Jim and I had a mutual deal when we bought our Ranger Tug R29S, we would up-size from our six-year-old R27 (sold in 2017) and buy and keep a Ranger Tug R29S for two years. Before we decided to sell the R27, we had a decision to make – it was time to either sell her and try something else or keep her for the rest of our boating days. We both agreed it would be fun to try something new. It was one of the best decisions we’ve made together, as boaters.

The R29S is roomier than the R27, we were pleased to find it more stable too. Jim and I acknowledged the increased visibility right after we took possession. Any initial concerns about trailering a bigger boat were short-lived. We never hesitated to continue our trailering lifestyle in the USA and Canada with the bigger R29S.

We are on the boat in the Seattle area. Let us know if you are interested.
Email us: info@trailertrawlerlife.com

Well, two years turned into three in the blink of an eye.

We had so much fun trailering the new Kismet R29S from the Pacific Northwest to Michigan, after taking delivery in Des Moines, WA, and subsequently trailering her home; we’ve trailered her from Michigan to Florida, twice; also to Canada’s historic canal system, the Trent Severn Waterway and the Rideau Canal in 2018 and Canada’s North Channel, in 2019; we spent this summer cruising in the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound since our original plan, of cruising to Alaska, could not happen because of COVID-19 border closures. Now, we have made the very hard decision to keep to our agreement and sell her while in the PNW.

We’ve had three exceptional years on this boat. No; we are not getting out of boating, just reevaluating and tweaking our boating lifestyle as we do every so often. We’ve enjoyed our R29S for three years and have taken excellent care of her.

Kismet is a LUXURY EDITION model in HERO RED and comes with a trailer and many extras. She is in LIKE NEW condition!

SEE MORE PHOTOS BELOW FOR SPECS

Check out the Ranger Tug R29S on the Ranger Tugs Website

We are on the boat in the Seattle area. Let us know if you are interested.
Email us: info@trailertrawlerlife.com

FULL SPECS:

SEE MORE PHOTOS BELOW FOR SPECS

HULL SHAPE: Semi-Displacement
COLOR: Hero Red

DIMENSIONS
LENGTH:    28’ 10”
LOA:    33’4”
BEAM:    10’
DRAFT:    2’ 4”
BRIDGE CLEARANCE:    13’ 11” (mast up)
BRIDGE CLEARANCE:    9’ 11” (mast down)
DRY WEIGHT:    10,500 lbs
ENGINE:    VOLVO PENTA – D4-300 HP, Inboard diesel
YEAR BUILT:    2018 Model, Built in 2017
ENGINE HOURS:    500 Hours
(Serviced at Manufacturers Recommended Intervals Since Purchased Last Serviced Sept. 4, 2020)
CRUISE SPEED:    8-14 MPH
MAX SPEED:    20 MPH
GENERATOR:    250 Hours
(Serviced at Manufacturers Recommended Intervals Since Purchased Last Serviced-Sept. 4, 2020)

TANK CAPACITIES
FUEL: 145 US GAL
WATER: 60 US GAL
HOLDING: 40 US GAL

PERFORMANCE
Bow and Stern Thrusters
Full-color Electronic Engine Control Display
Single Lever, Electronic Shift and Throttle Control
Trim Tabs

BOAT FEATURES
Anchor Locker
Bow Pulpit w/Beaching Ladder
Electrical Panels AC/DC
Forward Line Storage
Folding S.S. Mast for Trailering
Fuel Flow Data Display
Powered Engine Hatch
Rod Holders
Seawater Strainers
Sport Racks
Swim Step w/Built-in Fenders and S.S. Swim Ladder
Washdown System, Raw Water
Windlass w/Bow and Helm Controls

CONVENIENCE
Cabin Heater (Engine)
Cockpit, Reversible Transom Seat
Double Wide, Reversible Helm Seat
Dinette – Converts to Bed (Sleeps 2), High/Low Table
Fold-out Cockpit Seats
Inverter – 2000w, PSW
Microwave
Outlets 110V (5)
Power Outlets, 12V, Port and Stbd Side, Cockpit, Midship Cabin
Refrigerator/Freezer – Galley 12V
Refrigerator/Freezer – Cockpit 12V
Stove (2-burner)/Oven, Propane with box, and (2) tanks
Wine/Water Cooler 12V (6 bottles)

SAFETY
Diesel Power
Co Monitors (2), 12V
Courtesy Lights, Cockpit Entry Steps, Swim Steps, and Walkways
Dual Trumpet Electric Horn
Illuminated Compass
Navigational Lights w/Light Boards
Spotlight w/Remote
VHF Radio, Garmin w/Antenna, DSC Capable
Window Defrosters

ENTERTAINMENT
Entertainment Center – Master Stateroom w/22” TV/DVD
Entertainment Center – Salon w/22” TV/DVD
Fusion Stereo System – Speakers (8), Bluetooth (Controllable Through Garmin GPS)

CONSTRUCTION
Bonded Electrical System
Bronze Rudder, Propeller, and Thru-hulls
Fiberglass Cockpit Lines, Self-bailing w/Non-skid
Fiberglass Stringer
S.S. Cleats, Rails, Ext. Hardware
Sunbrella Fabrics
Teak and Holly Cabin Sole
Vinylester Barrier Coat (hull)

LUXURY EDITION INCLUDED FEATURES
AIS 300
Air Conditioning/Reverse Cycle Heat
50’ HT Chain, 200’ Line
AGM Batteries
Autopilot, Garmin w/Remote
Generator, Diesel w/Sound Shield
LED Lights
Macerator Discharge
Navigation Package – Garmin 7612, 4KW HD Radar Dome, GPS Antenna, Depth/FF
Swim Platform Rails
Safety Kit
Solar Panel, 145 Watt w/Control Panel
Thruster Wireless Remote
Underwater Lights

OWNER ADDED OPTIONS
Cockpit Bimini
Dinghy – Inflatable RIB 290 CSM Hypalon
Dinghy 3-GAL Portable Fuel Tanks and Hose
Weaver Davits and Stand-offs
Dinghy Motor – Yamaha F6, 4 Stroke, Storage Bracket
EZ Loader Trailer – Aluminum Triple Axle w/Alloy Wheels, Electric, Hydraulic Brakes
Trailer Spare Tire
Dinghy Weaver Wheels – For Shore Landing Ease and Safety
Rocna 15 Anchor – Standard Bruce Anchor also Included
Factory Bottom Paint
Volvo 5-year Extended Coverage – 2 Years Remain and Is Transferable
Blackwater Tank Charcoal Filter
Victron Energy Battery Monitor
Pro Mariner Pro Safe FS60 – 60 AMP Galvanic Isolator
Bow Seats – Stowable

We are on the boat in the Seattle area. Let us know if you are interested.
Email us: info@trailertrawlerlife.com

The post KISMET FOR SALE – 2018 RANGER TUGS R29S LUXURY EDITION – $230,000 appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

Call us Snowboaters or Boaterhomers – Using Our Boat On Land And Water! –

We’re certain you’ve heard of the term “Snow Birds.” Southern Boating just coined a new boating-related term for what the crew of Kismet has been doing for over seven years. “Snowboaters!” We also like to reference our over-land adventures by saying we are “Boaterhomers.”

Whatever the term you use to describe what we do regularly, as a lifestyle choice, it’s working for us in a big way. Using our trailerable boat as both a land vehicle and a water vessel provides us with some amazing flexibility in our adventures. Not only on water but on land too!

