Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Florida we made it.
Wednesday November 26, 2008
Many options had presented themselves at the Island of Jekyll one was stay another day, leave for Florida, or go up the St. Mary's River 6 miles to a Thanksgiving Gathering of boaters The possibility of heading 6 miles out of our way, finding some kind of dish to take to the gathering and having to turn around and head to another anchorages weighed heavily in our decision to leave and head for Florida.
This passage was the kind that I most preferred , a relatively short distance with lots of different things to see and arrive in our new destination early enough to tour the town we had arrived at. Vertigo 1 and Grace C were the only boats to choose this option on this day. Crossing into Florida was exhilarating.
The thought that we had almost accomplished our final destination was indescribable. Eating a quarter of a crows pie was way easier that eating a whole pie. If Grace C's engine decided to give out again and we be forced to abort the mission we could still always tell our Grand child, Nana and Poppa sailed to Florida once. Our first Port in Florida was Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island. The sun was shining and the weather was warmer than it had been for a month. The town although it had heavy industry on both sides of it was attractive and friendly. We toured the shops and discovered that all the stores would be closed tomorrow so we headed out to the marina to get a cab and pick up our groceries. This is the beginning of the stocking up for the trip. After getting a card for the discounts a girl at the check out produced another token which magically before my eyes my 93.00 purchase became 73.00. Wow that will pay for the cab. People here are in that “Thanksgiving Spirit” prior to a day off feeling. We headed back to the boat to unload the groceries. Another wonderful day in paradise.
Thanksgiving Day in US – Thursday November 27, 2008
When we arrive on the shore the Dock Master waived the $5.00 landing and shower fee.
Since nothing was going to be open Diane and I decided we would do our Laundry. We were about half way done and a group of people came over and asked us what we were doing for Thanksgiving and would we like to come to have a Turkey dinner. It would be served at the Methodist Church six blocks away between 12 and 2:30 pm. Apparently this church instead of being home with their families decided to give of their time to make sure everyone in Fernandina Beach had a dinner to come to. They had historically gone to the harbour to pick up transient boaters and make sure they were provided for.(“boater gathering, no work and no going up the river out of our way, Oh I like it.”) By the time we were ready to go Whippoorwill had arrived and joined us. The meal was all home made and the atmosphere was charged with that unconditional love that comes from giving. After dinner we window shopped and headed back to the harbour to visit with Brandaris and Southern Cross. Fernandina
Beach you will be high in the memory bank forever.
Friday November 28, 2008
Today was a travel day. We lifted anchor and set out around 7:00 am the day was overcast and sunny at time. We enjoyed the ICW and all the beautiful homes along it. There were lots of dolphin sightings and it was fun to watch the pelicans nose dive into the water and almost belly flop. We headed out to St. Augustine and made it in around 3:30 pm. We decided to anchor just past the Bridge of Lions so we would not have to wait for it to open when we decided to leave. There is lots to see and do here so we are in no hurray to leave. Whippoorwill arrived shortly after we got in so we headed over to their boat to say hello. Tony and Diane joined us for some munchies and we went back to the boat for the night to relax and check our e-mail. St. Augustine provides free wifi.
Saturday November 29, 2008
We meet the fleet at the dinghy dock and headed out to go to the Sailor Exchange which is a place where you can get lots of used boat things. It was incredible to see and so many things. They even have end of rolls of Marine Sumbrella which was only $7.00 per yard. Ab and Karen joined us at a Diner on the way back to the boat. After lunch Karen and I found the Quilt Shop. It was full of beautifully cut and co-ordinated Fat Squares. It was so wonderful to see all that fabric in one place. The lady was from South Africa and she said she got into quilting because she could not work when she first came to the states so she made crafts and sold them. When Dick and Ab got back from taking the groceries etc. to the boat we headed up to view the Castillo de San Marcos, which was a huge fort that the Spanish had built in 1672 and completed in 1695. Apparently who ever had possession of it was never overthrown by its brilliant defense system.
We had taken a monthly tally and we have been anchored for 20 nights this month, been docked at a no cost to us for 4 nights and stayed at marinas for 6 nights. The budget seems to be having reprieve. :)
Many options had presented themselves at the Island of Jekyll one was stay another day, leave for Florida, or go up the St. Mary's River 6 miles to a Thanksgiving Gathering of boaters The possibility of heading 6 miles out of our way, finding some kind of dish to take to the gathering and having to turn around and head to another anchorages weighed heavily in our decision to leave and head for Florida.
This passage was the kind that I most preferred , a relatively short distance with lots of different things to see and arrive in our new destination early enough to tour the town we had arrived at. Vertigo 1 and Grace C were the only boats to choose this option on this day. Crossing into Florida was exhilarating.
The thought that we had almost accomplished our final destination was indescribable. Eating a quarter of a crows pie was way easier that eating a whole pie. If Grace C's engine decided to give out again and we be forced to abort the mission we could still always tell our Grand child, Nana and Poppa sailed to Florida once. Our first Port in Florida was Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island. The sun was shining and the weather was warmer than it had been for a month. The town although it had heavy industry on both sides of it was attractive and friendly. We toured the shops and discovered that all the stores would be closed tomorrow so we headed out to the marina to get a cab and pick up our groceries. This is the beginning of the stocking up for the trip. After getting a card for the discounts a girl at the check out produced another token which magically before my eyes my 93.00 purchase became 73.00. Wow that will pay for the cab. People here are in that “Thanksgiving Spirit” prior to a day off feeling. We headed back to the boat to unload the groceries. Another wonderful day in paradise.
Thanksgiving Day in US – Thursday November 27, 2008
When we arrive on the shore the Dock Master waived the $5.00 landing and shower fee.
Since nothing was going to be open Diane and I decided we would do our Laundry. We were about half way done and a group of people came over and asked us what we were doing for Thanksgiving and would we like to come to have a Turkey dinner. It would be served at the Methodist Church six blocks away between 12 and 2:30 pm. Apparently this church instead of being home with their families decided to give of their time to make sure everyone in Fernandina Beach had a dinner to come to. They had historically gone to the harbour to pick up transient boaters and make sure they were provided for.(“boater gathering, no work and no going up the river out of our way, Oh I like it.”) By the time we were ready to go Whippoorwill had arrived and joined us. The meal was all home made and the atmosphere was charged with that unconditional love that comes from giving. After dinner we window shopped and headed back to the harbour to visit with Brandaris and Southern Cross. Fernandina
Beach you will be high in the memory bank forever.
