Escaping the ravages of winter, a Dickerson 41, “Hemisphere Dancer”(H.D.), was able to leave a Fort Pierce boatyard, and sail to the Florida Keys. After loading supplies, visiting with friends, sampling the wares of Ft. Pierce, we shoved off late for Manatee Pocket, Stuart FL.
Next it was Lake Worth, out into the ocean, created our own Parade for a Dickerson Show for “Mijami” (Miami), and then, we were dwarfed by commercial traffic in Government Cut/Miami. With following tides and favorable winds, we anchored in Hurricane Harbor inside Key Biscayne.
Unfortunately, the Miami Boat Show was happening, snowbirds were not moving, and Spring Break was starting, so the East Coast was full! “No problems, Mon”, we sailed down Biscayne Bay to Key Largo and other Keys! Vacationed on top of our vacation in Marathon, Key West, Cudjo Key, and did I mention “adult beverages”?
Doug Sergeant in Key West.
From Marathon, we sailed to Cape Sable, The Everglades. What an adventure; no cell phone, no wi-fi, no houses, but plenty of birds, manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a “jillion bugs”, so be sure to button up you Dickerson tight.
Up the West Coast of Florida to Everglades City area, Marco Island, Ft. Myers Beach/Sanibel where we visited “Doc Ford Country” made famous by writer, Randy Wayne White.
From here, we sailed the Gulf of Mexico to Venice, Fl, Sarasoto, then Cortez/Bradenton. Doug rented a car for the week and got us on the Coach’s gig while the Georgetown University Rowing Crews worked out at the Nathan Benderson Olympic Park. worldclassrowing.com/training-opportunities.html
Bruce, Joe and Doug in Bradenton. FL
We got to visit with our “Samson Post”, Joe Slavin before he shoved off from Longboat Key to head back to ice, snow, rain, congestion, and frozen Dickersons. We should have “shanghaied” him.
Now, we’re beginning to sail back to the Everglades, Keys, and back up the East Coast to our 50th Dickerson Anniversary at Oxford. MD on June 12-14. Hope to see you along the way. Remember, when the weather is perfect, go offshore. If it ain’t, stay inside.
