| Travels of Dursmirg Vol. 3 Chapters 18-19 |
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CHAPTER 18 END NOTE TO
TRAVELS OF DURSMIRG/DOWN IN THE FLORIDA KEYS, SWINGING IN A SUMMER BREEZE
Now you have had a glimpse at the places we went, people we encountered and some of our memorable
experiences we shared.
So, how can you improve on this?
Jane and I were like two turtles living in the same shell, everywhere we traveled in our boat we were home.
Looking back over the years both Jane and I have felt a mutual union cemented together by the wildest of dreams
fulfilled to the fullest and lived in a uniting embrace with our self-motivation driving us to make it happen.
Timing and good luck made us, I believe, the most fortunate team.
As long as we have life, we continue to dream.
Yes, we are going where the wind blows us.
When the spirit moves us.
And the price is right!
RECOMMENDED READING;
CUBA Confidential by Ann Louise Bardach:; This book goes beyond telling a story with the most phenomenal in-
depth research interspersed with personal glimpses into all levels of Cuban society both in Cuba and Miami before
and after Castro’s takeover.
The objectiveness of Ann Louise Bardach is not opinionated but factual and she has recorded a complete chapter
of authentic American history with her book. I give this book my highest recommendation as a must read. This
gripping book will objectively open the reader’s eyes to the political stench that has become the standard of
acceptable governmental behavior. The author brings the reader up to the behind the scenes knowledge of present
day politicians aspirations and behavior through 2004.
I personally would make this book required reading as a requisite to a high school diploma.
FIFTY FEET IN PARADISE by David Nolan; I would have to class this excellently written volume as a classic of
Florida history that looks at the other side of history that is not neatly packaged and recorded. Extensively
documented through exhaustive research of Florida’s written records and especially his relentless interviews with
the people that actually lived this history, David Nolan brings history into focus. Having been actively involved
myself, though in a small way I have personally had an opportunity to not only meet many of the people that the
author interviewed but even do business with them. I am impressed. The book of Florida’s booms and busts,
dreams and despairs is one of my favorites and I therefore recommend it because besides being a very good read it
will also teach a profound lesson of finance and speculation.
WEST! SAIL WEST, MAN! Around the World in Twenty Feet by Hein Zenker;
“Crouched deep in the cockpit, I remained there for a long time and observed the foaming seas and listened to the
howling gale. And for the x-time I pondered why apparently sane people venture into this mess repeatedly.”
“Are we the only dreamers? Blinded in believing we are at home in an element, which in reality is out to destroy us,
by forces we are unable to control nor understand. Fortunately “dreamers” are optimists who do not cease believing
in their power to prevail-like the man in the cartoon: floating on a raft in the middle of the ocean, catching wind in a
net.”
This book to me is in a class and ranked with the best of the best sea stories I have ever read…need I say more?
website of Hein Zenker: www.windjammeronline.com/homepage.htm
SAILING ALONE AROUND THE WORLD and THE VOYAGE OF THE LIBERDADE by Joshua Slocum. These two
books are all time classic sailing stories that have stood the true test of time. These kinds of books are the variety
that any lover of the sea or sailing will want to own and pass on to their next generation and also reread as I have.
CHAPTER 19 COMMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCES
I am including in this chapter letters and emails from some of the people that we met while cruising on Dursmirg and
have kept in contact with over the years.
HEIN AND SIGGI ZENKER (Correspondences from e-mails.)
April 9, 2004
Hello Jane and John, the surprise is all ours as well. I can hardly believe it. Two weeks ago we past thru St.
Augustine on our way back north from the Keys. We arrived back in Virginia two days ago. On the way down we
checked the phone book for your name. It wasn't listed. Your ears must have been ringing many times over the past
years of the many times we talked to others about you--"My calendar has no circles," "The price is right, "Whenever
the spirit moves me, etc.. Wonderful website. Haven't checked it out completely, but will over the next days. Hope
you are doing well. We are doing fine. We often wonder if Linda and Bubba are still around? Times and camaraderie
where good those days, something we miss nowadays.
June 20, 2004
Hello Jane and Bing, we finally have some time to correspond more frequently. Since our return from the trip down
south--Nov. 03 to April 04--we are busy clearing our land from all the debris left over from Isabel. It really did a
number on us. Two trees crashed onto the roof, breaking through. In front of the house were 30 trees knocked over.
An equal number is still laying about in the back of the house--we just leave it there for the time because the foliage
is hiding them. Twice we went to Canada to have health problems taken care of. In a couple of weeks we have to go
again. So much about us. You are an amazing couple. You did a lot of interesting travels--and doing it partially on
bicycles is commendable. How did you ever land in Mexico. I can imagine it could be interesting once one has
learned the language--I'm sure you have. Should you come our way make sure you drop by. We have a nice home
to accommodate visitors, and also have an RV and a trailer for the same purpose. Our boat is still alive and well.
Must haul it this week and give her the necessary TLC to put her on the market. Old age does a lot of things what
otherwise would be unthinkable. So much for now folks. From the land of "Virginia for Lovers" our warm greetings
and wishes. Siggi and Hein
July 19, 2004
Hi Jane and Bing, schoen von euch wieder zu hoeren. We are under the impression that you are linguists. Many
thanks for your mail and the truly complimentary review you written. We are pleased that you liked the book. In the
interim we have read every morsel of your website, and are truly amazed about your stamina in world traveling. We
gather you had a van for most of your moving about but also aware that you did a lot via bikes. It will take a lot of
time and beer to chew through all the past exciting years since we seen each other last. We sincerely hope that
someday you will skirt our area. We promise good lodging, food and all the beer necessary to get through it all.
Sorry to read about Jane's asthma. Hopefully it doesn't curtail your lifestyle too much. Siggi has an eye problem--
AMD--still in the beginning. We hope it can be stopped with an operation she will undergo on Aug. 3rd. She also has
a slight heart problem, the doctors think might not be serious. The whole darn decline in general is old age. Siggi is
72, I'm 74--and this says it all! The way we read it, you are in God's country. Stay there! Keep in touch. Remember
we love to see you. All the very best from Siggi and Hein
October 5, 2004
Dear Jane and Bing, many thanks for your very complimentary review. Sure appreciate. Siggi sympathizes very
much with Jane's problems with shingles. She had it on the right hand side of her head right above the ear. The pain
was excruciating. It is nearly as bad for the person close being unable to help. We hope, Jane, your problem will
disappear as did Siggi’s. Your flower garden is thriving--much to Siggi’s envy. She is putting in a lot of time to have a
nice garden; especially after ISABEL when everything was destroyed. Yes, you must be pleased having been away
from Florida. For so many people it will take years to recover. And only God knows when the next will hit with the
same result. A lot of people decided to get out of Florida. For the many Canadians living there it becomes a
question whether putting up with Canadian winters is worse than going through the yearly aggravation, with the
prospect of losing everything. We, ourselves, may be far away from Florida, but thinking going through another
Isabel is something with loath intensely. This year, the insurance premiums increased by 50%, plus what we had to
spent getting the property back in shape, the financial burden is hard to carry--and where will it end? You may not
be entirely free of natural disasters but surely much safer than most places on earth.
A couple of weeks ago we had visitors from New Zealand. The very people we mentioned in our book--page 175.
Archie West had died a few years back and Joyce, his wife is frail. It is Kenny--11 years old at that time--with wife
and two boys who came to visit. They stayed for three days and we enjoyed every minute of it. What celebration it
will be when you show up one day!! Next week a Canadian couple, on the way to reunite with their boat in
Indiantown, Fl., will stop by for a couple of days. In the meantime we are concentrating in giving our boat much TLC.
We are thinking of selling her. Hopefully she will find an appreciative new owner. So long for now. Keep in touch.
With love Siggi and Hein
Hein and Siggi Zenker while they were visiting our home in St. Augustine, Florida, 1986.
Hein and Siggi;
Reply to Shonen von euch wieder horen.
Very nice to hear from you too.
You may be under the impression that we are linguists, but we only know enough German to eat well and get into
trouble.
Loved your book…glad you approved of my comments.
Yes we had many travels with a VW camper van, “bully”and we had six of them in all over a 22 year period and
extensively traveled North America and Europe. A year and a half ago we had one in Mexico, one in Texas and one
in Holland. Now we have none and we are loving it…just shifting gears in life. It feels great though we still have ten
bicycles, two in Europe.
Jane’s asthma is under control thanks to some extraordinary medical doctors that did the right things for her. She
has not taken any medicine in over four years and only controls her condition with diet, environment and exercise.
(She did have a close call four years ago with her heart but she was fortunate to have the best doctor that turned
that situation around and as you may have read we are still very physically active.)
We were sorry to hear of Siggi’s eye condition and hope that her treatment will be 100%.
Jane just discovered that she has glaucoma and a cataract, but she is in good hands and is being treated here in
Merida. Twenty-five plus years of bobbing around out on the briny seas did not do anything good for our eyes and I
also have had my share of skin cancer so we find the shady places to our preference.
Getting old? We too are on our way. I am 64 and Jane is 60. She now gets her ½ price on the bus and airline
tickets…rather be younger.
Ya, this is “Gods country” but not for everyone. I still think that Canada is the number one place for any young
person looking to make their way who has the initiative to be self-sufficient. Mexico on the other hand has some fine
places but not somewhere to go into business, only as a retirement spot.
We are very happy with where we are and with what we are doing…anywhere we are together we are home.
Drop in when the spirit moves you!
Jane just eagerly started reading your book.
Wishing you the very best of everything.
Bing and Jane
GRANT AND DEB BALL (Correspondences from e-mails)
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2003 23:40:16 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: our logbook
In a message dated 4/27/03 9:09:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Dursmirg writes:
Deb,
We just came across your name in the logbook of the Dursmirg. You signed it on Nov. 12, 1973 “God's Speed"
We recently completed bookshelves for our bedroom. Finally were able to get our books out of boxes in the
garage. Since I knew exactly where our logbooks were, I looked up the date.
Yep,
"Monday, November 12, 1973."
