After Action Report

First off, this is what happens around the house on sunny days. Them get involved in whatever I happen to be doing, like chartwork.

Good thing they don't get to go on trips. I know at least one of the cats will decide to visit other boats. And all boats travel with dogs.

We were underway at a rather reasonable 0805, Friday morning. I had loaded all the goodies up the day before so it was not the usual goat rope event when we arrived and untied from the dock.

Too bad it was very windy (Gusts to 25 from the Southwest!) and sort of bumpy on the river, but what the heck. We were boating on a Friday morning heading for Black Creek and the Ira Farm for Frostbite Cruise 2012, the forty-first annual cruise to said farm by the Florida Yacht Club. The Club loves the old traditions and there is always a big turnout for this event.

By the way, we have mentioned Stewart Ira before. This is our second trip to the Ira Farm but we actually met Stewart and his Wife at a Six Mile Creek Raft up when he pulled up behind us with his 1950 Huckins Fairform Flyer called "Four Ladies".

Stewart Ira onboard his boat

Stewart always has attractive ladies onboard...

Sure looks like a PT Boat!

Wind blown hair

St Johns River South of Buckman Bridge

Black Creek in sight1

Much calmer in the Creek, the wind is blocked by the swamp

I took a left rather than right around a small island

Never mind the tv antenna plug.

We can use the green line to follow our way back home

Roasting hot dogs the old fashioned way

A person can sit aboard and drink only so much beer and wine. The Barco Crew took a hike around the old property and visited an abandoned graveyard in the woods.

It seems this property hasn't been woods for very long, it was a working farm since at least before the Civil War. One of the headstones indicated a birth in 1821 and death in 1884. The next stone was for a person born around the same time and who had passed in 1905. The stones were very weathered and in bad shape. The best viewable marker was for a baby who had passed in 1917. It was nice to be able to think about the family who had lived, worked and passed on the same property. I asked the current owner, Stewart Ira if he had known any of the people who were resting in the old cemetery and he talked at length how his father had purchased the farm without knowing there was a family burial plot! He said the cemetery was not listed in the County Maps and that the descendants had been quite the pain because they wanted constant access to visit the graves and such. Apparently it took a few years to get the mapping corrected and titles to all the land squared away.

What an interesting story. To think this elderly man had been a young boy running around the property that actually had burial plots. Think about the ghost stories he probably told his teenaged girlfriends on dark nights around the fire...

Entrance to the Ira Farm

That Graveyard I mentioned earlier

Hiking out

Couple of the bigger boats 50'+

The Fire pit is always popular in the winter! Note the shorts clad person...

Barco Sin Vela was first to the dock. This meant we got muddy from the pedestrians.

Oldest Yacht Club in Florida, since 1876.

We got the county mounty's to ensure the no-wake zone was not disturbed.

Another Huckin's Fairform Flyer, this is owned by Brooks, the proprietor of Sadler Point Marina 

Beautiful oldy but goody.

Our neighbors back at the club dock.

Stewart Ira, our Host.

Berry Wine from the UP of Michigan

Bill, our friend comes by for a couple cups of cheer

Bill's Designated Driver (His son)

Brekkies

Sunday Morning Brekkies in the rain

This is Marlow, A Gibralter Goat Hound.

Bill gets brekkies, while he can.

After a couple hours around the tents, we broke up the raft and the boats went home. We were last off the dock and got underway around noon. It was a gray day but good and calm out on the river. We looked forward to just getting home.

As we approached NAS Jacksonville, we saw it was business as usual. F-18's and P-3's were doing the aviation thing as we passed by.

Kyser Point

Approaching the Florida Yacht Club

So ends our weekend on Black Creek, at the 41st Annual Frostbite Cruise. I see no reason why we won't make it again and again.

My Thursday Sloth Report

National Geographic says:  The sloth is the world's slowest mammal, so sedentary that algae grows on its furry coat. The plant gives it a greenish tint that is useful camouflage in the trees of its Central and South American rain forest home.

Photo ripped off from the owner, National Geographic.com

Weeeelllp. That explains my lifestyle!

Spent the Wednesday afternoon loading the boat with food and snacks for the weekend while Sadler Point Marina was doing their best at determining the best method to unfrack the head vacuum system.

