Greetings from the WE BE BLEST III,

A good run down Mobile Bay.

Two "deleriously happy " days at the beach, even though the Captain grumbled.

Running before and hiding out from the north winds.          The sounds of freedom again!

Getting closer to crossing the Big Bend.

Do you know when Mickey Mouse's birthday is?  Just ask our granddaughter, Brianna!

SATURDAY, 11/12

            After a trip into Fairhope for provisions and the post office, we cast off at 1040.  The majority of our run down Mobile Bay was pleasant, lots of diamonds dancing in the sunshine.  After about two hours, the winds picked up and as did the chop and white caps, but it was not an uncomfortable ride.  We motored 39.4 miles and anchored in Ingram Bayou, mm 163 at 1611.  Several other boaters had the same idea.  RIVER QUEST had already anchored there.  We had a pleasant night out of the winds.

Mm163            39.4 miles

SUNDAY, 11/13

            After our onboard church service, reading and discussing the Sunday scriptures for this day, we pulled anchors at 0818 and motored only 16.2 miles to Spanish Point, mm178 and dropped the anchor off the Perdido Key Sand dunes at 1048.  While the Mate packed a picnic lunch, the Captain readied the dinghy.  We packed books, writing materials, lunch, and water, hopped in the dink, and scooted over to the key, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore Park. 

It was a short walk, only about 50 yards over the dune to the Gulf side and crashing surf.  What a pleasant afternoon – a picnic at the beach, some “baby naps,” reading, writing, and walking.  For the most part, the beach was ours alone for miles.  Since this was at the end of the Key, with no road, the only access to it was by water or with an ATV.  Actually, rangers did patrol the area, occasionally driving by in their jeeps or ATVs.  We found 20 sand dollars on our stroll – what fun!

Mm178            16.2 miles

MONDAY, 11/14

            Ready for a repeat at the beach, we stayed another day and headed over in the dink at 1000.  More reading, more writing, another picnic.  It’s like being on vacation!  After lunch, the Mate meandered up the beach for a long walk and came back with 200 or so sand dollars.  No prize giant ones—they ranged in size from very tiny dime-size, to 2” in diameter.  Like pennies from heaven, these were blessings from God.  What a wonderful relaxing day the Mate had – while the Captain grumbled a bit about the salt spray and sand.  “Why didn’t you go back to the boat sooner?’ the Mate asked.  He had done that the day before, leaving her at the beach with the handheld marine radio in case she needed him.  “I’m protective of you.  I didn’t feel comfortable leaving you there alone.”  That’s my knight in shining armor!  As a result, the Mate had two absolutely delightful days at the beach … as the Captain described her … “deliriously happy!”

TUESDAY, 11/15

            Up at 0530.  How nice it was to be swinging on one anchor again, catching the breezes thru the hatch in the v-berth.  We wanted to be at mm192 on the mainland side across from Pensacola Beach by 0800-0830, so we pulled the anchor at 0617.  We were meeting Baker Clark, a new Camano owner.  He recently bought a salvage Camano (the ENCORE, which was totaled by IVAN last year).  The repairs are almost finished and he needed lights for the cabin.  We still had our original ones from the change out to the low wattage lights the Captain installed last May.  We heard about Baker needing the lights from our visiting with Ted and Mona.  We sold the lights to Baker and showed him some of our additions to the boat.  He had not been on a Camano in the water yet, so was delighted to come aboard, and was getting excited about his boat nearing completion.

Around 1130, while cruising toward Ft. Walton Beach a 40’ commercial fishing boat hailed the WE BE BLEST III wanting to pass without waking us.  Chatting a bit, we learned the boat had come in our anchorage last night around midnight after a long run in the Gulf – 20 hours in heavy seas.  He was getting beaten up pretty badly by the waves so came in and dropped the hook for a few hours of rest before he headed on to homeport at Ft.Walton Beach.  He had been in Louisiana the last several months and around many of the major hurricanes this year – Dennis, Katrina and Rita.  He felt like a hurricane magnet.  My Captain replied, “I don’t think I want to be around you very long!

            We had several dolphin sightings today in Choctawhatchee Bay.  They swim toward the bow and duck under the boat.  One followed in our wake this morning.  This afternoon mama ,  with her baby right next to her, swam under the bow, then a second group of three, with another mama and baby did likewise.  None of them seemed to stick with us though.

Weather is moving in.  We took a long run today to mm 250 in Choctawhatchee Bay hiding in the lee side of a bridge and causeway at 1630, right before dark settled in.  We may have to hang here another day if the seas are rough tomorrow.

Mm252            73.6 miles

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY, 11/16-11/17

            Up at 0530.  A band of showers came across and the winds began to shift.  Since the stronger north winds were not due until this afternoon, we pulled anchor at 0607 and headed toward Panama City looking for a hideout.  Pulled into the Panama City Marina for water, pumpout and fuel which was the lowest since New York.  Then we motored over to Pearl Bayou, mm 295 and dropped the hook at 1215.  This is considered a “hurricane hole,” so should give us good protection from the winds.  We’ll hide out here for a day or so to let the strong north winds pass.  Two sailboats were moored here, probably during the past storms.  Two sailboats joined us Thursday and later, MAMACITA, a LOOPER, motored in as well.  We met her almost exactly one year ago in Apalachicola waiting to cross the Big Bend of Florida.

