Wednesday, May 13th; we are docked! Indeed, a sucessful journey! It's been 14 days since we departed Ft. Lauderdale. We've navigated, caught big waves, got sick, cooked meals, laughed, worried (Ed only, not Lisa), transferred fuel, checked gages, added oil, cleaned heat exchangers, cleaned toilets and showers, cooked some more, drank some more, provisioned further when we got a chance, marveled at the beautiful scenery, checked charts, watched radar, checked depths, watched engine temperatures, drank some more, slept while being rocked to sleep, kept a watch schedule, looked for the red and green, thanked God for purchasing the great binoculars we found on sale, done laundry, cooked some more, drank some more, showered while doing our best to stand upright, and nightly thanked God for our many blessings and prayed for our families and friends.
Tomorrow, we "deboat" and head home; a place we haven't seen much.
Ed will go back to work (hopefully, if he still has a job) and Vince will go back to his family and work and Barry will go back to his daily schedule and Lisa....well, I will continue my attempt to get used to retirement and figure out what God has planned for me next.
The summer will be busy with doing a cosmetic interior remodeling to the boat, hiring artisens, upholsters, etc. while making the trip back and forth from Mooresville to Kentucky Lake (5 hours).
In the meantime, until we journey again, I am grateful for all of you who have followed us on our journey, prayed for us, thought of us and provided encouragement.
We will log on again in the future.
Gods blessings,
Lisa
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Tennessee River - May 12, 2009
We left early this morning from a great Marina in Mississippi, went through just one lock and it was completely different from the rest. Instead of being raised UP, we were lowered 55' as we were locking through to the Tennessee River. The terrain has changed a great deal. This is much more interesting, very hilly, lush with trees and rocky edges and some pretty cool homes on the banks. We can't believe that people build these places on banks that are eroding though. How silly!
We stopped in one very nice Marina called the "Grand Harbor at Pickwick" located in Counce TN. This might be a place to head south to when it starts getting cold at Kentucky Lake.
We passed the Shiloh National Forest and Vince told us about a trip that he and Bill Glenn had taken there some years ago on their motorcycles.
Ed and I were able to talk to grandson Dominic on the video cam for a bit today. "GG" walked around the boat with computer in hand to show he and momma the boat.
It's has been a great journey but Ed and I and crew mates Barry and Vince are ready to get home. We hope to be back in Mooresville with our families by Friday.
We stopped in one very nice Marina called the "Grand Harbor at Pickwick" located in Counce TN. This might be a place to head south to when it starts getting cold at Kentucky Lake.
We passed the Shiloh National Forest and Vince told us about a trip that he and Bill Glenn had taken there some years ago on their motorcycles.
Ed and I were able to talk to grandson Dominic on the video cam for a bit today. "GG" walked around the boat with computer in hand to show he and momma the boat.
It's has been a great journey but Ed and I and crew mates Barry and Vince are ready to get home. We hope to be back in Mooresville with our families by Friday.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sweet Home Alabama....NOT!
I can't believe we are STILL in Alabama! Will we never get out of this state? We've been going up this river for days it seems. Although the scene's change, it is still Alabama.
BUT, first, let me thank dear friend Deb Crecelius for posting the pictures I have sent via my phone as I have not had Internet service to be able to do my own posting for days.
And, second, thanks to friends Vince and Barry for making this journey with us although I'm certain it's longer than they bargained for.
We have not gone through I think 4 or 5 locks and each time it gets a little easier; but it's still a bit tense as the current will all of sudden grab the boat and steer it in a new direction just when "the captain" thinks she is on on task and heading to a "ballard" so the crew can tie up.
All in all, it's been a good trip as no one has gotten sick or injured and the days have been very pleasant.
The last few nights we have "been on the hook" which in land lovers terms is that we've found a little spot near shore and dropped the anchor. BUT, with that comes a watch schedule so the "crew" has taken turns on watch. Last night, Barry was on watch when a big storm blew in. He told Vince when he came on watch, "I damned near came down and woke all you guys up...the wind was really fierce and I was worried about the trees potentially blowing down on this boat". BUT, no worries.
Yesterday afternoon, we docked at a little marina and Ed and I took the courtesy car and headed to a super WalMart for more provisions. (except, they didn't have my vodka)
I made home-made Chicken and Dumplings, green beans and parkerhouse rolls so we all enjoyed a nice dinner.
The water has been MUCH smoother which is nice during showers, cooking, etc. We've been heading north of course on a southern flowing stream so even though we are full throttle ahead, with an approximate 2-3 mile current, our speed is about 6.5 - 7 kph.
