. Jalbum 8.3 Sinking Gonzo in the Florida Keys! slides/CIMG2763.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Gonzo's Dec 14th anchorage, a small canal leading to a factory just north of Daytona Beach. GPS coordinates: 29° 29.837’ – 81° 08.830’ Gonzo's Dec 14th anchorage, a small canal leading to a factory just north of Daytona Beach. GPS coordinates: 29° 29.837’ – 81° 08.830’ slides/CIMG2763.JPG slides/CIMG2764.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The anchorage's morning scene was quite different. The fog had still not lifted by 10AM and none of the 4 boats anchored here had departed. But we got anxious and departed despite the limited visibility. Dec 15. The anchorage's morning scene was quite different. The fog had still not lifted by 10AM and none of the 4 boats anchored here had departed. But we got anxious and departed despite the limited visibility. Dec 15. slides/CIMG2764.JPG slides/CIMG2766.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Continuing down the North Indian River towards Daytona Beach, there wasn't a good break in the fog till noon. Continuing down the North Indian River towards Daytona Beach, there wasn't a good break in the fog till noon. slides/CIMG2766.JPG slides/CIMG2767.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Somebody's very creative liveaboard along the Indian River. Such boats can be obtained very cheaply and converted into very spacious homes. Somebody's very creative liveaboard along the Indian River. Such boats can be obtained very cheaply and converted into very spacious homes. slides/CIMG2767.JPG slides/CIMG2770.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 More fog approaches in the afternoon. The tops of Daytona Beach highrises loom ominously in the background. More fog approaches in the afternoon. The tops of Daytona Beach highrises loom ominously in the background. slides/CIMG2770.JPG slides/CIMG2773.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Without radar, such things come as quite a surprise in the fog. We just keep far over to our side of the channel and hope that they are watching their radar. Without radar, such things come as quite a surprise in the fog. We just keep far over to our side of the channel and hope that they are watching their radar. slides/CIMG2773.JPG slides/CIMG2774.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The fog lifts a bit. Sarah keeps watch on the bow. The fog lifts a bit. Sarah keeps watch on the bow. slides/CIMG2774.JPG slides/CIMG2775.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sarah explores a small uninhabited island just north of our anchorage. GPS coordinates: 29° 03.636’ – 80° 55.943’ Sarah explores a small uninhabited island just north of our anchorage. GPS coordinates: 29° 03.636’ – 80° 55.943’ slides/CIMG2775.JPG slides/CIMG2781.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 We fed some ant lions at the island's interior. We fed some ant lions at the island's interior. slides/CIMG2781.JPG slides/CIMG2782.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Looking from the island to Gonzo. Looking from the island to Gonzo. slides/CIMG2782.JPG slides/CIMG2780.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 An aggressive grunting sound in the bushes ended our expedition. An aggressive grunting sound in the bushes ended our expedition. slides/CIMG2780.JPG slides/CIMG2777.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sunset on the little island. Sunset on the little island. slides/CIMG2777.JPG slides/CIMG2783.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Tranquility!!!!! Here she sits in the Indian River near the town of Titusville. As you may remember, this is the boat that we sailed to New York on in August. These friends and bad weather helped to keep us anchored here for a couple days. Dec 17th. Tranquility!!!!! Here she sits in the Indian River near the town of Titusville. As you may remember, this is the boat that we sailed to New York on in August. These friends and bad weather helped to keep us anchored here for a couple days. Dec 17th. slides/CIMG2783.JPG slides/CIMG2785.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Titusville Municipal Marina. A common manatee sign seen all over Southern Florida waterways. Titusville Municipal Marina. A common manatee sign seen all over Southern Florida waterways. slides/CIMG2785.JPG slides/CIMG2786.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 If you're going to drink in a boat, do not do it at such an angle or your hat could fall off. If you're going to drink in a boat, do not do it at such an angle or your hat could fall off. slides/CIMG2786.JPG slides/CIMG2787.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Unfortunately, we never got the opportunity to ride any right whales. Nor did we see any because they normally don't venture close to shore. Unfortunately, we never got the opportunity to ride any right whales. Nor did we see any because they normally don't venture close to shore. slides/CIMG2787.JPG slides/CIMG2805.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Attention Dinghy Customers Attention Dinghy Customers slides/CIMG2805.JPG slides/CIMG2799.