September Song

Me again!

2012-02-11T11:57:00.001-05:00

Well, the fun here in Marathon continues. Superbowl party, dock parties, golf, the beach, delicious Florida seafood, great music, beautiful weather, and just having fun here in the Keys Playpen with all our cruising friends. We have also gotten tons of boat projects done, (all fun and no work or something like that) including wax on, wax off.
Some of our cruising friends have left, and more will be arriving in the next week. Jay, Nancy, William, and Judy will be here on the 15th. I know they will be ready to jump into the playpen fun when they get here!
Next Saturday, we are headed to the Miami Boat Show, where we will meet up with Doug and Tammy. Yippee! Speaking of Doug and Tammy, we are going to take September Song down to Key West for four days on March 1st, and Doug and Tammy are coming down to play with us in our favorite playground. (pray for our livers)
March 16th, my brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Rena, will be coming down for a three week vacation. Doug and Tammy will be here on the 23rd, and I'm sure Key West will be on the radar again. (more prayers for our livers please) later in the month, more of the family will be coming down, including some of the Kimbel clan. (more prayers please)
Sometime in late March, "The Bahama Bums" will start looking for a weather window to cross over to the Islands.
Whew! I'm worn out just blogging about it.

September Song (Whew!) out
Bob

Phred and Candy decided that Kim enjoyed her first cigar at Schooners in Key West, that they thought she might enjoy this magazine.

More great music at Dockside by Adrienne.

Our waitress at Dockside, showing off her tattoo.

2012-02-11T11:56:00.000-05:00

The winning team, again!

A view of the Marathon City mooring field from our bow on a calm morning at sunrise.

2012-02-11T11:55:00.001-05:00

We meet some, well, interesting people here in Marathon.

This is Fuzzy. Fuzzy lives on his sailboat here at Dockside. He never wears shoes, even on the golf course. He decided to stop and pay us a visit at one of our dock parties.What goes on behind those wild eyes?

2012-02-11T11:55:00.000-05:00

Another beautiful sunset at the end of another fun day.

Our weekly best ball tournament at Key Colony.

Our golf group.

2012-02-11T11:54:00.000-05:00

Great Island and Reggae music at the pre Super Bowl Party.

Time to set up the screen for the game. Tony, the new owner of Dockside, setting up a huge (about 8 foot by 16 foot) projection screen.

What a fun time, even though our team lost. At half time, Dockside set up a great FREE buffet.
Thanks for a great party Tony!

2012-02-11T11:53:00.001-05:00

A visitor to our dock. No, it's not someone's pet, they run wild in the Keys.

Can you tell who this beautiful lady is rooting for?

Phred, enjoying a jello shot at the Super Bowl Party at Dockside Bar.

Bahama Bums, Steve and Kim, in training. I think they are ready for your Bahama jello shots, Pam!

2012-02-11T11:52:00.001-05:00

This is our view from the upstairs tiki bar at the Keys Fisheries.

We alway seem to meet new friends at the Fisheries.

2012-02-11T11:52:00.000-05:00

Another boat project finished. We installed Island Time PC WI-FI on September Song. We hope it will give us more Internet connections while in the Islands.

OH YA! Time for a night at The Keys Fisheries to enjoy stone crab claws with cruising friends.

The best, and freshest in the Keys, and only $1.25 a piece.

Therese, the stone crab queen. When we go for stone crab, she can be ready in five minutes.

2012-02-11T11:51:00.000-05:00

Never get tired of the beautiful sunsets in the Keys.

Canadian Tom, enjoying a beer from his homeland.

We had a going away dock party for Tom and Linda. We met them last year while they were here on their boat. They enjoyed it so much here, that they drove down from Canada and spent the last two months renting homes and condos just to play with all their friends. They are headed back to Canada today.

Have a safe trip back, and we will see you next winter on your boat here in the Keys playpen. We will all miss you.

A day off

2012-01-24T11:17:00.000-05:00

Since I last blogged THREE WEEKS AGO, (I know, I know) it has been non stop. It was time to take a day/night off. Our cruising group gets larger by the day as more friends come in. (when are you going to get here Jay, Nancy, William and Judy?)When we go to Sparky's Landing, Key's Fisheries, Dockside Bar and Grill, No Name Pub, Key West, etc. etc. we take over the place with twenty some cruisers. When we aren't going someplace, there's always a dock party somewhere on the dock at sunset. The weather has been perfect this year, and everyone is in a party mood. (why should this year be any different) Luckily, I have the mornings to do my boat chores. Trust me, I'm not complaining. It's has been a blast, and it will be that way until we head to the islands. Oh, did I tell you how many cruisers are planning on playing their way through the islands Mon? Our group has a name for the islands. "The Bahama Bums"
Hope you enjoy the pictures, and pass me a five hour energy.

September Song (from the Keys playpen) out
Bob

Stone crab claws and a shot to toast the sunset at the Keys Fisheries

Steve and Kim on Maya. (Two of the Bahama Bums) They will be following us for their first trip to the Islands. They are so excited.

Some of our DeFever cruisers group.

We always meet neat people while out. The lady in the center we met at Sparky's, (we rescued her purse) and we saw her again at The Keys Fisheries. That's her Mom and Dad with her. They cruised for many years and had to give it up. Heard some great stories. He says he misses it every day.

