Daytona Beach Boat Club News

DAY ONE of the DBBC 2010 Key West Trip was relatively uneventful. The Bowdens, Blakes, Powells and Caraccis arrived at Cocoa Village Marina at 2:30 PM under sunny skies. PC Bowden experienced a minor mechanical problem that required a quick cell phone call to Gary, the mechanic, and a 30 minute layover in Ponce Inlet. Gary bypassed the offending part, leaving the Bowdens without a hot water heater, but back on the road quickly. The ride south was very pleasant until we exited Haulover Canal to face 30K west winds "on the nose". Cocoa Village Marina is a wonderful destination, adjacent to the many shops and restaurants of historic Cocoa Village. After a few hours of socializing on the boats at the dock, the entire team walked to Cara Mia to celebrate PC Bowden's 61st birthday over platters of superb Italian food. And beverages :0) Day Two will find us on our way to Stuart's Manatee Pocket to spend the night on the hook.

DAY TWO: We departed Cocoa Village Marina on Sunday morning with abundant sunshine and light breezes, scampering south down the flat waters of the ICW. Just north of Sebastian, where the Blake's planned to leave us to spend a couple of nights at Captain Hiram's, BEACH HOUSE encountered what may prove to be an insurmountable problem with one engine. Steve's boat would operate normally at slow speeds, but one engine quit whenever he tried to go back up onto a plane. After a brief conference call on VHF 69, it was decided that the Powells would join the Blakes in Sebastian to seek help, and the Bowdens and Caraccis would continue 30 minutes south to the planned Vero Beach fuel stop to seek the name of a good mechanic. At day's end, it appeared that Steve had decided not to continue the trip south, even if repairs could be made readily. So, the Bowdens and Caraccis continued to Stuart's Manatee Pocket as planned and anchored at 2:30 in the afternoon. Dave deployed his inflatable and 25 year old outboard, and the foursome motored into Pirate's Cove Resort for appetizers/drinks and the short walk to a nearby West Marine for "supplies". Dinner was another short ride in the tender to Shrimpers, and we returned to our boats under starry skies. Monday morning - destination Fort Lauderdale and the amazing New River. Barb and Mary will be "house gazing" all the way south from here.

DAY THREE: GLORIA MARIE and SNOWBIRD made the long run from Stuart to Fort Lauderdale on Monday, with abundant sunshine (again) and light winds from the north. We arrived in Lauderdale around 4:00, and were tied up alongside the seawall of the busy New River in slips 67 and 68 in time for cocktail hour. This section of the ICW is very narrow, and loaded with luxury homes and yachts for ogling. We waved at Larry and Jane Funk's home on Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, where they raised their family and lived for 30 years. We look forward to the arrival of the Gallaghers this afternoon, who are launching their boat just south of us and joining us on the wall in time for dinner outside. We have yet to pick our strategy for the day, there is so much to do and see in the "Venice of the US". We can hop on the water taxi and ride all over the place, walk the luxury shops/restaurants of Las Olas Boulevard, play golf, who knows? Team meeting after morning coffee. "There is nothing, no nothing, better than messing around with boats." - The Wind in the Willows

Wayne just talked to Steve Powell on the mobile. Evidently he is near Titusville, and "blew the riser" on his good engine trying to return to Daytona. He joked that he was looking for deep water in which to sink his boat. We are so sad that he has had all these engine problems, and is not here with us to enjoy south Florida. We miss Bev and Steve very much.

DAY FOUR: We spent day four of our KEY WEST boat trip on the seawall in Fort Lauderdale, awaiting the arrival of the Gallaghers on THERAPY. They drove down and launched their boat just south of us in Dania, and motored 45 minutes north to rendezvous with the Bowdens and Caraccis. Joe and Lynne arrived at 2:00 PM, just as we finished lunch dockside. We caught their lines and made a place for them in between the GLORIA MARIE and SNOWBIRD. All of us boarded the City of Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi for a 3 hour tour of the homes of the rich and famous, and waterside restaurants. We returned to the boats in time for happy hour, then walked up Las Olas where Wayne chose a fabulous outdoor Italian restaurant, Mancini's, for our dinner under thousands of twinkling white lights. This morning, we leave for a short run south to Miami Beach Municipal Marina and St. Patrick's Day celebrated on South Beach