"Motored out to meet people on ferro cement boat. "Dirsmirg" [ok, ok. I misspelled it.....] It is nice inside. Spent
four hours talking to them. Sampled homemade raisin wine (good)."
***
We took you sailing on Sunday, 11/18/73, and later had grilled cheese on your boat.
I wonder if we changed the name of the boat? We remember it as Godspeed. Oh well, doesn't matter.
You are really going back in the archives!
Deb
Photo of Grant and Deb Ball at our home in St. Augustine, Florida. 1992
Deb,
We are trying to recall the name of the engineer from Harris who had his sailboat in the Palm Harbor marina when
we first met you. He lived on the boat during the week. I think he lived in Daytona. We remember him telling us that
he had miserable kids and that they were going to be miserable adults also! We spent a lot of time talking with him
at the Palm Terrace. Do you remember his name?
No, but I seem to recall someone living on a small sloop of about 25 feet in length, with a pop top. He had a big
canvas enclosure over it and left it up most of the time, and it was probably quite liveable.
The marina--for as long as I can remember, and certainly when we had the Catalina 22, "Godspeed", there, is Rhum
Cove.
> What was the size of your Catalina? And spelling: Godspeed?
> Also, Bing has a list of names from the logbook. People who signed in Melbourne. It is hard to read the writing so
the spelling of names might not be right. Do you know any of these people? (They signed the log in 1976)
> Tom and Cathy Arends Little Mermaid
Yes - Tom and Cathy had an Irwin 28 sloop. They eventually moved to San Antonio, then divorced. He now lives in
Washington State. She remarried a few years ago.
> Ed Muller Gay Lady - We did not know this man very well. We visited on board the (approx) 46-foot Gay Lady on
a couple of occasions. At the time, it was on a mooring in the harbor. She was aluminum. Eddie had an elaborate
electronic invention hooked up that supposedly neutralized any stray electrons, to avoid electrolysis. I remember
thinking that the boat was built for serious work at sea. The companionway had, I think, just a sliding hatch. There
was no easy-access opening into the cockpit. To go below, one had to kind of straddle the back part of the cabin
with one foot on perhaps the bridge deck and the other on the completely vertical ladder leading below.
> Ross Wheelton - Ross was a good friend of our friend, Earl Wheeler. Ross was a real gentleman and an excellent
sailor. He was slightly built and always wore a long-sleeve shirt and lightweight sweater and more layers in the
winter. He kept his very small (about 20-22 foot) wooden sloop in a slip on the east side of the harbor, facing east.
The tiny boat had a little cabin with two berths. There was very little freeboard. Ross sailed frequently, always
singlehanding. He loved to talk. He would drive to Rhum Cove and visit with anyone who happened to be there. On
many occasions, he would find me there, applying varnish to Hawk. He would never accept an invitation to come on
board, but would stand on the finger pier forever and keep a running commentary, interrupting his story only long
enough to point out where I had a holiday in the varnish.
Unfortunately, Ross's boat sustained serious damage one windy day, right in its slip. A large power boat that was
berthed alongside the seawall at Florida Institute of Technology (now Florida Tech) had been at anchor in the river
during the afternoon. When the boat returned to the harbor the helmsman tried to turn the boat in the basin so that
it would be facing south when tied up. The wind prevented the turn to be completed in one pass, so he began to
back and fill to make the boat face south and lay to the seawall. During one of those maneuvers, while the boat was
backing the helmsman backed a little too far and nudged Ross's boat. We were on Hawk, tied temporarily at the
old Melbourne Yacht Club's face dock, and watched the little sloop's mast move when the big boat hit. The sloop
was in peril of sinking, so very soon afterward she was hauled and put on a trailer. I don't think that Ross ever
sailed again as his health was failing and the damage to his precious boat was too much for him to contend with.
Ross Wheelton at the City Boat Docks and the Melbourne Harbor in the background. 1975
Those are the only names I can help with.
Hope you enjoy the art exhibit.
Deb
Kathy, Lori Pottorff, Art Pottorff Lorenzos (This is the pizza place, right)
There are more, but we recall them.
Enough for tonight. We are going to an art exhibition
that is just 6 blocks away.
Hasty Miller's 36' wooden double ender, Moonspinner, is now in Ireland or England (or Scandinavia). It went across
the "pond" with a new owner and Hasty and Julie have visited once and gone sailing on board in the new locale.
(They have had for a long time now a very shallow draft boat that he completed after buying the hull & deck.)
Moonspinner was a Hereshoff "Diddikai" design, built by a man in the (I think) Stuart area. (I have met and sailed
with him a time or two.) He had the boat partly completed and Hasty finished the job. Hasty owned her for many
years, finally selling her when the new boat was nearing completion.
JIM FLOOD (Correspondences from e-mails)
Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2004 21:24:14 -0500
From: JIM FLOOD <vjflood@gbso.net>
Subject: Monday Night
Hi. Been meaning to write for some time, but due to leaving a window open adjacent to this beast during a rain
shower. things sort of went to hell. Among other things, couldn't send email direct, though I could forward stuff from
others. Thinking back, I could have simply written in my mail on the forwarded stuff and managed, but my mind
doesn't work that way. Scott, my Miracle Worker, finally got over here and straightened things out.
In answer to your long ago question, yeah, I made wine up til a year ago. Even went so far as to plant six vines of
black and white grapes, which I set up on opposite sides of the yard to make sure that they were separate but equal
-- just in case. However, due to the fact that I am well into the latter half of my eighties, I didn't seem to have the
energy this year. Besides, it takes three to five years to age properly, and I somehow just don't seem to be able to
have much confidence in long term commitments lately. Don't even feel comfortable taking on one year magazine
subscriptions. Offered the grapes to the neighbors this year, and they've deluged me with home made jellies.
Was much interested in Bings account of the early years. Writing can become addictive. Some years back, my kids
asked me about my early years in the small town of Elgin. I wrote up a four page account, and somehow, as time
went on, it grew into a sort of manuscript of several hundred pages. A year or so ago the town historian up in Elgin
got hold of it and asked permission to put it into the towns' historical archives. Back in the twenties, Elgin had only
ten or fifteen thousand people, mostly dirt streets, and still lots of horses and even cows. We had four, and I had a
goat for a pet, rather than a dog. There was a hell of a lot to write about. Mary talked me into writing up a bunch of
the incidents in Melbourne harbor. So far they're just lying in a drawer. One day, with some luck, I may get back to
them. Some lady who writes sea stories up in Maine wrote to me a while ago to see if I had any that she could use.
No idea how she got my name, much less my address. Not too sure I want to get involved. Doesn't sound as
though there's any money to be had from it all.
I still have the old aloe plant, though it sometimes has a bit of trouble getting through our "Winters". Made the
mistake of planting it in the ground, so I have to drop a blanket over it when the temperature drops. San Mateo sure
ain't Melbourne insofar as weather is concerned, though we manage to miss most of the colder stuff around us since
we set between Dunns Creek, the St Johns and a bunch of canals. The water does a fair job of ameliorating
temperatures.
Harold Metcalf asked for your address. Didn't know he knew you, though he DID have a boat down in Melbourne
harbor. Suspect you may have heard from him by now.
Envy you your location. We've been having some of the worst weather we've experienced since the early eighties,
when all the citrus groves froze out. Have to admit that it's now a lot warmer. Skies have been blue and temps in
the low eighties. Just about anything that blooms is in full blossom. Sort of makes one realize why we moved down
here in the first place. On the other hand, all those blooms will undoubtedly raise the pollen count and raise hell
with our allergies. Come to think of it, why DID we come down here?
Beginning to feel as though my digital diahrrea may be setting in, so I'd better quit. It's great to hear from you. I'll
see what I can do about some of the political humor. Seems to be a lot going on just now. . . . . Jim
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2004 11:49:41 -0500
From: JIM FLOOD <vjflood@gbso.net>
Subject: WINE
Hey, I remember that wine. However, it's always considered a good idea to wash the feet before "Stomping". And in
good society, it is considered that the shoes, as well as the socks, should be removed. Especially if the socks have
been worn for more than two weeks. They have a tendency to add a certain piquancy to the finished product,
though after the first bottle or so the unique flavors tend to disappear.
Just before we moved onto our boat, some friends offered me a batch of ripe mangos from the trees in their yard.
Made up a batch that was certainly sweet enough, but nothing special. Had six bottles left, which I put into the bilge
-- and completely forgot -- until it came time to sell the boat years later. Found them far under the sole, fished them
out and tried one before I dumped the lot. Unbelievably good. Tasted like some of the best Oloroso Sherry. I
hoarded those bottles for a couple of years, occasionally letting special friends have a niggardly sip, but saving by
far the most for my own solitary sipping. Have no idea why it was so good, other than the cool rocking motion of the
boat over the years. As I recall, the Portugese insisted on storing Port in the bilges of seagoing boats. Don't know
about sherry, but figure it's worth a little experimentation by someone who has the time (Years) to work it out. Just
wish I'd stashed the whole batch, though I'm sure it'd all be gone by now anyway.
Haven't managed Cherry Bounce for some years now, since ripe bing cherries, in quantity, are pretty much
unavailable down here. Since Mary had her series of strokes, we don't manage to get north anymore. In fact, we
seldom drive much out of our zip code area. Been wondering, however, if some of the local fruits couldn't serve the
same purpose? Maybe I'll try it with peaches? Probably have to strain the finished product though. All it takes is
fruit, vodka and sugar and a bottle. Put your mind to it. . . . . . . JIM
From: "JIM FLOOD" <vjflood@gbso.net>
Subject:TUESDAY NIGHT
Date:Tue, 20 Jul 2004 21:48:25 -0400
Just reread your letter on Elderberry wine, and it's pretty well firmed up my decision to put up another ten gallons
this year. Wouldn't you know that on the year that I've provided no fertilizer, spray, etc., those darn vines have
decided to put out the biggest bumper crop yet. Should have enough left over for a neighbor or two to make up
some jelly.