To read the article, click on the screenshot below…
OR CLICK HERE

To read more posts by Trailer Trawler Life on their adventures as Snowboaters/Boaterhomers,
CLICK HERE.

The post Snowboaters Paradise – Kismet Featured in Southern Boating Magazine! appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

Lovers Key, at New Pass Inlet, South of Fort Myers Beach,
is a Wonderful Anchorage Surrounded by Two State Parks –

This is a place we “LOVE” to return to. After a brief stay at Salty Sams, in Fort Myers Beach, we followed Matanzas Pass south, past Ostego Bay. We then crossed Big Carlos Pass on our way to this anchorage between Lovers Key State Park and Pelican Landings Beach Park. We anchored in six feet of water, with the Dog Park (part of the Lovers Key State Park) to our north. The beach park was west of us and the opening to the Gulf, New Pass Inlet was between the two. It was Saturday, and by the time we arrived the place was full of weekend activity. Dogs were running and playing in the dog park. Many boats beached on the shore. Ferry boats hauled people back and forth to the parks all day long. Plenty of boating activity all around us.

By mid-afternoon, however, boats slowly began to depart. By sunset, we had the ENTIRE New Pass, Lovers Key Pelican Beach area to ourselves… just as we had planned.

We spent a peaceful night on the hook, watching the sunset over the white sand beach, as we caught a sliver of setting sun through New Pass, looking west into the Gulf of Mexico. Day two started with Kismet standing sentinel in the bay, all alone. We enjoyed the early morning peace and quiet, enjoying our coffee and breakfast as the crescendo of the busy day ahead slowly unfolded. Just like the previous day, small boats stirred up the cove, and dogs noisily played on the beach.

By mid-day, one could hardly find a place to beach-land a boat. The Dog Park has as many dogs frolicking in and out of the water as there were boats. Then, as the day wore on, it was as if someone set off a timed alert. Boats started to migrate back to their home docks around 3:00 pm and by 6:00 pm, we again had the entire place to ourselves again.

Spending another peaceful night at anchor also meant the Gulf was calm and flat so, just as planned, we were able to venture out of New Pass early in the morning, making our way to the next planned stop, Marco Island.

The post Lovers Key – Party Central During the Day, Quiet and Peaceful at Night appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

The first Stop After the Flotilla to Cayo Costa is Roosevelt Channel –

One of the fun parts of cruising, and anchoring, is discovering new places to throw the hook. Kismet is beginning the slow process of heading down to the Keys. On this morning, we left Cayo Costa State Park, after anchoring with the flotilla of tugs for two nights in Pelican Bay. Our destination is Roosevelt Channel, off Captiva Island, next to the Buck Key Preserve and Patterson Island Preserve.

We were buddy boating on this day with the crew of Liberty, another Ranger Tugs R29S, heading to Roosevelt Channel off Captiva Island. We also had company (below) join us on the boat during lunchtime, think it was the tuna salad he was interested in, more than a boat ride.

Look who we bumped into at the head of the channel, Miss Norma, as in Driving Miss Norma fame, Norma’s son, Tim, and his wife, Ramie are taking a page from Miss Norma’s book and having an excellent adventure of their own, doing the Great Loop boat trip.

We actually, very briefly, met the owners of this red-hulled Ranger Tugs F29S, in Charlevoix, Michigan during our 2017 Great Lakes Ranger Tugs/Cutwater Boats Rendezvous – Charlevoix, MI, when they were buying the tug, it was just like our Ranger Tug. We buzzed their boat, but unfortunately, the crew was not onboard. It sure is a small world!

After we all got settled into the anchorage and watched the resident dolphin make his rounds, we hopped in the dinghy, picked up Ethan and Tammi, on Liberty, and went for a ride up the channel to check out Buck Key and Patterson Island Preserves.

The crew of Liberty, anchored just ahead of us in the channel, are from California. They have sold their home there and are currently living on their boat while doing the Great Loop.

Pretty low-key Valentine’s Day for us this year. However, I have to say, whenever anchored out in a peaceful spot with my man, cool drinks, and some soothing music – we seem to have many romantic evenings on the hook.

The post Valentine’s Day in Roosevelt Channel with My Sweetie– Captiva Island, Florida appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

Christening Kismet – Christening is a Ritual
Started by Seafarers Thousands of Years Ago –

We finally got the boat graphics installed on Kismet – time to christen her. Christening, or naming ceremonies, were meant to bring good luck to new vessels and those who sailed on them. The tradition of christening goes back to the early days of boating – thousands of years ago.

Viking ships were marked by the spilling of blood in early rituals. In the Middle Ages, religious shrines were placed on ships and a libation of wine was offered as the vessel hit the water. Wine became a substitute for the earlier practice of a blood sacrifice, consequently, for good luck and a safe voyage, wine was poured on the deck to appease King Neptune.

Ancient seafaring peoples, rimming the Mediterranean, launched their ships with rituals having religious overtones. These practices, varying in form as nations and cultures evolved through the centuries, have carried over to the present christening and launching ceremonies.

Some interesting christening facts…

The Titanic was never christened! The USS Arizona, sunk by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, was christened with water rather than wine or champagne. Both examples ended with bad luck, certainly nothing we’d ever want to come close to while cruising on Kismet.

7 Most Common Superstitions of Seafarers

So with all that that said, we’ve asked some of our boating friends to join us today to help christen the Lady, Kismet.

We have christened most of our boats.
Our last Ranger Tug was christened in downtown Portland, Oregon.

Today We Come to Name this Lady… Kismet

For thousands of years, we have gone to sea.
We have crafted vessels to carry us
and we have called them by name.
These ships will nurture
and care for us through perilous seas,
and so we affectionately call them “she.”
To them, we toast, and ask to celebrate… Kismet.

To the Cruisers of old… to Kismet

The moods of the sea are many, from tranquil to violent.
We ask that this ship be given the strength to carry on.
The keel is strong and she keeps out the pressures of the sea.

To the cruisers of old… to the Sea!

Today we come to name this lady Kismet,
and send her to sea to be cared for,
and to care for the FAVORS family.
We ask the cruisers of old
and the mood of God that is the sea
to accept Kismet as her name,
to help her through her passages,
and allow her to return with her crew safely.

To the cruisers before us… to Kismet.

The post Today We Come to Name this Lady… Kismet appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

Our long-range plan last year was to spend the winter in Florida this year. After hauling the new Kismet across the country last fall, we put her away in a storage building in Sidney, Ohio for a three-month winter’s nap. We like to be home with our family for the holidays and always leave northern Michigan after the new year. It would be tough, due to ice and snow conditions, to leave Traverse City with a 10.500-lb boat behind our truck. Ohio is a little safer bet. Even if it is in the throws of a storm, we’d be out of it within a day, driving south.

We stored our boat in this same building just last year. It is the perfect spot for us due to it being so close to Jim’s mom’s house, just off I-75.

After three days of successful trailering to Fort Myers, Florida, we launched Kismet at the downtown ramp. Then cruised less than a quarter-mile to her berth at Legacy Harbour Marina, our home for most of January. It was great to be back on the water again.

Legacy has been our home for parts of the winter for many of the past 10 years. It feels like home to us, knowing the staff and returning boating friends who return yearly or are permanent liveaboards. Downtown Fort Myers is only a short walk from the marina and there is always something festive going on. While we were there we attended Bike Night, a car show, an art show, a jazz fest, a Martin Luther King celebration, a weekly farmers market, and a Celtic Music Festival.