Friday November 28, 2008
Today was a travel day. We lifted anchor and set out around 7:00 am the day was overcast and sunny at time. We enjoyed the ICW and all the beautiful homes along it. There were lots of dolphin sightings and it was fun to watch the pelicans nose dive into the water and almost belly flop. We headed out to St. Augustine and made it in around 3:30 pm. We decided to anchor just past the Bridge of Lions so we would not have to wait for it to open when we decided to leave. There is lots to see and do here so we are in no hurray to leave. Whippoorwill arrived shortly after we got in so we headed over to their boat to say hello. Tony and Diane joined us for some munchies and we went back to the boat for the night to relax and check our e-mail. St. Augustine provides free wifi.
Saturday November 29, 2008
We meet the fleet at the dinghy dock and headed out to go to the Sailor Exchange which is a place where you can get lots of used boat things. It was incredible to see and so many things. They even have end of rolls of Marine Sumbrella which was only $7.00 per yard. Ab and Karen joined us at a Diner on the way back to the boat. After lunch Karen and I found the Quilt Shop. It was full of beautifully cut and co-ordinated Fat Squares. It was so wonderful to see all that fabric in one place. The lady was from South Africa and she said she got into quilting because she could not work when she first came to the states so she made crafts and sold them. When Dick and Ab got back from taking the groceries etc. to the boat we headed up to view the Castillo de San Marcos, which was a huge fort that the Spanish had built in 1672 and completed in 1695. Apparently who ever had possession of it was never overthrown by its brilliant defense system.
We had taken a monthly tally and we have been anchored for 20 nights this month, been docked at a no cost to us for 4 nights and stayed at marinas for 6 nights. The budget seems to be having reprieve. :)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Georgia two days before I could set foot on you
Saturday November 22, 2008
The temperatures are in the twenties and last night Tony gave us his electricity to let us use our electric heater. We slept in until 7:00 am it is amazing to see what heat will do to the human body. When I had gotten my clothes and winter coat on I headed over to Vertigo 1 for the Skipper's meeting. The local bridge was only opening at 10 and 2 that day the wind was around 25 knots so no one was anxious to leave. We finally made an executive decision to wait until the 2:00 opening and that gave the girls time to take a cab to the Good Will. After we had made our decision to leave we heard on the radio that Sinn Fein and Whipporwill and Brandaris were coming into Beaufort. Because of the cold we decided to take a dock up the way about 25 miles and so we stopped at Skull Creek. I made a delicious supper and slept like a baby for the first time. The most amazing provision they have is showers. After about 5 day without one I cannot describe the bliss to regain your minimum standard of hygiene again.
Sunday November 23, 2008
We slept in until 7:30 am so headed out in a rush with the rest of the fleet. We headed down Skull Creek to the Calibogue Sound to Cooper River and into New River which end our stay in South Carolina. We saw lots of dolphins. What a joy. Tonight we anchored in Kilkenny Creek off Bear River.
The fleet had made two long passages and we are starting to reduce the gap between here and Florida. We have 243 miles to New Smyrna and our visit with my parents.
Monday November 24, 2008
I have not had the Internet since Beaufort. Heard to sleep last night because of the cold. We had a long and stressful ride to day down the ICW. There is a lot of shoaling and going aground is very common place. Most of the really shallow areas we had warnings about have cleared so most of the trip was dealing with fears and not so much real situations. When we anchored Dick laid down for a much needed nap and Wayne radioed us to talk about maybe just going to Jekyll Island in Georgia and spending some time touring. This turned out to be a wonderful decision.
Tuesday November 25, 2008
Fast trip to Jekyll Island today. We traveled across St. Simon Sound and into a cut called Jekyll Creek and Dick and I were the lead boat. We have to monitor the water depths and watch the guides to see where they recommend you avoid the shoaling. Right behind us was a sailboat with his main up. Must be a local guy. We slowed right down and there was enough room for him to pass. I am sure he was thinking “out of towners” but I don't care. The island is a must see. We went for a tour on bikes with Ab and Karen and visited all the mansions. We picked up groceries and had time to get back to the restaurant for the reunion of all seven boats. What a grand day.
The temperatures are in the twenties and last night Tony gave us his electricity to let us use our electric heater. We slept in until 7:00 am it is amazing to see what heat will do to the human body. When I had gotten my clothes and winter coat on I headed over to Vertigo 1 for the Skipper's meeting. The local bridge was only opening at 10 and 2 that day the wind was around 25 knots so no one was anxious to leave. We finally made an executive decision to wait until the 2:00 opening and that gave the girls time to take a cab to the Good Will. After we had made our decision to leave we heard on the radio that Sinn Fein and Whipporwill and Brandaris were coming into Beaufort. Because of the cold we decided to take a dock up the way about 25 miles and so we stopped at Skull Creek. I made a delicious supper and slept like a baby for the first time. The most amazing provision they have is showers. After about 5 day without one I cannot describe the bliss to regain your minimum standard of hygiene again.
Sunday November 23, 2008
We slept in until 7:30 am so headed out in a rush with the rest of the fleet. We headed down Skull Creek to the Calibogue Sound to Cooper River and into New River which end our stay in South Carolina. We saw lots of dolphins. What a joy. Tonight we anchored in Kilkenny Creek off Bear River.
The fleet had made two long passages and we are starting to reduce the gap between here and Florida. We have 243 miles to New Smyrna and our visit with my parents.
Monday November 24, 2008
I have not had the Internet since Beaufort. Heard to sleep last night because of the cold. We had a long and stressful ride to day down the ICW. There is a lot of shoaling and going aground is very common place. Most of the really shallow areas we had warnings about have cleared so most of the trip was dealing with fears and not so much real situations. When we anchored Dick laid down for a much needed nap and Wayne radioed us to talk about maybe just going to Jekyll Island in Georgia and spending some time touring. This turned out to be a wonderful decision.
Tuesday November 25, 2008
Fast trip to Jekyll Island today. We traveled across St. Simon Sound and into a cut called Jekyll Creek and Dick and I were the lead boat. We have to monitor the water depths and watch the guides to see where they recommend you avoid the shoaling. Right behind us was a sailboat with his main up. Must be a local guy. We slowed right down and there was enough room for him to pass. I am sure he was thinking “out of towners” but I don't care. The island is a must see. We went for a tour on bikes with Ab and Karen and visited all the mansions. We picked up groceries and had time to get back to the restaurant for the reunion of all seven boats. What a grand day.