Was talking with Jim Mooney the other day, and he brought up the time the Browns moored My (Our?) Dream in the
harbor, just in time for a violent squall. Strange thing is, the storm was heavy enough that I was on my boat, right
next to yours, and saw very little of the event until it was almost over. Ms Brown was lucky to have you two nearby.
You two make a great team, like the day you were taking the Puffin up for a haul and lost steering. According to
Mary, the trip went on almost without event. And that makes ME glad that the two of you were there at the time.
Unfortunately, I wasn't.
At the moment, Mary's in the hospital. Over the past several years, she's apparently had several small strokes.
Yesterday, in the head, of all places, she apparently suffered another. Called 911 and they got her to the hospital,
where she's doing very well, except that her pulse runs 48/50, and they may have to put a pacemaker in her chest.
They're still debating, but I'm not looking forward to the bills. Surprised, at her age - 83 - that they're considering it.
She's been in ill health for several years now.
Still haven't been able to locate Bret. Sent a letter to his last (new)
address, but have received no answer and the letter hasn't been returned. Could be they're on one of their many
worldwide jaunts? I'll keep trying. . . .
JIM
Photo of Jim and Mary Flood at our waterfront home in St. Augustine, Florida, 1992.
JIM MOONEY (Correspondences from e-mails)
Date:Fri, 27 Feb 2004 19:44:05 -0800
As ya probably remember I had the sloop "TRUNA" a gipsy designed by SMYTH and built in Cornwall England in
1967 I kept 25 years almost but finally sold her to a sailing school in Arkansas to train kids in the art of sailing. I have
no boat now but live on the St Johns River in East Palatka Fl. Just south of Jacksonville 39 miles where I sailed
Truna from 1980 till her sale in 1995. Don't remember much about the gang in the harbor cause I was most always
drinkin "cherry bounce" I think it was called ,Jim Flood used to make it all the time along with a great amount of red
wine and I tried to keep up with his production.
Haven't had a drink in over 20 years now, don't know that I feel any better but I quit cause the Dr told me I had spots
on the liver. Jim Flood lives here also (San Mateo) a very short drive .I visit him frequently and email him almost daily
(he is 87 or 88 now) Mary his wife is mostly bedriden and he stays home and takes care of her(a good caretaker) I
am happy to hear of your good fortune and health, I pulled a "stroke" 2 years ago but the VA did a good job with me
and I have very little residual effects ,still able to get up and eat every mornin and thats somthin at 74,We (my wife
pat and I) have a little camp in the Georgia mountains where we try to spend about 6 months of the year, but that is
about over since Pat is so crippled with artheritis she can hardly walk anymore so we will probably stayin home
pretty soon. well let me close for now I will get back with ya soon Y'all take care ya hear
Date:Mon, 1 Mar 2004 21:10:18 -0800
Hey ,yes Posh was a sloop rig built in 1936 in Wisconsin I think she was a documented and I still have the papers
and her name board the three masted boat belonged to someone named ART I believe ,he had some dogs on
board as I remember. Don't remember the details of the race but I think it was Bob who threw the trophy overboard.
John (Burchild) was anchored out in the harbor and this guy (I don't remember his name but he was the coach at the
high I believe) was drunk and kept circling John's boat, John yelled at him and threw a grapefruit at him (he was in a
small runabout as I remember) He then yelled at John. Words were exchanged and he told John he would be back
and burn his boat that night. John picked up a 22 cal rifle and fired a shot at him to scare him off and he hit him in
the thigh I believe then everything turned to crap, John hoisted anchor and headed out of the harbor and turned
north towards the bridge. The cops, were called and the bridge tender was called and told to not open the bridge.
The marine patrol arrived before he could get turned around ,the boat was brought back to the harbor and a federal
marshal was put in charge to guard her. Evelyn and the kids stayed on board and John went to Orlando to jail,
bonded out in a few days, went to federal court won
his case but went broke fighting the case. They moved to Palatka and lived aboard for about a year then sold the
Gazelle to some one from Alaska he sailed her for a couple of years and I understand she is in the Islands some
where now.
.John built a house near mine and they had a good life for several years then he came down with prostate cancer,
two hip replacements and Passed away about 5 years ago. Evelyn still lives in the house; as a matter of fact, she
was over here this evening.
We like our little getaway it is not much but it pleases us.
Yeah Pat had a shop in St Augustine for several years in the Lightener Museum but has been out of business for
about 10 years, she can hardly walk any more Arthritis. She does not do much of anything but watch TV, I am still
sort of active, I do carpenter work as a hobby, just finished a 8x10 deck today but I am slow and grouchy to work with
so I just mainly piddle around, I retired from the fire dept in Melbourne went to Saudi Arabia for a 2 year contract as
the fire chief for the royal Saudi Navy, came home went back to school, got my teaching degree, and was appointed
as professor of fire science and worked in the state fire academy till I retired 10 years later(under the auspices of
the State Fire College as a deputy state Fire Marshal but worked in several academies in the state and for the
National Fire Academy at Gettysburg). I retired for good about two years ago while teaching Hazardous Materials for
Georgia Pacific I let my credentials expire so I could not go back to work, That's about it for me nothing really to
speak of just kept busy
Later Gater Jim-----
Date:Tue, 2 Mar 2004 19:28:08 -0800
Jim Mooney writes about John Burtchell
It was true the kid bit him while he was playing Santa and John bit him back (he was then released from his contract
as “Santa”)
BOB ERICKSON; (Correspondences from e-mails)
(The following Melbourne Harbor photos are courtesy of Bob Erickson.)
The letter below describes the photo above of Melbourne harbor.
LETTER FROM (BOB) ROBERT J. ERICKSON;
1217 Malabar Lakes Dr., Palm Bay, Florida 320905
March 11th, 2004
***
Hi, there!
I was glad to get your e-mail at a real address. When Debbie Ball sends her e-mails, she usually doesn’t show all the
addresses, so I didn’t know how closely you were keeping in touch. I know that she and Grant have visited a couple
of times, and I knew you were in Merida, but I didn’t know you were still there, or had moved back to the states at
one time or the other.
Anyway, you just barely caught the photos in time! I had already thrown out a bunch of them, but there are still some
I haven’t gone through yet. So here are some of the harbor. I didn’t have any left of those early days. When you first
came in near the bridge, Jim Flood still had an old Christ Craft motor boat, hadn’t discovered sailing yet. Later on,
Joe and I were looking for a boat to replace my “ALGO”, and happened on an old motor sailor down in Fort
Lauderdale. We didn’t want it, too old, but I did happen to mention it to Flood. Wouldn’t you know it, he drove down
there, decided it would make a good project, and bought it. It’s the one that he and Mary wound up living on, and it’s
in the foreground of one of the small snaps. It has the small house over the helm and a wide dark blue sheer stripe.
In the same picture, you can see my ALGO at the extreme right, hanging on the mooring. Those were happy days!!!
The small picks were taken 20 or 25 years ago. Time sure does fly!!!
Enjoy! And lets swap e-mails occasionally
Bob Erickson
This photo of Melbourne Harbor was taken from the Crane Creek Bridge of Highway #1 looking east
showing the city dock on the left.
This photo of Melbourne Harbor was also taken from the Crane Creek Bridge showing some of the
moored sailboats, the old Melbourne Yacht Club, a marina and the university docks which was on the
south side of the entrance channel.
BOB ERICKSON
Date:Tue, 2 Mar 2004 23:21:00 EST
Subject:Good old days...
(Our note to Bob Erickson) When we met you, I think you still had Algo but had just purchased Exederin. Also, we
were talking the other night about the schooner Giggling Witch. We seem to remember that you crewed for the
capt. and he cheated in a race which he won.. You were very disgusted with him and threw the trophy in Melbourne
Harbor. Do we have the story right?
Almost! My memory seems to be going, but what I do remember, I seem to remember accurately... I don't remember
a schooner named Giggling Witch, but, right next to where you were tied on your first visit was a tired racing yawl
named Cindy. It was owned by a guy whose name was Art Rowe. That's the boat that I raced on (one time!) that
cheated on the race. He drew six feet, and ran aground right after the start. By the time we got off, the fleet was
way ahead of us, and we ran full power to catch up (with sails up!) and get to the middle of the fleet. From there it
was a romp to the finish. Yes, he got a trophy and I grabbed it from his hands and threw it into the middle of the
harbor. It was his first and last race!
I remember well the first time you poked your nose into Melbourne harbor. Jim Flood and I watched you come in and
look around. Finally, you went way up by the highway bridge and tried to come in to a finger pier. It was real
shallow then, and you didn't really make it to the pier, but close enough to jump on and off. You invited Jim and I
aboard, and we were amazed by the interior cabin space, including the beer tap. From there on, we all became
friends as you visited the harbor.
Yeah, I had a beautiful small ketch, Algo at 30', plus a big old Newporter ketch that needed a lot of work. It was
named Excedrin. Eventually, I sold them both, bought something smaller, married Joe and moved into her house!
Debbie and Grant Ball had a 30' ketch that they kept at the yacht club.
I know you've kept in touch with them, they've visited you in Mexico, and so on, and I still keep in touch with Debbie
by email. Losing Joe Ann was very sudden, and a real shock. She simply died in the middle of the night! A month
ago, and I'm not over it yet, miss her very much...
Yes, I've got snapshots, and you caught me just in time! I'm going thru them all, then putting them in the trash. I'll
run back thru them, save the ones of the harbor, and mail them to you if you'll send me an address. Good "talking"
with you, I've enjoyed looking back, not much to look forward to! Let's
keep in touch!!