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Cameron and Leighia, our friends from the sailboat Tranquility, relax at a dockside gathering of boaters in Titusville. Cameron and Leighia, our friends from the sailboat Tranquility, relax at a dockside gathering of boaters in Titusville. slides/CIMG2799.JPG slides/CIMG2791.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The gathering. The gathering. slides/CIMG2791.JPG slides/CIMG2793.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Their children Fynn and Maya admire a well dressed canine at the gathering. Their children Fynn and Maya admire a well dressed canine at the gathering. slides/CIMG2793.JPG slides/CIMG2802.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sarah very patiently accompanies on the guitar as Maya sings a Christmas song several times. Sarah very patiently accompanies on the guitar as Maya sings a Christmas song several times. slides/CIMG2802.JPG slides/CIMG2809.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Kennedy Space Center, home of the space shuttle, looms on the horizon near Titusville as we continue our journey south on December 19th. Kennedy Space Center, home of the space shuttle, looms on the horizon near Titusville as we continue our journey south on December 19th. slides/CIMG2809.JPG slides/CIMG2813.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 A good day for cloud watching. Dec 20th. A good day for cloud watching. Dec 20th. slides/CIMG2813.JPG slides/CIMG2820.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Anchored in the Indian River near Melbourne, Florida on Dec 20. GPS coordinates: 28° 05.098’ – 80° 34.899’ Anchored in the Indian River near Melbourne, Florida on Dec 20. GPS coordinates: 28° 05.098’ – 80° 34.899’ slides/CIMG2820.JPG slides/CIMG2824.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Never seen one quite like this before. Dec 21st. Never seen one quite like this before. Dec 21st. slides/CIMG2824.JPG slides/CIMG2827.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Water getting clearer! But temps still chilly. Here, Sarah is pictured at the helm during her last hours on the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway, the major part of our journey south having come to an end. Water getting clearer! But temps still chilly. Here, Sarah is pictured at the helm during her last hours on the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway, the major part of our journey south having come to an end. slides/CIMG2827.JPG slides/CIMG2831.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Having made our final turn off the Intercoastal Waterway and anchored Gonzo in a nearby body of water called Manatee Pocket, Sarah waits for her dinner at the Whistle Stop in Port Salern. We had much conversation with the chef pictured behind her. Having made our final turn off the Intercoastal Waterway and anchored Gonzo in a nearby body of water called Manatee Pocket, Sarah waits for her dinner at the Whistle Stop in Port Salern. We had much conversation with the chef pictured behind her. slides/CIMG2831.JPG slides/CIMG2836.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 And then comes another stop at the Coconut Bar. $1.50 PBR drafts for happy hour. And then comes another stop at the Coconut Bar. $1.50 PBR drafts for happy hour. slides/CIMG2836.JPG slides/CIMG2837.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Taking a day off from travels, Gonzo remains anchored in Manatee Pocket. Sarah pictured using wifi at Sailfish Marina. Dec 22nd. Taking a day off from travels, Gonzo remains anchored in Manatee Pocket. Sarah pictured using wifi at Sailfish Marina. Dec 22nd. slides/CIMG2837.JPG slides/CIMG2839.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 A forklift removes a boat from the water at Sailfish Marina. A worker with a death wish closely monitors the progress. A forklift removes a boat from the water at Sailfish Marina. A worker with a death wish closely monitors the progress. slides/CIMG2839.JPG slides/CIMG2848.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 A white heron(I think) takes flight at the marina. A white heron(I think) takes flight at the marina. slides/CIMG2848.JPG slides/CIMG2853.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Another heron guards our dinghy. Just look into those eyes and you can tell that herons take everything way too seriously. Another heron guards our dinghy. Just look into those eyes and you can tell that herons take everything way too seriously. slides/CIMG2853.JPG slides/CIMG2865.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 These educated pelicans suddendly gather for a feast below a fish cleaning table when a fishermen takes up position there with the day's catch. These educated pelicans suddendly gather for a feast below a fish cleaning table when a fishermen takes up position there with the day's catch. slides/CIMG2865.JPG slides/CIMG2866.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The feast arrives, chaos ensues. The feast arrives, chaos ensues. slides/CIMG2866.JPG slides/CIMG2869.