2012-01-24T11:16:00.000-05:00

A must do each year is the annual Nautical Flea Market. We always find something we didn't know we needed.

Tammy, I find out Steve is just like me when it comes to sweets. He said he would drive miles to get some of these little guys. we shared a bag of thirty. Hey, you never know when you will find them again!

I named this bird Bob.

A fun night with new cruising friends at Dockside for Jam Night.

2012-01-24T11:15:00.000-05:00

No Phred, you can't change partners now. Keep your eye on the ball Phred!

I think you need to check their score card, Tom.

What club do I use for this next shot?

2012-01-24T11:14:00.000-05:00

Happy hour at Sparky's Landing after the golf match. 25 cent wings, shrimp, laughs, and lies.

More of the group at Sparky's.

It takes three shots to get everyone in.

2012-01-24T11:13:00.000-05:00

Another dock party?

Everyone signed the table of BS.

Tom, That's not a finger dock outhouse! That's the toilet Bill took out today to install a new one, and hadn't taken it to the trash yet. OK, he really didn't use it, he just posed for me.

2012-01-24T11:12:00.000-05:00

Another beautiful sunset at the end of another fun day. Time for the dock party!

Katy, on "Floating Stone" coming into the dock. Welcome back Bob and Katy.

Another dock party?

Happy Birthday Bob! Thanks for another excuse for a party.

2012-01-24T11:11:00.000-05:00

Fun in Key West at Irish Kevin's with our musician friend Bil Krauss. Nice hat Bil.

I like your hat too Guy!

Yes, that's Stephanie on the stage. You had to be there!

Four of the "Bahama Bums" in Key West.

Only in Key Weird (West)

2012-01-24T11:09:00.000-05:00

I introduced Kim to Cigar Guy at Schooners Wharf. Gotta stop at Schooners for a cigar and the best wings in the world. He wanted to know when you were coming Rena and Jody!

I find out that this is a first for Kim. I think she likes vanilla!

She says "she likes them!" She wants one to go. We'll be back Kim, I promise.

Kim, with Michael McCloud's dog, Cinderella, that sleeps in his guitar case while he plays at Schooner's Wharf.

2012-01-23T19:58:00.020-05:00

Why did the chicken cross the road? (Duval Street) As William would say "I daknow"

Great music from Clint Bullard at Scott Kirby's Bar, The Smokin' Tuna Saloon.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T21:18:00.001-05:00

After we returned from our Key Weird Christmas in Key West with Doug and Tammy, it was time to take a couple of days off. It didn't take long to get back in the swing of things and get ready for a fun New Years Eve with 24 of our cruising friends at Dockside, the bar/ restaurant here at our marina. Cassie and Godiva have been so good about Mom and Dad spending a lot of time away from September Song partying, so it was time for some Mom and Dad time at the beach and snuggle time. They said thanks, and we were given the OK to go out again. "If we get treats when you get back!"
Well, the fun continues here in Marathon with our cruising friends with a pre-New Years party at Dockside, New Years Eve with 24 cruising friends, New Years Day dock party, and Sunday night jam session at Dock Side. Does it ever stop? I hope not.

September Song (Happy New Year) out
Bob

More cruising friends coming in. Dan and Kris came in on New Years Eve.

"Take us to the beach Mom and Dad!"

Godiva on a long chase.

2012-01-03T21:17:00.000-05:00

Happy girl!

Cassie on the hunt for fish.

Godiva loves to play catch.

2012-01-03T21:16:00.000-05:00

Another night of great music at Dockside.

The band dog. Jack. I don't know how he can sleep with a drum playing in his ear.

Dan, DAN!

2012-01-03T21:14:00.000-05:00

Mary is a special lady. She wasn't with our group, but is a regular at Dockside. She and her husband came to Marathon each winter. Her husband died a few years ago. She still comes to Marathon each season. She says she is looking for a 'good" male friend. She is such a fun lady. I hope she finds one.

Tony, the new owner, had fresh Maine lobster flown in for the party. YUM!

2012-01-03T21:13:00.000-05:00

This gal made it her mission to kiss every person at Dockside on New Years eve. I hope no one had a cold or the flu!

Phred's ready and willing!

Everyone was in a PARTY MOOD!

2012-01-03T21:12:00.000-05:00

Ok ladies!

We were all glad that it was a short walk back to our boats.

Not wanting the party to end, we all got together for a dock party on New Years Day.

Not wanting the party to end, we went to Dockside for Sunday Night Jam at Dockside. This is a friend of ours that plays a great sax.

2012-01-03T14:34:00.015-05:00

Our group on New Years Eve.

I'll kiss the one in the center at midnight..

Yep, yep, yep! That's the one.

2012-01-03T14:33:00.007-05:00

The last sunset of 2011 over the harbor in Marathon.