Cathedral of Worship Sunday November 23, 2008
This is where we went to Worship on Sunday November 23, 2008. The deacons were very slippery and preferred to be called Dolphins.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Updates at the Laundramat in Beaufort
Sunday November 16, 2008 to Monday November 17, 2008
Charleston
Charleston was like a reprieve from calamity in so many ways. We were tied to a huge floating dock at the Charleston City Marina which was a Mega Dock for huge boats. Luxury seems so surreal at this stage of the trip. We were happy to be tied to a dock even if it was 2.00 per foot and minimum of 35 foot boat. (we are 33). The first thing that confronted us but not the first time is they did not have shore power for 30 amp. (50 or 100 only). While we were assessing our situation of paying for a dock with no hydro a fellow yachters pulled up and he had a splitter so Dick talked him into letting us use that so we were able to have heat that night with our electric heater. We headed downtown for a tour after a shower and spent the rest of the day enjoying Charleston. It is so beautiful here but he temperature is just above freezing. Everyone keeps telling us it is not always like this here. :)
Monday I got up and did the laundry and headed downtown on the shuttle to get some groceries. The day before we went downtown with the men to the Market and they lasted about three minutes looking around and so they headed to a restaurant and so Diane and I looked threw the Market area. There were some things I wanted Dick to see so this was an opportunity to share them with him today and head back to the Marina on the shuttle before they closed. The Market we were told is where they traded slaves but one of the Shuttle Drivers told us they were traded on the waterfront and that these buildings were given to the slaves to make a living. Not having a descent wifi connection it will be hard to verify this at our Mega Dock. Our fellow yachter's wife decided he needed to get some of his amps back so they could run their all seasons heating system so we were without hydro for another dip to 30 degrees. Being tied to a dock does allow for a full night of relaxing sleep.
November 18, 2008
Stono River to Wadmalaw Sound to Wadmalaw River and into the South Edisto River to Anchor
We headed out today to get south where it is warm. The wind was howling again but we needed to keep moving south. The bridge beside the Marina did not open until 9:00 am so we had to wait for that. While we were circling around Wayne radioed Vertigo that his shaft was making a noise and he was going to go back and have it checked out. Vertigo 1 and Grace C headed threw the bridge and as we were going threw we heard Bandaris (Walter and Brenda) radioed the Charleston Marina that they were coming in. That is so cool now Wayne and Max and Niki will not be alone. We bucked the current all day until about the time that Tony suggested we stop and anchor. This was unthinkable for us but when you are sharing the journey you don't get to make all the decisions. This area of the ICW has large grass and marsh areas and not any trees close to the shore. Fortunately our mentor Tony found us an Anchorage on the South Edisto River with trees on the NW shore. When we pulled into the anchorage the wind was blocked, the water was deep enough right up to the shore and the hook set and we slept threw the night. It was early afternoon when we arrived so I pulled out my quilting and started to work on that. She worked until dark which comes around 4:30 pm We had bacon and eggs for supper and headed to bed to keep warm with a movie called Shadowland.
Wednesday November 19, 2008
South Edisto to Ashepoo River to Ashepoo Cutoff to Cooper River to Factory Creek at Beaufort.
Awoke to wristwatch alarm and headed out after a bang up job of cleaning the anchor. As my husband says on our “List of things about living aboard” the anchor takes longer to clean than the whole boat.
The wind had died and sun was out and although we were dressed in snow pants, gloves and toques we were not cold. The military planes were flying over us and so that was a big thrill to watch. Tony and Diane have a dock in Factory Creek at Beaufort that they are taking us to. When we arrived Mr. Wolffe greeted us and helped us tie up. We were invited up to their home to meet his wife Gail. Sitting in a house on a couch was very entertaining to me. Their house had a furnace and that was also lovely to be partaking of. There were lots of stories to tell so that kept us there for a few hours which was just grand. There kindnesses extended to taking us to get a new fan belt for another emergency and
Wal-mart to get groceries and Best Buy so Tony could get his computer fixed. When we left the bridge that swings was out of order so the traffic was busy. Oh well Mr. Wolfe was transporting us in his Land Yacht so that was very comfortable. We were invited back to their home for happy hour at 5:00 pm.
What a wonderful couple and so enjoyed all their hospitality.
Thursday November 20, 2008
Beaufort South Carolina
Slept in until 8:00 am and after Breakfast we took the sail down and I got my sewing machine out and repaired it. Setting up the machine was a huge high for me. Diane and I headed out to check out the Beauty of Beaufort and 146 pictures later we concur. The office for the Walking Tour had moved and when we got to the new one they were gone until 2:00 pm so with the map from the library we did our own tour. When Diane and I returned the guys had word that Nice Butt and Bandaris would arrive tomorrow and they had decided to layover another day. Although it would be great to see everyone again we need to keep making progress toward New Smyrna by December 5, 2008 to meet my parents. Dick and I discussed heading out on our own but not really an option at this point. Gail and her husband had another couple they know join them in their Land yacht but they still invited us to Happy Hour around 4:00 pm. After the gathering Diane and Tony headed out with us to pick up a pizza. While we were waiting for the pizza Diane and I headed down to a hardware and I found a set of scales to weigh myself and I was happy to discover that I have lost 20 lbs. Dick had picked up a couple of new movies at the Video Store but fresh air and all I don't remember seeing much of it.
Charleston
Charleston was like a reprieve from calamity in so many ways. We were tied to a huge floating dock at the Charleston City Marina which was a Mega Dock for huge boats. Luxury seems so surreal at this stage of the trip. We were happy to be tied to a dock even if it was 2.00 per foot and minimum of 35 foot boat. (we are 33). The first thing that confronted us but not the first time is they did not have shore power for 30 amp. (50 or 100 only). While we were assessing our situation of paying for a dock with no hydro a fellow yachters pulled up and he had a splitter so Dick talked him into letting us use that so we were able to have heat that night with our electric heater. We headed downtown for a tour after a shower and spent the rest of the day enjoying Charleston. It is so beautiful here but he temperature is just above freezing. Everyone keeps telling us it is not always like this here. :)
Monday I got up and did the laundry and headed downtown on the shuttle to get some groceries. The day before we went downtown with the men to the Market and they lasted about three minutes looking around and so they headed to a restaurant and so Diane and I looked threw the Market area. There were some things I wanted Dick to see so this was an opportunity to share them with him today and head back to the Marina on the shuttle before they closed. The Market we were told is where they traded slaves but one of the Shuttle Drivers told us they were traded on the waterfront and that these buildings were given to the slaves to make a living. Not having a descent wifi connection it will be hard to verify this at our Mega Dock. Our fellow yachter's wife decided he needed to get some of his amps back so they could run their all seasons heating system so we were without hydro for another dip to 30 degrees. Being tied to a dock does allow for a full night of relaxing sleep.
