tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25404810488126006612024-03-05T16:39:20.801-05:00Schooner MISTRESSUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-51778471600860977522011-07-21T23:17:00.001-04:002011-07-24T22:19:03.848-04:00Schooner MISTRESS For Sale<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">There comes a time in every sailors life when your beloved sailing yacht needs to move on and sail for someone new.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">Schooner MISTRESS was originally built in 1930 and has had many proud owners. She is best described now in several categories; Bristol Condition Classic Schooner Yacht, Racing Fast Stay Sail Rig</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ged Schooner, Blue Water Cruiser, and Fit for World Cruising.<br />
Interested parties should follow this link to learn more.<a href="http://www.1930schoonermistress.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.1930schoonermistress.com</a><br />
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<a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1148572715" href="http://www.facebook.com/Schooner.MISTRESS" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Kathleen</a> & Skip Joest<br />
aboard<br />
Schooner MISTRESS</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-60808528814737620802011-06-05T23:08:00.003-04:002011-07-21T23:18:06.588-04:00Holed up for Hurricane SeasonWell the haul out went well and MISTRESS looks much better for it. We returned up the river and this time stopped in Satsuma, FL at a different friends dock. We did all we could for MISTRESS in May and then it was time for Skip to head for Annapolis, MD to do some historical work. I expect he will be gone for 4 to 6 weeks at least. So this is what she looked like when she first arrived. I should take a new pic in a few days and I will load it as well. That shot will show her sun cover. Very important here in sunny Florida. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjwFr_TeWQM15t8GHm0r-TsqBWlfoKmVr7VDBtkloVVGhHoUyrinYaTydh-hb1wFg_xQUu1IaC_ElfsP7RC8lg2Karl1mydMsSd7i9OZEADCcKCyaxLxI-cARJt71yIn0Z2q4-weg9HQ/s1600/P1050150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjwFr_TeWQM15t8GHm0r-TsqBWlfoKmVr7VDBtkloVVGhHoUyrinYaTydh-hb1wFg_xQUu1IaC_ElfsP7RC8lg2Karl1mydMsSd7i9OZEADCcKCyaxLxI-cARJt71yIn0Z2q4-weg9HQ/s320/P1050150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-80964103038379752672011-05-15T09:56:00.001-04:002011-05-15T09:57:53.739-04:00Soon to splash againSunday here and Skip is off with his MISTRESS. The stands have been moved and he is fairing and adding bottom paint. He will also wash and wax the hull again and we hope to have all ready for an early morning splash either Tuesday or Wednesday. With nothing in the way of a rig, there is no place to hide from the sun on deck so we would like to get underway just as early as possible. We will take her back up the St Johns river to Satsuma this time and MISTRESS will stay at another friend's dock which is just a 7 minute car or DOODLE ride from our house. Skip will not be able to paint the deck as planned. Time got away from us as it often does and that will have to be done while she is at the dock. We pray and hope that the blind mosquitoes and spiders stay away at that time. They really are a royal pain. I will try to remember to take the camera and shoot pics of her going back in. <br />
Side note: Gorilla is now into being a cowboy. Skip has bought him a cowboy hat and Gorilla has taken to riding all around the house, on Ernie the cow. Ernie was made for me by my Dad and has been in storage for all the years we have been off sailing. She is happy to be out of storage and Gorilla and she are getting on just fine. What will I do about them while Skip is away in June? No telling. I will supply pic as soon as I get the chance. This ones for you Ricky.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-203933017336209452011-05-06T22:11:00.000-04:002011-05-06T22:11:36.388-04:00May 3, 2011 we leave Welaka and head for Green Cove Springs6:40AM we get underway. <br />
7:40 we pass the Florida Barge Canal. This is the entrance to get to the other side of the damn on the Ocklawaha River. We are running just over 6kt which is a bit sluggish. We look forward to a bottom cleaning. All systems are working well and the current is minimal. There is a fire near by and everything is smoky. <br />
8AM we signal the Buffalo Bluff Bascuel Bridge Tender with the horn. No radio because the antenna is with are masts in Green Cove. Up ahead we can see a line in the sky where the smoke ends.<br />
8:32 we pass the entrance to Dunns Creek. We are clear of the smoke.<br />
9:15 The bridge in Palatka comes into view.<br />
9:25 pass bridge<br />
11:00AM position is 29.30.47N - 81.40.69W<br />
12:04PM position is 29.53.66N - 81.35.77W Glad we got an early start of it today to beat as much of the sun as possible. With no rig, there is no way to set up sun covers and at high noon it nears 90. <br />
12:20 we make marker 25. There is a SSE breeze from 5 to 10kt leaving us with either no breeze or just enough to put fumes on the deck. <br />
12:25PM spot the Shanes Bridge<br />
12:55 Almost to the bridge and we can see the boat yard beyond. Will tie up at Holland Marine. MISTRESS is scheduled for haul out shortly after we arrive.<br />
1:25 we are tied up to the floater just before the lift.<br />
4PM we are on our way home after having left our car up there yesterday. MISTRESS's haul out went very well. In fact, Skip says the guy who ran the lift was the best he has ever seen. That's saying a lot. She had some barnacles on her bottom which we picked up during our trip to Cumberland Island and because there is some salt water in the river they were able to hang on. Nothing much and they were barely the size of my pinky nail and within a half hour of her being hauled she was pressure washed and looking pretty good. They then moved her and set up block and stands. Mostly she was just a bit slimy for the river. Skip wishes to fair her a bit under the water line and set a new water line. Originally, it was near perfect just a bit low aft. In 2008, he reset it and I guess is just didn't come out perfect so Skip being Skip will redo it again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-52298469456438916212011-04-27T14:50:00.002-04:002011-04-27T15:01:58.567-04:00It is all about MISTRESS<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Well Skip finished up his work in St Pete at the end of March and returned home. First big job was to put new beams, butt blocks and partial floor in the shop to support the second floor loft. That done all the wood Skip