Bob Erickson
HAROLD METCALF (Correspondences from e-mails)
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 7:32 PM
Subject: Talk
Hi Folks I believe if my memory serves me ..Your first names are Dick and Jane?? Let me introduce my self and
maybe jog your memorys..Im from the days when you and the
Dursmirg were in Melbourne Harbor. I am a friend Of Jim and Mary Flood and also Bob and Joe Erickson.. Sadly,
we have lost Joe Erickson recently...I bought the Ketch ALGO from Bob when I was down in the harbor and took her
to the Bahamas and also to the Chesepeake . When I finished that little tour I sold the Algo and built a steel cutter
only 30 ft. but she had a lot more room and storage..she was a custom design by a man in Canada . That had
drawn the boat for himself . And I bummed the plans and had a
builder weld the hull....Any way I was Talking with Jim Flood the other day and he mentioned you were now living in
Mexico. As im always interested I would like too talk
about old times and also pick your brains about living in Mexico if you don’t mind.......Thank you ..Harold
Metcalf
From: John and Jane Grimsrud
To: Harold Metcalf
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 5:35 PM
Subject: good to hear from you
Harold,
Yes, it was good to hear from you. We were just looking through our old log book for Dursmirg and saw where Bob
Erickson had signed it and at that time he was the owner of
ALGO.
We are still in contact with some of the old Melbourne crowd such as Grant and Debra Ball and also Dave Hanks,
plus Jim Flood. John (Bing) has been writing about our boating days. He has Vol one of Dursmirg on the web at
www.dursmirg.com He just finished Vol. two but we don't have it on the web yet.
We would be happy to answer any questions about living in Mexico that you might have. We love it here and won't
want to be anywhere else! There are quite a few stories on our
web site about our adventures in Mexico. Just go to our homepage of: www.dursmirg.com
and then click on
"Our Trips" for numerous stories. Look forward to hearing from you again.
Where do you live now? Do you still have a boat?
Jane and John (Bing)PS: John is just writing Vol.three of Dursmirg now and that
includes our time in Melbourne.
From:"Harold Metcalf"
To:"John and Jane Grimsrud
Subject:Re: good to hear from you
Date:Thu, 19 Feb 2004 08:16:22 -0800
Hey great!! I thought you wouldn’t remember me...I new Grant and Debbie well...Are they still in Malabar??....I live
about a mile down the road from Jim and Mary Flood...And yes I still have a boat.. I bought a piece of property on a
canal so I have the best of all boaters worlds..My boat is in my back yard...and all my boat supplys are in a shed
right there ...Its early in the morning and I haven’t had my third cuppa coffee yet ..and have too go over to St
Augustine this morning so I will get back with you later..........Harold
MAURICE WILSON (Correspondences from e-mails)
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 21:52:07 -0500
From: Maurice Wilson
Subject: Melbourne
To: John Grimsrud
Hi John and Jane
I will be sending you some pictures one at a time. This is a busy time of year for me so you won't be getting them all
at once. We left Melbourne in June of 1978 and moved to a little spot on the north east corner of Charlotte Harbor
on a canal. We sold Tide Call and got a 24 ft. Bristol Sailstar. Had to give up boating as the Fibromyalgia pain got to
the point that it was just too much to be enjoyable. I found a solution for it on the internet and though it is not in
complete remission I do have a fairly normal life. We retired into a typical mobil home retirement community here in
Venice and are enjoying life. Our son Kurt lives about 25 miles south of us and our younger daughter just up the
road in Sarasota. Our Oldest daughter and family live in Grand Junction CO. We have 6 grand kids and 2 1/2 great
grand kids. Here are two pictures of Tide Call. The one where she is underway was before we had her and is at
Daytona. The second is in her slip at Melbourne before we moved her to the east side of the harbor on the private
dock. I think we were nearly next door when you made your first visit to the marina. More later. Maurice
Maurice Wilson’s “Tide Call” docked in Melbourne Harbor.
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 13:49:20 -0500
From: Maurice Wilson
Subject: Re: Kids
To: John Grimsrud
John asked:
"Didn't one of your kids live or work in St. Augustine at the print shop"
You have us mixed up with John and Evelyn Burtchel on Gazelle That was their daughter Jeri who lived in St. A for
awhile. They all settled in Palatka. John passed away about a year ago but Evelyn is well and we were talking to her
just a few days ago. I will send some pictures of my bunch and I'm sure you will remember them. My oldest daughter
joined the Navy, met her husband in San Diego and they live in CO. The others are close by.
Good to hear about your kids, it is great to have family. :-)
Thanks for the happy birthday. So far it has been a quiet one which I am enjoying. I keep busy with computers, I am
better at fixing and building them and trouble shooting. A good secretary makes me look like a dunce until
something breaks. ;-)
I pay for my hobby by doing computer work. I'm building a new machine for myself based on the latest AMD64 3200
CPU. Will have it running in another week or so.
Wish I had the gift for writing that you have. I spent 28 years in aerospace, 23 of them on the Cape. It would be nice
to get it all on paper but all I have is bits and pieces.
Take care on your trip, It is sadly a much more dangerous world than it
used to be. Best regards...Maurice
Note; Here is our expanded explanation of the “tropics” from chapter one.
To better understand the term tropics one must look at the broader picture of the earth as it turns and twists, bobs
and weaves in its methodical annual elliptical path around the sun.
Two times each year the sun passes directly over the equator; On March 21st when the earth begins to bow the
North Pole toward the sun on its way to giving the northern latitudes the summers sun. On September 21st, again
the sun passes directly over the equator for its second time of the year and thus brings the longer days and warmth
to those in southern latitudes.
Now we will see this is what defines the tropics; when the sun is as far north as it will get it is directly overhead at 23
½ degrees north latitude. (Starting at the equator and going north to the North Pole we go from 0 degrees at the
equator and proceed to 90 degrees at the North Pole.) So, this once a year phenomenon which occurs on June 21st
is known as the first day of summer and it also happens to be the longest day of the year for those residing in the
northern hemisphere. (23 ½ degrees north latitude is known as the Tropic of Cancer and also happens to mark the
northern most limits of the tropics north of the equator.)
Equally and in the opposite direction the sun reaches 23 ½ degrees south on the 21st of December marking the
beginning of winter and makes the northern hemisphere have their shortest day while those in the south by contrast
have their longest day. (23 ½ degrees south latitude is known as the Tropic of Capricorn and also happens to mark
the southern most limits of the tropics south of the equator.)
So, now you have the geographical limits of the tropics, from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn.
Around the world at various places tropical conditions may vary both north and south of these lines of tropical limits.
Two very distinct examples of this phenomenon come to mind, one the Peak of Orizaba which is deep within the
tropics of Mexico at 19 degrees north latitude and is perpetually covered with snow. Another example in the opposite
extreme is the tropical flora and fauna present on Florida’s east coast up to near 28 ½ degrees north latitude, a full
five degrees north of the geographical tropical limits. These extremes are easily explained: the Peak of Orizaba is
nearly 20,000 feet above sea level and thus refrigerated by its extreme altitude. The east coast of Florida is heated
by the perpetual flow of the Gulf Stream, originating in the Caribbean, with its nearly 85 degree Fahrenheit waters.
Geographically in North America this area begins just south of Cape Canaveral on Florida’s east coast. Here a
strange and interesting phenomenon is apparent to those who have the chance to observe as seasonal
transformations set up temperature variations both north and south of this cape.
These is where the warm waters of the Gulf Stream heated to nearly 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the Caribbean Sea
take their departure from the Florida coast and begin their way off into the Atlantic Ocean on the way to warm
northern Europe.
As these splendid luxuriously warmed and inky blue waters make their way north out of the Caribbean Sea they
head up through the Straits of Yucatan and into the Gulf of Mexico. Next wrapping around the Florida Keys and then
compressed between Florida and the Bahamas Islands, the Gulf Stream current is accelerated in speed as it goes
north in the Straits of Florida. Here the heavy commercial shipping traffic becomes a fearsome and frightening
nightmare where I have felt I needed a rearview mirror while navigating and sailing these waters.
From Miami to West Palm Beach the Gulf Stream comes its closest to North America. This strong north flowing
current makes sailing south in this area a challenge and the marine traffic heading south will pass as close to shore
as possible in order to escape the Gulf Stream’s strong north setting effects.
Jane and I have sailed this coast countless times and we were always amazed as we were sailing southerly and
extremely close to the beach to find huge oceangoing freighters passing inside of us and right next to the shore.
After leaving the West Palm Beach area the warm waters of the Gulf Stream begin to angle away from the coast on
its way north past Cape Canaveral where it veers offshore taking its warming waters with it.
During the winter months the temperature differential north and south of the cape, Cape Canaveral, is usually
around 20 degrees and that is why the coconut palm trees are still found along the Florida coast almost up to this
point of Cape Canaveral.
The area also has the dubious distinction of being where the “Bermuda Triangle” is located.
Now dear reader you will see why we have included our travels south of Cape Canaveral plus in the Indian River and
then south into our Florida Keys volume.
This is a unique place that extends from the islands of the Dry Tortugas, west of Key West in the Florida Keys, and
up and around to Miami, then to West Palm Beach and on to Cape Canaveral where those warm waters of the Gulf
Stream bring tropical conditions to this coastal part of south Florida. This condition of the warm Gulf Stream waters
is a stabilizing factor both summer and winter and salubriously moderates the coastal areas that it affects. Here is
where tropical conditions exist outside of the geographical tropics.
ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN RX SPORTS AND TRAVEL, JANUARY 1974
click on each thumbnail to view article.
1 2 3 4
This is the end of Volume 3, Down in the Florida Keys, Swinging in a Summer Breeze
The next volume of the Dursmirg story continues with Travels of Dursmirg, The Rogues of St. Augustine
and Other Social Misfits. Click here to continue to Volume IV, chapter 1.
TRAVELS OF DURSMIRG/DOWN IN THE FLORIDA KEYS, SWINGING IN A SUMMER BREEZE
Now you have had a glimpse at the places we went, people we encountered and some of our memorable
experiences we shared.
So, how can you improve on this?
Jane and I were like two turtles living in the same shell, everywhere we traveled in our boat we were home.
Looking back over the years both Jane and I have felt a mutual union cemented together by the wildest of dreams
fulfilled to the fullest and lived in a uniting embrace with our self-motivation driving us to make it happen.
Timing and good luck made us, I believe, the most fortunate team.
As long as we have life, we continue to dream.
Yes, we are going where the wind blows us.
When the spirit moves us.
And the price is right!
