At first, we were pretty apprehensive about dropping our anchor in the middle of about 20 other boats and trying to sleep through the night. However, visions of the anchor letting go and drifting into the rocks or other boats have proven to be of little concern so far. Nevertheless, I still keep more of a vigilance when anchored out, which is, of course, the duty of the captain. Last night was our calmest ever, with almost no wind and little wave action. Anchoring out has some advantages. You don’t get hit by other boats trying to dock theirs, the cost is nil, except for the cost of the generator fuel, and there is a sense of serenity being out there away from most everyone.

But if you want to go ashore, you need a dinghy. I was sitting in our dinghy when this picture was taken. Then you may need a bike depending on how far everything is. I can pretty easily put one bike in the dinghy. Haven’t tried two yet but probably will.

We just arrived in a little coastal town outside Jacksonville call Jacksonville Beach. Our guests are arriving tonight and we are very excited. The Admiral has the boat all spiffed up and we are heading to the grocery store soon. Plans are to spend the day at the beach tomorrow. Our guests will have their picture in the next entry. Be watching.

More on St. Augustine

This was the Ponce De Leon Hotel built in the early 1800's by an oil barron named Flagler. It is in the center of St. Augustine today as Flagler College. Put this city on your list as a must-see if you haven't already. We are extending to 4 days to see more, including the Golf Hall of Fame about 8 miles outside the city.

Today, we attended Ancient City Baptist church. Good message by the pastor who has also agreed to give me some names for my research. The weather has been magnificent.

Nautically speaking, we are entering a part of our journey where the tides are getting higher and lower. Right now it is around 4 feet. It will approach 8 feet by the time we reach Savannagh, Ga. Getting the boats into slips is more of a challenge when you have tidal currents pushing the boat one way and the wind the other. A boater next to us hit our boat as he was trying to dock his. The damage appears to be minor, just a rub rail repair that he will pay for, of course.

At this dock (Augustine Municipal Marina) we have met several others who are on the Loop cruise as well. Should be fun reconnecting as we continue our journey.

St Augustine, Florida

Arrived in St Augustine today after a stopover at Daytona Beach and an anchorage next to a Sea Ray boat facility. If Joe Weissenborn is reading this blog, he will recognize a carbon copy of his recently owned boat in the picture, a 52 foot Sea Ray Sedan Bridge.

From a quick guided tour of the city, St Augustine is everything we expected so far, and more. Two days will hardly be enough time to see everything, but we'll try. Thanks to Joanne and Lee for their suggestions on things to see and do.

What we are doing (the loop of the Eastern US) is getting quite popular. We observed 5 other boats on our dock tonight with the AGLCA (Americas Great Loop Cruisers Association) flag (better known to boaters as a burgee) flying from their bow. This is a great organization that helps people in their planning and execution of the adventure.

The Program That Changed the World

We were pre-teens when the Soviet Union and the U.S. were the two superpowers. Then America was shocked into reality when the Soviets put the first man in space. We were no longer the leaders in space and the threat of them using their superiority to somehow harm or control us was apparent. Then President John Kennedy made the bold statement that we would not only go into space but put a man on the moon within 10 years. That resolve and 400,000 workers resulted in a massive space program to do just that. We remember watching live from Springfield, Mo. as that historic event occurred, starting from Cape Canaveral. This program is nearing its end as a new generation begins work on the Mars trip.

That picture of me is in front of the Apollo module, the program that preceded the shuttle and space station program where the Russians and Americans are now working together!

Our generator is working fine again and we are on our way up the coastline, planning to be in St. Augustine by the weekend.

End of Flawless Performance...

Scarcely minutes following my last posting on the flawless performance of the boat, I began to hear a screaching noise coming from the engine room. It was the Onan generator fan belt screaching because the water pump bearings failed and locked it up. Fortunately we were anchored out near one of the larger boat yards around, Westland Marina. Their mechanic is trying to find the replacement part in town. If not, we may be here a couple of days. But being near to the Kennedy Space Center and Epcot makes the wait more palatable.

Stay tuned.....

The Joy @ Sea resting after a hard days work. She has performed flawlessly. This was in West Palm Beach

Stuart, Fl to Titusville, Fl

Leaving Stuart around noon, we cruised up the Indian River (also part of the ICW) to Titusville. Since this was really a two day trip of about 115 miles, we overnighted at the mooring field in Vero Beach.

Titusville is the closest location to the Kennedy Space Center. So we will rent a car and spend Monday there and then head for Daytona Beach Tuesday.

At Titusville, we visited a little AG church (Space Coast Assembly) and got some referrals for my research. We luncheoned at a famous seafood restaurant called Dixie Crossroads. Good Shrimp.

Since the marina was full, we decided to go on the hook for our time here. So the dink is getting a good workout.

