us the best, we can't think of a lot remaining to do. Oh, I do need to install an overtemp alarm for the engine and that will be a project for tomorrow also. We will soon be on our way.
Jon and Renne'
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Jon passed his General Amateur Radio Operator License Exam!!
Jon spent the past week studying for his General Amateur Radio Operator's License and took the exam on Saturday morning. Wow, he passed it! Actually he passed it with flying colors. So you ask, how does that fit into the scheme of going cruising? Well, only in saving a few bucks a month being able to send a receive some emails and weather updates without having to subscribe to a special service while offshore. The other was, the last exam like this was his Technicians license 12 years ago. He was a bit out of shape when it came to studying. But he passed it - Now on the other hand, sitting across the room from him enjoying a cup of tea at the time was a 12yo young man who had passed the General test two weeks ago - boy did that deflate the ego at that moment! LOL
On the ever expanding list of things to do, Kent sent Jon up the mast again. All the way to the top this time - was up there about 30 seconds. He had to add a halyard (line) to the remaining block (pulley) installed the last time he was there. Nothing like being 60 feet up with a view of the world!
While up there, he was able to install the new TV antenna and the amplified WIFI antenna on the lower spreaders (horizontal thingies which help support the mast)
Renne' is beginning to feel better today. This entire past week has been a bit rough on her, to say the least. She has been running a fever, is on antibiotics, a Z-pak, and is just now beginning to function. Yesterday, she felt well enough to sew some new stainless steel ratchet mechanisms on straps for the dinghy and spare diesel jerry-cans (strapped to the deck). Her Singer sewing machine handled the material fine. Guess it still has metal parts in it rather than plastic gears!! So we don't have to buy one of those fancy sewing machines from SailRite.
On the ever expanding list of things to do, Kent sent Jon up the mast again. All the way to the top this time - was up there about 30 seconds. He had to add a halyard (line) to the remaining block (pulley) installed the last time he was there. Nothing like being 60 feet up with a view of the world!
While up there, he was able to install the new TV antenna and the amplified WIFI antenna on the lower spreaders (horizontal thingies which help support the mast)
Renne' is beginning to feel better today. This entire past week has been a bit rough on her, to say the least. She has been running a fever, is on antibiotics, a Z-pak, and is just now beginning to function. Yesterday, she felt well enough to sew some new stainless steel ratchet mechanisms on straps for the dinghy and spare diesel jerry-cans (strapped to the deck). Her Singer sewing machine handled the material fine. Guess it still has metal parts in it rather than plastic gears!! So we don't have to buy one of those fancy sewing machines from SailRite.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Radar is BACK
First, and most important - RenNe' and I will be keeping our cell phones after we leave, but will be dropping the our minutes to a more conservative level. We have a boat phone using Magic Jack. THE NEW PHONE NUMBER IS: 864-498-4508. Please put this in your cell phones. Once we leave we ask you to try this number first. If you don't get us, then try our cell phones. Thanks
Well, today the radar antenna went back up the mast. Our friend, Kent did a masterful job in controlling my ascent and descent of the mast. Now those of you who have lots of experience with mast climbing probably don't have any fear of being up 27 feet (or 60 feet at the top) off the deck in a seat harness on a 1/2" line, but frankly it scares me half out of my wits. Yeah I know, I am a fearless Navy pilot with 2200 hours of flighttime, and being at 10-15,000 feet is no problem. But hanging on to mount the radar antenna is a totally different story!! I really respect folks who do this for a living! So anyway, we got the radar up AND IT WORKS! The problem is that it probably didn't have to be sent in after all. I found the DC power wires (positive and negative) as well as the shielding were corroded. Fortunately, when I mounted the antenna originally, somehow I left enough extra wire up there to make so adjustments for corrosion. Don't ask me how or why I did it, it was just dumb luck! However the good part is Raymarine updated the software and firmware in the chartplotter controller so now it is good as new!
The other major accomplishment has to do with our electrical issues. From the very beginning, there has been an electrical shortage between the batteries and the circuit breaker panel. Consequently over the years, the one issue causing us a challenge in considering leaving for a crossing of the Gulf of Mexico (800 nm) has been the potential of running out of electrical charge and not being able to get it back. Thanks to our friend Tommy, we were able to resolve this nagging issue Monday, completely. So we are ready to go.
With both of theses accomplishments this week, JonNe' is ready to make her crossing. There are a few things we have to do over the next 10 days, but I am very comfortable with the shape JonNe' is in. Now we are beginning to get EXCITED!!
Oh, I joined the ranks of RETIRED on Saturday. I can't believe I am this F_____G OLD! RenNe' has been drawing retirement from two of her previous employers and unemployment until we see fit to blow that off. But we have our health, and are set basically for finances, and are covered by health insurance (thanks to 22 years in the Navy).
Another Spot report will go out soon, to test the ability of the unit to track our locations. So, no we haven't left yet, we are close!