As we’d only been on the new Kismet for two months while out in Seattle, we still had many projects to address and stuff to assimilate once we unloaded the truck and provisioned the boat. Documentation numbers needed to be applied, Kismet signage designed, ordered, and installed, and there were also porthole and vent covers to make.

Many of Our Looper Friends Have Settled in the Fort Myers Area

One aspect of returning to the same place year after year is not to be ignored – there are many social gatherings to look forward to with our many friends in the area. A lot of boaters we did our Loops with have settled into either a liveaboard boat, condos, or homes in the Fort Myers/Cape Coral area. I guess it is easy to see why it feels like a second home to us here.

We arrived in Fort Myers mid-afternoon but had to wait a few hours for the tide to rise so that the ramp would be deep enough to launch the boat.

The flu bug intervened to put a damper on the first week of our winter in Florida.

All snug in our slip, right across from Joe’s Crab Shack (above)

Had to share this shot I took of Lisa, this sort of sign is just an invitation for her to explore (above-right).
We found a vendor at the Farmer’s Market who made the very best souvlakis we’ve ever tasted (above-left).

And the chores begin…

Our good friends Cheryl and Rich, on Roam, visited us for a few nights at the marina.

IMPROMPTU LOOPER REUNION
When Patsy and Rick unexpectedly arrived at Legacy Harbour Marina we did what Loopers usually do… Happy Hour onboard Kismet!

We were able to meet up with our Looper friends Charlie and Linda (below), Brad and Patty, and Andy and Mary (above). Interestingly those three Looper couples were all docked together at Sea Spray Marina in the Abacos in 2008. My point is that when one makes a friend on the water, we tend to remain friends long-term.

Carol (above), a friend from home, came to the boat for an afternoon visit.

In between prepping Kismet for cruising, socializing, and attending downtown activities, we were able to get away from the marina to anchor out for a few hours. About once a week during our stay at Legacy Harbour Marina, we’d leave the marina mid-day and head across the Caloosahatchee River to our favorite local anchorage, which we’ve come to name… “Kismet Cove.” We are typically the only ones ever anchored there. Spending a whole month at a marina without venturing out is hard for us to do. This was our solution.

The post Kismet is Wintering in Florida – Palm Trees, Dolphins and Beach Walks for the Crew! appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

We Decided to Secure the Oversize Load Permits Ourselves –

There are many things in life I enjoy, two of those things are saving money and learning. In this spirit, I forged ahead with the Oversize Load permit process one has to go through when traveling on highways with an oversized load. I looked forward to learning how it works, as well as saving money by doing it myself.  If you are trailering a load, that is wider than 8 1/2 feet, you have to get an oversize/wide load permit from every state and each Canadian Provence you’ll be traveling through. You can do this yourself or pay a company to obtain the permits. Each has advantages, obviously, if you do it yourself you’ll save money. In either case, you need to gather the same data to provide to each State/Province government agency. Your planned route, dates of transit, trailered measurements and weights, insurance information, state registration information, and more, depending on the government unit.

Physically there are a few things you’ll need
to display on the tow vehicle and trailer unit.

An oversize load” banner needs to be secured to the front of the truck and back of the boat as well as two red flags. The flags should be placed at the widest parts of each side of the boat. Oversize load permits vary in price with each state, we’ve paid between $10.00 to $60.00 for the 12 one-time permits we’ve purchased to date. One-time permits are for 5 to 15 days, depending on the State, are date specific and each state has its own rules regarding what day of the week, time of day, holiday, and weather dos and don’ts. Whether you obtain the permits yourself or purchase them through a permit company you’ll need to study, understand, and obey every state’s laws you’ll be traveling through.

If you have the time and like to save money, obtaining the permits on your own is worthwhile, once you get past the learning curve. If it’s not a consideration, because you don’t want or need the experience. Hiring an approved “Permit Company” will save you time, but keep in mind you’ll pay an upcharge for their service. Lastly, I’d point out one has the option to purchase annual permits. This may be beneficial for your home state or a state you’ll be transiting through on a regular basis. An important part of this exercise is to calculate which is better for your trailering plans. We did this for Ohio, where we knew we’d be traveling through 3 times within 12 months.

Thinking of trailering an oversize load? This is a good place to start…
U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration.

Finally, we relaxed and enjoyed the trip!

By the time we stored Kismet in Ohio for her three-month nap, we had experienced everything but snow during our six-day cross-country travel. There were no mishaps or problems at all trailering this bigger boat. With each passing day the initial apprehension, of trailering an oversize load, slipped away. Finally, we were able to relax and enjoy the road trip.

Sometimes you see some interesting stuff while driving cross-country.

Crossing the Continental Divide. Lots of bugs on our trip!

Due to traveling later in the season, we did not boater home at all during this trip. Also, we forgot to bring our small, portable, heater with us. So, we stayed at motels along the way. We always check with motels ahead of making reservations, to make sure they have appropriate parking for our oversize load. This one, in Wyoming, was perfect for our truck and trailer. In addition, we were able to walk, just down the hill, to a fantastic restaurant (below).

We stopped at all truck weigh stations on our route. Most were either closed or just waived us through. If they stopped us, we asked what the protocol was for their state. One time while stopped at a Rest Area, we were approached by a State Police officer, no problem, he just wanted to check our papers.

Our end route was Sidney, Ohio – where my mother lives. We would visit with her a few days after Kismet was stowed in her winter berth, a landscaper’s storage building. Then we would continue home, to Traverse City where we would be land-locked and catching up on time with family and house chores, until after the holidays.

We have stored the R27 at this same storage building previously, this time we had to park the boat outside and leave it there for a while, as another boat needed to go in before we stored Kismet. Since we planned to leave Ohio with the boat in January and the other boat would be stored all winter, we needed to go in last. Our brother-in-law, Steve, who lives in Sidney, kindly moved the boat into the shed a few weeks after we left her there. Thanks, Steve!

The post Delving Into the Oversize Load Permit Process – DIY to Save Money! appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

Heading Back to Des Moines Where We Will Be Loading Kismet Onto its Trailer for the First Time.

Apprehension is defined in Webster’s Dictionary as “anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.” As our time in the Pacific Northwest was coming to an end, I was beginning to feel a little uneasy about trailering our new boat cross-country. The new Ranger Tug R29S is two feet longer, one and one-half feet wider, a little taller, and a couple of thousand pounds heavier than our previous R27. I’ve been known to worry a lot when faced with something new to me. Trailering an “oversize load” through city traffic, construction zones and steep grades in the mountains were not something to take lightly.

After loading Kismet onto the trailer in Des Moines, our plan was to tow her cross-country to Ohio, where my mother lives. We would visit with her a few days after Kismet was stowed in her berth, a landscaper’s storage building. Then we would continue home, to Traverse City where we would be land-locked and catching up on time with family and house chores, until after the holidays.

In preparation for trailering the boat, we knew it was important to have an equal distribution of weight on our boat. So we moved as much of the contents as we could off the boat and into the bed and back seat of the truck. During our final days of cruising in Puget Sound, as we approached the haul-out day, we made sure the fuel tank was about empty. Also, the water and holding tank were emptied just before the haul out. We completely winterized the boat’s engine and systems when the boat was out of the water and on the trailer. With Ivan Guzman’s help, a customer service rep from Ranger Tugs, we got the boat out of the water and prepared Kismet for her inaugural 2,500-mile cross-country trip.

The crew at CSR Marine were very helpful in making sure Kismet was hauled out of the water and placed on her trailer just right.