Ft Lauderdale to Stuart, Fl

We are getting the hang of Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) cruising. It is really like a big river that parallels the Atlantic Ocean, but a lot smoother. In fact, the North winds were so strong yesterday that waves in the Atlantic were topping 20 feet, much to high for this sailor. But even in the ICW, it was a windy/wavy and somewhat frantic journey as we came into Palm Harbor Marina in West Palm Beach. Even the docks were rockin. So what did we do? Took a cab to see the famous Worth Avenue shopping district in Palm Beach. (the equivalent of Rodeo Drive in California). Lots of money here. As in Ft. Lauderdale, if your yacht isn't at least 100 feet long, it's barely noticed.

That picture is Marlene and I at the Southernmost point of the US, in Key West. Our planned Northernmost point will be Mackinac Island, where we went on our honeymoon a few years back.

Miami to Ft. Lauderdale

Our plans were to visit Trinity Church in North Miami on Sunday morning. This is a great church pastored by Rich Wilkerson. But when confronted with an almost $100 cab fare, we decided to look for something closer. Voila! We found Calvary Chapel Miami Beach about 2 miles from our boat. This is an established church right in the heart of Miami Beach where darkness abounds. It is a mission field in it's own right and they are well prepared for it. It was also where my fourth research interview materialized - definitely God ordained. By the way, the new blog site has been created on this topic for those of you interested in my research work. The site address is 1stgen.blogspot.com

After church, we made our fourth visit to the Lincoln Mall area. Clearly some of the best food so far. Marlene's favorite restaurant was Cafe at Books and Books. We also walked a good part of the Historic Art Deco District, a residential section just south of Lincoln Mall.

As we prepared to cast off from the marina, the rains began to come down. Keeping in the channel became difficult as I tried to focus through the pelting raindrops on the isenglas covered top deck where I have piloted the boat entirely so far.

Going up the Intracoastal Waterway is very much like river travel so far. But because this area is very populated, there are bridges about every two miles, most of which have to be raised for my 26 foot mast. So getting to Ft. Lauderdale was a good four hours.

Currently we are anchored out in a beautiful lake off the ICW called Lake Sylvia, along with about 10 other boats. It is a beautiful setting with mostly upper bracket homes surrounding the lake. Just a few minutes ago a cruise ship was leaving the harbor for the Atlantic. We passed several other container ships as we came up earlier on the ICW.

The Inside of Joy@Sea

...well almost. I can show the engine room later.

Top is the galley area. Below that is the Captain and First Mate's quarters, better known as the aft cabin. Further below is the saloon area looking forward, and last is the saloon area looking aft. The forward cabin and utility room are up forward. I'll try to get that soon. Marlene did a great job of decorating the interior She chose the red colors which blend very well with all the teak flooring and furniture.

More Technical Stuff about the boat

Following is a Q&A from my good friend Loren Jones from Prior Lake about the boat. Thought you might want to know the answers as well.

Loren says: "I keep thinking about your boat, which leads to a few questions.........

You mentioned it has twin diesel V8s. I assume it's a twin screw, too? Yes. Each prop has 4 blades and is 28" in diameter

Do you always have to run both engines, or can you cruise along slowly on one? I could run on one, but there is little difference in economy. Also, the transmission on the idled engine could be damaged if the shaft turns without being lubricated by engine pumped water circulation. For example, if I lost one engine and had to go several miles, I'd need to lock the shaft to keep it from turning.

What is your typical cruising speed? Between 8 and 9.5 knots. Again, for economy, this boat runs best at "hull speed" The formula is the square root of the length of the boat at the water line times 1.33. In my case that is about 8.5 knots.

What's a typical fuel flow rate for your typical cruising speeds? Not sure yet. The tanks hold 600 gallons so I haven't refueled yet. My hope is to get between 1.5 and 2 MPG.

Global Warming?

This was the snow bunny Lisa made in our back yard just before we left for the trip (the day after Easter). Sounds like more snow is on the way in Minnesota for tomorrow!

Miami Beach

We're back to big time civilization docked at a marina in Miami Beach. We left Key Largo for the Hawk Channel, crossing over to the Intracoastal Waterway at Angelcreek pass. Then we spent last night at a small harbor south of here on the hook (another way of saying we anchored out).

Marlene and I took a stroll down the famous South Beach area, including Lincoln Mall and the historic hotel district, including a few spashes on the beach itself. Lots of interesting people here.

Keeping in Touch

Marlene on the top deck of Joy @ Sea, anchored in Boot Key Harbor in Marathon, Fla. She likes her USA Today. I got this one by taking the dink (short for dinghy) about 2 miles to a convenience store.

Key Largo

Cruised up the Hawk Channel about 50 miles with ease to Key Largo on the outside of the Keys, mostly very smooth for a change. Upon arriving we determined the tide was so low we decided to anchor in the bay for the night instead of the marina. Since this is on the Alantic side of the Keys but protected by a reef, we were apprehensive about the winds and waves at an overnight anchorage. But it was tolerable and we made it fine, although somewhat bumpy in the night.

I Need a Geek! (Key West Journey)

I'm trying to send pictures to this blog but not successful so far. The new camera is taking some getting used to. But they will come, I promise!

