Day 184: January 18: We had planned on traveling to the Everglades today but as luck would have it the main head started acting up. The first thing that happened was the pump would start at random times. We were able to stop it at first but the next thing we knew it wouldn't flush. That was definitely a problem.
The pump happens to be in a compartment under the mattress in our room so we lifted it up and John began investigating. He decided he needed to replace four duckbill valves. He thought he had spare ones on board but discovered they were for the V-berth head and much too small. In addition, the previous owner's notes were not clear and did not include the part number for the valves. John contacted the pump manufacturer for clarification and the lady on the other end was very helpful. We found the number for the correct parts on the pump and were able to buy them at Rose Marina, just a short dinghy ride from the anchorage.
Installation of these solved the flushing problem but did not stop the pump from its nonstop cycling. John then installed a new switch, thinking it was failing to turn the pump off; when that didn't worked he assumed there might be a leak, preventing the pump from holding pressure, thereby not allowing it to shut off. John called the company and spoke to the same person again. She suggested pouring water onto the top of the pump diaphragm and watch for leaks. We did this and found none. The project took all day and the problem was not completely rectified but we can manage for now by turning the pump off after flushing.
With nothing left to do for now, Mona, Frank and we dinghied to the Dolphin Tiki Bar & Grill for dinner. John enjoyed a grilled grouper sandwich and I had coconut shrimp. It really felt like we had made it to Florida!
Day 185: January 19: We woke to clouds and drizzle but the wind was not expected to blow so we got UW, heading to the Everglades. We were happy to see the entrance to the inlet was much calmer than it had been when we arrived on Wednesday. There were no rollers or breakers to contend with and we cruised back out onto the Gulf which was pretty calm.
It rained for most of the trip, sometimes making it challenging to spot the crab pots that had become plentiful once again. The Gulf was empty of boats, except for two Loopers following us in the distance, probably heading for the Everglades also. There wasn't much to see and the overcast sky obscured our vision anyway. We were thrilled by the sight of an entire pod of dolphins off to our starboard, charging toward us so they could frolic in the waves. They danced and glided all around the boat; at one point there had to be six of them on the bow, enjoying the push of our vessel.
We turned to port, entering Indian Key Pass and proceeded upriver using a very well marked channel with a dolphin escort. The water was like glass; it was beautiful.
Planning to anchor in Russell Pass, we turned to the NW and sounded our way upriver. Summer Fling continued to follow the channel, planning to dock at Everglades Isle Marina for the night. We picked a spot and dropped the hook. It didn't grab at first so we let out extra chain and kept tugging back until we finally had a good hold in about 15 feet of water and a pretty strong current.
The anchorage was beautiful and serene with mangroves on either side; taller than any we have seen so far. A few fishermen could be seen in the distance, speeding by the Indian Pass entrance. Swirls left by jumping fish were everywhere; three or four leapt completely out of the water before disappearing below. We saw something else, snouts appeared for just a moment and we heard the puff of breath. Manatees perhaps? As the sun set, the solitude became real and moving.
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