Back to Mango and in the water

Would’ve posted sooner if I had decent internet.

1-10-16     We got a bit of a late start after being up late watching the Clemson - Alabama game. I watched the game with my parents and didn’t get home until sometime after 1:30 AM. Karen’s been battling cold like symptoms for the past week so she stayed home and was fast asleep when I arrived. I took a quick shower and hopped into bed, Karen awoke but was quickly back sleeping so I didn’t feel too bad. It took me some time to wind down after the drive.

A rainy, windy 9:00 AM greeted us and we were soon packing the Prius for its second trip to Florida in as many years. The temperature was warm but the wind was howling out of the south. Of course we’re traveling south and our normal 50 mpg was not happening. Just north of Champaign Illinois we witnessed a trailer of semi blown sideways while traveling at 70 mph down the road, made it interesting passing. I would like to say we were through Illinois in no time but we all know it’s a long state. By the time we entered Kentucky the wind had settled down but the rain continued. We filled up with fuel and our mileage improved drastically, no winter blend here. We made it to Murfreesboro Tennessee in time to get settled into our hotel, eat and watch Obama’s speech in Chicago.

1-11-16     Morning in Murfreesboro greeted us with 55 degrees, more rain and little wind. We ate breakfast and were on our way. Being in Murfreesboro means that this morning we won’t have to deal with all the traffic in and around Nashville, it also means we should make it through Atlanta with any rush hour delays. Our plans worked out well as traffic was not an issue and after what seemed like a long time in Georgia we were welcomed to sunny Florida and 75 degrees. We entered Florida sometime shortly before sunset and watched as the sun lowered and the moon rose. We didn’t realize it but today is a full moon, it became very apparent driving on I-10 and I-95 near Jacksonville. The 2 roads have few street lights and with the bright moon shining down at times made me consider lowering my sun visor in the car. 

We arrived at Karen’s parents house shortly before 10 PM and were glad to no longer be in the car. It was good to see them again and we talked for a few hours before everyone decided it was time to get some sleep and rest our weary eyes. 

1-12-16     Morning quickly arrived and I woke up to the sounds of birds doing whatever birds do in the morning. This is one of my favorite things about arriving down here after being up north in the cold, the sounds of birds everywhere. The weather has been a bit rainy each day and I’m starting to remember one of the things about Florida that I didn't care for, nothing seems to dry with the high humidity. It was kind of a lazy day as we waited for the rain to stop so I could help Karen’s dad perform a few chores around the house. Never really dried up so we wasted the day away and went our for dinner. Needless to say I ate too much.

Mango upon our arrival.

 1-13-17     The sounds of morning birds greeted us again this morning. Karen and I did our workouts and ate breakfast. I helped Karen’s dad with a few things around the house and Karen went with her mom grocery shopping. The day went by quickly as we started prepping for getting Last Mango back to ship-shape. I may have to purchase new house batteries this year so I’ve been shopping around, looks like it’ll cost a boat buck or so.

1-14-17     We woke up this morning early in anticipation of driving to Glades Boat Yard to start working on Mango. It’s roughly a 3 hour drive through Alligator Alley from the house and we’re very apprehensive to see what the hot, humid Florida summer did to Mango’s interior and exterior. 

We arrived and Mango quickly caught Karen’s eye as I pulled into the yard. We could instantly tell what side did not get sunshine through the summer as a light green mold covered areas of the hull. Down below the interior was in great shape, no mold or bugs. Looks like the bug bombs we set off last before we laid her up did the trick. The exterior really wasn’t too bad, we did find that green tree frogs found their way into any crack of crevice on Mango’s exterior only to be agitated by the opening of hatches and doors. The other item of interest we found in the smallest of areas was ash from the sugar cane fields. Apparently after the cane is harvested they burn the remains. We were warned of this before hand but it is easily removed. Mango cleaned up great above and below. Tomorrow we sand and paint the bottom.

Karen speaking to one Boat Yard Rat and
lady with a Cockatoo.

Great place for cheap beer drinking during
working hours.

Mango on its way to the water.

Dropping in the well.

1-15-17     I’m not sure if I said anything about the place Last Mango spent the summer months. It’s called “Glades Boat Storage” and it’s out in the middle of gator and cow country Florida. You know you’re not in Chicago in January when walking around the boatyard and run into a woman talking to a parrot on her shoulder. Karen and I worked our asses off today sanding and painting the bottom, Karen up top inside cleaning the teak and putting all the crap away that we brought down with us. After a what seemed to be a long day of sanding and painting (Karen said I am a regular Rembrandt) I made the decision that it’s time for football and beer. Unfortunately it’s the Packers and Dallas and not the Bears but my body’s a bit sore, especially my hands from two days of washing, scrubbing and sanding.