A SAD END FOR BEACHHOUSE: Stephen and Beverly sad goodbye to the Blakes Sunday morning and left Capt. Hariam's headed north at a fast idle. When we stopped for fuel at Harbor Town on the Canaveral barge canal our plan was to keep going late into the night to make it back to Halifax. However, after fueling the other (good) engine would not start. So we spent the night-nice marina with Bar and Grill and a pool. The next morning a mechanic found water in the engine, fogged it so it would not lock up and we left on the engine that would not come up to speed determined to make it to Halifax. About 8 miles into our journey the other engine quit-maybe a broken hose as there was a foot of water in the bilge and Beverly thought we we sinking. We called Tow Boat US and arrived in Titusville about 4 pm.(picture attached) BeachHouse will be towed to Halifax on Thursday. We are so glad that we have a Boat US membership-towing is $250.00 per hour without it. So here we are in Longwood, the fifth day of our boating trip to the Keys. Stephen is baking treats for the dog!!! Isn't boating fun???? ~ Stephen and Beverly

DAY FIVE: Our little fleet idled south in a drizzle on Wednesday, landing at Miami Beach Marina at 1:00 PM. There was much to see on the way - but the gray skies and liquid sunshine did not show the city of Miami at her colorful best. The water here is turquoise blue, and this is truly an international city. One hears all languages and sees representatives of many countries on the streets, particularly Central and South America. A public bus that cost 25 cents to ride transported us from the marina to Ocean Drive, the largest collection of art deco buildings in the world. On the east side of the street, a large park for roller blading, sand volleyball, running, or strolling, with beach access. On the west side of the street, 17 blocks of charming hotels, restaurants, and modeling agencies. We strolled beachside for ten blocks, watching the people and the action - want to have your picture taken with a python around your neck? Crossing the street, we took an impromptu tour of the Tides Hotel lobby, one of the best renovations of an art deco hotel to be found. All dining happens on the sidewalk, and we chose to eat our dinner at Cardozo, owned by singer Gloria Estafan. Admiral Bowden hailed a taxi van from her seat on the sidewalk, and we all piled in for the 5 minute trip back to the boats. The Caraccis have been studying the wind and weather predictions for a couple of days, and believe that we can make the run down to Duck Key today, on the "outside" Hawk Channel. We have reservations, but are prepared to opt for plan B if the weather and waves are not conducive to our little craft. Head inside to the ICW!

DAY SIX: The DBBC fleet departed Miami Beach Marina on Thursday morning to sunny skies and west winds, ideal for taking the "outside route" south along the Florida Keys. We headed east into the ocean through Government Cut, then turned right at the end of the channel markers. Known as the Hawk Channel, this well marked passage keeps the islands on starboard, and the reefs on port, dampening out the worst that the ocean may have to offer. With an offshore west breeze for the majority of our passage, we ran comfortably south and then southwest about 2 miles from shore at boat speeds of 25 MPH. (The ICW route or "inside passage" crosses from Biscayne Bay through Jewfish Creek to become a narrow winding channel on the west side of the keys, not ideal in a westerly blow like we had yesterday. Perhaps we will return "inside".) We made great time toward our destination, Duck Key, and the wonderful Hawk Cay Resort and Marina. Admiral Barbara had stayed here once, and longed to return, so return we did. The east facing entrance can only be accessed from the Hawk Channel, so we wound our way into the resort in 19 feet of turquoise blue water. There was a strong but invisible current running out across the docks, which made landing interesting, but no stories need be told. We were all tied up by 3:00 PM, with time to wash our boats and greet the landlubbers staying at the resort. The forecast for today is IDEAL for traveling the remaining 60 miles to Key West, light N winds and calm seas. There is a high pressure system over Pensacola today, and as it moves off to the east, it will afford us a beautiful weekend to be at the southernmost point of the United States. Sunny and strong east winds, good days to be safe in a harbor :0)

Note from Captain Powell: HAPPY TO REPORT THAT BOTH BEACHHOUSE AND PROUD MARY ARE SAFELY MOORED IN THEIR SLIPS AT HALIFAX. BLAKES MADE THE (COLD) TRIP FROM VERO WHILE BEACHHOUSE WAS DELIVERED BY TOW BOAT US FROM TITUSVILLE.

