Our Epic Adventure....or bust!

augusti 2023 - mars 2024
  • What Could Go Wrong
  • Dave Knapp
Here we go! After 6 years of painstaking rehabbing, planning, testing and re-doing, we are FINALLY doing it; Taking a trip down the Intercoastal Water Way (ICW) to the Bahamas in What Could Go Wrong. Seriously, what could? Läs mer
  • What Could Go Wrong
  • Dave Knapp

Lista över länder

  • Bahamas Bahamas
  • Förenta staterna Förenta staterna
Kategorier
Strand, Par, Dykning, Natur, Fotgrafering, Semester
  • 5,2kantal resta kilometer
Transportmedel
  • Flyg2 008kilometer
  • Gående-kilometer
  • Vandring-kilometer
  • Cykel-kilometer
  • Motorcykel-kilometer
  • Tuk Tuk-kilometer
  • Bil-kilometer
  • Tåg-kilometer
  • Buss-kilometer
  • Husbil-kilometer
  • Husvagn-kilometer
  • 4x4-kilometer
  • Simning-kilometer
  • Paddling/Roddning-kilometer
  • Motorbåt-kilometer
  • Segling-kilometer
  • Husbåt-kilometer
  • Färja-kilometer
  • Kryssningsfartyg-kilometer
  • Häst-kilometer
  • Skidåkning-kilometer
  • Lifta med-kilometer
  • Cable car-kilometer
  • Helikopter-kilometer
  • Barfota-kilometer
  • 85fotavtryck
  • 205dagar
  • 475foton
  • 174gilla-markeringar
  • Savannah, GA to Jekyll Island, GA

    30 oktober 2023, Förenta staterna ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    We spent a week almost exactly in Savannah. It was a very nice city all in all. I would not say that comparing it to Charleston is fair though. It was somewhat walkable and it had some nice areas, but not all nice and somewhat even run down. We were glad to have holed up here though. We had a great marina with use of a free car for errands and we met some great people. We weathered the cold and made it through, we were sheltered from some strong winds and now we have a great forecast for travel for the next couple of days.

    Jekyll Island is a secret resort town in Georgia. We thought it was a nature preserve, and it is, just it is also a resort. :) We are camped on the nature preserve side and it is quite beautiful. It reminds me of earlier on in the trip when we stopped anywhere and camped out. It feels like it has been a minute since we have done that.

    What Could Go Right? When we left today, there was just one project hanging over Dave's head. We marveled at that. The boat has come such a long way. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, "How can you stand each other in such a small space for so long?" I am very happy to report that we just do. We like each other and that is very nice. Savannah was a very quiet stop and we spent a lot of time hanging out together and we were both happy doing it. I feel very lucky to have my best friend with me. My rash and allergies are gone again! Yay!

    What Could Go Wrong? Well after we traveled today, things jiggled lose or something. Dave now has added to his list a fuel injection issue (we pray it's not electrical) and our black water tank will not empty. We thought we were all set with the black water, so that is very disappointing.

    The dogs continue to be troopers, even in that cold we faced. I am so glad we brought them. They add to our story!

    I really hope everyone we love is doing well. It's interesting, when you have so much time, you realize it's the people and the experiences that matter. We are thinking about you, I promise!
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  • Jekyll, GA to Fernandina, FL

    5 november 2023, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    WE ARE IN FLORIDA!!!!!!!! That is so important. We are one jump away from the Bahamas! Amazing to both of us that we have made it this far. We asked each other today, "If we were done here, what would we do with the boat?" Interestingly, I said, "I would keep it." I meant it too. I have dreams of tropical beaches and shores and it has to be done!

    We are seeing so much wildlife in the ocean. We have been traveling on the outside mostly and we see so many dolphins, jumping fish, we think we saw a manatee and we definitely saw a huge sea turtle. We haven't seen whales yet, but we know they are coming. Unfortunately, we have also seen some very heavy shoaling. This is sand shifting under the water. Today we almost crashed twice in 30 miles because of this! Thanks to Dave's quick driving and my keen eyes, we avoided disaster. But the ocean, folks, needs to be respected. All the electronics in the world are not keeping us 100% safe. We have to use our eyes and senses always.