purchased for the crown molding for the house and other wood he just could not resist is now drying properly in the loft. There is so much room up there we can start emptying the storage shed and organize it all well. The plan was to move onto the bathroom, however money does not grow on trees yet and MISTRESS is too important so we have tabled the bathroom and hope it stays where it belongs until time and money allow for changes like new beams to hold up a new floor and then everything else too. But for now we move onto the work needed for MISTRESS. It's all about the varnish work for the past few weeks and everything has been sanded and varnished. She is looking pretty good. Skip is repainting the gold on the pin stripe today and he should be cleaning the hull this weekend. We are scheduled to bring her up to Green Cove Springs to Tom Holland’s yard for a haul out on Tuesday next week. So the plan is to clean her up and see if anything needs our attention and have a survey done. Last time she received a Bristol/Excellent rating however it was done in the water. Looking forward to seeing what is states this time. We will not be putting her sticks back in this time, but instead will bring her back up the river. We cannot go sailing right now and the river is a good hurricane hole for us to have her in. We had considered putting the masts back in and taking her to deeper water and closer to an inlet, but I could not find a boat slip to suite her under an hour's drive away. Don't want that. Like having her seven minute car or DOODLE ride away. In June, Skip is going to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Annapolis</st1:city></st1:place> to work on a home for the owners of S S SOPHIE. This house was built in 1776 and they want the best woodwork they can find. So there you have it. Skip heads north for a month</span>.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-57508646382566924442011-02-02T13:05:00.006-05:002011-02-02T21:40:51.823-05:00Ground Hog DayI know it has been a while. Busy doesn’t nearly describe accurately how life has been. Turns out, after several months helping our friend, she beat it. She is leukemia free. Holy Crap! What a feat. Life for us returns to, at least our version of normal and I knew it had been a long time since I updated this Log/Blog. So here we are.<br />
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MISTRESS is being completely unloaded. This is the first time since her launch and I am so happy for it. I want to clean her from stem to stern. To have all of her empty at one time after four years of cruising is a treat to me. Once fully emptied, I can really give her a good cleaning and now after living on her for this many years I am apt to make a few changes. Each year she has had a good going over and each year more and more has been removed. If you had not touched that item or thought you needed it, let it go. We expect to do a haul out this May right after the new bathroom is put in the house this April. With MISTRESS just a few blocks away, it will be helpful during the rebuild stage and by that time, I should have her all cleaned up and reorganized for the next adventure. <br />
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Skip is in St. Petersburg, FL working on S S SOPHIE. This year the focus is on building new crew quarters. SOPHIE is probably one of the cleanest and best maintained Trumpys’ ever. Her Captains are nothing short of extraordinary and Skip really enjoys working with them. While he is over in St. Pete he has been enjoying dinners at his parents home not far away. Ahhhh, ain’t nothing like Ma Ma’s cooking. He should finish up at the end of March and return here to his wife and MISTRESS. Often, he comes home on the weekends. <br />
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Something to look forward to is a book being written entitled “Great American Schooner Yachts”, by Björn Arp. The book will feature American schooner yachts built between the late 1800’s and the early 1900’s with each chapter donated to one of these schooners. MISTRESS will be one of those chapters. Family and Honorary Crew can anticipate a copy. <br />
Other items of significance:<br />
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Olive Oyl is taking a long time adjusting to house type living. Ceiling fans and Grandfather clocks are rather disturbing to her. While it is true she most likes being on land and chasing squirrels, when it is time to retire, she prefers her home on MISTRESS liking the cave like atmosphere of the ¼ berth and her other bed in the saloon.<br />
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Our Moral Officer, G. Orilla was the last to move from MISTRESS to our 2nd home the little bungalow; now with its white picket fence. He said he needed to guard MISTRESS against pirates. This was the first time we were leaving her. Truely though, I think Skip scared him with all the dust being created at the house given the new floors, walls, and what not. But he is here now and I will leave you with a video of Gorilla at Christmas time. He sure enjoyed himself. <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWjRF8gk3i8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWjRF8gk3i8</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-66791055254534356172010-12-20T15:38:00.000-05:002010-12-20T15:38:28.525-05:00Getting ready for the HolidaysWell, the cold air has blown threw Florida and has caused Skip to rethink working at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. We have had more than a few days of freezing weather and this has reminded Skip just how much he hates the cold. Additionally, while they where still trying to make their decision to move forward on ROSIE PARKS, several others have been bidding for Skip's time and could no longer be put off. In the end, he who put down the deposit, won. <br />