            While the Mate worked on organizing pictures from this trip, the Captain read.  Thursday, he took the dink to fish in the bayou.  No luck though.  The temperatures have been dropping each day – back into wearing long pants in the day and using the down comforter at night!

FRIDAY, 11/18

            Happy Birthday, Brianna!   9 years old today!  And it’s Mickey Mouse’s birthday too!

            Talk about cold!  Temperature readings last night as we went to bed:

                        Cabin   63        V-berth   54     Outside   45

            This morning at 0545

                        Cabin   48        V-berth   43     Outside   35    

That’s too close to freezing for us!  Time to move south!  We pulled anchor at 0638 and the Captain wants the log to report that on the flybridge he wore a t-shirt, chamois shirt, sweat shirt, and his winter coat from Wisconsin!  Plus long pants, socks and shoes even!  Gone were the shorts and sandals! 

The Mate beat his four layers; she had on five – a t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, windbreaker, fleece pullover and nylon rain jacket with a hood plus her hat.  In addition, a pair of nylon jogging pants and fleece pants over that.  She needed wool socks – her feet and toes were cold!  The wind had calmed some, but was still blowing a bit this morning.  It was ch-ch-chilly!  But the sun was nice.

            Yesterday and today we watched fighter jets go through aerial maneuvers over the bays and waterways.  Probably training flights out of Tyndall Air Force Base.  They took off over our anchorage at Pearl Bayou – screaming across the sky, banking over the Gulf, then flying back to base.  A noisy anchorage?  Heavens NO!  THAT’S THE SOUNDS OF FREEDOM!

It looks like we should have a good window of weather for crossing the long St. George Sound from Apalachicola to Carrabelle on Saturday and then Sunday has a good window for our open water crossing of the Big Bend from Carrabelle to Steinhatchee, a 90-mile run.  Since the Scipio Creek Marina in Apalachicola was full, we decided to anchor in Saul Creek mm 245, a scenic hurricane hole.  We motored past the “Y,” took the left fork and motored almost to the next bend, finally finding 10’ depth.  This is a very deep creek and protected from the winds.  MAMACITA had stayed here this past spring and indicated they saw alligators and bald eagles in the area.  However, we did not spot any.  Too cold for the gaters to be sunning.

Mm245            1330 CST        51.2 miles         We are now in Eastern Standard Time

* * *

LOG 39    11/19-11/20

Greetings from the WE BE BLEST III,

A close encounter with a crab pot ...

To cross or not to cross.  That is the question! 

We'll spend Thanksgiving where?

SATURDAY, 11/19

            Anchors up at 0740.  We motored out of Saul Creek past Apalachicola into St. George Sound.  A 36.3 mile run to Carrabelle.  It was a bit choppy with the breezes blowing.  The Mate was surprised to hold a cell phone connection all across the bay, so was able to retrieve email during the crossing.  It helped keep the Mate’s mind off the choppy waters too.

            As we were fueling in Carrabelle, the dockhand noticed a line trailing from the back of the boat.  Oh oh!  We nailed a crabpot and the line was tangled around the prop and in front of it as well.  The Captain, who gets to have all the fun, got to take an afternoon dip in the chilly water with mask on and knife in hand.  He cut the tangles and pulled off all the pieces of line.  Prop now clear, the Captain returned to the boat.  Not only did he save us the cost of a diver investigating the line, he got to have a nice dip and a new experience!  Yep!  The Captain gets to have all the fun!

We took a slip at C-Quarters Marina, and then chatted with several boaters playing “what do you think?”  There was a slight window of weather for crossing the 90 miles to Steinhatchee tomorrow.  After that, it deteriorates for a number of days.  Most were staying put.  A couple boats considered crossing.  After provisioning, we went to bed leaving the final decision until the morning after listening to the weather forecast.

SUNDAY, 11/20

            To cross or not to cross.  That is the question!  After a not-so-restful sleep, with concerns about our boat’s position in the slip, plus thinking about the crossing, we got up about 0500.  The forecast was for 10-15 mph NE winds, and 2’-3’ seas, later changing to E winds.  We decided to try for it, knowing if we did not, we would be here at least through Thanksgiving.

We cranked the engine at 0555 to get an early start on the long run.  We motored out of the harbor and through the shipping channel in the dark.  A high intensity spot light helped us find the red and green buoys marking the channel and the lights indicating the shoals around Dog Island.  We also used it to check frequently for crab pots, especially after yesterday’s encounter.

