Just trying to keep this site alive.
Snuck out of work at 12pm yesterday, first time Iv done that in years, Fired up the ROCK & Roll and cruised down to Light House Marina fuel dock. Seemed I was the only one out on the ICW, Man the wind was blowing, even some white caps on the ICW. Still a great day to be out on the water, probably in low 80s.
Got parallel to the fuel dock about 3 ft off, neutralized both engines, wind carried us in for a perfect gentle docking. Wed is hump day at the fuel dock, 5 cents off per gal. plus My Boat US card got me an additional 10 cents off per gal. Paid 3.15 per gal. Put in the $300. Iv been saving before the wife finds out and wants something foolish like a new dress.(only kidding Anne in case you read This).
Cruised back to the dock, Looked out at the Ocean as I passed the inlet, no way I was going to ride those rollers, tied up at my slip and popped open a beer and turned up the volume a little on the Jimmy buffet and the Parrots CD.
Before long was joined by couple of the local gals and guys in the mood for a party.
They had a couple of pizzas delivered to the boat from Umberto's and a fewbottles of some great red wine. Some laughs, some wine and great pizza Later, the Sun is going down so what else could we do but fire up the engines, untie the lines and off we go, wind still blowing pretty steady. This time we headed South, got a chuckle out of the 14th street Bridge tender as we passed under. Think she could hear the ruckus in the background when we requested an opening.
Cruised up the ICW to the Tiki at the Sands,Still the only boat on the water and at the dock. This very happy crew went up to Joe's Riverside Restaurant and just happened to meet up with my sister Rose, who works as hostess at Joe's. We thought it would be rude to not accept her invitation to sit and have few beverages, SOOO, a couple of orders of Raw oysters, ice cold Shrimp, and a colorful drink or two the crew was Happy Happy. Man, I saw some dance steps I never saw before.
Please keep in mind I was the one in charge of the Vessel and the crews safety. I helped with the Pizza, the Oysters and the Shrimp but cooled when it came to the beverages, I swear
It is now about midnight and we push off and head for home. Still a mile or more from the 14th street Bridge, The Bridge tender spots us and hails us on the radio and says "If you can make it here in 3 min., Ill hold it Open"
Some of you are probably familiar with the area and know its a "Min.Wake" Zone.
No other boats in front, no boats tied to the sea wall or docks in that area, No one wanted to wait another 1/2 hour for the next opening, So in a moment of weakness, I sinned and put the hammer down. Didn'T have enough distance and with the weight of the full fuel tanks and the crew, couldn't get on plane but made the bridge with time to spare.
Even with the wind blowing from the north, was able to back the boat into the slip with applause from the crew. They even listened when I instructed them to keep their fingers inside the cockpit and away from the Poles.
After getting all lines secured and saying goodnight to all, I standing on the Bow and looking up at that big bright moon, Had to say Thanks God for a wonderful day and I'm ready to go back to work in the AM. (so that I can keep fuel in that big Toy)
I know this was a long story but what else are we doing here on SFBC.
BTW If you go to Joe's Riverside Grill, Say hello to Rose.
Snuck out of work at 12pm yesterday, first time Iv done that in years, Fired up the ROCK & Roll and cruised down to Light House Marina fuel dock. Seemed I was the only one out on the ICW, Man the wind was blowing, even some white caps on the ICW. Still a great day to be out on the water, probably in low 80s.
Got parallel to the fuel dock about 3 ft off, neutralized both engines, wind carried us in for a perfect gentle docking. Wed is hump day at the fuel dock, 5 cents off per gal. plus My Boat US card got me an additional 10 cents off per gal. Paid 3.15 per gal. Put in the $300. Iv been saving before the wife finds out and wants something foolish like a new dress.(only kidding Anne in case you read This).
Cruised back to the dock, Looked out at the Ocean as I passed the inlet, no way I was going to ride those rollers, tied up at my slip and popped open a beer and turned up the volume a little on the Jimmy buffet and the Parrots CD.
Before long was joined by couple of the local gals and guys in the mood for a party.
They had a couple of pizzas delivered to the boat from Umberto's and a fewbottles of some great red wine. Some laughs, some wine and great pizza Later, the Sun is going down so what else could we do but fire up the engines, untie the lines and off we go, wind still blowing pretty steady. This time we headed South, got a chuckle out of the 14th street Bridge tender as we passed under. Think she could hear the ruckus in the background when we requested an opening.
Cruised up the ICW to the Tiki at the Sands,Still the only boat on the water and at the dock. This very happy crew went up to Joe's Riverside Restaurant and just happened to meet up with my sister Rose, who works as hostess at Joe's. We thought it would be rude to not accept her invitation to sit and have few beverages, SOOO, a couple of orders of Raw oysters, ice cold Shrimp, and a colorful drink or two the crew was Happy Happy. Man, I saw some dance steps I never saw before.
Please keep in mind I was the one in charge of the Vessel and the crews safety. I helped with the Pizza, the Oysters and the Shrimp but cooled when it came to the beverages, I swear
It is now about midnight and we push off and head for home. Still a mile or more from the 14th street Bridge, The Bridge tender spots us and hails us on the radio and says "If you can make it here in 3 min., Ill hold it Open"
Some of you are probably familiar with the area and know its a "Min.Wake" Zone.
No other boats in front, no boats tied to the sea wall or docks in that area, No one wanted to wait another 1/2 hour for the next opening, So in a moment of weakness, I sinned and put the hammer down. Didn'T have enough distance and with the weight of the full fuel tanks and the crew, couldn't get on plane but made the bridge with time to spare.
Even with the wind blowing from the north, was able to back the boat into the slip with applause from the crew. They even listened when I instructed them to keep their fingers inside the cockpit and away from the Poles.
After getting all lines secured and saying goodnight to all, I standing on the Bow and looking up at that big bright moon, Had to say Thanks God for a wonderful day and I'm ready to go back to work in the AM. (so that I can keep fuel in that big Toy)
I know this was a long story but what else are we doing here on SFBC.
BTW If you go to Joe's Riverside Grill, Say hello to Rose.
