Day 231 - 234 February 6 - 9, 2023

 Day 231 Monday, February 6, 2023

Hung around the boat all morning waiting for word from Matt, the AC tech.  After Henry pumped us out Jerry installed the macerator.  Stinky dirty job; good to have done.

 NO word about the AC so we adventured on our bikes with Arlene, Al, Karen and David to The Perry Hotel and Marina.  Our goal -- ice cream.  About a 2 mile ride we were ready to enjoy some shade and the ice cream but were disappointed.  The ice cream shop didn't open until 4pm.  Bummer.  We made the best of it by going to their Tiki bar, Sloppy Joe's 2 where we got homemade ice cream sandwiches, even better.  Vanilla ice cream sandwiched between big chocolate chip cookies.

 Live aboard boaters at Coconut Grove Marina next to Perry's have created outside spaces to relax on the docks.

We explored the marina -- one of the marinas where Loopers can be found.  LOTS of BIG boats.  One of our friends checked on reservations here.  They require a 3 month stay and are very expensive.  They have 2 restaurants, some shops, a spa, and 2 pools.  They are a little remote but have a shuttle.  I wouldn't want to give up the location and the beach(!) that we have now at Stock Island Yacht Club.

Fish being fileted at the dock.  Pelicans are waiting patiently.

 Check out the size of the fish in the cart.

Time at the pool and then Happy Hour at Roostica with Call Me Curly, Arion, and It's About Time.  Pizza appetizer for dinner.

Day 232 Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Still no work from the AC tech so Jerry ordered one on line.  Hopefully it will be delivered Friday by UPS.  Reprieve in sight we headed to the beach to enjoy the cool breeze.

Day 233 Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Today's plan was grocery shopping, not just the usual bread and milk.  We took the bus to Publix since we would have too much to bring back on our bikes.  We Ubered back with our 4 plus bags (all heavy) to the boat.

Once at the boat we were met by a new experience.  Opening the door we stopped in our tracks by the smell of farm.... especially in the very warm boat.  Quick investigation by Jerry revealed that the macerator was leaking.  Ughhh.  Better yet,  the leak was not at the connections but actually from the pump.  Poor Jerry.  It was a crappy job the first time, now he had to do it again.

Luckily the nearby West Marine had a macerator in stock so off he went.  Our bikes have definitely come in handy.  Thirty minutes later Jerry was back with the macerator and necessary plumbing parts.  Instillation will be tomorrow after Henry pumps us out AGAIN. In the meantime he cleaned up the mess and we'll use the marina bathhouse.

Arion arranged a game of Left-Center-Right at the pool with Call Me Curly and Phil-N-Wild.  Danny's sister in law Clare was visiting and joined the game. Arlene was the big winner!  We joined Susan, Clare and Danny for dinner at Hogfish.  We shared the best  ever lobster bisque and a salad. 

       Arlene was the lucky winner!!!  The game was rigged!!!

Day 234 Thursday, February 9, 2023

Henry is our hero but Jerry is MY hero.  Henry pumps us out again and the new macerator install begins.  Good news, the air conditioner might get delivered today!!  

 

Better news!! The new air conditioner was delivered at 4pm.  Quick unpacking and Jerry starts the install.  A few clamps and hose required so another bike trip to West Marine before they close.  Gratefully they are pretty well stocked.  Mission accomplished Jerry is back at it.  At 9:30pm the AC is on.  What a long sweaty day for Jerry.  Tight space and so hot.  I repeat, he is my hero.  Tomorrow he will button it all up, attaching wires and making it all neat.

PB and J for dinner.

Day 224 - 230 January 30 - February 5, 2023

mDay 224 Monday, January 30, 2023

Stock Island continued

 Pretty uneventful day.  Tom and Michelle flew home and we hung around the boat and beach.  We enjoyed our first night of Roostica leftovers.  Sunday sauce is very yummy; the meatballs so tender.

 Manatee visitor in our marina!

Day 225 Tuesday January 31, 2023

Our friends, Sharon and Grant, on Call Me Curly, arrived.  We were last together in Clearwater.  They took their time coming down the west coast of Florida.  The marina here was fairly empty when we arrived but is slowly filling in.  