Key Weird Christmas

2011-12-28T14:02:00.002-05:00

OMG! What a blast we had with our great cruising friends, Doug and Tammy, (Gypsies in the Palace) on our second "annual" Key Weird Christmas in Key West.
We left Friday Morning to a beautiful day on the Atlantic for our trip to Key West. Doug and Tammy arrived late that afternoon, and it took us about an hour to say hello, stow their bags, and it was off to Schooners Wharf for happy hour, some wings, then off to our new favorite spot, The Smokin' Tuna.
Our good musician friend, Scott Kirby is part owner and plays great music at the Tuna.
The next day, Christmas Eve, was going to be a big day, late night, and early morning for us, (Christmas Eve and Christmas morning all meld together) so we decided to make it an early night, so just after midnight we headed back to September Song. Besides, I had major surgery and Stephanie had minor surgery scheduled at 10:00AM.
After our successful, and I might add beautiful, way cool surgery, it was time to start our Key Weird Christmas. Well, true to tradition, Christmas Eve and Christmas morning melded together. Key West is always in a party mood on Christmas Eve.
It was the day/night before Christmas, and all through the town, all the crazies were out, not a mouse to be found. All the ladies were dressed in their tiny Santa's helper suits, and as usual my camera in hand, not one was to be left out. Me with a Captain and Coke and Stephanie, Tammy, and Doug with a Coors Lite in hand, it was now time to party till well after midnight. Merry Christmas to all, and it was another Key Weird Christmas fun night.
I did remember to leave the anchor light on so Santa could find Cassie and Godiva, and I knew he had made it, because I saw him at Schooners, his last stop. Santa was too busy with all those Santa's helpers in their tiny red suits on his lap ("and what do you want for Christmas, big girl"), so I asked Rudolph, and he said thanks for leaving the light on, and sorry about what he left on the roof of the fly bridge, but he couldn't wait any longer.
We spent Christmas morning, well the other half of it, opening presents, enjoying a fabulous Christmas dinner made by chef Stephanie, then it was time to do it all over again. We started out at The Green Parrot for sound check, and ended up at Irish Kevin's for a wild and crazy Christmas night. Jeff Harris was playing, and he had the house rockin'. About a dozen of Santa's helpers decided to show us their Rudolph's with the pink noses. Sorry guys, my blog is still rated G. We got back to September Song after midnight again, and Cassie and Godiva were happy to see us. Note from Godiva..."Leave the gate open next time and we will go out on our own."
The next day (those five hour energy's work!) we started out at Schooner's for some great music, wings, and tuna apps, then on to the Raw Bar for oysters and rings with friends, then on to the Smokin' Tuna to meet up with a musician friend, Bil Kraus, and his wife, Elizabeth, who had just arrived in Key West. Bil plays at Irish Kevin's during the winter. His first time to play was the next day, but the four of us had to leave in the morning, (our livers won't stand for another night) so we won't get to hear him, but we will be back, I'm sure more than once. We have the Keys disease, and its incurable.
It has been a fun four day Key Weird Christmas with our great friends, Doug and Tammy, and it's always sad to say good-bye, but we will be together again soon, and hope we will be back again for our third annual "Key Weird Christmas."
Love you Guys!
We will miss you!
Thanks for sharing another Key Weird Christmas.

September Song (What a great Christmas) out
Bob
You may need to click on older posts to see all the pictures.

The weather was perfect for our trip to Key West. Nothing like a beautiful, warm, calm day out on the blue waters of the Atlantic.

Coming in the channel at Key West. I see some others are going to have a Key Weird Christmas.

2011-12-28T13:58:00.000-05:00

Who is that good looking couple in Key West? It's Doug and Tammy, headed to Paradise Tattoo with us for our Christmas presents.

Stephanie, in minor surgery.

Me, in major surgery.

2011-12-28T13:57:00.000-05:00

It will never be the same.

I've talked about it for years, now I did it. I love it! No regrets. I love it.

Call us crazy, but at our age, we can do what we want.

2011-12-28T13:56:00.001-05:00

Ready to start our Key Weird Christmas

A stop at the tuna to see our musician friend, Scott Kirby.

Key West chicken. They roam the town and are protected. Just don't go near Schooner's, Mr. chicken.

Now that's a van!

2011-12-28T13:56:00.000-05:00

One of our favorite stops. They asked where you were, Rena (AKA the oyster queen)

Scott Kirby, playing at the Smokin' Tuna.

Fun night with cruising friends at the Tuna.

2011-12-28T13:55:00.000-05:00

Santa, Santa! You've got work to do.

Great friends!

Cruising friends John and Shawna. They are starting a five year circumnavigation Thursday on their sailboat. Good luck Guys!

Another great musician at the Tuna.

2011-12-28T13:54:00.001-05:00

A couple of Santa's helpers.

Mrs's Santa's back porch.

Oh Santa!

Lots of Santa's helpers in Key West.

2011-12-28T13:54:00.000-05:00

Cassie, tearing into her present.

Another kid on Christmas morning. I forgot to crop out the Captain and Coke. (AKA the hair of the dog)

"Thanks Santa"

A fabulous Christmas dinner prepared by Chef Stephanie on the fly bridge. Good job honey!

2011-12-28T13:53:00.001-05:00

Palm trees and Christmas lights. Why would you want to be any place else?

Sound check at the Green Parrot with the Blue Vipers of Brooklyn

They don't look too bad for having so little sleep. "We can sleep when we get home, we're in Key West. Whooppee!"