RECOMMENDED READING;
CUBA Confidential by Ann Louise Bardach:; This book goes beyond telling a story with the most phenomenal in-
depth research interspersed with personal glimpses into all levels of Cuban society both in Cuba and Miami before
and after Castro’s takeover.
The objectiveness of Ann Louise Bardach is not opinionated but factual and she has recorded a complete chapter
of authentic American history with her book. I give this book my highest recommendation as a must read. This
gripping book will objectively open the reader’s eyes to the political stench that has become the standard of
acceptable governmental behavior. The author brings the reader up to the behind the scenes knowledge of present
day politicians aspirations and behavior through 2004.
I personally would make this book required reading as a requisite to a high school diploma.
FIFTY FEET IN PARADISE by David Nolan; I would have to class this excellently written volume as a classic of
Florida history that looks at the other side of history that is not neatly packaged and recorded. Extensively
documented through exhaustive research of Florida’s written records and especially his relentless interviews with
the people that actually lived this history, David Nolan brings history into focus. Having been actively involved
myself, though in a small way I have personally had an opportunity to not only meet many of the people that the
author interviewed but even do business with them. I am impressed. The book of Florida’s booms and busts,
dreams and despairs is one of my favorites and I therefore recommend it because besides being a very good read it
will also teach a profound lesson of finance and speculation.
WEST! SAIL WEST, MAN! Around the World in Twenty Feet by Hein Zenker;
“Crouched deep in the cockpit, I remained there for a long time and observed the foaming seas and listened to the
howling gale. And for the x-time I pondered why apparently sane people venture into this mess repeatedly.”
“Are we the only dreamers? Blinded in believing we are at home in an element, which in reality is out to destroy us,
by forces we are unable to control nor understand. Fortunately “dreamers” are optimists who do not cease believing
in their power to prevail-like the man in the cartoon: floating on a raft in the middle of the ocean, catching wind in a
net.”
This book to me is in a class and ranked with the best of the best sea stories I have ever read…need I say more?
website of Hein Zenker: www.windjammeronline.com/homepage.htm
SAILING ALONE AROUND THE WORLD and THE VOYAGE OF THE LIBERDADE by Joshua Slocum. These two
books are all time classic sailing stories that have stood the true test of time. These kinds of books are the variety
that any lover of the sea or sailing will want to own and pass on to their next generation and also reread as I have.
CHAPTER 19 COMMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCES
I am including in this chapter letters and emails from some of the people that we met while cruising on Dursmirg and
have kept in contact with over the years.
HEIN AND SIGGI ZENKER (Correspondences from e-mails.)
April 9, 2004
Hello Jane and John, the surprise is all ours as well. I can hardly believe it. Two weeks ago we past thru St.
Augustine on our way back north from the Keys. We arrived back in Virginia two days ago. On the way down we
checked the phone book for your name. It wasn't listed. Your ears must have been ringing many times over the past
years of the many times we talked to others about you--"My calendar has no circles," "The price is right, "Whenever
the spirit moves me, etc.. Wonderful website. Haven't checked it out completely, but will over the next days. Hope
you are doing well. We are doing fine. We often wonder if Linda and Bubba are still around? Times and camaraderie
where good those days, something we miss nowadays.
June 20, 2004
Hello Jane and Bing, we finally have some time to correspond more frequently. Since our return from the trip down
south--Nov. 03 to April 04--we are busy clearing our land from all the debris left over from Isabel. It really did a
number on us. Two trees crashed onto the roof, breaking through. In front of the house were 30 trees knocked over.
An equal number is still laying about in the back of the house--we just leave it there for the time because the foliage
is hiding them. Twice we went to Canada to have health problems taken care of. In a couple of weeks we have to go
again. So much about us. You are an amazing couple. You did a lot of interesting travels--and doing it partially on
bicycles is commendable. How did you ever land in Mexico. I can imagine it could be interesting once one has
learned the language--I'm sure you have. Should you come our way make sure you drop by. We have a nice home
to accommodate visitors, and also have an RV and a trailer for the same purpose. Our boat is still alive and well.
Must haul it this week and give her the necessary TLC to put her on the market. Old age does a lot of things what
otherwise would be unthinkable. So much for now folks. From the land of "Virginia for Lovers" our warm greetings
and wishes. Siggi and Hein
July 19, 2004
Hi Jane and Bing, schoen von euch wieder zu hoeren. We are under the impression that you are linguists. Many
thanks for your mail and the truly complimentary review you written. We are pleased that you liked the book. In the
interim we have read every morsel of your website, and are truly amazed about your stamina in world traveling. We
gather you had a van for most of your moving about but also aware that you did a lot via bikes. It will take a lot of
time and beer to chew through all the past exciting years since we seen each other last. We sincerely hope that
someday you will skirt our area. We promise good lodging, food and all the beer necessary to get through it all.
Sorry to read about Jane's asthma. Hopefully it doesn't curtail your lifestyle too much. Siggi has an eye problem--
AMD--still in the beginning. We hope it can be stopped with an operation she will undergo on Aug. 3rd. She also has
a slight heart problem, the doctors think might not be serious. The whole darn decline in general is old age. Siggi is
72, I'm 74--and this says it all! The way we read it, you are in God's country. Stay there! Keep in touch. Remember
we love to see you. All the very best from Siggi and Hein
October 5, 2004
Dear Jane and Bing, many thanks for your very complimentary review. Sure appreciate. Siggi sympathizes very
much with Jane's problems with shingles. She had it on the right hand side of her head right above the ear. The pain
was excruciating. It is nearly as bad for the person close being unable to help. We hope, Jane, your problem will
disappear as did Siggi’s. Your flower garden is thriving--much to Siggi’s envy. She is putting in a lot of time to have a
nice garden; especially after ISABEL when everything was destroyed. Yes, you must be pleased having been away
from Florida. For so many people it will take years to recover. And only God knows when the next will hit with the
same result. A lot of people decided to get out of Florida. For the many Canadians living there it becomes a
question whether putting up with Canadian winters is worse than going through the yearly aggravation, with the
prospect of losing everything. We, ourselves, may be far away from Florida, but thinking going through another
Isabel is something with loath intensely. This year, the insurance premiums increased by 50%, plus what we had to
spent getting the property back in shape, the financial burden is hard to carry--and where will it end? You may not
be entirely free of natural disasters but surely much safer than most places on earth.
A couple of weeks ago we had visitors from New Zealand. The very people we mentioned in our book--page 175.
Archie West had died a few years back and Joyce, his wife is frail. It is Kenny--11 years old at that time--with wife
and two boys who came to visit. They stayed for three days and we enjoyed every minute of it. What celebration it
will be when you show up one day!! Next week a Canadian couple, on the way to reunite with their boat in
Indiantown, Fl., will stop by for a couple of days. In the meantime we are concentrating in giving our boat much TLC.
We are thinking of selling her. Hopefully she will find an appreciative new owner. So long for now. Keep in touch.
With love Siggi and Hein
Hein and Siggi Zenker while they were visiting our home in St. Augustine, Florida, 1986.
Hein and Siggi;
Reply to Shonen von euch wieder horen.
Very nice to hear from you too.
You may be under the impression that we are linguists, but we only know enough German to eat well and get into
trouble.
Loved your book…glad you approved of my comments.
Yes we had many travels with a VW camper van, “bully”and we had six of them in all over a 22 year period and
extensively traveled North America and Europe. A year and a half ago we had one in Mexico, one in Texas and one
in Holland. Now we have none and we are loving it…just shifting gears in life. It feels great though we still have ten
bicycles, two in Europe.
Jane’s asthma is under control thanks to some extraordinary medical doctors that did the right things for her. She
has not taken any medicine in over four years and only controls her condition with diet, environment and exercise.
(She did have a close call four years ago with her heart but she was fortunate to have the best doctor that turned
that situation around and as you may have read we are still very physically active.)
We were sorry to hear of Siggi’s eye condition and hope that her treatment will be 100%.
Jane just discovered that she has glaucoma and a cataract, but she is in good hands and is being treated here in
Merida. Twenty-five plus years of bobbing around out on the briny seas did not do anything good for our eyes and I
also have had my share of skin cancer so we find the shady places to our preference.
Getting old? We too are on our way. I am 64 and Jane is 60. She now gets her ½ price on the bus and airline
tickets…rather be younger.
Ya, this is “Gods country” but not for everyone. I still think that Canada is the number one place for any young
person looking to make their way who has the initiative to be self-sufficient. Mexico on the other hand has some fine
places but not somewhere to go into business, only as a retirement spot.
We are very happy with where we are and with what we are doing…anywhere we are together we are home.
Drop in when the spirit moves you!
Jane just eagerly started reading your book.
Wishing you the very best of everything.
Bing and Jane
GRANT AND DEB BALL (Correspondences from e-mails)
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2003 23:40:16 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: our logbook
In a message dated 4/27/03 9:09:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Dursmirg writes:
Deb,
We just came across your name in the logbook of the Dursmirg. You signed it on Nov. 12, 1973 “God's Speed"
We recently completed bookshelves for our bedroom. Finally were able to get our books out of boxes in the
garage. Since I knew exactly where our logbooks were, I looked up the date.
Yep,
"Monday, November 12, 1973."
"Motored out to meet people on ferro cement boat. "Dirsmirg" [ok, ok. I misspelled it.....] It is nice inside. Spent
four hours talking to them. Sampled homemade raisin wine (good)."
***
We took you sailing on Sunday, 11/18/73, and later had grilled cheese on your boat.
I wonder if we changed the name of the boat? We remember it as Godspeed. Oh well, doesn't matter.
You are really going back in the archives!
Deb
Photo of Grant and Deb Ball at our home in St. Augustine, Florida. 1992
Deb,
We are trying to recall the name of the engineer from Harris who had his sailboat in the Palm Harbor marina when
we first met you. He lived on the boat during the week. I think he lived in Daytona. We remember him telling us that
he had miserable kids and that they were going to be miserable adults also! We spent a lot of time talking with him
at the Palm Terrace. Do you remember his name?