Karen and I went to the local liquor store, gas station, bar, restaurant, bait shop and tack store for beer and ice. We can’t use out fridge/freezer until Mango’s in the water so ice is like gold for us now. The store is great and kept us from and long drive but a 6 pack of beer is $12.99. You guys know me and I was able to bit my lip and buy my current favorite domestic beer PBR half quarts for a bit less. After two PBR’s my body aches seem to be relieved and a small bag of Rold Gold pretzels seemed to top a productive day. I have to give a shout out to Hydro Flask for making a great mug that will keep beer cold in 80 degree heat and humidity without sweating at all. Tonight we’re having shrimp and sausage skillet if we can muster the energy after our 2 beers each.

Yes there's even construction delays for boaters

 1-16-17     Having finished everything we could while Mango was high and dry in the boatyard we decided to drive back up to Karen’s parents and drop Mango in the water Wednesday the 18th. We both enjoyed spending time with Carol and Al. Karen got her Bunco and Bingo fix while I was able to get a haircut and new batteries for Mango, another boat buck gone.




1-18-17     Mango being dropped in the water at 3 PM required an early morning breakfast at the golf club with Carol and Al and off we were to Sunset Marina in Stuart Florida to pickup the crew of Fracas. Greg and MaryLynn were kind enough to ride with us to our boatyard and the take the Prius back to Sunset Marina where we will meet them in 2 days, at least that’s the plan.

Gator giving us a wide berth.

 An interesting and funny thing happened today that I need to tell you. First, I need to inform you that many boatyards down here have the bar room equivalent of bar rats. From what I can tell you this boatyard has a woman that has lived here in the boatyard for 6 years on a boat. As she tells it her and her husband have been working on the boat for years but it has never touched the water. Most of the time you see her she’s vaping and after noon she’s drinking. She yelled at me early on but I apologized for something stupid I was doing and we soon were on friendly terms. She watched as the Prius rolled into the yard and Karen, MaryLynn, Greg and I got out of the car and she promptly stated to the Fracas crew “You must be the parents”. Karen and I have been told we look young but not that young. I think MaryLynn took some offense to the comment, however she quickly surveyed the boat yard rat in front of her and realized that the hard life this woman leads has contributed to her poor vision and judgement. Greg on the other hand stated he was from Canada and I’m sure as a Trump supporter she assumed poor Canadian healthcare led to her perceived notion of his advanced age.

Fairly recent scrap boat.

 Mango dropped in the water around 3PM with no real issues, thru hulls good, no leaks and the motor started and pumped water with no issues. The fridge and freezer started cooling well and was down to 19 degrees in no time, new Trojan batteries working great. Karen and I got all the sails up, canvas installed, a few gallons of clean water in tank and the interior somewhat cleaned up. I noted the engine RPM’s drop a few times which caused concern, this is the normal sign that I need to replace the fuel filters. I’m sure this time is no different but it will need to wait until the morning since we’re both tired and want showers.

Wood Storks roosting along the way.

Osprey keeping close eye on Mango sailing by.

1-19-17     Both Karen and I commented that it was a very cool night and we made the best of it as we both slept well. I awoke in the morning noticing a man brushing his teeth walking down the dock and looking in at Karen and I sleeping, a bit strange but harmless (I think). After that wake up we quickly got up and started. I was able to change the fuel filters changed without any major issues, Karen rinsed the boat of last evening bugs and sugar cane ash, I inflated the dinghy, hung it on the davits and soon we were on our way towards Moore Haven and Lake Okeechobee. The day warmed and soon we were seeing gators basking in the sun on the north banks of the river. I made several calls along the way trying to procure another Racor filter to have as a spare, no luck until we hit Stuart Florida. 

We arrived in Clewiston early and tied Mango to their 35 foot long free dock for the night. Clewiston is the self proclaimed “Sweetest Little Town” and it appears to be a nice little town from what Karen and I saw from foot travel. They even have authentic Mexican stores and restaurants. Karen noticed boat trailer license plates from all over place and we asked if there was going to be a fishing tournament, sure enough in another week this place will be loaded with fisherman from all over the US.

Tomorrow morning we’ll cross the 30 miles to the other side of the lake and soon be on the East coast. I was reading the reviews of an anchorage that we may stop at tomorrow that boasts the fact that 10 gators come out and surround anchored boats about dusk. It may be worth anchoring there just to see the show.

Docked for the night just off Clewiston

 1-20-17     Morning seemed to come early as boaters of all types arrived before sunrise at the boat ramp next to the dock that we were tied to. It wasn’t a problem since we were already up having went to sleep shortly after 8 PM (boater midnight). Needless to say we got an early jump on the day and Mango was motoring her way across Lake Okeechobee smelling the sweetness of burning sugar cane. I didn’t mention it but each day Mango is covered with a light coating of ashes. We were told that these ashes are from the burning sugar cane fields, we noted some plumes of smoke every once in a while but it wasn’t until today that we really noticed the sheer amount of burning. While motor sailing across the lake we could see the haze in the air and turning our heads in 360 degrees we saw nothing but large plumes of smoke in all directions, really incredible the amount of smoke. Hard to believe it’s legal, but it is Florida.

