We have arrived!

Finally we have arrived in Stuart, Florida for the winter. It has been a challenge with unexpected expenses and repairs added to what we planned on doing.  The new main, engine water pump, knotmeter/depth sounder were scheduled and budgeted, but the stuffing box/drive shaft were not. Credit has to be given to the guys at Indiantown Marina for catching a potentially dangerous mechanical problem. The stuffing box (where the drive shaft is attached the engine and goes thru the hull) was definitely not correctly installed and could have resulted in a major leak. This should have been caught during the initial survey, or at least when the engine mounts were put in while we were in Washington, NC. Suffice to say we will definitely not be going back to that marina for any work.

New Stuffing box correctly installed and clamped

 Finished fiberglass and realigned and treated drive shaft. With the realignment , our speed was increased at higher RPM's than we originally had on the trip down. Goes to show you what good mechanics can do!





On to better things, the new main with all the bells and whistles and the autopilot have been installed. Calmer winds are needed to test out the main and to finish calibrating the autopilot. We did the initial compass calibration successfully, but the auto-correct kept doing circles. Seems the wires to the wheel motor needed to be reversed!

We were able to finish the autopilot calibration and sail with the new main.  Winds were enough to sail at about 4 kts. but had to cut it short as it looked like a front was moving in.

We have had a great time reconnecting with boaters we met last season and meeting new friends this year.

More to follow as we get ready to head out to the Bahamas in March. Til then fair winds!

Finally back on the boat, well sort of....

We are finally back on the boat, even if it's still on land. Indiantown marina has a work yard that we are currently occupying to check on some items and replace others.  Good thing, too, as the thru hull on the air conditioner wasn't set up right. Very little caulk and the water pump was sitting on the thru hull. One set of rough waves could have knocked it out and we would have been swimming! The depth sounder and knot meter are being replaced as well as the engine water pump. A new main is also on the list, but that will wait til we get back to Stuart. It never ceases to amaze me, just how much work it takes to get the boat back in shape to get it back in the water! Between the cleaning, waxing and restocking, it makes me think twice about pulling Soteria out next summer.

So far the weather has been sunny and warm, at least for us,  but Rina looks to be bringing some rain later this week. It's taken a week for us to start getting back into shape. Who knew climbing a ladder was so hard!
The people we have met since we've returned are as anxious to get back in the water as we are. The yard is the busiest we have seen and have been told it gets busier! Loggerhead Marina was beginning to show signs of activity when we visited last week to catch up with friends. Still a little empty, but that will change after Nov. 1 when boaters start heading back South.

Well, it's back to work and God willing we get in the water by Oct. 31 and head back to Stuart to start this years adventures. Till then fair winds to all.

Summer travels, by land for a change.....

It's been an interesting summer, being on land instead of water. Family matters were taken care of, so we had time to travel and explore the country. Kansas was the first stop, with a visit to the Oz Museum. Didn't see the Wizard, but the movie memorabilia displays were great.

                             The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion

Camping was a favorite, so we went to Colorado for a week to re-explore the Pikes Peak area. Cave dwellings, Cripple Creek gold mine and the Cog Railway were well worth the trip.

Camp site at Golden Eagle Campground, Cheyenne Mtn.

Cave Dwellings at Manitou Springs, CO

Pikes Peak Cog Railway at the top of Pikes Peak, 14,115 ft.





Next was to Arkansas for a family visit and camping at Buffalo National River and canoeing. No sailing, but still on water having a great time with my brother and his family and NLC friends.

Beautiful scenery and great company!






Last on the itinerary was Mammoth Cave National Park, and more camping. We took several tours, the Historic, New Entrance and a short walk/talk on how slavery was involved with the caves. The best one was the New Entrance as far as rock formations. The Historic covered the saltpeter mines and it's impact on the War of 1812.  Both worth the time to do.

 Saltpeter mines and main entrance

Stalactites, stalagmites and columns








That's all for now. The traveling south begins and back to Soteria to get her ready for the next adventures. Next post will cover the road back to Florida with any stops along the way.

Til then, fair winds!

It's About Time!

Finally, I have a chance to update this blog. Between family issues, hurricane season and lousy internet at times, I have not been able to get this done. Now at last, I have the time and connection to get this accomplished. So without further ado, here goes...


The last post dealt with the new traveler installed and not much else. Since then, we traveled to Orlando to spend some time with the kids and grandkids, relaxing and traipsing around SeaWorld and Disney's Magic Kingdom. Needless to say, SeaWorld was the favorite. We were able to do and see more and at a more leisurely pace. Abby & Anna got to feed sea lions and manta rays, and Grandpa was the designated rider on the rollercoasters. Go figure: I can handle ocean swells, but can't stand those things!  The dolphin and orca shows were great, and we were smart to sit higher in the stands.

Dolphin Show

Orca show

Atlantis Water slide with Elden, Abby & Anna.









Magic Kingdom was fun, but I had hurt my foot the day before and was hobbling along behind the group, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world! My favorite: Pirates of the Caribbean!

Capt. Jack Sparrow was recruiting for his next adventure!





All in all it was a great time with the family and since we are only 2 hours away, we can go back anytime!


