Arrived safe and sound around 4:00 this afternoon in Tarpon Springs, Fl. We plan to be here until Tuesday or Wednesday. We are staying in the most inland marina...The Landing at Tarpon Springs. Very narrow channel right through the heart of the downtown tourist district...on Friday afternoon. What a deal!!! Boats in every direction and going every direction. Just a little tension in the air...but we did better than fine. The restaurant on site is hoppin' so we are headed to Captain Jack's for some TGIF... love to all. Hope you are planning some fun this weekend. We are.!!!!!!

Heading out to Tarpon Springs at o-dark-thirty in the morning. We should arrive tomorrow afternoon and plan to spend the weekend seeing sights, eating great Greek food, grocery shopping and, of course, laundry and boat cleaning. After that we are headed to St Petersburg. We miss our friends and family...it is always fun to hear from you. Keep in touch.

Gotta love the end of a long day of boat driving, navigating complicated charts, and riding ocean waves that ends with this kind of show. It is a tough life...but we are trying to adjust.

Some of the travel sights today....BIG boats just sitting outside the channel that leads into this nuclear power plant. We are anchored just a couple of miles south in the mouth of the Crystal River. It is suppose to be a manatee paradise. So maybe tomorrow morning there will be a sighting.

Oops, forgot to mention that Richard, our new best friend mechanic, didn't have much to do. Spent an hour looking and looking but only found two small leaky hoses. One he fixed and one for Floyd to deal with. He did. We refilled the coolant and are good to go. Since we traveled 10 hours today with NO ISSUES...we are thrilled. Another 10 hours tomorrow and we should be in Tarpon Springs. Since leaving St Charles last July we have traveled 1736 miles. This trip so far has been 596 miles. We figure it is about 550 to Jacksonville so we are half way there. We've only been traveling three weeks...so hopefully we can slow down a little and smell some roses...or something. The water is clearer and weather is warmer (still 64 outside) on this side...but the bugs...ugh!!!!!

Sea Hag Marina...Steinhatchee, Fl...boats, boats, boats everywhere...coming and going...Lovely people. We met a group of them who gather at the marina bar every day from 4 to 6. Most are transplants to the area...a couple from Oklahoma and two with Kansas City connections. They showed us a gizmo we now have on our shopping list: ThermaCell Mosquito Repellent. We were being eaten alive by sand gnats....5 minutes later with that device, no problems. Even comes is a decorator lantern style. Available at a Wal-Mart or K-Mart near you. Who knew??

WOW...what a day. We arrived safe and sound in Steinhatchee, though not without a few incidents. Started with a light chop of waves that quickly became 2-3 foot swells...then bursts of 4-5. Floyd handled driving in that really well...while I chased falling and crashing objects. Nothing broke. But the salt shaker was MIA for the rest of the trip and the refrigerator smells of pickle juice. Apparently the lid was just not tight enough. The ride from about 1:00 on was smooth and really pleasant. We saw dolphins...and I even managed to get some photos. Sorry to say that coming into the Steinhatchee River the starboard engine overheated, alarms sounded, and we were towed into Sea Hag Harbor Marina. Thank God for unlimited towing insurance with Towboat US...this is twice in two weeks. Tomorrow is another day...we'll see what the mechanic has to say. Our new best friend....

oops, forgot the phone booth...I mean police station...shots! Notice who is inside....

We had a fun day in Carrabelle yesterday. Shaking off our sea legs and walking the town. Small small...in fact, this phone booth along the side of the main street is the police station....hehehe...Enjoy the photos...Our Marina, the town entrance and our new friends aboard the PEACEKEEPER. We plan to leave here this afternoon, anchor out at Alligator Harbor and then cross to Stienhatchee on Tuesday. (He wonders why I might be skiddish about a place named "Alligator Harbor"???) Pray for smooth waters and no alligators. Miss you all. It is such fun for us to get your e-mails and comments. The joys of technology.

When we came into the marina yesterday afternoon, Michael and his Dad were dock walking. Admiring boats on a fine Saturday afternoon. His compliments of our boat encouraged us to invite them aboard for a tour. He had lots of questions and comments. I think he reminded Floyd of his own boating curiosity as a youngster. We were pleased to have encouraged him. Yep, teachable moment...sorry, Dad.