After we cleared the harbor, it was much breezier then we hoped it would be.  About 45 minutes later, we were still in the dark, but exiting the sound and heading into the Gulf through East Pass.  While we were in the protection of Dog Island, the Gulf was fairly smooth.  However, as dawn broke, we were experiencing the 3’ Gulf waves, with an occasional 4 footer on our bow.  As the WE BE BLEST III motored into each wave, her speed slowed from 9 mph to 7.  Then as she passed through it, the speed would resume until the next wave came … 6 seconds later!  After about 20 minutes of running like this, we decided to abort the crossing, turn around, and go back.  It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t scary, it just was not fun, It would have been a slow 7mph, 10 hour rough trip.  Instead, we can spend Thanksgiving in Carrabelle!

Back in the protection of the harbor at 0900, we decided to take a slip at the Moorings Marina.  There were other LOOPERs here, plus they have a very nice boater’s lounge – a good spot to spend several days, especially with rain in the forecast for the next couple days.  We looked at one slip, backed into a second, then tried it bow in; but we still were not happy since the slip was so shallow.  So we idled back to the first one.  Then MAMACITA called us on the radio and indicated there was room in front of them on the long wall.  We checked with the office and took that spot on the wall.  Much better than the small finger piers in the other two slips.  Third time’s the charm!  It took us almost an hour to get the boat finally docked.

 19.6 miles traveled … minus 1/10 mile progress.  We stayed at a different marina, a tenth of a mile farther in!

* * *

LOG 40            11/21-11/24

Greetings from the WE BE BLEST III,

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!          We'll spend Thanksgiving where?

A weather window opens.       Another Gulf attempt and crossing.

Thanksviging at Steinhatchee

MONDAY-TUESDAY, 11/21-11/22

            Yesterday, the LOOPERS at the Moorings gathered in the boater’s lounge for happy hour.  Plans were made for a Thanksgiving potluck.  We all figured we were in for the duration, with no weather window opening until the weekend.  We had considered going to Atlanta for Thanksgiving with friends from our park.  Bob and Betty would come pick us up on the way to their son and daughter-in-law’s.  It was tempting, but we didn’t want to miss any chance of a weather window to get to Steinhatchee.  We decided to stay in Carrabelle. 

            It rained most of today.  Worked on organizing pictures, read, made phone calls.  Of course, we kept an eye on the weather via the computer in the lounge.

            Tuesday we did laundry, rode our bikes around town, and had lunch out.  Visited with boaters – the plus side of staying in marinas.  We do get to meet more folks than when we anchor out.  A window seems to be opening for Wednesday.  We went to bed planning on leaving at 0630.

WEDNESDAY, 11/23

            Up at 0530.  The 2’-3’ wave forecast went downhill ... 3’-4’.  We checked out the computer info again.  Two boats had left earlier, so we hailed CATALINE.  She and PATIENCE were still in the protection of Dog Island.  It would take another hour before they would have a glimpse of the Gulf conditions.  We decided to strike out anyway.  After they reported back about the Gulf we could then decide to abort again or continue on. 

            The conditions were good.  Following seas under 2’ which later calmed down to almost flat.  It was a great run to Steinhatchee.  The Captain bumped the rpms up to 3200, about 12.5 mph.  It was only a 7.5 hour crossing of 84.4 miles.  We left at 0658 and arrived at River Haven Marina at 1430.  At this speed we passed CATALINE and PATIENCE who came into the marina at 1600.  It’s too bad more of the boaters did not decide to head out today.  It could be a long stretch in Carrabelle for some of them.  But we never know … another window can open up.

            The Captain calculated the fuel consumption at the higher rpm.  We used about three times as much fuel at 3200, than at 1800.  This is a good bit of information … knowing we get about 2 miles/gallon at 3200 rpm, we can go roughly 120 miles on a tank of fuel with 1/3 left as reserve.  The Camano handled and rode well at this speed.  The trim tabs the Captain installed before we left on the LOOP did help our fuel efficiency.

            The three boats docked together and we all celebrated our safe and smooth crossing … WE BE BLEST!  Tomorrow we’re planning breakfast together and Thanksgiving dinner in the local restaurant.  Since we skipped out on the Carrabelle potluck, we won’t have to cook now!

THURSDAY, 11/24

            HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Today let us all take time today to thank God for the many blessings He has given each of us!

            This morning we had breakfast with John and Jill from CATALINE and Jim and Linda from PATIENCE.  After boat tours the guys helped Jim with some boat repairs ... all playing bilge rats with battle scars from their endeavors.  Repairs complete, we celebrated at happy hour on PATIENCE.  Then we all trotted to Fiddlers Restaurant for our turkey dinner with all the trimmings.  What a great time we had. 

            Back to the dock, out came our computer on WIFI looking at the weather sites.  Looks like a go for another Gulf run tomorrow.  We’ll head for Anclote Key near Tarpon Springs and wait for the other two who will go to Cedar Key, then to Tarpon Springs on Saturday.

* * *

LOG 41    11/25-11/27

Greetings from the WE BE BLEST III,

Our Gulf crossing .         Live drama on the high seas

Rocking in the cradle

A day of surprises ... ... Bittersweet moments …  A day at the beach

FRIDAY, 11/25

            Up at 0545 … neither of us slept well the night before … awake a lot around 0300-0400.  CATALINE AND PATIENCE were up and preparing to leave.  The Mate checked the wave website one more time.  Looks promising, so we decided to head out with them, figuring we could always turn back if it got bad. 