The marina had been planning major construction demolishing a storage building and creating condos.  Plans have changed/been postponed so they are now taking boat slip renovations and attending to some damages caused by Hurricane Ian, including a new laundry!  I am sure to take advantage of that.  It takes a long time to do it on the boat -- and clothes don't dry very well.

Day 226 Wednesday February 1, 2023

Bad day.  Our salon air conditioner died!  Thankfully the one in our stateroom is still working so that we can sleep at night.  Jerry talked with the marina office and they recommended an AC tech.  The tech couldn't get to the boat before Monday (if at all) but suggested that our problem could be the capacitors.  Matt told Jerry how to take them out and that we could actually get them tested to see if that could be the problem. One of the capacitors was bad.  Lucky us, there is an AC parts in Key West with the capacitor in stock.  Jerry took the bus to Key West hoping this would be the solution.  Unable to get a bus back, Jerry took advantage of the Ocean Edge Hotel shuttle to get back. Thank goodness for the shuttle. Capacitor installed, we just might have AC again.

AC ran for 3 hours until it got the boat to a comfortable temp and then shut off.... It wouldn't come back on.  Ughhhh.  Luckily, the outside temps have only been in high 70's and low 80's for the past few days but the humidity makes it uncomfortable.  I'm not complaining, I know how cold it has been at home.  At least we have air conditioning to sleep.

 Chickens roosting on the garbage can at Ocean's Edge

 Chickens everywhere on Stock Island and Key West

Day 227 Thursday, February 2, 2023

Still no AC and no word from Matt, the AC tech.  Jerry has been updating him and researching the internet for compatible air conditioners.  Nothing local, we would need to order one.  Temps today are in the upper 80's.  We did a load of laundry on the boat and hung it outside on the boat rails to dry.  Beach time with Phil-N-Wild, It's About Time and Arion.  Roostica leftovers for the 4th time!  Still delicious.

 Never get tired of this view.

The water color is beautiful  Sunset from the porch at the Marina pool area

Day 228 Friday, February 3, 2023

Rode trip today to Marathon to visit Looper friends Janet and Russ (Tug Bussle) and Ellen and Joe (La Vida).  Bus ride was 1.5 hours and only cost us $2 each!   We met them at Castaways restaurant for a great lunch.  (We followed a young lady from the bus who was headed there for work!) 

 

 Arleen, Danny and Susan

Lots of beer to choose from

  A manatee entertained us at the dock, drinking fresh water from the air conditioner condensate draining from the dock.  

Janet and Russ hosted us back at their marina with homemade sangria, beer and snacks.  The guys enjoyed a friendly ring toss competition.  Such fun with Arion, Tug Bussle, It's About Time, Call Me Curly, Phil-N-Wild, La Vida and Eric's Inheritance.

 Janet, hostess extraordinaire

Ring toss with Jerry, Russ, Joe and Grant

Warm back at the boat, Susan and Danny invited us to their boat to enjoy some air conditioning and cards.

Day 229 Saturday February 4, 2023

Today is much cooler with temps in the 70's.  More laundry.  Still no AC.  Time at the pool, we get to meet baby Izzie, Susan and Danny's granddaughter, visiting from Seattle Washington.  Izzie brought her parents too.

Day 230 Sunday, February 5, 2023

Sunday routine.   We leave the boat at 9:30 and bike to Key West for the 10:30 Mass at The Basilica of Saint Mary, Star of the Sea.   You need to arrive early to claim a seat.  The church is always standing room only, with ushers directing people to empty seats. We normally make the 5.5mile ride in about 45 minutes.  There is always a lot of traffic but Florida has lots of bike lanes and wide sidewalks.  Bikers are often encouraged to use the sidewalks.

We went to an outside café for breakfast - The Garden Café and were joined by a family of chickens.

We stopped at Walgreen's (for Benadryl cream and bug spray), Home Depot and Publix on our way back.  We spent the afternoon at the pool.

Day 220 - 223 January 26 - 29, 2023

Day 220 Thursday, January 26, 2023

Stock Island Key West

Yay, company today!  Michelle and Tom arrive from Conklin, NY.  Michelle and I went to college together.  We figure it has been over 25 years since we last saw each other.  It was lots of fun to catch up with them; we gave them a tour of the boat and the marina and then decided we were hungry.

