Road Trip “Up River”

March 31, 2025April 15, 2025 / shellerina / Leave a comment

I had some business to attend to in the Sanford FL area (Ham Radio Outlet), so I took the opportunity to do some recognizance of potential future marina stops.

The spring-fed St Johns River flows south to north. Sanford area (near Orlando) is to the south on Lake Monroe.

Just north of Lake Monroe is Boat Tree Marina. Very well protected; reportedly a capital improvement plan is underway this season for some new docks.

Pool at the **Cabana Live** restaurant on premises at Boat Tree Marina.

Several TVs adorn the inside perimeter of Cabana Live.

On the south side of Lake Monroe is Downtown Sanford Marina. It is managed by F3; unfortunately it has not fully recovered from a pair of hurricanes that came through a few years ago. The dock system is owned by the municipality, and funding has become difficult to come by in order to rebuild.

They do have some slips rented out, but unfortunately zero availability for transients and new customers.

Sanford Downtown Marina… a very nice downtown BTW. I cannot wait for this marina to bounce back!

Lake Monroe: Sanford to the south; Boat Tree Marina is just to the west in this map.

There is a bit more to the St Johns River further south from here. But most cruisers are satisfied with the trek to Lake Monroe.

Information about the many fresh water SPRINGS that feed this river can be found here:

https://gardenandgun.com/feature/voyage-st-johns-river/

MESA – “My best dinner out so far in 2025,” Capt Ray

March 26, 2025April 14, 2025 / shellerina / Leave a comment

Jordan & Becky of m/v *Mental Floss* invited Shelly and Ray for dinner at Mesa tonight. Shown here with the restaurant owner, **Saji George**.
Saji loves to visit with her restaurant guests. We all loved our choices from the new Spring Menu; this of course was music to her ears.

The word “MESA” which translates to “table” in English adorns the wall at left; a large beautiful mural of Saji’s newly married daughter adorns the west wall. Her son, Brandon, is the new chef. Come taste his works! (( “**Family Table**” would be the full name of this place if in English. ))

This whole Avondale/Ortega/Lakeshore part of JAX combines to form a favorite geography for the best restauranteurs to land and subsequently attract the most curious and discerning palates.

“Highly recommended… our eight thumbs are up.” Bring friends with confidence.

Bonus for mariners: Mesa is walking distance from Port 32-Ortega Landing Marina!

Port 32 Chili Contest – First Place

March 22, 2025March 22, 2025 / shellerina / Leave a comment

Shelly’s “Chili Chili Bang Bang” got this year’s FIRST PLACE!

Shelly & Kathy with their winning spoons!!!

Omar, Kathy, and Shelly with their trophy spoons!

New Shower Sump…

March 18, 2025April 10, 2025 / shellerina / 1 Comment

It was SOOooo much easier and faster to simply replace old for new!

Highly recommended!

The aft bilge pump and switch was also replaced. Everything is clean & new!

The Kleins visiting us from Maine!

March 17, 2025March 17, 2025 / shellerina / Leave a comment

Linda and her family, John, Stephen, and Sarah came and visited us in JAX for a couple of days. Here we all are after polishing off a meal at Longhorns.

Hot tub tomorrow!

They safely drove here from Maine in 3 hops, and veered around damaging winds and resulting traffic as violent weather came across the middle of the country this weekend.

Addendum

St. Patrick’s Day

The whole Klien Crew from Maine in the hot tub!

Mr. No-See-Um!

March 11, 2025March 12, 2025 / shellerina / Leave a comment

I met Anthony at the local hardware store, Jacksonville FL.

Spring is coming!

I asked him if he could re-screen our sliding screen door with a finer mesh to keep out No-See-Ums. “Phifer has a 20×20 grid screen which keeps them out. [Normal screen is 16×16 mesh.]

I have the good stuff in-stock!”

Within hours he was at the boat to take the frame, and returned it all fixed up with the new stuff installed!