Did I tell you about the mechanical repairs?
Well, two days ago, first thing in the morning, the guys got up to check out why in the world our engine was running hot. It had to be the heat exchanger. SO, Ed fashioned a coat hanger with a tiny hook on the end and connected it to his drill and he and Vince took off the head of the heat exchanger and began drilling through all of the tiny holes to clean them out. One by one; while Barry worked on polishing the head back to it's beautiful brass finish.
Lisa was asking for God's guidance and cool heads while they fevorishly worked.
When it was time to fire the engine, Lisa continued to pray.
IT WORKED!
An hour up river, the engine temperature was holding a 165 even though we were at full throttle whereas before it would creep up to nearly 200. NOT GOOD.
So that's fixed. Whewhoo!
Vince takes breaks writing in his journal and Barry keeps us all laughing with his quirky comments.
Ed and Lisa are grateful for good friends.
We should be getting close to our last lock for the night so I'll sign off now.
God's blessings and a happy Mothers Day to all,
Peace, "Captain Red"
BUT, first, let me thank dear friend Deb Crecelius for posting the pictures I have sent via my phone as I have not had Internet service to be able to do my own posting for days.
And, second, thanks to friends Vince and Barry for making this journey with us although I'm certain it's longer than they bargained for.
We have not gone through I think 4 or 5 locks and each time it gets a little easier; but it's still a bit tense as the current will all of sudden grab the boat and steer it in a new direction just when "the captain" thinks she is on on task and heading to a "ballard" so the crew can tie up.
All in all, it's been a good trip as no one has gotten sick or injured and the days have been very pleasant.
The last few nights we have "been on the hook" which in land lovers terms is that we've found a little spot near shore and dropped the anchor. BUT, with that comes a watch schedule so the "crew" has taken turns on watch. Last night, Barry was on watch when a big storm blew in. He told Vince when he came on watch, "I damned near came down and woke all you guys up...the wind was really fierce and I was worried about the trees potentially blowing down on this boat". BUT, no worries.
Yesterday afternoon, we docked at a little marina and Ed and I took the courtesy car and headed to a super WalMart for more provisions. (except, they didn't have my vodka)
I made home-made Chicken and Dumplings, green beans and parkerhouse rolls so we all enjoyed a nice dinner.
The water has been MUCH smoother which is nice during showers, cooking, etc. We've been heading north of course on a southern flowing stream so even though we are full throttle ahead, with an approximate 2-3 mile current, our speed is about 6.5 - 7 kph.
Did I tell you about the mechanical repairs?
Well, two days ago, first thing in the morning, the guys got up to check out why in the world our engine was running hot. It had to be the heat exchanger. SO, Ed fashioned a coat hanger with a tiny hook on the end and connected it to his drill and he and Vince took off the head of the heat exchanger and began drilling through all of the tiny holes to clean them out. One by one; while Barry worked on polishing the head back to it's beautiful brass finish.
Lisa was asking for God's guidance and cool heads while they fevorishly worked.
When it was time to fire the engine, Lisa continued to pray.
IT WORKED!
An hour up river, the engine temperature was holding a 165 even though we were at full throttle whereas before it would creep up to nearly 200. NOT GOOD.
So that's fixed. Whewhoo!
Vince takes breaks writing in his journal and Barry keeps us all laughing with his quirky comments.
Ed and Lisa are grateful for good friends.
We should be getting close to our last lock for the night so I'll sign off now.
God's blessings and a happy Mothers Day to all,
Peace, "Captain Red"
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Changing colors
Well, we have gone from the colors of the ocean via deep blue, light blue and dolphins to "creamed coffee" and green borders of the river and GATORS!
Yep, as we were cruising down the mobile river, past downtown Mobile AL about 30 NM, I was preparing lunch and looking out the galley window and what did I see....a big ass gator laying on the banks of the river. After we passed, he dove in. I was continuously checking our dinghy to see if we had an unwelcomed passenger.
When we departed, Ed was pretty tense as he was trying to remember everything that Captain Larry had told him about the engine and all the systems. Friends Barry and Vince were a great blessing to assist. Lisa; mean time just prepared meals, piloted the boat off the dock and up river as well as stopped occasionally to clean up. No worries.
So, this evening, we have dropped anchor in a little bayou and as I look up river, there's these little tents along the shore. I wonder; are they making moonshine or what?