The house is coming along though slow because of all the work Skip has had to do for a friend, but, I now have a new floor in the living room and in just a few more days, may actually have walls to go with. Last week we picked out living room furniture and that feels good. I hope to have it delivered in early January. In January Skip will go off to St. Pete and work on S S SOPHIE again while I stay here in Welaka with MISTRESS, Olive Oyl, Gorilla, and the new house. Our friend is doing pretty well, though there have been setbacks. We hope she is released in early January as scheduled and is well enough to be on her own. I am looking forward to time in one location. For the past several months it seems I am nearly everywhere but home. Once Skip has finished with wall paint and other such chemical things, I will be able to return to the house. As for the holidays, well, we will be with our friend and do not plan on making much of it. A simple quiet holiday suites us just fine. Notice to all good friends and family, next year, Skip and I have decided one of two events will take place for the holidays. We will either have a big Christmas party at our place or we will be sailing in the islands. Either works for me. For this holiday though, we wish all of you peaceful days with good family and friends. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-74784253608004515742010-10-05T08:59:00.003-04:002010-10-12T13:06:42.847-04:00What we have been up toWith the new house/built in 1915, MISTRESS, a sick friend, and work, Skip and I have been slammed busy with little time to spare. Yesterday, the weather here was so unbelievably gorgeous, by mid day I could not resist and asked Skip if he wanted to take the rest of the day off and take DOODLE up the Ocklawaha River. Turns out he had thought the same thing about an hour earlier and was trying to resist the temptation. Now that I brought it up, what the heck. We left the dogs, Olive Oyl and her buddy Connor in dog paradise, packed a picnic lunch with beer and other drinks, and headed out. It is an amazing place and you should google it to see all the twists and turns it makes. I am always amazed when we find our way back home, for once inside it is nearly impossible to tell which direction you are headed in, if it were not for the sun. We saw, turtles, gators, birds of every kind, flowers in white, purple, orange, yellow and more. At one point we came upon a pair of bald eagles and one of them soared above us at the speed of DOODLE as we continued on. That was cool. We took a whole four hours off from responsibility and called it our mini vacation. Once we were back we found three voice messages on the house phone, two on our cell phones, and the phone ringing out our friends home. Well, it was fun while it lasted.<br />
Update on the shop and house. New floor in the shop, new fence up on two sides, big tools and benches have been moved to the shop from storage, and other household items as well. New floors to come soon in the bedroom and living room which already have new ceilings, walls, and fans.<br />
Skip is being considered for two projects of importance. The skip jack ROSIE PARKS at St. Michael's Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and St. Augustine's traditionally built replica of a tall ship landed there many many years ago which will be built from scratch. Both will require a several year commitment. So we will head to the cold, or stay here. ROSIE PARKS is very important to Skip. She was the last traditionally built skip jack on the Chesapeake and with Skip having come from that area, he has a soft spot for her and yearns to put his name on her as contributor to her history and future. It would also be cool to be right there each year for the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. Our favorite. Heads up to the Schooner Race Crew. For now, we wait and see. Actually, we continue to work and see what life will toss at us next. <br />
Happy sailing,Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-35491481041800347612010-09-06T09:56:00.001-04:002010-09-06T20:56:26.756-04:00Alfred Hitchcock movieThese are pictures of the blind mosquitoes that have covered MISTRESS's deck for the past six weeks. More often than not they are washed off daily, only to return in force. When they are bad, you can hear them swarming. Not so much fun. Glad they don't bite. <br />
These pics only show the blind mosquitoes. They do not show all of the spiders that built webs to catch said bugs. It also doesn't show all the egg casings for all the new spiders yet to come. Oh man, I yearn for blue water. <br />
These shots where taken just a few hours after she was all washed off.<br />
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Yesterday, while Skip and I went into the big city (St. Augustine) we for the first time, left Olive Oyl in her fenced yard on the water with MISTRESS right there at the dock. Wonderful place and she really does love having terra firma right there. Well, yesterday she took to following Rand, our good friend and one of the finest restorers of wooden boats we know, in and out of the gate. Each time she followed him back in until that last time when an irresistible urge overcame her and she bolted through the gate, passed the trees, and out into town. Poor Rand could not have know about playing "hunt and chase the dog". It is loads of fun and Skip and I often play this game with her however we have commands to keep her within certain boundaries. After an hour's worth of chasing it was nearly 2:30PM so Rand called Skip who told him we would come back immediately. This was certainly the hottest part of the day thereby making this game of her's anything but fun for Rand. He supplied himself with water and upgraded to his scooter and resumed his hunt for Olive Oyl. I called the owner of her best buddy, Connor in hopes they might help and are just ten minutes away, we were an hour away. For the next hour, Rand, his lovely wife, Connor and his human companion, and other kind folks were in pursuit of the hound dog on the lamb and reported sightings of her all over town. Rand continued to spot and even get her to come up to him a few times, however each time he went in for the catch, she bolted and disappeared in a flash. Officer George was informed and he joined this search and capture expedition. By the time we made it to the Dunns Creek Bridge we received reports she was on SR 309 heading towards Connor's home, her favorite place. We kept a close lookout as we passed and headed towards Welaka, but no Olive. Once in town, Skip drove and I did her special whistle as loud as I could as we went up and down the streets. Just before 4PM Connor's human companion called and said Olive was back in her yard with Connor. It seems our good Officer of the Welaka Police Department saved the day. He located her on Orange Street heading for home. I figure she heard her special whistle and thought it was a good time to do an about face and head home. She would not get into the car with Officer George so he followed/herded her back home.<br />