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The little snake that got cut in half by a boat propeller. It still was trying to swim but wasn't really getting anywhere. It had no reaction to being plucked from the water with our oar. The little snake that got cut in half by a boat propeller. It still was trying to swim but wasn't really getting anywhere. It had no reaction to being plucked from the water with our oar. slides/CIMG2869.JPG slides/CIMG2875.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Carved tree stump. Port Salerno public park. Carved tree stump. Port Salerno public park. slides/CIMG2875.JPG slides/CIMG2878.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Tropical vegetation. Port Salerno. Tropical vegetation. Port Salerno. slides/CIMG2878.JPG slides/CIMG2879.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Barnacle Bill's Lane. Barnacle Bill's Lane. slides/CIMG2879.JPG slides/CIMG2880.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Lunch from Taqueria El Mariachi, a cheap-looking but rather expensive Mexican restaurant. Lunch from Taqueria El Mariachi, a cheap-looking but rather expensive Mexican restaurant. slides/CIMG2880.JPG slides/CIMG2881.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Gun store, "Unload weapons before entering". Gun store, "Unload weapons before entering". slides/CIMG2881.JPG slides/CIMG2893.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Slightly altered sunset scene. Slightly altered sunset scene. slides/CIMG2893.JPG slides/CIMG2897.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Resuming progress on our journey, we enter the Okeechobee Waterway, an east-west cut across the entire state of Florida. Here, Sarah is pictured passing through one of several locks along the waterway. Dec 23. Resuming progress on our journey, we enter the Okeechobee Waterway, an east-west cut across the entire state of Florida. Here, Sarah is pictured passing through one of several locks along the waterway. Dec 23. slides/CIMG2897.JPG slides/CIMG2903.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Locks along the Okeechobee waterway are filled and drained by opening the retaining doors a few inches. Water is seen here pouring in to raise Gonzo a few feet. Locks along the Okeechobee waterway are filled and drained by opening the retaining doors a few inches. Water is seen here pouring in to raise Gonzo a few feet. slides/CIMG2903.JPG slides/CIMG2905.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Shipreck. "Alexandra Rose", New Orleans Shipreck. "Alexandra Rose", New Orleans slides/CIMG2905.JPG slides/CIMG2912.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Anchored in a small intersecting canal a few miles east of Lake Okeechobee. GPS coordinates: 26° 59.853’ – 80° 34.983’ Anchored in a small intersecting canal a few miles east of Lake Okeechobee. GPS coordinates: 26° 59.853’ – 80° 34.983’ slides/CIMG2912.JPG slides/CIMG2913.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Approaching the Port Mayaca Lock, eastern gateway to the great Lake Okeechobee. Mile 38.8. Dec 24th. Approaching the Port Mayaca Lock, eastern gateway to the great Lake Okeechobee. Mile 38.8. Dec 24th. slides/CIMG2913.JPG slides/CIMG2915.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Port Mayaca Lock. The gates are left open when the lake water level is not high. Port Mayaca Lock. The gates are left open when the lake water level is not high. slides/CIMG2915.JPG slides/CIMG2920.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 A crew at work within the lock. A crew at work within the lock. slides/CIMG2920.JPG slides/CIMG2922.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sarah pilots past the work crew. Sarah pilots past the work crew. slides/CIMG2922.JPG slides/CIMG2926.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Charting a course across the lake. A convenient 15mph easterly wind made for good sailing. Charting a course across the lake. A convenient 15mph easterly wind made for good sailing. slides/CIMG2926.JPG slides/CIMG2930.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 A shipwreck and the wide open Lake Okeechobee. A shipwreck and the wide open Lake Okeechobee. slides/CIMG2930.JPG slides/CIMG2936.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 After several hours spent sailing across the lake, the channel continues along the lake's southern edge. We then proceed several miles along this barren levy with its thousands of dead trees. After several hours spent sailing across the lake, the channel continues along the lake's southern edge. We then proceed several miles along this barren levy with its thousands of dead trees. slides/CIMG2936.JPG slides/CIMG2939.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 slides/CIMG2939.JPG slides/CIMG2943.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Roads can't close on Christmas Day, and neither can locks. We pass through the Moore Haven lock and continue towards the Gulf of Mexico in 80 degree weather. Roads can't close on Christmas Day, and neither can locks. We pass through the Moore Haven lock and continue towards the Gulf of Mexico in 80 degree weather. slides/CIMG2943.JPG slides/CIMG2950.