Sailing Last Mango

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the boat not a creature was stirring not even a roach. The stockings were hung by the port lights with care with the hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there. The Crew of Last Mango were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of white sand beaches danced in their heads. Karen in her PJ's and me in my short shorts had just settled our brains from a long distance cruise; when out on the water there arose such a clatter I sprang from my berth to see what was the matter. Away to the port I flew like a flash, tore open the screen to raise the hatch. The moon, reflecting on the waves crescendo gave a shimmer of midday to the objects below, when, what to my wondering eyes should swim in, but a miniature skiff and eight tiny dol-fin, with a little old skipper so wrinkled and in a stupor, I thought for a moment it must be a Looper. More agile than a cat his crew they came, as he yelled and shouted and called them by name: “Now Fraca...

12-11    Apalachicola greeted us this morning with cool bright sunshine this morning with a small breeze. Fracas and Last Mango crew decided this is the day to cross over to the West coast of Florida. We threw the lines off and motored out under the 319 bridge into Apalachicola Bay and St. Georges Sound. Last Mango was able to sail a bit under jib but as we passed Dog Island and East Pass it became apparent that the wind was quickly dying. Motoring all day and night was a bit monotonous but what can we do. Karen was very determined that we maintain a 6 knot pace. The seas were a bit lumpy and on the stern quarter but we quickly adapted. I think Karen was even able to relax and there was no mal de mer onboard. Karen was the first to take a nap as she usually likes to be up late into the night. I stayed in the cockpit and ate jerky, played Spider Solitaire and watched for anything that might get in our way. The moon came up shortly after 9 pm and scared the crap out of...

12-3     We left Turner Marine this morning and sailed a very short distance out to the shipping channel. After reaching green can #60 we were able to take a direct track to the Gulf Inter-coastal Waterway at red can #124. Of course the wind was against us all the way to Ingram Bayou. We anchored in Ingram at about 3 pm and shortly thereafter the fog rolled in heavy. Sailing vessels Brisa and Kalani  were not so lucky. We used horns and lights to help guide them into the anchorage. All ended well as they were able to make it in and anchor without issues. My nightly chore was changing out the fuel filters. Karen and I noticed that the engine decreased rams at least twice yesterday. The only times we’ve had these issues it’s been a partially clogged fuel filter.  In the evening we had 16 ounce PBR, polish sausage and sauerkraut dinner and we were sleeping by 9 pm. I don’t know how I forgot to mention we saw our first dolphins. Karen was so excited, it was ...

11-23    As a new cruiser I’m going to make a make a statement. You know you’ve been in on place too long when you can give a stranger directions to the nearest shopping center using the names of the streets. You know you’ve been in on place too long when you can enter the TV channels without needing to surf through them. Greg from Fracas doing his best Captain Morgan imitation In our final days here at Turner Marine I have to say I’ve enjoyed my stay. The staff has been friendly and very helpful with my many questions about work being performed, wildlife and general knowledge. We’ve had a good amount of work here on Last Mango and so far so good. I have no doubt that Roger and his crew are doing a great job and would recommend them to anyone traveling in the area. Other locals we’ve met have been great also willing to share their knowledge and time explaining it to us. Southern Hospitality again? I don’t know but it’s a pleasure to be a stranger he...