Leaving Ivory Lady safely tucked in at Marathon Boatyard for the hurricane season, and being well rested from a few weeks at Dry Dock, The Captain (Bill) and The Admiral (Jann) are off for an adventure! It's Wednesday, September 5 (the day after the Admiral's birthday) and we're currently at the Charlotte NC airport awaiting our flight to Frankfurt! We'll be touring for just a bit over two weeks, returning two days before The Captain's birthday!
We have a car reserved at Frankfurt and a reservation at Hotel Uhl in Rothenburg ob der Tauber tomorrow (Thursday). Rothenburg was one of Mom Ratts' favorite places and Bill is looking forward to the liver & onions that she said was athe best in the world!
So, we'll post from time to time -- and share the stories/photos of memories and recommendations from folks as we go along our experience! Bon Voyage!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
Christmas Adventures 2011
We departed Marathon at first light on Saturday, December 17 -- perfect weather conditions and Ivory Lady was a Perfect Lady! Lots of crab pots for the couple of hours and then it was hours of glorious weather and calm seas. We had intended to stop at Marco Island, but we decided to take advantage of the weather and continue -- went 141 miles that day and made St. Charles YC in Ft. Myers just before dark.
The following day, it was off to Bradenton Yacht Club, where we had an unplanned connect with cousins, John & Trudy Horigan. The next morning, great friend Bill Wanless arrived (as planned) with son, Ben and daughter, Hannah Rose -- and lunch -- for the trip to St. Pete with some fishing along the way.
We are blessed to have so many great friends that we were able visit during the next week. We docked Ivory Lady behind good friends, Bob & Shar Fillingham's home, who unfortunately were away for the holidays. They also opened their home and their car for our use -- which we used all over the place for several days. We did our shopping "in civilization", had dinner with Art & Tricia at the home of Willy & Caryn, had lunch with Susan & Samn, dinner with and then a "send-off" for Bob & Barb Sammis, lunch & boat ride with Mari & Kris and culminating with a fabulous Christmas Eve at the home of Kelli & Don Hoy with their parents, Willy & Caryn Bain.
Bright and early Christmas morning had Ivory Lady heading back south. First stop - Bird Key Yacht Club in Sarasota for Christmas afternoon & evening with John & Trudy. Willy and Caryn aboard Touch N Go cruised with us -- actually, we leave before them, they pass us and arrive at our destination ahead of us! From Sarasota, we headed to Boca Grande for three nights, up Charlotte Harbor to the Isles Yacht Club in Punta Gorda for one night and then to Ft.Myers in time for New Years.
A highlight of our travels was a tour of the Edison & Ford Winter Homes in Ft. Myers -- what a delightful and informative several hours. We stayed at Royal Palm YC, which is right next door to the Winter Homes -- it was extremely convenient and beauatifully lit at night for the holidays. New Years' Eve culminated our travels with our dear friends, as Sunday morning we continued south and Touch N Go headed back north. Sunday night was Marco Island and an opportunity to reconnect with Lyn & Dwight Penn, who live in Naples. Lyn & I began a lifelong friendship 32 years ago in Columbus OH.
Our final day on the water had us departing early Monday morning, knowing that a healthy storm with high winds and potentially wicked seas would be in Marathon by nightfall. We had a glorious day with calm waters, arriving in Marathon early afternoon and secured Ivory Lady for the storm to come.
We had a fabulous trip, Ivory Lady was a Lady thtoughout the journey and we are thankful to be home and ready to begin an exciting 2012!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Adventures in Marathon
As soon as the Lighting of the Fleet was over last Friday, we began preparing Ivory Lady for our trip north. That means, in addition to maintenance activities like generator servicing, we needed to remove all the Christmas lights and also have Rich, the diver, clean the bottom of the boat.
Yesterday while removing lights, we had a guest on the dock who then proceeded to climb up the piling in an attempt to board Bob's boat, docked next to us.
Yesterday while removing lights, we had a guest on the dock who then proceeded to climb up the piling in an attempt to board Bob's boat, docked next to us.