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 But we only travel a half-day, stopping in the early afternoon at the town of LaBelle. But we only travel a half-day, stopping in the early afternoon at the town of LaBelle. slides/CIMG2950.JPG slides/CIMG2951.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Labelle is the proud home of the Swamp Caabbage Festival. Labelle is the proud home of the Swamp Caabbage Festival. slides/CIMG2951.JPG slides/CIMG2953.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Dogs are allowed to drive on Christmas in Labelle. Dogs are allowed to drive on Christmas in Labelle. slides/CIMG2953.JPG slides/CIMG2959.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Looking down the waterwayl from the bridge at Labelle. Gonzo too distant to see. Looking down the waterwayl from the bridge at Labelle. Gonzo too distant to see. slides/CIMG2959.JPG slides/CIMG2965.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 We met Carl at the Labelle McDonald's on Dec 26th. We traded stories for an hour then he volunteered a $20 bill. Thanks Carl! We met Carl at the Labelle McDonald's on Dec 26th. We traded stories for an hour then he volunteered a $20 bill. Thanks Carl! slides/CIMG2965.JPG slides/CIMG2962.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Picture taken by Carl. Picture taken by Carl. slides/CIMG2962.JPG slides/CIMG2961.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 slides/CIMG2961.JPG slides/CIMG2970.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 One kind of tree growing out the side of another kind of tree. One kind of tree growing out the side of another kind of tree. slides/CIMG2970.JPG slides/CIMG2972.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Shopping for supplies to build a hut on an uninhabited island. In her hand is a 30-foot roll of screen. Shopping for supplies to build a hut on an uninhabited island. In her hand is a 30-foot roll of screen. slides/CIMG2972.JPG slides/CIMG2974.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Modeling her new thrift shop dress. Modeling her new thrift shop dress. slides/CIMG2974.JPG slides/CIMG2976.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Labelle sunset as seen west down the waterwayl. Labelle sunset as seen west down the waterwayl. slides/CIMG2976.JPG slides/CIMG2977.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 slides/CIMG2977.JPG slides/CIMG2984.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Dec 27th, continuing down the waterway. Dec 27th, continuing down the waterway. slides/CIMG2984.JPG slides/CIMG2986.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The manatee zones continue nonstop, but still barely a one in sight. The manatee zones continue nonstop, but still barely a one in sight. slides/CIMG2986.JPG slides/CIMG2987.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Approaching Fort Myers on the Florida west coast. Approaching Fort Myers on the Florida west coast. slides/CIMG2987.JPG slides/CIMG2989.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sir Winston Sir Winston slides/CIMG2989.JPG slides/CIMG2991.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Big box buildings again appear on the flat terrain. Big box buildings again appear on the flat terrain. slides/CIMG2991.JPG slides/CIMG3003.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Finally, Gonzo passes something! This guy pushes his little barge so leisurely that we take the lead, but it takes an hour to do so. Dec 28. Finally, Gonzo passes something! This guy pushes his little barge so leisurely that we take the lead, but it takes an hour to do so. Dec 28. slides/CIMG3003.JPG slides/CIMG3006.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Gulf of Mexico!!!!!! The crossing of Florida was a success! Gulf of Mexico!!!!!! The crossing of Florida was a success! slides/CIMG3006.JPG slides/CIMG3016.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The boxes never ending........ The boxes never ending........ slides/CIMG3016.JPG slides/CIMG3023.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Getting into this little bay for the night nearly killed Gonzo. The inlet, called Doctor's Pass was narrow and rocky. The wind and waves had suddely increased dramatically in the late afternoon. GPS coordinates: 26° 10.692’ – 81° 48.629’ Getting into this little bay for the night nearly killed Gonzo. The inlet, called Doctor's Pass was narrow and rocky. The wind and waves had suddely increased dramatically in the late afternoon. GPS coordinates: 26° 10.692’ – 81° 48.629’ slides/CIMG3023.JPG slides/CIMG3025.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Surrounded closely on all sides by civility. Doctor's Pass. Surrounded closely on all sides by civility. Doctor's Pass. slides/CIMG3025.JPG slides/CIMG3029.