Jammin Jane Travels: December 2015

Friday, December 18, 2015

HUGE NEWS!!

1998 Grand Banks 42 Classic with twin Caterpillar 3116 Turbo Aspirated (she is faster than our 1979 )

WE BOUGHT A NEW BOAT!!!!!!!!

Well, not new but new to us! I'm in awe, I'm excited, I'm decorating it in my mind, yet I can't stop crying about leaving our 1979 beauty (by the way we bought the same boat, same size...just newer and fancier!). We were not in the market for a new boat, but rather this boat sort of came to us. We had seen this boat and Ben made a comment to the owner (just so happens the owner of this gem is his dad) that if he ever wanted to sell to give us a call. Since he had just purchased the boat, we assumed that maybe in another 5 years or so he might consider...silly us! We got the call early this year and really thought about it for a few months (Ben's dad joked when we finally called months later to say YES! that he was beginning to wonder what was wrong with us). Ultimately, the decision wasn't hard considering this boat is 19 years newer with MANY amenities we don't have, couldn't afford to add, and didn't know we wanted. All we had to do was pick her up in Florida! So, we are finally here and here she is....

This is the new Jammin Jane (I christened her on the 17th of December) at the boat yard where we are making the switch. We are extending our canvas on the flybridge so we are completely covered...just like our first Grand Banks.

This is the new saloon/galley...notice the settee is dark green, ugh! The only thing that I was not happy with on our 1979 was the green settee, just so happens I lucked out yet again!! Good thing, my pillows and such will match!

We lose the wood railings on the newer Grand Banks, something Ben is disappointed about since he LOVES to varnish...but we will find something for him to work on! I like these railings as they are a couple inches taller.

This boat is equipped with Naiad stabilizers (I'm MOST excited about this as it will help with keeping the boat from rolling in big waves by use of fins), bow and stern thrusters (not really needed but will be awesome to have, we will be able to maneuver better in high winds and tight spots while docking!)

We will finally be able to sleep together, woo woo!! Another difference is the head (toilet/sink) is to port (which is where we had a huge closet), and the shower is starboard instead of all in one room. This affects our closet space a great deal...I have to send clothes home, sniff sniff! I'm not complaining...this boat is beautiful!! This bedding came with the boat.

This is our flybridge, with a couch and two captains chairs. The hull on the newer Grand Banks is a bit different in shape which adds about 9inches overall to the living space. Doesn't seem like a lot but it sure makes a huge difference, also on the flybridge. I happen to really like the green canvas, surprise!

Our new tender, a 10.5 ft Rigidboat, I'm excited to learn to drive this one!

We now have fishing rod holders! And full doors to our stateroom, oh! and a built-in microwave!

More pictures will come once we get moved onto the boat. We will be spending some time getting comfortable with all the new systems then we will begin our travels south. For the time being we are celebrating our new beauty.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

The time has come...where we have to say goodbye

We have been traveling with the same couple, Bob and Liz on Knot Sew Easy for over three months. Before we left on this trip, the only thing I was worrying about, thinking about and dreaming about was the actual travel portion of our Great Loop adventure. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would meet such wonderful people along the way. We lucked out when months ago I approached a group of Loopers. We were all docked at a marina along the Illinois River, and I asked if anyone wanted to join us for a zip-lining adventure. Bob and Liz (actually it was Liz who responded with a resounding YES!!) were the only ones who jumped at the opportunity. Score! That was the day we began our three month journey down the rivers, to Mobile, AL, across the Gulf and a couple weeks enjoying Florida. Now is the time where we will spend winter in separate locations with the question about when and where we will meet back up. We still are not sure, but possibly sometime in February along the Gulf side of Florida. We have spent a lot of time with our buddies and having girl time has made the trip a joy. Even our dogs love each other! It is kind of sad to have to say goodbye, but I'm blessed we have found new friends to share our adventure with. We will stay in touch, sharing our journeys and hopefully planning our next rendezvous! This trip has opened my eyes to the many blessings we are encountering. It's not just the thrilling adventure or the amazing places we are visiting, but the many special friends we are making along the way.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Greek Greek Greek!

Making our way to Tarpon Springs

We went against the grain, so to speak, by traveling north from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs. Not many Loopers head north from this point, but we were only 17 miles from the small town of everything Greek. I am part Greek and we both LOVE Greek food so why not?? We must be pretty convincing, or maybe a bit fun, as two of our fellow Loopers decided to join us north! We stayed three nights and enjoyed every minute of it. I ate aggressively the entire time! The marina we stayed, Turtle Cove Marina, had a pool and hot tub (which has been rare on our trip so far), ping pong table and bar located steps from the pool...not much more needed in my opinion!!
We spent time exploring the sponge docks and eating all things Greek, even some live music. Fantastic crab claws and time spent with friends. We located a butcher in town and made our last night a feast of steak and fixins! Great fun in the land of Greek!! I hope to make it back soon!!