            Cast off at 0615 with PATIENCE in the lead; we brought up the rear.  It was still quite dark and Jim and Lynda used their spotlight to find the markers.  As they approached the first of the long string of markers in the channel to the Gulf, the hot light came on because they lost engine coolant flow.  PATIENCE dropped anchor to investigate, while CATALINE and the WE BE BLEST III waited. 

Within ten minutes problem resolved and we continued on to the Gulf.  The WE BE BLEST III now led the way and soon bumped the rpm up to 3200 (13mph).  The others cruised at 8 knots, so we pulled away from them heading to Anclote Key.  The seas were good … 1’-2’, following seas on the quarter stern, some long rollers during the day and flattening out by mid afternoon.  It was a great crossing.

            Around 1300 live drama on the high seas began.  A vessel called the Coast Guard indicating they were taking on water.  We were only able to hear the Coast Guard’s side of the conversation.  Only one passenger.  Water was coming in the boat.  A rescue vessel would arrive in 30 minutes. 

A PAN PAN call on the marine radio gave the vessel’s coordinates, asking any boats in the area to offer assistance.  As time progressed, the Coast Guard asked how much freeboard remained.  A rescue helicopter was now on the way.  After a bit, another vessel indicated they were approaching the scene and had a visual of a person in the water.  Soon they had him onboard.  The Coast Guard asked if there were any injuries.  The rescuing Captain reported the victim was “cold and wet.”  Thank you, Lord.  Our prayers for his safety were answered. 

Some debris was in the vicinity, then the report came the vessel had sunk.  The vessel did have EPIRB, an emergency GPS locating device which enabled the Coast Guard to pinpoint its position.  The EPIRB paid for itself today!

Since we were not within sight of land for 3-4 hours, during our run we plotted our position every hour, and at course changes and waypoint arrivals.  This gave us the assurance we truly were on our designated course.  Finally, the power plant stack at Tarpon Springs came into view ... a welcome sight!  We motored over to Anclote Key, across from Tarpon Springs, and dropped the hook at 1600 -- a good run of 117 miles, our second longest run.  (The run from Baltimore to Cape May was 128 miles plus one storm!) 

CATALINE called, they anchored at 1400 in Cedar Key.  They will join us tomorrow.  We took a refreshing shower on the cockpit, celebrated with a cold brew, had supper, and hit the sack at 1900 -- two hours before cruisers midnight and had a wonderful night’s sleep rocking like a baby in the gentle waves. 

Mm 152           117 miles

SATURDAY, 11/26

            Today we motored into Tarpon Springs, checking out any possible anchorages and marina availability.  There is an anchorage near the boat ramp east of the Green 17 marker in the channel to town and at red 25 on the east side of the channel.  The marinas were quite full because of the Thanksgiving holiday.  We did find a free dock if we ate at their restaurant … so we did … good Greek food.  Then we motored to Pappas restaurant that is now closed, but we tied to their dock for several hours.  We heard boats stay there overnight and no one seems to mind. 

Friends of ours from Prairie du Sac, WI were also in port.  Tammy and Jim VandeHey are doing the LOOP with another couple on FOUR GONE.  We have been in contact via email and were surprised to see them at the City Marina.  While the Mate shopped the markets, the Captain visited with

Jim.

            Around 1600 we motored back out to the Anclote Key anchorage where CATALINE was waiting.  They had gone on ahead after towing PATIENCE back to port with engine problems again.  As we got the hook down, we were surprised once more.  This time it was PATIENCE motoring over to us.  They had been able to fix their problem fairly quickly in Cedar Key and took off shortly after that. 

So we all gathered on the aft cockpit of PATIENCE for a joyous happy hour, celebrating and toasting being on the south side of the “Big Pond” -- the Gulf -- now looking north.  What a good feeling to have the Gulf crossings behind us!  It was a bittersweet evening as well, since we were all close to finishing our boating adventures and this would be our last anchorage together.  PATIENCE was going to a slip in Clearwater for a couple months, CATALINE was making a beeline for the other side of Lake Okeechobee to catch a plane to England for the Christmas holidays.  The WE BE BLEST III will be slowly poking her way home.

12.2 miles   in and out of Tarpon Springs harbor and back

SUNDAY, 11/27

            After our morning onboard church service, we bid good-bye to PATIENCE and CATALINE, pulled up the hook and headed to Caladesi State Park, a short 11.5 miles away.  This is a beautiful Florida State Park on a barrier island with a pristine beach.  The 102 slip marina was quite full from the Thanksgiving holiday – over 70 boats.  However many had already left on the high tide at 0900 because the entrance channel is so shallow. 

We chatted with neighboring boaters about our LOOP adventures and gave a couple nickel tours.  The Mate packed a bag and headed to the beach for an afternoon of sun, sea, waves, reading and shelling, while the Captain stayed on the boat reading the Sunday paper … one of the two papers he bought on this trip.  The Mate collected over 60 sand dollars, small ones again; then gave them to families at the beach with little kids who had not found many.  It was a fun afternoon.

