Sailing Last Mango

2-24   Well we did it, Last Mango sailed into Bimini Bahamas. After leaving Rodriquez Key, sailing out past the Molasses Reef and across the dreaded gulf stream we’re lying at Brown’s Bimini Marina "where rum is cheaper than water" (I used the quote from Dave Sciabaras) .  The trip started with anchors up 2:30 AM and a quick uneventful sail out into the gulf stream. The weather was calm with the moon setting at 11:30 the night before. The moonless night with only the stars shining down on us made the bio-illuminant waters even more brilliant. Karen commented on the glowing waters in our wake before I noticed and it was her morning for shooting stars and she saw several. Island across from the Marina Shortly before sunrise the wind picked up a bit and made it possible to motor-sail. Our plan with Fracas was to maintain at least 6 knots and hopefully pickup more speed with the assistance of the gulf stream. While motor-sailing we were consistently doing o...

2-22    I know it’s been a while since I blogged and I feel kinda bad but the time slips away to oblivion. I mean I can hardly believe we’ve been in Marathon Florida for almost 3 weeks. I will miss the place and many of its oddities but my feet have been itching to leave for a week or two. I have a new appreciation for those who come down here and spend the winter, I mean that’s not for me but I do understand how it can happen. The Great Old Broad is from Chicago and he speaks of leaving for the Bahamas but I don't think he ever will. Each day of the week there’s many things to do if you’re interested, softball on Sunday and Tuesday, Yoga on two days of the week, learn how to basket weave, story telling and other things that I forget to mention. It reminds me of a nursing home where the residents live in their own floating homes. The core group or community here really looks out for each other and if you have a problem or need assistance many will come to your assi...

2-9    We’ve been in Marathon since February 2nd or so and time seems to slip away to who knows where. I suppose thats why there are so many people who came here years ago and don’t leave or keep returning every winter. I for one like it here but am ready to leave. Weather is dictating our schedule for our next step, which is Bimini Bahamas. WWII Aircraft flying over our anchorage. There was an airshow at the local airport The weather here is interesting, it’s consistently warm (highs in the low 70’s to low 80’s) and mostly sunny everyday, it’s the dry season here so there’s very little rain. However the wind is moving everyday and usually has some northern component to it which makes it dangerous to attempt a gulf stream crossing. When the cold fronts come through we usually see north winds in the mid to high 20 knot range, great for people with wind generators not good for crossing to the Bahamas until the wind pattern backs around to the so...

1-28   We originally planned on leaving this morning but the weather was forecasted to be windy and with high seas. Needless to say that did not come about and we decided to spend another day here in Fort Myers Beach. I got a few boat projects done this morning along with my first eye spice in 1/4 inch line. We did go to the beach and spend the majority of the day there. It was a bit cool but sitting in the sun it was just perfect. Karen and I watched the sun soaked seniors pass by with far too little clothes, They are very comfortable down here with their appearances with or without clothes. One of the workers at the marina insinuated that they all come down here for the winter months to swing a little (you know what I mean). Our friends on S/V Fracas tell me the seniors participate in denture parties instead of keys parties. The Enemy Our time on the beach was very nice and we decided to get something to eat. I ordered a Cuban sandwich and Karen a Chi...