The trip in a few minutes

This video provides a quick look at what the trip was like. Picture perfect weather, interesting wildlife and a look at a disappearing Florida.

Stuart, Florida

After a beautiful trip across the state, The Beagle moored at Stuart,  Florida

Cuban GPS

For four hundred years Cubans have honored Caridad as their patron. For the last roughly sixty years they have launched themselves to freedom on the seas with little but Her to guide them..sometimes to the US other times to their Heavenly Reward. May Caridad watch over us and our friends on this trip as we celebrate her Sons resurrection. Happy Easter!

Sanibel Lighthouse

This is where the journey starts and ends. Sanibel lighthouse

Loaded and ready

The Beagle is loaded and ready for the 172 nautical mile each way trip. Stuart here we come. Meeting the Harts in downtown Fort Myers Waterfront tomorrow.

Easter Greetings

Nothing says Easter like and Easter Egg hunt and a visit from the Old Bunny himself.

Twins.... Like peas in a pod...

Some folks will prepare by making a list and checking it twice. Others prepare by resting.

Making a list, checking it twice...

As the date draws nearer, preparations continue. Today cruising on the Beagle allowed for a good shake down of the vessel and practice with basic nautical task. Definitely ship shape!

An ounce of prevention is worth...

The supplies are packed. Provisions are available for any emergency

Remembering an old friend

My Beagle Brandy for whom the boat was named. Pardon her indiscretions. Blackened Voodoo Lager is more than any dog, human or other kind can resist. Although she is no longer with us her memory is present on every trip.

No, these are not imaginary friends

Suspicions ran high that the inspiration from The Ragged Ass Saloon was in the form of non medicinal alcohol and maybe our friends did not really exist. Proof is hereby given. To the right is a photo of the Hart Family, bravely looking forward to this journey now less than a week away.

The Hart's Boat: The ...........

Getting pictures from certain people can be a Herculean task, but friendship overcomes all and with the help of a few colored pencils ..Presto a photograph of the Hart's boat. The name of the boat..ah uhmm ? Surely The Beagle will get along with it no matter the name.

Wonderful Friends

Good friends share everything as do our friends the Harts. Everything obviously except a picture. Bruce, Margurite and their kids will be joining us in their boat.

Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm

Quiet serious meditation is of utmost importance in preparing for a venture as this.Truly a spot has been found in Pine Island Florida that provides all the inspiration for any  undertaking.

Old Florida Charm

Reservations made today for lodging in Stuart, Fl. Although consideration was given to fancier lodging, Old Florida charm and quaintness wins  hearts every time.
Nothing makes great experiences better than sharing with dear friends who have joined the trip.

Checking Accomodations

A quick trip from the office to Roland Martins Marina  in Clewiston was very productive. Frequent trips to the Tiki bar there have made it a favorite, but overnight accommodations were a mystery. A quick visit to the motel revealed  the staff to be very accommodating and although rooms and efficiencies are not five stars the hospitality made up for  any shortcommongs.  Roland Martins Marina will be the journey's first overnight stop.

Back to trip planning

Last week was a slow week for trip planning. This past week end involved cooking and feeding attendees at The St Katharine Drexel  Feast Day Celebration. Serving hundreds of hot dogs, hamburgers, and Mexican Corn in addition to smoking eight pork butts for pulled pork sandwiches. A trip to Bass Pro Shops did allow for purchasing  needed gear.

A Special Day Today

Nineteen years ago today in this humble Church in Cancun, Mexico, my wife and I exchanged vows. She is still around and is planning this trip with me. Happy Anniversary Lisa!

My Whaler Boat

The Beagle floats gently off Picnic Island at the start of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Pictured is the old engine that came with the boat, a very loud 200hp 1994 Evinrude OceanPro. The engine had well earned its nickname of "Old Smoky". During one outing, the Coast Guard approached to investigate the fire. I had to explain it was the engine's "normal" exhaust. Last spring it was ungraded to a 250 HP Yamaha four-stroke. No noise, no smoke and no constant breakdowns. God I miss "Old Smoky".

How it began..

Contemplating an upcoming trek across Florida via the Okeechobee Waterway, I have been reading about prior mariners making this trip. There is little on the subject and that fact motivated this blog.

My interest in this trip was sparked about fifty years ago when as a third grader, my class read Robb White's classic children's book The Lion's Paw (1946).  The simple beautiful story about two runaway orphans, Penny and Nick, and their new found friend, Ben, on a journey from St. Lucie to Sanibel Island stuck in my mind.

  For years the book was out of print bu tstill on my mind. I finally found a copy at an antique bookstore in Atlantic City while working fighter's corners. The book sat on my shelf, next to my current nautical books unread and gathering dust for years.

The book gained new life at my house when my twin daughters were old enough to have the book read to them along with the promise to take them on the same journey as the Lions Paw.












After years of distractions  finally the trip is at hand, almost truncated before the start by planned work on the Moore Haven Lock. Fortunately the work has been delayed and the lock closing will not happen until after my family in my boat the Beagle make the voyage.