No, but I seem to recall someone living on a small sloop of about 25 feet in length, with a pop top. He had a big
canvas enclosure over it and left it up most of the time, and it was probably quite liveable.
The marina--for as long as I can remember, and certainly when we had the Catalina 22, "Godspeed", there, is Rhum
Cove.
> What was the size of your Catalina? And spelling: Godspeed?
> Also, Bing has a list of names from the logbook. People who signed in Melbourne. It is hard to read the writing so
the spelling of names might not be right. Do you know any of these people? (They signed the log in 1976)
> Tom and Cathy Arends Little Mermaid
Yes - Tom and Cathy had an Irwin 28 sloop. They eventually moved to San Antonio, then divorced. He now lives in
Washington State. She remarried a few years ago.
> Ed Muller Gay Lady - We did not know this man very well. We visited on board the (approx) 46-foot Gay Lady on
a couple of occasions. At the time, it was on a mooring in the harbor. She was aluminum. Eddie had an elaborate
electronic invention hooked up that supposedly neutralized any stray electrons, to avoid electrolysis. I remember
thinking that the boat was built for serious work at sea. The companionway had, I think, just a sliding hatch. There
was no easy-access opening into the cockpit. To go below, one had to kind of straddle the back part of the cabin
with one foot on perhaps the bridge deck and the other on the completely vertical ladder leading below.
> Ross Wheelton - Ross was a good friend of our friend, Earl Wheeler. Ross was a real gentleman and an excellent
sailor. He was slightly built and always wore a long-sleeve shirt and lightweight sweater and more layers in the
winter. He kept his very small (about 20-22 foot) wooden sloop in a slip on the east side of the harbor, facing east.
The tiny boat had a little cabin with two berths. There was very little freeboard. Ross sailed frequently, always
singlehanding. He loved to talk. He would drive to Rhum Cove and visit with anyone who happened to be there. On
many occasions, he would find me there, applying varnish to Hawk. He would never accept an invitation to come on
board, but would stand on the finger pier forever and keep a running commentary, interrupting his story only long
enough to point out where I had a holiday in the varnish.
Unfortunately, Ross's boat sustained serious damage one windy day, right in its slip. A large power boat that was
berthed alongside the seawall at Florida Institute of Technology (now Florida Tech) had been at anchor in the river
during the afternoon. When the boat returned to the harbor the helmsman tried to turn the boat in the basin so that
it would be facing south when tied up. The wind prevented the turn to be completed in one pass, so he began to
back and fill to make the boat face south and lay to the seawall. During one of those maneuvers, while the boat was
backing the helmsman backed a little too far and nudged Ross's boat. We were on Hawk, tied temporarily at the
old Melbourne Yacht Club's face dock, and watched the little sloop's mast move when the big boat hit. The sloop
was in peril of sinking, so very soon afterward she was hauled and put on a trailer. I don't think that Ross ever
sailed again as his health was failing and the damage to his precious boat was too much for him to contend with.
Ross Wheelton at the City Boat Docks and the Melbourne Harbor in the background. 1975
Those are the only names I can help with.
Hope you enjoy the art exhibit.
Deb
Kathy, Lori Pottorff, Art Pottorff Lorenzos (This is the pizza place, right)
There are more, but we recall them.
Enough for tonight. We are going to an art exhibition
that is just 6 blocks away.
Hasty Miller's 36' wooden double ender, Moonspinner, is now in Ireland or England (or Scandinavia). It went across
the "pond" with a new owner and Hasty and Julie have visited once and gone sailing on board in the new locale.
(They have had for a long time now a very shallow draft boat that he completed after buying the hull & deck.)
Moonspinner was a Hereshoff "Diddikai" design, built by a man in the (I think) Stuart area. (I have met and sailed
with him a time or two.) He had the boat partly completed and Hasty finished the job. Hasty owned her for many
years, finally selling her when the new boat was nearing completion.
JIM FLOOD (Correspondences from e-mails)
Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2004 21:24:14 -0500
From: JIM FLOOD <vjflood@gbso.net>
Subject: Monday Night
Hi. Been meaning to write for some time, but due to leaving a window open adjacent to this beast during a rain
shower. things sort of went to hell. Among other things, couldn't send email direct, though I could forward stuff from
others. Thinking back, I could have simply written in my mail on the forwarded stuff and managed, but my mind
doesn't work that way. Scott, my Miracle Worker, finally got over here and straightened things out.
In answer to your long ago question, yeah, I made wine up til a year ago. Even went so far as to plant six vines of
black and white grapes, which I set up on opposite sides of the yard to make sure that they were separate but equal
-- just in case. However, due to the fact that I am well into the latter half of my eighties, I didn't seem to have the
energy this year. Besides, it takes three to five years to age properly, and I somehow just don't seem to be able to
have much confidence in long term commitments lately. Don't even feel comfortable taking on one year magazine
subscriptions. Offered the grapes to the neighbors this year, and they've deluged me with home made jellies.
Was much interested in Bings account of the early years. Writing can become addictive. Some years back, my kids
asked me about my early years in the small town of Elgin. I wrote up a four page account, and somehow, as time
went on, it grew into a sort of manuscript of several hundred pages. A year or so ago the town historian up in Elgin
got hold of it and asked permission to put it into the towns' historical archives. Back in the twenties, Elgin had only
ten or fifteen thousand people, mostly dirt streets, and still lots of horses and even cows. We had four, and I had a
goat for a pet, rather than a dog. There was a hell of a lot to write about. Mary talked me into writing up a bunch of
the incidents in Melbourne harbor. So far they're just lying in a drawer. One day, with some luck, I may get back to
them. Some lady who writes sea stories up in Maine wrote to me a while ago to see if I had any that she could use.
No idea how she got my name, much less my address. Not too sure I want to get involved. Doesn't sound as
though there's any money to be had from it all.
I still have the old aloe plant, though it sometimes has a bit of trouble getting through our "Winters". Made the
mistake of planting it in the ground, so I have to drop a blanket over it when the temperature drops. San Mateo sure
ain't Melbourne insofar as weather is concerned, though we manage to miss most of the colder stuff around us since
we set between Dunns Creek, the St Johns and a bunch of canals. The water does a fair job of ameliorating
temperatures.
Harold Metcalf asked for your address. Didn't know he knew you, though he DID have a boat down in Melbourne
harbor. Suspect you may have heard from him by now.
Envy you your location. We've been having some of the worst weather we've experienced since the early eighties,
when all the citrus groves froze out. Have to admit that it's now a lot warmer. Skies have been blue and temps in
the low eighties. Just about anything that blooms is in full blossom. Sort of makes one realize why we moved down
here in the first place. On the other hand, all those blooms will undoubtedly raise the pollen count and raise hell
with our allergies. Come to think of it, why DID we come down here?
Beginning to feel as though my digital diahrrea may be setting in, so I'd better quit. It's great to hear from you. I'll
see what I can do about some of the political humor. Seems to be a lot going on just now. . . . . Jim
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2004 11:49:41 -0500
From: JIM FLOOD <vjflood@gbso.net>
Subject: WINE
Hey, I remember that wine. However, it's always considered a good idea to wash the feet before "Stomping". And in
good society, it is considered that the shoes, as well as the socks, should be removed. Especially if the socks have
been worn for more than two weeks. They have a tendency to add a certain piquancy to the finished product,
though after the first bottle or so the unique flavors tend to disappear.
Just before we moved onto our boat, some friends offered me a batch of ripe mangos from the trees in their yard.
Made up a batch that was certainly sweet enough, but nothing special. Had six bottles left, which I put into the bilge
-- and completely forgot -- until it came time to sell the boat years later. Found them far under the sole, fished them
out and tried one before I dumped the lot. Unbelievably good. Tasted like some of the best Oloroso Sherry. I
hoarded those bottles for a couple of years, occasionally letting special friends have a niggardly sip, but saving by
far the most for my own solitary sipping. Have no idea why it was so good, other than the cool rocking motion of the
boat over the years. As I recall, the Portugese insisted on storing Port in the bilges of seagoing boats. Don't know
about sherry, but figure it's worth a little experimentation by someone who has the time (Years) to work it out. Just
wish I'd stashed the whole batch, though I'm sure it'd all be gone by now anyway.
Haven't managed Cherry Bounce for some years now, since ripe bing cherries, in quantity, are pretty much
unavailable down here. Since Mary had her series of strokes, we don't manage to get north anymore. In fact, we
seldom drive much out of our zip code area. Been wondering, however, if some of the local fruits couldn't serve the
same purpose? Maybe I'll try it with peaches? Probably have to strain the finished product though. All it takes is
fruit, vodka and sugar and a bottle. Put your mind to it. . . . . . . JIM
From: "JIM FLOOD" <vjflood@gbso.net>
Subject:TUESDAY NIGHT
Date:Tue, 20 Jul 2004 21:48:25 -0400
Just reread your letter on Elderberry wine, and it's pretty well firmed up my decision to put up another ten gallons
this year. Wouldn't you know that on the year that I've provided no fertilizer, spray, etc., those darn vines have
decided to put out the biggest bumper crop yet. Should have enough left over for a neighbor or two to make up
some jelly.
Was talking with Jim Mooney the other day, and he brought up the time the Browns moored My (Our?) Dream in the
harbor, just in time for a violent squall. Strange thing is, the storm was heavy enough that I was on my boat, right
next to yours, and saw very little of the event until it was almost over. Ms Brown was lucky to have you two nearby.
You two make a great team, like the day you were taking the Puffin up for a haul and lost steering. According to
Mary, the trip went on almost without event. And that makes ME glad that the two of you were there at the time.
Unfortunately, I wasn't.
At the moment, Mary's in the hospital. Over the past several years, she's apparently had several small strokes.
Yesterday, in the head, of all places, she apparently suffered another. Called 911 and they got her to the hospital,
where she's doing very well, except that her pulse runs 48/50, and they may have to put a pacemaker in her chest.
They're still debating, but I'm not looking forward to the bills. Surprised, at her age - 83 - that they're considering it.
She's been in ill health for several years now.
