Moor $tuff

2011-09-20T00:23:00.000-04:00

Monday, September 19, 2011

At Home

Lombard, Illinois

Heading to get hauled out

Out of the water

This boating season has come to a close for Barb and me. The boat is sitting on the hard in Delaware City! Once we got her winterized and covered up we loaded our rental van and headed for home. The 1000 mile trip was broken up with three stops in Ohio to visit with family and friends before heading home on the last leg of our trip, Sunday morning.

In the sling

Almost covered

We are back in our house now and busy restructuring our daily routine. I am not to sure about living on land after the last 16 months living our adventure on the boat!

Done and all covered

Loaded and ready to head home!

What I do know is, this will be the last blog until the adventure starts again most probably mid April to mid May 2012! Until such time stay well and safe ----- Skip & Barb!

2011-09-13T20:28:00.003-04:00

Monday & Tuesday, September 12 & 13, 2011

75°35.417’ W

39°34.283’ N

Delaware City Marina

Delaware City, Delaware

Debris at the marina

The only thing exciting happening here is the amount of debris entering and leaving this canal when the tides change! Our boat has been thumped by telephone sized poles floating around due to the hurricane and the floods afterwards! The current on this canal are about 4 knots with the tide close to 6 feet!

Glad to have floating docks!

Today we rented a van to cart all of our gear home. With luck the marina will haul the boat tomorrow. As soon as were on the hard we will winterize the boat, load the van and head for home! The next and last blog on this leg of our adventure will be written from some motel on our trip home! Until then Barb and I have a lot of work to do ------------------!

2011-09-13T20:22:00.000-04:00

Sunday, September 11, 2011

75°35,417’ W

39°34,283’ N

Delaware City Marina

Delaware City, Delaware

Downtown Delaware City

Barb and I are playing the waiting game. I don’t think we will see any activity here until Wednesday when a key person on the staff returns from moving a boat to this marina. We will set up a one way car rental and find a motel to move into when the boat is hauled. Until then not much is going to happen here!

2011-09-11T15:26:00.000-04:00

Saturday, September 10, 2011

75°35,417’ W

39°34,283’ N

Delaware City Marina

Delaware City, Delaware

White Rocks

Looking back at MYC as we left

Today’s run was less than pleasant! I have never driven through so much debris for so long a time and distance! There were periods when we idled through floating tires, trees and other debris that was flushed from the east coast into the Chesapeake Bay due to flooding. We encountered clear areas where we could precede forward a mile or two then another debris field would greet us and force us to a crawl before moving forward. We never completely got out of floating debris for the entire 66 mile trip.

Pooles Bar

Debris

I was told by another boater that arrived at this marina after we arrived that the debris fields extends from New York City to here. The flooding from the hurricanes (Irene & Lee) has left its mark! Our decision to stay put and to winter over at this location is a wise decision.

Turkey Point

We will sit at the dock until the marina can haul Moor $tuff from the water and place her on land. At this

Along the way

time not knowing the marinas schedule Barb and I don’t know when we will get home!

Entering the C&D Canal

C&D Canal

A little rain in the C&D Canal

Arriving at Delaware City Marina

Delaware City Marina

2011-09-11T14:46:00.000-04:00

Friday, September 9, 2011

76°30.005’ W

39°09.253’ N

Maryland Yacht Club

Pasadena, Maryland

Barb and I are waiting for the weather to improve before moving on to Delaware City Marina. Tomorrow’s weather is looking good for us to move on!

View of the docks at MYC

We had dinner at the club with people we had met on our dock. The food was good and the atmosphere first class. This club has a lot to offer AGLCA members and could possibility be a location we stay at when returning to the Chesapeake Bay in the spring!

Stay tuned for tomorrows adventure!

2011-09-08T21:29:00.000-04:00

Thursday, September 8, 2011

76°30.005’ W

39°09.253’ N

Maryland Yacht Club

Pasadena, Maryland

Leaving Baltimore

Oops!

We continue to have very rainy weather! Baltimore had more than 6 inches last night and every county around us is flooding or on alert. Barb and I took advantage of a break in the bad weather and moved the boat to the mouth of the Patapsco River where it meets the Chesapeake. The water in the Patapsco River was brown in color and filled with debris. Considering the number of ships we encountered going into Baltimore this trip was void of all shipping!

Cleaning up the river!

Lonely on the river

We have positioned ourselves to make the run to the Delaware City Marina in two days. Because of the continuing bad weather and the earliest the marina could haul us would be Monday we will stay here two nights hoping the weather will improve for our 70 mile run.

Francis Scott Key buoy

Maryland Yacht Club in sight!

The photo attached is of a small boat that sank last night during the down pour! I was told the boat had two new 250 HP Mercury engines installed the week before!

2011-09-07T12:15:00.000-04:00

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, September 5, 6 & 7, 2011

76°36.087’ W

39°16.901’ N

Inner Harbor East Marina

Baltimore, Maryland

The weather here is less than perfect - rain and more rain! We will wait out the weather and depart Baltimore the first chance we get!

Greg - Leslie - Barb - Skip

One bright spot we experienced while waiting for the weather to break is our friends Greg and Leslie Marsh called us while they were visiting family in Maryland. They drove to the marina and treated Barb and I to lunch. Their boat is presently moored in the Florida Keys but will start moving north come spring. Maybe we will get a chance to cruise together next season!

The boat will be stored at Delaware City Marina a two day cruise from here. Once there, Barb and I will need two or three days to get the boat ready for storage, then rent a car to haul our “$tuff“ home!

VIDEO TAKEN AT THE FINAL RACE SEPT. 4, 2011

2011-09-05T14:14:00.000-04:00

2011-09-05T11:27:00.000-04:00

Sunday, September 4, 2011

76°36.087’ W

39°16.901’ N

Inner Harbor East Marina

Baltimore, Maryland

Dolphin Program

We spent the morning at the National Aquarium which is celebrating its 30^th anniversary. This is another must see attraction when visiting Baltimore. This institution is

National Aquarium

a show stopper and well worth the admission!

One of many exhibits

Exhibit

As we were leaving a water front restaurant where we had lunch we saw the fly over that was a signal that the race was about to start. We went to our favorite viewing site and watched the race in the heat and noise before walking to the bar at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse that was quiet, air conditioned had a working washroom and wide screen TV that we watched the race on!

Related to the flamingo

View of Inner Harbor

Race Day - another lucky shot!

Race Day

Tomorrow we will search for a location to store our boat for the winter season. The location we were going to store the boat at would be difficult to reach due to the hurricane last week!

2011-09-05T10:58:00.001-04:00

Saturday, September 3, 2011

76°36.087’ W

39°16.901’ N

Inner Harbor East Marina

Baltimore, Maryland

Federal Hill

Barb and I had another great day in Baltimore! We purchased a water taxi pass for the day

Fort McHenry

and headed out. First stop was Fort McHenry National Monument which was the fort that stopped the British Fleet from entering Baltimore. Francis Scott Key watched the battle then composed "The Star Spangled Banner" our National Anthem. If you ever have a chance to visit the fort please do it - it’s a must see!

