Thursday, March 31, 2011

March 29-March 31 Anchorage Resort & Marina Key Largo

Obviously our crossing to Bimini is off for today. With the severe storms the Ocean has probably been stirred up real good and it would not be a good day to cross.  On Tues morning Lands End II pulled anchor and limped slowly towards the Manatee Boatyard  some 15 miles away where they said they could haul him and inspect for damage.  The news was pretty good.  Absolutely no damage to the hull, struts or shafts.  Props didn't fare so well.  They were badly damaged.  A spare set of props was onboard so they changed the props and cleaned some water intakes and he was back in the water as good as new except for a slightly traumatized crew.  John was just recovering from the 24 hour flu bug when Barb got the same malady as they were entering the marina Travel-Lift. John has recovered, Barb is recovering, and now Mitch has been stricken. They have a motel room here at the resort which will be deemed the "recovery room"

In our 8000 miles of travel this was without a doubt the most severe storm we have encountered while on the water.  Winds reported to be in excess of 60mph  What went wrong.  We were too complacent about the weather.  When we saw that first bit if lightning in the distance I should have tuned into radar on the computer and then we could have moved away from the island and let out more anchor line.  There was plenty of open water so if we did drag anchor we would not have been close to shore

Bald Eagle along the waterway
We have all pulled into the Anchorage Resort and Marina which is near Key Largo. We pulled in Wednesday morning after spending one more night at anchor at Pumpkin Key.  Will let you know when we leave here and attempt another crossing

4 comments:

ronnie allwright said...

Take care Jim & Judy, we enjoy reading about all the lovely times you are having. Irene just back from Australia, and we are off to stay at The Savoy in London for our 43rd Anniversary and Mothers day! Cliff & Rose are driving us there. We will be following the Silver Foxes adventures with great interest.
Much love, Kay & Ronnie XX

lindy West said...

Jim,
thanks so much for your blog!! WOW, talk about excitement off the keys... and I am so very thankful you and Judy are there with M, B, and John!!...
Sounds like you may be having some fun together in Key Largo.. but sorry about the sickness....
Hope it improves on Saturday....
Very much looking forward to reading more... maybe you can even teach my big brother how to blog....
best and safe travels... Lindy (Mitch's sister in California)

Patty Gaunt said...

Fantastic blogging Jim! Thanks for the terrific updates. Cambpell and I are praying for all of you for smooth sailing from this point forward. Also, that you and Judy don't get the "misery" .... We are so glad that Barb and Mitch have such wonderful boating companions and friends! Love to all! Campbell and Patty (Barb's sister and bro-in-law).

Bill Blagg said...

Thanks for resuming the blog, Jim. As always, your writing is excellent and makes your adventures come to life.

Give my best to Judy, Barb and Mitch. I miss you all and think of you often.

I'm looking forward to following the blog.

Bill Blagg