    Other than our near beaching's and sea life sightings, the journey today was quick. We are wondering how exactly to tackle Florida while we prepare to jump over to the Bahamas and today we decided a quick trip was the key. We are also getting to meet Marissa's parents (Marissa is Tyler's girlfriend) and that was worth a stop.

    What Could Go Right? We got a nice early morning walk in on Jekyll Island and it was so tropically beautiful. If anyone is looking for a fun getaway, I would highly recommend Jekyll. It seems to be a secret, so shush! We also had a nice night on the hook with no problems and it was free! Then Dave was able to look at the fuel and black water issues and adjust them to working. So, yay, for a productive stop.

    What Could Go Wrong? The exciting travel adventures were enough "go wrong" for the day, to be honest. There is something so humbling about being out there in the middle of the Atlantic facing a debacle. Of course, when we were debriefing later, after the shaking stopped for both of us, mind you, it occurred to us that if anything happened, all we would have had to do was get out of the boat and stand up. :) Anyway, that was enough, go wrong for the day.
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  • Fernandina to Jacksonville, FL

    6 november 2023, Förenta staterna ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    What a great night and day! Fernandina was a beautiful historic downtown walking district and the surrounding area was a plethora of historic homes. We loved our walks and the beautiful town. We also got to meet John and Cindy, AKA Marissa's parents. We had dinner and were invited to view their beautiful home. It was a very nice night.

    We cruised down the inside today and that required we wait for a rising tide so we left after 11am. The wildlife and scenery were beautiful. Dolphins continually approached the boat and played in our wake. I will post the basic video I got. I wish they were more photogenic! We also see so many birds! It makes me wish we were better birders (is that a word?). We also got to go pretty fast because there weren't many developments along this portion of the ICW. So, all our needs were met!

    We have landed in Jacksonville, FL, which so far is strip malls and industrial area. We decided to get out to the extended area tomorrow and stay 2 nights to see it. Maybe I will have more to report then.

    What Could Go Right? Dang our tans are coming along nicely. The weather was 80+ today and we were mostly heading into the sun. I am sorry friends back on the East Coast, but I know you are enjoying that beautiful Fall foliage, so it is a trade off. We are also close to everything in this marina we are in for the next two nights, so we will be glad to get provisions and see some of Florida.

    What Could Go Wrong? There was this huge mill of some sort right at the waterfront of Fernandina. The mill ran ALL NIGHT. Ugh! Not ideal. In fact the whole marina did not match the town. It was dirty and inconvenient and very noisy. Tonight seems like we have a better location.
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  • Jacksonville to St Augustine, FL

    7 november 2023, Förenta staterna ⋅ 🌙 63 °F

    So, Jacksonville, FL is not for us. It reminded me of Arizona, but with beaches. We took two really good long walks along a beach and through the River Walk and we sat in a great deal of traffic. We can now say we have been there, and done that.

    After an unbelievable, not healthy for us breakfast of biscuits and stuff, we hurried ourselves out to St Augustine. I have been here before and remembered that it was a really fun city to see. We landed at 1145am and by 4pm have gotten such a good feel. We will probably stay an extra day. We have plans tonight to see a long lost aunt and cousin of Dave's and then do some more walking. There is a fort and the oldest buildings in the US to see!

    What Could Go Right? We saw an actual manatee today! Yay! We also traveled at low tide and did not see depths lower than 6.5 feet (we can clear 3.5 feet) so we know we are in better hands in Florida.