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Doctor's Pass as seen the next morning, Dec 29. Notice that the narrowest point is the opening of the inlet in the far distance. The waves had been too big the previous night for the engine, so we'd had to sail in under 15-20 knots of wind. The most precarious situation we'd ever had Gonzo in. At one point we had been so close to the rocks that I was sure of the boat's imminent destruction. Doctor's Pass as seen the next morning, Dec 29. Notice that the narrowest point is the opening of the inlet in the far distance. The waves had been too big the previous night for the engine, so we'd had to sail in under 15-20 knots of wind. The most precarious situation we'd ever had Gonzo in. At one point we had been so close to the rocks that I was sure of the boat's imminent destruction. slides/CIMG3029.JPG slides/CIMG3030.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Anyone looking out these windows during our entrance would have gotten quite a dramatic show. Anyone looking out these windows during our entrance would have gotten quite a dramatic show. slides/CIMG3030.JPG slides/CIMG3033.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Fishermen had been standing on these rocks among the crashing waves when Gonzo came just feet from them, her mast leaned over sharply. Fishermen had been standing on these rocks among the crashing waves when Gonzo came just feet from them, her mast leaned over sharply. slides/CIMG3033.JPG slides/CIMG3036.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Back to sailing down the Gulf. Back to sailing down the Gulf. slides/CIMG3036.JPG slides/CIMG3039.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Another miserable shopping trip on Marco Island, having to carry nearly 100 pounds of groceries a mile back to the boat. Another miserable shopping trip on Marco Island, having to carry nearly 100 pounds of groceries a mile back to the boat. slides/CIMG3039.JPG slides/CIMG3040.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sarah in the boat. Anchored at Marco Island. Anchorage GPS coordinates: 25° 57.794’ – 81° 43.435’ Sarah in the boat. Anchored at Marco Island. Anchorage GPS coordinates: 25° 57.794’ – 81° 43.435’ slides/CIMG3040.JPG slides/CIMG3042.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 We arrive to our uninhabited island, called Hog Key, on Dec 30! The island was pre-picked on Google Earth, favorable because it faced the Gulf and there was a very protected anchorage for Gonzo behind it. We arrive to our uninhabited island, called Hog Key, on Dec 30! The island was pre-picked on Google Earth, favorable because it faced the Gulf and there was a very protected anchorage for Gonzo behind it. slides/CIMG3042.JPG slides/CIMG3041.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 We renamed the island Forgotten Cheese Key because we forgot to buy any Velveeta. I think this catepillar is doing drugs. We renamed the island Forgotten Cheese Key because we forgot to buy any Velveeta. I think this catepillar is doing drugs. slides/CIMG3041.JPG slides/CIMG3043.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 On the side facing the gulf were many dead trees, good for construction purposes, and firewood. On the side facing the gulf were many dead trees, good for construction purposes, and firewood. slides/CIMG3043.JPG slides/CIMG3044.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sponge and slimeball washed up on beach. Sponge and slimeball washed up on beach. slides/CIMG3044.JPG slides/CIMG3046.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Looking east from our extremely rural anchorage by Forgotten Cheese Key, surrounded 360 degrees by other little islands. The area is known as the 10,000 Islands,located adjacent to the Everglades. Anchorage GPS coordinates: 25° 51.878’ – 81° 33.121’ (Forgotten Cheese Key is located directly to the west of the coordinates) Looking east from our extremely rural anchorage by Forgotten Cheese Key, surrounded 360 degrees by other little islands. The area is known as the 10,000 Islands,located adjacent to the Everglades. Anchorage GPS coordinates: 25° 51.878’ – 81° 33.121’ (Forgotten Cheese Key is located directly to the west of the coordinates) slides/CIMG3046.JPG slides/CIMG3049.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sarah is always sewing something. Sarah is always sewing something. slides/CIMG3049.JPG slides/CIMG3051.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sunset over Forgotten Cheese Key. More pictures of the island follow....... Sunset over Forgotten Cheese Key. More pictures of the island follow....... slides/CIMG3051.JPG slides/CIMG3054.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 An amazing place, the 10,000 Islands. An amazing place, the 10,000 Islands. slides/CIMG3054.JPG slides/CIMG3057.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 slides/CIMG3057.JPG slides/CIMG3062.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 slides/CIMG3062.JPG slides/CIMG3067.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The moon rises to the east as the sun sets to the west. The moon rises to the east as the sun sets to the west. slides/CIMG3067.JPG slides/CIMG3074.