Cloud 9: Maiden Voyage of Cloud 9

Late September, we leave our home in Cincinnati and drive down to Moorehaven, Florida to take delivery of our new Cruisers 48 Cantius. We have mixed feelings...excited to see the new boat but at the same time, we question our "upgrade" as we loved our Crazy 8. Cloud 9 gives us some extras that Crazy 8 lacked: namely 2 staterooms, 2 full bathrooms, washer/dryer, and a smoother ride.

Cloud 9 gets introduced to Florida waters at the River Forest Yachting Center.

Galley

living area

cockpit

We take our first test run down the Caloosahatchee River. Cloud 9 runs well, but we encounter a large Viking sports-fisherman boat going full speed. Note that this is not a very wide river, at least the point that we were now traveling. The boat rolls with the wake but I do not. The wake knocks me off my feet and I end up with a terribly bruised foot along with a horribly sore right shoulder. UGH! Not the start of the trip I wanted, especially as we had things to move onto the boat and no car at the present to seek medical attention.

Ouch!

The foot hurts for quite a while ( like the entire time we were in Florida). Tom had solo dog duty until I could put some weight on the foot. We leave River Forest and head back to Legacy Harbor Marina. Here we will work on the gremlins that always come with a new boat. We also have items in storage from Crazy 8 that will be loaded onto Cloud 9. My immobility with the foot and shoulder frustrates me, but there is nothing I can do at this point but rest and ice it.

The bright spot was the visits from my good friend Lana from Cincy and Nancy from our river trip. Love these women!

Lana and me!

Nancy and me!

A new problem is discovered with Cloud 9, involving Buster and Bailey. They cannot walk up or down the steps from the galley to the cockpit. It is quite annoying, especially with my sore shoulder and foot. It is painful to be constantly lifting and carrying them.

Help me down!

I brainstorm and, for a quick simple fix, I go to Pet Supermarket and buy them rubberized socks for their paws. Sounds like a simple solution to get the traction they need to climb the slippery steps.

Princess Bailey

Army man Buster

Unfortunately, they were afraid to even walk with their new socks and just laid by the steps.

So the entire trip they were sad and we were mad that they could not walk the steps. I suppose if this was our biggest problem, life is not so bad.

I just cant do it!

After numerous repairs, we think we are all good and decide to head to Marathon, Florida. We stop for one night at Marco Island and then make the crossing from there. This was the smoothest water I have ever seen. So nice to make the trip with great water and sunny skies!

So awesome!

Buster thinking of abandoning ship!

We arrive to Marathon and this is what greets us!

Storm clouds rolling in!

Approaching the 7 mile bridge. Thank goodness the new boat has windshield wipers!

We arrive to Marathon Marina in the pouring rain. They are not the type of marina that has dock hands ready to greet you and help with the lines. With the decks wet and slippery and my foot still sore, Tom asks them politely for help and several live aboards and an employee come to grab our lines. We really appreciate this! In the upcoming month, we find the marina very friendly, although our actual dock a little rough. It is definitely not Esplanade with the floating docks and secured gates.

Cloud 9 at Marathon Marina

Although the dock may need a face lift, there are several things regarding Marathon Marina that is priceless. The people, the pool, Lazy Days Cafe Happy Hour, and the sunsets!

Another thing we loved was taking the dinghy and exploring the desolate islands surrounding Marathon. We actually ran into a couple from our hometown and they introduced us to the Sombrero Reef to snorkel! Thank you Ray and Diane. We so enjoyed it! Next time we come, the fins, I hope, will not be killing my foot!

Beautiful water to snorkel

Lots to see at the reef. Even saw a sea turtle!

We met a lot of wonderful people at Marathon Marina. Again, boaters are the nicest people. I enjoyed lunch with the ladies of Marathon Marina at Palm Island. Palm Island is only accessed by boat or seaplane. You can take their boat, as we did, for lunch or for your hotel stay. An option would to bring your own boat and stay the night for $1,200 for a sunset view dock or do the cheap seats for $600. We decided on their boat for lunch only! I can only imagine the room rates. But it is VERY nice and secluded.

Boat to Palm Island

Paradise!

Just gorgeous but beware, the signature burger is $99!

We had a great time on our dinghy escapades with great new friends! There are lots of places to explore if the water cooperates.

Fun lunch with Holly and John

Where is everyone?

tailgating...keys style!

While at Marathon, we had to address the "new boat" issues that arose when we crossed through the gulf. This unfortunately needed us to haul the boat out for day. Luckily, Marathon Marina has a hotel on site and the the Marathon Boatyard has some of the best mechanics.

Getting fixed!

We leave Marathon with many happy memories and wonderful new friends. We head to Marco Island as a stop to our return to Legacy Marina .We stay at Esplanade for several days. Naturally, there are gorgeous beaches,beautiful sunsets, and lots of shells.

We end out trip with a special treat! Our son travels from Indiana to spend the weekend with us. He arrives at Pink Shell Marina and we travel from there back to Ft. Myers. The weather naturally turns cloudy and windy for his visit after a prolonged hot autumn in Florida. Go figure!