It was nice to have Ivan on the boat to take care of a few punch list items.

Much to our surprise, soon after we arrived at Des Moines Marina, we ran into Lenny and Louise, on their new Ranger Tug R31, Then Again. Lenny and Louise are from Portland, Oregon. Louise is also a fellow member of Ranger Tugettes, a Facebook group of women Ranger Tug and Cutwater Boat owners. We’ve bumped into this friendly couple several times during our trips to the Pacific Northwest. It was nice to see their friendly faces before heading home.

Finally, the boat sat on the trailer for the first time seemingly ready to go, but our work was not finished.

Unlike our previous Ranger Tug R27, we had to prepare the boat according to to permit regulations for transporting an oversize load on the highway. So, before we took off we attached an “oversize load” banner on the front of the truck and on the back of the boat (attached to the dinghy), along with two red flags at the widest point of the load. Those needed to be on both sides of the boat. Because of the boat’s ten-foot beam, we also had to get “Oversize Load” permits from each state we would be traveling through. A challenging job to say the least, but it was our first time, so hopefully, next time will be easier.

The next post will cover the procedure of securing permits for the nine states we traveled through during our trek east.

The post A Little Apprehension Loading Kismet for Her First Cross-Country Trek appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

Sucia Island Marina State Park –

As long-distance cruisers, we are routinely motivated by an appetite to explore the unknown. We push ourselves to seek out that which we have not yet seen, filling in with returns to some of our favorite finds. Sucia Island is one of those “return” places for us – this being our third visit to this horseshoe-shaped island refuge. We still remember the first time we set foot on this island paradise with its natural sandstone caves. The park includes 564 acres of parkland with over 77,000 feet of shoreline

Spanish explorers, circa 1781, called the island “Sucia” or “foul.” A nautical term describing navigational obstacles such as the rocks around the island.

Previously we’ve moored in Shallow Bay and another time anchored in Fox Cove, but this time we opted to tie Kismet up at the southern dock in Fossil Bay. Sucia Island is roughly two-and-a-half miles long and one-half mile wide. The island offers scenic hiking trails, primitive campsites, plenty of room for anchoring as well as being able to tie to a dock or catch a mooring ball. The reason we love visiting Sucia Island is probably for the same reason others do… the island’s natural beauty and that laid-back feeling you can get when afforded few creature comforts other than the ones you have on your boat. Which we have to admit is quite cushy on a Ranger Tug.

Sucia Island is ideal for boaters who like to get off their boats and stretch their legs.

After docking, with a full view of Fossil Bay from the cockpit of our boat, we set off for a long hike over to Echo Bay. The next day we took a trail up through the woods. It gave us some stunning views of the surrounding bays and open water that encompasses the island. From the bluffs, located on the western side of Fox Cove, you can look out into the southern reaches of the Strait of Georgia and the Canadian/USA water border. Sucia Island provided a backdrop to relax and enjoy nature, which we did for two glorious days and nights.

Staying on the dock gave us more of a social environment than we experienced when anchored or moored previously off the island. The dock is a popular spot, usually, spots are taken right away as soon as one is vacated. This would be a fun spot to come off-season if you require a more isolated experience. The boating season in the Pacific Northwest can really extend year-round if you want to take advantage of the mild winters and avoid crowds.

Kismet is docked in Fossil Bay (above).

Kismet is not the only Ranger Tugs here on Sucia Island we enjoyed having the crew from Puffin join us on the dock for a chat one afternoon. They were not far from us, on the other dock located in Fossil Bay.

Looking down at Fossil Bay and, in the distance, Fox Cove (above).

Fox Cove (above & below).

Echo Bay (above).

Shallow Bay (above).

Our view of Fossil Bay from the cockpit of Kismet (above).

The post Island in the Sun – Sucia Island, San Juan Islands, Washington appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

Port Madison is One of Our Favorite Anchorages in the Puget Sound Area! –

Still getting to know our new Kismet. Our first get-a-way after we dropped our grandson Silas off with his parents was to return to Port Madison, Washington. Located east of the Olympic Peninsula, at Bainbridge Island, We first visited this anchorage in 2012 soon after we took possession of our then Ranger Tugs R27. So we thought it would be appropriate to make a return visit with the new and improved R29. We are headed north of Puget Sound now, anchoring out as we make our way to Anacortes and then the San Juan Islands.

We remembered how peaceful and beautiful it is there and after a week with our active grandson, Silas on board, we were ready for something quiet and restorative. There are a couple of yacht clubs in this long narrow inlet, we passed them to go further back, seeking the quietest spot we could find and fit into.

Once settled, Jim took a well-deserved, early evening, nap. Guess he’s found a spot on the back deck where he can fit into and get the job done.

Tonight we played around with the interior lights. It sure gives a warm glow to our boat at night.

The post A Gem of an Anchorage – Port Madison, WA appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

Lots to do with Silas in Tacoma! –

By Thursday, knowing that Silas would be ready to burn up some pent-up energy, we headed to Dock Street Marina in Tacoma. Just cruising into the busy port gave Silas some maritime visual stimulation. He asked lots of questions about his surroundings at the busy marina – all day long.

After docking, we gathered up the accumulated garbage bags to dispose of and walked a short distance into town. One nice thing about Dock Street Marina is its close proximity to a fairly vibrant harbor town. We wanted to take Silas to Tacoma Children’s Museum, where he could hang out with kids his own age.

Silas had fun at the museum, which was more of an inside playground chock-full of activities.

We had all really worked up an appetite by that time, so next, we headed over to The Spaghetti Factory for a late lunch followed by ice cream. Perfect ending to a busy day in Tacoma.

If the above photo is any indication, I think we can safely say we were starting to wear him down.

The next day, on our way to Des Moines, Silas asked to see the engine. Because he likes to know how things work we told him we would when we got into port – the engine had time to cool down. Silas helped me rinse off the week’s worth of dirt and salt water. I had a brush with soapy water, and Silas used a rather large squirt gun. The boat was clean and both of us were completely drenched from clowning around.

Then we made cookies!

Later that afternoon, we decided it was time to show Silas the engine and review how it worked. I have to say for an almost 4-year-old, he sure has a grasp on the mechanics of what makes a boat move. We must have spent an hour or so going over all of the engine components and just as I’m ready to close the engine hatch Silas says….”No, wait! I have one more question!”

And this is why we think Silas is turning into an avid mariner, at the very least a mechanical genius.

He never worried, complained, or acted up the whole trip. Seemed like it was natural for him to live on a boat. It was bittersweet when our week came to an end and Silas had to go back to his parents in Portland. Bitter in that our week together had come to an end, but sweet because we will always have wonderful memories to look back on of our week-long boating adventure.

Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, young Silas! You were an excellent First Mate, honorary Captain, and Chief Cookie Monster. Can’t wait for our next boating adventure!

The post Out of the Wild and Into City Life – Tacoma, WA appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

We’ve Waited a Long Time to Have Silas Onboard
for a Weeklong Adventure! –

Monday afternoon, Lisa, Silas, and I waved goodbye from shore to Ross and Hadley and headed back to the boat. To see the wonderment in Silas’ eyes, as we departed Gig Harbor, brought back memories of when I was a child spending time on the water in a boat. From Gig Harbor we cruised through the Narrows into Hale Passage en route to Penrose Point State Park, off Carr Inlet. We have never cruised much in South Sound, except for one trip to Gig Harbor in 2011, when we took possession of our Ranger Tugs R27. The day was sunny warm and clear, the water very calm, so we decided to anchor out for our first night. What a delight to have Silas onboard with us.