When we got here she was very excited to see us. She was hugged, then reminded of the importance of acting like a good dog. This morning, she and I hand delivered Sorry/Thank You /Promise to be a Good Dog cards to Rand and Officer George. They are special cards Skip's Mom painted with a portrait of Olive on the cover. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-90080321872774946802010-07-10T09:48:00.006-04:002010-07-10T13:18:23.544-04:00A Note From the Morale Officer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrzyr3EpXH9z1jRczy22-CZAAitSefLavxw6bL7cgP0nS4VzaeSAhN3Xk4vDTajjrDcG69lRHA7yRBnWqUXG1MX2HoD9_lPyNcO-9ga4x7Cxr0xgVw31h3Ro0Q_kabljPYAVVlGFFIxM/s1600/P1040809.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 305px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492327570633985186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrzyr3EpXH9z1jRczy22-CZAAitSefLavxw6bL7cgP0nS4VzaeSAhN3Xk4vDTajjrDcG69lRHA7yRBnWqUXG1MX2HoD9_lPyNcO-9ga4x7Cxr0xgVw31h3Ro0Q_kabljPYAVVlGFFIxM/s400/P1040809.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div>G. Orilla here. Just wanted to say the Captain and Admiral went to dinner last night at Three Bananas in Crescent City and all I got was this lousy cup. Rum not included. :-(<br />However, I have been promised it was such a nice and friendly place on the water, the next time they go, I will go too. There is a white cypress tree there that is between 620 and 645 years old. WOW! That is gonna be fun to climb. I suppose I will order a banana dacari.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-28491472749422244882010-07-03T09:18:00.008-04:002010-07-05T12:48:58.263-04:00Wow! Is MISTRESS in good company or whatWe are at our friends dock in Welaka, FL. He does a lot of restoration work, has a maritime museum, and is an all around good guy and a talented Shipwright. MISTRESS is docked next to their 1930 Elco. Between just the two boats there are 160 years of wooden boat here. She is in mint condition.<br />Olive Oyl loves her private yard and has done a good job of keeping squirrels and buzzards away. Now she must learn not to bother with all those coming to use the public ramp that is right next door. Gorilla is ecstatic. There are several banana trees here. Skip is just about 8 minutes from work whether he takes DOODLE or the Element and we are just a few blocks from the house we are buying. A good fit all around, I'd say. No hidden fees either.<br /><br />Today Olive has an appointment at the vet in Palm Coast and therefore just after, we will take her to her old dog park and hope to meet up with her old pals. Soon it will be time to empty MISTRESS of all of her belongings so that a good clean can be done and also some redesigning work.<br /><br />The Bald Eagles are here along with the owls and osprey. The other day Skip, Olive, DOODLE, and I attempted the Ocklawaha, but before we got too far the skies opened up on us and we had to make a dash for home and yet we are settling in to a river attitude nicely. Slow and easy.<br />Cell service is an issue so leave messages and when we get the message, sometimes a day or so later, we will attempt to call back. As far as email goes and updating the site, well, it's kind of hit and miss and seems to depend on the weather as much as anything.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-33840592907894537242010-06-30T13:36:00.003-04:002010-07-01T16:44:22.387-04:00Is it time to leave already?Apparently so. We had planned to stay here at Acosta Creek for the three months but alas, it is not a good place for me. Part of this place is a boat yard. Those who know me, understand being around just a small bit of paint, varnish, fumes, and or fiberglass completely debilitates me. So there you have it. <br />The good news is we will be moving MISTRESS today or tomorrow to a friends dock just a 7 minute dinghy ride south of here. Additionally, we have put an offer on a house in Welaka and they accepted it. If you ask Skip about it he will tell you he has bought himself a shop with loft and there happens to be a house there too. So plenty happening here. Skip just got home from work so I will cut this short for now and update when we actually move MISTRESS.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-85365858022452517632010-06-07T22:22:00.003-04:002010-06-07T22:27:34.760-04:00InternetAs of this evening, I now have one bar's worth of Internet service on board. So I can update here when need be and I can check emails. There will be no live streaming or downloading of movies. Phones are still a problem on board, so to family and friends, leave a message. As soon as we get it and are on high enough ground, we will call back. Otherwise we are trying to get the chores done early and late in the day. It is just too hot to work outdoors in the heat of the day. Little by little we are clearing MISTRESS's deck. It will take a good week or two before she looks her normal self, minus her sticks.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-42804354599058740462010-06-04T10:01:00.018-04:002010-06-21T10:26:09.581-04:00Mastless - Holland does a great job<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOE3QvRMxNWjgBAXBoZBTH_zmf546DKJfIQhnSNXk8sI7UnHzd6IE_rIiWrTXN9afAGCExQ7YCOwr2VotG1WJdCpP0xQPFXhWs6jYZeXFry1mmvtnqT68MeMbL5A1-3dP0z9jV-iSruKM/s1600/P1040723.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3KOXw-L4GU5O9QNydaYYi2kZXfORPgUdPJKTg4QBEFCHDW685DtpvOP0yQGHYfJNsz-JR8gIeyyguqmrUFMBKoD158sdUc4uhcxLT-oPBYt7N0QOqA3NNR0wbA5pdyVRutBOyiW4LhY/s1600/P1040721.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479037279550464962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3KOXw-L4GU5O9QNydaYYi2kZXfORPgUdPJKTg4QBEFCHDW685DtpvOP0yQGHYfJNsz-JR8gIeyyguqmrUFMBKoD158sdUc4uhcxLT-oPBYt7N0QOqA3NNR0wbA5pdyVRutBOyiW4LhY/s400/P1040721.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdCR48cKvDJJQPg66OT9CMPWgV180eoLbaoAOii8ecrVAeEURHU2Y9zoyTBOBp9o221GFzkYHxCs3oITkH2-f79bEXxHhfr03YkJ1Xn5NY8y0_UfGMId9JYibN_eObXae2auMUcoFv_E/s1600/P1040710.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478935829033827458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdCR48cKvDJJQPg66OT9CMPWgV180eoLbaoAOii8ecrVAeEURHU2Y9zoyTBOBp9o221GFzkYHxCs3oITkH2-f79bEXxHhfr03YkJ1Xn5NY8y0_UfGMId9JYibN_eObXae2auMUcoFv_E/s400/P1040710.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJsauhi16V-iWfppzjP05fiNZ6XN3sRQZvQW9iNKWU8ofVpvsDuL3tqb5plmqWchR5MNIMVemU0YVXChp5N6wrYfpRcjwSmNQuvdh05ztNDB9TmRKz3kolOhJ_0e79wdjiugbkoOO5Vc/s1600/P1040709.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478932044596899346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJsauhi16V-iWfppzjP05fiNZ6XN3sRQZvQW9iNKWU8ofVpvsDuL3tqb5plmqWchR5MNIMVemU0YVXChp5N6wrYfpRcjwSmNQuvdh05ztNDB9TmRKz3kolOhJ_0e79wdjiugbkoOO5Vc/s400/P1040709.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>8AM the crane was ready and waiting. We move to the lift slip.<br />The foremast came right out, no problem and was stored.<br />9:00 The main held for a few minutes and Skip had to beat on it from below to help free it. Just before it let go, Skip said the cabin top lifted slightly, but then pop, she was free.