Calloway Bayou was where we anchored out on Friday night. Though it took four tries to get the anchor to set, we wondered why we tried so hard. We never moved. Three dolphins were frolicking behind us. Though I crackled, whistled, sang, and begged, I could not get them to come into camera range. Gave Floyd a few laughs though. Can you hear the barking dog in the background??? It was lovely...except for him...well, and the cold.

We crossed wakes with this big fella on Friday afternoon...I was taking his photo and then I was flat on the aft deck...We've decided that the helms person should give wave warnings...no one was injured but the camera took a beating. Those NAVY guys are a rough bunch...right, Phil???

Passed this scene of Friday...poor guy has just a few BIG toys all parked in the backyard...riminds me of someone...but can't think of who....

Probably should mention that the Captain took a NAP while the First Mate manned the helm yesterday. Is that bravery or what???? We have been taking shifts. His is two hours to my one. We also had great fun listening to the Shocks win over Cleveland St. Computers that work are a wonderful thing. Sure helped the day go faster. We have figured we are living in less than 300 sq ft of space. Pretty dang tight...oh, and we love that... excuse me, pardon me, excuse me....

Probably should mention that the Captain took a NAP while the First Mate manned the helm yesterday. Is that bravery or what???? We also had great fun listening to the Shocks rock

Whew...these 10 hour cruising days. We made it to Carrabelle as scheduled, with 40 gallons of gas to spare. Though you could see the worried look on the Captains face for the last hour or so. We knew the gas here was the cheapest we'd seen ($2.28). Floyd had figured and re-figured. But darn those gauges...we know they read low...but when you are staring at them in the middle of water water everywhere...you begin you have doubts. This marina is now treating us like royality...do the math...200 gallons... We are here waiting for good weather to cross the Gulf. Looks like that won't happen until Tuesday at the earliest. Not interested in 4-6 foot ocean waves. I'm old you know.

Off again at O-dark-thirty...temperature was 33...frost on the canvas this morning....we are inside ...not toasty but certain warmer...ETA for Carrabelle is 4:oo...just in time for shower, shave and Happy Hour.

Left Fort Walton at 0-dark-thirty....water was choppy but smoothed out...we spent most of the day in the ditch between Choctawhatchee and West Bay. We will anchor out tonight...already seen a couple of dolphins in our little cove...and head on to Carrabelle tomorrow. We are not in the Gulf...following the ICW...so lakes and ditches. Haven't seen much boat traffic...maybe it is too cold for the natives. I'm wearing long johns...and convinced Floyd to drive from the lower helm most of today. I am ready for warmer weather...I think Wichita has been warmer than us lately. Just our luck. TGIF...it is Mexican Friday...

As expected, the front blew in last night. Rain, rain, lightning and thunder, wind, and more wind. In fact, Floyd and I agreed that it was the worst we'd seen aboard the Tumbleweed. Yes, worse than what we rode out with Hurricane Ike. We were ever so glad we hadn't second guessed the weather man and really glad to be safe in this marina. We caught up the laundry...hey, its free here...and went to see "MILK". We have mail coming today and thought we'd see a couple more of the Oscar nominees. Then head east tomorrow.

Projects, we've got projects...this one is almost complete. Replacing the blue striping on the starboard side. Sunshine seems to have done some damage this winter. Easier said than done. But we think we've done the hardest section.

Finally a boat for me...Miss LiNDA...it's she a beauty?????

Quiz time...can you name this structure? Or do you have a clue as to what it might be??? We analyzed it up and down, back and forth. Could find no signs or postings that indicated what it was. Though it is certainly hard to miss and rather imposing, don't you think? For now we have dubbed it the "tall super secret, super imposing, super structure yet to be named". What would you call it?

After hours of checking and measuring, one check of the weather on Tuesday had us scrapping our plans. With thunderstorms and winds predicted, we decided against crossing the Choctawhatachee Bay until we could get better weather. We stopped at Fort Walton Beach at a real character marina. Home of the concrete boat which they are presently using as the marina office. It would appear that Joyce is living there as well. Notice the concrete hull in the photos. Interesting place...lots of boats that need lots of TLC.

We crossed into Florida (though are still in the same time zone as our Kansas friends) and anchored out on Monday night in a beautiful little cut off the Pensacola Bay area...nice to watch the sunset from the aft deck. We had our first lighthouse at our bow and white beaches on port and starboard. Floyd could see the anchor chain and was amazed that it came up clean. We were leisurely on our way at about 8:30.