I did get to request my first bridge opening to a "swingbridge master". "Bridgemaster, this is motor vessel Great Mates, when is your next opening?" After about 6 minutes, he opened the bridge so we could pass through. COOL!
Tomorrow, we will journey thru some locks. Whewhoo; that will be so cool!
As for this evening; we have all had enough wine and food to sleep well.
God's peace, Lisa
Yep, as we were cruising down the mobile river, past downtown Mobile AL about 30 NM, I was preparing lunch and looking out the galley window and what did I see....a big ass gator laying on the banks of the river. After we passed, he dove in. I was continuously checking our dinghy to see if we had an unwelcomed passenger.
When we departed, Ed was pretty tense as he was trying to remember everything that Captain Larry had told him about the engine and all the systems. Friends Barry and Vince were a great blessing to assist. Lisa; mean time just prepared meals, piloted the boat off the dock and up river as well as stopped occasionally to clean up. No worries.
So, this evening, we have dropped anchor in a little bayou and as I look up river, there's these little tents along the shore. I wonder; are they making moonshine or what?
I did get to request my first bridge opening to a "swingbridge master". "Bridgemaster, this is motor vessel Great Mates, when is your next opening?" After about 6 minutes, he opened the bridge so we could pass through. COOL!
Tomorrow, we will journey thru some locks. Whewhoo; that will be so cool!
As for this evening; we have all had enough wine and food to sleep well.
God's peace, Lisa
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Calm waters in Mobile AL
It's Tuesday, May 5th and we pulled into this little marina last night about 4:00 p.m. in Mobile AL.
Lisa steered Great Mates up the channel which was about 7 nm long, keeping her steady between the markers and then docked her with Captain Larry's great coaching. I just have to keep reminding myself, she backs to starboard and turns to port.
Once Larry and Ed tied her up, we all had a few cocktails then headed over to the marina restaurant for a nice dinner. MAN, it tasted good and oh, it was so nice eating without hanging on to our plates and cups. TIP! We learned a new use for duct tape. A half or third used roll of duct tape makes a great cup holder!
We shut down the engine and connected to shore power and all slept well. Poor Larry and Ed had been up since about 4:00 a.m. Monday morning.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday we cruised from the Keys around the Dry Tortugas and through the Gulf of Mexico straight up to the Mobile Bay. We all took our watch times keeping an eye on the radar and out the windows for other ships.
During one of my times on watch, (8:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight) I went up to the flybridge chair and just gazed at the stars. I looked around 360 degrees and all I could see was water. Not one other ship, bouy, NOTHING but water. How humbling to be on a 55' motor vessel in the middle of the ocean all alone. (not!)
During the days, we sure enjoyed watching the flying fish scamp across the water in bunches. Seeing them reminds me of seeing a rock skip. Then a few times a day we'd have dolphins visit us and make us laugh with their acrobatics in the water. They would take turns jumping in front of the bow and swimming along side, manuvering for the lead. Lisa would sing to them but who knows if they could hear.
I got to see a flying fish up close and personal when I opened the starboard side pilot house door and one was dead on the deck. They are very colorful fish, deep blue and are about 12 - 14".
On Sunday we had a delightful baby bird visit us. He just sat on the rail and rested. I don't know what kind of bird it was but it looked similar to a blue bird with an orange throat and blue wings and a squished little face. He would come an go over several hours. Lisa got him some bread crumbs and a bowl of fresh water but we never saw him eat or drink. Larry told us it's not a good sign for a bird to stay aboard long as it will get sea sick and not be able to fly away. So, we were glad when he left.
Meals have been very simple. Captain Larry told Lisa to stay out of the galley as that was contributing to the quezzy feeling. So, for Saturday and Sunday he and Ed cooked simple meals.
Of course, we lost mobile phone service once we were south of the Keys and didn't regain it until we got into Mobile Bay, so the blog couldn't be updated then.
We had two mechanical failures. One was the sea water circulating pump which cools the fresh water in the engine and hence lost about half of the impellor which caused the engine to run warm (about 205 degrees) (normallly about 192). So about 5:00 a.m., Captain Larry woke Ed and said, "we've got to change the impellor". (Ed had just gotten off watch at 4:00 and slept for about 40 minutes).
Second, the starboard paravane wench failed, right in the middle of operation. Therefore, Ed took the motor off, covered the box and manually raised the pole with ropes. Fortunately, most of the time, we needed the port paravane since the wind was coming from that side so it kept us from rolling a bit more.