Fort McHenry

Fells Point

We took another water taxi to Fells Point a waterfront neighborhood where we walked the streets, found a corner pub where I had a bucket of steamed mussels! From there, we went back to where the day started and watched a little of the race.

Lucky shot!

Dinner was in Little Italy a three block walk from the marina. With the race in town white linen tables lined the side walks filled with very happy patrons. To add to the ambiance of the Grand Prix and the festivities of Little Italy there were two Ferraris and a Lamborghini parked in front of the restaurant.

Wow!!

THE BALTIMORE GRAND PRIX - 9-3-2011

2011-09-03T18:51:00.000-04:00

2011-09-02T22:54:00.001-04:00

Friday, September 2, 2011

76°36.087’ W

39°16.901’ N

Inner Harbor East Marina

Baltimore, Maryland

Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse

USS Constellation

Barb and I haven’t been able to purchase tickets for the Grand Prix but I’m not sure we need too! There are plenty of locations that the race can be viewed from, and all are close to food and beverage! Today was a practice day and tomorrow a few short races will be run.

Tomorrow we plan to take a water taxi to visit Fort McHenry then to Baltimore’s world class National Aquarium.

Baltimore Grand Prix

I toured two ships in Baltimore’s Maritime museum collection. The first was the USS Constellation the last commissioned sailing ship in the US Navy. The other was a light ship, the Lightship Chesapeake (LS 116). Barb has seen all of the ships she needed to, so she waited patiently on a park bench while I looked around the old ships.

Lighthship 166 "Chesapeake"

USCGC Taney

2011-09-02T22:40:00.000-04:00

Thursday, September 1, 2011

76°36.087’ W

39°16.901’ N

Inner Harbor East Marina

Baltimore, Maryland

Annapolis Academy

Ships waiting to get to Baltimore

Today we did a 33 mile run up the bay. Once in the Patapsco River we dodged ships, tugs and everything else that floats for over an hour before reaching our marina.

Bay Bridge

Sandy Point Light

This marina is first class and the location is perfect. We are in the center of Baltimore’s beautiful water front and when you add the excitement of a Grand Prix race, the mix is electrifying!

The evening was spent walking the harbor front, dinner at an Irish pub and going to a movie close to the harbor.

Tomorrow we will try to purchase tickets to see the Grand Prix race and check out the city.

Ship approaching behind us

Passing ships!

Baltimore Light

Baltimore

Inner Harbor East Marina

Where is Moor $tuff?

2011-08-31T22:32:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

76°29.112’ W

38°58.503’ N

The Yacht Basin

Annapolis, Maryland

Superintendent's Home

Most of today was spent at the Naval Academy. We took the walking tour and happened to see 4000 cadets march into lunch! The cadets muster for

Chapel

breakfast and lunch seven days a week then march to their tables and are served at one seating! We then visited John Paul Jones crypt and the naval museum. Lunch was enjoyed at the Quad club before watching the first full dress rehearsal of all the midshipmen marching --- all 4000 of them! There was a Navy band followed by the Naval Academy band followed by a Scottish Bagpipe band and of course the Naval Academy color guard!

Inside Chapel

Crypt of John Paul Jones

From there we walked to the state capitol which is under renovation. There wasn’t much to see with everything covered up with scaffolding and tarps.

Lining up for lunch

In Memorial Hall

We did find the Annapolis Ice Cream Company winner of the best ice cream in Annapolis for 2011! It was a small little shop where they make the ice cream on site. It’s not very fancy but it’s worth the walk.

Tomorrow we will move from Annapolis to Baltimore for a four day stay. We hope to get tickets to the Grand Prix Race, close to where we will have the boat moored.

Color Guard

Navy Band

Capitol

2011-08-31T21:52:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

76°29.112’ W

38°58.503’ N

The Yacht Basin

Annapolis, Maryland

Shore of Kent Island

Leaving St. Michaels

Today was a five star day for cruising ------ blue skies, flat water and cooler temperatures! It took us three hours to cross the Chesapeake before entering the harbor at Annapolis. We are located a few blocks away from the Naval Academy and everything else that makes this port so popular.

Our boat is now rocking more in its slip than during the crossing of the Chesapeake Bay! It’s not the wind causing the problem but the large number of boats moving into and out of the harbor. I’m hoping it

Bloody Point Bar

quiet downs later this evening!

Annapolis in the distance

After we squared the boat away we set up our bikes and took a nice ride through town stopping at the Naval Academy visitor’s center for tourist information. We stopped at an Irish Pub with sidewalk tables and enjoyed a light dinner and cold beer before locating an ice cream shop close

Ships wating to go to Baltimore

by. We walked our bikes along the harbor front before returning to the boat and plan tomorrow’s itinerary.

Dome of the Chapel at
Naval Academy

Arriving at Yacht Basin

Naval Academy

Street in Annapolis

2011-08-29T21:03:00.000-04:00

Monday, August 29, 2011

76°13.266’ W

38°47.121’ N

St. Michaels Marina

St. Michaels, Maryland

Barb and I are back on the boat! The weather is beautiful and if you were here during the hurricane you

Our arrival back at the boat

wouldn’t believe it possible!

We had a full day of work removing the winter canvas

Fixing lines to pull her back to the dock

and reinstalling the running canvas. The boat is in tip top shape and now ready to move on. The wind must have been very strong as there were leaves in the engine compartment floating in the bilges and on the fly bridge under the winter cover!

Having dinner at Foxys!

We reserved a slip in Annapolis, Maryland for two days starting tomorrow. Tomorrow we will get out of here by 9am and cruise 30 miles to Annapolis. The following 3 or 4 days we will be in Baltimore an additional 30 miles away.

Barb and I are ready to move on!

Back to boat after dinner

2011-08-28T12:07:00.000-04:00

Sunday, August 28, 2011

76°13.266’ W

38°47.121’ N

St. Michaels Marina

St. Michaels, Maryland

LIFE IS GOOD! The double rainbow we encountered the day before the hurricane did in fact have a pot of lucky charms that helped us beat the hurricane! Moor $tuff faired well and rode out the storm as planned!

Loose canvas

The marina called us at 7am and told us our boat looked good and asked us if we would like a ride to the marina to check her out ourselves. We were told there was 3 foot waves in the harbor that Moor $tuff rode over for most of the night. I’m not sure what the sustained wind speed was but will wait until I see it published in the newspaper.

Adjusting bow line

Whatever it was, it was a Category one hurricane!

While at the marina I tightened up one line that was stretched out from the storm then made the decision to spend one more night in the motel. The boat is safer floating away from the dock as she is now tied up compared to tying her to a dock and having the wind and waves

Adjusting bow line

slamming her against the pilings!

If the weather improves today as predicted, Barb and I should get the boat squared away tomorrow with a full day of work. I am sure the exposed canvas is wet and heavy and with our continued good luck, the wind will dry it out by tomorrow morning!

Local flooding across from motel

It is time to plan for our next leg of the adventure! Weather permitting; we will cross the Chesapeake Bay on Tuesday and cruise to Annapolis.