We wondered what Silas would think about sleeping on the boat, which he has done many times, but always at a marina, never on the hook. We tried to involve him in as many of our boating chores and activities as possible during his week on the boat. We had Silas help as we lowered the anchor into the water.

A New Adventure for Us Too!

After getting settled at anchor and other boat chores, we had dinner followed by games and finally, when it got dark enough, we watched for fish by the blue light under the swim platform. We were all pooped from a big first day of experiences on the boat, so we ended the day all snuggled up in bed for a relaxing night’s sleep. Lisa and I looked at each other, thinking the same thing… On the hook, gently afloat with our Silas securely tucked in between us. A new adventure for us… a week-long boat trip with our grandson.

Silas had lots of energy – think he was a little disappointed in his grandparents though. After a full day of activities, we were pooped. But no nap or downtime for him today, no sir, too much to do on the boat.

After a little game of hide-and-seek, Silas found his surprise bag full of little puzzle boxes. All his favorite characters plus some we all thought Hadley might like.

Every morning Silas needed some quiet transition time with Papa. Lisa knows how he feels.

On Wednesday morning, we pulled anchor to motor a short distance to dock at Penrose Point Park’s dock to spend the day and night. We found out, that this is a wonderful place with many hiking trails, campsites, and a pebble-strewn beach close to the dock. Lot’s for a kid to explore.

Silas and I went out to walk the park, while Lisa made lunch, and to see how far we could skip stones out into the bay. He collected a bag full of seashells to take back to the boat. Silas was so excited when he showed Ana all the neat things he found on our nature walk.

Amazing how kids can keep themselves entertained with nothing other than nature and someone to share it with. We thought about this when a few days into the trip we realized that someone forgot to pack any toys, I mean NONE! The amazing thing was he never missed his toys, not even his favorites. He made do with what we had on the boat and never even mentioned the lack of toys. Of course, we did prepare for his trip by picking up some new activity-type games and puzzles ahead of time and we doled them out sporadically during the trip.

After our short excursion on the beach, Silas and I returned to the boat to have lunch and we made plans for an afternoon hike, through the woods, over to another beach. Later that evening, Silas and I had to row across the bay to the little marina to get ice cream.

We introduced Chutes and Ladders, a board game, to Silas, and he beat us, of course.

The next day we leisurely cruised a few miles away through Pitt Passage and into Filucy Bay for another day and night on the hook. By this time, Silas was so attuned to our routine that one would think he was born to be on the water. We had bought Silas some small-sized, but real, tools, as he is so inquisitive about how things work, we felt he would be interested in helping “Papa” do some work around the boat. I had a couple of fire extinguishers that needed to be mounted, so we spent some time figuring out where and how to mount them. As we finished our chores, Silas mirrored me by putting all of his new tools away.

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Our First Guest on Our New Ranger Tug, Kismet! –

It is often said that people are a “product of their environment.”

We had our grandson, Silas, on his first boat ride, in 2013, before he was a week old. Since that day, we’ve had a few boat rides with him, his parents, and recently minted sister, Hadley. As he is now almost four years old, we thought it was time to immerse him in our boating lifestyle. So we invited him to join us for – Silas’ first boating adventure – a week-long cruise in South Puget Sound, Washington. There was no hesitation in his reply. “When do we go?” he said. We chose South Sound for its close proximity to Portland, where Silas, his sister, and his parents live.

After our Ranger Tugs orientation in Des Moines Marina, we spent several days commissioning the boat with many shopping expeditions to stock and equip the boat. We left there Saturday mid-day to cruise to Gig Harbor to anchor out that night. On Sunday, our son, Ross, and Hadley delivered Silas to us in Gig Harbor. Silas’ mom Sarah could not come and we missed her terribly. They all spent one night on Kismet – our first guests on the new boat.

Hadley thought the new boat was a new type of playground

Before Ross and Hadley left the next day, we had a good time exploring Gig Harbor and getting a feel for the new and upgraded features on the boat. We took a short boat ride while Hadley explored every crevice and seemed to gravitate toward anything she could jump on, climb, swing off of, or tumble over. Interestingly enough Silas is so used to being around boats he was more than eager to start his first week-long boating adventure. Boating just seems to be in his DNA.

Hereditary, or is he a product of his environment?

Before everyone arrived we pulled up to the town dock and emptied the holding tank (above).

I think we couldn’t wait to get our hands on these two kids and hug them like crazy.

Silas is a natural at the wheel, we think he remembers the old boat and how much time he sat in Papa’s lap steering it on the Columbia River, in Portland, Oregon, the last time we were here. Silas’ first boating adventure started off with a cruise through the Narrows with the whole crew on board.

Hadley looked like she was auditioning for acrobatics or gymnastics as she has a lot of energy and is not afraid to climb anything. Consequently, she had a hard time calming down.

The first chore on the boat was to help Papa to put the front windshield cover on the front windows.

We walked around town, hoping Hadley would fall asleep, but not a chance. We got some dinner and visited a few stores. She was a live wire the whole time, which made for an interesting late night on the boat. Too many new things to explore and discover. She is probably wondering when her solo trip on the boat, with Papa and Ana, is scheduled.

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Kenny Marrs met us at the boat early in the morning of day two of our orientation. He would be covering the Volvo Penta D4-300 engine operations, Garmin electronics, dinghy deployment and retrieval, and much more. We’ve known Kenny from the beginning of our Ranger Tugs association, a nicer young man than you will ever meet. We have seen Kenny in action, his dedication to his customers’ needs is intuitive and honest. Thanks again, Kenny!

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Even Experienced Boaters Need Help Sometimes! –

Because of our many years of boating experience (six of those years on a Ranger Tug), we didn’t feel we needed to have the “New Boat Delivery Experience” provided by Ranger Tugs when we took possession of our new Ranger Tug R29S – but, they insisted. Boy, were we wrong! Way wrong!

We have been avid boaters for almost all of our adult lives. In all the new boat purchases we’ve made we’ve never, ever, EVER had such a thorough and rewarding new delivery experience as we recently had when taking delivery of our new R29S. The only other experience that was close to comparing was when we took possession of our R27, in 2011. In six years, Ranger Tugs has only improved the process, amazingly not cutting back on it in any way. We think they get how important this is to the new owner’s buying and satisfaction quota meter. Pretty smart in the long run don’t you think, to educate new owners on their new boat’s systems and features. This process can only enhance their confidence in the factory support team and help them to feel they got their money’s worth. On the other end, think of all the time saved by educating in advance, rather than after the fact with panicked phone calls at all hours of the day and night because an owner was unfamiliar with the boat. We see it all the time with Fluid Motion, It’s just plain and simple, this company is successful because they work smart! They know what boaters want and need, they’ve even fostered a community atmosphere among owners to cinch the deal.

Andrew Signed Us Up for the Two-Day Orientation

Well in advance of our arrival, Andrew Custis, Ranger Tugs Customer Service Manager, made arrangements for our two-day training. The training is tailored to each boater based on their knowledge or lack of knowledge as it relates to the boat they are buying and their relative level of maritime skills. For those needing more instruction, more training is available by the experts at the factory. We’ve always felt that Fluid Motion’s mission is to get people out on the water to go boating. They have fashioned their support services with that premise in mind. If that boat is a Ranger Tug or Cutwater, even better.