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 But, never satisfied, we abandon Forgotten Cheese Key and continue south towards the uninhabited islands surrounding Key West. The problem with Forgotten Cheese was that there were CAMPERS!!!!!! But, had we stayed past the holiday weekend then they would have all probably left for the rest of the year. But, never satisfied, we abandon Forgotten Cheese Key and continue south towards the uninhabited islands surrounding Key West. The problem with Forgotten Cheese was that there were CAMPERS!!!!!! But, had we stayed past the holiday weekend then they would have all probably left for the rest of the year. slides/CIMG3074.JPG slides/CIMG3079.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The Gulf water gets increasingly appealing. The Gulf water gets increasingly appealing. slides/CIMG3079.JPG slides/CIMG3082.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Perfect weather for our 60-mile overnight voyage to the Florida Keys Perfect weather for our 60-mile overnight voyage to the Florida Keys slides/CIMG3082.JPG slides/CIMG3083.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sarah basks in sunshine many miles offshore. Sarah basks in sunshine many miles offshore. slides/CIMG3083.JPG slides/CIMG3087.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 slides/CIMG3087.JPG slides/CIMG3092.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The most amazing sunsets in the world can be found offshore on those rare evenings of extreme calm such as this. The reflection on the endless water doubles the affect. The most amazing sunsets in the world can be found offshore on those rare evenings of extreme calm such as this. The reflection on the endless water doubles the affect. slides/CIMG3092.JPG slides/CIMG3100.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 slides/CIMG3100.JPG slides/CIMG3105.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 They say a brief flash of light can be seen the instant the sun lowers behind the ocean horizon, but I've never seen it. They say a brief flash of light can be seen the instant the sun lowers behind the ocean horizon, but I've never seen it. slides/CIMG3105.JPG slides/CIMG3106.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The move towards the dark oblivion is upon us, the line of the horizon becoming unclear. The move towards the dark oblivion is upon us, the line of the horizon becoming unclear. slides/CIMG3106.JPG slides/CIMG3119.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 And the darkness arrives. The only sounds all night are the engine and the occasional snorts of fat surfacing dolphins. And the darkness arrives. The only sounds all night are the engine and the occasional snorts of fat surfacing dolphins. slides/CIMG3119.JPG slides/CIMG3135.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The sail and the moon as seen with a slowed shutter speed. Distant New Year's fireworks could be seen in the Keys at midnight, at which time we opened a bottle of cheap wine. The sail and the moon as seen with a slowed shutter speed. Distant New Year's fireworks could be seen in the Keys at midnight, at which time we opened a bottle of cheap wine. slides/CIMG3135.JPG slides/CIMG3137.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Arrival to the Keys early the next morning, the water now perfectly flat. Never had I seen ocean water so serene. January 1, 2010. Arrival to the Keys early the next morning, the water now perfectly flat. Never had I seen ocean water so serene. January 1, 2010. slides/CIMG3137.JPG slides/CIMG3138.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Our destination, the Mud Keys, a few miles northeast of Key West. Our destination, the Mud Keys, a few miles northeast of Key West. slides/CIMG3138.JPG slides/CIMG3141.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 We tied Gonzo up along this tiny beach and spent the day exploring. Unfortunately, this was the only dry land to be found in the Mud Keys, as all the other islands were mangroves that sat underwater at high tide. We tied Gonzo up along this tiny beach and spent the day exploring. Unfortunately, this was the only dry land to be found in the Mud Keys, as all the other islands were mangroves that sat underwater at high tide. slides/CIMG3141.JPG slides/CIMG3142.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 An iguana arrived to the little beach looking for a snack. An iguana arrived to the little beach looking for a snack. slides/CIMG3142.JPG slides/CIMG3149.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 It was only curious, not alarmed, by my presence, continuing to munch on flowers as pictures were taken. It was only curious, not alarmed, by my presence, continuing to munch on flowers as pictures were taken. slides/CIMG3149.JPG slides/CIMG3152.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Acrobatics to climb back onto Gonzo, stepping right onboard from the shallow water by the beach. Unable to find a proper island in the Mud Keys, we then traveled a few more miles east to Snipe Key, also uninhabited but much larger. Acrobatics to climb back onto Gonzo, stepping right onboard from the shallow water by the beach. Unable to find a proper island in the Mud Keys, we then traveled a few more miles east to Snipe Key, also uninhabited but much larger. slides/CIMG3152.JPG slides/CIMG3154.