Today, Rich came by to dive the boat, clean the bottom and replace our zincs. We had visitors. Two manatees cruised in and made quick friends with Rich. We had a hose running over the edge of the dock and they both came up to take a drink. It didn't take them long to figure out how to both benefit at the same time. We called it a French Water Kiss. When rich tried to brush them off with his bottom brush, they were skiddish at first, but when he finished our boat and began working on a sailboat at the next dock, they followed him over and wouldn't leave him alone to work. We all had a great afternoon bonding with these huge creatures. They're so ugly that they are actually cute.
We plan to leave Marathon aboard Ivory Lady on Saturday, 12/17 for St. Petersburg and Christmas with our many friends there. Some will join us on their boat for a cruise south to Ft. Myers for New Years Eve. Our next installlment will be on the water! Can't wait.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Christmas in the Keys!
We've had a fabulous time since arriving in Marathon now almost a month ago! Great friends, Willy & Caryn, were here for Thanksgiving week and we have a superb time! We've reintegrated into the Yacht Club and also into our church family here in Marathon.
As is the case of everyone this time of year, there are more parties and events than our schedule can possibly accommodate. And yet, I try! The largest event at the Club, probably for the entire year, is the Lighting of the Fleet. Every vessel in the marina is decorated and on that special night, the cannon is fired at 6:15p and every boat is illuminated simultaneously. We spent a couple weeks getting Ivory Lady ready for the event that was held last Friday night. The Yacht Club was completely full (132 guests), the weather was absolutely perfect and a delightful evening was had by all.
At the end of the evening, Ivory Lady won the trophy for Best Power Boat over 40' - the Rear Commodore & his Admiral were very proud! The sign hanging says "A Wish for You From the REAR Commodore"
Here's a pic of the front of Ivory Lady --
Today we began taking all the decorations off Ivory Lady. Weather permitting, we will depart Marathon early Saturday morning headed for St. Pete for Christmas. Christmas lights do NOT like salt walter, so they need to come down.
Watch for posts along our travel the next couple of weeks -- and have a Very Merry Christmas!!
As is the case of everyone this time of year, there are more parties and events than our schedule can possibly accommodate. And yet, I try! The largest event at the Club, probably for the entire year, is the Lighting of the Fleet. Every vessel in the marina is decorated and on that special night, the cannon is fired at 6:15p and every boat is illuminated simultaneously. We spent a couple weeks getting Ivory Lady ready for the event that was held last Friday night. The Yacht Club was completely full (132 guests), the weather was absolutely perfect and a delightful evening was had by all.
At the end of the evening, Ivory Lady won the trophy for Best Power Boat over 40' - the Rear Commodore & his Admiral were very proud! The sign hanging says "A Wish for You From the REAR Commodore"
Here's a pic of the front of Ivory Lady --
Today we began taking all the decorations off Ivory Lady. Weather permitting, we will depart Marathon early Saturday morning headed for St. Pete for Christmas. Christmas lights do NOT like salt walter, so they need to come down.
Watch for posts along our travel the next couple of weeks -- and have a Very Merry Christmas!!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Arrival In Marathon
Some folks may wonder why in the world we select this type of life -- just see the visitors we had during our final day of travel into our Winter Home in Marathon!! Arrived 
Tuesday @ 1:15p with good friends, Deb & Pete, on the dock to meet us! Now that I'm here, I've figured out how to move the pictures from the trip to the Blog!!
Oh, well -- will do better as we continue!
Ivory Lady got a good washing this morning -- now she's ready to shine here in the Florida sun!! We'll probably not journey too far from the dock for the next month with all the holiday events. But watch for a posting about the 10th of December -- she will be decked out for Christmas and the Lighting of the Fleet!!
Then, weather permitting, we'll head north with Ivory Lady on Saturday, December 17 for Christmas in St. Pete and New Years in Ft. Myers with Willy & Caryn Bain on Touch N Go!!
Tuesday @ 1:15p with good friends, Deb & Pete, on the dock to meet us! Now that I'm here, I've figured out how to move the pictures from the trip to the Blog!!Oh, well -- will do better as we continue!
Ivory Lady got a good washing this morning -- now she's ready to shine here in the Florida sun!! We'll probably not journey too far from the dock for the next month with all the holiday events. But watch for a posting about the 10th of December -- she will be decked out for Christmas and the Lighting of the Fleet!!
Then, weather permitting, we'll head north with Ivory Lady on Saturday, December 17 for Christmas in St. Pete and New Years in Ft. Myers with Willy & Caryn Bain on Touch N Go!!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
What a GREAT Week!
