After watching four of our friends ride home from dinner on bikes as we hiked along the highway, we decided to make a change.
Today we borrowed Peggy and Bob's bikes to run our errands! The pure speed of peddling along the sidewalk was heaven. We rode from 35th street to 90th street, just above the airport. We stopped at all sorts of stores. We even had lunch at Wendy's! Our life is going to change.
We looked up Winddrifter and bought the two bikes he advertised over the 9 a.m. radio. It was cash on the line. Debbie even rode the smaller bike and the wheels did go around! Come Monday when they leave Boot Harbor we will be the proud owners of two very old rusty bikes with lock--to make sure no one steels them! Our world has just openned up to anywhere we can sail or peddle!
Debbie also tried to get a new battery for her camera and did not succeed. The old one is quickly failing. We hope it will last a few more weeks.
Four friends from Indiana are headed our way and should arrive about 8 p.m. tonight. We plan to take Catrina to the Marina to pick them up because poor Tigger would probably be underwater with over three adults and luggage! The fun begins!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
LOOPERS February 19, 2009
Three couples we met on our trip down the Rivers joined us today snorkeling at Sombrero Reef. The group of boaters that makes a circular route up the Atlantic Coast, across the Great Lakes, down the Rivers and back to Florida are called Loopers. Catrina is a Half Looper because we only did the Rivers side.
About 10:30 three dingies arrived at Catrina. We tied all four soft siders to U-6 Ball. After loading aboard lunches and snorkeling gear, we headed for Sisters Channel (previously called Fishing Canal).
The sun was bright without a cloud in the sky - a blue bird day! A light wind gave us promise of sailing. When we reached the Atlantic, we headed directly into the wind toward the Sombrero Marker. The Trapeze became a focus group. Peggy, Trish and Pat found lots of things in common while Colin beside Peggy looked on.
After tying up at the Reef, six got into gear and jumped in. Because of the waves, the water was a little murky but there were plenty of little fish. We floated around on the waves. It felt so good. With wet suits on, it felt warmer than 72! This is the only shot Debbie got of snorkeling and the heads are Colin and Pat.
After swimming we ate lunch and Tom and Debbie put up the sails. We crisscrossed the area at a roaring 3 mph. Such a relaxing way to spend the afternoon with good friends.
Ted and Trish aboard South Shore III hailed from Richardson TX and Frankfort MI. Debbie knew them from Crystal Lake. In fact they bought her first Woodpussy and now race it. That is a sailboat! They started the Loop in NC where they purchased their trawler last spring and will be completing the loop this spring. 
Pat and Colin aboard Lady Margaret are from Hamilton Ontario. Colin has made the loop five times and this year Pat is doing the complete trip with him. Debbie and Tom met them at Frankfort Harbor shortly after they had purchased Catrina.
Peggy and Bob aboard Baby Grand were originally from Wisconsin but moved to Colorado when they got the Baby. We met them at Joliet on the wall. When they passed by Crystal River, they stopped to see us. We have been following their trip on their blog. They will complete the loop by summer time.
After a wonderful time on the Atlantic we made plans to meet for dinner at Key Industries.
Tom and Debbie hiked in but the other four rode bikes. On the way home it looked like one very long bike with the first person wearing a head light and the fourth one three red back lights! Loopers have style!
About 10:30 three dingies arrived at Catrina. We tied all four soft siders to U-6 Ball. After loading aboard lunches and snorkeling gear, we headed for Sisters Channel (previously called Fishing Canal).
The sun was bright without a cloud in the sky - a blue bird day! A light wind gave us promise of sailing. When we reached the Atlantic, we headed directly into the wind toward the Sombrero Marker. The Trapeze became a focus group. Peggy, Trish and Pat found lots of things in common while Colin beside Peggy looked on.
After tying up at the Reef, six got into gear and jumped in. Because of the waves, the water was a little murky but there were plenty of little fish. We floated around on the waves. It felt so good. With wet suits on, it felt warmer than 72! This is the only shot Debbie got of snorkeling and the heads are Colin and Pat.
After swimming we ate lunch and Tom and Debbie put up the sails. We crisscrossed the area at a roaring 3 mph. Such a relaxing way to spend the afternoon with good friends.
Ted and Trish aboard South Shore III hailed from Richardson TX and Frankfort MI. Debbie knew them from Crystal Lake. In fact they bought her first Woodpussy and now race it. That is a sailboat! They started the Loop in NC where they purchased their trawler last spring and will be completing the loop this spring.
Pat and Colin aboard Lady Margaret are from Hamilton Ontario. Colin has made the loop five times and this year Pat is doing the complete trip with him. Debbie and Tom met them at Frankfort Harbor shortly after they had purchased Catrina.
Peggy and Bob aboard Baby Grand were originally from Wisconsin but moved to Colorado when they got the Baby. We met them at Joliet on the wall. When they passed by Crystal River, they stopped to see us. We have been following their trip on their blog. They will complete the loop by summer time.
