Anchored off Sanibel Island Although we did eventually get moving and took the boat out the western Okeechobee Waterway to Cape Coral, we didn't go very far or for very long. By mid-December, Jr was back in her slip at Port LaBelle and shortly afterward, we were driving north to gather with family for the holidays; By the time the clock was winding down the final minutes to 2014, we had traveled to Bradenton, FL, Raleigh, NC, Winston-Salem, Richmond, VA, Jarratt, Hampton, and then back to Raleigh via Richmond and Emporia. It's hard to say where we welcomed in the new year, since we were back on the train heading south – probably somewhere around the NC/SC line.
Pat and Fred joined us for our trip west from LaBelle The day after we arrived on the LaBelle town docks, we got a call from Pat and Fred, who had made fast progress south (you can do that in an RV) and were now only a few miles west in Moore Haven. It was an unexpected thrill to catch up with them. Since they had left Marianna to suffer the indignity of the Massachusetts winter, we offered them some time on the water on Jr, as we traveled first to Franklin Lock and then to Tom and Dau's house in Cape Coral. The offer was readily accepted and we were on our way west early one Tuesday morning in early December with crew on board; Although we didn't see any alligators or manatees on this run, they did get to enjoy the beauty of the Okeechobee Waterway by boat, something Marianna is not likely ever to do. (Fred would say definitely not going to do.)
Fred and Dave on the deck at Tom and Dau's By Friday, we were ready to move on, and Pat and Fred joined us for an early departure for the longer trip to Cape Coral. The trip was mostly uneventful. The one significant exception being the railroad bridge that started closing on us as we approached. We were close enough to be looking into the eyes of the bridge tender, who neither signaled by horn, radio, or even some frantic gestures, to say turn around. Luckily Dave had been keeping a close eye on the span and determined in time that it was slowly lowering. We turned around as fast as Orion Jr can, which is not that fast, while Cathy tried to hail the bridge tender to understand what was happening and how long of a closure to expect. We never heard anything, but about 15 minutes later after the train passed, the bridge re-opened. We cautiously proceeded through, a little gun-shy this time.
Before docking at Tom and Dau's, we took a tour of the popular Bimini Basin anchorage nearby. There were about 10 boats anchored there, and it appeared there was ample room for more. For the next 3 nights, we were docked behind Tom and Dau's neighbor's house and enjoyed their company for the weekend. On Monday, we decided to head a little farther west. With the winds projected to stay light out of the south, this would be a good time to visit the JN “Ding” Darling Wildlife Preserve on Sanibel Island. The anchorage on the north side is wide open to any winds with a northern component, but well protected from the south. We had wanted to stop here a few different times, but never could get the right weather. So, we made the short run from Cape Coral and dropped anchor around noon, with only 1 other boat for company in the huge anchorage. The “cut” that would take us through the nearby island to the dinghy landing was nearby. We should have the afternoon to explore. Not so fast.
Dave starts to pull anchor at Ding Darling WP Our arrival was nearly perfectly timed with a very low tide. As we approached the cut by dinghy, there was no obvious way through it We opted instead to go around the outer island and into the bay where the dinghy dock was located. An hour and a half later, we pulled into the protected cove and were greeted by a member of the staff at the facility. Unfortunately, the building and dock were managed by a concessionaire. We were welcome to tie up for a bit, but we could only explore beyond the building if we used some of their services to do so. We could rent bikes, canoes, kayaks, take bus tours, etc. But since we were already so late and potentially facing another 1 ½ ride back to our boat, it didn't make sense to rent anything. Before leaving, we got better instructions for navigating the cut. With the water up a few more inches, we j – u – s – t made it through, requiring us to first raise the outboard and paddle and then Dave to get out and pull us through. You definitely need a higher tide.