2011-08-27T11:47:00.000-04:00

Saturday, August 27, 2011

76°13.266’ W

38°47.121’ N

St. Michaels Marina

St. Michaels, Maryland

Good morning everyone. Barb and I have checked into a local motel about a mile from the marina. The day started early for us as we removed a few days of clothing, insurance papers, log books, pass ports and personal items from the boat. At that point I started the process of adjusting lines and repositioning the boat to the center of the cell. As we were completing the adjustment of the lines the rain began. The boat is now tied to pilings in the best way we know how. There will be marina staff watching their buildings and docks and have assured us they will keep us informed of our boats well being. At present it’s a steady soaker with the winds picking up. The hurricane is hours away with the worst predicted to begin 12 hours from now.

Today we will post our blog early as we expect to loose communication with the outside world. Damage to cell towers is expected during the storm. There is a good possibility that the highway in front of the motel may get flooded but I think we will stay high and dry from hurricane Irene!

2011-08-26T22:48:00.000-04:00

Friday, August 26, 2011

76°13.266’ W

38°47.121’ N

St. Michaels Marina

St. Michaels, Maryland

Today has been a long day for both of us. Our canvas has been removed and replaced with our winter cover. All of the mooring

Moor Stuff in the slip

lines we will need to ride out the storm have been put into place. Tomorrow the lines will be adjusted, placing the boat into the center of the two slips assigned to us. The boat will be secured between 7 pilings 3 on each side and one in line with the bow about 75 feet in front of the

View of St. Michaels Marina

boat. Once lashed down Barb and I will check into a motel a

mile from here.

We did take a brake and rode our bikes to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

We have the only boat in this section of the marina which is a little disconcerting! On the plus side of the situation all of the other boats located on a different dock are making a

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

great barrier for us.

Every restaurant close to the harbor will close tomorrow morning as will

Miles River off Chesapeake Bay

all of the B&B’s and hotels within walking distance. Flooding is almost guaranteed at this point, so staying on the boat would not be advised. Businesses close to us have removed anything that will float or blow away. Flags, park benches, patio furniture and table umbrellas have disappeared and have been safely stored

Watermans Wharf at museum

out of harms way. It looks like a ghost town at this point. When the flood waters recede and the dock is accessible again we will pull

Museum getting ready for hurricane

our boat to one side and move back on her!

Tomorrow the show begins and the question of the day will be if we will have a boat two days from now!

MOOR $TUFF

2011-08-25T21:24:00.000-04:00

Thursday, August 25, 2011

76°13.266’ W

38°47.121’ N

St. Michaels Marina

St. Michaels, Maryland

Tension is starting to build here. The storm in the Midwest that was to push the hurricane out to sea has lost its strength and because of that development it now looks like we are going to get hit with one hell of a hurricane!

Double rainbow - starboard side of our boat

Tomorrow we will remove the canvas and install our winter cover which will lower the profile of the boat and hopefully reduce the effects of the wind. The locals are thinking that the surge from this storm will be less than hurricane Isabel is 2003. Because this hurricane is coming from a different direction than hurricane Isabel, the winds could be higher. What all of that information means to Barb and me is were stuck in the middle of one heck of a storm and depending on what the Coast Guard and the Governor of Maryland have to say ----- we will stay with or close to the boat.

Tomorrow we will pack our suitcase in case we need to move to higher ground! Flooding is a real possibly and high ground is a few blocks away. Impact of the hurricane is now predicted to start around noon Saturday! Flooding could last until noon Monday!

The marina has assigned two slips to us which means we will tie the boat between two piers

Sun setting - port side of our boat

using the open space of the opening. Every line that we have will be secured to pilings and secured as high as the lines will permit. The staff will help us tomorrow get ready for the big blow! Electrical power to the marina will be turned off sometime Saturday and stay off until the water recedes.

The frustrating thing about this situation is the storm information we are getting, keeps changing from hour to hour. At present we are doing everything we can do to protect our boat while keeping us safe.

Tonight as I started to write this blog a double rainbow appeared in the east! I’m not superstitious but every little bit of good luck helps in this situation. Stay tuned for our continuing adventure aboard “MOOR $TUFF”!

2011-08-25T14:20:00.003-04:00

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

76°13.266’ W

38°47.121’ N

St. Michaels Marina

St. Michaels, Maryland

Leaving Calvert Marina

Barb and I did a 6 hour run to St. Michael’s on Miles River. This is where we will we will stay

Blimp

until the hurricane threat passes! Until the storm hits we will prepare for it as much as we can. When we know for sure it will hit we will remove the canvas and put our winter cover on. Meantime I will enjoy this beautiful quaint boating community.

Tomorrow we will look for

Fish traps

high ground if a surge is predicted. Our location in the marina is better protected than the open

Cove Point

waters of the Chesapeake Bay but not out of harms way. The harbor master is preparing a plan and told me he has been through three other major storms here. I am not sure what that means for Barb and me but everyone seems calm and resolved to lash everything down and ride out the storm!

Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant

The weather man said the hurricane will arrive this weekend unless a storm now in the

Arriving at St. Michaels

Midwest pushes it out into the ocean!

Hooper Strait Lighthouse

Our view at St. Michaels Marina

2011-08-23T23:29:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

76°27.457’ W

38°19.457’ N

Calvert Marina

Solomons, Maryland

Today we traveled 37 miles out of the Potomac River and north into the Chesapeake Bay. At present

Point Lookout Lighthouse

were in Solomons, Maryland in a beautiful harbor. It’s fairly well protected here but too

Barge being towed

close to the Atlantic coast where hurricane Irene may present herself! Considering our options at this time, Barb and I will move the boat north to St. Michaels to wait or ride out the storm!

Within minutes of securing our boat to the dock we found ourselves participating in an earth quake! It didn’t do any damage, but it felt strange for the boat to bounce around like something large

Point no Point Lighthouse

was pushing on the bottom of the boat. At the time of the earthquake that measured 5.8,

Weather buoy

Barb was inside of the boat and I was on the fly bridge. I felt the boat move and yelled down to her asking what she was doing to cause all of the movement and she replied nothing ------ that’s when I saw the dock pilings the size of telephone poles start moving up and down like a sine wave. At that instant I knew it was an

Solomons in sight

earthquake! Where else can a person who is trying to outrun a hurricane get caught in an

Homes along the shore

earthquake?

Almost to the Solomons

On a more pleasant subject – we connected with Darrel from the boat Present Moment. Sue his wife, was out of town and will return to the boat Saturday. We were looking forward to seeing both of them but it didn’t work out so the three of us went to dinner at a local restaurant and swapped sea stories.

Moor $tuff at the dock

If the hurricane gets much closer his boat will be hauled and stored on land.

2011-08-23T16:55:00.000-04:00

Monday, August 22, 2011

76°24.066’ W

38°06.949’ N

Point Lookout Marina

Ridge, Maryland

Calm seas leaving Colonial Beach

Our stay at the Colonial Beach Yacht Center was pleasant and uneventful. We departed later than usual due to the threatening weather. The sky’s turned blue and the wind dropped to a whisper ----- so off we went!