    What Could Go Wrong? Today's what could go wrong's were so Murphy's law - when one thing breaks, all things break. Our headsets we use to depart and arrive blinked out and then just started working (after we needed them), a battery we need to charge seemed to take no charge and then all of a sudden took all the charge, our GPS blinked out and and then just blinked back in, etc. etc. All the things seemed to go wrong and then just right themselves. Those are the best kind of go wrong's!
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  • St Augustine to Daytona, FL

    9 november 2023, Förenta staterna ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    We really enjoyed our time in St Augustine. What a great city to walk around. I have been there before and remember being spellbound by the history. It was the same this time. Structures dating back to the 1500's in the US is pretty cool! We thoroughly enjoyed our walks on the cobblestone streets and through the fort. The dogs loved all the dog friendly businesses and things to smell and pee on everywhere.

    Most favorite of all? Our dinner with Dave's aunt Susan and cousin Sarah. The conversation seemed to just take flight and we wished there was more time to catch up. There was a downside to this stop however, and that was the noise. We were in a marina on a mooring field right in the center of town and it was SO NOISY. Dave did not sleep well at all and although we seriously considered staying an extra night, we didn't think we could afford another sleepless night.

    Our cruise from St Augustine to Daytona was event filled as always. We hit ground twice today, but with these new propellers, it was as if we took a lickin and just kept on tickin. Not a consequence in sight. We hit, we backed up, we went on. It was a long drive though and if we go back in a boat, we will go all the outside (in the Atlantic) to avoid the shallows and constant no wake speeds required to navigate the ICW.

    So, now we are landed in Daytona. We are waiting for a part for the boat and waiting out what appears to be some rain over the next couple of days. We will rent a car and get around to see the surrounding area as well as finish stocking the boat with everything we need for the Bahamas. We counted today and we have 6 more stops before we cross over. It would be SO FUN to be in the Bahamas for Thanksgiving (Irony), but that seems a bit much to push for. We will see.

    What Could Go Right? Dave saw a baby dolphin today! And as I already said, our oopsies did not turn into ouchies (hitting ground) and that was very nice. We are in a big marina for the next couple of days very near the beach and an old town down town, plus we will have a car. It should be a nice couple of days. We got laundry done, just as soon as we arrived so our worries are few.

    What Could Go Wrong? Dave is going to work on those oil projects during the rain. They are overwhelming and dirty and he is not looking forward to it. We also think we figured out a fuel issue we have been having, so he will need to work on that too. We have heard a new tapping noise that we shouldn't, so he will have to look into that and finally, there seems to be some water spitting inside that shouldn't. More to investigate. We saw a boat name today, "It will be fine...." That's how we feel!
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  • Daytona to Titusville, FL

    14 november 2023, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Daytona was a decent stop for us. I have to tell you though, it didn't start out well and it colored the whole rest of the week for us. On the first day, we decided to rent a car. To get to the rental car place, we have to take an Uber. The Uber driver proceeded to let us know in the 10 minutes it took to get us from marina to car, that Daytona was a very unsafe place. He told us beheadings had taken place at the beach during bike week and that all the homeless people we saw lining the outside of the beach area were all mentally and criminally insane, were packing weapons and had government approval to be there. It was NOT a great introduction to Daytona.

    Despite the crazy Uber driver, we got out and walked when we could. The rain and wind were such that we had to get out in between strong systems. There was a beautiful park, a great beach, a pretty cool boardwalk and a huge metropolitan city to explore. Dave worked on those oil leaks. It was a very stressful 8 hours for him, only to come out the end with knowledge that what he had done had not fixed the problem. So, all in all, Daytona was FINE. :) We got very very wet and made very little progress. Isn't the boating life so glamorous?

    We are chomping to get to the Bahamas - especially now that our first guest (Ella) is booked to meet us. We are watching the weather like hawks and moving down the coast at whatever pace is required to meet mother nature where she demands.

    Today we made it to Titusville and the wind was BLOWING. We had wanted to anchor, but when we pulled into the anchorage, I kid you not when I say, there were literally 4 boats blown up against the rocks 1/2 sunk under water. We conferenced (this is is a nice word for what really happened) and decided to move into the marina in the 20 mph winds and see Titusville and wait for tomorrow's easy blow. Titusville proved to be all that it was advertised. A small community who's claim to fame is that they are a 20 minute driving distance from cool things like the Kennedy Space Center and Great Beaches.