After a wonderful time on the Atlantic we made plans to meet for dinner at Key Industries.
Tom and Debbie hiked in but the other four rode bikes. On the way home it looked like one very long bike with the first person wearing a head light and the fourth one three red back lights! Loopers have style!
WORK DAY February 18, 2009
Sorry, folks, we took the day off to get the boat ready for our next crew of visitors!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
ERRANDS February 17, 2009
Catrina was very quiet this morning. The Captain and First Mate sleep in. Catrina rocked on the line and wind howled around us. It felt like Sunday!
Tom relaxed with his morning news.
Our goal for dinner was to finish the dolphin fish. Debbie tossed the warm fish in a salad along with the left over rice and ranch dressing. The fish was better the second day! Tom is our hero. He then ate a fish sandwich which ended the leftovers! Peaches for dessert and a quiet evening watching the internet news
Tom relaxed with his morning news.
About 11 we dropped Tigger (lowered her into the water) and went up to MCM office. We paid our bill of $2.50 for yesterday’s water to fill our boat tank. What a deal!
Next we headed up Boot Key passing a number of our friends and stopping for a chat.
Brian and Lynn on Midori (PDQ 32)
Anice and Tom on ThomKat (PDQ Trawler)
Colin and Pat on Lady Margaret (Trawler built by Colin’s Father)
Rose and Gary on Rose’s Pick (Carver Trawler)
Peggy and Bob on Baby Grand (A Grand Banks Trawler)
Ted and Pat on South Shore III (Trawler)
We tied up at Baby Grand, borrowed Peggy’s grocery cart and hoofed it to Publix. Tom enjoyed a Wendy Brunch while Debbie hunted for Teva’s unsuccessfully.
On the way back to Baby Grand, Bob came riding up missing one bike pedal. He had been to a marine certification course and lost a bolt in his port pedal.
After such an exhausting day, we took an afternoon nap!
Our goal for dinner was to finish the dolphin fish. Debbie tossed the warm fish in a salad along with the left over rice and ranch dressing. The fish was better the second day! Tom is our hero. He then ate a fish sandwich which ended the leftovers! Peaches for dessert and a quiet evening watching the internet news
Monday, February 16, 2009
KERI'S LEDGE February 16, 2009
Cliff, Carson and Coleman joined us at 10 and we headed out to Keri's Ledge. It is about 6 miles out into the Gulf from Boot Key. We put up the sails but were right at the jib point and soon changed to motors. Tom and Cliff worked with the GPS, Charts and Computer Map to locate Keri's. When we found it, we were fairly close to Sombrero Reef, our destination yesterday.
We moved Catrina's anchor a couple times until we found a spot with fish. It was about 45 feet deep and the boat rolled over the passing waves.
Carson found a spot on the starboard steps to fish.
Soon small Grunts were nibbling the lures. The boys started pulling them in and throwing them back. Too Small to Keep! 
Now here is a picture you don't often see - Our GPS wearing a hat!
Looking over to the Sombrero Reef Marker, we saw a couple catamarans, one of which we thought was the 42 foot PDQ.
We moved Catrina's anchor a couple times until we found a spot with fish. It was about 45 feet deep and the boat rolled over the passing waves. Carson found a spot on the starboard steps to fish.Soon small Grunts were nibbling the lures. The boys started pulling them in and throwing them back. Too Small to Keep! Now here is a picture you don't often see - Our GPS wearing a hat! Coleman assists Cliff from the Port Side of Catrina.
They also catch lots of small Grunts.
Someone caught a small Yellow Tail Snapper but Debbie was napping and no picture was taken before it was thrown back to grow bigger!
Pam was visiting a good friend today and mid afternoon her men departed to join her and then return home.
It was showers at MCM for Tom and Debbie and then a trip by dingy to Walgreen's. Fortunately, Tom called first and found the drug store was not open today. We returned to Catrina. Tom warmed up the Grill and cooked the Dolphin Fish while Debbie made vegetable Rice and Spinach. 
Sunday, February 15, 2009
CARSON & COLEMAN February 15, 2009
Carson 9 and Coleman 7 and their parents Pam and Cliff joined us today at Sombrero Reef. It all started with the boys, of course, awaking first and having to wait for the lazy Adults to get up and going!
After breakfast we headed south toward the 7 Mile Bridge. We passed Burdines.
We decided to pass up buying this yacht and continue on. Oh, Look! A 42 foot PDQ Sailboat! 
In case you cannot make out the snorkeler, it is Tom! We all enjoyed the 77 degree water both in the morning and afternoon. The area was littered with boats scattered along the balls. The waters were full of yellow tails, parrot fish, barracudas, grunts, octupus, rasps, flounder and a whole lot more.
Fishing lines were nibbled but no good catch. Coleman is checking the area.
Tom, Carson and Cliff take a break before we head back to our home ball. U-6.
