Watching TS ERIKA

Watching TS ERIKA

Tropical Storm Erika continues to move toward the Leeward Islands. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Guadeloupe. Interests in the Dominican Republic should monitor the progress of Erika. A Tropical Storm Watch may be required for a portion of the Dominican Republic later today.

Erica is centered about 285 miles east-southeast of Antigua, moving toward the west near 17 mph. A west to west-northwest motion is expected over the next 48 hours. On the forecast track, the center of Erika will move near or over portions of the Leeward Islands tonight, move near the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Thursday, and be near or just north of north coast of the Dominican Republic on Friday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph. Little change in strength during the next 48 hours is forecast. Tropical storm conditions are expected to first reach the warning area in the Leeward Islands tonight, and reach the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Thursday. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area tonight and early Thursday. Tropical storm conditions could reach portions of the Dominican Republic on Friday. Erika is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 3 to 5 inches with maximum amounts of 8 inches across portions of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico through Friday morning.

Get the latest on this tropical cyclone by visiting the NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov

SVSeaDragon and crew are watching this one VERY closely! We are taking every precaution necessary to protect ourselves and our vessel, tying on extra fenders, doubling up on lines and securing things topside. We do need some extra supplies and we are very low on funds right now, so if anyone would like to donate we would appreciate it.
Also, We are in one of the best hurricane safe marinas but if it looks too bad we will evac.
We will keep everyone updated.

Sunday Funday on Disappearing Island

I just had my first experience with a SUP ( stand up paddle board ). Another couple on our dock took me and Kim out on their boat down to the inlet for a little island time. This island called, Disappearing Island, is really just a gathering place to hang out and socialize with other boaters. Every day at low tide the water is so low the island appears and it is one large sandbar everyone parks their boats up close and enjoys soaking up some sun and fun! At high tide the island slowly disappears and the party is over. There are many activities that happen on the island.  Some people set up volleyball nets, play frisbee, kayak, or just float around on their inflatables.  A lot of people bring their coolers and barbeques along but there is a boat that comes by that sells snacks, refreshments and ice cream, ice and even bait for fishing.

Ponce Inlet Light House, Florida

A group playing volleyball

Friends hanging out on the sandy beach near the mangroves

Boaters enjoying the island life

A ketch style catamaran anchored near Ponce Inlet

This is my first time on a SUP.  This one is made by Hobie, and is inflatable.
I enjoyed it very much and hope to get one soon! I am going to check West Marine to see when they are going on sale next!

Once you are on you steady yourself with a wide stance and bend your knees a little it is easy to navigate the waterways, the paddle is concave and you swipe it in deep down the board lengthwise.
I paddled my way through one of the tributaries on the backside of the island and turned around remembering I had to actually paddle against the current. My legs certainly got a workout after that! This is a great way to keep in shape and work into your fitness routine. Plus you can see a lot of cool wildlife as you are coasting by near the mangroves.  Overall I had a great experience and even some thought I was a pro as I passed by them,  they were asking me lots of questions  and I had to tell them I was a newbie. I am glad they were so impressed with my newly learned skills however.
Watch the video below to see how I got started.

Sea Dragon is 1 Yr Old!

Well, that time finally came! We have owned SV SeaDragon for one year. We actually moved aboard in September 2014 but signed the paperwork and took over ownership in July 2014. This is an exciting time! I have never been more happy to own a boat and call it home. I imagine us cruising for years to come making passages to islands and exploring many places I could only once dream about before. I feel so tied down, forgive the pun but it is true, we are still tied up here at the dock. It is a struggle right now with our finances trying to catch up on previous debts and  new ones that keep growing. I do want to  have a goal of cruising within 1 year. At least make it down to the Florida Keys by next Spring. There are lots of things we want to do but money is the issue right now. I know we can do this and we will continue trying! We made it thus far without killing each other! :)


We both are trying to find steady work here locally but it  has been taking some time to find something. I enjoy blogging and writing about our lives but that is not enough until the traffic to the sites increase. Our advertisers will only hold out for so long before they will suspend the relationship. Please let me know what you would like to see on this blog. Would you like to see more posts on saving money, cooking, nature, or maintenance on the boat? I try to include a little bit of everything each week!


I am going to start a meal and budget planning guide soon and will post it here on the blog when it is completed. Also the boys are finishing up on their classes and will have more free time to go out on some more adventures and field trips.

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Helping my Mate Sell her 30' S2 9.2C Sailboat

Hi everyone!  
My dock mate and good friend Gladys is selling her sailboat.

Description: 30' S2 9.2C Sailboat (Daytona Beach)
http://daytona.craigslist.org/boa/5127706790.html

It is a very sturdy and smooth sailboat and perfect for someone who wants to learn to sail, restore a classic, and easy to single hand and navigate around the coastal waters. 

She has been well maintained and deserves a someone who will take care of her as much as her current owner has, is that you?
This is perfect for a beginner sailor or a couple that want a live aboard and or day/weekend sail.

 If you would kindly share this with your friends someone may be interested. 

She is move in ready and priced to sell!  
All reasonable offers will be considered.

Please click the link for more info. 

Thank you!

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Baby Dolphin Entangled

Please keep our waterways clean!
Below is a recent example of the impact on the environment and marine life.

FORT PIERCE, Fla. - (CNN) -- What does it take to help a single dolphin entangled in fishing line?

In the recent case of a dolphin calf rescued off the eastern coast of Florida, about two days of effort involving seven boats and 35 people from 12 institutions and organizations.

See more of the story Baby Dolphin Gets Tangled in Fishing Line

  Stories like this make me so sad. I see it everyday, people being irresponsible and tossing their trash overboard.  You may not think what you do matters, but it really does. The marine life is a vast eco-system that impacts us all.
  Let's protect Mother Earth and she will still be able to provide for us for generations to come.