From: "Jonathan Bickel" papillon31@earthlink.net

Date: Sun Dec 14, 2003 08:38:35 PM US/Central

To: rain@rainontheinternet.com

Subject: Papillion update

N 26 ƒ 46.80 W 80ƒ 02.99

After a one night layover in Vero Beach we left a first light hoping to make it near Lake Worth where we plan to meet up with an old Parrothead friend from Biloxi, who now lives near here. Actually Debbie use to live on Dauphin Island but was active in the Biloxi Parrothead Club.

First off I forgot rule # 1. Don't travel the ICW in Southern Florida on the weekend. It is like a bee hive of activity and with the numerous bridges that have to betransited it is slow going. As I approached the last drawbridge before the 3 mile run to the marina I was trying to reach, before dark of course, everything came to a screeching halt. A sailboat had failed to clear the bridge and his mizzen mast was tangled in the bridge. So I dropped the hook and sat and watched the show, like everybody else. It was like the Bahamian song, "NOBODY MOVE, NOBODY GET HURT". A Seatow boat showed up but the boat owner evidently did not have insurance with them and declined their help, which probably would have cost about $300-$400. Finally the Palm Beach Police showed up and separated the two objects. (I think a report was taken and probably a ticket issued). I took a picture and it is posted on the web page below. This meant with precious daylight left we went to Plan B. An anchorage in Lake Worth was only 10 minutes away so we headed that way and dropped the hook for the night. The front came it with gusty winds about 4 a.m. and I got up and made an anchor check. About 30 minutes later I heard some shouting outside, which usually means someone is dragging anchor, and stuck my head out to see. A large sailboat had drug down on the boat anchored in front of me. I had met the couple on the boat in front of me when they stopped by to say hello on their way in to shore. This morning the lady stopped by on her way ashore and asked if I would help her husband if he needed it. I decided not to wait and went over and offered my assistance. He was elated to have my help and between all of us managed to get the anchors untangled.

We more than likely stay here until this front passes and conditions improve, even though I went back to SHORTS today!!

To check our position and view updated pictures go to http://liveaboardsvpapillon.homestead.com/Chartourcourse.html

"Goin where the weather suits my clothes"

Capt Jon & Ruby

View Ruby's page at http://liveaboardsvpapillon.homestead.com/Rubyspage.html