DAY SEVEN: At 2:30 PM, we rounded the end of land and headed north into Key West Bight, GLORIA MARIE and THERAPY and SNOWBIRD. We are happily tied up at A&B Marina, and ready for happy hour on the Bowden's boat at 6:00 PM. Wayne went snorkeling on the way down from Duck Key, off of Marathon, to unwrap what looks like a ski rope from around his port propeller. He is bringing it back to DBBC as a souvenir of his trip to Key West. I will get a picture off to you in the morning. The weather was kind to us today, light N winds and abundant sunshine. The water is so blue, it hurts your eyes. A cruise ship, the Carnival Discovery, gave us a big salute with her horns as we entered the harbor, and she departed. Very impressive. Our best to all of you!!! Admirals Barbara and Lynne and Mary

DAY EIGHT: Our boat club trip to KEY WEST has brought us to our destination! We departed Duck Key channel entrance at noon on Friday, March 19th, and rounded the end of land at Key West Bight at 2:30 PM. Our three boats were once again blessed with perfect weather for the last 50 miles of our journey. The Hawk Channel "dead ends" at the Main Ship Channel for the island of Key West, and the Carnival cruise ship Discovery gave us a long toot of welcome as she departed the docks off to our starboard. We did make a brief pause off Marathon Key, as PC Bowden needed to go snorkeling. GLORIA MARIE encountered a very long piece of line attached to a floating board, which quickly tied itself around her port engine prop. His Abacos experience stood him in good stead, along with his trusty Boy Scout knife, and the engine was evidently no worse for the experience, thankfully. We are staying at one of two groups of pleasure craft oriented marinas, on the west bank in walking distance of everything. The smallest craft on our dock at A&B Marina (before we arrived), was a 40' SeaRay, so we are living large, you might say. The "locals" are here for the entire winter from a variety of home ports up and down the east coast, and gave us a lot of help docking in our 50' slips with no finger piers, and free beer! THERAPY is literally dwarfed by her next door dock mate, a 150' yacht called, rightfully, BIG DOG. After happy hour on GLORIA MARIE, we strolled down to watch the sunset and the jugglers. It was a fine night to walk out Duval Street and decide on a restaurant. Admiral Lynne wanted to dine at a white table cloth Italian cafe, but they announced a one hour wait. So plan B was enacted, across the street to an outdoor hamburger joint with live music. We are so grateful to have had a successful journey up to this point, stopping at many lovely destinations. We only wish the Powells were still with us, and the Blakes had more time to stay on.

*WEB Editors Note: I must have my "DAYS" mixed up, I'm on day 9 and Mary's on Day 8!

DAY EIGHT #2: On Saturday, March 20th, the DBBC team took a day off from boating to enjoy Key West. The weather was once again perfect, 76 and sunny, with a nice breeze, and most of the "spring breakers" have left to go back to school. All three admirals took some time in the morning to catch up on laundry, while all three captains made a side trip on foot to West Marine for "supplies". The Gallaghers spent the afternoon shopping and sightseeing, for there is a great deal of commerce and history to be enjoyed on this island. In 1822 the entire island of Key West was purchased for $2000.00, at a time when Florida was not yet a state. Chiefly because of its large deep water port, Key West became a very prosperous city by the turn of the century. Today, Key West remains "the nation's Southernmost City", and its colorful history is still being written through a robust tourist industry. A Disney cruise ship docked here this morning. The Bowdens and the Caraccis pulled out their golf clubs and headed for the Key West Golf Club in a bright pink minivan taxi. We enjoyed 18 holes of golf on a beautiful tropical course, and saw some interesting wildlife - eagles, herons, egrets, geese and iguanas. The boys beat the girls by one hole, so they have bragging rights again until we play again. It took a birdie from Wayne to put the "captains' team" in the lead for good. Lynne put out a colorful spread from the Waterfront Market for Happy Hour to welcome the returning golfers back to the boats. Sunday morning, the DBBC team will trek all the way down Duval Street to the "southernmost point marker" for a team photo.