We walked to Hogfish Grill and introduced them to a bit of the Stock Island neighborhood and Florida Keys food and drink.  We had to eat the hogfish sandwich (that's the kind of fish); it's so good. 

                                                                    This is a Hogfish

We made plans to meet in Key West the next day and they Ubered back to their hotel.  Their day had started around 2 am with a drive to Syracuse to the airport so they were tired. 

Day 221 Friday, January 27, 2023

We caught the shuttle from Ocean's Edge Resort next door and arrived in Key West ahead of Michelle and Tom.  Coincidentally our shuttle dropped off at the same spot as theirs.  We looked around and decided to wait at The Boat House Bar and Grill.  They joined us there for a beverage and then we were off to sightsee.  

 

We started with a narrated tour of downtown on The Conch Train.  Next was a tour of The Little Whitehouse and pics at the Southernmost marker, 90 miles from Cuba.

   

  

President Truman entertained dignitaries and discussed affairs of state at this custom table.  He enjoyed after dinner poker games, the table was covered (disguised) for business.

  

Key West Presidential attire.        Presidential Limousine

Dinner at Sloppy Joes with great music topped off our day. The day was a bit chilly but still warmer than home. 

Day 222 Saturday, January 28, 2023

We took the shuttle to Key West again.   This time our goal was to check out the craft show with over 100 artisans.  Lots of beautiful crafts and talented people.  We walked past a bar with outdoor entertainment.  People were overflowing into the street; someone (Jason Aldeen?) had dropped in and was entertaining the crowd. 

 

Banyon tree    

 

We headed to the end of Interstate 1 for a picture and then The Green Turtle Bar for popcorn, chickens (eating the dropped popcorn) and cold beverages. 

We did a rum distillery tour at the First Legal Rum Distillery Co., watched the Mallory Square sunset at The Sunset Pier and then took in dinner and a great band at the Hogfish Bar and Grill.  Fun filled day. 

   

 

                         

Stained glass at St Paul Episcopal Church

Day 223 Sunday, January 29, 2023

We rode our bikes to church, hit Publix for a few groceries and then spent some time at the beach and pool.  Students of the Basilica School did the readings, one little guy was only 4 years old!  Tom and Michelle spent their last day at the hotel pool resting up from our busy day; we met them for dinner at Roostica.  We ordered the family style Sunday Sauce dinner with salad, focaccia, pasta, meatballs and Italian sausage.  We were planning on leftovers.  Our waitress was right when she said we would "have enough balls for all of Key West"!!  It was absolutely delicious.  Jerry and I ate pasta 4 nights!!!

                                    

It was such fun to visit with Michelle and Thom.  We shouldn't wait so long next time!!

Day 212 - 219 January 18 - 25, 2023

 Day 212 Wednesday, January 18, 2023

More Stock Island and Key West

We have been blessed with mostly sunny days, temps in the 80's, lots of sights to enjoy and fun with our friends.  I can't believe that we are lucky enough to be here when our friends and family are dealing with snow and freezing cold temps.  We will do our best to suffer through the heat without complaints!!

As such, we spent the afternoon at the beach. 

 

There is a constant LOUD noise of planes overhead.  The marina is in the flight line of both the Key West airport and the Key West Naval Station.  The military air traffic far surpasses the commercial traffic.  We have seen all sorts of planes including harriers and Ospreys.  Activity starts around 8am and continues until  around 6pm. We joke that the pilots are coming back in time for dinner.

Ospreys

Also of note, my bug bites are almost unbearable.  No one else seems to be bothered as much as me by the No See Ums.  I feel like the sacrificial lamb.  

Day 213 Thursday, January 19, 2023

Big day planned with our friends Janet and Russ of Tug Bussle.  Their boat is docked at Farro Blanco Marina in Marathon; they are taking the bus to our marina to visit. We (Arlene, Al, Susan, Danny, Jerry and I) met them at Hogfish Bar and Grill for lunch and then walked back to the marina. We sat at the beach and shared our adventures with them.  Tug Bussle was last with us in Clearwater before Christmas. 