Note; Never bite your fingernails after replacing the joker valve.

They replaced the infamous unfunny valve (It's a one way valve for waste to go to the collection tank and no where else...) and did more investigating, at $70.00 bucks an hour. The head is back in service but there is some more work to be completed, it will have to be next week at the earliest. I drove off into the gray evening with the Barco and enjoyed a solitary PBR on a vacant river, surveying placid water in the warm winter evening. Click to enlarge!

Leaving Ortega River for the St Johns.

Downtown is about four miles away, I keep in the channel because it gets skinny outside the markers!

Calm waters and no rain, yet.

After I tied up secure to our home dock, the skies opened up with a warm and gentle rain. Lucky end to a good day for the Barco!

Speaking of funded snipe hunts; The Family Truckster was finally returned from Brumo's Service, the bill was stunning, as was the level of service by the attractive blonde lady and her crew of technicians. Thanks to proper prior planning, our portion of the bill was a tolerable 25% of the actual costs. (Which included our scheduled service!) The Warranty paid the rest.

About that Warranty; Last Summer, I was having some work done on the car and the regular warranty had expired and the Service person had a pinched/fallen look on their face as they described the full cost which I would have to pay. They suggested I consider looking into extended warranties.

Background:
I was offered an extended warranty by the selling dealer at the time of purchase (and they made it sound like I would not get another chance at this gooood deal), but it was going to cost $7200 bucks!!! What can go wrong, right?  I have never paid for an extended warranty and expect that a modern auto will not have any appreciable troubles until at least over the 100K mile mark... at least that has been my experience with most of my other cars, the 1979 MGB to be conspicuously excluded... Anyway, after six months of owning our jalopy, we had taken it in for service approximately three times. Brumo's asked if we might still be interested in that warranty again... still at $7200!

No.

There had to be another way, so online I went to Consumers Online and looked up what reputable companies were available and I got a couple internet quotes. Royal had the best price ($3600) and they rebate $400 at the end of the three years if you pay upfront. They want you to pay monthly installments but offer the break for paying all as an incentive to those who might be able to afford to.

Well, the dealers charge a mark up of 100% for warranty products. Gotta keep the lights on at the business, don't they? But still, 100% vig is an awful lot to pay for not doing proper research/homework online. I'm still unemployed so I have plenty of time to study.

After purchasing the Warranty, I really had little expectation it would actually be a good value in practice, so I have to provide compliments to the nice folks at Royal Auto Warranty for standing by their product when I really needed it. They have earned my business for a long time to come and I will buy that warranty again for my next auto purchase. Of course, it pays to cut out that nice middle person.

As for Brumo's Service; Outstanding. They had our car for two weeks and worked closely with us to minimize costs  while making sure we were never without transportation, to include a free 2012 loaner car. I wish the GMC Truck Dealer was as attentive to my needs as Hurley Haywood's boss.

Today I will be running about smartly, loading up last minute items in preparation of our early departure.

Stay safe out there and remember to act like you actually care about others. It's the only way to ensure they ask you back again and again into their lives!

The Sloth will now return to his regular tree and resume hanging upside down.

This video is for the folks enduring winter.

Hello Again

I have endured the worst head cold for years, this particular version has lasted since Thursday. Ruined the whole weekend and beginning of this week, I only regained use of my sinuses yesterday. At least as far as breathing and not the creation of some mystery substances that cause coughing and flooding. Now the Spousal Unit is getting her chance in the fight-to-breathe olympics...

In honor of feeling much better on Tuesday, I went to the boat to clean and ready her for this weekend's Frostbite Cruise up Black Creek. I cleaned the heads and discovered that the rear head was inop. I fiddled for a couple of hours before I decided to panic and call the professionals for help.

I snapped off a quick phone photo to prove I was outside, playing. Note the lines on the front which are ready for dock workers to grab without me leaving the helm.

I was underway solo (With my Float Coat on!) at 2:45 and was in the berth at Sadler Point Marina about forty five minutes later. Really nice to be on the river, alone, with no other traffic or any other interruptions. I really need to do this more often, right? (Except without the malfunctioning stuff)

Got tied up and spoke with the Service Manager. Of course, when I tried to show the head not working, well, it worked. Just to make me look stupid. The work is going forward, anyway. There are some other issues with the vacuum pump that need immediate attention.

