Deltaville, VA & Solomons, MD

May 16 – 22, 2012

Well, 2 days in Deltaville at Regatta Point turned into 6!!  The wind and waves just wouldn’t let up!  I even poked my nose out into the Bay on Monday morning but Greg turned me around.  The waves were screwy!!

Greg wanted to see Jumbo Lump at the Maritime Museum!

Statuary on the Nature Trail at the Museum

Tuesday turned out to be a much better day.  It was still cloudy and gray, but there was only a light wind and it wasn’t raining.  We ended up at Solomon’s Yachting Center with Boreas and Sea Venture.  Kismet and Sea Biscuit were at Zahniser’s, and Brown Eyed Girl, Erika Lin, and Marc’s Ark were at Spring Cove Marina.    Everybody got together at The Dry Dock Restaurant.  Kate said they had a great time catching up with folks.

Wednesday I will be home in Knapp’s Narrows.  Can’t wait to see my friends!

Oriental, NC to Norfolk, VA

May 10 – 15, 2012

I left River Dunes on Thursday morning and headed to Dowry Creek Marina in Belhaven, NC.  It was not too bad a ride.  The Pamlico was a bit bumpy, but Kate didn’t get green – a good thing!  And it was interesting – as always- getting into the slip!

On Friday we did the Alligator River.  Not as bad as last year, thank goodness!  It was a bit bumpy, but once we cleared the bridge it was calm.  Nothing at all like last year!  We saw jet fighters, maybe heading to a carrier, circling over us then heading out to sea.

Can you see the plane?

Alligator River Marina is always the same - a convenient spot to stop.  Fuel if you need it and food at the “Shell Station”.

Saturday I headed to Elizabeth City to meet my friend Boreas.  The slips were almost empty – only 3 sailboats.

I took a slip and Boreas and Sea Venture (a friend I made in River Dunes) went on the wall.  There was a nice guy there – Gus – who helped us all tie up.  The Farmer’s Market was still going strong and Kate was able to get some good bread and veggies. 

I headed out for the Dismal Swamp on Sunday morning with Boreas.  It wasn’t as bad as last year.  We even made the 4:30 opening of the Gilmertin Bridge! 

Heading thru the Dismal Swamp

I spent 3 nights in Norfolk.  Kate & Greg did some walking and shopping and eating.  They also visited “Nauticus” – a museum and education center.  It traces the history of the area and the US Navy. The battleship Wisconsin is also there to tour.  They saw a Carnival cruise ship – the Carnival Glory - come into port, reload and depart.  They also saw Theodore Too, a tug from Canada.

Carnival Glory - 2 day cruise to nowhere

Theodore Too

They also went to Portsmouth by ferry and walked around the historic area. 

Oriental, NC

May 8, 2012

I did it!!  I crossed my wake today!!  I left River Dunes in Oriental, NC on May 26, 2011. It took me less than a year (and they made me sit for almost 4 months in Florida!).

I’m not sure how many miles I actually traveled – Kate didn’t keep track all the time.  But I know it was a bunch!!

My friend Once Around is in New Bern, NC.  She just finished the Loop in Morehead City.  Her people, Frank and Carrie, came to visit Greg & Kate to celebrate with them.  They had champagne, took pictures, and went out for pizza.  At least they didn’t break the champagne bottle on me!

Greg putting up my Gold flag

 

We did it!

I am getting my radar fixed and then will be heading north to the Chesapeake.  I will keep blogging until I am back in Tilghman (I know y’all didn’t check to see where I’d been on Jany K’s blog)!

I’m ready to do it all again!

Swansboro, NC

May 7, 2012

I left pretty early this morning to catch the 7 AM opening of the Wrightsville Beach Bridge.  It was so early the tender opened for me at 6:45 AM!

I had 4 bridges to go through today.  I had to wait at 2 of them – 30 mins. @ Surf City and 15 mins. @ Onslow.  Other than that, it was another kinda boring, gray sort of day.  Not too much to see, winds and current always pushing against me!  Just once I’d like to have both the wind and the current with me!

Today I went through Camp Lejeune!  Kate & Greg’s son James was here for a bit (yeah, he was/is a jarhead).  Nobody was shooting today, thank you!

I docked at Casper’s in Swansboro about 2 PM, just before a 110 ft. ship came in.  Very snooty and high class!