November 18, 2008
Stono River to Wadmalaw Sound to Wadmalaw River and into the South Edisto River to Anchor
We headed out today to get south where it is warm. The wind was howling again but we needed to keep moving south. The bridge beside the Marina did not open until 9:00 am so we had to wait for that. While we were circling around Wayne radioed Vertigo that his shaft was making a noise and he was going to go back and have it checked out. Vertigo 1 and Grace C headed threw the bridge and as we were going threw we heard Bandaris (Walter and Brenda) radioed the Charleston Marina that they were coming in. That is so cool now Wayne and Max and Niki will not be alone. We bucked the current all day until about the time that Tony suggested we stop and anchor. This was unthinkable for us but when you are sharing the journey you don't get to make all the decisions. This area of the ICW has large grass and marsh areas and not any trees close to the shore. Fortunately our mentor Tony found us an Anchorage on the South Edisto River with trees on the NW shore. When we pulled into the anchorage the wind was blocked, the water was deep enough right up to the shore and the hook set and we slept threw the night. It was early afternoon when we arrived so I pulled out my quilting and started to work on that. She worked until dark which comes around 4:30 pm We had bacon and eggs for supper and headed to bed to keep warm with a movie called Shadowland.
Wednesday November 19, 2008
South Edisto to Ashepoo River to Ashepoo Cutoff to Cooper River to Factory Creek at Beaufort.
Awoke to wristwatch alarm and headed out after a bang up job of cleaning the anchor. As my husband says on our “List of things about living aboard” the anchor takes longer to clean than the whole boat.
The wind had died and sun was out and although we were dressed in snow pants, gloves and toques we were not cold. The military planes were flying over us and so that was a big thrill to watch. Tony and Diane have a dock in Factory Creek at Beaufort that they are taking us to. When we arrived Mr. Wolffe greeted us and helped us tie up. We were invited up to their home to meet his wife Gail. Sitting in a house on a couch was very entertaining to me. Their house had a furnace and that was also lovely to be partaking of. There were lots of stories to tell so that kept us there for a few hours which was just grand. There kindnesses extended to taking us to get a new fan belt for another emergency and
Wal-mart to get groceries and Best Buy so Tony could get his computer fixed. When we left the bridge that swings was out of order so the traffic was busy. Oh well Mr. Wolfe was transporting us in his Land Yacht so that was very comfortable. We were invited back to their home for happy hour at 5:00 pm.
What a wonderful couple and so enjoyed all their hospitality.
Thursday November 20, 2008
Beaufort South Carolina
Slept in until 8:00 am and after Breakfast we took the sail down and I got my sewing machine out and repaired it. Setting up the machine was a huge high for me. Diane and I headed out to check out the Beauty of Beaufort and 146 pictures later we concur. The office for the Walking Tour had moved and when we got to the new one they were gone until 2:00 pm so with the map from the library we did our own tour. When Diane and I returned the guys had word that Nice Butt and Bandaris would arrive tomorrow and they had decided to layover another day. Although it would be great to see everyone again we need to keep making progress toward New Smyrna by December 5, 2008 to meet my parents. Dick and I discussed heading out on our own but not really an option at this point. Gail and her husband had another couple they know join them in their Land yacht but they still invited us to Happy Hour around 4:00 pm. After the gathering Diane and Tony headed out with us to pick up a pizza. While we were waiting for the pizza Diane and I headed down to a hardware and I found a set of scales to weigh myself and I was happy to discover that I have lost 20 lbs. Dick had picked up a couple of new movies at the Video Store but fresh air and all I don't remember seeing much of it.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Pictures
Here is a link to some pictures Ruth sent me to share with everyone since she was unable to upload them herself.
Click here for Pictures
Click here for Pictures
Message from Ruth:
Here are some photo's
Wifi here would not load to blog so I am trying this. Sitting in an Adirondack chair by the dock with dick's ski jacket on with an electric plug for my lap top.
Love you all
Ruth
Wifi here would not load to blog so I am trying this. Sitting in an Adirondack chair by the dock with dick's ski jacket on with an electric plug for my lap top.
Love you all
Ruth
Monday, November 17, 2008
Anchorages News
Friday November 14, 2008
Blustery day on the Nose. That has become the new buzz word for wind direction on this leg of the trip.
What is the wind direction for tomorrow and the next day, “On the Nose” so there we were bucking the tide and wind as we slowly progressed toward our destination which originally was Charleston but as I mentioned we had a bridge to catch before that and due to the fog in the morning we did not get our desired 7:00 am start. Dick and I took up anchor and moved to the town dock to take our garbage off and wait for the fog to clear. Progressing down the ICW around noon I headed down to make a sandwich and heard an slapping noise coming from the engine compartment. Dick came down to inspect the noise and I took over the wheel. I put it in neutral which was not such a good idea in a tide current because immediately it rounded up and we started going backwards. I slammed it into reverse to just go backwards and by then Dick had the door off and could see that a piece of the fan belt had peeled away and that it was still holding. Vertigo 1 deeked into Mc McClellanville to look for a dock for us to land and do the repair. When we came in the channel we went aground. There was a fuel dock but their hydro was out so we decide to get out of there before the tide got any lower. By now we knew we would not make it to the Ben Sawyner Bridge so we decided to pick an Anchorage on the way. Whiteside Creek was the selection it offered 10 -12 feet of water and no trees but high banks for wind protection. This stretch of the ICW was rather remote and not a lot of things to see but the Francis Marion National Forest. When we set our anchor we went aground and it took about 10 minutes for the tide to float her again. Tony and Diane joined us for dinner as I had made a huge potato salad the day before. Tried to call Joshua and wish him a Happy Birthday today but the phone would not work out here in the boonies.
Saturday November 15, 2008
Middle of the Night the winds kept building and gusting to I am told 35 knots. When I got up to go to the bathroom I noticed we were heeled over. Dick had gotten up to check on things and when I went to go back to bed I notice (threw the forward hatch) that the Genoa was loose a bit (about the size of a large watermelon and it was slapping really hard and snapping the rig. Dick tried to tighten the lines but the genoa sheets had gotten lodged some how and were wrapped all around it in a mess. The first fear wave attacked when I thought the fore stay could break and then the mast could fall down. Dick said we have to get it undone or we could loose the rig. That meant opening up the sail to unfurl it and reset it. The wind was so strong and the thought of doing that made me sick and then another thought came to me almost instantly about Jesus and the disciples in the boat and he rebuked the wind and it stopped so I put my fist in the air and said “Wind stop it, in Jesus Name. The most amazing thing happened and we almost did not realize it for a second or two as we kept working away at the sail but after we started letting more sail loose after each try the sail stopped snapping the rigging and we were able to completely unfurl it and reset it. The wind had subsided. When we got back in the boat Dick said to me that was a miracle. We closed our eyes to rest and his wrist watch alarm went off. Nothing could destroy that perfect peaceableness of going threw something like that.
