Raindrops keep falling on my head

Naples, 7:39 AM

Can you name that artist, without the help of Mr. Google? Here’s a few of the familiar lyrics:

So I just did me some talking to the sun
And I said I didn’t like the way he got things done
Sleeping on the job
Those raindrops are falling on my head, they keep fallin’

Actually, we need more rain. Lake O is so low, we can’t cross it, forcing us to take the long way around. And Canada is on fire, again. So bring on the rain!

Buttercup hates the sound of thunder. Recently she figured out how to climb onto the bed. Game over.

We waved goodbye to Tonto’s Reward at the Lauderdale Yacht club. They are heading north via the east coast of Florida, while we are heading back to Fort Myers via the west coast of FL.

There is a BIG bridge in Fort Lauderdale, when it is open it appears the architect/engineer wanted to signal it’s all okay!

Coral Reef Yacht Club, Miami

Exhale returned to Coral Reef Yacht Club, which was closed on Monday.

Security – I mean cat – Guards kept an eye out.

Here’s a fun boat name, look at that transom, it’s the image of a devilish sting ray spearing a hogfish – for Tom and Faye Turke!

Key Largo

Departing Coral Reef before sunrise we were headed to Pilot House marina, Key Largo, roughly 50 nautical miles (nm), that’s a 7-hour run at roughly 7 knots.

Miami – Coconut Grove, 6:00 AM

the sun peaks through

6:01 AM, just a hint of light in the clouds

Yes, Capt Rick is amazing, and yes, it helps to have reliable Garmin instruments.

Capt Rick, navigating before sunrise, 6:05 AM

Buttercup was not interested in the early start – If she could talk I think she would say, “sleeping is what should be happening right now.”

A little Lighthouse for Caryl

Miami-Dade County, Tuesday, 7:01 AM

Marathon, Florida

Departing before sunrise, again. The run from Pilot House to Faro Blanco in Marathon was 56 nm. It’s still dark out at 6:06 AM

Vaca Key, 6:06 AM

Good planning Capt Rick, as the sun rose we could see the water conditions were smooth, so far. Oh yes, here comes the sun!

Monroe County, Friday July 17, 7:11 AM

Naples City Dock

Another run in the rain, we left Faro Blanco at 6:00 AM, headed to Naples City Dock for a 94 nm run. That’s 12.5 hours for us. UGH!

Smooth waters, for now, Dave Lubs. While I was running the boat Capt Rick took a nap, Buttercup decided to share his pillow. Let there be no doubt who that dog loves the most. Sorry Pamela.

nap time for the Admiral

Final leg – Naples to Fort Myers

Ready to be back on Wittman – looking forward to seeing Libby! We pulled off the dock at 7:45 am. The final run was 37 nm.

Naples, Saturday July 18, 7:59 AM

Yes, there was more rain! About that 1969 song, Written by Burt Bacharach, BJ Thomas recorded Raindrops are Falling on My Head. Click here to listen to this moldy oldy!

Fort Myers, FL

Happy to be back, we tied up Exhale at our home dock on Saturday, July 18.

What’s Next? We have a few Air and Land Trips planned to see family in Cleveland, Los Angeles, and Alaska – where cooler weather awaits!

Celebrating Milestones

Birthdays: July 22, Ray Houle, Julie Hildebrand; July 26, Barry Hildebrand; July 28, Diana Giraldo; August 3, Carly and Andrea; August 4, Weston Straley; August 6, Tanja Elliott is 45; August 19, Julia Goral and Alisha Silverstein.

Anniversary: July 22, Matt and Michele; July 26, Larry and Laura; August 19, Danielle and Sandra celebrate 10 years.

August 2, Celebration of Life for Mike Gillespie