Beautiful night to watch the sunset.

View entering Lake Okeechobee.

After exiting the lake and passing through the Mayaca lock we started seeing alligators everywhere, big and small. These gators were mostly sunning themselves on the southern shoreline and soon they in front and along side Mango. I was keeping my eyes on a huge one on the starboard side when Karen yelled at me telling me that if I didn’t change direction Mango was going to run over another big one. I laughed and said that it would move before Mango’s blinding speed of 6 knots could run it over. How wrong I was, Mango kinda shuddered and we could feel a heavy thud followed by a large swirl of water and waves that appeared at Mango’s stern. Crazy that the gator didn’t move, Karen said it went under water just as Mango’s bow was passing by. It appears the gator didn't realize our keel went down 4 1/2 feet.

The remainder of the trip went very well as the wind was at our stern and the Army Corp was letting water out of the lake which gave a .3 knot favorable current. We were able to pass all the possible anchorages we’d planned on using if our progress was slow. We made it all the way to Sunset Marina in Stuart with plenty of daylight left. Karen and I got everything on Mango set, dinghy and motor in the water, showers all before sunset. The crew of Fracas was great as usual and invited us over for dinner. We brought over a bottle of “Sweet Cheeks” wine from Oregon and toasted to being together again sailing after which MaryLynn outdid herself with a wonderful dinner and conversation. Soon the wine got to Karen and I and it was time for bed.

Burning of the Sugar Cane fields

Burning is truly incredible.

 1-21-17     It figures that this morning we could sleep as long as we wanted without worrying about time needed to complete the tasks of the day however since we were in bed by 8:30 the night before we woke up before sunrise ready to go. The morning led us to go ashore and perform our workouts, it felt good since we’d both skipped a few days.

Burning in every direction.

After breakfast Karen and MaryLynn went grocery shopping to stock up since we really don’t know where we’re headed so groceries may not be available. I assisted Greg with some vertically challenging chores that he’s intended to perform since hurricane Mathew removed his wind instruments. It was a piece of cake for me down below using Fracas’ windlass to lift Greg high above deck in the 15 to 20 knot breeze. I believed that Greg has been dreading this chore since he seemed to have everything well thought out before hand but kept second and third guessing himself about tools and equipment needed once he’s 49 feet above the deck of Fracas. I believe all went well, at least from my vantage point, I did pick a poor day to forget to install my hearing aid. Greg did a great job of speaking at my needed decibel range. After an hour or so I made sure Greg’s feet landed softly back on deck no worse for wear. During a much deserved beer Greg finished making the appropriate electrical connections at the base of the deck and we verified his work by watched the wind now blowing 15 to 20.

Anyone going to the Abacos soon, please call.
We may be heading that way. We'll see.

Later this evening Karen made snacks and quesadillas as the four of us watched the sun go down. Later Karen and I went for a walk around downtown Stuart which appears to be a really cute little town. The downtown area has a quaint little bars with live music playing both indoors and out. We moseyed our way back to Mango and were soon sleeping awaiting tomorrows interesting weather.

1-22-17     I tried to wake up early and get a quick workout in and was somewhat successful although not as early as I’d like. Afterwards we ate breakfast as the wind continued to build. Weather has been calling for severe weather with a cold front coming down and we may be under the collision of the hot and cold weather, todays high is 91 degrees here in Stuart.

The crew of Fracas and Mango attended the local farmers market and sampled / bought some of the products. 1:30 PM and we’re walking back to the dinghies to return to our floating homes. We find the wind now consistently in the 20’s gusting to 30. We prepped Mango by adding extra lines, tying down canvas or anything that else that could blow away. Shortly afterwards our new boat neighbor (fellow Island Packet Owner) asked if we’d watch his boat tonight as he’s heading to Fort Pierce for the night. We’ll do what we can and have his cell number should anything terrible happen. He stated that Mathew brought 70 MPH winds to the harbor and everything was okay so hopefully the forecast of 40’s shouldn't be too bad even though the worst should hit about midnight.

Not the gator we hit. This one decided to move.

1-23-17     The weather continued to do what weather does and mystify everyone paying attention to it. The wind howled outside and between the waves and wind Mango moved back and forth, up and down continually with no issues other than making it a bit difficult to sleep. Sometime around midnight the lightening started and soon after the rain. Shortly thereafter the wind seemed to calm if only for a while.  We left the radio on all night thinking that if someone needed assistance or a boat broke loose of its mooring we’d know about it. The radio silence was good news except it buzzed with the pronouncements of weather warnings. I wasn’t too worried because less than 40 yards away on Fracas, Greg Wright the sailors Tom Skilling would keep track weather and warn everyone of impending doom. From what Greg tells us we had the worst parts of the storms run both north and south of our position. 

This morning we still had winds in the teens that quickly jumped up the to 20’s with gusts to the 30’s making any dinghy travel the equivalent of a water park ride. We did manage to make it to shore for a few odds and ends.