09 Mar 2009 0335 hrs GMT 2335 hrs local
Lat 24º 37.53' N Long 82º 52.214' W
At anchor Dry Tortugas, FL SSE Ft Jefferson
Wind 11.1 knots E by ESE
Sea State – 1' - Beaufort 5
Air Temp 73.11F Barometer 30.22
Clear
Up at 0530 hrs on our final day linked to the US mainland. Begin final prep for departure, check courses, short haul the anchor chain for a quick release, verify all systems. Main engines star at 0730 hrs. All systems online by 0745 hrs. Looks like a go.
Ralph and Barbara arrived in their boat shortly after sunrise. After transferring them and there gear aboard we secured Ralph’s Cobia behind Second Star and broke the anchor free at 0810 hrs. With the main engines engaged we were now officially “underway, making way”. Almost nine of work was coming to fruition.
While Harry and Ralph secured the anchor I maneuvered Second star out of the anchorage and into the main ship’s channel south past the end of Key West. When aeon joined me on the bridge I handed the helm over to her with course and heading instructions. An emotional moment that would reoccur several more times during the day.
At the northern sea buoy we took up a course or 271º, due W that would take us just N of the Marquesas the a turn slightly S to the Dry Tortugas. The day was beautiful with a following sea and fair winds we rolled along at 7 knots. Along the way were escorted by various pods and solitary dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles lolled on the surface heads raised to watch us pass, even a very large spotted eagle leapt from the surface of the sea at our passing.
As we moved along W I made calls to family to say goodbye, before we reached the limits of cell phone range. A very emotional time for me. It made me reflect on earlier times communication across distance was not so convenient or instantaneous. I tried to imagine what it must have been like when a letter took six months to get from NY to San Francisco. Made being out of touch for 5 or 6 days seem okay.
The Dry Tortugas showed up on radar just after 1700hrs and came into visual range shortly thereafter. The approach to the anchorage is a tortuous one for first timers. It actually winds around 360°. Once inside we worked our way to an clear spot and set the hook. We have arrived with main engine shutdown just after 1930 hrs local.
A beautiful evening with sunset and moonrise. Aeon and Barb made fresh gulf shrimp enchiladas. All in all a very fulfilling and wonderful day that official begins the journey.
Appendum: 10 March 0730 hrs local
The wind picked up over night and anchorage got a little roily. So about 0200 hrs I got up and set the radar watch. About 40 minutes later I got up again because I heard someone on deck. It was Ralph. He was on the aft deck . As joined him he said “my boat is gone” and he was right. It must of just come lose because it was about 50 yards aft and drifting through the anchorage towards the fort. I roused the crew to an emergency launch of the tender. With real efficiency everyone fell to the task and within 15 minutes the tender in the water and Ralph and I were on the way to retrieve the Cobia. I am sure Ralph’s heart was in his throat as we moved towards his anchor light in the dark. We found the Cobia, sitting bow upon the beach waiting for us. We attached a line to the stern and Ralph jump aboard. With a couple a tugs she was free and on her way back to Second Star. A very interesting interruption to sleep.
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This began many years ago for Johne. Somewhere along the way, he decided that someday he would have a boat and sail around the world. Through the years bits and pieces of the dream have changed, but the one thing that has remained the same was the desire to see the world from the deck of a boat. In July of 2000 the opportunity presented itself. Johne found a boat in Florida that was literally a "fire sale." The galley had caught fire and destroyed the housing, but the potential was there. Johne and Susie made the leap. They bought the boat and moved from Reno, NV to Ft. Myers, FL. Immediately they began the process of tearing down the old and rebuilding the new. By December of that year, all that was left, was a good, solid hull. For the past several years, Johne has build Second Star almost entirely by hand. Built with love and fueled by desire. Now that the construction has nearly reached completion we would like to share our dream with you. Please join us as we head out for the adventure of a lifetime.
What's in a name? It is supposed to be bad luck to rename a boat. In this case, however, the old boat died, and a new boat has reemerged from the ashes. "Second Star" comes from a quote, "second on the right and straight to morning." Recognize it? It is Peter Pan's directions to Neverland.
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This began many years ago for Johne. Somewhere along the way, he decided that someday he would have a boat and sail around the world. Through the years bits and pieces of the dream have changed, but the one thing that has remained the same was the desire to see the world from the deck of a boat. In July of 2000 the opportunity presented itself. Johne found a boat in Florida that was literally a "fire sale." The galley had caught fire and destroyed the housing, but the potential was there. Johne and Susie made the leap. They bought the boat and moved from Reno, NV to Ft. Myers, FL. Immediately they began the process of tearing down the old and rebuilding the new. By December of that year, all that was left, was a good, solid hull. For the past several years, Johne has build Second Star almost entirely by hand. Built with love and fueled by desire. Now that the construction has nearly reached completion we would like to share our dream with you. Please join us as we head out for the adventure of a lifetime.
What's in a name? It is supposed to be bad luck to rename a boat. In this case, however, the old boat died, and a new boat has reemerged from the ashes. "Second Star" comes from a quote, "second on the right and straight to morning." Recognize it? It is Peter Pan's directions to Neverland.
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