So there.

Friday we will repeat last year's fun trip to the Ira Farm on Black Creek. Film at eleven!

Have a nice Wednesday...

Here is an ancient video, I can barely stand to remember. The ship was south of Turkey, somewhere near Syria. I "owned" the passageway outside the office and we were tasked with painting it. I borrowed the ships video camera and made a short video. It sucks.



No wonder the New Spousal Unit never believed me when I told her I hated it out at sea. It was just when we got ashore that we tried to make up for the difficulties of being away from home.

A couple of shipmates, Steve O'Dea and Ray McClure learned earlier that Summer to always hitch along with whatever fool idea I had about sailing. We came upon some crazy deals which got us out on the water, usually unsupervised with beer being a common component. (There are a bunch of pictures of this particular event, I just don't have them with me for this posting...)

A few more photos from that month, or so (September '91); Click to enlarge.

I took this photo through the plexiglas of my window while flying past.

Ray McClure driving 44 foot sailboat in Turkey

Me driving the biggest boat I had ever had control of, with no experience!

Me acting like I knew what to do... Marmaris, Turkey. Sept '91

Ray McClure and Steve O'Dea. we were smirking about how we had chartered a 44 ft sailboat for a hundred bucks!

I jump with a full beer, because I could. There was no way it would be submerged when I hit. Ya just do a scissor kick on entry!

No beer was spilled in this stunt.

Cruising the Web and found this;

http://www.joewalsh.com/

Now we're all Ramones! (Now I won't feel so out of place when I wear my Ramones' shirt!)

Happened to cruise by and visit the Joe Walsh site, apparently has a new record out and Ringo is supporting by playing a bit of the drums. Nice gig. Especially for people in what should be the retirement years.

For those who did not know; Joe Walsh is a long time guitarist known for his play with the "Eagles" and "The James Gang" Walsh is also the Guest Slide Guitarist on many hits you have heard over the years. He has a very distinctive signature sound. Another example.

Thanks for the happy thoughts over the weekend. We had a great time and we were very subdued in our celebrations. Closing out the actual anniversary yesterday, I made stuffed chicken slow cooked on the Weber BBQ paired with a nice Bonnet Entre-Deux-Mers (Sauvignon Blanc). After dining, we watched murder investigations on one of the weird Discovery channels. I know, odd is not only a word but a lifestyle, too.

I'm growing older, not up.

Have a nice Tuesday!

The big day of celebration!

Today I get to celebrate the 21 years of fun with She Who Will Be Obeyed!

Hard to believe that time has indeed flown by. I certainly am grateful for all of the good stuff that has happened to me since I had the good fortune to Marry-the-Right-Lady... She  always thinks of the positive in any situation and always cheerfully faces adverse times with great fortitude and quiet strength.

I, on the other hand will fly off the handle with least provocation and can be counted on to flail about like a deflating balloon when ever something does not go my way. She still lets me stay with her, and again, my unending gratitude.

Here are a few photos over the years, not in any particular order. One thing the reader will notice is that the water is always nearby.

We sail oceans, together! That's how we roll...

Click to enlarge

Our first Squadron Christmas Party 1990

I kind of remember the thoughts in my mind at that party; I was with a hottie who along with good looks and great taste in Gentleman escorts had earned a Masters Degree at twenty three and she had a big future ahead. Things were certainly looking up for the Kid! All I needed to do was figure a way for us to afford our sail boat and go sailing with that particular sweetheart...

Praia Da Roca, Portimao Portugal

Nine years after the Christmas photo found us living on our sailboat and actually doing some real cruising. Way. Beyond. Expectations! That photo was taken at a little cafe on a cliff.

Doing the Navigation while crossing Atlantic

We found out quickly that three hours on the helm, hand steering a twenty five thousand pound sailboat in medium seas was her hitting a bit above her boxing weight. My Favorite Girl took over the Navigation for the 23 day crossing, and I never had to doubt her skill. We always made it to wherever we were going in the time she predicted.