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 And then comes a trajedy when the weather deteriorated in the wee morning hours of Jan 2. Gonzo had drug anchor in the middle of the night then we accidentally hit a sandbar very hard in the process of resetting it. The force of the collision put a hole in the hull. We raised the keel and took Gonzo into two feet of water so she couldn't sink all the way. And then comes a trajedy when the weather deteriorated in the wee morning hours of Jan 2. Gonzo had drug anchor in the middle of the night then we accidentally hit a sandbar very hard in the process of resetting it. The force of the collision put a hole in the hull. We raised the keel and took Gonzo into two feet of water so she couldn't sink all the way. slides/CIMG3154.JPG slides/CIMG3156.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Spirits raise spirits. Thanks to our rum supply, we were usually in an OK mood despite being sunk on the muddy bottom miles from anywhere. Spirits raise spirits. Thanks to our rum supply, we were usually in an OK mood despite being sunk on the muddy bottom miles from anywhere. slides/CIMG3156.JPG slides/CIMG3158.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sarah plays the hole-in-the-hull blues. The temperature had dropped dramatically, from high in the 80's to highs of barely 60, quite frigid for the Keys. Sarah plays the hole-in-the-hull blues. The temperature had dropped dramatically, from high in the 80's to highs of barely 60, quite frigid for the Keys. slides/CIMG3158.JPG slides/CIMG3160.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The water reaches the first cabin stair by the end of the day. The water reaches the first cabin stair by the end of the day. slides/CIMG3160.JPG slides/CIMG3161.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The toilet floats ominously. The toilet floats ominously. slides/CIMG3161.JPG slides/CIMG3164.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Thinking our time in Gonzo was nearly at an end, we took a few last pictures. Thinking our time in Gonzo was nearly at an end, we took a few last pictures. slides/CIMG3164.JPG slides/CIMG3165.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 slides/CIMG3165.JPG slides/CIMG3168.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Spirits raise spirits. Spirits raise spirits. slides/CIMG3168.JPG slides/CIMG3169.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Gonzo's bow tied to the mangroves at Snipe Key.The depth was about two feet at high tide, just enough for Gonzo to get in with her keel up. GPS Coordinates: +24° 40' 18.86", -81° 38' 44.50" Gonzo's bow tied to the mangroves at Snipe Key.The depth was about two feet at high tide, just enough for Gonzo to get in with her keel up. GPS Coordinates: +24° 40' 18.86", -81° 38' 44.50" slides/CIMG3169.JPG slides/CIMG3170.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Then finally on Jan 3 we regained some senses and thought to utilitize an unused pump that had been aboard Gonzo since her purchase. The batteries still had enough power for the job and there was enough spare hose with the pump to dump the water through the bathroom sink drain. Then finally on Jan 3 we regained some senses and thought to utilitize an unused pump that had been aboard Gonzo since her purchase. The batteries still had enough power for the job and there was enough spare hose with the pump to dump the water through the bathroom sink drain. slides/CIMG3170.JPG slides/CIMG3172.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The progress nearly 2 hours later. Keep in mind that's a 300-gallon-per-hour pump. The progress nearly 2 hours later. Keep in mind that's a 300-gallon-per-hour pump. slides/CIMG3172.JPG slides/CIMG3173.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Thinking that the leak is probably somewhere around the keel, which collided with the sandbar, we remove the wooden table enclosure from the keel shaft. Thinking that the leak is probably somewhere around the keel, which collided with the sandbar, we remove the wooden table enclosure from the keel shaft. slides/CIMG3173.JPG slides/CIMG3174.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sarah's legs in the hatchway as the pumping continues. The wooden thing in the cockpit is the keel table. We discovered a small hole at the base of the keel shaft and plugged it with a grocery bag. Gonzo lives! Sarah's legs in the hatchway as the pumping continues. The wooden thing in the cockpit is the keel table. We discovered a small hole at the base of the keel shaft and plugged it with a grocery bag. Gonzo lives! slides/CIMG3174.JPG slides/crash map.