DAY NINE: Team DBBC ate Sunday brunch outside this morning at the Patio Restaurant to celebrate this, the first day of spring, and listened to a weather briefing by our fearless leader, Captain Dave. Armed with his charts and data from "windfinder.com" and "weather.com", Dave outlined the predicted forecast for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Picking the right weather window in which to head back north will be important to all of us and our little craft, so the team discussed the options Dave presented. Based on the current conditions (SSE winds 18 knots), we all thought it best to stay put today, have more fun in Key West, and continue to evaluate the departure conditions. The forecast for Monday is 60% chance of T storms, and NW winds 12 knots. Tuesday looks terrific, if the forecast holds. We notified our wonderful A&B Marina staff that we would be staying on for at least one more day (no problem), and set off to walk the entire length of Duval Street. We really wanted a photograph of all of us with our DBBC burgees surrounding the "southernmost point in the US" marker. When we got there, we were really glad we had stayed in port. The ocean was churning from the strong SSE winds; it would have been tough sledding and tough to see all the white crab pots in the white foam. We stood in line waiting for our turn to have our picture taken, and appointed a very responsible father-type in line behind us to shoot us. We dispersed to enjoy our own pursuits in Key West City, and will meet again tonight for happy hour on SNOWBIRD.

DAY TEN: On our last night in Key West, the DBBC cruisers celebrated happy hour on the SNOWBIRD. Our dockside neighbor, Dave Nelson, presented us with a copy of his personal picks restaurant list, and off we went. We climbed upstairs at the Pier House Resort to a darkly intimate little bar for a pineapple martini, followed by an outstanding Cuban meal in a brick nearby warehouse, capped off by key lime pie at the Key Lime Pie Factory. Perfect. This morning, we departed Key West, reluctantly, and headed north in a following sea to Marathon. Whoever called them "swells", we thought they were "awfuls". By 1:00 PM, we were in the channel leading to Boot Key Harbor, full of marinas and protected on all sides from the weather. Our destination was the first stop to port, Marathon Marina and Boat Yard, which offers every conceivable service that a boater might require, plus a "best of everything" restaurant called Lazy Days. We enjoyed happy hour from 4:00 - 6:00 at the harborside restaurant, watched the sun set into the sea at 7:33, and listened to a conch shell blowing concert by boaters on the west dock (a nightly occurrence). Wayne Bowden has been desperate for a Cuban sandwich since we started our trip, and today he finally scored his prize at a little storefront on US 1 just north of the marina. We are poised to exit the Florida Keys on Tuesday, bound for Biscayne Bay and Coconut Grove.

DAY ELEVEN: We departed Marathon Key on Tuesday morning, accompanied by abundant sunshine and a favorable wind forecast. Our goal was to leave the Florida Keys via the outside Hawk Channel in time to escape before an east shift forecast for Wednesday. It was a little lumpy from time to time, but we motored north to the top of Key Largo by noon, stopping for fuel at the “members only” Ocean Reef Club. We used Angelfish Creek to cross safely through the mangroves from the outside to the inside, and continued north up Card Sound and Biscayne Bay to the mainland of Florida . Biscayne Bay can be accurately thought of as “southern Miami ”, and we began to see the city emerging from the water as if it were Atlantis. Our destination, Coconut Grove, a haven for artists and restaurant-goers and shoppers. As we approached, we spied a half dozen marinas and a large mooring field hugging the NW corner of Biscayne Bay. Tied up at Bayshore Marina in Dinner Key Harbor, Happy Hour at Monty’s awaited us, and we enjoyed a feast of exotic drinks and fresh shellfish, “half off”. Dave led us up the street and up the hill to downtown “The Grove”, where we browsed the many restaurants and shops, stopping at the excellent Fresh Market next to our marina to envy the produce. This is our last night together, since the Gallaghers will “drop off” just south of Fort Lauderdale to pull THERAPY out of the water and drive home. We will miss them! Editor’s note: On the way north, a Customs & Border Patrol boat picked THERAPY to inspect. A week ago, on the way south, a Jupiter Sheriff boat picked SNOWBIRD to inspect. Both boats passed their impromptu inspections, and are left to wonder, “Why is it never GLORIA MARIE?” Does PC Bowden have some sort of “diplomatic immunity” when it comes to law enforcement???