Looking back at our wake

Today was great – good weather, good seas and cooler temperatures. The 36 miles traveled to get here was pleasant and relaxing. We located a port that isn’t very busy! We are tucked back off of the Potomac on Jutland Creek off of Smith Creek! It’s very quiet here surrounded by lots of

Fish nets

trees! Other than two crab boats passing not much is happening here.

One other boat did arrive late after closing time.

Arriving at Point Lookout

It’s a larger cruiser that’s trying to out run the hurricane that’s moving closer to the US east coast. They are trying to get their yacht into the Hudson River by Thursday. Irene has been upgraded to a possible category three hurricane and is predicted to touch land some where in the Carolinas Friday!

Point Lookout Marina

Barb and I are starting to make plans to park the boat if the hurricane gets any closer to our location. Tomorrow we will exit the Potomac River and run north up the Chesapeake Bay to the Solomon’s. If the port in the Solomon’s is a good hurricane hole

Sunset at Point Lookout

we may stay there until the storm passes. If time permits and the Hurricane continues on its current path we my run north to St. Michaels to ride out the storm! The further from the coast the better! I’m hoping the storm doesn’t make landfall but turns east and heads out to sea!

2011-08-21T23:18:00.000-04:00

Sunday, August 21, 2011

77°57.822’ W

38°13.919’ N

Colonial Beach Yacht Center

Colonial Beach, Virginia

Leaving our slip in DC

Fort. Washington

Mt. Vernon as we head south

Today was a long 73 mile day. Most of it hazy but with good water until the Coast Guard radioed a warning of an impending line of thunder storms! It didn’t look bad from our position but we took their message seriously! We closed up most of the canvas on the boat then doubled our speed for the next 20 miles! The seas built to 3 feet on the nose and we could see the front chasing us. The sky was very dark behind us when we saw lighting and heard thunder! We beat the storm into port with the worst of it missing us all together. More storms are predicted for later so will spend a quiet night lashed to solid dock in a safe harbor.

Tomorrow’s weather isn’t looking to good. If it improves we’ll continue on --- stormy weather is predicted, we’ll stay put!

2011-08-21T23:11:00.000-04:00

Saturday, August 20, 2011

77°01.526’ W

38°52.721’ N

Gangplank Marina

Washington, DC

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MERRI!

Presidential Yacht

We worked on the boat most of the day, except to walk over to see the Presidents Yacht and take a few pictures.

The boat is now ready with the exception of fuel. We will travel 8 miles down stream to purchase fuel. Our departure from the marina tomorrow morning will be timed with the opening the gas dock!

Washington Monument at night from our boat

The weather for tomorrow’s departure is still looking iffy!

2011-08-20T13:20:00.000-04:00

Friday, August 19, 2011

77°01.526’ W

38°52.721’ N

Gangplank Marina

Washington, DC

Kenndy Gravesite

Barb and I slowed down today and visited only one National Monument, Arlington National Cemetery. We rode the Metro subway to the Cemetery then took a tour of the cemetery via tram. While there we visited the Tomb of the Unknowns, President Kennedy’s gravesite and the Arlington House – The Robert E. Lee Memorial.

Gravesites

Arlington House
The Robert E. Lee Memorial

Looking down onto Washington from Lee’s home was quite a view with every thing in sight. From the side of his house you could see the Pentagon and just imagine how the attack of 9/11/2001 appeared from this vantage point.

Gravesites

Tomb of the Unknowns

The day was early but the weather was predicted to turn bad so we returned to the boat around 4 pm. Within a few hours one hell of a storm front came through and dropped 2 ½ inches of rain and stirred up the marina!

Changing of the Guard

Tomorrow Barb and I will prepare to depart DC on Sunday morning --- weather permitting. Sunday is iffy and Monday is looking good.

Memorial Amphitheater

View of Washington, DC

The Pentagon

Women's Memorial

Mast of the battleship
USS Maine

Metro back to DC

2011-08-18T21:44:00.005-04:00

Thursday, August 18, 2011

77°01.526’ W

38°52.721’ N

Gangplank Marina

Washington, DC

Jefferson Memorial

Today we walked to the Lincoln Memorial. We also visited the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Close by

Whitte House

we viewed the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument. The Thomas Jefferson Memorial overlooks the Tidal Basin as will the soon to open the Dr. Martin Luther King Monument. The reflecting pool between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument was

Garden near Tital Basin

under reconstruction and scheduled completion will be next year.

The afternoon was spent visiting the

World War II Memorial

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum a must see if visiting Washington, DC. It’s impossible for me to understand how a nation could endorse a mad man like Hitler and allow the extermination of Jews and any other groups of peoples he found inferior!

Vietnam Memorial

While returning to the marina we passed the local fish market and purchased a bag of fried shrimp – then returned to our boat for

World War II Memorial

dinner.

Tomorrow we plan to visit Arlington National Cemetery.

Vietnam Memorial
Faces of Honor

Lincoln Memorial

Vietnam Memorial
Faces of Honor

Korean War Memorial

Reflecting Pool

Lincoln Memorial

In the distance
Arlington National Cemetery

United States Holocaust National Memorial

Fish Market

Fresh fish

Washington Monument

2011-08-17T23:41:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

77°01.526’ W

38°52.721’ N

Gangplank Marina

Washington, D.C.

SCOPERTA

This morning Barb and I helped our friends Barb, John, Ricki and Carl leave the marina. We all said our good byes, gave hugs then cast off their lines for they could get underway. A few pictures were taken of Quest and Scoperta as the two boats moved down the river together heading south. I am sure we will see all of them sometime in the very near future.

QUEST

Today was a work day for Barb and me. Laundry, grocery shopping, house keeping and changing the oil were accomplished. We are now ready to do the next leg of our trip as we retrace our course on the Potomac River and cruise back to the Chesapeake Bay.

We plan to spend three or four more days in D.C. before heading to Annapolis, MD which will take two maybe three days to get there! From Annapolis we will probably go to Baltimore, Maryland a one day cruise.

Sunset - last night

2011-08-17T23:28:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

77°01.526’ W

38°52.721’ N

Gangplank Marina

Washington, D.C.

National Museum of the
American Indian

Today we visited two different museums. The first one was the National Museum of the American

Main Entrance

Indian. The building was designed by an American Indian and is reason enough to visit the museum. The museum is free and part of the Smithsonian.

The second museum is called the International Spy Museum which is walking distance from the mall. This museum is not free but is worth the admission. The Spy Museum is interactive and informs as well as entertains the visitor.

Myan Calendar

As I entered the museum I was asked to select the i dentity of a spy from a

Exhibit
The Beaver and the Mink

wide selection posted on the wall. I was told to remember a full sheet of facts then proceed with my visit to the museum. The museum is chock full of factual information regarding international spying. When exiting the museum hours later, the visitor is again asked a series of questions as if they were going to leave the country. Based on my answers I failed to pass the test and would have had my passport taken from me! I don’t think

One of many exhibits

there’s much hope for me to become a spy! The Spy Museum was fun and well worth our time spent there.