I slept in until 1:00 pm. The fleet had decided not to move as the weather was going to continue with high winds, and rain storms. We put out more chain for the anchor to hold but that caused us to ride up on a high spot so we were a beached whale for about 5 hours. This can be stressful as the boat lays across the wind and heels over and keeps you on your toes. At about 9:00 pm we were free of the sandbar. After we were floating again Dick took up some of the chain to return us to our original mark. Glad we have the GPS – Still can't call Josh! I can't solve all the problems we keep coming into but I am thankful that the really scary out of control ones God is with us.
Blustery day on the Nose. That has become the new buzz word for wind direction on this leg of the trip.
What is the wind direction for tomorrow and the next day, “On the Nose” so there we were bucking the tide and wind as we slowly progressed toward our destination which originally was Charleston but as I mentioned we had a bridge to catch before that and due to the fog in the morning we did not get our desired 7:00 am start. Dick and I took up anchor and moved to the town dock to take our garbage off and wait for the fog to clear. Progressing down the ICW around noon I headed down to make a sandwich and heard an slapping noise coming from the engine compartment. Dick came down to inspect the noise and I took over the wheel. I put it in neutral which was not such a good idea in a tide current because immediately it rounded up and we started going backwards. I slammed it into reverse to just go backwards and by then Dick had the door off and could see that a piece of the fan belt had peeled away and that it was still holding. Vertigo 1 deeked into Mc McClellanville to look for a dock for us to land and do the repair. When we came in the channel we went aground. There was a fuel dock but their hydro was out so we decide to get out of there before the tide got any lower. By now we knew we would not make it to the Ben Sawyner Bridge so we decided to pick an Anchorage on the way. Whiteside Creek was the selection it offered 10 -12 feet of water and no trees but high banks for wind protection. This stretch of the ICW was rather remote and not a lot of things to see but the Francis Marion National Forest. When we set our anchor we went aground and it took about 10 minutes for the tide to float her again. Tony and Diane joined us for dinner as I had made a huge potato salad the day before. Tried to call Joshua and wish him a Happy Birthday today but the phone would not work out here in the boonies.
Saturday November 15, 2008
Middle of the Night the winds kept building and gusting to I am told 35 knots. When I got up to go to the bathroom I noticed we were heeled over. Dick had gotten up to check on things and when I went to go back to bed I notice (threw the forward hatch) that the Genoa was loose a bit (about the size of a large watermelon and it was slapping really hard and snapping the rig. Dick tried to tighten the lines but the genoa sheets had gotten lodged some how and were wrapped all around it in a mess. The first fear wave attacked when I thought the fore stay could break and then the mast could fall down. Dick said we have to get it undone or we could loose the rig. That meant opening up the sail to unfurl it and reset it. The wind was so strong and the thought of doing that made me sick and then another thought came to me almost instantly about Jesus and the disciples in the boat and he rebuked the wind and it stopped so I put my fist in the air and said “Wind stop it, in Jesus Name. The most amazing thing happened and we almost did not realize it for a second or two as we kept working away at the sail but after we started letting more sail loose after each try the sail stopped snapping the rigging and we were able to completely unfurl it and reset it. The wind had subsided. When we got back in the boat Dick said to me that was a miracle. We closed our eyes to rest and his wrist watch alarm went off. Nothing could destroy that perfect peaceableness of going threw something like that.
I slept in until 1:00 pm. The fleet had decided not to move as the weather was going to continue with high winds, and rain storms. We put out more chain for the anchor to hold but that caused us to ride up on a high spot so we were a beached whale for about 5 hours. This can be stressful as the boat lays across the wind and heels over and keeps you on your toes. At about 9:00 pm we were free of the sandbar. After we were floating again Dick took up some of the chain to return us to our original mark. Glad we have the GPS – Still can't call Josh! I can't solve all the problems we keep coming into but I am thankful that the really scary out of control ones God is with us.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Georgetown South Carolina - Layover Day
Dinghy to the wharf and check out the shops
Check out Grace C - anchor still holding back to check out some museums.
The clock tower reminded me of Back to the Future. This one is the Rice Museum.
Rice use to be a huge crop here when there were slaves to do the work.
Quiet afternoon, naping and resting from the walk into town. Dick spent afternoon trying to set up the Cam Recorder to talk to kids. Diane and Tony had us for a feast of Shrimp. Yummy
The plan tomorrow is to head to Charleston, providing we make it to a certain bridge by 4:00 p.m. It is closed from 4-6 for rush hour traffic and that makes it dark when we get in so we may have to anchor and head in in the morning.
Myrtle Beach here we come
Tuesday November 11, 2008
We travelled from St. James Plantation Marina to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Diane had a spot she knew of from their trip before. Near the Marina we stopped at called Barefoot Landing was a huge tourist mall built over lagoons with lots of wildlife to enjoy between stores. South Carolina has a different flavour than North and some of the trees and spanish moss give it that southern feel. When we arrive the woman took off to the mall and the guys decided to check out the hot tub which apparently is not heated this time of year so they joined us later at the mall. The afternoon temperature was very balmy but as the sun was setting it got rather cool so we headed back to the boat to get warm. Very happy to have found our electric heater as the temperatures were back close to 30's again. Did not see any alligators but everyone says they have them.
Wednesday November 12, 2008
Another get up and go by 7:00 am - oops we forgot to give Dick's key back so we had to dock again at the drop off box. Our boat is the slower of the three due to engine size but no worries there will be a lift bridge which is the great equalizer. Dick has started to call Tony "Tony Bobbie" as a take off on Ricky Bobbie as he loves to go fast. The weather is cool when you are in the wind. Dick helmed most of the way and I got a chance to clean the boat which takes 20 minutes tops. Around 3:00 p.m. we arrived in Georgetown and dropped the hook. The bottom here is very soft mud and anchoring is not always successful. Dick did an oil change and after a couple of hours we headed over to Nice Butt's to join the rest of the gang. They opted to get a dock and had been able to scout out the town. Apparently Georgetown is the third oldest city in the US. Anyway we are planning to have a layover day. The anchor seems to have slipped a bit after the thunderstorm hence the allnight vigilance.
We travelled from St. James Plantation Marina to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Diane had a spot she knew of from their trip before. Near the Marina we stopped at called Barefoot Landing was a huge tourist mall built over lagoons with lots of wildlife to enjoy between stores. South Carolina has a different flavour than North and some of the trees and spanish moss give it that southern feel. When we arrive the woman took off to the mall and the guys decided to check out the hot tub which apparently is not heated this time of year so they joined us later at the mall. The afternoon temperature was very balmy but as the sun was setting it got rather cool so we headed back to the boat to get warm. Very happy to have found our electric heater as the temperatures were back close to 30's again. Did not see any alligators but everyone says they have them.