<br />9:30AM all masts are stored and we get underway.<br />10:00AM we go under the Shands Bridge at Green Cove Springs. Here we come Welaka.<br />I shot a bunch of pics and will load later. MISTRESS certainly sits higher in the water and walking on deck I sense it. She lifted about and inch and a half when the fore came out. She is cluttered on deck and is in need of a good bath, but otherwise she is in great shape. The owner and crew did a great job. Could not be happier with Tom and his band of merry workmen.<br />Right after we pass under the bridge I loose our Internet signal. No trucker's cell antenna to plug into, because no mast, oh well. Acosta Creek Marina has wi/fi so we should be good to go no matter what. I can't tell you how many times yesterday I reached for a boom that was not there. Feels so weird and today her motion is so different. Skip fantasizes about taking her in big seas while the sticks are out to see how her motion would be. This would tell him if she could take lighter spars. He never stops thinking about building carbon fiber mast. Ha Mike P. I think you guys are gonna get that rocket ride without her sticks. Tomorrow, Tim takes Skip to St. Pete to pick up his valiant steed. Thanks Tim. I will do laundry and wait on the Fein vac for the cleaning. You can see when looking at the turn buckles where in the last four years I was unable to get Nev'rDull to. A good job for this summer will be to brighten them up and make all of them look new.<br />10:43 radar check shows rain heading our way. That which is orange and red is dissipating as it gets closer. Chart goes in plastic cover, port holes dogged, holes where masts were, have already been covered. Situation is normal given Florida June weather. I keep putting my foot on the main mast as I sit at the chart table. Of course, it's not there. How long is it going to take to stop doing that.</div><br /><br /><div>12:00PM we are about an hour from Palatka - 29.46.70N - 81.33.03W. Had two rains spouts and it drizzles now. The shoreline is beautiful, but once we pass through the Buffalo Bluff Bascule RR Bridge it becomes breathtaking. </div><br /><br /><div>12:40PM we should be passing under the Palatka bridge in just a few minutes. Sun shines bright.</div><br /><br /><div>2:15PM we slide between marker 12 and the Rat Island Yacht Club. Skip had wanted MISTRESS to be a member until he found out that there would be no rat on the burgee. Disappointed because he had hoped to go to other yacht clubs flying the rat and asked for reciprocating privileges. Plenty of black clouds about. We snake through the river and catch the edges. </div><br /><br /><div>At just after 4PM we landed here at Acosta Creek Marina. Time to settle in. No internet signal at MISTRESS. Must go up the hill to use their wifi. Will try to rig our antenna to something and because we are on a fixed dock again there is always the figuring out of how to get on and off. It's a little harder without those rattlins. We plan to be in this area for the summer with Skip working on other peoples boats and MISTRESS. There is talk of her going black. Hmmmm</div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-78755104629717081372010-06-03T17:25:00.005-04:002010-06-03T17:50:52.750-04:00From Schooner to motor boatTomorrow the mast come out. It should be early. We have removed her sails and her booms. The triatic has been lowered from the foremast, the truckers cell antenna has been taken down, and the furl jib has been disconnected and secured. All this was done early this morning to beat the heat. We slacked off for most of the afternoon hiding below in the A/C, then late this afternoon things began to get stowed away. Skip also loosened the wedges on the fore. We are interested to see how the Spartite works on the main. You see, the last time we made the trip up the river in 2006, we only removed the main because that was all that was necessary to get under the Shanes Bridge in Green Cove Springs. Therefore we referred to MISTRESS as a Schoo back then as we went on with just the fore in place. When the main was put back in, Skip used Spartite. According to the marketing, it should slip right out with the Spartite attached to the mast and will get reseated when the time comes. The fore, having not been removed at that time, did not get it. So tomorrow morning should be a good test. Skip and I both look forward to seeing the results.<br />The next time the rig goes back together there should be noticeable changes to it and in several other areas on deck. After nearly four years of shaking her down, Skip knows what changes he wishes to make. Before she was launched in 2006, Skip designed the rig, had it built, then put it all together within the last 10 days before the launch. Only sailing her could let us know what if any changes might come. So here we are nearly four years later, we have put her through her paces, and he knows just what he wants to do to make her as good as she can be. We have also been, since her launch, dreaming of new sails. Along the way some have been upgraded from the 40 to 50 year old sails she came with and while we can dream of winning the Lotto and having all new sails made, we are happy that Mr. Holland believes he may have a main that will fit. How wonderful!<br />Skip just came below and announced the crane will be here at 8AM. Cool! We are ready and if the Spartite works, the fore will get it on the return trip.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-23674903373459239862010-06-02T18:31:00.008-04:002010-06-03T23:08:53.416-04:00Holland Marine Boatyard<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkKJgKbeqd9iWzFbmh4oH_a_XOTEIpnEBmlUjAc2eFPmuZczGflqUm_xQh9vF7qciaCWUhxl6az7LOJGqAQe8ipFPD0G2547Xg4Q8lDngrTbFQLQDBgkavVm4qTIhFYMivLbAihync3g/s1600/HOLLAND+MARINE.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 163px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478379242785964418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkKJgKbeqd9iWzFbmh4oH_a_XOTEIpnEBmlUjAc2eFPmuZczGflqUm_xQh9vF7qciaCWUhxl6az7LOJGqAQe8ipFPD0G2547Xg4Q8lDngrTbFQLQDBgkavVm4qTIhFYMivLbAihync3g/s400/HOLLAND+MARINE.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Every time we come here, Tom Holland and Susan in the office take such great care of us. Here's a link to his site. <a href="http://www.hollandmarineboatyard.com/">http://www.hollandmarineboatyard.com/</a><br />This is a place I would highly recommend anyone to consider when needing boat work done. It's easy to see they know what they are doing. Just watching Tom and his crew move boats around is pretty wild. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-72878158875230975832010-06-02T08:12:00.018-04:002010-07-20T00:24:01.080-04:00Exchange Island to Green Cove Springs - Holland Marine8:12AM the engine in started. The jumbo sail and boom have been removed this morning after Olive got her shore leave. Skip says with three garbage bags and an hour, all the mess on the island could be gotten rid of leaving the whole island a much desired area. He says there are many paths and that it looks like it has been enjoyed by folks for years. I am afraid I still have a whopper of a headache from all the fumes and chemicals we went through yesterday and this has caused my mind to work much slower. Yesterday, just before running aground, Skip and I were saying how great this month of cruising has been. We will be quieter about such things today. Temp is expected to be 90 today. Hot, hot, and more hot but no worries, shortly we will be plugged in with A/C running. Good friends Kathy and Rick will come to Holland today and lend a hand. Kathy will take me on a store run while Rick helps Skip prepare MISTRESS for the removal of both her masts.<br />Someone we do not know sent us an email the other day telling Skip what he needs to do to make MISTRESS look better. Anyone who has never met Skip and wishes to send him his monthly salary so he could do the work he wants to do on MISTRESS vs earning a living, please feel free to send cashiers checks to Skip Joest Master Shipwright PO BOX are you kidding me, St. Augustine, FL 32084.<br />8:30AM we are underway. Bright blue skies, some clouds, we fight the current and make 5.6kt. The nice folks at Acosta Creek Harbor called yesterday wondering how we were progressing. We were scheduled to be there on the 1st of June, however the crane schedule held us up. Skip and I are really looking forward to spending time there. Nice folks, great area, and they have a pool. Oh my! I should look like a prune within the week.<br />9:00AM we are heading under the Main Street Bridge fighting the current with high RPMs making 4.9kt. I imagine MISTRESS will look like one classy barge by the time we are heading for Welaka. While the masts will remain at Holland, all the rest of her rig will come with us. At least her booms will be down and will not look ghastly to some. Yeah, I'm not well and am holding on to that one. I will try to do better. Take two Advil and drink plenty of water and hope to arrive at Holland in better form.<br />9:08AM just after we get by the railroad bridge just south of the Main Street Bridge the whistle blows. Cool, we slid by without having to wait. Yesterday, as the sheriff and custom's guys were leaving, Skip asked if they had profiled us because Gorilla had been sitting on the bridge deck, sword in hand. They told us they appreciated our good behavior about the whole thing. Really, what cha gonna do. Being nasty with them folks ain't a good way to go, but at least there is a record now showing we are good folks who comply with all the rules.<br /><br />9:35AM we are coming up on marker 3 and there are dolphins all about, some riding on MISTRESS's 1/4 wake. Olive loves to watch the dolphins ever since that first time she was sitting on the side deck just outboard of the cockpit putting her very low to the water. When that big old dolphin was less than 3 feet away from her, it was very exciting to say the least.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiFEfa5KJf-LR1rU3KZ7kPj1SuuFOCSSwXP_MCXmgzO_qh4zY_IMgbZ2E3rHlANwmSY6QN4tR4mwcp7ACbja-uevsRDS1hkxoNHjpj1s6KQ503U6vm79jL5VrUP6U-KfZtgz-NnV5UOY/s1600/P1040615.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 346px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478171463480266034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiFEfa5KJf-LR1rU3KZ7kPj1SuuFOCSSwXP_MCXmgzO_qh4zY_IMgbZ2E3rHlANwmSY6QN4tR4mwcp7ACbja-uevsRDS1hkxoNHjpj1s6KQ503U6vm79jL5VrUP6U-KfZtgz-NnV5UOY/s400/P1040615.JPG" /></a><br />9:55AM we get a call from Holland Marine. Turns out the crane's dry dock sunk last night so they have the crane busy fixing that situation. We have been pushed back to Friday morning. That's OK I guess. It'll give us more time to get MISTRESS ready without having to hurry and we should still make it to Acosta Creek Harbor by Friday evening. I'll email them now with our updated plan.<br /><br /> If you really want to get away and see what old Florida is like, this would be a good place to start. Plenty of Bald Eagles, owls of every shape and size, osprey, king fishers, and the list of birds goes on and on and should never leave out the song birds who wake you each morning. My only warning would be to make sure you do not go during blind mosquito time, I have felt as if I were stuck in an Alfred Hitchcock movie once during that time. The spiders that came to feed on said mosquitoes did not help the situation. Skip told friends, "If Kat stays with me through this she will follow me anywhere". It lasted about two months and only once in all the years we have gone out to this area.<br />11:27AM position 30.05.54N - 81.40.57W we should get to Holland Marine just around lunch time.<br />12:00PM we have a visual. I will leave it here for now. There is plenty to do once we get to the dock. Good short trip today.<br />Almost 6PM and thanks to Kathy and Rick much has been accomplished. Waiting for the sun to set further in the west so I can go up top and set the hose on her.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-13178478274315019152010-06-01T07:58:00.022-04:002010-06-01T21:45:53.659-04:00Cumberland Island to Exchange Island7:50AM engine started. We should get underway just after 8AM Want to tell Skip's parents, happy travels. Send us your itinerary when you can.<br />8:26AM anchor up we have said our goodbyes to good friends and the horses come out along the shore line as we head towards the inlet. We will not be going outside today, but instead traverse the ICW. It is a gorgeous day, blue skies with a few clouds, and a westerly breeze which was not at all forecast. Oh well! I look back on the log/blog to find other times we have made this trip to look for the shallow water which is sometimes found within the channel. Having relayed this information to the Captain we are ready for the trip. Once we get to the other side of the inlet we will have a rising tide which will give us a nice push. It moves around these parts.<br />9:06AM we are just inside the inlet. Moon is still out and we pick up 2kt as we make our way towards Fernandina Beach.<br />9:36AM the west breeze made passing Fernandina Beach a nice ride for me sitting on the forward end of the jumbo boom. We have now entered the marshes and are doing 7.6kt under power. Olive is not sure how long or how wild this trip might be. Skip, after we were waked by a power boat and Olive could have cared less, told her that was the extent of the waves for the day. She will have plenty to look at on this trip. We often see osprey, white pelicans, dolphins, and many shoreline dogs who will bark a hello. Engine slowed way down. We must be in shallow water.