Funny (now) story from newbie

[kevinflanagan]

This was a message I sent to my family today after last night adventure. Hope it's ok to share on this chat forum.
We are getting towards the end of our maiden voyage on our R31, 'Heart Tug'


Below is message sent:


I'm copying everyone on this so I can send once!!   Ok, same old story, going to try, I know I always miss someone.  MOM....ALL IS WELL 🙂


Whew....

Ok, I have to admit I had my first time being scared tonight.    So leave the place we anchored last night, all was well.  Motored all day, really really pretty scenery, nice weather, everything.   We get to a place want to anchor tonight (placed called Pumpkin Key, just south of Biscayne Bay) and things seem fine, but I'm hot as you know what because it was so muggy and humid.   Start the generator, get the A/C going , runs awhile, then generator dies, ok, turn off one of the units, try again, dies again.   So by this time I decide to call boat dealer, we start trying to troubleshoot, to no avail.   He thinks it's the impeller.....I have no idea what the hell an impeller is, but ok, whatever, I'm learning.    So decide ok, going to be hot, I can deal with that, but then huge storms are brewing so that means closing the windows, getting pretty darn hot.   So gotta eat dinner, so I start cooking, that's going ok, then winds blowing like crazy, the rain,etc.    Steve tells me to get my jacket on NOW, we're heading towards shore because the anchor was dragging!   So i get moving, head out, blowing and raining like crazy and start pulling the anchor.  BTW, I'm getting really good at this anchor stuff !  So we motor a bit, get into about 10' feet of water and try again, it takes, all seems well.   But by now this really big storm is coming down, thunder, lightening, rain....normally I LOVE a storm like this, but in the middle of unknown waters, can't see a darn thing, I was truly nervous as I could be!!!

Settling down now, just because I'm writing this all down now and trying to relax!!!

And still hot as can be, but I don't care!   Storms have passed, we're not moving, and close to Miami!   The first time on this trip I'm missing a 'house' !   

Whew, again!!!!!!

Love to all !!!

 

[bbrh842]

Yup, sounds familiar. There are two kinds of sailers, those it has happened to, and those it will happen to.

 

[knotflying]

Join the club! Remember there always has to be a plan "B". In about a year or so you will have all systems figured out and even know how to change an impeller.

 

[Boatdreamer]

Wow, sounds like our week. Even though we've had Gratitude for eight months now, this past week was our first time to spend a week on her. We crossed Lake Okeechobee Thursday, Friday went to Sanibel Island for the weekend. Sunday afternoon we left for Cayo Costa state park. Great evening of food, drink, and star gazing. About midnight all "you know what" broke loose. Anchor didn't drag, but the wind and rain kicked our butt. Guess the weather got both of us. Don't let it get to you, it happens. We look at it as a learning experience. We're all ready planing out next trip. Good luck with your new boat.

Tim and Donna
Gratitude R27

 

[Gin]

Actually, yes, very funny (now). Loved the tale and the telling!

 

[kevinflanagan]

Thanks for all the comments and encouragement ! Wouldn't trade any if it, everyday is a new adventure, no doubt. Writing this now as we are 'bouncing' all over the boat in the middle of biscayne bay.

 

[knotflying]

Wow, sounds like our week. Even though we've had Gratitude for eight months now, this past week was our first time to spend a week on her. We crossed Lake Okeechobee Thursday, Friday went to Sanibel Island for the weekend. Sunday afternoon we left for Cayo Costa state park. Great evening of food, drink, and star gazing. About midnight all "you know what" broke loose. Anchor didn't drag, but the wind and rain kicked our butt. Guess the weather got both of us. Don't let it get to you, it happens. We look at it as a learning experience. We're all ready planing out next trip. Good luck with your new boat.

Tim and Donna
Gratitude R27

In my opinion you did the premium cruise for Florida. The spots you hit are wonderful. Next time if you head south try Russell Pass near Everglades City and Little Shark River on the way to Marathon. Both beautiful anchorages.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Welcome to the World of Ranger Tugs. As long as you're in the neighborhood you might like to cruise down just a bit to Boca Chica, to the south east of Miami. It's an island, a state park and a little taste of the keys. There is a protected harbor to tie up in, white sand beaches and a light house to tour. It's a little piece of paradise but better to visit during the week then the weekend as all the weekend warriors head here then.

Jim

 

[Boatdreamer]

Thanks for the info on other parts of southwest Florida Knotflying, we really like that area. We plan on going back in the very near future. I think next time we'll trailer Gratitude over so we will have more time to explore. We are looking forward to seeing places we have only see from the road and finding new places that don't have roads. We are excited about our new diversion from work and house chores. Buying a Ranger Tug was the best decision we've made.

Tim and Donna
Gratitude R27

 

[knotflying]

Well hopefully we will see you at the rendezvous in February 2014 in Cape Haze.

 

[Boatdreamer]

We are planing to be there next year. We had previously obligations this year and couldn't make it. After seening all the pictures and hearing about all the fun everyone had, we are making the 2014 event. Looking forward to meeting our fellow Ranger Tug owners.

Tim and Donna
Gratitude R27