Potomac Atrium

When Barb, I and the Flints returned to the marina we connected with Ricki and Carl for a farewell dinner at a restaurant close to the marina. Tomorrow after spending 9 months traveling together we will go different directions. Ricki and Carl will travel south with the Flint’s then place their boat into storage until spring. I’m sure we will travel together sometime next year

Sights as we walked

as they cruise north into Canada and the Great Lakes.

Sights as we walked
Wasahington Monument

Barb and I will spend a few more days in Washington, D.C. before leaving the Potomac River and heading north.

Sights as we walked

2011-08-17T22:57:00.000-04:00

Monday, August 15, 2011

77°01.526’ W

38°52.721’ N

Gangplank Marina

Washington, D.C.

Today the four of us walked to the U.S. Capitol to see the new visitor center that opened December 2, 2008. The 580,000 sq. foot facility

U. S. Capitol

is something to behold. Once inside, the surroundings are beautiful, spacious and air conditioned! There is a great deal of security every where but once through a security check your free to see all that’s presented at your leisure.

Via my daughter Jill, Barb called a contact on the way to the Capitol and got tickets to visit the house gallery.

Statue of Freedom
(plastic medel)

Our tour guide was very personable and informative as she escorted us around the building. The four of us enjoyed every minute of the tour! We went for a short visit and ended up spending the whole day! Everything within the Capitol and the Center is first class and I highly recommended a visit. And yes - we did find a place to purchase ice cream in the Capitol!

National Statuary Hall

From the Capitol building we visited the Library of Congress via a new underground passage connecting the two buildings.

"The Apotheosis of Washington"
(inside the Capitol dome)

On our return to the marina we stopped at the Air and Space museum for a quick visit to see if any of the projects that I was associated with while working at the University of Chicago are on display. I was pleased to see numerous projects

Library of Congress

built at the University on display.

It is a little sad to know what was once cutting edge technology is now outdated and no longer useful!

Exhibit in Library of Congress

On the other hand a lot of the advances taking place today are a continuation of work that was done during my time at the University. I guess that’s what you call progress!

Tomorrow we plan to visit -------------------?

Exhibit in Library of Congress

Barb & John

Barb & Skip

Another view of the U. S. Capitol

Along the way

Skylab

Hubble Space Telescope

2011-08-17T22:08:00.000-04:00

Sunday, August 14, 2011

77°01.526’ W

38°52.721’ N

Gangplank Marina

Washington, D.C.

Newseum

Berlin Wall

Barb and John Flint, Barb and I walked to the Newseum, a resent addition to the many attractions in Washington, D.C.! Yes I did spell Newseum correctly! They advertise that you can walk it at a fast pace in two hours but we took most of the day to see all of the displays and watch a 15 minute 4-D feature! The Newseum addresses the news industry from hand setting type to today’s fast news reporting. The four of us enjoyed the total package as presented. Considering most of the news events that were addressed happened in my life time it brought back many memories both good and not so good! I would recommend visiting the Newseum when in D.C.!

Carl and Ricki have family visiting so there off doing something else for a couple of days.

John, Barb, Barb, Skip

Newseum exhibit

Barb Flint’s nephew joined the four of us for dinner at a Chinese restaurant close to our marina. The food and company were both great.

Tomorrow we will visit the new visitor’s center in the U.S. Capitol!

View inside Newseum

Capitol taken from the Newseum

2011-08-17T18:33:00.000-04:00

Saturday, August 13, 2011

77°01.526’ W

38°52.721’ N

Gangplank Marina

Washington, D.C.

Leaving Colonial Beach

Along the Potomac River

Today we cruised 72 miles in weather that was mixed! A little rain – a little haze – a few crazy boaters and a lot of tree parts floating in the river. The trip was long and uneventful until I thumped a chunk of wood that made a load noise when it hit the hull before striking the port prop! The boat started vibrating so I shut down the port engine and radio my traveling companions what had happened and to proceed into port with out us ---- we would be get there an hour later than them.

Mt. Vernon

After saying a few nasty words I shut down both engines then restarted and reversed them one engine at a time. What ever was causing the problem cleared and we were back in business. We caught up with Scoperta and Quest five minutes before entering the marina in Washington, D.C.!

Fort Washington on the Potomac

DC here we come!

The marina is within walking distance to the mall and all of the monuments that we intend to visit. We can view the Washington Monument from our boat which is very nice!

Arriving at Gangplank Marina

With the long day behind us the six of us agreed to call it a day and get some rest. Barb and I will stay in Washington for a week then move north! The boats Scoperta and Quest will depart in three or four days returning south to Scoperta’s home port in Gloucester Point, Virginia!

2011-08-17T18:05:00.000-04:00

Friday, August 12, 2011

76°58.015’ W

38°14.930’ N

Bayside Marina

Colonial Beach, Virginia

John's leaning boat in middle

Colonial Beach Pier

We delayed our departure to St. Marys City this morning due to John’s boat getting hung up on the dock when the tide dropped! It wasn’t Johns fault but none the less we waited for the tide to rise to minimize the possibility of damage to the boat. The tide did rise - and the boat did float free with no damage to the hull.

Colonial Beach

Sunset

With our planned departure delayed three hours we changed our plans, bypassed St. Marys City and cruised to Colonial Beach, Virginia 38 miles away. The weather was a little hazy but uneventful.

Colonial Beach is a pleasant city that the six of us walked before having dinner at the marina restaurant. There isn’t mush to see and do just a quiet little place to hide away. Tomorrow we plan for a long day of cruising to Washington, D.C.!

2011-08-15T00:11:00.000-04:00

Thursday, August 11, 2011

76°28.176’ W

38°09.406 N

St. Mary’s Yachting Center

Drayden, Maryland

Leaving Tangier Island

Scoperta

Quest

Arriving at St. Mary's Yachting Center

Our three boats stayed tied to their docks while we delayed our departure twice due to wind and rough seas. I’m not sure what logic we used or didn’t use, but we decided to depart our safe harbor and scoot across the bay to St. Mary’s River. The first half hour was hell on water before it settled down to 2 to 3 footers! That ride lasted for another 2 ½ hours until we entered the St. Mary’s River when the seas flatten out and the world became calm and serene once again. By the time we were tied up at our dock we had been out four hours and traveled 36 miles. Our location is just out of the Potomac River off the St. Mary’s River on Carthegena Creek!

Our view

This is a very nice marina that is not on the beaten path to D.C.! There is a nice restaurant, bar and swimming pool here for our use. The scenery is beautiful with flat water for as far as we can see.

Tomorrow we will cross the river for a quick visit to the city of St. Marys City a mile away. From there we will re-enter the Potomac and cruise 30 or 40 miles north closer to Washington D.C.

2011-08-14T23:58:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

75°59.666’ W

37°49.800’ N

Parks Marina

Tangier Island, Virginia

HAPPY 50^th BIRTHDAY MARK!

Docked in Deltaville

Arriving at Tangier Island

The day started out with a mechanic repairing Quest as promised! By 10:45 the three boats were underway crossing the Chesapeake Bay for Tangier Island. The bay was flat and traveling was very pleasant. Barb and I are enjoying Barb and John Flint cruising with us again. They will

Crab docks on Tangier Island

cruise to D.C. before returning to their home port at York River Yacht Haven.