Casper's marina, Swansboro, NC

My people walked into town and found a few gift shops and an Irish pub!! Yeah for Kate!!! There were also a couple of restaurants, but all else is on the highway.  Oh well – at least they could go have dinner.

Sunset

 

Tomorrow I will cross my wake!  When I dock at River Dunes I will have completed the Loop!  Wish me luck!

Southport & Wrightville Beach, NC

May 4-6, 2012

Friday I traveled to Southport, NC.  I stayed 2 days because the weather report looked bad for Saturday and Greg doesn’t like to travel on Saturdays if possible.  Of

course the weather was fine until about 10 PM Sat. night!

They walked around Southport both Friday and Saturday to get some exercise.  They also walked to dinner on Friday and ran into a moon tide that was extremely high!

In front of the Fishy Fishy Cafe -- moon tide!

I didn’t have to far on Sunday.  Only 3 hours and 25.8 miles to Wrightsville Beach.  The Cape Fear River was a little snotty and it was very cloudy, but not a bad ride.

Greg & Kate took a walk to the beach and had lunch before coming back. They said they felt like the oldest people in town!!

North Myrtle Beach, SC

May 3, 2012

Today was a quiet day on the water.  No skinny water and a pretty straightforward shot to Myrtle Beach.  And there were no horse flies!!!

I only had to wait for one bridge, and that was only 10 minutes or so.  This is considered the prettiest stretch of the ICW.

Along the Waccamaw River in South Carolina

I arrived at Barefoot Marina about 1:15 PM and Greg & Kate were in the pool by 2:00!  It looks like a very nice resort/condo complex.  They had dinner at the restaurant and enjoyed it.

The Barefoot Marina, N  Myrtle Beach, SC

Georgetown, SC

May 2, 2012

I headed out to Harborwalk Marina in Georgetown, SC this morning.

It was slow going today – there was lots of skinny water and other areas where I had to go slow.

Tides out!  Mark is high and dry!

But OMG!!!  I saw an alligator today in the Estherville Minim Creek Canal.  Greg didn’t increase the throttle but I swear I was going faster (Kate must have been paddling)!!

They walked into town tonight for dinner.  It was only

about a block from the marina to downtown.  Nice!

Charleston, SC

April 30 – May 1, 2012

On Monday I left Beaufort around 7:30 AM.  It was cloudy – off and on – with very little breeze.  And horse flies again!

I went through a couple of very skinny spots – very carefully and very slowly!  Even though today was a longer day than the last couple, it wasn’t that bad.

I got to Charleston at 3:30 PM.  Wow!  Megadock!!!  I feel so small!

I feel so small!!

When Greg saw how much fuel went into the boat opposite me and then checked the cost, he was really grinning and told me I was wonderful!  (It cost that owner $5894.00!)

On Tuesday they took the shuttle into Charleston to walk around and have lunch.  They didn’t get back until almost 3 PM.  But my friend Kismet came in to keep me company.  She’s staying for 3 nights, but we leave tomorrow!  Hope I see her again soon! 

Ft. Sumter

Waterfront Park -- wading pools

Beaufort, SC

April 28 & 29, 2012

Saturday morning I left Isle of Hope and headed toward Beaufort, SC.  It was a nice day on the water -- except for the horse flies!  There was very little breeze.

We got in at 1:30 PM – earlier than we thought (I left @ 7:30 AM).  I am on the outside of a long floating dock. 

Once we docked and they showered, they headed off to find “Hemingway’s” – a bistro/bar they had been told about @ Isle of Hope.  They did a little shopping downtown – more t-shirts for the kids!

The Armory - now the Visitor's Center

Here I am at the end of the dock!

This morning Greg walked into town for bagels.  Then they went for a bike ride.  At least I have a friend here.  Diva Di – a 36 Catalina sailboat is here.  I met her formally in Jekyll but we have been passing each other and talking since Florida!

My friend Kismet also came in this afternoon.  She will be here tomorrow when I leave, but will be in Charleston after that.  I will see her there!

Savannah, GA

April 23-27, 2012

On Monday Greg rented a car so they could leave me and go sightseeing.  They only went as far as the grocery today, but I heard their plans for the week.