    What Could Go Right? We have some dry areas of the boat. We can go to those areas and watch TV or play on our phones and the dogs are happy there. We have SO MUCH food on our boat, we never have to leave if we don't want to and have a nice meal.

    What Could Go Wrong? Besides the continued oil leak, water leaks, battery issues and wind that whips the boat around like it is a toy? Well, I don't know of much more. Let's just say, it is not my favorite week of boating. If it weren't for our car and getting out to do things and see more of the area, this entire post may be different!

    Here's to the adventure we continue......
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  • Titusville to Melbourne, FL

    19 november 2023, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    We took it super easy today with a 30 mile trip south to Melbourne. It was/is a gorgeous day. 80+, sunny and just the right amount of breeze.

    There really wasn't much to say about Titusville and Melbourne, while having a cute very artsy downtown, is equally comment worthy. We got a nice walk in looking at all the art shops and downtown district. If the weather will allow, we plan to make our way to Vero Beach tomorrow.

    What Could Go Right? This weather can not be beat. It's November 19 and I'm laying in the sun typing this.

    What Could Go Wrong? It is taking more time than we would like for our carpets and cushions to dry. We are worried about the smell and continued mildew and with the threat of rain tomorrow, we are not real thrilled.
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  • Melbourne to Vero Beach, FL

    19 november 2023, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    We had another short trip today that was very uneventful. Yay! Our highlight of last night was kayaking and a manatee popping up to greet us. Then today, the dolphins were playing like crazy in our wake. We truly love the wildlife.

    Vero Beach looks a lot like Palm Springs, but with an ocean. If you don't know what Palm Springs is like, it's a lot of high end shops and restaurants catering to the very well off. Our marina is on the outskirts and there is great space for the dogs to walk. Otherwise, Vero is not a dog friendly area.

    What Could Go Right? Again, very nice weather and so much sea life.

    What Could Go Wrong? We had an electrical glitch this morning that Dave fixed in 10 minutes. :) He's currently spent more time on a shaky cleat that's giving him a problem because we have read our marina in the Bahamas is hard on cleats. We are almost there!!!!
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  • Vero Beach to Riviera Beach, Fl

    21 november 2023, Förenta staterna

    Happy Thanksgiving!!!

    We ended up with a car again in Vero because we had to get boat parts and dog veterinarian visits done. That took us to one of our scheduled stops; Stuart. We saw the cute city, had dinner, looked at the weather, and decided to change our itinerary. So we skipped outside into the Atlantic and made it to our last stop before the Bahamas.

    Vero turned out to be a very nice stop in a very crowded area. We liked the beach and all the conveniences. But nothing prepared us for the beauty that is further south down the coast of Florida. It looks like the Caribbean! This is a MUST come back to the area. I would never never want to live here. It's so crowded! But this would be a great place to vacation. The water is beautiful! Beaches beautiful. Dolphins are plentiful. Yes, I will have to come back here.

    What Could Go Right? It's a great Thanksgiving, and we have a lot to be grateful for. All of our kids are enjoying Thanksgiving meals with friends or loved ones. Ruth gave us a scare, but she sounds in good spirits for the day. We are sending love to our brothers and sisters as they navigate the holiday. The weather is perfect, and our boat is running as if someone had poured blood sweat and tears into it.

    What Could Go Wrong? Well, most of you know Dave dropped his phone in the ocean today. Was this an accident or his way of declaring, "I'm going to the Bahamas, I'll see you in May!"? We will never really know, but a replacement should come with Ella in December, so it's not the end of the world. And despite all of our planning and preparing, we are crossing over without Dave's favorite bread and a fuel pump we might need. As far as problems go, we are also extremely thankful.
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