Still haven't been able to locate Bret. Sent a letter to his last (new)
address, but have received no answer and the letter hasn't been returned. Could be they're on one of their many
worldwide jaunts? I'll keep trying. . . .
JIM
Photo of Jim and Mary Flood at our waterfront home in St. Augustine, Florida, 1992.
JIM MOONEY (Correspondences from e-mails)
Date:Fri, 27 Feb 2004 19:44:05 -0800
As ya probably remember I had the sloop "TRUNA" a gipsy designed by SMYTH and built in Cornwall England in
1967 I kept 25 years almost but finally sold her to a sailing school in Arkansas to train kids in the art of sailing. I have
no boat now but live on the St Johns River in East Palatka Fl. Just south of Jacksonville 39 miles where I sailed
Truna from 1980 till her sale in 1995. Don't remember much about the gang in the harbor cause I was most always
drinkin "cherry bounce" I think it was called ,Jim Flood used to make it all the time along with a great amount of red
wine and I tried to keep up with his production.
Haven't had a drink in over 20 years now, don't know that I feel any better but I quit cause the Dr told me I had spots
on the liver. Jim Flood lives here also (San Mateo) a very short drive .I visit him frequently and email him almost daily
(he is 87 or 88 now) Mary his wife is mostly bedriden and he stays home and takes care of her(a good caretaker) I
am happy to hear of your good fortune and health, I pulled a "stroke" 2 years ago but the VA did a good job with me
and I have very little residual effects ,still able to get up and eat every mornin and thats somthin at 74,We (my wife
pat and I) have a little camp in the Georgia mountains where we try to spend about 6 months of the year, but that is
about over since Pat is so crippled with artheritis she can hardly walk anymore so we will probably stayin home
pretty soon. well let me close for now I will get back with ya soon Y'all take care ya hear
Date:Mon, 1 Mar 2004 21:10:18 -0800
Hey ,yes Posh was a sloop rig built in 1936 in Wisconsin I think she was a documented and I still have the papers
and her name board the three masted boat belonged to someone named ART I believe ,he had some dogs on
board as I remember. Don't remember the details of the race but I think it was Bob who threw the trophy overboard.
John (Burchild) was anchored out in the harbor and this guy (I don't remember his name but he was the coach at the
high I believe) was drunk and kept circling John's boat, John yelled at him and threw a grapefruit at him (he was in a
small runabout as I remember) He then yelled at John. Words were exchanged and he told John he would be back
and burn his boat that night. John picked up a 22 cal rifle and fired a shot at him to scare him off and he hit him in
the thigh I believe then everything turned to crap, John hoisted anchor and headed out of the harbor and turned
north towards the bridge. The cops, were called and the bridge tender was called and told to not open the bridge.
The marine patrol arrived before he could get turned around ,the boat was brought back to the harbor and a federal
marshal was put in charge to guard her. Evelyn and the kids stayed on board and John went to Orlando to jail,
bonded out in a few days, went to federal court won
his case but went broke fighting the case. They moved to Palatka and lived aboard for about a year then sold the
Gazelle to some one from Alaska he sailed her for a couple of years and I understand she is in the Islands some
where now.
.John built a house near mine and they had a good life for several years then he came down with prostate cancer,
two hip replacements and Passed away about 5 years ago. Evelyn still lives in the house; as a matter of fact, she
was over here this evening.
We like our little getaway it is not much but it pleases us.
Yeah Pat had a shop in St Augustine for several years in the Lightener Museum but has been out of business for
about 10 years, she can hardly walk any more Arthritis. She does not do much of anything but watch TV, I am still
sort of active, I do carpenter work as a hobby, just finished a 8x10 deck today but I am slow and grouchy to work with
so I just mainly piddle around, I retired from the fire dept in Melbourne went to Saudi Arabia for a 2 year contract as
the fire chief for the royal Saudi Navy, came home went back to school, got my teaching degree, and was appointed
as professor of fire science and worked in the state fire academy till I retired 10 years later(under the auspices of
the State Fire College as a deputy state Fire Marshal but worked in several academies in the state and for the
National Fire Academy at Gettysburg). I retired for good about two years ago while teaching Hazardous Materials for
Georgia Pacific I let my credentials expire so I could not go back to work, That's about it for me nothing really to
speak of just kept busy
Later Gater Jim-----
Date:Tue, 2 Mar 2004 19:28:08 -0800
Jim Mooney writes about John Burtchell
It was true the kid bit him while he was playing Santa and John bit him back (he was then released from his contract
as “Santa”)
BOB ERICKSON; (Correspondences from e-mails)
(The following Melbourne Harbor photos are courtesy of Bob Erickson.)
The letter below describes the photo above of Melbourne harbor.
LETTER FROM (BOB) ROBERT J. ERICKSON;
1217 Malabar Lakes Dr., Palm Bay, Florida 320905
March 11th, 2004
***
Hi, there!
I was glad to get your e-mail at a real address. When Debbie Ball sends her e-mails, she usually doesn’t show all the
addresses, so I didn’t know how closely you were keeping in touch. I know that she and Grant have visited a couple
of times, and I knew you were in Merida, but I didn’t know you were still there, or had moved back to the states at
one time or the other.
Anyway, you just barely caught the photos in time! I had already thrown out a bunch of them, but there are still some
I haven’t gone through yet. So here are some of the harbor. I didn’t have any left of those early days. When you first
came in near the bridge, Jim Flood still had an old Christ Craft motor boat, hadn’t discovered sailing yet. Later on,
Joe and I were looking for a boat to replace my “ALGO”, and happened on an old motor sailor down in Fort
Lauderdale. We didn’t want it, too old, but I did happen to mention it to Flood. Wouldn’t you know it, he drove down
there, decided it would make a good project, and bought it. It’s the one that he and Mary wound up living on, and it’s
in the foreground of one of the small snaps. It has the small house over the helm and a wide dark blue sheer stripe.
In the same picture, you can see my ALGO at the extreme right, hanging on the mooring. Those were happy days!!!
The small picks were taken 20 or 25 years ago. Time sure does fly!!!
Enjoy! And lets swap e-mails occasionally
Bob Erickson
This photo of Melbourne Harbor was taken from the Crane Creek Bridge of Highway #1 looking east
showing the city dock on the left.
This photo of Melbourne Harbor was also taken from the Crane Creek Bridge showing some of the
moored sailboats, the old Melbourne Yacht Club, a marina and the university docks which was on the
south side of the entrance channel.
BOB ERICKSON
Date:Tue, 2 Mar 2004 23:21:00 EST
Subject:Good old days...
(Our note to Bob Erickson) When we met you, I think you still had Algo but had just purchased Exederin. Also, we
were talking the other night about the schooner Giggling Witch. We seem to remember that you crewed for the
capt. and he cheated in a race which he won.. You were very disgusted with him and threw the trophy in Melbourne
Harbor. Do we have the story right?
Almost! My memory seems to be going, but what I do remember, I seem to remember accurately... I don't remember
a schooner named Giggling Witch, but, right next to where you were tied on your first visit was a tired racing yawl
named Cindy. It was owned by a guy whose name was Art Rowe. That's the boat that I raced on (one time!) that
cheated on the race. He drew six feet, and ran aground right after the start. By the time we got off, the fleet was
way ahead of us, and we ran full power to catch up (with sails up!) and get to the middle of the fleet. From there it
was a romp to the finish. Yes, he got a trophy and I grabbed it from his hands and threw it into the middle of the
harbor. It was his first and last race!
I remember well the first time you poked your nose into Melbourne harbor. Jim Flood and I watched you come in and
look around. Finally, you went way up by the highway bridge and tried to come in to a finger pier. It was real
shallow then, and you didn't really make it to the pier, but close enough to jump on and off. You invited Jim and I
aboard, and we were amazed by the interior cabin space, including the beer tap. From there on, we all became
friends as you visited the harbor.
Yeah, I had a beautiful small ketch, Algo at 30', plus a big old Newporter ketch that needed a lot of work. It was
named Excedrin. Eventually, I sold them both, bought something smaller, married Joe and moved into her house!
Debbie and Grant Ball had a 30' ketch that they kept at the yacht club.
I know you've kept in touch with them, they've visited you in Mexico, and so on, and I still keep in touch with Debbie
by email. Losing Joe Ann was very sudden, and a real shock. She simply died in the middle of the night! A month
ago, and I'm not over it yet, miss her very much...
Yes, I've got snapshots, and you caught me just in time! I'm going thru them all, then putting them in the trash. I'll
run back thru them, save the ones of the harbor, and mail them to you if you'll send me an address. Good "talking"
with you, I've enjoyed looking back, not much to look forward to! Let's
keep in touch!!
Bob Erickson
HAROLD METCALF (Correspondences from e-mails)
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 7:32 PM
Subject: Talk
Hi Folks I believe if my memory serves me ..Your first names are Dick and Jane?? Let me introduce my self and
maybe jog your memorys..Im from the days when you and the
Dursmirg were in Melbourne Harbor. I am a friend Of Jim and Mary Flood and also Bob and Joe Erickson.. Sadly,
we have lost Joe Erickson recently...I bought the Ketch ALGO from Bob when I was down in the harbor and took her
to the Bahamas and also to the Chesepeake . When I finished that little tour I sold the Algo and built a steel cutter
only 30 ft. but she had a lot more room and storage..she was a custom design by a man in Canada . That had
drawn the boat for himself . And I bummed the plans and had a
builder weld the hull....Any way I was Talking with Jim Flood the other day and he mentioned you were now living in
Mexico. As im always interested I would like too talk
about old times and also pick your brains about living in Mexico if you don’t mind.......Thank you ..Harold
Metcalf
From: John and Jane Grimsrud
To: Harold Metcalf
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 5:35 PM
Subject: good to hear from you
Harold,
Yes, it was good to hear from you. We were just looking through our old log book for Dursmirg and saw where Bob
Erickson had signed it and at that time he was the owner of
ALGO.
