Foggy Days at Sea

Bill at Sea Pines

We had a long day to get to Hilton Head, but treated ourselves to a night at Harbortown in Sea Pines. We tied up at the fuel dock, which was right in front of the bar, so we had live music!


In the Atlantic in the fog



The next morning we headed out early, and just as we cleared the inlet the fog rolled in, really thick. We were glad we had decided to go outside instead of the inside ICW route that day, because we were the only boat out there. Listening to the boats on the inside, it sounded very difficult, with narrow channels and other boats to contend with. Still, it was unnerving not to be able to see any markers, and we were relieved when it finally lifted so we could see  the way into an inlet to anchor for the night. 

Keeping a Lookout


Today, after a peasoup beginning, we continued south on the ICW past Jekyll Island, Cumberland Island, St. Simon's Island and a whole lot of other pretty spots, and anchored in a fairly ugly place just south of Fernandino Beach (Amelia Island). The objective was to get close to Jacksonville so we have a short run tomorrow. Once in Jacksonville we'll take care of some boat things, then hop a plane Sunday to head home until after the new year. See you all soon!

Heading to Harbortown, Hilton Head Today

Carolina Beach, NC

Bald Head Island

Since our last transmittal we've covered a lot of ground. A couple days ago we decided to put the boat in Jacksonville, FL for a couple months and fly home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. That means that after meandering down the ICW, now we have a deadline, and the miles are accumulating. Since the last update, we spent a lovely night anchored in Carolina Beach, followed by two days in Bald Head Island at their marina.
We had planned to stay only one day, but our overnight FedEx package took two days to get to the island, so we stayed. Had some great bike rides, two good lunches at MoJos, and good weather, with a full moon rising.

Minum Creek anchorage - all to ourselves!

From there, we spent one night at Barefoot Landing, then a gorgeous anchorage at Minum Creek (just south of Winyah Bay) and another lovely anchorage at Church Creek (south of Charleston).
Tonight we'll be in a marina again, at Sea Pines in Hilton Head. Should be in Jacksonville by Thursday if all goes according to plan.

Warmth At Last!

A peek at the ocean near Wrightsville Beach

We have had a nice run the last few days - Oriental to Morehead City, then last night we anchored just north of Surf City, NC. Tonight we will anchor at Carolina Beach, and then will stay at the Bald Head Island Marina Wednesday night. The temps have really warmed up, and we've had enough breeze most days to raise the jib to help us along. Still high seas on the outside, so we've stuck to the ditch (the Intracoastal Waterway).

Flooding in Oriental

Floating away......

We came into Oriental Wednesday night, and stayed at a Marina just north of town the first night. Then we got lucky - a spot on the free town dock, which is right across from "The Bean" (a great coffee house) and short walks / bike rides to everything. We've met up with Louise (Nock) and Ron Stevens each night, and will share a pizza later. Today, lots of rain and strong north winds have flooded the town. You'll see our boat docked right in front of the flooded main street - the photo taken from the porch of The Bean.
Oriental got hammered by Irene, and are still digging out - serious damage here. Fortunately Ron and Louise had minimal damage, because they got their cars to high ground, and moved all the furniture and tools up from their ground floor. Tomorrow our 48-hour free stay at the dock will be up, so we'll either head for Beaufort or anchor here for one more night until the winds subside. We've been eating good food (too much of it), and found some truly great buys at the Marine Consignment Shop (an autopilot and a single sideband radio and tuner) so Bill is happy. Our autopilot fell apart on the way to Oriental, so that was a great find. Our internet /phone access is spotty in this area, but we'll try to keep up to date!

Made it to North Carolina!

