April 1st -3rd

We’re on our way. We left dock in Naples Saturday morning 4-1-06 with beautiful weather and headed to Fort Myers into the Calosahatchee/Okechobee Waterway. The gators, osprey and mosquitos guided us on our way. Our friends, Rose and Gene Loqiudice are joining us on the trip to Fernadina Beach, the last town on the waterway in Florida. So far, it’s everything we’ve anticipated! Orion (the cat) seems to
be adjusting quite nicely, but occasionally a large wake sends him scurrying to a cubby in the closet. In Stuart we had a nice visit with our friends the Conklin’s and Foley’s.



April 4 Up early – Lori walked to the grocery store while Clay drained and filled the water tanks. Left the dock at about 10:00 and headed on our way. The weather has been wonderful – and not a lot of boat traffic – very enjoyable. We participated in a man overboard drill when one of the seat cushions went over board. The entire crew got an A+. We anchored for the night at Pelican Island N.W.R. The dolphins entertained us during dinner – we were able to look out the cabin windows and see them playing along the boat.


April 5th
Clay’s Day of Murphy’s Law

We pulled anchor about 7:30 a.m. While Gene was at the helm, Lori & Rose were in the cabin making some adjustments in the window blinds while Clay was investigating why we keep finding water in the bilge. We opened an inspection plate in the head and found a deodorant stick while had fallen through from a cabinet in the head. He proceeded to stick his arm in to see if there was anything else there and then we heard – Lori help – I’m stuck. Lori thought he was just in a position that he wasn’t able to get back up – but his arm was wedged in the hole. There were some intense moments – Lori laughing and calling for a camera – Clay insisting this wasn’t the time… finally with lots of liquid soap and a position change – the arm did slide out before Lori was able to get the saw going!! (Clay’s version: Don’t stick your hand and arm where it doesn’t belong!) About 11:30 Lori was at the helm when the outdrive started squeeling. Clay and Gene checked the oil there was water in it. We found a marina and pulled in. As we got further in the canal it because narrower and we actually had to manually turn the boat around from the dock after finding out they were not equipped to help us. We ended up backing the boat up to a beach, anchoring and Clay and Gene took the outdrive off the boat in thigh deep water doing the stingray shuffle. Clay notice a marine store across the street and went to get more oil – at 14.95 at quart! He was able to talk someone in to giving him a ride to town where he was able to get the 5 qts we needed at a much more reasonable price. There are still good Samaritans out there! Lori & Rose spread plastic on the cockpit floor and the guys took the outdrive apart and resealed the lower unit. They tried to put the unit back on that evening but it was getting dark and they were tired, decided to wait until morning.

April 6th

At day break – Clay and Gene were in the water putting the outdrive back on. It slipped right into place and they filled it with oil, started the engine and we were underway. The unit was still making noise but then would go for hours without any noise. We met another Gemini en route who suggested a great boat yard for repairs in St. Augustine. We all said a prayer that the outdrive would hold out until we hit St. Augustine. We anchored for the night in a quiet inlet at New Smyrna. Orion is getting a little more adventuresome – coming out on deck in the evening when the motor isn’t running.

April 7th

Up and going early – hoping to make St. Augustine by days end. We went past Fort Matanza. We continue to have beautiful weather and in spite of mechanical problems are having a wonderful time – nothing deterring our spirits. On approaching St. Augustine, Rose noticed that her laundry bag on the floor in their cabin was set. Clay started inspecting and reported that it was salt water – uh oh! Within a short time the guys figured out that the water pump on the engine was leaking. Fortunately, we were coming into the dock at St. Augustine and can get the water pump fixed there along with the outdrive.

April 8th – 16

We arrived at SAM (St. Augustine Marine) on Friday evening and unfortunately were not able to be hauled until Monday. We enjoyed a peaceful weekend on the dock – met with friends Tom & Vickie Crawford who lent us their van to do laundry and get groceries. On Monday the boat was hauled, the outdrive and water pump sent for repairs. Tuesday they told us the outdrive needed to be replaced and they would call England and hopefully we could get it in two days. That afternoon Clay checked to find out what they heard from England and they told him they were going to call that afternoon (England is 5 hours ahead of us) but unfortunately they were closed! Needless to say the call was made the first thing Wednesday morning. The news wasn’t good – with the holidays they didn’t anticipate we would received it for two weeks. Clay got on the phone and called the boat builder in Annapolis and talked them in to giving us one from their stock. When they agreed, a car was rented, Lori packed some bags and they were off.

Within less than 24 hours we were back in St. Augustine with the new outboard. Gene and Clay had it installed in no time, but we were stuck in the boat yard because of the holiday - so we decided just to enjoy our time in St. Augustine - what a wonderful place to be stranded!

It's Monday 4-17 (Lori & Clay's 2nd Anniversary) and we're waiting in line for the lift to put us in the water - the adventure continues!!