Mangrove Safety Net

Kayaking Black Sound is an interesting trip, especially right after a hurricane. This is a great way to see where locals put their boats to keep them safe from the high winds and flooding. We learned that the best place (besides hauling your boat out on land) is back in a creek or anywhere there are mangroves to tie up to. Mangroves are very forgiving...in other words they are supple and the branches don't break easily. Plus if the water rises really high or a line breaks, the boats just nest in or next to them. You couldn't ask for a better cushion.

Below are are few boats we found still secured in their hurricane holes, including sailboats, a work barge, and a couple of houseboats.

The Wait Is Over

I'm sure everyone has been waiting and wondering what happened to Carol and Dave? The wait is over...we are floating! New Horizon is doing well for its age and all systems are up and functioning...so far.

We left Daytona early on Monday morning. Since these are small planes and there were only four of us on the flight, we left half and hour early. Dave got to sit in the right hand seat once again.

The flight was smooth and we bid farewell to Ponce Inlet.

The ocean was rough, so we were really glad we were flying.

I always enjoy seeing the water colors as we approach the sandbanks, and then on to Treasure Cay.

Down on the ground, the wind was howling, making our ferry trip across the Sea of Abaco to Green Turtle Cay exciting. I couldn't even take photos.

Once we arrived at the AYS boatyard, it was time to get on board and start working. Peaking inside, I was pleasantly surprised to find not a speck of mildew! Everything smelled a bit stuffy and musty, but all that breeze aired the place out.

Our most important job was to get the steering fixed, and Dave's custom-made parts fit and work perfectly.

Dave scraped  all the encrusted intakes and strainers, plus the props, shafts, and trim tabs. The engines should cool much easier now, and we should move through the water easier too.

Then it was time to put some bottom paint on.

We had one interesting problem develop with our water system. We couldn't get the freshwater pump to pump up any water. First we checked to make sure that there was water in the tanks (it would be horrible if our tanks had rusted through!) and that the filter wasn't clogged...no problem. Then he thought maybe there was rust in the line, but he couldn't get any to come out. While exploring the system in the lazarette storage area, Dave made a discovery. There are two water tank valves we didn't know existed. The one for the port side accidentally got turned off somehow and this was the culprit (lots of water now!). The starboard side valve has apparently been broken closed, so we have actually been using only one tank (100 gallons) the whole 10 years we have owned the boat. We really must be frugal with our water use. Some time this winter we'll fix that valve and drain that tank...yuk!

Two days of hard work and we were ready for our 7:45 A.M. launch today.

Philip gets the travel lift in place.

Then Dave had to quickly paint the spots where the stands were on the hull.

Splash time.

 The AYS crew is so efficient and it takes a lot of manpower to pull New Horizon against the wind.

Even the skiff is happy to be back in the prisitne water. It's ready to take on water skiers and tubers!

Yes, it certainly is great to be floating again, as we wait for the wind and sea to calm down.

We are on the right side of the Gulf Stream, but the wrong side of 'The Whale'. It sure is peaceful and quiet here in Black Sound though. We'll soak it up before the bustle of Hope Town, and get New Horizon ready for our grand entrance.

Hog Heaven

Destination Daytona is one of the stops in our annual pilgrimage south. This popular outpost centers around Bruce Rossmeyer's Daytona Harley-Davidson. Below is a tribute to the late founder.

 Harleys are lined up throughout the whole two story store.

This is the pristine service department on the second level, serviced by its own elevator. Windows line the wall, so you can watch your motorcycle being worked on. Note the exhaust collection plumbing hanging from the ceiling.

 The second floor is accessed by two escalators.

Clothes and accessories galore can be found on both floors.

 The wall art, murals and decor were tasteful and made for beautiful displays.

Lots of static displays surrounded by original artwork.

A view down the escalator. Note the cycle elevator on the right.

This store is fit for a king!

 

 Up for raffle were this classic truck and bike.

Dave's favorite, especially the fishtail mufflers.

 Here's a candidate for the world's largest mobile BBQ.

Too bad we can't bring this to the Bahamas. It would be a big hit at the Box Cart Derby.

Our next destination? The Abacos!

I'll post again once we are over there and settled in on New Horizon. Stay tuned!

DAB

It has been quite chilly for most of our stay in Daytona, which is good for projects, but not good for swimming or the beach. We finally made it to Ponce Inlet on the Honda Helix, before the next cold front arrived. We parked and explored along the nature walk out to the observation tower.

This is the view from the marsh area, looking out over the inlet.

We usually like to walk out to the end of the fishing jetty, but the tide was so high that the leftover north waves would have gotten us wet.

You can see the sand erosion all along the beach. 

I think the lifeguard rescue Jetski needs to be rescued! 

There were quite a few people fishing and we watched as this man was netting bait fish.

He threw one large mullet back into the water (see it with the waves in the background?)...he was showing his friends the big bite it had in it from possibly a shark.

That's why we can't imagine being this lone surfer. He (or she) would be "the only game in town" when it came to being shark bait!

We were scanning the inlet for dolphins, but unfortunately didn't see any this time. However the Coast Guard went out on a call.

Shore birds were everywhere especially Snowy Egrets, waiting for a fish hand-out. No wonder they are also called "yellow slippers". This one is resting in the warm sand.

Pelicans lined the pilings and would occasionally dive for dinner.

Grackles entertained us with their antics, trying to get a drink from the shower head, upside down.

Last but not least...the OTHER lighthouse in our lives, the Ponce DeLeon Inlet Light.

Soon we'll be living under the famous red and white striped Elbow Reef Light in Hope Town!