Beyond that, while at dock today, we've hired a diver to check out the propellor for a vibration Ed felt. (Lisa thought our bed was just one of those beds that you put a quarter in and it vibrates) The diver says it's fine but possibly the stern bearing needs replacement. No worries, it can be done once we get to our final destination.
Today is a sad day for me and an anxious day for Ed as our wonderful Captain Larry Briggs will be leaving to fly back to Ft. Lauderdale to tend to his boat, Neptunes Chariot. She is a 75' custom-built trawler yaght that is magnificent. He has to continue her renovation which is nearly complete. He will take her to Malasia to complete the job and depart FL before hurricane season starts. He will take a crew of about four with him. They will leave Ft. Lauderdale, go to the Panama Canal, then cross the Pacific to Malasia. That will take him about 10 weeks. They will stop 6 - 8 places for 2 to 3 days each. Of course we will keep in touch as we've become good friends during this journey.
Friends Vince DeFelice and Barry Aydt are in flight on their way to meet us at the marina here in Mobile and will be our crew to take "Great Mates II" up the rivers to Kentucky Lake.
Once I figure out how to add video or pictures to this blog, I will do so.
God's blessings and peace to all,
Lisa
Lisa steered Great Mates up the channel which was about 7 nm long, keeping her steady between the markers and then docked her with Captain Larry's great coaching. I just have to keep reminding myself, she backs to starboard and turns to port.
Once Larry and Ed tied her up, we all had a few cocktails then headed over to the marina restaurant for a nice dinner. MAN, it tasted good and oh, it was so nice eating without hanging on to our plates and cups. TIP! We learned a new use for duct tape. A half or third used roll of duct tape makes a great cup holder!
We shut down the engine and connected to shore power and all slept well. Poor Larry and Ed had been up since about 4:00 a.m. Monday morning.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday we cruised from the Keys around the Dry Tortugas and through the Gulf of Mexico straight up to the Mobile Bay. We all took our watch times keeping an eye on the radar and out the windows for other ships.
During one of my times on watch, (8:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight) I went up to the flybridge chair and just gazed at the stars. I looked around 360 degrees and all I could see was water. Not one other ship, bouy, NOTHING but water. How humbling to be on a 55' motor vessel in the middle of the ocean all alone. (not!)
During the days, we sure enjoyed watching the flying fish scamp across the water in bunches. Seeing them reminds me of seeing a rock skip. Then a few times a day we'd have dolphins visit us and make us laugh with their acrobatics in the water. They would take turns jumping in front of the bow and swimming along side, manuvering for the lead. Lisa would sing to them but who knows if they could hear.
I got to see a flying fish up close and personal when I opened the starboard side pilot house door and one was dead on the deck. They are very colorful fish, deep blue and are about 12 - 14".
On Sunday we had a delightful baby bird visit us. He just sat on the rail and rested. I don't know what kind of bird it was but it looked similar to a blue bird with an orange throat and blue wings and a squished little face. He would come an go over several hours. Lisa got him some bread crumbs and a bowl of fresh water but we never saw him eat or drink. Larry told us it's not a good sign for a bird to stay aboard long as it will get sea sick and not be able to fly away. So, we were glad when he left.
Meals have been very simple. Captain Larry told Lisa to stay out of the galley as that was contributing to the quezzy feeling. So, for Saturday and Sunday he and Ed cooked simple meals.
Of course, we lost mobile phone service once we were south of the Keys and didn't regain it until we got into Mobile Bay, so the blog couldn't be updated then.
We had two mechanical failures. One was the sea water circulating pump which cools the fresh water in the engine and hence lost about half of the impellor which caused the engine to run warm (about 205 degrees) (normallly about 192). So about 5:00 a.m., Captain Larry woke Ed and said, "we've got to change the impellor". (Ed had just gotten off watch at 4:00 and slept for about 40 minutes).
Second, the starboard paravane wench failed, right in the middle of operation. Therefore, Ed took the motor off, covered the box and manually raised the pole with ropes. Fortunately, most of the time, we needed the port paravane since the wind was coming from that side so it kept us from rolling a bit more.
Beyond that, while at dock today, we've hired a diver to check out the propellor for a vibration Ed felt. (Lisa thought our bed was just one of those beds that you put a quarter in and it vibrates) The diver says it's fine but possibly the stern bearing needs replacement. No worries, it can be done once we get to our final destination.