My friend My Way with Wayne & Francine came in Monday evening.  I haven’t seen them since Mobile!  It was nice to catch up.  They are going to dock in Savannah on Tuesday.

Greg & Kate drove into Savannah on Tuesday.  They spent most of the day there.  Kate said they took a trolley tour of the city and then had some lunch and did a “little” shopping!

City Hall - with a gold leaf dome!

Factor's Walk on the Savannah River

They drove to Tybee Island on Wednesday.  Greg climbed to the top of the lighthouse there (Kate’s not good with heights and is a bit claustrophobic) and went through the museum.  Again, they were gone most of the day.

Tybee Island Lighthouse

On Thursday it was back to Savannah to go to some museums.  They toured 2 - the Savannah History Museum at the Visitor’s Center and the Davenport House.  They had lunch at the Olde Pink House – Kate loved it!

When they got back it was almost cocktail time.  They were doing cocktails and a potluck dinner with people from the marina.  We met a lot of nice people (and boats!).

Friday was a day for laundry, grocery shopping, and returning the car.  They got me all spiffy and clean for my trip to Beaufort, SC tomorrow.

Savannah, GA

April 22,2012

Should we? Shouldn’t we?  They went back and forth for about 40 minutes this morning before finally deciding to head out from Jekyll.

We were going to leave about 7:00 because we had a long day ahead.  But it was raining a bit and the forecast was “not nice”.  We finally left around 7:40 AM.  Kate was a bit leery.    The first hour was not easy going – lots of rain and wind, but then it cleared a bit once we passed St. Simon’s.

Around 2 PM they decided I would go on to Isle of Hope Marina just outside Savannah.  Kate called Kilkenny Marina and cancelled their reservation.  Of course, 10 minutes later we had more rain and higher winds!

All in all though, for a 94.3-mile day it wasn’t too bad.  I was tied up by 5:25 PM.  They are staying here for a week to do some sightseeing and relaxing!

Jekyll Island, GA

April 20-21, 2012

Friday was another short day – I only went 32 miles to Jekyll Island, GA.  I’m tied on another face dock right off the Intracoastal.  It gets little bumpy, but it’s not too bad.

They went off and left me this afternoon for a bike ride.  I think they saw some of the historic area.

Jekyll Club Hotel

This morning (Sat.) we all slept late.  After breakfast Greg worked on my shower sump because it’s noisy.  He thinks I’ll need a new one soon.  I guess I’m just getting older!

Well, Greg got a ride to West Marine and bought me a new sump.  It’s installed and I feel a lot better.

They went for another bike ride this afternoon.  This time they rode out along the beach (Atlantic Ocean) side. Kate said she needed the exercise!

Along the bike trail on the Atlantic side of the island

Tomorrow, depending on weather, I will be heading to either Kilkenny Creek or Isle of Hope.

Fernandina Beach, FL

April 19, 2012

Another short day today.  I only had to go about 31 miles to Fernandina Beach.

I am on the face dock and it is a bit rocky.  There are always some jerks that have to go real fast to see you rock and roll.

It started to rain just as Kate got everything closed up.  Thank goodness!  It poured – but only for about 10 minutes.  I couldn’t see a thing!  I’m glad I was already docked.

They walked into town after lunch.  It’s only a block away.  They needed to mail things to the grandkids (and Kate wanted to shop of course!).

Tomorrow I head to Jekyll Island in Georgia.  I’m getting closer! 

The mooring field in Fernandina

Jacksonville Beach, FL

April 18, 2012

 It was a short day today.  The weather looked bad, so we decided to only go as far as Palm Cove Marina.  It was a good choice.  They were able to walk to Publix and get the few things they needed.

They also went to the restaurant that was right next to the marina and said it was really good.  Greg was saying he was going to put it on “Active Captain” as the Marina had a lot to recommend it.

Tomorrow I head to Fernandina Beach or Jekyll Island – depending on the weather.

St. Augustine, FL

April 16 & 17, 2012

Monday

I left Daytona around 7:30 this morning.  I am heading to St. Augustine.   It’s a really nice day so far!

It was very slow going – narrow waterway, lots of docks, manatee zones and manatees.  Bunch of bridges but only one I had to have open (with a very nice bridge tender).

Nice bridge pilings!

We got to the marina about 1:45 PM.  I got diesel fuel at my slip (very cool!!).  Greg was happy about the convenience but not the price. 