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 From Google Earth, showing the position of the little beach visited on Jan 1(green arrow) and the position of the crash on Jan 2(pink balloon). The arrow points towards Key West, several more miles off this map. We anchored back in the Mud Keys on the evening of Jan 3, then proceeded to Key West on the 4th. From Google Earth, showing the position of the little beach visited on Jan 1(green arrow) and the position of the crash on Jan 2(pink balloon). The arrow points towards Key West, several more miles off this map. We anchored back in the Mud Keys on the evening of Jan 3, then proceeded to Key West on the 4th. slides/crash map.jpg slides/CIMG3178.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Our soaked possessions dry out on deck, anchored 600 yards north of Key West next to Wisteria Island. Jan 5 Anchorage GPS coordinates: 24° 33.996’ – 81° 48.599’ Our soaked possessions dry out on deck, anchored 600 yards north of Key West next to Wisteria Island. Jan 5 Anchorage GPS coordinates: 24° 33.996’ – 81° 48.599’ slides/CIMG3178.JPG slides/CIMG3179.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Absolutely everything had to come out and dry. Absolutely everything had to come out and dry. slides/CIMG3179.JPG slides/CIMG3180.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The electrical system in ruins. Had I disconnected the battery terminals when we first took on water, then this corrosion never would have happened. The electrical system in ruins. Had I disconnected the battery terminals when we first took on water, then this corrosion never would have happened. slides/CIMG3180.JPG slides/CIMG3194.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 After an 6-hour repair job. The rear bus panel had been in just as bad of shape as this one had. After an 6-hour repair job. The rear bus panel had been in just as bad of shape as this one had. slides/CIMG3194.JPG slides/CIMG3181.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sunset Jan 6. That's Sunset Key on the left and Wisteria Island on the right. Both islands are privately owned. Sunset Key contains a luxury hotel and Wisteria Island is undeveloped. Notice the sunken sailboat in the center. Sunset Jan 6. That's Sunset Key on the left and Wisteria Island on the right. Both islands are privately owned. Sunset Key contains a luxury hotel and Wisteria Island is undeveloped. Notice the sunken sailboat in the center. slides/CIMG3181.JPG slides/CIMG3183.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 slides/CIMG3183.JPG slides/CIMG3186.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Jan 7 sunrise over Key West. Wow. Jan 7 sunrise over Key West. Wow. slides/CIMG3186.JPG slides/CIMG3191.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 We live in a disposable society. Purchased from Wal-Mart, this light was used once then never worked again. I removed anything potentially useful before throwing the rest away. We live in a disposable society. Purchased from Wal-Mart, this light was used once then never worked again. I removed anything potentially useful before throwing the rest away. slides/CIMG3191.JPG slides/CIMG3193.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sarah admires one of the light's circuit boards. "It looks like a city", she explains. Sarah admires one of the light's circuit boards. "It looks like a city", she explains. slides/CIMG3193.JPG slides/CIMG3198.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sarah's 4-hour repair job to the kayak, which had been torn on sharp shells in Marco Island. Sarah's 4-hour repair job to the kayak, which had been torn on sharp shells in Marco Island. slides/CIMG3198.JPG slides/CIMG3199.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Sarah in Kleen Wash on Fleming Street, Key West. Sarah in Kleen Wash on Fleming Street, Key West. slides/CIMG3199.JPG slides/CIMG3201.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Kleen Wash Kleen Wash slides/CIMG3201.JPG slides/CIMG3205.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 A wreck sits directly underneath Gonzo's anchorage. Jan 8 A wreck sits directly underneath Gonzo's anchorage. Jan 8 slides/CIMG3205.JPG slides/CIMG3207.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The harbor contains hundreds of derilicts. People live on most of them, including this one. The harbor contains hundreds of derilicts. People live on most of them, including this one. slides/CIMG3207.JPG slides/CIMG3210.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 The dinghy dock was a long row over open water and it cost $6 per day, so we didn't go into town much. There is s free dock but it's limited to 2 hours per day and they do impound overstayers. The dinghy dock was a long row over open water and it cost $6 per day, so we didn't go into town much. There is s free dock but it's limited to 2 hours per day and they do impound overstayers. slides/CIMG3210.JPG slides/CIMG3212.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 "Rare Half Acre $3,799.999" A house for sale downtown Key West. What a deal. "Rare Half Acre $3,799.999" A house for sale downtown Key West. What a deal. slides/CIMG3212.JPG slides/IMG00131.html# Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:21 -0500 Last but not least, Chris this is for you........ Last but not least, Chris this is for you........ slides/IMG00131.jpg