Ranger Tugs R29S Kismet Orientation

Day One

Thirteen days after we left our home in Traverse City, Michigan, we arrived at Des Moines Marina and met Customer Service Representative, Tim Bates. Tim didn’t waste any time taking us out on the dock to meet our new, shiny red hulled, Ranger Tug R29S.

Under Tim’s friendly guidance, we immediately dove into day one
of our dock-side training.

What was amazing to us, as Tim reviewed the boat’s features and operational functions, was how much has changed since our last boat purchase, 6 years ago. Tim had designed a multiple-page guide and checklist to make sure every operational feature on the boat was covered, from the propane stove to the boat’s power management of shore, generator, solar, and inverter.

This checklist was new to us and we’re thinking Tim has brought some serious skills to Ranger Tugs from previous work experience. The items on the checklist are too numerous to number, but suffice it to say, we got a thorough education and understanding of our new boat. Over the last six years, we have always been wowed by the factory personnel. Tim is no exception, it was nice for us to have a chance to get to know another customer service representative, and Tim gets high marks for the introduction to our new tug.

These wonderful boaters (above left) just randomly gave us these flowers. They said that they wanted to help us celebrate taking possession of our new boat. Thank you so much, it was a wonderful surprise for us today!

Day Two

Kenny Marrs met us at the boat early in the morning of day two of our orientation. He would be covering the Volvo Penta’s engine operations, Garmin electronics, dinghy deployment and retrieval, and much more. We’ve known Kenny from the beginning of our Ranger Tugs association, a nicer young man than you will ever meet. We have seen Kenny in action, his dedication to his customers’ needs is intuitive and honest.

After our dockside training was complete Kenny went with us for a sea trial and our maiden voyage on the new Kismet. One of the first things we noticed was the stability of the ride. The Volvo Penta D4 300hp engine runs with authority but yet is relatively quiet. When I say the engine runs with authority I’m meaning the boat does what you want it to and when you want it done. Kenny reviewed the breaking-in procedure, impeller, filter, and oil maintenance. I could go on and on but there were way too many topics covered to review in a blog post.

This Volvo Penta D4 300hp engine is going to take us to some amazing places!

I think during the sea trial, it really hit home – this boat is amazing.

The two-day training of our new Ranger Tug R29S was the best new product delivery experience we’ve ever encountered. Thank you Ranger Tugs for being the professionals that you all are. Special thanks to Tim Bates and Kenny Marrs for sharing their knowledge and expertise.

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Packing for a Cross Country Trip is Like Preparing for a Marathon

Getting ready for a cross-country trip requires some mental gymnastics! We’ve only got one shot to pack up the truck before we head west. Better to be well-organized from the start. We knew it was going to be tight, especially since we were taking a few containers of personal items to our son, Ross, and his family, who live in Portland, OR.

We actually started the packing process back in April when we unloaded the contents, of our sold Ranger Tugs R27, from our truck into the garage. I sorted through it all and weeded out things we never used. Then I put most of the boat paraphernalia into containers that would eventually fit neatly in the bed of the truck. Once we depart home there’s no chance we’re turning around, unless it’s Lisa who’s not in the truck. We are fairly familiar with the drill and what we need to take, so it does get easier.

We started getting organized several weeks before the actual departure day.

I made a list, sorted through the old boat stuff again, and made a staging area on the floor of our garage. I then started ordering new items such as a 22 lb. Rocna anchor, BBQ grille, and an electric pigtail adaptor. These were items that sold with our R27. That was the fun part. About a week before the departure date I started packing, first by loading all the containers, that were ready to go since April, into the bed of the truck. Then I fit more items between the containers, or on top of containers, to ensure we used up every possible inch of available real estate.

Amazingly everything I had sitting on the garage floor fit in the bed of the truck.

This left the back seat of the truck for clothes and personal belongings, or stuff we needed to access on the road trip. As we were packing the truck we also kept an eye on what needed to be done to close down the house for a two-month adventure. This process sometimes feels like a well-choreographed marathon. Again we’ve had practice, as this is our second time packing up to drive west to pick up a new Ranger Tug. In 2011, we drove out to Seattle to get our first tug, an R27. All-in-all, we’ve made this cross-country, round trip, five times, if you count the time we drove out in the winter of 2007/08 to watch our Fathom 40 be built. Two of those trips were made by hauling the boat to and from the West Coast specifically to cruise Puget Sound and British Columbia.

We left Michigan early Sunday morning. Feels good to finally get on the road!

When not towing a boat, like now, we will cover about 500 miles per day, give or take a few. We anticipate the trip will take four straight days of driving from Michigan to Idaho, where we will visit friends for a couple of days, then one more day to Portland, OR, we’ll visit family for a few days before we meet up with the new Kismet. Although we usually take in some sights on the way – on previous trips we’ve visited  Glacier National Park, the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Teddy Roosevelt National Park, and a few side attractions. This trip is a straight shot for us, our focus is getting on that new boat as soon as possible.

By using a hook and a pole, I was able to quickly push the containers to the front of the bed of the truck.

Don’t think we forgot anything. The truck is filled to the gills.

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When does a boat become a boat?

My thoughts are… “when it is ready to float and cruise!” Based on the final assembly production photos we just received from the factory, it appears Kismet, a Ranger Tug R29S, is ready to become a boat.

The Ranger Tug R29S sports a larger head than our R27. There will also be more privacy with the head being positioned in the stateroom. The stateroom is a step up for us, having slept on a V-berth for the last six years on the R27. We are also loving the spacious under-bed storage area. There will be plenty of natural lighting and more elbow room in the galley for better maneuverability. We had our new Kismet built in the same Hero Red as our recently sold R27, as this is our favorite boat color. You just can’t beat the photo op of a bright red hull sitting on deep blue water. You might also notice the brows around the cabin roof are white now instead of matching the color of the hull, like on our last tug. This will make ongoing maintenance easier.

Roomier Cockpit with Built-in Seating

The cockpit on the R29S has some features we look forward to using, such as the electric engine cover hatch. It covers the quiet Volvo Penta D4 diesel engine. New for us on this boat will be a small cockpit refrigerator and fold-up side cockpit seats. No need to carry chairs with us for cockpit seating with those built-in ones. There is also a large, cabin cockpit-facing, window (see photo below) that opens completely out of the way thereby opening up the salon to more fresh air. On the inside of that window is a flip seat that serves both inside and outside seating.

You’ll notice we opted for a transom-mounted hard-bottom dinghy, the first hard-bottom dinghy we’ve had in all of our boating years.

We are only about a week away from actually getting onto our new Kismet for the first time. For this to happen, we first need to pack the truck up and make the 2500-mile cross-country road trip to Washington. A trip we are anxiously looking forward to getting underway.

You’ll notice we opted for a transom mounted hard bottom dinghy (above), the first hard-bottom dinghy we’ve had in all of our boating years.

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Marrying the Hull of the New Kismet Ranger Tugs R29S

Having something built from scratch, such as a house, car, or in this case, a boat is usually best left to the professionals. As you’ll see from the following photos there is evidence that a tremendous amount of thought and mindful design goes into building a boat, before and during manufacturing. There is a coordinated effort, before the actual production starts, to have on hand all of the hardware, wiring, hoses, batteries, glass, lighting, engine, generator, electronics, solar panel, seating cushions, tanks, etc. This ensures production occurs smoothly and on time. If not planned properly, I could see how delays and backlogs in production could very easily happen. In this case, our new Kismet was complete almost before we knew it, that’s because of the efficiency of the professionals at Ranger Tugs… they know how to build boats and they build them well.