We are still in contact with some of the old Melbourne crowd such as Grant and Debra Ball and also Dave Hanks,
plus Jim Flood. John (Bing) has been writing about our boating days. He has Vol one of Dursmirg on the web at
www.dursmirg.com He just finished Vol. two but we don't have it on the web yet.
We would be happy to answer any questions about living in Mexico that you might have. We love it here and won't
want to be anywhere else! There are quite a few stories on our
web site about our adventures in Mexico. Just go to our homepage of: www.dursmirg.com
and then click on
"Our Trips" for numerous stories. Look forward to hearing from you again.
Where do you live now? Do you still have a boat?
Jane and John (Bing)PS: John is just writing Vol.three of Dursmirg now and that
includes our time in Melbourne.
From:"Harold Metcalf"
To:"John and Jane Grimsrud
Subject:Re: good to hear from you
Date:Thu, 19 Feb 2004 08:16:22 -0800
Hey great!! I thought you wouldn’t remember me...I new Grant and Debbie well...Are they still in Malabar??....I live
about a mile down the road from Jim and Mary Flood...And yes I still have a boat.. I bought a piece of property on a
canal so I have the best of all boaters worlds..My boat is in my back yard...and all my boat supplys are in a shed
right there ...Its early in the morning and I haven’t had my third cuppa coffee yet ..and have too go over to St
Augustine this morning so I will get back with you later..........Harold
MAURICE WILSON (Correspondences from e-mails)
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 21:52:07 -0500
From: Maurice Wilson
Subject: Melbourne
To: John Grimsrud
Hi John and Jane
I will be sending you some pictures one at a time. This is a busy time of year for me so you won't be getting them all
at once. We left Melbourne in June of 1978 and moved to a little spot on the north east corner of Charlotte Harbor
on a canal. We sold Tide Call and got a 24 ft. Bristol Sailstar. Had to give up boating as the Fibromyalgia pain got to
the point that it was just too much to be enjoyable. I found a solution for it on the internet and though it is not in
complete remission I do have a fairly normal life. We retired into a typical mobil home retirement community here in
Venice and are enjoying life. Our son Kurt lives about 25 miles south of us and our younger daughter just up the
road in Sarasota. Our Oldest daughter and family live in Grand Junction CO. We have 6 grand kids and 2 1/2 great
grand kids. Here are two pictures of Tide Call. The one where she is underway was before we had her and is at
Daytona. The second is in her slip at Melbourne before we moved her to the east side of the harbor on the private
dock. I think we were nearly next door when you made your first visit to the marina. More later. Maurice
Maurice Wilson’s “Tide Call” docked in Melbourne Harbor.
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 13:49:20 -0500
From: Maurice Wilson
Subject: Re: Kids
To: John Grimsrud
John asked:
"Didn't one of your kids live or work in St. Augustine at the print shop"
You have us mixed up with John and Evelyn Burtchel on Gazelle That was their daughter Jeri who lived in St. A for
awhile. They all settled in Palatka. John passed away about a year ago but Evelyn is well and we were talking to her
just a few days ago. I will send some pictures of my bunch and I'm sure you will remember them. My oldest daughter
joined the Navy, met her husband in San Diego and they live in CO. The others are close by.
Good to hear about your kids, it is great to have family. :-)
Thanks for the happy birthday. So far it has been a quiet one which I am enjoying. I keep busy with computers, I am
better at fixing and building them and trouble shooting. A good secretary makes me look like a dunce until
something breaks. ;-)
I pay for my hobby by doing computer work. I'm building a new machine for myself based on the latest AMD64 3200
CPU. Will have it running in another week or so.
Wish I had the gift for writing that you have. I spent 28 years in aerospace, 23 of them on the Cape. It would be nice
to get it all on paper but all I have is bits and pieces.
Take care on your trip, It is sadly a much more dangerous world than it
used to be. Best regards...Maurice
Note; Here is our expanded explanation of the “tropics” from chapter one.
To better understand the term tropics one must look at the broader picture of the earth as it turns and twists, bobs
and weaves in its methodical annual elliptical path around the sun.
Two times each year the sun passes directly over the equator; On March 21st when the earth begins to bow the
North Pole toward the sun on its way to giving the northern latitudes the summers sun. On September 21st, again
the sun passes directly over the equator for its second time of the year and thus brings the longer days and warmth
to those in southern latitudes.
Now we will see this is what defines the tropics; when the sun is as far north as it will get it is directly overhead at 23
½ degrees north latitude. (Starting at the equator and going north to the North Pole we go from 0 degrees at the
equator and proceed to 90 degrees at the North Pole.) So, this once a year phenomenon which occurs on June 21st
is known as the first day of summer and it also happens to be the longest day of the year for those residing in the
northern hemisphere. (23 ½ degrees north latitude is known as the Tropic of Cancer and also happens to mark the
northern most limits of the tropics north of the equator.)
Equally and in the opposite direction the sun reaches 23 ½ degrees south on the 21st of December marking the
beginning of winter and makes the northern hemisphere have their shortest day while those in the south by contrast
have their longest day. (23 ½ degrees south latitude is known as the Tropic of Capricorn and also happens to mark
the southern most limits of the tropics south of the equator.)
So, now you have the geographical limits of the tropics, from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn.
Around the world at various places tropical conditions may vary both north and south of these lines of tropical limits.
Two very distinct examples of this phenomenon come to mind, one the Peak of Orizaba which is deep within the
tropics of Mexico at 19 degrees north latitude and is perpetually covered with snow. Another example in the opposite
extreme is the tropical flora and fauna present on Florida’s east coast up to near 28 ½ degrees north latitude, a full
five degrees north of the geographical tropical limits. These extremes are easily explained: the Peak of Orizaba is
nearly 20,000 feet above sea level and thus refrigerated by its extreme altitude. The east coast of Florida is heated
by the perpetual flow of the Gulf Stream, originating in the Caribbean, with its nearly 85 degree Fahrenheit waters.
Geographically in North America this area begins just south of Cape Canaveral on Florida’s east coast. Here a
strange and interesting phenomenon is apparent to those who have the chance to observe as seasonal
transformations set up temperature variations both north and south of this cape.
These is where the warm waters of the Gulf Stream heated to nearly 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the Caribbean Sea
take their departure from the Florida coast and begin their way off into the Atlantic Ocean on the way to warm
northern Europe.
As these splendid luxuriously warmed and inky blue waters make their way north out of the Caribbean Sea they
head up through the Straits of Yucatan and into the Gulf of Mexico. Next wrapping around the Florida Keys and then
compressed between Florida and the Bahamas Islands, the Gulf Stream current is accelerated in speed as it goes
north in the Straits of Florida. Here the heavy commercial shipping traffic becomes a fearsome and frightening
nightmare where I have felt I needed a rearview mirror while navigating and sailing these waters.
From Miami to West Palm Beach the Gulf Stream comes its closest to North America. This strong north flowing
current makes sailing south in this area a challenge and the marine traffic heading south will pass as close to shore
as possible in order to escape the Gulf Stream’s strong north setting effects.
Jane and I have sailed this coast countless times and we were always amazed as we were sailing southerly and
extremely close to the beach to find huge oceangoing freighters passing inside of us and right next to the shore.
After leaving the West Palm Beach area the warm waters of the Gulf Stream begin to angle away from the coast on
its way north past Cape Canaveral where it veers offshore taking its warming waters with it.
During the winter months the temperature differential north and south of the cape, Cape Canaveral, is usually
around 20 degrees and that is why the coconut palm trees are still found along the Florida coast almost up to this
point of Cape Canaveral.
The area also has the dubious distinction of being where the “Bermuda Triangle” is located.
Now dear reader you will see why we have included our travels south of Cape Canaveral plus in the Indian River and
then south into our Florida Keys volume.
This is a unique place that extends from the islands of the Dry Tortugas, west of Key West in the Florida Keys, and
up and around to Miami, then to West Palm Beach and on to Cape Canaveral where those warm waters of the Gulf
Stream bring tropical conditions to this coastal part of south Florida. This condition of the warm Gulf Stream waters
is a stabilizing factor both summer and winter and salubriously moderates the coastal areas that it affects. Here is
where tropical conditions exist outside of the geographical tropics.
ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN RX SPORTS AND TRAVEL, JANUARY 1974
click on each thumbnail to view article.
1 2 3 4
This is the end of Volume 3, Down in the Florida Keys, Swinging in a Summer Breeze
The next volume of the Dursmirg story continues with Travels of Dursmirg, The Rogues of St. Augustine
and Other Social Misfits. Click here to continue to Volume IV, chapter 1.
This is a real story about real people that not only dreamed the
impossible dream but also lived it to the fullest. The husband and wife
team of Hein and Siggi Zenker tell their extraordinary story in riveting first
person fashion that will leave the reader with an uplifting inspiration.
Jane and I became good friends and neighbors to these real life
adventurers that did as we did and put the work-a-day humdrum world
behind them and opened the door to the unknown, stepped through and
made the world their home…and did it ten years before we began our
voyage of Dursmirg. We are deeply impressed by their book and happen
to know that the stories of their adventures within are very true but
cannot fully relate the dynamics of their powerful free spirits.
To us they are the kind of people that make the world a better place and
knowing them has forever added to our hope that dreams are there to be
lived.
A couple of quotes from the book; “Far better it is to dare mighty things,
to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure, than to rank
with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because
they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat”.
impossible dream but also lived it to the fullest. The husband and wife
team of Hein and Siggi Zenker tell their extraordinary story in riveting first
person fashion that will leave the reader with an uplifting inspiration.
Jane and I became good friends and neighbors to these real life
adventurers that did as we did and put the work-a-day humdrum world
behind them and opened the door to the unknown, stepped through and
made the world their home…and did it ten years before we began our
voyage of Dursmirg. We are deeply impressed by their book and happen
to know that the stories of their adventures within are very true but
cannot fully relate the dynamics of their powerful free spirits.
To us they are the kind of people that make the world a better place and
knowing them has forever added to our hope that dreams are there to be
lived.
A couple of quotes from the book; “Far better it is to dare mighty things,
to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure, than to rank
with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because
they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat”.