Wednesday November 12, 2008
Another get up and go by 7:00 am - oops we forgot to give Dick's key back so we had to dock again at the drop off box. Our boat is the slower of the three due to engine size but no worries there will be a lift bridge which is the great equalizer. Dick has started to call Tony "Tony Bobbie" as a take off on Ricky Bobbie as he loves to go fast. The weather is cool when you are in the wind. Dick helmed most of the way and I got a chance to clean the boat which takes 20 minutes tops. Around 3:00 p.m. we arrived in Georgetown and dropped the hook. The bottom here is very soft mud and anchoring is not always successful. Dick did an oil change and after a couple of hours we headed over to Nice Butt's to join the rest of the gang. They opted to get a dock and had been able to scout out the town. Apparently Georgetown is the third oldest city in the US. Anyway we are planning to have a layover day. The anchor seems to have slipped a bit after the thunderstorm hence the allnight vigilance.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Gathering at the St. James Plantation Marina
Monday November 11, 2008
The passage today was only 20 miles but Walter had warned us to leave in time to get to the Fear River at a time when the tide would be in a favourable direction. There are lots of inlets which come in along this part of the ICW and when the tide is moving in one direction when you cross the inlet it can sometimes be going in the opposite direction. Making way against the tide is difficult but when it is going with you we were doing 7-8 knots. There were more dolphins to see and it was beautiful where the shore breaks away to the ocean. We landed our crafts at St. James Plantation Marina and fueled up. Because we were staying at a marina for the first time in a long time I had to find the dock lines and that little search produced our electric heater which will come in handy tonight when the temperature dips into the 30's. Brenda had a friend at the Marina let us use his car to go to Wal-mart and get groceries and navigational lights for the dinghy. We all gathered for dinner at the club restaurant and shared stories of our trip. There are three boats staying Bandaris and Southern Cross (engine repair) and Whipoorwill (layover) day.
Vertigo 1 and Nice Butt and Grace C are heading out tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m.
The passage today was only 20 miles but Walter had warned us to leave in time to get to the Fear River at a time when the tide would be in a favourable direction. There are lots of inlets which come in along this part of the ICW and when the tide is moving in one direction when you cross the inlet it can sometimes be going in the opposite direction. Making way against the tide is difficult but when it is going with you we were doing 7-8 knots. There were more dolphins to see and it was beautiful where the shore breaks away to the ocean. We landed our crafts at St. James Plantation Marina and fueled up. Because we were staying at a marina for the first time in a long time I had to find the dock lines and that little search produced our electric heater which will come in handy tonight when the temperature dips into the 30's. Brenda had a friend at the Marina let us use his car to go to Wal-mart and get groceries and navigational lights for the dinghy. We all gathered for dinner at the club restaurant and shared stories of our trip. There are three boats staying Bandaris and Southern Cross (engine repair) and Whipoorwill (layover) day.
Vertigo 1 and Nice Butt and Grace C are heading out tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m.
Long day on the move and missing one hour bridges
Wow what a trip. So. much to see. The waterfront properties are to die for. There are so many beautiful places one after another. The ones on the ocean are huge. We made it threw several swing bridges but the last one of the day was just before the anchorage and we had to wait an hour as it only opened on the hour. Our anchorage was just inside the bridge but there was nothing you can do but wait. Bye the time we got in it was getting close to dark. The anchorage was getting full and we moved our boat over to where it was not so busy across the channel beside Nice Butt and Southern Cross. Dennis and Karen invited us out for pizza and we were joined by Wayne, Maxine and Niki. Karen and Dennis gave us a ride in their dinghy with their navigation lights, as it was already dark. We had word that Brenda and Walter are at Southport and that is the plan for tomorrow to head there to meet up with them. We are all looking forward to the reunion.
Swansboro you will always be in my memory banks
Saturday November 8, 2008
On our way to Swansboro, North Carolina today we saw DOLPHINS three or four together along side the boat. There are inlets along the ICW from the ocean and they come in through them. The wind was howling all day and we had all planned to stay at this anchorage. When we got there we had to set the anchor about three times which is so annoying. Karen (Whippoorwill) radioed over to have some girl time in the town. Because of the wind and the current no one was to anxious to get the dinghy out. We had our motor already on the dinghy so as Diane said Dick would be the "Prince of the Anchorage" if he took the three of us to the town dock to get some fudge. I quickly threw the walkie talkie in my pocket and headed out. The wind was high but we only had a short distance to go. When we got to the village they were setting up for the evening. The town was planning to be open until 9:00 p.m. and light up the town with Christmas festivities. They were having free food and kept enticing us with such delicacies as cream puffs, cappuccinos and popcorn etc. When I called Dick to tell him he said we have to get back before dark as our dinghy did not have navigation lights. We piled into the dinghy to head back and as we were heading to drop Karen off on Whippoorwill Diane noticed that Dennis's dinghy had come loose and was floating down the river under the bridge that we were anchored beside. We headed out to rescue the dinghy but the current and wind was so strong for our (a bit defective outboard 4 horse) and with all the weight of the load we had it was all we could do to catch it before it when under the bridge. Dick grabbed it and hung on but it was over his head and we went slamming into the bridge. We were all in a panic and I was doing most of the yelling for the other woman. :) No one would jump in the boat and use their motor to start it. Diane managed to get a rope on it and we headed out to drop off Karin. By the time it was over and everyone was back on board it occured to me that there were three mothers on board and this is way to much responsibility to handle. Not to mention we were sitting on the edge of a lovely evening in town and not able to partake. Yours truly went to bed exhausted and defeated. But Swansboro your hospitality will always be one of the memories I will treasure about this "Stupid Trip" When I asked my husband why we did not have naviagation lights for our dinghy he said the last time we were at a Walmart the dollars was only 73 cents.