The rest of the day we all just relaxed.

Tuesday

Today we all slept late.  Then a few chores – (Greg rolled up my dinghy today) – and they left me to go see St. Augustine.  When they returned, they left me again to go swimming!  They came back complaining about the birds using the pool as a birdbath and drinking fountain!!

Historic district

Daytona Beach, fl

April 15, 2012

So I stayed yesterday at Titusville.  Not much doing.  Kate did some laundry.  They walked into town and found the Sunrise Bread Co.  They said the bread and scones were delicious!!!

I left Titusville this morning at 7:30 AM.  It was clear and sunny with very little wind.  Hope it stays that way!

It was a very uneventful ride.  I met a bunch of dolphin and manatees.  I also met a lot of little go-fast boats and jet-skis!! No wonder I usually don’t travel on weekends!

The wind started to kick up around 11:00 AM, but I didn’t have a problem when I docked at 1:30 PM.  Pretty marina – big too!  But there are plenty of empty slips.

Coming into Daytona Beach

 

Kate & Greg walked into town for some exercise, but came back for dinner. 

Tomorrow I head for ST. Augustine for 2 days.  Should be fun! 

Titusville, FL

 April 13, 2012

Today was not my day!  I’m not superstitious, but – things happen!

The plan was to go to New Smyrna Beach today.  The weather forecast was for increasing winds this afternoon with the possibility of showers.  After much back and forth, it was decided to go to Titusville Municipal Marina, at least for the night.  Kate called both Marinas to change and make reservations.

I was travelling along quite nicely when all of a sudden I got very hot!  And I wasn’t pumping any seawater!  Greg shut down my engine and let it cool.  He threw out the anchor for 10 minutes. (I got a visit from the Brevard County Sheriff’s boat). When he started my engine again it seemed to be fine, but I went under another bridge and it happened again.  Same sheriff came back to see if he could do anything.

Out went my anchor again and Tow Boat was called.  4 hours!!  That was how long they said it would be as he was in Daytona with another boat.

Greg decided to try to change the impeller himself, especially since the mechanic he called wasn’t sure when he could get to the marina – might have to wait until Monday!  An hour and 15 minutes later it was done and it worked!  Thank you --- thank you!! I slowly made my way to Titusville, increasing speed very slowly.

After I was docked, a lot of people were gathered around my bow and side.  A Manatee was relaxing in the streams coming from my air conditioning.  Really neat!

Manatee right next to me!

He has some of my bottom paint on!

Don’t know what tomorrow will bring as the winds are supposed to increase in intensity.

Melbourne, FL

April 12, 2012

Well, I left Vero today to head toward Melbourne.   It’s a little bit windier today than yesterday.

I was travelling along and came to a sailboat that I needed to pass.  Greg called on the radio, but no answer.  He called again – no answer.  He then tooted my horn.  No response.  Greg tried the horn again – OMG – my horn is not working!!!  Greg will have to work on that after I am docked!

I saw a bunch of dolphin today.  One group was feeding!  Lots of activity!

I also saw a little “spoils” island that had a bit of a sandbar coming off it.  It was almost into the channel!  Good thing Greg saw it and steered me around it.  Whew!!!

Sandbar 

I docked early—just after noontime – and after they ate, they went for a walk around town.  Thank goodness they came back in time to shut up my bridge before it rained!

They had a good time at dinner @ The Chart House and then talking to my neighbor’s  (a Sundancer) owner about my trip.

Tomorrow (if the weather allows) I head to New Smyrna Beach!

Vero Beach, FL

April 11, 2012

Finally on the water again!!  I as getting so tired of just sitting at Nettles Island Marina.  Thank goodness Jany K was also there!  A few of my other friends did come to see me – Raydiance, Passport, and Brown-Eyed Girl  all stopped here to say hello. I was soooo happy!

I left Nettles this morning at 9:30 AM.  I only had a shot trip today to Vero Beach Municipal Marina.  I arrived at about 1:00 PM.  Good trip!

Saying goodbye to Bob & Jan and Jensen Beach

I was all tied-up and Kate & Greg were cleaning up by 1:30.  Not too shabby!  They took a walk around but came back to dinner aboard. 

We’re back and I can’t wait to see where I’m going next!