2011-12-28T13:51:00.000-05:00

A couple of Santa's helpers, helping Jeff at Irish Kevin's.

Jeff brought this Santa's helper up on the stage. He bet her if he could sing a popular song with her name in it, Kendra, she would drop her top. I don't think there ever has been a song with the name Kendra in it. Well, Happy Birthday to Kendra. Sorry guys, my blog is still rated G. OK, G-.

You meet so many fun people. Mom is on the left. What a fun lady!

Are they having fun yet? I don't know what brand of beer the one on the right was drinking, but it made her top fall off. Sorry, still G-.

2011-12-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

OK, I can show you this one of the Bartender. G-.

The before. Can't show you the after.

I decided to take a seat at the table in front of the stage with these two guys. All-of-a sudden, I thought some one was trying to pick my pocket. Actually, the one on the left was just being friendly. OMG, was I surprised. I said it was nice to meet you, and headed back to our table.

She was our waitress and a fun girl, and took good care of us. She knows how to get a good tip!

2011-12-28T13:44:00.000-05:00

Great music from Raven and Bubba Lownotes, in Key West at Schooner's Wharf.

Still going strong on day four. Pray for our livers and pass the five hour energy!

Love those Schooner Wings.

We did some damage!

2011-12-28T13:43:00.000-05:00

HMMM! Belgian wings?

Fun on our last night at the Tuna. Scott got an iron from his wife for Christmas. We thought we would get him something to go along with it from us. Fabric softener and, well, you will need to ask us what the other was when you see us. We are so bad! Merry Christmas Scott.

Our Good musician friend Bil Kraus and his wife Elizabeth.

Fun last night at the Smokin' Tuna.

Whatcha doin?

2011-12-19T20:35:00.001-05:00

We have been busy now that we have settled into our winter season in the Keys, with fun with cruising friends, Decorating September Song for Christmas, boat parades, doctor's check ups, pigging out on Stone crab claws, playing with the dogs on the beach, CPR and first aid class, a trip to Key West, boat chores, and last, but not least, celebrating our anniversary. The weather has been great with highs in the upper 70's, and lows in the lower 70's. (don't hate me!) This week we will be busy getting September Song ready for our trip to Key West later this week for our Key Weird Christmas with Doug and Tammy. Pray for our livers! When we get back from Key West, more of our cruising friends will be coming in, and a big New Years Eve party is planned. Keep those prayers for our livers coming.
We have the Keys disease, and I think it is incurable.

September Song (see you in Key West) out
Bob

Stephanie, getting ready to do CPR on this poor guy.

Hay, how about some CPR on me! Well, on second thought...

I don't think we will need to know how to do CPR or defib a baby, but you never know.

2011-12-19T20:33:00.002-05:00

We love Key West. First stop, Schooners Wharf.

Santa with a boa.

Our bartender and Santa's helper. OH Santa!

Fun night and great music by the Massacoustics at our friend's bar in Key West, The Smokin' Tuna. We're smoking it, and it's legal.

2011-12-19T20:32:00.000-05:00

Phred, I think you have had too many margaritas.

This poor dog was so embarrassed.

Elvis Santa. "you have a merry little Christmas" I guess you had to be there.

A Key West Christmas tree.

2011-12-19T20:31:00.000-05:00

It's hard to keep the elves in the North Pole. Can you blame them!

Tom and Linda, sharing a stone crab claw at the Keys Fisheries.

We try not to think about all those poor crabs that gave their claws for us. Crabbers take one claw and throw them back. Not to worry, they grow a new one.

It's so great to be back in the Keys.

2011-12-19T20:30:00.000-05:00

Dockside Bar and Grill here at our Marina is alive and well.

You just never know, so I always have the camera ready. She was celebrating her birthday at Dockside. She decided to show us part of her birthday suit. Sorry guys, I had to change a couple of things to keep my blog from being X rated and to protect the not so innocent.

2011-12-19T20:29:00.001-05:00

September Song, all dressed up for Christmas.

2011-12-19T20:29:00.000-05:00

Dock party at the table of wisdom after the boat parade.

Yes, that's a boat.

No Santa, She can't sit on your lap.

A special day in our lives

2011-12-16T13:30:00.001-05:00

Today is a special day in our lives. Today is our anniversary. We have shared so much together as best friends, partners, and lovers.
I wanted to celebrate our lives together with a few of the many pictures we have.
It has been so great. My wish this holiday season, is that everyone can find a friend that is so, so special to you like my best friend, Stephanie, has been to me. When I think it can't get any better, it does. Our lives together have been fabulous, and the best is yet to come.
Happy anniversary my love!

September Song (I love you Stephanie) out
Bob

2011-12-16T13:29:00.000-05:00

2011-12-16T13:28:00.000-05:00

2011-12-16T13:27:00.001-05:00

2011-12-16T13:27:00.000-05:00

2011-12-16T13:26:00.001-05:00

2011-12-16T13:26:00.000-05:00

It's great to be back!