DAY TWELVE: Our fleet of three boats departed Coconut Grove at 9:30 on Wednesday morning, heading north through the colorful city of Miami. We all took a lot of pictures, and enjoyed the unexpected tapestry of different hues in architecture. Weather, perfect, at 70 and sunny with light N winds. THERAPY left us at the Dania Cut Off Canal just south of Fort Lauderdale, and an hour later they were on the trailer and washing. They called us from the Florida Turnpike, eager to know about the second half of our day, and where we were spending the night. Our choice? Delray Beach, a quiet residential area on the ICW just south of Lake Worth, home of the Delray Harbor Club Marina. This community was settled by a dedicated group of Japanese immigrants way back in 1906, looking for a better life. They farmed peacefully and productively until WW2, when all Japanese citizens residing in our country were "interned". Today, the courage of the "Yamato Farmers" is remembered by a museum nearby. The Bowdens and Caraccis enjoyed a longer than usual happy hour on board GLORIA MARIE, then walked one block to US1, where we had our choice of many restaurants. We settled on Duffy's, a huge lively sports bar that was packed. Our waiter noticed, "You guys are glowing. You must be on vacation." Right you are, young man!!!

DAY THIRTEEN: (or FOURTEEN? who's counting!) GLORIA MARIE and SNOWBIRD watched a lovely sunrise over Delray Beach's mansions on the ICW, then headed north in once again perfect conditions. We have been blessed with marvelous weather most every day of our trip, and Thursday was no exception. We found the waterway much busier with other boats than it has been - sport fish, trawlers, yachts, center

consoles, sailboats sailing or motoring, and my friend from the Jupiter marine patrol. This time he just smiled and waved at me, after he asked Wayne to slow down. We also came upon a HUGE US Customs and Border Patrol boat, with four 250s on the back and serious black uniforms. They were using their radar to "watch" boats coming in the St. Lucie Inlet from the ocean. I would love to have snapped a photo, but I don't think they would have been amused. We topped off the fuel in North Palm Beach, and arrived in Vero Beach at 3:00 PM to spend our last night out. Wayne led most of the day, and we made great time with south winds and a following sea. After happy hour on the dock, we walked up to the Riverside Cafe for dinner, a favorite stop for past DBBC weekend outings. This normally dark walk was well lit by a softball game that ended in a rout - 16 to 3 for the red team. We plan to have Bloody Mary's on the dock first thing on Friday morning, before making what we hope will be the final leg of our DBBC KEY WEST BOAT TRIP.

FINAL DAY: GLORIA MARIE and SNOWBIRD returned today on day 15 of the DBBC KEY WEST TRIP. We departed Vero Beach at 9:00 AM, but not before we celebrated HAPPY HOUR. It must have been 5 o'clock somewhere, yes? Actually, Past Commodore Bowden announced that Commodore Kirby would be VERY disappointed if our little fleet of cruisers did not begin the day with BLOODY MARY's. And so we did, at 8:30 this morning on the dock. The weather was once again in our favor (boring isn't it?), and we made it back to Halifax Harbor Marina at 3:15, including a stop for fuel (splash and go) in Titusville. All of you know what a nice day it is today... We are happy to have had this opportunity to travel 1000 miles to Key West and back in such good company. It is the spirit of Daytona Beach Boat Club to enjoy our boats and one another, to make new friends and have great adventures on the water.

PHOTO DESCRIPTIONS Hopefully, but not necessarily in order of how they appear!