We've just arrived in Ft. Lauderdale - just north of 17th Street Bridge at the Lauderdale Yacht Club, one of our FCYC member clubs. We've had a superb week with Judy Ambury as able crew. She joined us last Saturday morning in Fernandina Beach and will be disembarking tonight. We started the trip out right with a visit to the Irish Pub in town.
We left Fernandina early Sunday with sweatshirts and jeans from the cold and wind -- docking in St. Augustine was a real challenge. Judy had no trouble on the boat -- but the rocking floating docks were a real experience.
Monday dawned calm and beautiful -- we had a great trip to Halifax River Yacht Club in Daytona Beach (another council club = free dockage!). Judy quickly became great crew - and we all pitched in for a much needed bath for Ivory Lady. The Club and most of downtown was closed -- but there was an IRISH PUB!
Tuesday took us to Eau Gallie/Melbourne and yet another council club. We finally got the dolphins playing in the wake and then playing in the basin all evening.
Wednesday took us to Vero Beach - and a council club that we had not previously visited. We had planned to stay there two night, as there is a great Yanmar Distributor that Bill really likes, so he arranged some routine maintenance for all day Thursday. Wednesday evening we had dinner at the Club with great friends from our Greenville SC days and then Th ursday Judy and I spent the day provisioning, shopping and lunch on the beach while Bill worked with Christian from Ace Marine. It was a simply gorgeous day of clear skies and 80 degrees with just a gentle breeze. At the recommendation of our friends, we secured tickets for "Boeing Boeing" at the Riverside Little Theatre, which was a 10 minute walk from the boat. Great comedy and superb evening!
Friday dawned with a great surprise - cold front brought low 50s temperature and lots of wind. Off the dock without an issue and made it a long day (80 miles) to Lantana. Crew (Judy & Jann) spent some time cleaning the flybridge - Judy is learning the cleaning is something that is perpetual on a vessel. Spent the evening/night aboard Ivory Lady without getting off the boat - superb!
This morning we left just before 8a and arrived here in Lauderdale @ 1p. We'll spend the afternoon cleaning Ivory Lady - wash and eisenglas this time. Then tonight, Bob joins us for dinner -- and then he takes his lady away with him. How we will miss Judy and her great company.
Tomorrow is off to Miami - short day of 30 miles. Then Monday or Tuesday we'll get to Marathon - depending upon winds & weather.
We left Fernandina early Sunday with sweatshirts and jeans from the cold and wind -- docking in St. Augustine was a real challenge. Judy had no trouble on the boat -- but the rocking floating docks were a real experience.
Monday dawned calm and beautiful -- we had a great trip to Halifax River Yacht Club in Daytona Beach (another council club = free dockage!). Judy quickly became great crew - and we all pitched in for a much needed bath for Ivory Lady. The Club and most of downtown was closed -- but there was an IRISH PUB!
Tuesday took us to Eau Gallie/Melbourne and yet another council club. We finally got the dolphins playing in the wake and then playing in the basin all evening.
Wednesday took us to Vero Beach - and a council club that we had not previously visited. We had planned to stay there two night, as there is a great Yanmar Distributor that Bill really likes, so he arranged some routine maintenance for all day Thursday. Wednesday evening we had dinner at the Club with great friends from our Greenville SC days and then Th ursday Judy and I spent the day provisioning, shopping and lunch on the beach while Bill worked with Christian from Ace Marine. It was a simply gorgeous day of clear skies and 80 degrees with just a gentle breeze. At the recommendation of our friends, we secured tickets for "Boeing Boeing" at the Riverside Little Theatre, which was a 10 minute walk from the boat. Great comedy and superb evening!
Friday dawned with a great surprise - cold front brought low 50s temperature and lots of wind. Off the dock without an issue and made it a long day (80 miles) to Lantana. Crew (Judy & Jann) spent some time cleaning the flybridge - Judy is learning the cleaning is something that is perpetual on a vessel. Spent the evening/night aboard Ivory Lady without getting off the boat - superb!
This morning we left just before 8a and arrived here in Lauderdale @ 1p. We'll spend the afternoon cleaning Ivory Lady - wash and eisenglas this time. Then tonight, Bob joins us for dinner -- and then he takes his lady away with him. How we will miss Judy and her great company.