Next post will have the story of hauling out for hurricane season and the landlocked adventures we are having.

Till then, fair winds and warm days!

A Sincere Apology....

It has been a long time since my last posting, and I can blame it all on upgrades, repairs and family. We had to take a trip north to deal with a family issue, and when we got back, we started dealing with bilge pumps and a marine air conditioner installation. After that more family issues that resulted in moving up our pull out date two weeks early.
I will post photos and more information as soon as we recover from the transfer from water to land.Stay dry and safe!

What a Spring So Far!

Posting these past two months have taken a back seat to multiple family issues. While trying to do upgrades and a little sailing, we had to head North to Iowa for Elden's parents who were not doing well and a week later for his dad's funeral. After returning to Stuart for some R&R, we had to go North to Pennsylvania for my mom who wound up in the hospital with pneumonia. Both mothers are doing well now, and we are finally heading back South to try and recoup.
     We did replace the traveler for the mainsheet and have the Isenglass replaced in the dodger, so we have accomplished something.   Now the lifelines are next on the list. A few measurements and fax it to the company for a quote and we should be good to go.
     Below is a photo of the new traveler and endstops.

More later as the upgrades and events unfold!

Exploring Florida through "younger" eyes...

This post explores Southern Florida through the eyes of our grandchildren. I is great that they are able to visit and stay aboard with us, even for a few days. It breaks up the normal routines, but adds a bit of adventure to our days.
The first day was spent sailing on the St.Lucie River. I've got to give the kids credit for sticking it out as motion on a boat didn't agree with them, especially the son. But the girls loved it and wanted to go back out. The winds on the first day were just right and we spent about an hour sailing. Each one got a turn to steer the boat.

Annabelle at the helm. Yes, here eyes are squinting, but that's why Grandma is there.

Abigail's turn was a bit more exciting. She kept trying to turn the boat, even when we didn't need to!











The next adventure was to a wildlife farm. It so happened to be the same day that the shuttle "Discovery" was being launched. So we got to see pumas, alligators, vultures, tortoises and turtles and all kinds of wild animals. The best part was the alligators. We saw them everywhere. Even when we were on the pontoon to see the launch.  And did I mention, they got to hold some of the critters? Including a baby alligator, tarantula and scorpion? Yuck! Needless to say I drew the limit on the scorpion and tarantula. The alligator and snakes I can handle, but the girls have no fear!

"Goliath" and his handler

Sunbathing alligators were everywhere.

Annabelle and the scorpion. No way was Mom and Grandma going to try this. The girls were really good at this.

The largest alligator in the world showing it's latest "catch"!

Grandpa feeding a peacock. They followed anyone who had bags of food!

Discovery on her last mission. Glad we got to see it.










It's always great to spend time with family and now it's even better as we don't have to "rush" back to a job. 
Til the next time,
Elden & Susan

Wow, Has it Been That Long???

Whoa, it has been a long time since I posted on this blog. You would think that there would be time to catch up and keep this updated! But, since the last posting, the social climate has, in a word, exploded.  It all started at a potluck get together, with the participants coming up with numerous ideas for activities for the boaters and condo residents. And of course, they needed a "person" to pull it together. Guess who got elected? Or should I say, drafted? So, I have been a little busy getting the activities posted on a sheet to let everyone know just what is going on. At least it keeps me out of trouble!

The list includes a potluck, open art studio( one of my favorites!), game night, bridge club, a pool meet & greet(actually water exercises), a ladies luncheon and yoga sessions.  Another boater started a Facebook page to list other stuff, from other activities to restoring a lost puppy to her owner.

Hopefully I can get some photos of the groups to share.

We are still waiting on one part of the main sail traveler, but managed to get out for a sail with some friends. The weather has been great, with only a few cool and rainy days. We even made it to the beach last week. Didn't go swimming as the water still hasn't warmed up enough.

Jensen Beach

Enjoy the photos of the sailing vessels in the area and I will post more as soon as I can.

Till then, stay warm and Happy Valentine's Day!

S/V Smart Move, our friends 1978 Pearson that they will be sailing to the Caribbean this spring.

S/V Lily, a charter vessel that sails three times a day on the St. Lucie River.

Life in Stuart, Florida

It has been a few weeks since the last post, so here is a glimpse of what it's like in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. Most days are warm and sunny, but fronts move in and it gets a bit chilly. The days activities vary from organized potlucks and swimming groups to an open art studio or game night. Most days are spent walking or bike riding or just hanging out on the boat just putzing around. It's amazing how many boats come and go here. Most stay one or two months with some staying the whole winter till spring.

We're still waiting on parts to fix the traveler. It seems that the company that made our current one changed the way they set up the cleats and sheaves, making it impossible to work on the track we have. So, we had to order a Lewmar system. Which is better, but we still can't fix it because the track is on backorder for 5-6 weeks. Talk about a slow process! Good thing we are not in a hurry to go anywhere! I will post photos of the new traveler when we get it replaced.

In the meantime, I am attaching some photos of the sights we get to enjoy while we stay here.

 Soteria in her new floating dock slip

 Sunset on the dock, Roosevelt Bridge, Route 1

One of several skates seen along the marina walkway