THE BIRTHDAY BOY: Wayne enjoying one of many brews on the dock at Cocoa Village Marina.

THE ADMIRALS: The admirals (Mary Blake, Bev Powell, Barbara Bowden) discuss the strategy for making their favorite thing for dinner (reservations) on the dock at Cocoa Village Marina.

HAULOVER CANAL: BEACH HOUSE and PROUD MARY transit Haulover Canal, keeping clear of an amazing number of fishing boats on a lovely Sunday afternoon.

GLORIA MARIE DOES THE PORT OF PALM BEACH: GLORIA MARIE transits the busy Port of Palm Beach, Peche Island to port, ocean going freighters to starboard, a new high rise luxury condo to stern.

GLORIA MARIE IN THE NEW RIVER: GLORIA MARIE tied up alongside the seawall of the busy New River in Fort Lauderdale, right under the Third Street drawbridge - yes it is made of PINK stucco - only in south Florida. Two blocks from the high end shops and restaurants of Las Olas BLVD.

GLORIA MARIE AT THE JUPITER LIGHTHOUSE: GLORIA MARIE passing the Jupiter Lighthouse in the Caloosahatchie River, very similar in color to the Ponce Inlet light, but nowhere near as tall.

SHOPPERS: Admirals Bowden and Caracci dressed for a morning of shopping, at Publix :0) We thought all their stores were supposed to look alike, but here in Fort Lauderdale Publix is a three story glass building with turquoise logo...

DBBC DOES MIAMI BEACH: Our little fleet tied up at Miami Beach Marina. We are on the "dinghy dock", and are easily the smallest boats in the harbor. Our nearest neighbor is a 70 RIVA, made in Italy.

ART DECO HOTELS: Shot from the beach side of Ocean Drive, here are just two of the hundreds of restored art deco buildings on Sout Beach. It was not easy taking a picture without a tourist walking by in front of the camera :0)

THE CAPTAINS & LYNNE: We strolled and photographed, and strolled and photographed for the first 10 blocks on the beach side. As if by magic, the skies cleared and the sun returned in time for our tour of SOUTH BEACH. (w/gallaghers)

PC BOWDEN TAKES A BREAK: In the lobby of the Tides Hotel, PC Bowden tests one of the cocoon chairs. He threatened to mutiny and remain behind for a nap, but the team lured him out with the promise of a Rusty Nail (wayne in seat)

SOUTH BEACH DINGHY: This is a typical tender from a mega yacht at Miami Beach Marina :0) Note the subtle color scheme, and imagine how loud!

HAWKS CAY RESORT: Turquoise water and every amenity imaginable. Our little fleet on the left.

ITS 5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE: Admiral Barbara and Admiral Mary wish all of our DBBC friends a happy HAPPY HOUR.

ADMIRAL LYNNE: Relaxing while the Captain tidies up THERAPY... Yeah, right...

CARNIVAL DISCOVERY: This cruise ship departed Key West Bight as we were entering. We thought of her horn as a welcome

PC BOWDEN and his SOUVENIR: PC Bowden looking mighty fine, showing off his souvenir from off the coast of Marathon Key. It stinks from being in the water so long before it wrapped up his port prop, so we're not sure if he will bring it home to DBBC or not...

SLOPPY JOE's: Yes, this is photographic proof that we are really in Key West, pausing on our stroll up Duval Street for a photo opportunity outside Sloppy Joe's Bar.

WORLD's SMALLEST BAR: Were we bar hopping? Yes we were. Wayne found the "world's smallest bar" for us to check out, also on Duval Street... And then there was the ice cream store.

HAPPY HOUR: Admiral Barbara presides over our first Key West happy hour aboard GLORIA MARIE. We are docked at A&B Marina in the "land of the giants", all yachts.

IQUANA GOLF: None of us had ever encountered an iguana on a golf course before - there were many at Key West Golf Club. He was headed for Dave's bright orange golf ball!

KEY WEST GOLF CLUB: The very tropical, very lovely Key West Golf Club. Guess this would be the "southernmost golf course" in the US.

