Trip to Egmont Key
Captain(s): Karen, Peggy and Jennifer Roberts
Crew: Jan and Brittany Roberts, Peyton
Trip Date: July 25, 2003
My son Peyton is enamored with the two little girls that live next door and we promised them a trip on our boat to one of the local islands, Egmont Key. The morning started gathering everything into their van for the drive down to the river where Jennifer (5) sat next to Peyton on the ride down keeping him laughing and squealing the entire way. Brittany (10) told us all about their new puppy (Scrappy).
Brittany having lunch Jan and Jennifer Roberts
After getting all the gear and life jackets on board and going over my 'what to do in an emergency' talk, we were ready to go! The girls went down below and watched 'The Little Mermaid' with Peyton while Jan, Peggy and I chatted all the way to the island. Once we got in the lee of the island, little Jennifer asked to give the helm a try. While I kept a close eye (and hand), she took her turn and 'navigated' a straight course to the island doing a fantastic job. She is very outgoing and adventurous for a 5 year old.
Jennifer Geegee and Peyton
Once we got close enough to 'anchoring position' I got Mom on the stern to cast out the stern anchor. I think she had a little trouble determining how much water we had under the hull because we wound up settled in about 8 feet of water! After pulling up both anchors (I was already out about 75' on the bow) we decided to try again. The second try was successful and we were quietly settled in about 4 feet of water (we draw less than 3').
Karen and Peyton Jennifer
Jennifer was quick to jump in and Jan, Peggy and Peyton were not far behind. I think Brittany was a littler more cautious and was leery of what lurked on the bottom - I don't think her feet ever touched the sand!
We watched a storm build on shore and slowly move to the North. After a plentiful and delicious lunch, we pulled up the stern anchor and relaxed. The storm provided a cool breeze and the kids had fun playing below with Peyton.
Peyton climbing the swim ladder Storm onshore
After most of the bad weather headed North, we pulled up the anchor and headed for home. We were met with just soft sprinkles and luckily had an uneventful trip home.