Tied up at the Great Bridge lock

After Saturday night on the fuel dock in Deltaville, we had to move the boat, and it was a beautiful, sunny morning, so instead of just heading out to anchor again we gave it a shot. The winds were from the NW, so they gave us a good push all the way to Norfolk, and because it was Sunday we were able to get through most of the bridges (many of which are severely restricted during rush hours M-F).
We went through Great Bridge Lock (picture) and Great Bridge bridge, and tied up at a free dock just south of the bridge. It was a very cold night - there was frost on the jib sail cover - and we were glad to be able to walk to a warm place for breakfast before taking off. We headed down the Coinjock route, one in a long caravan of boats that came through the Great Bridge bridge at 8 AM aiming for the next bridge opening at 8:30. Unfortunately, we were a little late getting off, so this huge passenger boat came through the Great Bridge and caused such a wake that it threw our bow line off and pointed our boat straight at it! A few tense moments ensued, but the stern line held (and I put the boat in reverse) and we were able to get ourselves back on the dock to regroup. We incurred some cosmetic damage, and Bill spoke with the captain later today when we were both tied up at Coinjock, NC. We will try to encourage them to pay for repairs....
Meanwhile, we are at a dock tonight, with heat, and a restaurant within a few steps that has very good ratings, so all is well. Bad weather expected for the next few days, so we may hang here another day before heading through Albermarle Bay.

Still in Deltaville!

The stack pack is the green thing!

After two false starts, we are back at anchor in Deltaville. The winds and seas have just been too much to count as 'enjoyable' and we've decided we're going to try not to beat ourselves up on this trip. At the moment the weather looks good for Sunday, but two days ago it looked good for today, so who knows! We just have to get to Hampton, so it's not that far. Tomorrow night it's supposed to be down below 40, so we may end up on the dock again, just to get some heat. Will we ever get to warm weather? A couple pix - our new stack pack (ain't she pretty?) and last night's sunset.

Exploring over the weekend

We're still in Deltaville, but the stack pack arrived today, so with luck it will be installed tomorrow and we can be on our way. Over the weekend we rented a car, and got materials to make two ottomans (extra seating around the table), and I'm glad to say we completed that project today. It's not the most professional job, but it will give us seating and wine storage, so we're not complaining,


Oyster Tasting at its best!




The oyster / crab boats

 The highlight of the weekend was discovering a new place - Merrior Oyster Tasting, at Locklies Marina nearby in Topping. We had 4 each of Rappahanock, Old Salt and Chincoteague oysters - all superb, and listed in order from least to most salty. We also shared some steamed crabs, and met some interesting people. A good day!
We also made it back to the White Dog Inn in Mathews, and to Bankok Noi in Gloucester. We're probably heavier than we were on Friday!

Back in Deltaville

We waited out high winds in Annapolis and finally had a peaceful sail to Solomons on Monday. It was a beautiful day - just warm enough, with a nice breeze, and Bill enjoyed trying out his new hanging chair (a boat show purchase). On Tuesday we came into Deltaville and put out the hook for the night. Wednesday we came into the dock to have an estimate on replacing damaged flooring. The winds battered us all night, and they're still strong today, but at least the rain is gone.
There may be a gap between updates - we have new IPhones, and a new IPad, and nothing is working right. My computer seems to be the problem, so we're renting a car this weekend and heading for a Geek Squad. We'll probably be in Deltaville for at least several more days - maybe as much as a week, if they can get the flooring work done. Meanwhile, we're safe, meeting up with old friends here, and meeting new friends. Life is good!

EGO ALLEY in Annapolis

After attending the Annapolis sailboat show, where we ordered a "stack pack" for our mainsail, we dinghied over to their shop in Eastport to pick up some fabric samples (needed to match our jib sail cover). Once there, we got to wandering, and talked with a dinghy repair shop about replacing a valve in our dinghy. We arranged to bring it over the next day (Tuesday), so we brought Deeper Season in, anchored briefly and zipped into shore. One thing led to another, and before we knew it we were rowing back in a loaner dinghy, having left ours for some patching work. We moved into the mooring field to make the rowing distance more manageable and (because Tuesday was between boat shows) got one right off the center of Annapolis - a place known as "Ego Alley."

So, for the past few days we've had a front row seat, watching all the power boats come in. And in the midst of all these huge boats, we've also watched the local sailing teams come out to practice. What a parade! Here are some favorite pics!



The intrepid sailors!



Our Favorite Future Boat!

 








This one is immense!



A More Typical Offering







 












The Fun Begins - Steamed Crabs at Cantler's in Annapolis

Yum!