2011-12-10T10:24:00.001-05:00

We left Stuart and put the pointy end South to Marathon. Our first night we anchored out in Lake Worth, one of our staging spots for the Islands. (we will be back here in April) The next day, we poked our bow out to see how the seas were. It was a beautiful, calm, warm day on the Atlantic. It was so great to be able to do the outside to Miami, because if we had to do the ICW through this stretch, we would have to have 14 bridges open for us and most of them are timed and not on demand.
On the way to Miami, the last two hours, Stephanie said, "I can't believe your not fishing. Oh duh! After passing a boat fighting a sailfish, well, it's time to test the pole. About an hour later, FISH ON, FISH ON! I caught my first, I hope of many, mahi of the season.
We anchored out that night behind South Beach, where Stephanie's nephew Sean lives, and we met him for dinner. Great to see you Sean.
The next morning it was time to put September Song's bottom in Keys water. It was a beautiful, calm, warm day again, and it was so great to be cruising the Keys again. Yippee! It was time to put up our Conch Republic flag.
We anchored out again that night, enjoyed a delicious mahi dinner to celebrate being back in the Keys, and
the next morning, it was time for our final leg to Marathon. As we made our way into the channel at Marathon, it was like coming home. Friends saw us coming so they met us at the dock to catch our lines and welcome us back. A few hours later we were all headed to the Keys Fisheries for stone crab and a toast to the first of many sunsets in Marathon. Did I tell you, IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK IN THE KEYS!
We have been busy with fun stuff with friends, catching up on boat chores, decorating September Song for Christmas, and tonight is the Christmas boat parade. After the parade, there will be a big dock party at the Table of Wisdom here at the marina. Did I tell you, IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK!
I guess once you have caught the Keys disease, you never recover from it. Why would you!

September Song (IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK) out
Bob

Our last night in Stuart with Joe and Julia was fun, but sad because we won't see them until we cross to the Islands in April. They will be spending the holidays in NY, then back to Stuart and look for a weather window to cross to the Abacos in January where they will spend the winter.

This big guy looks like he is anchored out. NOT! He's stuck on a shoal.

We had a great weather window to cruise on the Atlantic to Miami. About two hours out of Miami, Stephanie said "why don't you throw out a line. About an hour later I had a dolphin (NO, not flipper) on. "FISH ON, FISH ON!

Ain't she beautiful. I know what we are having for dinner.

2011-12-10T10:24:00.000-05:00

Miami in the distance as we headed in. It was great to be able to go on the outside and miss the 14 bridges we would need to have opened, and it's so beautiful on the Atlantic. (When it's calm!)

The view coming in the inlet at Miami.

When we left Miami, we decided it was time to put up our Conch Republic flag.

Happy to be back!

2011-12-10T10:23:00.000-05:00

Friends met us at the dock in Marathon to catch our lines. After getting tied up, this big guy stopped by to welcome us back.

We hadn't been at our slip more than 30 minutes, and plans were made with friends to celebrate our return at the Keys Fisheries. Stephen and Pam are docked at Banana Bay, so we made plans to pick them up on the way. Pam (AKA the jello shot queen) showed up with celebratory jello shots. You are so bad!

Enjoying stone crab claws at the Keys Fisheries.

We love these little guys.

2011-12-10T10:22:00.000-05:00

Did I tell you we are HAPPY TO BE BACK!

The first night back wouldn't be complete without a walk up to Dockside Bar and Grill. Joe Mama was playing.

It's great to be back with our Marathon friends.

2011-12-10T10:21:00.001-05:00

You never know what will come by your slip. Keys people are creative when it comes to their boats.

December what? Did I tell you it's GREAT TO BE BACK! Thanks for the pool party Tom and Linda. The burgers were delicious and it was a fun day.

Did I tell you it's GREAT TO BE BACK!

I would gladly pay you next Tuesday for a hamburger today.

2011-12-10T10:21:00.000-05:00

A day of golf with Tom, Phred, and Richard. Did I tell you it's GREAT TO BE BACK!

Thursday night is prime rib night at Sparky's Landing in Key Colony. The best part of the night, other than enjoying it with friends, is that John Bartus, one of our favorite Keys musicians, plays there on Thursdays. It was the 31st anniversary of John Lennon's death. John did a great tribute set to John Lennon.

That works!

Fun at Sparky's!

I've been bad!

2011-11-26T08:45:00.001-05:00

I've been a bad boy! I have been a little lax about blogging this last couple of weeks. It's not that we haven't been doing lots of fun things, but it just seems that I lose track of time, and alot of the time I forget the camera. We had a great time in Cocoa, and it was great to see Doug and Tammy while we were there. While here in Stuart we have been doing lots of boat chores, visiting some old haunts, and had a great Thanksgiving at Rosie's, Julia's sister's house, with Joe, Julia, Jay, Nancy, and Rosie's daughter and her family. Our plan is to leave Stuart Monday and put the pointy end South to the Keys. We are looking forward to returning to the Keys, our winter playground. When we get back to the Keys, you will get alot more blogs. We are excited to have plans to take September Song to Key Weird (West) again for Christmas where Doug and Tammy (Gypsies in the Palace) will join us for our second annual Key Weird Christmas with them. Maybe Santa will bring us new livers. Be careful, if you come along, you may get the Keys disease.

September Song (let's go to the keys) out
Bob

A visitor to our dock left us a gift. The white spot to its left. Other left!

Cassie and Godiva, patiently waiting for their ice cream.

Yum! Do you think they are spoiled?