We are only 150 miles from home … perhaps three days of travel.  However, we may take more time to visit friends along the way.  We should be home by next Sunday.

Mm 140           11.5 miles

* * *

LOG 42    11/28-12/2

Greetings from the WE BE BLEST III,

Tampa Bay and tummy-tamers ...

St. Pete's Beach -- urban cruising and anchoring

Out to lunch with Barb and Carl

Meeting Loopers from CAYSEA and a surprising discovery ...

We have a very shiny prop ... find out how!

Hitchhiker dolphins

An evening and morning with Jerry and  Linda

Another day at the beach

We're almost home ... but we're dragging our feet!

One more stop ... Shell Point anchorage on Saturday

WE'LL BE HOME SUNDAY AFTERNOON!

MONDAY, 11/28

            We cast off from Caladesi State Park at 0827.  We spent our morning motoring through the densely populated areas from Clearwater to St. Petersburg Beach -- urban cruising.  Any area without mangroves now sprouted houses, condos, motels, restaurants, and shops.  High-rises lined the beaches – a winter playground.  Today we saw a first -- You know you’re in the high end when the local MacDonald’s has a boat dock.  No cruise-up window though!

            We called Barb and Carl Diehls, another Alliant Energy retiree, and met them for lunch at Leverock’s near their condo at St. Pete’s Beach.  After a good visit and lunch we motored back to the other side of the Corey Causeway at mm 117.7 and anchored on the NW side of the channel.  This was a spot protected from the south and southwest winds coming later, and protected by the cop shop – the police station on shore.  This was truly an urban anchorage.

Mm117.7           27.5 miles traveled

TUESDAY, 11/29

            What a wonderful night rocking in the waves.  Most of our anchorages have been protected from the winds.  Because of the front, wind, and rain this morning, we were lazy and savored the lap-lapping on the hull and being rocked in the cradle.  This would be one of our last nights on the trip – we almost hated to get up and bring an end the gentle rocking.

            Because of the weather, we expected to be socked in for the day with rain, wind and waves.  However, by 1100, after listening to the marine forecast, which predicted the same for the next several days, the Captain decided to take off for our crossing of Tampa Bay.  Anchor up at 1131.  As we left the choppy protected waters of St. Pete’s Beach, 3’-4’ waves greeted us in the Gulf. 

The Mate battened down all the hatches, stowed anything that might fly and secured doors from swinging open and slamming shut.  She pulled out all the tummy-tamer stops – “voo-doo” (pressure point) bracelets, MotionEaze oil drops behind her ears and oyster crackers nearby.  We donned our SOS life vests and then rocked, bounced and scooted our way to and across Tampa Bay.  Going into the waves, with 15-20kt winds, we were drenched several times with spray coming up and over the flybridge.  The waves began to calm to 2’-3’ mid-way across the bay and 1’-2’ near the inlet at Anna Maria Island.

            Back in the calmer protected waters again, we motored to an anchorage between Jewfish Key and Longboat Key mm 85.  We had anchored here last year and met a Camano, also on the hook.  This year we dinked to the nearby Moore’s Stone Crab House and met LOOPERS from CAYSEA.  Bob and Casey live in nearby Cortez and completed their trip November 10.  We shared more boating stories over a long relaxing dinner watching the WE BE BLEST III slowly swing back and forth in her anchorage.  Leaving the restaurant in the dink, the motor quit.  So the Captain and Mate each grabbed a paddle and stroked our way back to the boat – fortunately it was not very far away.  Anyway, it was a pleasant night for an evening paddle – absolutely calm, until the wind switched and came from the other direction and a light rain began to fall.  Five minutes later and we would have been very wet!

Mm85              25.6 miles traveled

WEDNESDAY, 11/30

            Anchor up at 0810.  Well it finally happened.  After motoring 9,369 total miles on the WE BE BLEST III, the Captain decided the prop might be a trifle dull and needed a bit of polishing.  Leaving Jewfish Key on low tide and with the sun in his eyes (his excuses!), Captain Gene put the WE BE BLEST III aground for the very first time.  Fortunately, Florida has a forgiving bottom – it was soft sand although the wind was blowing us on the shoal.  He powered back and got us off easily.  We’ve touched bottom on other occasions while exploring depths for anchorages, but this was the first time we did it unexpectedly.    We should have a shiny prop now and it will sparkle on the boat lift in a few days!

            We had a beautiful cruise in new water for us from Longboat Key to Venice Inlet (last year we went outside in the Gulf) – calm water, nice temperatures, diamonds dancing on the water, leading us towards home. We heard a marina call from Ft. Myers Beach – we’re getting close. 

This is beautiful cruising grounds – lovely landscaped homes set amongst the palms and pines, mangrove keys with bird rookeries, pelicans dive-bombing and splatting into the water after their lunch, and dolphins feeding along the channel.  One dolphin decided to hitch a ride alongside the WE BE BLEST III and followed underwater for quite awhile, occasionally breaking through the surface, swimming under the boat, following on the other side, swimming back under the boat, and following on that side.  The Mate got several good pictures of the action. What a great day!