A short day with a boost from the tide, and we had an early dinner at Cantler's, a very famous place in Annapolis for steamed crabs, We think they're the best we've tasted. Tomorrow we'll stay put, take the dinghy into downtown Annapolis to the boat show, and get our shopping list taken care of. Should be another nice day - one more before the clouds come in on Tuesday. Starting to unwind, at last!

In the Chesapeake!

An early start - just as the sun came up - and although the water was like glass all day (thank goodness) we fought the current the whole day. It was a long one - we originally planned to stop short of the C&D Canal, but managed to get there by 4 PM, so we pressed on. We finally anchored at just before 8 PM under a nearly full moon, in the Bohemia River just south of the C&D entrance on the Chesapeake side. So, about 13 hours underway, the whole time trying to navigate to the shallowest waters to reduce the effects of the current.

At peace!

Now snugly ensconced in our cabin, fortified by wine, hot food and electronic access to the world (note pix of Bill with his IPhone.) Tomorrow is an easy day to Annapolis, for some crabs at Cantlers, and a visit to the boat show on Monday. Life is good!

(PS - yesterday's blog incorrectly said Kammerman's marina was in Cape May. It's in Atlantic City, and we heartily recommend it.)

Back in Business and in Cape May

Blue sky and white sails!

Kammerman's Marina in Cape May was a real find. They gave us their "old" diesel rate of 387.9 even though the new tank cost them 15 cents more per gallon. They hooked us up with a mechanic who could help us right away, and they even had a windlass in stock (although we didn't buy it, because the mechanic felt it would not be sufficient for our boat.) At any rate, we got our windlass problem fixed, cleaned the boat of its 7-week filth build-up, and still got away early enough to make it to Cape May. Who says we're not lucky? Another beautiful day, with helpful winds, and a gorgeous sunset. Tomorrow, as far as we can get up the Delaware Bay, given that we'll be fighting tides and winds. Oh well. It won't be raining, so we won't complain!

Headed South!

Coming into AC

After far too long at her mooring, Deeper Season finally took to the seas again yesterday. We're headed south! We left Raritan Yacht Club just before sunrise (6:25 AM), enjoyed a gorgeous day of blue skies, calm seas and just enough wind from the northwest to speed us along. At about 6 PM we headed into Atlantic City inlet, and made our way to a beautiful anchorage in Brigantine.


Anchor down!

 All seemed well (except for a little bickering between the two on board about where to drop the hook in order to best see the sunset) until we went to lower the anchor and found our windlass wasn't working. The anchor line was stuck, but Bill managed to get it freed up, and he manually set the anchor just before dark.


Bill on cleaning duty

 It was a totally calm night, in a totally protected anchorage, so no problem. This morning it was a trial getting it up, but we did it (I washed, Bill pulled). We are now over at Kemmerer's in Atlantic City, where they just happened to have a mechanic coming in to work on somone else's windlass this morning. We're keeping fingers crossed he can get us back in shape. Meanwhile, we fueled up, watered up, pumped out, and gave the boat a quick wash.
It's only 4 hours to Cape May, so we may yet get there today. Boats!

A Fast Trip Home

I'm still trying to figure out the finer points of this blog site, so please bear with me. My last attempt got sabotaged by a failed internet connection. Brief recap - heading home to spend some time with my mom, who landed in the hospital unexpectedly. We left Cuttyhunk at 11:15 yesterday, and had a great anchorage in Point Judith last night. Underway again at 5:15 this morning, and the tides have carried us a long way already. We'll probably anchor in Port Jefferson or Oyster Bay tonight, then transit the East River and Raritan Bay to our home port in Perth Amboy tomorrow. We may still get to the northern climes - just trying to stay flexible at this point!

Heading Home Early

Well, the best laid plans......for the time being, at least, our trip north is on hold as we head back to home port and an unplanned trip to Cleveland to help my mom, who landed in the hospital suddenly. We're sure she'll be fine, but she can use some company.

Into New England



Lovely New England!