On our way to Swansboro, North Carolina today we saw DOLPHINS three or four together along side the boat. There are inlets along the ICW from the ocean and they come in through them. The wind was howling all day and we had all planned to stay at this anchorage. When we got there we had to set the anchor about three times which is so annoying. Karen (Whippoorwill) radioed over to have some girl time in the town. Because of the wind and the current no one was to anxious to get the dinghy out. We had our motor already on the dinghy so as Diane said Dick would be the "Prince of the Anchorage" if he took the three of us to the town dock to get some fudge. I quickly threw the walkie talkie in my pocket and headed out. The wind was high but we only had a short distance to go. When we got to the village they were setting up for the evening. The town was planning to be open until 9:00 p.m. and light up the town with Christmas festivities. They were having free food and kept enticing us with such delicacies as cream puffs, cappuccinos and popcorn etc. When I called Dick to tell him he said we have to get back before dark as our dinghy did not have navigation lights. We piled into the dinghy to head back and as we were heading to drop Karen off on Whippoorwill Diane noticed that Dennis's dinghy had come loose and was floating down the river under the bridge that we were anchored beside. We headed out to rescue the dinghy but the current and wind was so strong for our (a bit defective outboard 4 horse) and with all the weight of the load we had it was all we could do to catch it before it when under the bridge. Dick grabbed it and hung on but it was over his head and we went slamming into the bridge. We were all in a panic and I was doing most of the yelling for the other woman. :) No one would jump in the boat and use their motor to start it. Diane managed to get a rope on it and we headed out to drop off Karin. By the time it was over and everyone was back on board it occured to me that there were three mothers on board and this is way to much responsibility to handle. Not to mention we were sitting on the edge of a lovely evening in town and not able to partake. Yours truly went to bed exhausted and defeated. But Swansboro your hospitality will always be one of the memories I will treasure about this "Stupid Trip" When I asked my husband why we did not have naviagation lights for our dinghy he said the last time we were at a Walmart the dollars was only 73 cents.
Friday, November 7, 2008
One of my Best photos so far
The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men
Wednesday November 5, 2008
Layover day due to high winds. Not planned but this is the way things go. Headed into town to get a hair cut and go to the library to check my e-mail. Tony and Diane ran into some guys fish line and kindly showed up to replace it. The guy was so surprised he promised to bring them some crab to eat that evening. They invited us to meet them down at the River Forest Yacht Club around 2:30 pm. When we got there there was no one there. Wayne and Max showed up a few minutes later on the (go to the grocery store golf cart. Apparently the guy with the crab did no show up so he headed back to the
Anchorage. Private thought – does anything ever happen that we think or say will on this trip?
Thursday November 6, 2008
Layover day due to high winds. (ditto). This is really getting on my nerves. Rocky night on the anchor and not much sleep. We decided to check out the interior of the boat. Dick wanted to take apart the V berth to see it the cupboard under our bed had gotten water in it. The cupboard was dry as toast but the mattress cushions underneath were wet from condensation when the temperature were so cold. I took off the cushion and headed into the village to bleach the mold out of the cushions. When we got to the coffee shop beside the laundromat we meet Tony and Diane and we were telling the girl that worked there that we missed the crab and she offered to get us some and said they would deliver it to the yacht club so we could have a meal. True to their word they arrive on time and cooked up a huge feast of crab. They taught us how to crack them open and get the meat out. The only part I didn't like is they put them in the boiling water alive. It was lots of fun and I finally feel like we have arrived on the jouney.
Heading out tomorrow (weather permitting)!!!!!
Friday November 7, 2008
Grand day weather wise. Got up at 6:00 am and the fleet had taken off by 6:30 pm. Dick and I and our manual anchor always take longer and we seemed to be sandwiched between 2 feet of water so I wanted to be extra careful. We managed to stay in the deep water but when I got to the channel we hit ground. It is soft mud so no big deal. Our journey to day took us down the Pungo River to Pamlico River, across Goose Creek to Bay River to Neuse River where we stopped at Oriental for the night. The rest of the fleet decided to take a dock for the night at Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbour. Our budget allows for docking only in very bad weather so we moved on to Oriental N.C. to anchor for the night. When we got there they had build a marina and a lot of the anchorage basin was gone. There was a 43 foot bridge which stopped us from going any farther up the channel so we tried to anchor between a couple of larger boats. After two attempt we called our friend Tony and asked if they had a spot at the marina.
They advised us to move back to Whittaker Creek and meet them at the fuel dock. When we got there the dock master had agreed that we could tie up at the fuel dock for free and if the wind came up and was pushing us into the dock we could anchor beside the dock. How kind is that? He felt he had made enough money off all the other Port Stanley boats all ready. Dennis and Karen were here so we were happy to see them again. We filled up with Diesel and paid for a shower. Our free dock age includes wifi. May many blessings be poured out on Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbour.
Layover day due to high winds. Not planned but this is the way things go. Headed into town to get a hair cut and go to the library to check my e-mail. Tony and Diane ran into some guys fish line and kindly showed up to replace it. The guy was so surprised he promised to bring them some crab to eat that evening. They invited us to meet them down at the River Forest Yacht Club around 2:30 pm. When we got there there was no one there. Wayne and Max showed up a few minutes later on the (go to the grocery store golf cart. Apparently the guy with the crab did no show up so he headed back to the
Anchorage. Private thought – does anything ever happen that we think or say will on this trip?
Thursday November 6, 2008
Layover day due to high winds. (ditto). This is really getting on my nerves. Rocky night on the anchor and not much sleep. We decided to check out the interior of the boat. Dick wanted to take apart the V berth to see it the cupboard under our bed had gotten water in it. The cupboard was dry as toast but the mattress cushions underneath were wet from condensation when the temperature were so cold. I took off the cushion and headed into the village to bleach the mold out of the cushions. When we got to the coffee shop beside the laundromat we meet Tony and Diane and we were telling the girl that worked there that we missed the crab and she offered to get us some and said they would deliver it to the yacht club so we could have a meal. True to their word they arrive on time and cooked up a huge feast of crab. They taught us how to crack them open and get the meat out. The only part I didn't like is they put them in the boiling water alive. It was lots of fun and I finally feel like we have arrived on the jouney.
Heading out tomorrow (weather permitting)!!!!!
Friday November 7, 2008
Grand day weather wise. Got up at 6:00 am and the fleet had taken off by 6:30 pm. Dick and I and our manual anchor always take longer and we seemed to be sandwiched between 2 feet of water so I wanted to be extra careful. We managed to stay in the deep water but when I got to the channel we hit ground. It is soft mud so no big deal. Our journey to day took us down the Pungo River to Pamlico River, across Goose Creek to Bay River to Neuse River where we stopped at Oriental for the night. The rest of the fleet decided to take a dock for the night at Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbour. Our budget allows for docking only in very bad weather so we moved on to Oriental N.C. to anchor for the night. When we got there they had build a marina and a lot of the anchorage basin was gone. There was a 43 foot bridge which stopped us from going any farther up the channel so we tried to anchor between a couple of larger boats. After two attempt we called our friend Tony and asked if they had a spot at the marina.