Tangier Island is unique and will not be forgotten soon! The town is built on a marsh and flooding of the streets when the tide is high, is not uncommon. The most common mode of travel is by golf cart or scooter with a couple of mini pick-ups driving around. Wooden platforms are placed in the front yard of most homes that are needed to raise and keep the golf carts out of the salt water caused by storms and tidal waters. There is a fire truck, ambulance and one squad car

Crab docks

A young lady drove the six of us around in a golf cart for a tour of the town. It was great fun and informative! This island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay is full of history. Captain John Smith discovered the island in 1608. The island was settled in 1686 by a man named Crockett. The English Navy used the island to prepare for war in 1776.

Oldest home on the Island

Can you see our boats?

During the tour we saw many small houses built close together with little yard space. What yard space they have is usually fenced with a wooded pickets or chain link fence. The lots come to the edge of the roads with no side walks. The buildings use all available land and are separated by large patches of saw grass growing in the marsh wetlands! When looking into the wetlands you can see many discarded boats of all types and sizes rotting away. All of this is flanked by an aging fishing fleet moored at single docks with a small building sitting on wooden pilings. Many of the fishing buildings with pier is free standing in water on pilings with limited or no access to it other than by boat.

We saw no sidewalks so everyone is walking or driving their golf carts on the street.

Fishermans Corner

There are a few restaurants serving the catch of the day. We chose Fisherman’s Corner Seafood Restaurant that was comfortable but very simple with some of the best crab I have ever eaten! The only other way the crab could have been served fresher is if it were prepared on the boat! If they would open the restaurant for breakfast I would be the first in line to be served!

Sunset

Our plan is to leave port around 9am and cross the bay for the Potomac River. Once in the Potomac River we will turn north onto the St. Marys River in Maryland.

Our hope is to be in Washington D.C. by Saturday.

2011-08-14T23:21:00.004-04:00

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

76°18.763’ W

37°33.579’ N

Dozier’s Regatta Point Marina

Deltaville, Virginia

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KEITH & MERRI!

Leaving Gloucester Point

US Coast Guard

At 9 am the three boats set course for Deltaville 38 miles up the coast. Close to the half way point Quest lost its oil pressure in one transmission so limped into port on one engine. Carl maneuvered her into the face dock without any problem then secured her for the night. The good news is ------ the oil pressure problem was quickly diagnosed with a promise for it to be repaired at the beginning of tomorrows work day!

Quest behind us

Scoperta in front of us

Arriving in Deltaville

On left: Barb, Ricki, Carl
On right: Skip, Barb, John

With the pressure of the unknown removed we all got our swimming suits on and headed for the pool. The marina has great facilities so after the swimming was over a cook out was put together. I supplied a box of wine which turned out to be very good. Considering glass bottles can break and are heavy, boxed wine is probably the way to go in the future! The marina also had a Captains lounge so the six of us headed there after eating for a movie night on the big screen television. The DVD player wasn’t working so we called it a night.

With luck, Quest will be repaired early in the day and we can all travel together to Tangier Island. Tangier Island is across the bay from where we are now moored.

2011-08-14T23:00:00.000-04:00

Monday, August 8, 2011

76°28.712’ W

37°15.420’ N

York River Yacht Haven

Gloucester Point, Virginia

Leaving Norfolk

Container ship going to Norfolk

Destroyer we followed

Considering we had cars to return to the rental agency and the boats required pump outs we were underway before 10 am! I really got excited as we cruised past all of the U.S. Navy fleet. To say it was impressive is an under statement! The ships are all bigger and look stealth like compared to when I was in the Navy. I don’t necessarily like the way they look now but it’s a different day and I’m sure they can deliver one hell of a punch!

As Quest and Moor $tuff were heading for the Chesapeake Bay a destroyer left her slip and lead the way into the Bay. She turned south and headed toward the Atlantic and we headed north in the opposite direction.

Thimble Shoal Horn

Arriving in Glocester Point

John and Barb will join us on our trip to D.C.! At present Quest and Moor $tuff are in slips at Johns marina. Tonight we all got together for dinner at the marina restaurant and discussed the trip before returning to our boats for some rest. The plan for tomorrow is for all three boats to leave port around 9 am and cruise to Deltaville. At our slow pace of thirty to forty miles per day we should be in D.C. by Friday or Saturday.

SHORT VIDEO FROM WILLIAMSBURG - AUGUST 7, 2011

2011-08-09T22:24:00.000-04:00

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG - AUGUST 7, 2011

2011-08-09T22:16:00.000-04:00

Capital

Burton Parish Church

Skip & John

2011-08-08T23:24:00.001-04:00

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, August 5, 6 & 7, 2011

76°17.569’ W

36°50.638’ N

Waterside Marina

Norfolk, Virginia

I 64 tunnel on our way to Williamsburg

View while having drinks

Barb and I just returned from Colonial Williamsburg where we stayed at Barb and John Flints home. We had a great time reminiscing about our time cruising the Trent Severn, Georgian Bay, North Channel, Lake Superior and northern Lake Michigan. We also crossed wakes in Fairhope, Alabama in Mobile Bay then ran down the west coast of Florida from the Everglades to the Keys.

During our visit to their home, we visited historic Jamestown, and Colonial Williamsburg. John drove from location to location while Barb, a well informed history buff, furnished back ground color for our visit.

Barb and I are hoping that the Flints will cruise with us for part of our trip up the Chesapeake to Washington D.C.! If John can reschedule a heat pump installation to a different date the Flints will cruise to D.C. with Carl & Ricki, Barb and me. Stay tuned for an update tomorrow!

Church in Historic Jamestowne

Glassblowers

2011-08-08T17:40:00.000-04:00

Thursday, August 4, 2011

76°17.569’ W

36°50.638’ N

Waterside Marina

Norfolk, Virginia

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORI!

Barb and I were surprised that Huen and Cricket had left Norfolk a day early to return to his boat. We wish them well and good health. With a little luck we will cross wakes again.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Kitty Hawk

Since we were up early, we got in the car and drove back to the Outer Banks hoping to visit Ocracoke Island. When we arrived at the ferry the attendant said it would be at least another two hours plus before we could board for the 40 minute ride! We didn’t want to wait so we turned the car around and drove to the Cape Hatteras National Park which was worth seeing. From there we drove to the Wright Brothers National Monument at Kitty Hawk, another National Park worth visiting.

Kitty Hawk Memorial

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

Entering the tunnel

Light at the end of the tunnel

I have always wanted to see the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel that was completed in 1964 and selected as one of the seven engineering wonders of the modern world. The bridge and submerged tunnels are over 17.6 miles long with two, one mile long sections of tunnel sitting on the bottom of the Bay allowing ships to pass over them into the Atlantic Ocean. In 1999 a second phase was completed when two additional lanes were added above the surface of the Chesapeake. The four lanes of traffic are now reduced to two lanes through the tunnel. A third phase to install two one mile underwater sections is now being considered which would provide four lanes of unobstructed traffic,

Water over the tunnel

Ship crossing over the tunnel

Tomorrow we will drive to the Flints home close to historical Williamsburg, Virginia. We have a lot of catching up to do and are looking forward to our visit.