Cuttyhunk Market



Left NY and spent a quiet night at a free mooring in Old Saybrook, CT (always a good thing!). It was a long day, but it put us in great position to reach Block Island, RI the next day. We found a perfect place to anchor, walked Block Island on Monday and stayed one more day. This morning we headed for Cuttyhunk Island, MA.

It's a lovely, quiet New England village that reminded us of the Bahamas (see the picture of the "market" that's in a little house). We ordered a dozen oysters and two cups of yummy clam chowder to be delivered to our boat (it's the way it's done here) and then hunkered down for a thunderstorm. We're safe and dry, and very contented! Tomorrow heading closer to the canal that cuts through the Cape, en route to Maine.

Back on the Water - NYC to Long Island Sound

Liz on the foredeck

It feels good to be back on the water. We spent a great day (Thursday) sailing the Hudson with our daughter, Liz, who took us to dinner that evening along with her significant other, James. It was a neat Mexican restaurant that served Watermelon Basil margueritas - the pix of Bill is when he used his straw like chopsticks to dig the goodies from the bottom of the glass.

Friday morning, after a long bike ride in the miles-long Hudson River Park, we sprinted up the East River and anchored in Manhasset Bay (Port Washington, Long Island). We took my bike for new tires (one was shredded) and got back to the boat in a steady rain that kept up all night. It was peaceful, and quiet, and this morning we have a gorgeous blue sky! Today we'll clean the boat's water line, swim, maybe fish a little, and just enjoy summertime.



Digging for watermelon



Heading for Home

Cape May Sunset

Enjoying Father's Day in Atlantic City

Finally finished sewing the dinghy chaps!

Right now we're sitting in Atlantic City on the anchor. Thought we would head north today, but strong east winds didn't sound as good as tomorrow's forecast of SSW winds. So at first light we head north. Since our last check-in, we've had three terrific anchorages - the Bohemia River just outside the C&D Canal, Cape May (see picture of sunset there), and now Atlantic City.

We fought north winds into Atlantic City and were really glad to arrive in a really peaceful anchorage just a short dinghy ride from restaurants. Today we took a long walk from the marina area to the boardwalk, and the exercise felt good. Should sleep well tonight! By tomorrow night we'll be on our mooring in Perth Amboy at Raritan Yacht Club.

Onancock, Solomons and Annapolis

We're on a schedule to get back to NJ by early next week. Fought north winds while motoring north from Mobjack Bay to Onancock, VA on the eastern shore of VA, but it was worth the trip. Quaint town, good restaurant right at the harbor, and a quiet anchorage. 

Dinghy at Mallards dock



Bill at Mallards on the deck


From there, another day fighting north winds to Solomons, MD (on the mainland side), but another lovely anchorage and fun visit to the Tiki Bar. This morning the winds were just as full, but for a change they were coming from the south, and pushed us with record speed to Whitehall Bay, just north of Annapolis. With the motor on and just the jib we routinely hit 11 knots even though we were facing a 1.5 knot current the whole way. Amazing!

We dropped our anchor, then hopped in the dinghy to a place just up the creek called Cantler's. Famous for their crabs, and rightly so. We spent nearly 3 hours picking and eating - Scrumptious!! Tomorrow we head further up the bay, getting ready to go through the C&D canal to Delaware Bay and Cape May.
 

Finally a sailing day!



At anchor in Put-In Creek off Mobjack Bay in the Chesapeake

After a few days back in Deltaville (one minor repair, one engine tune-up, and work done on the dinghy chaps) we headed south on Sunday with the objective of visiting our favorite restaurant, the White Dog Inn in Mathews, VA. They were closed from 3 to 5 on Sunday, but although we arrived at 3:15 our tale of woe (bringing the boat 5 hours down to Mobjack Bay, then a dinghy ride up Put-In-Creek, then a 3/4 mile walk into town) was enough that they let us come in anyway, and they not only gave us a beer, they fed us! Got back to the boat in time for another thunderstorm, then took a long swim and had a hot airless night aboard. Today it's cooler, but waves are high in the Chesapeake so we're spending another day here. Slowly heading north but enjoying the journey.