A nap is always great after a long walk and ice cream.

2011-11-26T08:43:00.000-05:00

Rosie's granddaughter. She entertained us with a magic show and a Thanksgiving dance.

Rosie's daughter and proud mom.

A rare picture of Jay without food in his free hand.

2011-11-26T08:42:00.001-05:00

Julia and her sister Rosie. Two special ladies.

It was all sooo good!

2011-11-26T08:42:00.000-05:00

Our favorite bartender Shawnie. Wahoo's closed, but we tracked her down at Sailors Return. She loves to squeeze Joe's limes.

Thanksgiving at Rosie's. She went all out to make it special for us.

From the look on Joe's face, he's up to something.

pulling the cork on a special bottle of wine.

2011-11-26T08:41:00.001-05:00

Flower for the ladies sir?

It's a long walk to the end of the Cocoa pier. Need to keep hydrated!

2011-11-26T08:41:00.000-05:00

Surfs up at Cocoa Beach.

Can't go to the Cocoa Pier without a stop at the Tiki Bar out at the end.

Joe, are you on the wagon?

Pier Bums.

2011-11-26T08:40:00.000-05:00

Julia, trying out one of her new fins.

Nice flipper Julia!

Joe, it's only cardboard.

Practicing for the air show in Cocoa.

A dog gone good day!

2011-11-09T17:29:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody, it's Cassie and Godiva, the September Song boat dogs. (we're the cute ones)
We haven't posted for awhile, and we thought you might like to hear from us.
It's been pretty much boring this last few weeks. Don't get us wrong, we love cruising, but we have only had a couple of chances to go swimming, and when we are at anchor we have to use the front deck rather than some good grass. We think Mom and Dad need to use the front deck and they would see what we are barking about. When we are at a Marina Mom and Dad take us for walks in town sometimes, but we have to be on a silly leash. One good thing good about going to town is we usually get ice cream and alot of people stop and pet us. Alot of the time it's just go to shore, do our business, (important business) then back to the boat. When we are at a marina, Mom and Dad go out alot at night. When they come back they are happy. I wonder what they do that is so much fun without us? How about taking us!
Well, this last Sunday we got to go to the park for "Woof It Up". It was really great! We got to meet tons of new friends, lots of new butts to smell, great treats, and Mom and Dad bought us some really good fresh baked treats to take home. This must be like when Mom and Dad go out at night, because we were really happy when we got home too.
Some of the stuff was kind of weird. People running in a circle with their dogs prancing like sissies, then some lady would feel their whole body, look at their teeth, then tell them to go around in a circle again. I don't know why they didn't have ball chasing or fish hunting.
We are at anchor tonight (gotta use the front deck again) and tomorrow we are headed for Stuart, FL. Do you think they will have a "Woof It Up"?

September Song Dogs (woofing it up) out
Cassie and Godiva

What a good looking guy!

I had to ask this guy where can I get one of these. I could do that.

We saw this puppy and thought it would be a good one for Stephen and Pam. We could help teach it how to fish and chase balls. Oh, and do its business on the front deck.

We met this foofoo dog in a stroller with a funny hat. Please don't make us wear a funny hat Mom and Dad!

2011-11-09T17:27:00.000-05:00

Hey buddy, that my sister!

Well, he is kinda cute, but SO BIG! Is he a horse or a dog?

I think my sister Cassie likes this guy. Kiss, kiss. Teehee!

Hey, that's how we say hello.

2011-11-09T17:26:00.001-05:00

He smells good. I think I like him. Wanna come see my boat?

Hey buddy, I thought you and I were a thing. I guess he just wanted to meet my sister.

OMG! So many friends to meet and so little time.

2011-11-09T17:26:00.000-05:00

It was a dog gone good day!

Where have you been!

2011-11-01T12:56:00.000-04:00

I know, I know, where have we been? When we last left you we were anchored out on Pungo Creek in North Carolina. Yesterday we crossed from Georgia into Florida after getting an OK from our insurance Company to cross a day early. We got the OK at 09:30 and we were under way by 09:45 from our anchorage behind Cumberland Island.
Where have we been you say! We have been exploring, playing, eating, drinking, and having a great time cruising with the pointy end South with cruising friends. Sorry I haven't blogged as often as I usually do, but every time I had some down time to blog, we were in an anchorage with limited Internet.
I'm not going to give you a long explanation. I will let the pictures do that. They may not be in perfect order, but you will get the idea.
You may need to click on older posts to see all the pictures, and there are a lot.

September Song (on the hunt for warmer weather. The butter is hard) out
Bob

Cocktail hour on Sea Pearl. Julia and Joe always have great cocktail hours.

DON'T SHOOT!

You never know what you will see when you are in this area of the ICW.

2011-11-01T12:55:00.000-04:00

A British sub docked at the Saint Mary's sub base dock.

A sailing school sailboat in our anchorage. (Spirit of Massachusetts)

You know you're in Florida when you start seeing the white pelicans. It was windy so they are all grounded.

2011-11-01T12:54:00.000-04:00

The tides here are 8 to 9 foot. This is the dock at High tide.

The shrimp boat off our stern at high tide.

The dock at low tide.

The shrimp boat at low tide.