 

 Arlene, Susan, Peg and Janet enjoying Bushwackers made by Al.

 Enjoying the beach

 

Day 214 Friday, January 20, 2023

Today was Susan and Danny's 33rd wedding anniversary.  Surprisingly, they invited us to share their day with them!  This time we tried a different bus stop to catch the Southern Loop.  The bus stop is closer, only 0.9 mile away.  It was more residential and a quicker ride.  Our first stop was The Green Parrot for cold refreshments and free popcorn, and hoping for live entertainment.  The very busy popcorn machine was equipped with a push button dispenser so that hands didn't touch the popcorn inside the machine.  An employee was kept busy adding more popcorn/oil, refilling it at least 5 times within the hour.  No entertainment, we would have to come back later. 

Next we went to Ram's Head Southernmost (Susan's favorite) and enjoyed happy hour and snacks.  We wandered town and then appreciated sunset at Mallory Square.  

The best part of the celebration was dessert at "Better Than Sex Desserts".    The atmosphere is intimate and the desserts are fabulous!

   Wines are paired with chocolate or caramel.  The "Lucky Shot" and "Money Shot" are house made liquors with thick homemade flavored whipped cream served in shot glasses.

    Danny had the Italian Stallion -described as a "Well-Endowed Package" of "espresso soaked lady fingers, Amaretto kissed cream heese mousse and a stroke of cinnamon" on a "firm chocolate shortbread bottom".

 Susan had Between My Red Velvet Sheets Cheesecake Pie

 Jerry had Kinky-er Key West Cream Key Lime  Pie

  I had the Double Stuffed Oreo Bread Pudding with vanilla cheesecake ice cream

Filled with deliciousness we were ready to walk a bit to get back to the Green Parrot.  Jackpot, there was live music.  Unfortunately, we got there just as the band was ending their set with a conga line around the bar.  Instead we were entertained by the neighborhood mascot.

 

 

We Ubered back to our boats - now 11pm, the busses had stopped.  What a fun day.  Thanks Susan and Danny for letting us celebrate with you.

Day 215 Saturday, January 21, 2023

Quiet day after yesterday.  Laundry and a bike ride to Home Depot, then football at our boat (Kansas City vs Jags) with Danny.

Day 216 Sunday January 22, 2023

We biked to church then stopped at Publix on the way back.  We travel with a backpack so that we can pick up milk/bread on our way.  We fasten bigger purchases to the bikes with bungee cords and cargo nets.

We joined the other Loopers for happy hour at the pool.  Happy hour is 2 for 1 beer or mixed drinks.  That second drink can do you in, especially in the heat.  Just ask our friend who shall not be named!

We had company at the pool.

  

 

Day 217 Monday, January 23, 2023

Another successful laundry attempt on the boat.  The marina laundry was a victim of Hurricane Ian so we have been trying to figure out the onboard washer/dryer.  Jerry has been babysitting the washer.  It looks like the dial/timer doesn't advance so he has been advancing it manually.  It's a lot of effort for a small load of laundry but beats schlepping to a laundromat and back.  

The big job for the day was scrubbing the inside of the fly bridge bimini .  The canvas has a tendency to mold in the heat and humidity.  It was long overdue.  Armed with brushes and Spray 9 Jerry and I knocked it out in no time.

Another happy hour, this time at Roostica with Danny, Susan, Al, Arlene and Diane and Tim of Arcadia.  Nine dollar wood fired pizzas, $4 draft beers.  The pizza was great. We topped off the evening with a game of Mexican Train Dominoes on Phil-N-Wild.

  

Day 218 Tuesday January 24, 2023

Quiet day with a pancake and bacon breakfast and more laundry.  I did some sewing repair, practicing with a curved needle.  I want to repair some canvas on the fly.  Jerry scoped out his next project, the macerator install.  Our boat came with a macerator pump, which Jerry took out.  Macerators are illegal on Lake Champlain and boaters can incur a hefty fine.  We brought the pump back with us when we returned after Christmas.  Pump outs are rare and frequently broken in the Bahamas; we want to be prepared for that part of the trip.

Day 219 Wednesday, January 25, 2023

We cleaned the boat, inside and out.  We are getting company tomorrow!! We spent the evening playing cards on Arion.