Back on the Boat

After 10 great days in D.C, including a weekend with Liz and James, we traveled back to White Point Marina at the mouth of the Potomac, picked up our car, and headed to NJ, then OH (for a terrific family reunion hosted by my brother, JP, and sister-in-law, Norma - THANKS!). Back to the boat, spent a day cleaning, grocery shopping, etc., in an area with no AT&T access (so no blog update). Today we headed back to Deltaville (we just can't stay away) for a hopefully minor engine repair, then off again. Today is really hot, but Deltaville Marina has a pool, which helped us get to happy hour happily!

Washington DC by boat

After one false try leaving Deltaville (the starboard engine quit when we were about an hour and a half out, so we returned for a - thankfully - quick fix) we left Velcroville a week ago Sunday and headed for the Potomac. Docked overnight at White Point Marina (our car was waiting for us, so we drove to a restaurant for Mother's Day) then headed up the Potomac. Next night we docked at Colonial Beach, then anchored in Mattawoman Creek overnight. Made it up to Washington D.C. on Wednesday. Anchored out from the Capitol Yacht Club, paid $15 a day for use of all their wonderful facilities, and had two glorious days to walk and ride bikes around the Mall, visit Congress (Senate and House), and the Library of Congress. This location is SUPER! Close to everything, and right next to the Fish Market.

We moved to one of CYC's transient docks on Friday, when Liz and her boyfriend James came down from NYC. They arrived Friday night. Saturday we bummed around together (they rented bikes from Capitol Bikeshare), visited the Spy Museum and Good Stuff Eatery (Spike from Top Chef's restaurant, and he was there). Baked a whole fish for a late dinner, then played Rummikub and called it a day. Sunday we headed for Air and Space, and they did the Mall, then took us to dinner at Zaytinga (tough place to get in, great food, casual, small plates). Then they headed out to visit a few clubs. They left Monday at noon, and we spent several hours in the Postal Museum, then back to the boat.

We'll go back out on the anchor tomorrow and stay a few more days before heading back down the Potomac to retrieve our car and head to NJ and OH for a couple weeks before continuing our journey. Life is good!

Back on Land until Spring

We finally gave up! Although the new engine is installed, it is not working quite the way we think it should be. We spent two very cold weeks in Deltaville and finally decided that it is just too late to try to go south this year. By the time we might have reached the Bahamas, we would have had very little time to explore before needing to head north before hurricane season. So, we are on PLAN B: back in NJ, perhaps some skiing, then returning to the boat in late March or April, and spending a great summer in the Chesapeake and north. So, don't look for any more updates for awhile. Enjoy the winter!

January in Deltaville

 

What a mess!

 

Cleaning up without running water

After a terrific Christmas break in NJ, we came back to the boat on Tuesday, January 4, arriving about 8 PM. The boat was VERY cold - although we had left the heat on, there was one power outage, and that must have been enough to flip the fuse off. So.... we were really glad we had winterized the water system before we left. The only casualty was the fridge - exploding Coke cans had done a number on it! Fortunately there wasn't much in it besides beer, wine and condiments, but since we had no water (because of winterizing) it took me a long time to clean each piece and then clean the fridge.

  

 

Figuring out the plan at the main dock



The rebuilt engine had arrived on Tuesday, so first thing Wednesday morning we were towed to the main dock for installation. (We can only surmise that they thought they would need to use the crane, although it turns out they just used a lot of muscle). Unfortunately, there was no power on that dock, so we went back to being cold (hence my winter hat and jacket when cleaning the fridge!)

 

A lot of bodies in a small space! Clown car?



The guys muscled the engine onto the boat and finally got it into the starboard cabin where they could do the final reassembly. While they were busy on that, Bill was taking apart our engine alarm panel and fixing it. (Yes, the same panel we had paid Oxford Boatyard to fix, which they didn't fix, and which caused us to lose our engine in the first place!)

A lovely hunk of metal!



Bill at work on the alarm panel

 

Today is Friday. They are just about finished, and we expect to crank it up later today for a sea trial. If all is well, we'll head to Hampton, VA tomorrow, where we'll stay a few days to install a new hot water heater. (Yes, another problem Bill discovered!)