2011-11-01T12:52:00.000-04:00

I don't think I will cut that corner!

It's hard to tell how big the sailboat in the picture is, but look at the trawler in front of it. W looked it up, and it is the largest single masted sailboat in the world. Mirabella V is over 247 feet long, over 48 feet wide, and the mast is 292 feet high. Can't get under any bridges we know!

Sunrise from our friends' dock where we stayed in Sunbury, GA.

2011-11-01T12:50:00.000-04:00

We love the farmers markets on Saturday when we find one. This one was in Charleston.

Steamed oysters anyone?

2011-11-01T12:49:00.000-04:00

We are in High Cotton now. Great night out and a wonderful Dinner with Joe and Julia.

Had to check out the bar before dinner.

Friday night the four of us drove to Morgan Creek bar and grill where our good friend Bil Kraus was playing. What a fun night.

2011-11-01T12:48:00.000-04:00

Making new friends.

But this is my best friend!

2011-11-01T12:47:00.001-04:00

Sea Pearl and Tides In in another beautiful anchorage.

Another beautiful sunset over the marshes while at anchor as we say goodbye to another great day on the water.

I think they buried people back then in the closest place outside the door. Didn't want to carry them too far.

Street hot dogs....Yum!

2011-11-01T12:47:00.000-04:00

One of our favorite bars in Charleston. A church converted into a bar.

Joe blessing himself before entering. Good Catholic boy.

Forgiving sins 12 ounces at a time. Amen

2011-11-01T12:45:00.001-04:00

Our ride to dinner in Charleston.

Our great friends and dinner partners Joe and Julia.

A fabulous dinner at a great Italiano restaurant including violin music by our waiter. What a special night.

This couple danced as the waiter played their favorite song.

2011-11-01T12:45:00.000-04:00

Sea Pearl and Tides In at anchor with us.

Wildlife along the ICW.

I think the birds like this dock. They keep it white washed.

Birdie, birdie, in the sky. You know the rest. The seagulls follow us and hunt the little fish and shrimp we stir up.

2011-11-01T12:43:00.000-04:00

September Song at anchor off the Waccamaw on Thoroughfare Creek

Exploring the creeks of the Waccamaw

2011-11-01T12:41:00.000-04:00

September Song docked at Deep Point Marina.

Dressed up for dinner at Bald Head Island. Ain't she beautiful!

We took the ferry from Deep Point Marina to Bald Head Island. No, Stephen didn't let me get by with a dinner with two gorgeous ladies. Someone had to take the picture.

2011-11-01T12:40:00.000-04:00

Golf Courses along the ICW in Myrtle Beach, NC.

Fall colors on the Waccamaw.

2011-11-01T12:39:00.000-04:00

Whenever we go past this home, this person, I don't know if it is a man or a women, so we will just call him/her Pat, is waving, dressed the same, and in the same spot each time.

No, it's not a country club. It's a home on the water.

While on the twisty turny Waccamaw, we met (had to move out of the way!) this train of dredge equipment.

Cocktail hour(s) on the aft deck of Tide In on a gorgeous afternoon at anchor on a creek off the Waccamaw

2011-10-31T19:43:00.002-04:00

She must have made a good play or a touchdown to get a pat on the butt.

Bil being Bil!

Don't ya just love it?

That chicken gets around.

2011-10-31T19:34:00.009-04:00

Hello little guy.

Whoopee! Bil is playing tonight in South Carolina. This is our good friend who plays at Irish Kevin's in Key West. See you in Key Weird Bil.

2011-10-31T17:42:00.020-04:00

The beach on the creek where we were anchored off the Waccamaw.

Fun at the beach with Cassie and Godiva

Godiva loves her ball.

2011-10-31T17:35:00.001-04:00

Another one of our favorite bars, The Back Street in Beaufort, NC. I went shopping with Stephanie and Pam while Stephen did boat chores and we decided to stop for a drink. (shopping makes you real thirsty) Guess who was there.....Stephen.

We see lots of eagles on the waterway. So beautiful!

I don't know where this was, but I'm sure we had a good time.

It's all about the people you meet

2011-10-08T08:15:00.000-04:00

In the last few weeks, we have met up with so many cruising friends, including Jeff and Karen Siegel. Jeff and Karen sing a song that says "it's all about the people that you meet." We have met so many people over our years of cruising. I don't know how many cruising friends and others we have met along the way, but in the last few weeks we have met up with, and cruised with a bunch of old friends, and some new ones. Jeff and Karen are right, "its all about the people that you meet." We are so blessed to be able to live the life we live, cruising on September Song, and the friends we make along the way.
We are anchored out tonight on Pungo Creek in North Carolina, where we anchored out during our first hurricane on September Song three years ago. I'm taking advantage of the quiet time to blog and reflect on all the good friends we have made, have had, and continue to have a great time with.

September Song (It's about the people that you meet) out
Bob

This guy needs a bigger fishing boat.

Salty, Joe and Julia's dog is too short to look over the sides, so he looks through the hawse holes. Cute!

Love the farmers markets.

2011-10-08T08:12:00.001-04:00

Kids will be kids!

Our good friends Jay and Nancy, made a side trip in their land yacht to be with us for a couple of days.

Thanks for making the side trip to be with us for a short visit. See you in Marathon.