<br />9:41AM between the long stretch from Marker 2 and 3 we come across an 8 and 9 foot spot.<br />9:51AM before we make marker 3 we bump twice and go hard aground. According to chart and GPS we are in 14 feet of water. Ah Negatory on that 14 feet.<br />Stick to the port side when heading south between markers 2 and 3, for us about a boat length or two. We continue to wait on the tide. Position: 30.39.02N - 81.29.08W<br />11:43AM we request from a power boat to give us the best wake he can. He calls back and asks for confirmation of said request. Skip confirms. We await the results. Tow Boat US has also been called, however the Fernandina boat is doing a long tow and we are waiting to hear back from Jax. Hopefully, this powerboat will do it. MISTRESS has made valiant attempts to power through the shoal, but so far not enough to free her keel.<br />11:51AM we are free and in 19 feet of water. Stay to the eastern shore when running for that mark. The shoal is right down the middle.<br />12:27PM we pass marker 28 and bump up the RPMs some to maintain 7kt.<br />12:40PM was we come up on marker 37 we find 7 feet of water. We do not bump, but continue on.<br />2:19PM we get to Sister's Creek Bridge and bridge tender opens for us. Thanks Sir!<br />3:03PM position 30.23.08N - 81.33.07W on the St Johns River just before Dames Point Bridge. We have been watching the machines unload the container ships. The water is deep here and the sun is very bright; sunscreen is the word of the day. To the best of my knowledge, the St Johns is the only other river that flows north, like the Nile though not as famous. I am pretty sure many of the folks further south kinda like it that way. More nature, less traffic. Ahhhh my favorite.<br />4PM we have Exchange Island in our sights. We will pass under the bridge this time and anchor on the south side. There is some white sandy beach there that should make a great dog play area. Chart says there is enough water. That'd be nice.<br />6PM we are at anchor and Olive has been ashore. Then a sheriff's boat with three on board boarded MISTRESS without notice and it took an hour to go through a complete check. All is well and they apologized and went on their way. Too hot to do all that which we intended and instead Skip makes cold drinks. Tomorrow we head for Holland Marine.<br /><br />Although it is still hot, the jib has been taken down and stowed, along with the sheets, Olive's netting is all stowed and the fender boards are stowed. Skip took Olive for another shore leave and found that the island is pretty nice. Where I landed it was covered in beer cans and other trash. I guess some jerks decided to leave it that way this past weekend, because Skip says there are ponds here, and paths, with a fire pit, and he and Olive even saw a racoon. The rest of the island seems well kept. Too bad for the locals to have people trash their little island paradise.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-68747611137093857632010-05-31T18:03:00.003-04:002010-05-31T18:09:40.863-04:00Cumberland Island to Exchange IslandTomorrow morning we head out for Exchange Island. We will get an early start of it and try to use the tides to work our way through any low spots in Fernandina. Low tide is around 6:30AM at Fernandina tomorrow, so we will fight it a bit getting away from Cumberland but then will have a rising tide to work our way south. We have had the most relaxing time here, with the exception of all the ticks. We never came back to the boat without having a tick check and finding said ticks. Olive of course got the most, but has faired well and has so enjoyed her time here with all the critters and her best buddy who came here on another boat to spend quality time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-64578601756453895822010-05-29T17:09:00.005-04:002010-05-29T23:49:13.161-04:00Just the pics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOO34FWikEgHTHZw-hJcN8TIkvkRYjdeNqKpVUF9xGNbyEKglihErkx3axYCozvR6P-qSnfed_DTG3Y6jd5UQeoaxOHSK1NzuKfSiH6Dxe47js3VefnqE8GC8DTmTvYmtMMpcYsdbxHNY/s1600/P1040609.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476905075262736306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOO34FWikEgHTHZw-hJcN8TIkvkRYjdeNqKpVUF9xGNbyEKglihErkx3axYCozvR6P-qSnfed_DTG3Y6jd5UQeoaxOHSK1NzuKfSiH6Dxe47js3VefnqE8GC8DTmTvYmtMMpcYsdbxHNY/s400/P1040609.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzGeHrLoWyyjyApOwC4G67z5q6y7ASAVCjfODdXPMhxbpIijgAtzTC15c_yqDzseGSp_cmNhXzH0WEuc-LGYQtpcqkjoX_Qt4Wl23ziP5EPX8RYhhWi_NvydOpQIuydiMLLBVg3XGtJI/s1600/P1040565.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476905066808409410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzGeHrLoWyyjyApOwC4G67z5q6y7ASAVCjfODdXPMhxbpIijgAtzTC15c_yqDzseGSp_cmNhXzH0WEuc-LGYQtpcqkjoX_Qt4Wl23ziP5EPX8RYhhWi_NvydOpQIuydiMLLBVg3XGtJI/s400/P1040565.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUxB0EruYsOTtTtKIAn8g-0h2pY9GVMLOwEn5vIU-_K9nQnqj5f7ENqOr19Y4l-AWVQEBBxNEnKGHW3S5l1hEO1BqEsJu5o46hJaTo0kfp-jTw5otH-zMQAjlW9o1_mfBNsOamFupASs/s1600/P1040555.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476905058049166946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUxB0EruYsOTtTtKIAn8g-0h2pY9GVMLOwEn5vIU-_K9nQnqj5f7ENqOr19Y4l-AWVQEBBxNEnKGHW3S5l1hEO1BqEsJu5o46hJaTo0kfp-jTw5otH-zMQAjlW9o1_mfBNsOamFupASs/s400/P1040555.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8xBZiiYGSk4wSdErPAiQJU48qCWP5HZW31ggOKsl4vjyNRQkLzuVdSMKrZgEiQfXHXdqJCyb4LvIdGF6fRHwqfyVcElcX8Gkm7-HsQJYJnB7RvCwc8uFm9Q8cMmmTSvWcBLqwga_2Cc/s1600/P1040464.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476905045672689730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8xBZiiYGSk4wSdErPAiQJU48qCWP5HZW31ggOKsl4vjyNRQkLzuVdSMKrZgEiQfXHXdqJCyb4LvIdGF6fRHwqfyVcElcX8Gkm7-HsQJYJnB7RvCwc8uFm9Q8cMmmTSvWcBLqwga_2Cc/s400/P1040464.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVObBDvctVKiRk0EBdFol5BktwgDRzUNnJFMKIEN74Hr3Vj2vrSKaGnXXrFgDyT2t6MYBXbBRM7eazUcHvXwmV8pCYUkxVgKwXrdKD3E-mCo2hpZyz1D7Fta40hFXfqF18IttuaTbMXg4/s1600/P1040561.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476808186151767682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVObBDvctVKiRk0EBdFol5BktwgDRzUNnJFMKIEN74Hr3Vj2vrSKaGnXXrFgDyT2t6MYBXbBRM7eazUcHvXwmV8pCYUkxVgKwXrdKD3E-mCo2hpZyz1D7Fta40hFXfqF18IttuaTbMXg4/s400/P1040561.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9SQ_PLoFJ3CQ7vRDOysF2cM9S0GwRyHB7eDeGljkFeCqNrKIH5v6jYJklIR71bEdCYBpMghPX5xHXeOvBvWezurAoEsTC0v6-DUb44-2QHcEI8D8VetfOAkfPG7gZo3IiFupEWegv_c/s1600/P1040566.