LYNNE's HAPPY HOUR: The very tropical, very lovely Key West Golf Club. Guess this would be the "southernmost golf course" in the US.

DBBC ARRIVES AT THE SOUTHERNMOST POINT IN THE US: We made the long walk to the end of Duval Street on Sunday morning, and then waited in a long line of picture takers. The Daytona Beach Boat Club at the "southernmost point in the US". If we look a little off center, it's because the waves were crashing over the seawall on the left side of the marker.

A CORONA and a CUBAN SANDWICH: Wayne Bowden finally found nirvana in Marathon. After 9 days of searching, a Cuban sandwich to go with his Corona.

CAPTAIN GALLAGHER: Joe Gallagher caught cleaning his boat. You really can eat off the floor of his engine room :0)

CONCH SHELL CONCERT: Every night at sunset, the west dock boaters gather to blow their personal conch shells. Six musicians, one conductor in red.

NASCAR YACHT CLUB: This 100 footer at Ocean Reef Club is displaying his dinghy, and his NASCAR Yacht Club flag. Green and yellow and blue with a checkered flag.

HALF PRICE HAPPY HOUR SHELLFISH at MONTYS: Half off on stone crab, oysters, and shrimp, fresh today, ONLY in South Florida!

PC BOWDEN LOVES HIS CORONA: PC Bowden holding onto his NEON Corona, only available in Coconut Grove. Admiral Barbara opted for a drink called "Miami Vice", times two!

OUR LAST NIGHT TOGETHER: The DBBC Key West Cruise Team celebrates their final night together at Monty's in Coconut Grove. L to R: Joe Gallagher, Lynne Gallagher, Dave Caracci, Mary Caracci, Barbara Bowden, Wayne Bowden.

THERAPY FRAMES the CITY of MIAMI: Joe and Lynne Gallagher's THERAPY frames the City of Miami on their final day of the DBBC cruise to Key West, and back. They traveled with us to just south of Fort Lauderdale.

PIER 66 YACHT: Fort Lauderdale's PIER 66 MARINA has the largest collection of megayachts in SE Florida. MADSUMMER is robin's egg blue, a 200 footer from Norway.

TYPICAL FORT LAUDERDALE COTTAGE: There is not enough film in the world to photograph every mansion on the ICW, but here is just one example of how the "other half" is living...

DELRAY HARBOR CLUB MARINA: The Bowdens pause at the entrance to our lovely condominium community marina.

THE GOODYEAR BLIMP: You just never know who your traveling companions will be on the ICW in South Florida. We were buzzed by the Goodyear Blimp several times just north of Fort Lauderdale.

LAKE WORTH BRIDGE: GLORIA MARIE and a sailboat race toward a bridge opening on Lake Worth. Notice the lovely weather :0)

YACHTS FOR SALE: We passed the annual PALM BEACH BOAT SHOW - gazillions of dollars worth of yachts for sale. This marina does not exist any other time, built just for this event...

JUPITER ISLAND GINGERBREAD HOUSE: This wealthy resident of Jupiter Island has his priorities straight - more money in boats than in his little house.

VERO BEACH CITY MARINA: GLORIA MARIE approaches the mooring field and docks of Vero Beach City Marina, a favorite destination for DBBC members and many snowbirds.

BLOODY MARY STAGING AREA: So as NOT to disappoint Commodore Kirby, we tuned up at 8:30 AM this morning on our dock with a round of BLOOD MARY's.

BLOODY MARY CONSUMPTION AREA: Still friends after 15 days of boating adventures, Captain Wayne and Captain Dave celebrate happy hour, just a little earlier than usual.

SMYRNA YACHT CLUB SWIMMING TEAM: As we passed the Smyrna Yacht Club, two one-design teams were out practicing. We couldn't decide if it was their sailing team, or their swimming team?

HOME AGAIN: 15 days, 1000 miles, wonderful weather, great friends, memorable experiences. Wait till the VISA bills come :0)

TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER and BLOGGER: Admiral Mary Caracci, holding up the street sign that bears her name, in Coconut Grove.