2011-08-05T11:00:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

76°17.569’ W

36°50.638’ N

Waterside Marina

Norfolk, Virginia

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SHERRI & MARK!

Atlantic Ocean from the deck

Barb and I drove to Kitty Hawk to visit with our daughter Jill and the Conniff family. The Conniff’s rented a large house on the Outer Banks and are enjoying the beach to its fullest. While we were enjoying the grand kids Ray served lobster rolls for lunch then put together a shrimp boil for a fantastic dinner!

Kids in the HOT tub!

We returned to Norfolk late in the day to say fare well to Huen and Cricket before they returned to their boat. We will be up early to see them off.

Captain Skip relaxing

Having fun on the beach!

Patrick - kite flying

The teenagers!

2011-08-05T10:43:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

76°17.569’ W

36°50.638’ N

Waterside Marina

Norfolk, Virginia

Japanese ships

As we were watching the morning news on TV we learned that three ships from Japan were visiting the City of Norfolk! This was to be a historical event and in walking

The Admirals

distance from our boat! I went to the back of our boat and saw the first ship on the dock and watched as the tugs were turning and positioning the second one. Within a short period of time all three ships were secured to a dock that was part of the Nauticus, and Hampton Roads Naval Museum home to the decommissioned Battleship Wisconsin. For those who know and appreciate WWII history this was quite a historical event considering the events of Pearl Harbor!

Mayor of Norfolk

As a supporter of the US Navy we went to the museum hoping to get close enough to photograph the three ships. As we were walking around they were setting up for an official ceremony to welcome the ships crew when Barb and I were invited to stay and watch. The whole ceremony lasted about a half

Admiral Harvey and Skip

an hour with music, the Mayor of Norfolk, State officials and lots of military top brass. There was a wreath laying ceremony and words of international cooperation by the Admiral of the visiting fleet. Following the Japanese presentation the US Admiralty welcomed the Japanese Admiral, staff and crew. When the ceremony was completed I asked the highest ranking Admiral wearing four stars for a photo opt. The Admiral J.C. Harvey Jr., Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command was more than cordial

Admiral Harvey and Skip

and as the pictures show was very personable and down right friendly. It’s taken me 50 years

The flags

but I finally got to speak to the head guy! We exchanged business cards before he left the area.

The rest of the day was spent touring the museum and walking the decks of the Iowa Class battleship Wisconsin, the last battle wagon to serve this country.

Battleship Wisconsin

John and Barb Flint our cruising companions for most of Canada and Lake Superior came to our boat for a visit. As always we had a great time and ended up at a restaurant for dinner. We plan to visit their home for a few days before moving the boat north to Washington DC next week!

2011-08-05T10:14:00.000-04:00

Monday, August 1, 2011

76°17.569’ W

36°50.638’ N

Waterside Marina

Norfolk, Virginia

View of bridge

Ships wating to get into Norfolk

I had a few small maintenance jobs to perform before picking up the rental car so we got a later start than we had planned on. Once we had our wheels we drove to Virginia Beach then up the coast to find a restaurant for dinner. Barb found a great little restaurant – Alexander’s on the Bay – using her GPS which served great food with a spectacular view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. When the lights came on it was even better.

2011-08-05T09:18:00.000-04:00

Sunday, July 31, 2011

76°17.569’ W

36°50.638’ N

Waterside Marina

Norfolk, Virginia

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAY!

Wall at Dismal Swamp Welcome Center

Today it rained oh so gently which just added to the ambiance of the Dismal Swamp! The going was slow but just fast enough to see and enjoy all there was to see. After passing through the last lock which lowered us 8 feet we began to see civilization again. The water way changed from straight to winding before flowing into one of the main shipping channels around Norfolk Va. We had a 45 minute wait at a low bridge before it would open then we saw our US Navy in all of her glory! What a sight that was, with ships of all descriptions flanking both sides of the river.

We’re now at the Waterside Marina which is located on the water front of down town Norfolk. Norfolk is a progressive and beautiful modern city not the city I expected to find

Tomorrow we will rent a car and begin enjoying our stay here. Our plan is to stay here a week and link up with the Jill’s family plus members the Conniff family vacationing on the outer bank. Were also going to visit the Flints, people we cruised with before.

Will we through??

Deep Creek Lock

Arriving in Norfolk

2011-08-05T09:08:00.000-04:00

Saturday, July 30, 2011

76°21,359’ W

36°30,406’ N

Dismal Swamp Visitors Center

South Mills, North Carolina

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to our granddaughter Katherine.

Dismal Swamp

To start off the day Ricki with help from Linda and Barb made a brunch fit for royalty. Once our bellies were full we got underway around 11:30 am radioed for a bridge to open up then slowly cruised down the canal that got narrower and narrower as we got deeper into the waterway. The color of the water is very dark brown almost black and referred to as Carolina Tea!

Along the Dismal Swamp

The natural part of the water way is winding with heavy vegetation flanking both banks. With all of the vegetation reflecting on the glassy water the cruise was very spectacular. As we entered the man made portion of the canal referred to as the ditch, we entered a lock and the boat was raised 8 feet.

South Mills Lock

The water is very slow moving and covered with duck weed which looks like your cruising through pea soup with the peas floating on top! We knew that just beneath the green surface lurked a log or something trying to damage a prop or rudder. In some areas it was impossible to see any water from bank to bank it was so thick. As lead boat our wake left a trail of open water behind that looked like a water ribbon.

Our speed was restricted to 6 mph with no wake so we slowly cruised north up the canal. Even with our slow speed, both of our boats touched bottom or something else with no apparent damage.

Duck Weed on the Dismal Swamp

We’re spending the night tied to a face dock at the welcome center for this national treasure. Tomorrow we will cruise through the second half before entering Norfolk, Virginia.

What a beautiful area to cruise through!!!

2011-08-05T08:49:00.000-04:00

Friday, July 29, 2011

76°12,704’ W

36°18,011’ N

The Pelican Marina

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Leaving Alligator Marina

Blimp hanger

Today’s run was a little ugly! The Albemarle Sound reared its ugly side and showed us who was boss! It started out with reasonably flat water then after we were more than half way across the sound turned on us! With the wind out of the west and 3 foot white caps on our port beam it made for an uncomfortable ride for a few hours. Everything on and in the boat was securely lashed down before starting out, but a few things broke loose and got stirred up some what.

We are now in port planning to start across the Dismal Swamp tomorrow for a two day cruise.

Arriving in Elizabeth City

Pelican Marina

Our good friends from the boat Lucky One drove to Elizabeth City to ride on Quest for the Dismal Swamp Crossing. Huen is on the mend so riding on Carl’s boat is as good as its going to get for another month. It’s good to see Cricket and Huen again ----there great friends and boating companions.