Friendship Bay, Bequia (St Vincent and the Grenadines)

Ok, we made it across the Atlantic on our first try. It was now time to have fun. And despite a bad ankle, She Who Will Endure would hike for miles cheerfully exploring the various islands.

Are you starting to think I might have a crush on this girl? Ile De Saints, Guadeloupe.

No doubt about it. Where ever we go, we meet great new friends and create wonderful memories.

Another Anniversary, another ship. Holland America Ship Zaandam. We had our usual Balcony Suite.

We definitely enjoy traveling. It's a way to go to distant lands, meet interesting people and get to see which drinking establishments will actually let us in. I think they let me in because I bring my own girl.

We always enjoy fine dining, too. 

She thinks I clean up adequately enough to allow me to escort her to fine establishments. We also eat exceedingly well, which explains my expansion of girth. I am like a liferaft; You pull the cord and it explodes into large fluffy action. In my case the cord is good food and drinks.

Aruba, ABC Islands. (I am fluffing up from the great wines and foods!)

I have traveled to many places in our small world. As such I prefer to bring my own sunshine whenever possible. She's next to the goofy guy...  On that particular trip we visited Aruba, Curacao, Panama Canal, Costa Rica and the Bahamas.

Transiting the Panama Canal

As most of you know, we like to stay closer to home, too. On the Barco Sin Vela;

She likes to drive our boats. I think she looks better at the helm.

And I get to bring sammiches for her.

Sunday morning Brekkies on the Barco Sin Vela

Any beach, anywhere. Fiji.

Always comfortable in the cockpit of a sailboat. Fiji.

Glass of Champagne while anchored in Fiji.

Sunset Champagne in Fiji.

While growing up, there was some physical adversity for my favorite girl. Someone was hit by a car at seven years of age and spent many years in wheel chairs and on crutches, suffering through endless physical therapy trying to learn to walk again. She knew that someday she would indeed walk, leave her home in Traverse City and see the world. And she lets me tag along. (Okay, you can start to tell that I have the tiniest crush, right?)

These few pictures are evidence of those travels.  We hope Barbie Golden sees these pictures and remembers the little girl in crutches that Barbie made so much fun of. Heh. The Barco Crew Lives Well. And remembers where we came from, too.

The eternal cribbage match. Camping Cabin edition.

When we aren't on the high seas or at a beach, you can find us visiting Michigan with her family. There is a multi-year Cribbage Match that is ongoing either in Florida or in Traverse City. Sometimes it happens in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, in a simple cabin. I had to learn cribbage while sailing the Atlantic and Caribbean, it was required. You might say that I'm the designated loser. Either way, it's always pleasure to spend time with the Spousal Unit.

At Grand Marais, Michigan with Her Mom.

One of my favorites of the Spousal Unit... Rum Cay Bahamas

So, tonight we celebrate the previous 21 years and prepare for maybe another 62. I am having fun and I know she is enjoying herself, too.  Help us celebrate our great love by remembering your own loved ones and by letting them know that you are grateful for their presence, too!

Dining will be of the finest beef served by the Yacht Club in their 1876 Restaurant. Dessert will be Vintage Port and Cheese. What good fun, no?

Please have a wonderful weekend, each and all!

A cool video in honor of this day;

Writers Block

I have nothing to report. Went boating on Saturday, it was nice and enjoyable. This week has had a bit of excitement; The Family Truckster is over at Brumo's having some maintenance performed. I think the car (Service Department) is getting some rhinoplasty, botox and maybe a little butt-lift, from the prices quoted for a couple of issues. A "Crank Shaft Sensor" has been replaced and now the suspension hydraulics are being flushed and new filters are being installed. At great expense. Oh yes, and an "A" Servicing.

It's what I get for acting like a big shot and not buying a Subaru. We should have bought an airplane.

So, the other thing we got going is the annual celebration for the formalization of the household union. So that calls for the usual special dining at the Tennis Club (I mean Yacht Club) on Saturday, with dinner concluded with yet another bottle of Vintage Port. ('85 Dow's)

That concludes my reportage on a slothful lifestyle. It does not suck to be me!

Have a nice rest of the week!