They advised us to move back to Whittaker Creek and meet them at the fuel dock. When we got there the dock master had agreed that we could tie up at the fuel dock for free and if the wind came up and was pushing us into the dock we could anchor beside the dock. How kind is that? He felt he had made enough money off all the other Port Stanley boats all ready. Dennis and Karen were here so we were happy to see them again. We filled up with Diesel and paid for a shower. Our free dock age includes wifi. May many blessings be poured out on Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbour.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Heading out on the ICW
Saturday November 1, 2008
So much to see leaving Hampton, Virginia and heading to the ICW to start the journey to the south.
This one just has to be a pictorial. I was shooting pictures all day like Naval yards, cool buildings, and freighter container packers, landscapes and architecture. The ICW starts with a lock at Great Bridge that only takes you down the differential of the tide between Elizabeth River and Albemarle Sound.
We anchored for the night in a Swamp at Buoy 32 as the other places were reserved and there was no room for three Canuck boats. It was calm and peaceful at the anchorage. We were happy to get a call from Peter (our Nova Scotian friend) who had news for us that Albert was home in Nova Scotia and recovering quite quickly. We got his number in Canada and called and he said he feels great he just cannot do anything. They winterized the boat in Solomon's and may return there after Christmas to bring it back. It was great to hear his voice and Dick was the one talking to him. :)
add photos
Sunday November 2, 2008
We were planning for an early morning getaway but mother nature had another idea. As lovely a day as we had had on Saturday the night went down to almost freezing again and so we awoke to a thick fog which burned off fairly quickly. The area of the ICW is more remote and we saw a lot of trees and birds. Dick and I saw a bald eagle but I regret the shot was facing the sun and impossible to capture.
We stopped at Coinjock, North Carolina at the Midway Marina and Motel to get diesel and a pump out.
It was another sunny but cooler day and we decided to keep going and try to get over the Albemarle Sound and threw a bridge. If time ran out we would stop at an Anchorages and go threw in the morning. Guess where we are tonight. We sent the night at an Anchorages just north of the bridge. It was a little more open to elements so we did not get much sleep due to the rocking of the boat. We tried to call home but our phone had no networks available. As if not having the internet is not bad enough now we have not phone. :(
Monday November 3, 2008
Historical Day in Canada but Nana and Poppa will miss Miss Elyssa's First Birthday. She is one years old and I cannot believe where that year has gone. We were anchored at Little Alligator Creek last night and headed to Belhaven, North Carolina. It was along day on the ICW with power boats going by and leaving us in their wake. The country side is mostly forests and swampland. When we passed over the Pungo River we got to put up our head sail for some of the time. When we were arriving at the anchorages at Belhaven Nice Butt hailed Vertigo 1 on the radio and it was grand to hear they were in the same place. We took our dinghys ashore and meet in the middle. Nicki and Max invited us back to the boat and when we got to Nice Butt Wayne was having a conversation with our Mentors Heather and Murray Rand. How cool is that. The Rands have been doing this for more than 10 years and have been a wealth of information to us.
Tuesday November 4, 2008
The historical election day in America!
Dinghyed into town to do our laundry and Dick found a library to do emails. When we got back to the boat we meet some people who said there was Rotary Club lunch for $7.00 per person. We decided to go since it was on the way to the grocery store. When we were at the lunch we meet a wonderful couple who have been sailing for 8 years and their home port is in Scotland. A gentleman by the name of Cecil Smith a town developer and historian offered to show us around and we spent the afternoon learning about the area. He drove us out to his grade school which is now a museum and we had a look around. Of all the gifts we have discovered on the trip nothing is more heart warming then spending an afternoon with such a gracious gentleman.
So much to see leaving Hampton, Virginia and heading to the ICW to start the journey to the south.
This one just has to be a pictorial. I was shooting pictures all day like Naval yards, cool buildings, and freighter container packers, landscapes and architecture. The ICW starts with a lock at Great Bridge that only takes you down the differential of the tide between Elizabeth River and Albemarle Sound.
We anchored for the night in a Swamp at Buoy 32 as the other places were reserved and there was no room for three Canuck boats. It was calm and peaceful at the anchorage. We were happy to get a call from Peter (our Nova Scotian friend) who had news for us that Albert was home in Nova Scotia and recovering quite quickly. We got his number in Canada and called and he said he feels great he just cannot do anything. They winterized the boat in Solomon's and may return there after Christmas to bring it back. It was great to hear his voice and Dick was the one talking to him. :)
add photos
Sunday November 2, 2008
We were planning for an early morning getaway but mother nature had another idea. As lovely a day as we had had on Saturday the night went down to almost freezing again and so we awoke to a thick fog which burned off fairly quickly. The area of the ICW is more remote and we saw a lot of trees and birds. Dick and I saw a bald eagle but I regret the shot was facing the sun and impossible to capture.
We stopped at Coinjock, North Carolina at the Midway Marina and Motel to get diesel and a pump out.
It was another sunny but cooler day and we decided to keep going and try to get over the Albemarle Sound and threw a bridge. If time ran out we would stop at an Anchorages and go threw in the morning. Guess where we are tonight. We sent the night at an Anchorages just north of the bridge. It was a little more open to elements so we did not get much sleep due to the rocking of the boat. We tried to call home but our phone had no networks available. As if not having the internet is not bad enough now we have not phone. :(
Monday November 3, 2008
Historical Day in Canada but Nana and Poppa will miss Miss Elyssa's First Birthday. She is one years old and I cannot believe where that year has gone. We were anchored at Little Alligator Creek last night and headed to Belhaven, North Carolina. It was along day on the ICW with power boats going by and leaving us in their wake. The country side is mostly forests and swampland. When we passed over the Pungo River we got to put up our head sail for some of the time. When we were arriving at the anchorages at Belhaven Nice Butt hailed Vertigo 1 on the radio and it was grand to hear they were in the same place. We took our dinghys ashore and meet in the middle. Nicki and Max invited us back to the boat and when we got to Nice Butt Wayne was having a conversation with our Mentors Heather and Murray Rand. How cool is that. The Rands have been doing this for more than 10 years and have been a wealth of information to us.
Tuesday November 4, 2008
The historical election day in America!
Dinghyed into town to do our laundry and Dick found a library to do emails. When we got back to the boat we meet some people who said there was Rotary Club lunch for $7.00 per person. We decided to go since it was on the way to the grocery store. When we were at the lunch we meet a wonderful couple who have been sailing for 8 years and their home port is in Scotland. A gentleman by the name of Cecil Smith a town developer and historian offered to show us around and we spent the afternoon learning about the area. He drove us out to his grade school which is now a museum and we had a look around. Of all the gifts we have discovered on the trip nothing is more heart warming then spending an afternoon with such a gracious gentleman.
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