            We had hoped to anchor near Stump Pass and dink over to our friends, Linda and Jerry Mroczkowski, another utility retiree.  However, as we tried to head through Stump Pass we ran out of water.  There was a potential for the strong north winds to blow us on the shoals, so we aborted that idea and took a slip in the Stump Pass Marina, directly across the channel.  Linda picked us up and we had a wonderful visit, checking out their newly redecorated home.

            Recording the log tonight, the Mate was rereading the first day’s entry from April 16 and discovered as we locked through the Franklin Lock, our very first lock of the day and trip, “we met our first Loopers, CAYSEA from the Tampa area.”  Evidently, none of us remembered that meeting when we saw them again at Mackinaw Island, or the Alton, Illinois Marina, or at Green Turtle Bay Marina on the Kentucky River, or at lunch yesterday.  All four of us had a lot of water run under us since that first meeting!  They were the first LOOPERS we saw on the trip and probably the one of the last ones as well since we are almost home.  How interesting!

mm85               46 miles traveled

THURSDAY, 12/1

            Happy 1^st Anniversary to Daron and Kayla, our eldest son and new bride.  He has a surprise trip in mind for her tonight.  Last year they flew to Hawaii to be married.  Tonight will he take her to Oklahoma?  The border is a mere 10 minutes from their home in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.  Stay tuned but don’t hold your breath for Oklahoma!  During our call later in the day he asserted it will NOT be Oklahoma!  Talk about soul-mates, they each bought identical anniversary cards to give to the other!

Linda picked us up for breakfast at their place and more visiting.  By 1250 we were back on the WE BE BLEST III and cruising towards Caya Costa State Park and the anchorage there in Pelican Bay.  This is one of our favorite spots with a tram to take us the mile to the beach.  The Mate has been “caterwauling” about not enough beach time, so the Captain reports.  Thus, he needed to bring it to an end and get her to the beach!  This will be our next to last stop before heading home and ending our Great Loop.  We anchored at 1525.

During happy hour we reflected on our Great Loop.  During the last 17 months, we have cruised aboard the WE BE BLEST III for 12 of them – a year total.  We traveled from Stillwater, Minnesota (elevation 680’), down to sea level at Florida, up to the highest point in the world that a boat can get to under its own power (Balsam Lake in Canada – 840’ above sea level), then back down to sea level at Old Bridge Village, our homeport. 

The WE BE BLEST III has certainly climbed up and down a number of ladders as we transited 163 locks.  The most unusual were Wilson Lock on the Tennessee River – one of the highest in the nation, a 93’ lift; the Peterborough and Kirkfield Lift Locks – the big water filled pans that carried boats up and down; and the Big Chute Marine Railway – the slow-motion “roller coaster” ride to the water 57’ below.  The lift locks and marine railway were on the Trent-Severn Waterway in Canada.  They were fascinating engineering marvels to behold.

Mm 25             17.5 miles traveled

FRIDAY, 12/2

            We spent another wonderful night aboard with the waves lapping on the sides of the bow, gently rocking us as we slept.  Once again, we delayed getting up, not wanting to end the rocking; but eventually we did.  The Mate fixed a wonderful breakfast, prepared a casserole for supper, and packed lunches while the Captain readied the dinghy.  Off we scooted to Caya Costa State Park, tying the MINI BLEST to the dinghy dock.  Instead of waiting for the tram, we walked the mile to the beach since we definitely need the exercise.

            The Captain brought his fishing pole along and after lunch walked the beach casting into the Gulf.  When he finally got a hit, the line snapped immediately since he had no leader on it.  Bummer … no fish and now no lure!  Meanwhile the Mate had a delightful day reading, writing a new story, and beachcombing for shark’s teeth.  What a great time … she was singing and praising God as she walked along the shore.  Life Is Good!

            Betty and Bob called after we dinked back to the WE BE BLEST III.  “Where are you?  When are you coming home?”  she queried.  “We’re at Caya Costa – only 40 miles away,” I replied.  “We’re dragging our feet.  We’ll be home Sunday.  Tomorrow noon we’ll leave for Shell Point, an anchorage about 15 miles from home.  Then Sunday we’ll stop at City of Ft. Myers Yacht Basin for fuel and a pumpout and be home in the afternoon after the tide comes back up.”

            We are dragging our feet.  We’re ready to get home … but we don’t want this to end. 

I’m ready to be able to walk around the bed to change the sheets, not crawl around for 45 minutes in the v-berth stuffing the excess sheets and blanket between the cushions and rough walls, skinning the back of my hands so much they bleed … but my bed in the house won’t go “lap-lap-lap and gently rock me to sleep – an exquisite experience!

I’m ready for a clean shower that I can step into without shower shoes and stand in there as long as I wish, whenever I wish, not just when I’m at a marina … but it’s so delightful and refreshing after a hot day of cruising to take a dip in the cool, clear fresh waters in Canada or on the Tennessee River or to take a shower out in the cockpit, even if sometimes we need to wear swimsuits and always conserve water!

