February, 2017
Dave’s sister, Jeanette, joined us for the month so that she could enjoy warm weather. We spent the first two weeks sewing and doing all things quilting – visiting fabric stores, quilting show, and doing some sewing. Barb continued to prepare for the DeFever Rendezvous which was coming up quickly. She also volunteered to step in and complete a presentation on Cruising Canadian Waters – Ontario area. Dave continued to so small things on the boat in preparations for traveling.
As our date to start cruising was Feb 19, we also had a lot of cleaning on the boat to complete. So all three of us spent part of each day washing, waxing, polishing, or just loading the boat. We left on the 19th and met up with two DeFevers (Spellbound and White Hawk) heading to Sarasota at MM 1 on the GICW. When we arrived at the Pelican Bay anchorage for the night, there sat Tide Hiker. We anchored next to them and then went ashore to walk the beach at Cayo Costa State Park. Jeanette and Barb looked for shells – but the selection was poor. We left Monday morning and motored up to Sarasota – Marina Jacks and docked. Barb spent time preparing for the Rendezvous while Dave and Jeanette relaxed.
We had a good time in Sarasota for 8 days. Jeanette and Barb walked around town and went to St. Almand Circle. The sessions at the rendezvous were well attended and Barb’s presentation was very well received. Registration went smoothly and all participants felt welcomed. We met up with old friends and made new ones while at this wonderful boat event. The former owner of Hallelujah came aboard and was happy to see that the boat was well maintained and interested in all the improvements that we had made.
We heading back home on Tuesday, Feb. 28th – again it took two days of travel and we were trying to beat the strong winds that were forecasted for later this week. We again traveled with Spellbound and White Hawk. They went into Ft. Myers City Marina while we docked behind the house on March 1.
Picture Information: Three boats we met on way north – Tide Hiker was owned by good friends Norm and Vicki Naughton before they sold it. Spellbound is owned by good friends Jack and Gail Chenevey from VA. We had great time with them last fall while in the Solomons. White Hawk was Tides Inn before being sold. We traveled part of the Loop and Bahamas with the former owners Stephen and Pam Brown. It was great to see all these boats plus many more that we have become friends with while at the Rendezvous in Sarasota.
As our date to start cruising was Feb 19, we also had a lot of cleaning on the boat to complete. So all three of us spent part of each day washing, waxing, polishing, or just loading the boat. We left on the 19th and met up with two DeFevers (Spellbound and White Hawk) heading to Sarasota at MM 1 on the GICW. When we arrived at the Pelican Bay anchorage for the night, there sat Tide Hiker. We anchored next to them and then went ashore to walk the beach at Cayo Costa State Park. Jeanette and Barb looked for shells – but the selection was poor. We left Monday morning and motored up to Sarasota – Marina Jacks and docked. Barb spent time preparing for the Rendezvous while Dave and Jeanette relaxed.
We had a good time in Sarasota for 8 days. Jeanette and Barb walked around town and went to St. Almand Circle. The sessions at the rendezvous were well attended and Barb’s presentation was very well received. Registration went smoothly and all participants felt welcomed. We met up with old friends and made new ones while at this wonderful boat event. The former owner of Hallelujah came aboard and was happy to see that the boat was well maintained and interested in all the improvements that we had made.
We heading back home on Tuesday, Feb. 28th – again it took two days of travel and we were trying to beat the strong winds that were forecasted for later this week. We again traveled with Spellbound and White Hawk. They went into Ft. Myers City Marina while we docked behind the house on March 1.
Picture Information: Three boats we met on way north – Tide Hiker was owned by good friends Norm and Vicki Naughton before they sold it. Spellbound is owned by good friends Jack and Gail Chenevey from VA. We had great time with them last fall while in the Solomons. White Hawk was Tides Inn before being sold. We traveled part of the Loop and Bahamas with the former owners Stephen and Pam Brown. It was great to see all these boats plus many more that we have become friends with while at the Rendezvous in Sarasota.
The canal from home to the river. This runs along the river shore.
|
Spellbound in Pelican Bay
|
TideHiker in Pelican Bay
|
White Hawk in Pelican Bay
|
LaBarge Bay cruise boat - lots of people all the time and live music. Came by our boat every day multiple times.
|
Sue, Peggy, Ann, Barb, and Gail - the October women's crew that came in Feb.
|
Hallelujah in Pelican Bay - afternoon shot
|
Sunset in Pelican Bay with Hallelujah.
|
January, 2017
January has been uneventful – no big trip or news. We have settled in for the winter (in sunny warm south Florida) and completed the big boat maintenance work – engines and electricity. We aren’t doing anything major this year but do have some varnish work and lots of cleaning to do. Barb is playing around with her Christmas present (a new computerized sewing machine), while Dave takes his daily bike ride. We are into the upcoming DeFever Rendezvous – yes, Barb is once again doing registration so she works daily to keep up with registration and needs of other committees. We are both doing ok health wise, but getting older so slowing down a bit. We have visited with friends – dinners out mostly. Barb’s cataract surgery was very successful and eagle eye is back doing navigation on Hallelujah. We tried out the new eyes while taking Hallelujah and the dinghy out for a couple of spins. This summer the trip will be easier as she can see markers from a distance!
Hallelujah in winter dress sitting quietly enjoying the sun!
|
It took Barb over a month to put this puzzle together - it didn't look difficult at first, but wasn't easy. Think we are done with puzzles for a while.
|
