Saw Old Friends from Kincardine

For years while cruising on Lake Huron we always stopped in Kincardine on the Canadian coast. We were there so often and knew so many folks that we were honorary members of their yacht club. We were in Kincardine for the last time in 1995 as we took the DIXIE III south to North Carolina, but saw some Kincardine friends in the Bahamas in later years. Two couples, Steve and Rae Mason who we spent a lot of time with in the Exumas in 2000, and George and Marylou Tout who now live on their boat but spent the last 12 years in South Bend, joined us for cocktails last night. A delightful visit. Good to see old friends.

The sun is shining but it is cold

The longest running cold spell continues on. A wind chill in the 30's last night. Some pictures (1) a small bird, exact species undetermined but we think it is a type of sandpiper, huddles on a swim platform away from the wind (2) Business at the Dockside grill with outside sitting has been very slow but with bright sunshine and lots of wind barrier curtains, business today was brisk. The manager was waiting tables since he had not called in the usual day waitress assuming that business would continue to be slow.

Chet

Wednesday

1/6/10

1:45 PM

So Much for Global Warming

A new record cold period is developing. A new cold front tonight and another one Friday. The mid Keys have NEVER seen a continuing cold condition like this. Supposed to be a wind chill near freezing tonight. So much for global warming.

Chet
Tuesday
1/5/10
6:00 PM

Boot Key Harbor

A major attraction for Marathon vs other Keys is Boot Key Harbor. This is the only totally enclosed, protected harbor south of key Largo. In earlier years the harbor was a disgrace; derilict boats, uncontrolled anchorage and no pumpout facilities. In 1981 Marathon, formally just homes and businesses with no government other than the county, was allowed to incorporate and take control of the harbor. Today it has at least 150 boat moorings with more planned to eliminate the remaining anchorages. A pumpout boat handles the holding tank pumpouts weekly. This is a favorite holding spot awaiting decent weather to cross the Gulfstream. This picture was taken from the northeast corner of the harbor toward the southwest entrance. Sombrero Marina, where we stayed last year, and Sombrero Resort Marina are located in a channel running northeast behind where this picture was taken.

Speaking of decent weather, in Keys terms its still not. High north winds and very unseasonable low temperatures ensure that there will be no crossing of the Gulfstream for at least a week.

Unusual Weather

Most of the time when a cold front comes through the Keys its gone in 24 hours or less. Not this one; low fifties lows and low sixties highs with 20 knot winds are forecasted through Thursday night when it will finally warm up. Those stuck in snow drifts up north will not sympathize with this weather but the locals are dressed like we are in the middle of a blizzard. Tourists paying hundreds of dollars for unheated hotel rooms to huddle in are not happy either.

The picture is of a large blue heron standing on a dock piling. Its a little fuzy since I had to take it from the pilot house through the sun screen. It flew away as soon as I opened the door to get a better shot.

Chet

Sunday

1/3/10

2:29 PM

Iguana Sighting on the Pier as it cools down

There are igaunas all around. This one climbed up our stern piling and then exited down the mooring line before dropping in the water. Not much sun as a cold front approaches so the skin color does not show up here .

A cold front came through last night. Its blowing 30 knots and the temperature in Marathon is 57 degrees this morning. That would be warm up north but it sure seems cold in the Florida Keys.

Chet

Saturday

1/2/10

2:11 PM

New Year Day, 2010

Couple of pictures (1)The Key West Conch Republic flag is flying from the DIXIE IV.

The Conch Republic was briefly formed in 1858 in disgust over the Federal Government. Probably time to do it again. (2) The shot of the DIXIE IV published yesterday did not properly show the name plaque mounted on the pulpit. We got the plaque at the Marathon Sea Food Fair last winter.

Happy New Year!

Chet

New Years Day

1/1/10

10:25 AM