Re-Naming the blog

Well,

With the addition of Dream Chaser, I have changed the name of the blog to better cover the increased scope of this diary/log.

New Addition to the Family - Dream Chaser

During the last several weeks we have been in the process of adding a new mode of transportation to the fleet.  We are now the owners of a 2001 Sea Ray 38 Sundancer.  We have purchased the boat, secured a slip for it and are in the process of undergoing shakedown cruises to acclimate ourselves to all of the quirks inherent in a boat of this size.

A few stats about the boat

Pristine condition 2001 380 Sundancer with CAT 3126 Diesel engines with 710 hours. Westerbeke gene with 950 hours. Many upgrades- new canvas, new cockpit seats, new cockpit carpet, newer electronics, new refrigerator, new batteries, new charger,underwater lights - much more. New stereo system with 3000 watt JL amps, 8 JL speakers and 3 JL subs in cockpit. Waxed 5x a year, new bottom paint 3/13

Manufacturer:	Sea Ray
Status:	Pre-owned / Brokerage
Model:	380 DA Diesel
Year:	2001
Length:	38
Boat Type:	Express
Beam (Ft):	13
Displacement (lbs):	22000
Fuel:	Diesel
Engine Manufacturer:	Caterpillar
Engine Model:	3126TA
Drive Type:	V-Drive
Number of Engines:	2
Engine Hours:	710
Engine HP (Each):	350
Cruise Speed:	23 knots
Max Speed:	29 knots
Fuel Capacity (Gals):	275
Water Capacity (Gals):	70
Holding Tank (Gals):	42
Bridge Clearance (Ft):	10
# of Staterooms:	2
# of Heads:	1
Sleeping Capacity:	6

Cedar Key

What do you say about Cedar Key?  It is old Florida.  Let the picture speak for itself.

Short Run up to Cedar Key and Rainbow Springs

Heading out in about an hour to Cedar Key.  We have only visited briefly before.  This time we will be able to take a leisurely tour of the town.  After spending the night at Cedar Key, we will mosey on over to Rainbow Springs.  Weather permitting, we plan on tubing down the crystal clear river.  With temps predicted to be in the 90's, the 74 degree water should prove to be refreshing.

Off to Fort De Soto for a night or two

After a long rest, Scout is ready to roll!  Heading out in a few hours to Fort De Soto County Park.  This is a lovely stretch of beach on the southern end of the Tampa peninsula.  The trip is about an hour from our home in Hudson.  Along the way we will go boating out of Treasure Island for a couple of hours.  From the boating location at Treasure Bay Hotel and Marina, we will be about 20 minutes from Fort De Soto park.  With the weather forecast in the mid 70's today and tomorrow, we should have a GREAT beach day....

Photos to follow.

Here is some info on the park from Trip Advisor...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34690-d548329-Reviews-Fort_De_Soto_Park-Tierra_Verde_Florida.html