Sunday afternoon we should arrive in Norfolk, Virginia. Our daughter Jill and family are vacationing in Kitty Hawk on the Outer Banks. The plan is to rent a car and visit them mid week.

2011-08-05T08:32:00.000-04:00

Thursday, July 28, 2011

76°01,708’ W

35°54,328’ N

Alligator River Marina

Alligator River, North Carolina

On the Alligator River

Looking back on the Alligator River

We continue to move 50 miles a day. The weather continues to be hot and uncomfortable but the water is flat and a pleasure to cruise on. The river was ours alone just two boats and all of the natural beauty one could wish for! We started out in open water for the first 15 miles then entered a man made cut for the next 20 miles. The remainder was big water that remained some what flat and easy to cross.

Banks of the Alligator River

US Coast Guard at work!

Tomorrow we have another 50 miles crossing the Albemarle Sound. Most of the run will be in open water with the sound presenting a potential problem.

2011-07-29T21:45:00.001-04:00

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

76°32.141’ W

35°31.969’ N

Dowry Creek Marina

Belhaven, North Carolina

Early start to Belhaven

US Coast Guard

We got an early start and had perfect weather. We logged 52 miles before arriving at Dowry Creek just after noon.

Wonderful day on the water

Arriving in Belhaven

Empty bottle tree!

This is a delightful marina to visit. It’s very clean and in good repair. Mary the owner is delightful and goes out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. There is a large swimming pool and marina lounge for the boaters to socialize in. Happy hour is every evening at 5pm where most of the boaters bring something to munch on plus something to drink. It’s a great way to meet new friends and swap old stories.

Dowry Creek Marina

Tomorrow we plan to depart the marina around 7am and log another 50 miles.

2011-07-29T21:07:00.002-04:00

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

76°40.870’ W

35°01.769’ N

Whittaker Pointe Marina

Oriental, North Carolina

We stayed another night because of the weather. There were white caps all day with a few drops of rain mixed in from time to time.

The weather wasn’t conducive for swimming so we sighed up for the marina courtesy car and went out for breakfast then grocery shopping. Dinner was steaks on the grill and a bottle of wine before turning in early.

Tomorrow should be a good day for travel and have agreed to depart the marina at 7am looking for flat water.

2011-07-29T20:55:00.000-04:00

Monday, July 25, 2011

76°40.870’ W

35°01.769’ N

Whittaker Pointe Marina

Oriental, North Carolina

The weather turned nasty last night with a short period of rain and high winds. We bounced around in our slip most of the night and I’m glad we’re staying an extra day because of weather and Carl’s canvas repair. Barb and Ricki will take advantage of this down time and do laundry then re-supply.

Carl was lucky that he was able to walk into a sail shop and have it repaired on the spot! If nothing else, our schedule will free up to move north tomorrow. If we have good weather we will leave early to make our crossing of a short 10 mile sound before re-entering a man made cut.

The wind has been blowing all day with major white caps lapping at the entrance to this marina. The rain comes and goes making this a perfect day to do nothing but stay put in this safe harbor!

2011-07-28T22:10:00.000-04:00

Sunday, July 24, 2011

76°40.870’ W

35°01.769’ N

Whittaker Pointe Marina

Oriental, North Carolina

Boat we saw aground!

Leaving Beaufort

ALong the ICW

We are having another windy day. Getting out of the slip was tricky but better than getting into it yesterday! I was surprised at how flat the sea was for most of the trip. The wind kicked up for the last few miles and made our approach into the harbor dicey. Usually we back into our slip, which makes getting on and off the boat easy. Because of the wind, both Carl and I nosed into our slips.

Whittake Pointe Marina

Tomorrow Carl and I will look for a sail shop to repair his canvas that was damaged due to the high winds. Hopefully someone in town will do it while we wait for we can proceed on Tuesday.

This marina turned out to be a jewel. There is a beautiful club house with swimming pool and courtesy car. The rates for Loopers are discounted and the whole package is very affordable and pleasant.

2011-07-28T21:44:00.000-04:00

Saturday, July 23, 2011

76°39.870’ W

34°42.941’ N

Beaufort Docks

Beaufort, North Carolina

Heading to Beaufort, NC

The wind and current made getting the boat into the harbor nasty at best. Once secured, the day got better as the location was lively and fun to be a part of. The town of Beaufort has developed a tourist destination that is filled with history, shopping, restaurants and watering holes!

Our carriage

While in town we reconnected with Nancy and Mike that we met in Charleston, SC! Mike saw our boat in the harbor and left a message to get together. After a horse drawn wagon ride through town and dining at the dock side restaurant, the six of us walked to their boat for Ricki and Carl could view its interior. Their catamaran is beautiful.

Nancy and I took the opportunity to try a boxed wine that neither of us had before which was very good! Any boxed liquid makes good sense for use on a boat because its light weight, packs well and doesn’t break like glass!

Tomorrow we will head north to Oriental, NC.

2011-07-28T21:36:00.000-04:00

Friday July 22, 2011

76°42.524’ W

34°43.180’ N

Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant

Morehead City, North Carolina

Quest leaving Dudley"s Marina

Last night was a rough night while tied to the face dock. The wind and waves were on our beam all night constantly bumping the boat on the dock. When leaving the dock this morning it was almost impossible to overcome the wind and move into the harbor.

Arriving at Morehead City

We had a good day of cruising and stayed the night on a face dock provided by the Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant! The dock is provided for a fee of $25 without power or water. Also we had to eat dinner in their restaurant which we were going to do anyway! All in all it was a good experience.

Tomorrow we will move about 5 miles across the inlet to Beaufort.

2011-07-23T13:11:00.000-04:00

Thursday July 21, 2011

77°06.731’ W

34°40.798’ N

Dudley’s Marina

Swansboro, North Carolina

Our luck continues to hold with the weather! It’s hot but beautiful and a little windy!

Leaving Surf City

Pink!

Camp Lejeune

Before departing the marina we inquired if the ICW was closed due to training exercises at Camp Lejeune. The dock master told us if we didn’t hear the bombs going off we should proceed ---- so off we went. A few hours later when approaching the Onslow Bridge that needed to open for we could proceed we were hailed by the navy to not proceed any further until the live fire exercise was completed. As we were proceeding closer to the bridge to anchor for a few hours and waiting for the ok to proceed, we noticed a convoy of half tracks off to one side of the canal. With in minutes we were entertained with the sound of machine gun fire and heavy artillery off in the distance. While at anchor I noticed a structure in the brushes close to the canal bank that I couldn’t recognize. After we hauled the anchor and proceeded a hundred yards closer to the bridge we saw that it was a radio outpost with tents set up and marines busy at work.

Along the ICW

Onslow Bridge

The bridge opened and we were told to move to a location up river secured by navy patrol boats and wait for the ok to proceed. It wasn’t long before we were cruising through a10 mile stretch within an active training area with a lot of activity on both sides of the ICW. As we were exiting the control area we heard the US Navy secure the ICW due to live fire exercises. I must admit - it was the high point in our day!

Tonight we are secured to a face dock at the Dudley’s Marina, exposed to wind and tidal currents! I don’t think it’s going to be a pleasant night of restful sleep!