2017 Jan18th

Nana and Nandad have continued their journey by land until I.E. has engine repaired. After three days at the Pink Shell Marina on Fort Meyers beach we are ready to return to the water. This marina is the perfect place to switch off and enjoy the facilities with morning walks along the beach and evening walks into the sunset. Not bad. Pools, ocean, yoga, massage, excellent food all have helped to relax a very stressed shipper and first mate.

Nana and Nandad have decided to explore this wonderful southwest coast line by chartering a 36 Catilina for the next four nights. We will return to snowy New England on Monday Jan 23. The first picture is Nandad preparing I.E. for the ultimate removal of the salon area to accommodate removal of engine. The second picture is the perfect sunset from our room at the Pink Shell Marina Resort. 

The third picture is the wonderful sand castle sculptures that are on the beach daily. The last picture is the resort , the perfect place to entertain the grandchildren. 

2017 Jan14

Well Friday the 13th turned out to not be such a lucky day for Nana and Nandad. After rebuilding and installing the parts I.E. went on a ride out into the ICW to test the engines. Unfortunately the starboard engine shut down after reaching 14 knots which was not good. Today Saturday after some diagnostic work with one of the pistons it turns out that the engine will need to be taken out and a new piston put in place- not a good outcome. So I guess crossing the Okeechobee will not be in the cards for at least the next 4 to 6 weeks!

Nana and Nandad will spend the next few days preparing I.E. for what is to be a major project. They will make the best of the situation and possibly head to Fort Meyers by car and get the scoop for the next adventure. If we are lucky I.E. will be back in operation by the end of February which will give us time for a shorter trip to the west coast. Sad that we will once again miss an opportunity to cruise with The Patton's but perhaps a rendezvous sometime in March who knows where. The first picture is at Peter & Janes gated community at Solivita Poinciana. The second picture is what looks like a beautiful engine which unfortunately has to come out!!!The third picture is sunset at Indialantic beach just about three miles from the marina. The last picture is I.E. coming into the Eau Gallie river after her sea trial- which she failed!

2017 Jan10th

Returned to Irelands Eye to continue our 2017 adventures. Lots of work being done while Nana and Nandad were enjoying Christmas and the New Year with family and friends. The first of the 2016 boys celebrated his first birthday just before we left. How time moves on. Leaving Providence in the early morning hours with freezing temperatures and arriving into Orlando where it's in the 70's is very pleasant. Lots of work done by Tim and Captain Mike but frustrating day to learn that a part for the Volvo engine is on back order. We are forced to accept that I.E. will remain for now at Eau Gallie. Maybe this is finally our chance to take in the scenery and enjoy. Great lunch at Chefs Marios Cafe and dinner at the unusual Squid Lips. 

Jan 11th. Car ride to see Peter and Jane at Solivita in Poncitana About 90 minutes away. Nice to have friends to visit . A beautiful home surrounded by well maintained mature grounds with the occasional gator drying itself along the lake shore. Lots of activities to keep you busy with swimming, golf, tennis etc and great lunch at the grille. Nana and Nandad returned to I.E. feeling more relaxed.

Jan 12th Layday at Eau Gallie. Wonderful walk across the causeway and stroll along the beautiful stretch of beach. A surprise at lunchtime meant that  Nandad was sent to Fort Lauderdale to pick up some essential pieces for the part that somehow appeared at the boatyard today. Just another reminder that when it comes to boating you never can tell. The picture is Squid Lips back patio.

12/09

The chart will give you an idea of where Irelands Eye is docked. You can see the Indian River and the Banana River and then there is the ocean. Cape Canaveral is a little further north. Lots of causeways and bridges which made for a very interesting drive this afternoon. If you look carefully at the picture below you will see the nose of Irelands Eye sticking out. Lots of sail boats here and some that have probably decided to stay. During the day you can watch fishermen throwing their nets into the water and scooping up the fish. Nana went to the perfect Yoga class last night so my muscles are all nice and warm and stretched. Nandad had dinner ready with a bottle of wine- not bad. The evenings have been wonderful to watch the moon and stars so bright Venus and Mars I do believe with the ORion constellation . Mother Nature at her best. Nana and Nandad will return to Franklin tomorrow and hope to return to IE in the new year with a whole new adventure ahead. Merry Christmas to all and a happy New Year.

Lay day yesterday was the perfect R&R day. The EauGallie Yacht Basin on the river is just the most wonderful setting and just screams at you to read a good book. Lots of activity between planning for the boat to stay for a month, engine repairs , ordering parts, and of course always laundry and preparing to head back to Franklin.

12/07

Arrived at Eau Gallie Yacht Basin near Melbourne after leaving NEW Symnra Beach in the fog. Today was the day we actually were successful in capturing the dolphin on video and we were able to take a snap shot of its fin. Today was also the day to watch Manatee cruising right in the ICW channel. At first you think they are dolphin but then you realize they don't have a fin and the move a lot slower with no blowing. There were quite the few sailboats in trouble along the way. If you look slowly and closer you will see the mast beside the marker that is a sailboat . After following the Chesapeake Lady a 49 DEFever all the way to Cocoa we took the lead as our goal was to get a little further. Naturally things started to go a little weird when the starboard engine started to act up. So now we are at Eau Gaille Yacht Basin and will have a mechanic take a look in the morning. On our way home after a lovely dinner Aedan spotted this sign which of course he loved. 

12/06

I.E arrived into New Smyrna Beach Marina after heavy rains, thunder and lightening with reduced visibility so we were glad to see our new neighbor!very thankful for steering down below where we remained nice and dry. The photo of the Beach is after Nana walked about four miles and then had to walk back again over the south causeway. The things we do for exercise. I think she might have been tempted to borrow a bicycle if one had been around! Two miles of Beach was well worth it! We remain on target for final destination on Thursday Stuart. 

12/05

What a perfect day again today. Temperatures in the 80's a wonderful stroll down St Augustine after lunch at the Hurricane Hole , reading on the bridge while the engine filters etc get replaced. Now in case you think it was all fun and relaxation Nana had dinner prepared before 8.30 am, laundry in by 10 am folded and dried by 11.30am- what production! We left Rivers Edge at 1.30 and headed down towards the Matanza River. It is a little difficult to see but if you look closely you see the snowy egrets right at the edge of the house. Also while I.E. cruises along you can see how close the sand bank is on our starboard side . Also if you look even closer you might see the palm tree that has almost fallen right into the ICW. A lot of damage along this way both with trees, docks and debris. I.E. docked at Palm Coast Marina and had a wonderful dinner at the La Pizza Cuisine In the European Village- so much for having dinner prepared.!