Best,
Jon and RenNe'
Well, today the radar antenna went back up the mast. Our friend, Kent did a masterful job in controlling my ascent and descent of the mast. Now those of you who have lots of experience with mast climbing probably don't have any fear of being up 27 feet (or 60 feet at the top) off the deck in a seat harness on a 1/2" line, but frankly it scares me half out of my wits. Yeah I know, I am a fearless Navy pilot with 2200 hours of flighttime, and being at 10-15,000 feet is no problem. But hanging on to mount the radar antenna is a totally different story!! I really respect folks who do this for a living! So anyway, we got the radar up AND IT WORKS! The problem is that it probably didn't have to be sent in after all. I found the DC power wires (positive and negative) as well as the shielding were corroded. Fortunately, when I mounted the antenna originally, somehow I left enough extra wire up there to make so adjustments for corrosion. Don't ask me how or why I did it, it was just dumb luck! However the good part is Raymarine updated the software and firmware in the chartplotter controller so now it is good as new!
The other major accomplishment has to do with our electrical issues. From the very beginning, there has been an electrical shortage between the batteries and the circuit breaker panel. Consequently over the years, the one issue causing us a challenge in considering leaving for a crossing of the Gulf of Mexico (800 nm) has been the potential of running out of electrical charge and not being able to get it back. Thanks to our friend Tommy, we were able to resolve this nagging issue Monday, completely. So we are ready to go.
With both of theses accomplishments this week, JonNe' is ready to make her crossing. There are a few things we have to do over the next 10 days, but I am very comfortable with the shape JonNe' is in. Now we are beginning to get EXCITED!!
Oh, I joined the ranks of RETIRED on Saturday. I can't believe I am this F_____G OLD! RenNe' has been drawing retirement from two of her previous employers and unemployment until we see fit to blow that off. But we have our health, and are set basically for finances, and are covered by health insurance (thanks to 22 years in the Navy).
Another Spot report will go out soon, to test the ability of the unit to track our locations. So, no we haven't left yet, we are close!
Best,
Jon and RenNe'
Monday, January 10, 2011
The "ARCH"
The arch has been a work in progress since April, 2010 - actually before that.
This is what JonNe' looked like before we added the solar panel to assist Mother Earth.
Renne' and I feel strongly about using as much natural energy as possible (that is why we own a sailboat), so our solar panel was born.
You can actually see the solar panel hanging on the stern pulpit (white with black frame). Efficient, but not attractive, and damaged the stainless steel, so not acceptable.
We were also interested in taking advantage of the winds, so we began to work on how we were going to add a wind generator aboard and get it up high enough to really work and not be dangerous to the crew.
So I began to look for options available for an arch. I contacted my friend, Terry Emigh, in Anacortes, Washington about a design he had created for his own Tayana 42 Center Cockpit, and that was in July of 2009. I was actually able to put everything together (convince Renne' this would be a good idea, buy the plans, find someone who would build it at a reasonable price, etc.) in April. After looking at the options of stainless steel, I realized the only option was Aluminum (weight, price).
I found my builder, Daniel Martinez (MTZ Welding Co. 832-273-3168) as he was replacing the aluminum railings around the marina after Hurricane Ike, and he has done an amazing job!
This is the arch after bolting it into place on the stern.
Notice the davit lowers with the dinghy attached to lower the dinghy to the water. The advantage here is our ability to walk out on the davits and enter the dinghy from above. It will also act as a boarding ladder from a dock if there is no finger pier along side the boat.
So, finally, we were able to put it all together the week before Christmas and this is how she looks today all dressed up with solar panel, wind generator, dinghy, and new antenna.
So Voila', JonNe' has the latest in solar and wind energy, renewing the charge on her batteries. We are now using Mother Earth as we should be!
This is what JonNe' looked like before we added the solar panel to assist Mother Earth.
Renne' and I feel strongly about using as much natural energy as possible (that is why we own a sailboat), so our solar panel was born.
We were also interested in taking advantage of the winds, so we began to work on how we were going to add a wind generator aboard and get it up high enough to really work and not be dangerous to the crew.
So I began to look for options available for an arch. I contacted my friend, Terry Emigh, in Anacortes, Washington about a design he had created for his own Tayana 42 Center Cockpit, and that was in July of 2009. I was actually able to put everything together (convince Renne' this would be a good idea, buy the plans, find someone who would build it at a reasonable price, etc.) in April. After looking at the options of stainless steel, I realized the only option was Aluminum (weight, price).
I found my builder, Daniel Martinez (MTZ Welding Co. 832-273-3168) as he was replacing the aluminum railings around the marina after Hurricane Ike, and he has done an amazing job!
Notice the davit lowers with the dinghy attached to lower the dinghy to the water. The advantage here is our ability to walk out on the davits and enter the dinghy from above. It will also act as a boarding ladder from a dock if there is no finger pier along side the boat.
So Voila', JonNe' has the latest in solar and wind energy, renewing the charge on her batteries. We are now using Mother Earth as we should be!
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