In the past, when we’ve ordered a boat to be built, we have always gotten photo’s taken of the whole process.

We do this to understand the boat’s innards. It makes it easier for me to know how things are assembled, especially in areas I cannot see. For instance, in case I want to run wiring for additional electronics. It’s important to know where things are located such as tanks, or really anything hidden beneath the fiberglass shell. Also, it’s helpful to know the easiest way to access something for maintenance, especially something difficult to get to. Besides, it is cool to understand how the parts come together to make this beautiful new boat.

The molding process is fascinating.

Once the hull, hull liner, and top side are popped from their molds, it takes about a week to lay these molds up, then actual construction starts in earnest. Then they get to work on cutting out openings for windows, doors, hatches, etc. Once each major mold piece is ready the liner is married into the hull and is built out with tanks, engine, generator, cabinets, and more. At the same time, the deck has had parts added to it in preparation to be married to the hull for final assembly. Although months go into parts ordering and coordination the actual production of a Ranger Tugs R29S takes only about one month.

The bright red hull is being lifted out of the mold (photo-top).

The liner of the hull is shown just before cables and wiring are added (photo-top)

You can start to see the transom take shape (photo above).

The engine is in place (photo above).

Kismet will be powered by a Volvo Penta D4 300 HP diesel inboard (photo below). We’re excited to be getting back out onto the water soon to experience our new boat with an engine that has more power than we had in our R27, with the added benefit of having a quieter ride. Can’t wait for this engine to take us to new boating destinations!

The New Kismet Ranger Tugs R29S taking shape at the Ranger Tugs factory located NE of Seattle, Washington.

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Fort Lauderdale has it all.

On our way for a week’s stay in Fort Lauderdale. This Florida boating destination has it all… lots of canals to explore, a beautiful beach to walk on the ocean, shopping on Las Olas Avenue, a beautiful River Walk for leisurely strolls along New River and now we can add one more thing to our ongoing Fort Lauderdale list… the warm and welcoming home of Carolyn and Harry House, (homeport for their Ranger Tug, PourHouse).

We left our anchorage at Lake Sylvia to secure our reserved dock space at Cooleys Landing, on the New River at the head of the River Walk. One of our favorite marinas in Florida. We took our time cruising there as it was a beautiful day and, as you can see, lots of nice scenery on our route.

One of the main reasons we love to stay at Cooleys is we are easily entertained by the parade of mega yachts that slide by our cockpit all day long. They are coming and going from the large marina and boatyard upriver. Add to that the Jungle Queen tourist boat that takes tourists up and down the river.

Carolyn and Harry (below) graciously invited us to dinner at their beautiful condo that actually overlooks Cooley Landing. From their patio, you can see all of Fort Lauderdale in its splendor.

Did you spot Kismet by the bridge (above)? There she sits happily as can be while we dine in luxury with the Houses.

We found out, and always suspected, that Carolyn is very proficient in the kitchen. She made a delicious feast for us and made it look like nothing.

One of our “List” restaurants is Jenkins’ Bar-B-Q, but don’t try to visit on Sunday or Monday… (see sign below-right).

Some of my favorite yachts that cruised by the back of Kismet, especially the turquoise one.

On our to-do list, while in Fort Lauderdale, is a dinghy ride up or down the river. We’ve usually gone up, but this time we dinghied around the canals downriver. We saw alligators, some beautiful houses, and a few unusual boats.

When we left Fort Lauderdale, Carolyn was out on the dock to wave goodbye and take photos. What a doll!

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Kismet Secure at Legacy Harbor Marina, Fort Myers

We planned our winter trip to include a month-long stay at Legacy Harbour Marina in Fort Myers. Many of our Looper friends stay in this area during the winter months, some of them at this marina. We find that boating is like that, we bump into Loopers or boaters we know everywhere we go– planned or not. We did parts of our second Loop with buddy boats, Bella Luna and C-Life. We know other Loopers docked here from being involved with AGLCA (America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association). In the past, when in Fort Myers, we’ve always stayed at Fort Myers Yacht Basin, but this year we wanted to be where our friends were even though the Yacht Basin is only a few blocks away.

When we arrived at Legacy, we were given a couple of choices for dockage. We chose the dock in front of Joe’s Crab Shack. It was the perfect spot for Kismet for the month of March. Let the festivities begin!

The marina staff had some high standards for running the marina. We enjoyed getting to know the whole crew during our stay.

Tom and Patsy Conrad were in their slip on A Dock. We haven’t seen them since the last AGLCA Rendezvous we attended.

Every Thursday there is a great Farmer’s Market under the bridge just a few blocks from the marina. Great spot for a market because in inclement weather the farmers are well-protected from the elements. This is a great place to pick up some fresh, Florida produce, flowers, herbs, plants, fresh fish and shellfish, and even some microgreens (above and below).

Our friend, Louis, on Bella Luna (above), made a habit of giving his female boater friends blossoms off the gardenia plant he got at the market. Such a gentleman!

Needless to say, we ate well during our stay in Fort Myers including a day trip over the river to Cactus Jack. Louis, Diane, Robert, and Kay (below) made the excursion lots of fun.

Fort Myers’ Bike Night is lots of fun! Thousands of bikes, of every conceivable shape, color, and size, show up, once a month, for a spectacular party. Two or three bands keep the place hopping and if you want to buy a biker outfit, there are many vendors that will help you out.

And then there were the parties on the deck of the marina or Tiki Hut. We attended them all during the month of March. Starting with the marina’s Boater Appreciation Party (below).

Mike (above)  is checking hands during the Dinghy Poker Run.

Hometown friends, Mike and Lynne, joined us in Fort Myers for a week. No, they didn’t stay on our boat, they rented a room close by. Our first boat trip with them was across the river to St. James City and the Waterfront restaurant on Pine Island. It was a rough ride over and docking on the waterside of the restaurant was a little challenging. It was a fun trip.

While Mike and Lynne were still here we visited Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery. The staff provides a good tour and taste testing of some of their products.

Some of the women spent an afternoon shopping and having lunch, at Ichiban’s downtown. I have become addicted to their Hot and Sour Soup.

Jim and I went to soup at Ichiban’s another day and look at our fortune cookies! Spot on!

McGregor’s Pizza was a favorite spot for pizza and calzones. They only have two tables in there, but we made it work many a time. EXCELLENT CALZONES!

Afternoon lunch (above) at Brad and Patti’s condo in Cape Coral, yes, it does seem we do everything in groups.

Another party at the marina! This time a small group of boaters had a Marina Appreciation Party. Louis, Diane, Butch, Kelle, Kay, and Robert (below) planned a festive and delicious feast to honor the marina staff. The party included live music to dance to.

Diane, Patsy, and Lisa (above). Diane, Kelle, and Kay (below).

Louis’ favorite local BBQ pit catered the party.

Claudia (above, second from left), brought Jell-O shots. Bottom’s Up!  Thanks, Claudia!

This is how you have a party for eight on Kismet. Brunch is served with arepas and fresh fruit.

Near the end of our stay, a group of us went downtown to hang out at the top of Ford’s Garage. Great view of the river and downtown up there even a live band.

One last Happy Hour on True North, Tom and Patsy’s boat.

Near the end of our stay, fellow tug nuts, Cheryl and Rich, on Roam and Jess and Mike, on Illusions (below) came to visit at Legacy.