The Captain’s ready for a full-size toilet seat, not the cramped quarters of the head, with a system he (and the Mate) can flush as many times as we wish without filling up a holding tank … but using a head means we are traveling on a boat and what could be better than that?!

I’m ready for a full-size fridge that will easily hold my perishable foods and beverages, that I can hold the door open for more than 2 seconds … but I’m going to miss my one-person galley – everything within reach, no walking here or there for dishes, spices, or other ingredients – just reach for anything I need.

We’re ready for more space, more comfortable chairs, music on whenever we want it, bright lights for reading and working, having more than one electrical appliance on at the same time … but I love my “Tupperware” boat – it’s so easy to clean.  A little dusting, a little vacuuming (the Captain unusually did that!), shake out the throw rugs, wipe down the head in two minutes, wipe off the dinette and the cabin is clean!  My mini-nautical-home is a snap to clean.  Life is simpler, more relaxed on a boat.

We’re ready to spend time with friends, to gather for activities in the clubhouse, to be able to attend church regularly … but we love our simple life on anchor – talk, read, write, work on pictures, walk the beach, dink to neighboring boats for a visit.  We had an ever-changing waterfront view sometimes with misty, foggy mornings and starry, moonlight nights.  The Captain was in his glory behind the wheel -- especially motoring in new water -- always ready to address the challenges of wind, weather, and waves.  The Mate was in God’s glory as we motored on sunny days with diamonds dancing all about the waters.

Yes, we’re dragging our feet.  We’re ready to go home; but we don’t want this to end.  We are especially savoring these last few days and nights on board the WE BE BLEST III.  We’ve had an adventure of a lifetime, traveling to many new ports, through many scenic waterways, meeting many wonderful people, having many fantastic experiences.  Through it all, our Captain, our God led and directed us to many of the wonders of His world.  He protected us from storms, kept us from mechanical problems, and allowed us to see and experience His glory reflected in the waters and world around us.  We praise and thank Him this opportunity to enjoy His world and share it with others through this log.  Truly WE BE BLEST!

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LOG 43            12/3-12/8

Greetings from the WE BE BLEST III,

Beachcombing and treasures on the beach.

Cruising in home waters.

What's a water weenie wagon??

Rescue on the high seas!

Cruising the home stretch.

Waiting and searching for the prodigal children.    "The kids are back!"

Hugs and toast and hugs and toasts ... We completed the LOOP!

What is the greatest circle route?

Landlubbers again ... but the WE BE BLEST beckons!

SATURDAY, 12/3

            Yet another great night of waves lapping on the hull and rocking us in the cradle.  The weather had been pleasant – clear skies, 70’s in the day and 50’s at night.  Nice days to drag out the trip!

            We headed back to the beach at 0800 for one last beachcombing session.  As we walked the mile across Cayo Costa, we saw one of the wild pigs that roam the island.  He was black, but not as big as the Captain thought them to be.  There were many places along the road and in the brush where the pigs had rooted around, leaving holes and piles of sand, roots and brush.

            Yesterday the Mate saw an eagle fly over to a dead tree.  It perched there quite awhile.  We looked for it today, but he was not around.      

            The beachcombing turned up several treasures.  Yesterday, the Mate found shark’s teeth.  Today it was shells – lady slippers, cats paws, pencil shells, and a good sized hunk of fish net.  The Captain even got into the fun today as we walked for a couple hours around the bend to Boca Grande Pass.

            Back on the WE BE BLEST III by 1130, we pulled anchor at 1157 for our cruise to Shell Point anchorage, mm 149.  As we passed green marker 101, the Mate snapped pictures of it.  This is the end of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway – only 17 miles from home.  We are in our home cruising waters now!  The Captain certainly took a circuitous route to get here.  We motored out from homeport, turned left, kept making left turns and 7 ½ months later, we are at marker 101.  Last April, had we turned right instead of left when we came out of our channel, it would have only taken us 2 ¼ hours to get to marker 101!  True, but what a trip we had with all the left turns!

            Dropped the hook at Shell Point at 1535, a 36.7 mile cruise.  We saw another first.  Anchored here was a hot dog boat – Bearon’s Water Weenie Wagon – a pontoon sporting a 10’ soft serve cone.  This is a “cruise-up” floating snack stand – hotdogs, brats, ice cream and more.  Now that’s niche marketing.

                     We sat on the flybridge watching the constant parade of boats heading back to Ft. Myers and Cape Coral.  Several slowly pulled up to the Weenie Wagon boat, docked, and enjoyed their snacks.  Soon the Mate spotted a large, 3’ ball fender floating away behind the hot dog boat.  They lost one of their fenders.  We hopped in the dink, retrieved the fender, and brought it back to the Weenie Wagon.  “That’s a $147 item from West Marine.  Thank you so much!” they gratefully responded, then treated us to a cone and foot long Chicago style hot dog.  YUM!  Rescue on the high seas!  As we chatted with them, we learned they are here at Shell Point every weekend.  It’s a great spot with all the boat traffic.