On the road again....12:40 today we were on our way. Anchoring out tonight and planning to cross Choctawhatchee Bay tomorrow. We want to be in Port St Joe on Thursday to re-connect with friends we made last summer aboard Andante. We are charting, measuring, figuring and analyzing. Looking forward to crossing the Gulf and getting to warmer weather. The thermometer said 62 today. With the wind coming off the water, I was in my Uggs, long sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, winter coat and gloves. Mighty chilly, I'd say.

Valentine's Day was special. Our first to spend together...remember someone was in Florida last February? Without getting too mushy...here's the photo...

Entrance to the marina is the tricky part. We made it through the shallow water. We'd been staring into a blinding sunset. It was getting dark. We didn't know the area. We had steering with only one engine, and this narrow passage...are you surprised that we missed the turn and then ran aground right over there by those trees???? It was the sandy side...and we knew enough to stop and make the call. US tow insurance saved the day. But we've got photos!!!

Orange Beach, Alabama....nice place if you have to be stranded. Just a tad on the pricey side...

The transmission parts have arrived. Mechanics are scheduled to appear first thing Monday morning. They say we'll be up and running in a couple of hours, though I doubt that. Rain finally stopped here around noon. It has been a steady down pour with lightning and thunder since about 8 last night. We have discovered and fixed a few leaks. Sun is shining now and fisherman are starting to roll out. Interesting place.

Crossing Mobile Bay was a new experience for us. Miles and miles of waves and water. Looking for markers with binoculars and avoiding low water areas. But we did fine...found everything we were suppose to, when we were suppose to and then entered the Intracoastal Waterway...saw our first dolphins around noon. Then continued to see them the rest of the day. I tried to get photos but those suckers are fast...I couldn't seem to accomplish it. But my list of things to do includes photos of dolphins and a manatee or two.

and de-lish food. We had some fried green tomatoes with Lulu's special WOW sauce and LA Caviar...that's Lower Alabama...and it was a black-eyed pea dip stuff....added tomatoes, green pepper, onion, and balsamic vinegar. Yummmmmy. And then couldn't resist the Cheeseburger in paradise....so much for the dieting. And the way our afternoon and evening unfolded, we were ever so glad we had had a good lunch. We didn't get docked until 9. So it was good not to be starving.

Outside play area for adults and kidos.....

More about Lulu's. What a fun place! Lots of people of all age groups. Ever so curious about our boat and then ever so helpful when we discovered the the port engine had no transmittion. I couldn't resist taking photos of it all. Suffer through...

Mechanic has located the problem, parts should be ordered this afternoon. We hope to have parts arrive and installed on Monday. Then head out on Tuesday. Heah, right. Like that'll really happen. We'll keep you posted. For now we are safe and sound in Orange Beach, Al. Marina is up scale. Two restaurants right on the water. Seems to have good laundry and shower rooms. It is sunny and 74 now. Though storms are supposedly head this way. We are good for now. Don't cha love a man with a vacuum?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SALLY...Things went according to plan this morning. We left Dog River Marina at Mobile for a rather smooth crossing of Mobile Bay. We made way points just as planned and right on schedule. Stopped for a delightful lunch at Lulu's...she is Jimmy Buffet's sista. Cheeseburgers in paradise, LA caviar (black eyed pea dip), and fried green tomatoes were beyond good. We did our bit for the economy at the gift shop....and then things went %$#@ in a hurry. Coming out of the dock, Floyd had more difficulty than ever....and before we crashed into a few million dollar yachts behind us, he announced that we had no port engine gears. We limped along for awhile, called a few marinas and found some mechanics to meet us. They were unable to fix or even diagnose the problem. But suggested we report to Orange Beach Marina where they could get a better look tomorrow. Wish it were so easy. Getting in required more maneuvering than we could do...yep, ran a ground. Called the boat towing service...that's why we have insurance...Sat there for an hour and a half with mosquitoes buzzing. But just like Underdog, they came, they towed, and we are now sitting in a marina. Three restaurants, nice folks, Internet, interesting lay out. It is suppose to rain here through the weekend...if we have to be broken down, it might as well rain. %$#&... I have some photos but am too depressed to post them tonight....Maybe tomorrow.

Coming through Mobile was exciting. We were to dumb to know any better when we went through St Louis...and Mobile is the second largest port city in America. We saw really LARGE stuff and lots of it....I was at the helm, Floyd was navigator and helm boss, and Fair Majesty was in front. Miles and miles of ocean, wind and waves but just a narrow channel of water for safe travel. A Carnival cruise ship was behind us....just a little stress.