Tomorrow is off to Miami - short day of 30 miles. Then Monday or Tuesday we'll get to Marathon - depending upon winds & weather.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Headed South for the Winter
After a fabulous summer at our mountain haven - Dry Dock, Bill & I started our trek south on Monday afternoon. We left the cabin in the afternoon, stopped in Hendersonville to see dear friends, Larry & Nancy, and then headed to Ivory Lady. Tuesday was spent provisioning, cleaning and final preparations. Wednesday morning at first light, Ivory Lady and able crew began our journey south.
First day was 95 miles to Hilton Head - HarborTown Yacht Basin and a visit with friends from Marathon, Tom & Marie Smith. We had a great time at birthday party for grand-daughter Ansley (age 7) and James & Tammy (parents) and Deland & Braden (sister & brother). Marie is anxious to get out off the wheelchair and crutches -- the results of broken heel and fibula during our FCYC trip in September. Tom is anxious to get south -- way too cold for him in South Carolina in November!
Thursday morning, we pulled out of the slip at first light with a 111 mile goal to St. Simons Island. We pushed hard the first two days in order to get to Fernandina Beach on Friday -- Florida Petroleum is a great source for diesel - clean and about $.75/gallon cheaper than most. We planned to take on about 700 gallons, so it was worth the push!
Thursday was a gorgeous day -- it started out brisk but bright sunshine and gentle breezes made it a wonderful journey, arriving at Morningstar Marina about 3:00p. We were blessed with an incoming tide all day, which made for easy travel.
Friday was to be an "easy" day with only 40 miles to Fernandina. The weather had turned colder with gale force (force 5 winds) and significant cloud cover. Our morning was spent watching the charts closely, as we were on an ebbing tide until 11a. A beautiful Hatteras was ahead of us along Cumberland Island and apparently got just enough close to the side of the channel and ran hard aground. He graciously radioed us with caution - but we had no problems as we eased through the channel around him. Later this afternoon, we caught up with them here in Fernandina Beach -- he was only aground about 2 hours and did no damage to the vessel.
Fueling went well and we snugged into Fernandina Beach about 2p. We're here tomorrow when Judy Ambury joins us as crew for the week. Judy is good friend/family - daughter of friends Larry & Nancy Weir. We're excied about having her on-board as we cruise the East Coast. Sunday we'll be off to St. Augustine.
Took some great photos -- having trouble uploading, but hopefully I'll get it straightened out in the days ahead!.
First day was 95 miles to Hilton Head - HarborTown Yacht Basin and a visit with friends from Marathon, Tom & Marie Smith. We had a great time at birthday party for grand-daughter Ansley (age 7) and James & Tammy (parents) and Deland & Braden (sister & brother). Marie is anxious to get out off the wheelchair and crutches -- the results of broken heel and fibula during our FCYC trip in September. Tom is anxious to get south -- way too cold for him in South Carolina in November!
Thursday morning, we pulled out of the slip at first light with a 111 mile goal to St. Simons Island. We pushed hard the first two days in order to get to Fernandina Beach on Friday -- Florida Petroleum is a great source for diesel - clean and about $.75/gallon cheaper than most. We planned to take on about 700 gallons, so it was worth the push!
Thursday was a gorgeous day -- it started out brisk but bright sunshine and gentle breezes made it a wonderful journey, arriving at Morningstar Marina about 3:00p. We were blessed with an incoming tide all day, which made for easy travel.
Friday was to be an "easy" day with only 40 miles to Fernandina. The weather had turned colder with gale force (force 5 winds) and significant cloud cover. Our morning was spent watching the charts closely, as we were on an ebbing tide until 11a. A beautiful Hatteras was ahead of us along Cumberland Island and apparently got just enough close to the side of the channel and ran hard aground. He graciously radioed us with caution - but we had no problems as we eased through the channel around him. Later this afternoon, we caught up with them here in Fernandina Beach -- he was only aground about 2 hours and did no damage to the vessel.
Fueling went well and we snugged into Fernandina Beach about 2p. We're here tomorrow when Judy Ambury joins us as crew for the week. Judy is good friend/family - daughter of friends Larry & Nancy Weir. We're excied about having her on-board as we cruise the East Coast. Sunday we'll be off to St. Augustine.
Took some great photos -- having trouble uploading, but hopefully I'll get it straightened out in the days ahead!.
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