Upon review of the weather, we discovered our visit to Ding Darling would be cut short. The next day's winds were to shift to the north, and our protected anchorage would vanish. So, we enjoyed the beautiful evening as long as it lasted and were up early the next day to pull anchor and head back east. After a night at Franklin Lock, we made our way back to the LaBelle Town Docks, which we had enjoyed from our first visit. Recently rebuilt, these free docks were well-appointed with power and water, wi-fi available from the nearby library and a short walk to town. With the rebuild, the “Mediterranean moor” dockage was no longer a requirement, since there is now a piling separating each slip. This made a bow-in approach for Orion Jr more practical, and a much easier on and off for us via the bow. (With the outboard, disembarking via the stern is problematic.) The town allows you to stay for 3 consecutive days and requires an 8-day gap between stays. This worked perfectly for our brief excursion, allowing us to bracket our trip with a few nights in town. By Saturday, the 14th, we had stayed our limit, having enjoyed the town and meeting new faces on the dock , but holiday plans were calling, so we headed back to our slip at Port LaBelle, and a much more extensive round trip on land
Holiday Travels by Road and Rail
We continued the tradition of traveling north to visit family for Christmas, but the first hop was pretty short, since Dave's family was gathering at his sister's home in Bradenton. We enjoyed getting to sample some of the yummy treats at the yogurt shop Wendy manages, Menchie's. And spending a Sunday afternoon playing pinball and other games at Janelle's employer, Clickbooth, was a lot of fun for the kids of all ages. But we had more stops to make, so on the 23rd, we boarded an Amtrak bus in downtown Bradenton for Amtrak's Silver Star service out of Tampa to Raleigh NC. We would be spending Christmas Eve in NC.
We continued the tradition of traveling north to visit family for Christmas, but the first hop was pretty short, since Dave's family was gathering at his sister's home in Bradenton. We enjoyed getting to sample some of the yummy treats at the yogurt shop Wendy manages, Menchie's. And spending a Sunday afternoon playing pinball and other games at Janelle's employer, Clickbooth, was a lot of fun for the kids of all ages. But we had more stops to make, so on the 23rd, we boarded an Amtrak bus in downtown Bradenton for Amtrak's Silver Star service out of Tampa to Raleigh NC. We would be spending Christmas Eve in NC.
Although we've taken the same train north for the holidays 2 other times, this was the first trip starting in Tampa. We boarded early enough to enjoy a dinner in the dining car and woke up Christmas Eve morning in NC. Cathy's family gathers in Winston-Salem, which is where we headed next. It was a quieter year, since none of the grandkids were able to make the trip, but there was lots of family time over some amazing food.
Then it was time to head further north to Virginia and the grandkids. We bounced around between houses, and had a wonderful celebration all together at Bonnie and Troy's house on Saturday. After a trip to checkout Orion in Hampton and to see Steve and Sue, we headed back to Raleigh. Our neice, Christine and her husband hosted us for a night before we were headed back to the train on New Year's Eve night. It wasn't the first time we watched the “early” acorn drop at 7pm during Raleigh's First Night festival before boarding the train for Florida and warmer weather. We awoke in the New Year in Florida, having just escaped the next major storm that was rolling through the northern states.
Dave waxing the hull at LaBelle town docks Boat Stuff
It was a light month for boat maintenance. Other than cleaning and waxing, we weren't doing too many boat projects. However, there is one system that we made sure we fixed with dispatch. Our short (3-mile) trip from Port LaBelle Marina to LaBelle town docks should have been an uneventful motoring trip. However, when the engine stalled not once but 3 times, we were increasingly nervous about approaching the opening bridge just before our destination. Dave guessed that the problem was due to a kink in the fuel line for one of the tanks. This was confirmed when he simply switched to run off the other tank and no more stalling. By mid-afternoon after our arrival, we had new fuel hose in place and experienced no more problems with stalling. Good call!
It was a light month for boat maintenance. Other than cleaning and waxing, we weren't doing too many boat projects. However, there is one system that we made sure we fixed with dispatch. Our short (3-mile) trip from Port LaBelle Marina to LaBelle town docks should have been an uneventful motoring trip. However, when the engine stalled not once but 3 times, we were increasingly nervous about approaching the opening bridge just before our destination. Dave guessed that the problem was due to a kink in the fuel line for one of the tanks. This was confirmed when he simply switched to run off the other tank and no more stalling. By mid-afternoon after our arrival, we had new fuel hose in place and experienced no more problems with stalling. Good call!
Other Cool Stuff
While visiting with Tom and Dau, we took a tour of the Wicked Dolphin distillery, where they make rum from Florida cane sugar. We were guided by the head distiller through the impressive automated control process and the more traditional copper still and barrels of aging rum. And then of course came the sampling. There is an apple-flavored rum coming out in January that we were all very interested in.
While visiting with Tom and Dau, we took a tour of the Wicked Dolphin distillery, where they make rum from Florida cane sugar. We were guided by the head distiller through the impressive automated control process and the more traditional copper still and barrels of aging rum. And then of course came the sampling. There is an apple-flavored rum coming out in January that we were all very interested in.