Across the river from the marina is this beautiful anchorage. We came to anchor at this spot a few times to get away from the commotion at the marina. So when our month’s time was up at Legacy, we came over here for one last night on the hook. First time I had ever seen an anhinga bird. He sat in a nearby tree for a long time until sunset came.

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Sanibel Island, Florida – An Invitation We Couldn’t Refuse

While at the rendezvous, we had an invitation to stay at a fellow lugnut’s dock on Sanibel Island. How could we pass that up? Steve and Laurie, on See Life Too, were so gracious to share the dock behind their house with us for a few days. Sanibel is a beautiful island with excellent shelling beaches. We borrowed our host’s bikes to go grocery shopping and visit an art fair, we also got some good walking exercise on the beautiful trail near their house.

Our hosts, Laurie and Steve, are on the back deck of Kismet for coffee and coffee cake. We were joined for breakfast by two other tugnuts, Dominic and Carolyn who just happened to be at a marina two blocks away.

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Two Fortresses Were built to Guard Against Invasions that Never Came, Mullet Key is one of them

As one leaves the Gulf of Mexico to enter Tampa Bay, Mother Nature provides two keys that stand sentinel at the entrance of Tampa Bay. In 1889, Mullet Key, to the north, and Egmont Key, to the south, had fortresses built to guard against invasions that never came, remnants of both forts remain today in the parks that were created in the late 1800s.

Robert E Lee made the recommendation, in 1849, that both Mullet and Egmont keys become fortified. Fort DeSoto, on Mullet Key, was built in 1889 and later abandoned by the military in stages from 1910 to the mid-1940s. In 1962 Mullet Key was turned over to Pinellas County and became Fort DeSoto Park.

In our quest to find new and unique anchorages during our winter cruises, we stumbled upon Mullet Key while doing some research on Florida West Coast cruising grounds. On the charts, it looked like Mullet Key had all the elements we were looking for – no houses or retail establishments and an all-natural environment. Mullet Key looked horseshoe shaped on the chart and its interior appeared to have a well-protected anchorage. We knew there wouldn’t be any large boats anchored there, as the depth into Mullet Key’s interior basin is shallow, however, with our shallow draft, it was a perfect spot for Kismet to anchor.

As we approached the two keys, we began to follow the marked channel into the interior basin where we were treated to a pristine anchorage and we had it completely to ourselves for the night. Mullet Key, being a county park, has all the amenities for camping, RV sites with a small boat launch ramp, and access to nearby fishing. In addition, the remnants of the Fort are available to tour and there is a wonderful white sand beach on the Gulf side of the key. We spent one night on the hook, looking to depart for Egmont Key, located just south of Mullet Key, the next morning.

In the last few minutes before sunset, I went off to explore while Lisa made dinner.

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Tarpon Springs is a Favorite Stop for Kismet!

Kismet was launched at the usual place, Anclote River Park, just northwest of Tarpon Springs across the river. Turtle Cove Marina was our choice for dockage during our week-long stay while we did all of our usual activities which included, food shopping, and visiting our favorite Greek bakery and restaurant for Greek salads. We walked all over town and the sponge docks soaking up the distinctive aromas and unique sounds of the Greek culture. In between all that we did our final provisioning of the boat for our trip south down the ICW. We got the boat organized and cleaned up, a few things needed fixing, so we got parts that were readily available in town. It’s nice to start out on the water with a clean, organized boat.

One of the highlights of our stay was when my brother, Mart rode his bike all the way from Dunedin to visit.

Turtle Cove Marina is located just off the Anclote River. The first few times we stayed in Tarpon Springs while doing the Loop, we stayed at the municipal marina downtown, just off the sponge docks. Since we found Turtle Cove Marina it is our first choice for dockage. We like the exceptional facilities available and the quiet atmosphere. A nice little pool is available to boaters, near the shower and laundry facilities, but since we usually visit in January, it’s usually too cold to take advantage of it.

Pastries, cakes, cookies, and more lure many tourists into the bakeries around town. Want a traditional Greek dinner? This is the place to get the most authentic Greek cuisine possible. We always choose baklava, almond cookies, greek salads, and souvlaki or gyro dinners or sandwiches.

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In Search of Apalachicola Oysters!

First, we stored Kismet at TTC Storage in Eastpoint, then we went in search of a well-deserved oyster feast. We found TTC to be a great place to store the boat. We feel confident she will be in safe hands during our return home for the holidays.

After Kismet was stored in her spot in the building and with the recommendation of Mike, owner of TTC Storage, we headed out of town to Lynn’s Quality Oysters. Nothing short of delicious is how we found their specialty, Captain Jack’s oyster platter. This meal of Apalachicola oysters was going to have to last us a while – until we return to pick up our boat in January.

The shallow waters of Apalachicola Bay produces most of Florida’s oysters. Big Bayou, a remote and pristine area on the western part of the bay, near Saint Vincent Island, a National Wildlife Refuge may produce the most. Oysters from Apalachicola Bay are considered Apalachicola oysters. Apalachicola is the last place in the USA where wild oysters are harvested by small fishing boats using tongs. Raw oysters, fried oysters, or slightly steamed, Apalachicola oysters provide the best oyster experience.

Lynn’s Quality Oysters

I love that smile, a hungry man waiting for his oyster fix with hot sauce ready to go.

Mike was right about Lynne’s Quality Oysters, a friendly atmosphere with the freshest oysters around. When you live in the “North Country,” like we do most of the year, a meal of fresh Apalachicola oysters can’t be beaten. We ordered several trays of Lynn’s Captain Jacks special, I guess anything with cheddar cheese, jalapeños and a dollop of cream cheese on it will satisfy your taste buds, but all that on top of those chewy oysters was a real treat.

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Retrieving Kismet from Storage – Eastpoint Florida

Seems like it was just yesterday when we left Kismet at TTC Storage in Eastpoint Florida, in fact, it has been several months. We like to cruise in the fall, somewhere south of Michigan, and then leave our boat in storage somewhere near where we plan to cruise after the holidays. This time, after our trip to the AGLCA (America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association’s 2014 Rendezvous and cruise through Florida’s Panhandle, we ended up in Eastpoint to store the boat.

We arrived at TTC Storage and met the owner, Mike, at the building. Within half an hour we had Kismet out of storage and ready to go. With a little help from Mike, we located a great oyster restaurant within walking distance of the storage building and had to get our oyster fix before heading out on the road toward Carrabelle.

Eastpoint is an authentic fishing town with a heart as big as the bay. Here you can buy fresh local seafood from family-owned markets and eat a fresh seafood meal from restaurants operated by families four generations deep.

Oystermen still use century-old harvesting techniques. They use small wooden boats, under 23 feet long, using tongs that look like scissor-style rakes to scoop the oysters up to the surface where they are then sorted and separated by size.

Just past Carrabelle (going east), we happened onto Ho Hum RV Park, located off Highway 98 (Gulf side), four miles east of Carrabelle, in Lanark Village. The park is roadside, right on the beach, and caters only to adults and seniors, no children are allowed. It was overcast and a little misty while we were there, but beautiful nonetheless.

When we got Kismet parked at our park site, Jim settled into the back deck of the boat and proceeded to take a selfie of him drinking a bottle of his favorite beer, a Yuengling we got at a grocery store before we got to the RV park. We can’t get Yuengling in Michigan so he was pretty excited.

We don’t spend a lot of time at RV parks, so not familiar with all the different kinds of RV, but this one caught our eye as it has a retractable deck off one of its sides. What next?

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