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476808177670486722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9SQ_PLoFJ3CQ7vRDOysF2cM9S0GwRyHB7eDeGljkFeCqNrKIH5v6jYJklIR71bEdCYBpMghPX5xHXeOvBvWezurAoEsTC0v6-DUb44-2QHcEI8D8VetfOAkfPG7gZo3IiFupEWegv_c/s400/P1040566.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQdaTmUkSFzNfMvKiVmMY2XC_ZcA8HFf9V8ekE1oJYNBkQyEEh1vf4s2n9N-0cyUYeze_XIY4AwYhW31DeTWzrXo5gST1PxVEM8TCkUKQuBwHBKCg2accpFU0lO_eHVicgmuaPBd2hZo/s1600/P1040519.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476808170322346770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQdaTmUkSFzNfMvKiVmMY2XC_ZcA8HFf9V8ekE1oJYNBkQyEEh1vf4s2n9N-0cyUYeze_XIY4AwYhW31DeTWzrXo5gST1PxVEM8TCkUKQuBwHBKCg2accpFU0lO_eHVicgmuaPBd2hZo/s400/P1040519.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTvLKErReQ3InE6d5laOSRHGkQsUSj3wb6HkzhciMb6Z84gFsUyE7Bhi5_TLXP4RgU8CHSiWdxvXWaUieCqpCYDttvbcn5B3QAjsi3XrhEXzb5QB7IeKsddDVx4RVFz6J5TeHBQuWrFc/s1600/P1040517.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476808162509302050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTvLKErReQ3InE6d5laOSRHGkQsUSj3wb6HkzhciMb6Z84gFsUyE7Bhi5_TLXP4RgU8CHSiWdxvXWaUieCqpCYDttvbcn5B3QAjsi3XrhEXzb5QB7IeKsddDVx4RVFz6J5TeHBQuWrFc/s400/P1040517.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqUdeAwa7YTFHUsjJYiYO-trNMn7CVHAV2MicDucQwAZ9UL4adQfrz5LZtwahiALN6eT-7Xo3y06sGlMWfMp-XuWqwy55cQHfe2nsdjNyRWlLHtJbRAN7fr2LVSNjWHu75FDQfw1Hlew/s1600/P1040459.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476808147106041234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqUdeAwa7YTFHUsjJYiYO-trNMn7CVHAV2MicDucQwAZ9UL4adQfrz5LZtwahiALN6eT-7Xo3y06sGlMWfMp-XuWqwy55cQHfe2nsdjNyRWlLHtJbRAN7fr2LVSNjWHu75FDQfw1Hlew/s400/P1040459.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-9689028041530133762010-05-29T09:14:00.000-04:002010-05-29T09:15:27.423-04:00Cumberland IslandWhat can I say? It's great!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-23182924113580762782010-05-25T21:33:00.005-04:002010-05-25T21:53:04.035-04:00Day 1 Cumberland IslandToday we spotted armadillo, lots of wild turkeys, lots of horses, a baby horse, a raccoon, several deer one of which was a young buck, lots of osprey, hawks, and other sea birds, along with a constant showing of rays jumping and splashing, and dolphins passing by. One Momma horse followed Olive Oyl sniffing and wanting to get closer. She followed us a ways until the stallion came over and chased off her, her husband, and the baby horse. We also had a doe seem so interested in Olive Oyl she followed us for quite a ways actually stomping her hooves sometimes and like all the others, sniffing the air intently to pick up her scent. Because of the similar color, I wonder if she thought we had captured one of her own. Olive did well, never chasing. When near the horses, often she would lay down low and watch very carefully. By the end of the day, she was walking right past them without much reaction at all. <br /><br />I am so happy Skip's parents turned us onto Cumberland Island all those years ago. It is still one of our favorite places. While we have explored nearly all of it by foot and by DOODLE and have other anchorages scoped out, this is where we are happiest. It has everything we need.<br />Confirm today that the crane will be ready for us next Thursday. So we will stay here until Tuesday, anchor off Exchange Island that night and get to Green Cove Springs on Wednesday. This should give us enough time to take down sails, and ready the rig to be taken out. Both come down this time. It is going to feel so weird not having her rig in.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540481048812600661.post-36753148698347885252010-05-25T08:27:00.003-04:002010-05-25T08:48:50.824-04:00Arriving at Cumberland Island, GAAs stated in yesterday's log/blog, I went on deck and was able to see 8 wild horses as we passed the island entering the inlet. We followed the channel on the north side and when we got between markers 32 and 34 we cut in and headed for the shoal mark. To our great pleasure and surprise a huge ray leaped from the water right near the cockpit and did a somersault before it dove back in. Boy did Olive's eyes get wide. We then kept the second shoal mark to port and follow the shore line to stay in deep water. About 25 to 30 feet. We like going up and anchoring near the second dock, but we don't go further because of a low spot just beyond. Drop the hook and prepare BALOO, Olive and I are ready for shore leave while Skip remains behind for anchor watch. She and I walked the river side path and soon came upon an armadillo. She was very excited but remained still as we watched him go by. We continued on and I noticed her ridge stood up. Just then I spotted two wild horses just up ahead on the path. One was scratching its hindquarters on a tree, so I scratched Olive's hind quarters and told her it was a horse. She growled at first, but I told her he was a good horse and to Mom they are like dolphins. When I asked her to move forward towards the horses because they had started to move on, she was more than reluctant, ridge standing tall. As we started to follow, all of a sudden I hear a horse coming up the path from the direction we had come and it was trotting. We stood along side as this beautiful grey horse trotted by not eight feet from us. A few minutes later as we started off again, I heard a nay. Here comes another one, this on a beautiful chestnut with white markings on his nose. Oh man they are so nice to look at. This was enough for one day and after seeing up close the size of them, Olive was ready to return to MISTRESS so we headed back. Another armadillo crossed our path and Olive just watched. When we returned to MISTRESS Skip found 7 ticks on Olive and one on me. Olive will get a good flee and tick bath today which is suppose to ward off these pests for up to 10 days. I hope so. I don't think she slept well last night with new creatures swimming around in her head and dolphins and rays all about making noise. When the rain came and Skip got up to close port holes, she was on deck with a little low growl going on protecting us from all wild life that attempted to get too close. This morning, Skip will take her ashore while I tend to MISTRESS. This afternoon, we will probably all go ashore. Our plan is to stay here for a week. Then it will be off to Green Cove Springs so that both MISTRESS's mast can be pulled out. Modifications will be made this summer that will make MISTRESS a much dryer boat, at least for the person in the cockpit. I look forward to these changes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0