                     This is our last night on the trip.  Tomorrow we will be home.  The bittersweet end is near!

Mm149         36.7 miles

SUNDAY, 12/4           OUR LAST DAY ON THE GREAT LOOP …

                     After our church readings aboard ship, we enjoyed our last leisurely morning aboard, straightened the boat a bit, and headed to homeport.  We called our neighbors in Old Bridge with an ETA, first it was 1400, and then we changed it to 1500.

                     Anchor up at 1225.  Well, the Mate evidently did not get enough anchoring experience after only 104 nights at anchor.  Last evening, after we moved to a deeper spot in the anchorage, she did not complete the usual anchoring procedures.  Probably because of the no-see-ums attacking her … good excuse as any!  She did not completely secure the bridle on the anchor chain.  We thought we were hanging on the bridle – but actually it was on the rode (the anchor rope) instead, which was not cleated off either.  OPPS!  Good thing it was a calm night. 

Then this morning, she had trouble with the trip line for the anchor float (a line connected to the anchor with a float that identifies on the surface the where our anchor is hooked below).  As she hauled up the anchor chain with the electric windlass, the trip line caught in the windlass and jammed – double OPPS!  Fortunately she only needed to hoist the last 2’-3’ of chain to secure it for the trip home.  The breaker tripped, so it was an easy fix later.  I guess we need to go for another cruise for us to get more experience – the Captain to avoid running aground as he did a few days ago and the Mate to get the anchoring procedures down pat!

Cape Coral and Ft. Myers – home waters – big, wide, and busy!  The Captain said with a smile on his face and a chuckle in his voice, “Next time I do this, I’m not coming in on a week-end – too crowded!”

Our friends were calling – when are we coming?  Betty will have supper tonight.  Dickie, our next-door neighbor was getting the boat lift ready.  He said we’d better hurry home and get to work on our Christmas lights!  Oh, and now that he is a real estate agent for the park, he’s sold our house five times already!

We motored by Centennial Marina and the City of Ft. Myers Yacht Basin looking for LOOPER flags on the boats, but saw none, passed under the Route 41 bridges and caught our first glimpse of Old Bridge Village – home port.  We called Betty and Bob on the phone, tongue in cheek, “Help!  We’re lost!  It’s been so long, which marker do we turn at to get home?” 

The canal to OBV lay between markers 38 and 36.  The WE BE BLEST III is on the home stretch now.  We took the starboard fork to our side of the park and there on the corner with cameras in hand were Bob and Len, waiting, searching for us like the father awaiting the return of his prodigal children.  Connie and King, (LOOPERS from a 1997 and affectionately called Ma and Pa by several of us) waved and called out, “The kids are home!” 

At 1445, after a port turn into our canal, boat horns greeted us and even a conch blast.  Twelve friends and neighbors waved and welcomed us into our slip.  Betty was there to grab our lines and offer the first of many warm hugs – it was like a wedding receiving line!  With champagne uncorked and poured, we toasted the safe and successful voyage of the WE BE BLEST III and the ending of the Great Loop. 

As Bob wrote on the bon voyage pillow the gang gave us last April – “The greatest circle route is from friends back to friends!”  How true.  The WE BE BLEST III and her crew were blessed once again!

MONDAY-THURSDAY, 12/5-12/8

            The WE BE BLEST III gently rocks back and forth, up and down in the tides, secured in her slip behind our home.  Not yet up on the boat lift, we wanted to lighten the load and be ready to wash her bottom before we raised her up.  The boat keeps beckoning to us -- “Let’s go for a boat ride.  Isn’t it time?  I’ve been here 5 days already.  I’m not used to being on one spot for so long.  Come on!  Let’s go cruising!”

            But alas, we are landlubbers now.  No rocking in the cradle to the gentle lap-lapping on the hull, although our bed is bouncy and now we can listen to Yanni as he lulls us to sleep.  Our days are full -- unpacking, destuffing, cleaning, Christmas decorating, socializing, sorting through all the mail, filing important papers, and preparing for Christmas in San Antonio with all the kids.  Even though the WE BE BLEST III beckons … and we will follow her siren’s call … it is still good to be home!

THUS ENDS THE LOG OF THE GREAT LOOP 2005

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            We took a few moments to tally the vital statistics for our Great Loop.  Here’s the scoop.  Everything you didn’t want to know and more!  Perhaps a few items you did!

We bought the boat in January of 2004 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  In March we had it trucked to Stillwater, Minnesota.  After outfitting her, we left Sunnyside Marina on July 1, 2004 and brought her to OBV in Florida on 11/21/04.  During this 5 month trip we began the Great Loop at Grafton, the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.  After a short 5 month stay at home, we resumed the Great Loop on 4/16/05 and crossed our wake at Grafton on 10/2/05.  We continued cruising, arriving at home port on 12/4/05, completing about one-third of our second Loop.  During the last 17 months, we cruised on the boat 1 year!

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