Yesterday in Key West was spectacular! We began with Church at Glad Tidings Assembly of God, met the pastor, and was referred to a gentleman whom I interviewed for my research. It was one of those God things for sure. It was hard to keep my composure while interviewing him, knowing how this desparate man went from a drug infested life and then to prison about 7 years ago. Then, through the kind and persistent visits to him in prison, a guy at the church lead him to the Lord. His life was turned around like only God can do from people who are open. Currently he is in charge of hospitality for the church. If you want to know more about these interviews, I'm starting another blog devoted just to this research. So that way, what I have gleaned from my time will be saved on Google's harddrive and not mine. The new blog will be called First Generation.

The afternoon and evening in Key West was spent mostly on and around the famous Duval Street, a string of restaurants, stores, and museums that runs for about about a mile in Old Town Key West. Marlene got her fix of shopping, we ate great food, and I spent much of my time at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. Mel Fisher is the guy who headed the expedition that found about $350 million worth of gold and silver treasure in a ship that sunk in 1622 about 35 miles West of Key West.

So far the weather has been marginal for this area. Very warm and humid with a huge downpour last night. We're actually looking forward to getting further North.

Key Largo area next.....

Marco Island to Marathon, Florida

Because of strong headwinds coming from the South, we opted to journey down the West Coast of Florida rather than the 100 mile open seas trip directly to Key West. Even with this, we were confronted with 3 to 4 foot seas, sometimes the waves would crash over the bow, drenching the bikes we mounted on the railings (even though covered). But the boat performed flawlessly. It's made to take this. We were a little weary after 4 hours of pounding waves, however.

Glad we went this way for another reason. We got to see Everglades City, a small quaint town nestled in the heart of the Everglades 6 miles up the Barron river. The town's main industry appears to be crabbing and air boat excursions. We tied along the docks at the Everglades Rod and Gun Club, a beautiful old majestic building which has been reopened recently. The entire interior looks like a piece of fine furniture, a true work of art.

Then, further down the coastline we anchored in the Little Shark River. It had a very remote feeling. No phone access, just us and nature in the dark along with some mysterious sounds. Several times in the night I heard what sounded like a large animal exhaling from somewhere on shore. Or was that an alligator in the water? Marlene, of course, made sure I kept the doors on the boat locked. (by the way, she won't know I heard those sounds till she reads this blog)

Today Saturday, April 5, we continued south to Marathon, Florida, dodging crab pots all the way. Marathon is part of the 100 mile string of islands called the Florida Keys. I've rented a car to drive the 50 miles to Key West. We'll be at Glad Tidings Assembly of God there tomorrow.

Marlene Joy has one more birthday party

We were treated to a great dinner at Snook Inn on Marco Island by Kent, Lisa and Kirsten along with Kent's folks, his brother, Clay and wife, and Stan and Judy Anderson who recently relocated to Southern Georgia from Sacramento. Lisa (Marlene's cousin) surprised us all with dessert back on the boat, all 11 of us. It was Pina Colada ice cream in pineapple halves with a candle in each one. (Soon I will post pictures from my camera to this site to make this more interesting)

The Journey Begins -- Ft. Myers to Marco Island

On April 1, 2008 at 11:00am we left from the Ft. Myers Yacht Basin Marina with full tanks (600 gallons of diesel) to cruise the 65 miles to Marco Island. Our goal was to reach Marco in time for dinner with relatives Kent and Lisa Anderson and their daughter Kirstin, who will be entering the University of Florida this fall.



I estimated about 7 hours for the journey and we made it in 6, despite some pretty heavy waves as we challenged head-on winds in the 15 knot range. We had about 3 hours of the trip where the waves were crashing over the bow -- but the Grand Banks is made for this and performed flawlessly.



On the technical side FYI, the Grand Banks 42 Motoryacht is powered by twin Caterpillar 3208 V-8 diesel engines. We have a 3 cylinder 8KW generator for AC power when not at a marina. There are two helm stations, both fully equipped with Garmin Chartplotters and Raytheon Autopilots. I got a chance to use the autopilot almost all of the cruise to Marco Island. I set the bearing on the Garmin to a point on the map (called a waypoint) and marked it. The Garmin then posts a line to follow. I could have just stayed on that line by using the steering wheel. But since the Garmin is linked to the autopilot, I just push the Track button on the autopilot and it automatically follows the line on the map, hands off! (I know most of you boaters reading this are aware of this but a lot of my friends in Minnesota need to be brought up to date on open sea boating navigation)

It was Miller Time last Sunday.....

......That is, we had 8 Millers on board with us: Scott, Dawn and their 4 boys along with Dave and Peg Miller, Scott's mom and dad. They came to give us a send off and we took a little cruise up and down the Calasahoochee River to check things out before the Adventure begins. Dave and Peg are getting serious about the Loop as well. Wouldn't be surprised to be reading their blog in a few months as they begin their journey.