It is showers for all and then we deposit Cliff and family on the dock. By 8:30 Debbie and Tom are watching the news on the computer and eating tuna sandwiches, baked beans and peaches. That is the closest we could come to a fish dinner! 
After breakfast we headed south toward the 7 Mile Bridge. We passed Burdines.
A dock or two south we passed a very large expensive boat with lots of equipment.
We decided to pass up buying this yacht and continue on. Oh, Look! A 42 foot PDQ Sailboat!
Finally we reached the Sombrero Reef which was easy to find because of the large marker.
In case you cannot make out the snorkeler, it is Tom! We all enjoyed the 77 degree water both in the morning and afternoon. The area was littered with boats scattered along the balls. The waters were full of yellow tails, parrot fish, barracudas, grunts, octupus, rasps, flounder and a whole lot more.
Fishing lines were nibbled but no good catch. Coleman is checking the area.
Tom, Carson and Cliff take a break before we head back to our home ball. U-6.
It is showers for all and then we deposit Cliff and family on the dock. By 8:30 Debbie and Tom are watching the news on the computer and eating tuna sandwiches, baked beans and peaches. That is the closest we could come to a fish dinner!
NEIGHBORS February 14, 2009
Tom is up before the sun. He stows everything in preparation for the arrival of our first guests. About 11 Cliff calls to let us know they will be arriving later than planned.
Portside Cockpit
To use time constructively, Tom removes the TV set from the mount on the Mast Column in the Settee. The area appears much larger without TV! We try it in many different places and decide we like it on the divider between the Galley and Settee. For the next few weeks it will be stowed under the front seat in a bed of life preservers. This will allow us to sit six adults around the table.
Starboard Cockpit
As we are eating Cheese and Turkey Sandwiches, a kayak passes for a lady and her dog. The dog is the only one wearing a life preserver!
The fog has lifted and we can see to the far end of the harbor.
Cliff calls to let us know he standing on the MCM dock! Catrina sails up to greet our guests, board their gear, restock boat and drinking water and empty trash. A five purpose mission!
It is such a beautiful afternoon that we head for the Atlantic by the Fish Canal. At the distant reef marker, we drop anchor and snorkel a while. Both Carson 9 and Coleman 7 are good swimmers and avid fishermen.
Later Cliff and Tom trail two lines as we cruise along. Within 15 minutes, Cliff has hooked a fish! Coleman and Carson attempt to pull it in. We know it is good sized because we can see it jump completely out of the water 4 or 5 times. Finally, Cliff takes over and reels it in but must gaff it. It is too big for our net! Tom gets out the measuring tape and records 32 inch dolphin fish!
First Carson and Cliff hold up the fish and then Coleman and Cliff.
The Gentlemen ask their sweethearts to dinner at Key Industries. Pam and Cliff are pictured below
Our biggest problem was after sunset. We motored slowly back up Fish Canal because it was low tide and dark. When we got to the harbor, it took us a number of laps to find our mooring ball in the dark. We finally found it by locating a boat moored near us! Next project was to zip the bimini back on. It took four adult a very long time to figure out where each of the seven pieces fit! What we needed was a good puzzle solver!
Portside Cockpit
To use time constructively, Tom removes the TV set from the mount on the Mast Column in the Settee. The area appears much larger without TV! We try it in many different places and decide we like it on the divider between the Galley and Settee. For the next few weeks it will be stowed under the front seat in a bed of life preservers. This will allow us to sit six adults around the table.
Starboard Cockpit
As we are eating Cheese and Turkey Sandwiches, a kayak passes for a lady and her dog. The dog is the only one wearing a life preserver!
The fog has lifted and we can see to the far end of the harbor.
Cliff calls to let us know he standing on the MCM dock! Catrina sails up to greet our guests, board their gear, restock boat and drinking water and empty trash. A five purpose mission!
It is such a beautiful afternoon that we head for the Atlantic by the Fish Canal. At the distant reef marker, we drop anchor and snorkel a while. Both Carson 9 and Coleman 7 are good swimmers and avid fishermen.
Later Cliff and Tom trail two lines as we cruise along. Within 15 minutes, Cliff has hooked a fish! Coleman and Carson attempt to pull it in. We know it is good sized because we can see it jump completely out of the water 4 or 5 times. Finally, Cliff takes over and reels it in but must gaff it. It is too big for our net! Tom gets out the measuring tape and records 32 inch dolphin fish!
First Carson and Cliff hold up the fish and then Coleman and Cliff.
The Gentlemen ask their sweethearts to dinner at Key Industries. Pam and Cliff are pictured below
Our biggest problem was after sunset. We motored slowly back up Fish Canal because it was low tide and dark. When we got to the harbor, it took us a number of laps to find our mooring ball in the dark. We finally found it by locating a boat moored near us! Next project was to zip the bimini back on. It took four adult a very long time to figure out where each of the seven pieces fit! What we needed was a good puzzle solver!
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