2011-10-08T08:11:00.000-04:00

Julia, the queen of apps, outdid herself again. We had cocktail hour(s) on Sea Pearl. We never made it to dinner. Are you surprised?

Nancy explained what a fluffer does in a certain type of movie.

Next time you see Nancy, she will tell you the whole story. OMG! Only Nancy.
If you were there, Tammy, you would have peed you pants.

2011-10-08T08:10:00.000-04:00

When a container ship does a 180 in the channel, you get out of the way.

Peg leg Peep.

Navy ships across from our marina in Portsmouth under rehab and in dry dock.

2011-10-08T08:09:00.000-04:00

So many choices.

Back together again.

Our waiter and our chef from brunch yesterday joined us for a drink. "It's all about the people you meet."

2011-10-08T08:08:00.000-04:00

We stopped in Germany for a beer while out exploring Portsmouth.

September Song, Sea Pearl, and Tides In, docked at the free dock in Portsmouth, VA. We like free!

2011-10-08T08:07:00.000-04:00

Tides In finally caught up with us in Portsmouth, VA. While they were anchored out the night before, they met our cruising friends Ron and Janice on River Girl in the anchorage. Ron and Janice joined us the following night for dinner at a great restaurant in Portsmouth, and as always, when cruising friends get together, we had a great night with lots of laughs and catching up.

2011-10-08T08:06:00.000-04:00

When September Song, Tides In, and Sea Pearl left Portsmouth, we were in a traffic jam on the ICW. The weather has turned nice and everyone has put the pointy end South.

Ron and Janice on River Girl in the Great Bridge lock with us.

There were so many boats when we got to the Great Bridge Lock, there were several that had to wait for a second lock through. We could see from the lock that the Great Bridge free docks were already full, so I made a phone call to Atlantic Yacht Basin in Great Bridge and got the last three spots. I sure hope this huge group of boats spreads out soon.

My expert, and so beautiful line handler

2011-10-08T08:04:00.000-04:00

Our great friends Dave and Penny drove over to Coinjock, where the three South bound boats were docked, and joined us for dinner. Dave and Penny sold their boat (Stormy) last year, but still remain great friends, and we get together with them whenever we come through.

Captain Morgan isn't looking too good tonight. Too much Captain and not enough Coke.

Dinner at Coinjock. Delicious prime rib, (try the 32 oz) tons of laughs, and just a good time with great friends.

It was great to see you, Dave and Penny.

Anchored out

2011-09-28T18:14:00.000-04:00

We have been anchored out on a beautiful creek off Mobjack Bay for the last three days. When I last blogged, we were anchored on the Corrotoman. We left the Corrotoman, went into the city docks in Urbanna for one day, (had to have an old fashioned root beer float at the old drug store soda fountain) went back out to our anchorage on the Corrotoman for a couple more days, then cruised about 50 miles to the anchorage we are in off Mobjack Bay. While we were back on the Corrotoman, good cruising friends Steen and Trudy Baerentz(Shenanigans) invited us over to their new home, about a mile from our anchorage, for the afternoon and dinner. What a beautiful home in the hills on eight wooded acres on the Corrotoman. They still own Shenanigans and will cruise from time to time, but Trudy wanted a place for a garden. We told them they should just buy a barge to tow behind their boat for Trudy's garden, but she wanted ground that didn't move. (Maybe Virginia isn't a great choice! Remember the earthquake?) Thanks guys for a great time and a wonderful dinner. It was so good to see you again. hope to see you in Florida this winter.
While we have been anchored out, we have been enjoying the quiet beauty, taking naps, playing with the girls at the beach, exploring, and catching jumbo blue crabs.
We needed to rest and relax for a few days before putting the pointy end South and playing our way down the coast to the Keys.We probably won't have much time to anchor for days at a time like we do here on the Chesapeake until we are in the Islands this coming spring.
We will leave our anchorage tomorrow morning and cruise to Hampton, VA, where we will meet up with Joe and Julia on Sea Pearl. (let the party begin!) They left New York last week and have been steaming our way. Jay and Nancy (Serendipity) are traveling in their land yacht for the summer and will meet us there also. (now the party can really begin!!) We left Stephen and Pam on Tides In in Washington two weeks ago and they will be catching up with us also. (we hope they make it in time) After a three day kick off party in Hampton, the three boats will put the pointy ends South, (Keys here we come) and like all snow birds, (it is going to be in the 40's here Sunday morning) we will flock together, and "get the flock out of here" before the snow flies and the butter gets too hard to spread.

September Song (ready to play our way South) out
Bob

Footprints in the sand. The one on the left is Godiva's. That was a big bird on the right!

Godiva, Taking her daily roll in the sand at the beach.

A dog and her best friend.

Those of you who know Cassie know she loves to hunt fish. Well, she hasn't given up yet. Make sure your volume is on.

2011-09-28T18:10:00.000-04:00

Enjoying the afternoon with Steen and Trudy on their screen porch at their beautiful home nestled in the woods.

What a great dinner we had. These are the pork loins Steen prepared perfectly on the grill. Notice the flags. Steen is from Denmark. Steen said these are Denmark pork loins.

Thanks guys, we had a great time catching up.