Today is a sad day for me and an anxious day for Ed as our wonderful Captain Larry Briggs will be leaving to fly back to Ft. Lauderdale to tend to his boat, Neptunes Chariot. She is a 75' custom-built trawler yaght that is magnificent. He has to continue her renovation which is nearly complete. He will take her to Malasia to complete the job and depart FL before hurricane season starts. He will take a crew of about four with him. They will leave Ft. Lauderdale, go to the Panama Canal, then cross the Pacific to Malasia. That will take him about 10 weeks. They will stop 6 - 8 places for 2 to 3 days each. Of course we will keep in touch as we've become good friends during this journey.
Friends Vince DeFelice and Barry Aydt are in flight on their way to meet us at the marina here in Mobile and will be our crew to take "Great Mates II" up the rivers to Kentucky Lake.
Once I figure out how to add video or pictures to this blog, I will do so.
God's blessings and peace to all,
Lisa
Friday, May 1, 2009
Rockin and Rollin
9:30 Thursday morning.Lisa blew the horns and we began our cruise out of the Intercoastal Waterway (ICW, then headed out of Port Everglades into the open ocean. We dropped the paravanes (sp?) and Captain Larry said, look ahead at the color of water and how it is different than here....that's Gulf Stream. So even though we were full speed ahead, we were only cruising at 4 nmpr. We were rocking side to side about 12-15 degrees and we were pitching at about 18 degrees. Then one of the hooks that holds the power dinghy broke. So, Ed climbed out into the dinghy while still underway and secured it. No worries, his life insurance is paid up.
Then Captain suggested that we take up the paravanes because they were slowing our speed so up top he and Ed went but the motors that function the paravanes weren't working. A fuse? A burned out motor? They brought up one paravane manually with a rope and Friday, they would work on finding out what's wrong.
Mid-afternoon, Ed and I were both feeling a little sick (even though I had patch on).
Ed threw up, then me. So for dinner, I just had little bites of bread and drank soda water to settle my stomach.
Captain Larry said, check the starboard side....bunched of dolphins. There must have been 20 of them playing along side our boat. We also saw a massive sea turtle just swimming along.
Watch schedule:
Ed covers from 12 - 4, then Larry from 4-8, then Lisa from 8 - 12.
We map out our journey, then enter it into the GPS, then put the boat on auto-pilot. We note points like lighthouses and buoys. Ed and Larry take turns fueling the day tank from the main fuel tanks. We're burning about 150 gal per day.
Sleeping was not a problems, the boat rocks you to sleep.
Taking a shower this morning for me was a new experience for sure. Forget about shaving legs,,,,it's just too rough.But oh how beautiful out here.
Listening....what do I hear. The sound of the waves, the creeking of the boat and a deep blowing sound as a result of the dry stack and the wind blowing around it.
Looking....what do I see. Deep blue ocean water, Baby blue skies, magnificant sun, more dolphins and ocean swells about 5-6 feet.
We are about 24 nm from Key West, then we'll go around and start up the gulf side. We will likely arrive in Mobile Bay on Tuesday cruising 24 hours a day.
God's blessing to al, Lisa
Then Captain suggested that we take up the paravanes because they were slowing our speed so up top he and Ed went but the motors that function the paravanes weren't working. A fuse? A burned out motor? They brought up one paravane manually with a rope and Friday, they would work on finding out what's wrong.
Mid-afternoon, Ed and I were both feeling a little sick (even though I had patch on).
Ed threw up, then me. So for dinner, I just had little bites of bread and drank soda water to settle my stomach.
Captain Larry said, check the starboard side....bunched of dolphins. There must have been 20 of them playing along side our boat. We also saw a massive sea turtle just swimming along.
Watch schedule:
Ed covers from 12 - 4, then Larry from 4-8, then Lisa from 8 - 12.
We map out our journey, then enter it into the GPS, then put the boat on auto-pilot. We note points like lighthouses and buoys. Ed and Larry take turns fueling the day tank from the main fuel tanks. We're burning about 150 gal per day.
Sleeping was not a problems, the boat rocks you to sleep.
Taking a shower this morning for me was a new experience for sure. Forget about shaving legs,,,,it's just too rough.But oh how beautiful out here.
Listening....what do I hear. The sound of the waves, the creeking of the boat and a deep blowing sound as a result of the dry stack and the wind blowing around it.
Looking....what do I see. Deep blue ocean water, Baby blue skies, magnificant sun, more dolphins and ocean swells about 5-6 feet.
We are about 24 nm from Key West, then we'll go around and start up the gulf side. We will likely arrive in Mobile Bay on Tuesday cruising 24 hours a day.
God's blessing to al, Lisa
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