We were coming back from Quincy on Thursday morning (May 10) around 11:00 AM when we ran into a traffic jam at the Quincy Fore River Bridge. While sitting in traffic, I got a call from Bob Swartz, my friend and the diver who cleans Guided Discovery’s b…
USS California Distinguished Visitor Embark
Last Thursday Jennifer and I were down on Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale having an enjoyable patio dinner when my phone rang. “James, this is Suzanne Speight, Public Affairs Specialist with Navy Region Southeast. I have one position available to embark on the the USS California.” That sounded pretty good. I’ve never been on…
Pushing That Magic Button: FPB 70-1 Is Under Construction
Having just completed a 6,200 nautical mile voyage from Thailand to New Zealand in 27 days underway on their FPB 64 Buffalo …Read More
May 13 – Deltaville, VA
Dozier’s Regatta Point Marina
“Then, one day, when you least expect it, the great adventure finds you.” – Ewan McGregor
As we moved north this year I’ve been looking back at old post to remember what we did and how we felt about a place the first time we visited. It’s been five years since we’ve been in Deltaville. The temperature is definitely different than it was the first time we arrived in July during a heat wave. My post on July 26, 2011 was about how far we had traveled since we left on this great adventure in March of that year. So I thought in this post I’d do a little comparing…just to see just how far we’ve come.
CONTINUE READING HERE…»
Hingham Bound: The Crew Visits Boston
One of the challenges for crew members is making reservations for the return flight to their home. Wylie was headed for Chicago while Tom was headed for Michigan. Both made reservations for Wednesday, May 11. Wylie made his well before our voyage start…
Georgetown to Nassau
Hello everyone, It ‘s 7AM here in the Exumas and we just departed Elizabeth Harbour and Conch Cay Cut. It was a little sketchy at the cut with some 8-10 foot rollers but once outside things calmed down a bit. The seas should improve the farther north we go. Time to go fishing! Our lucky […]
May 12 – Gwynn Island, VA
Wharf Creek – Anchorage
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” ―Confucius
We’re back in the Chesapeake. We left Portsmouth this morning in a light fog. The day was mostly damp and grey, but our ride up the bay was very comfortable. The only entertainment was watching a few tugs move a military ship away from the dock and into the channel as we passed Norfolk. By the time we passed Old Point Comfort and the inlet to the Atlantic the only thing we could see were other boats moving north…too hazy to see land.
CONTINUE READING HERE…»
Hingham Bound: Block Island to our Summer Home
The voyage from Block Island to Hingham took 12 hours and was quite pleasant.
At 6:00 AM we officially ended the Atlantic City to Block Island shortcut and switched to the Cape May to Cape Cod Canal route which would take us up Buzzards Bay to the canal. We also estimated our arrival in Hingham to be 3:51 PM.
 |
| A tug and a tow following us in Buzzards Bay |
The next question was the current speed and direction in the Cape Cod Canal. Would we get a pushed through the canal on a favorable current or would we have to power through against the current.
 |
| Buzzards Bay, the Cape Cod Canal, Cape Cod and Cape Cod Bay |
Explanatory Note: The 7 mile long Cape Cod Canal connects Buzzards Bay to Cape Cod Bay. The canal is located in Bourne, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Maritime Academy defines its southern boundary with the Scusset Beach State Reservation as its northern boundary. A swift running current changes direction every six hours and can reach 5.2 miles per hour during the receding ebb tide. The waterway is maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and has no toll fees. It is spanned by the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge and two highway bridges—the Bourne and the Sagamore. Traffic lights at either end govern the approach of vessels over 65 feet.
We can convert current speed into time for our passage. At slack tide the 7 NM passage would take 50 minutes at our cruising speed of 8.4 knots. A favorable current, one running northeast at 4.0 knots, would reduce the time to 34 minutes. Likewise, a 4.0 knot current running southwest against us would increase transit time to 95 minutes. To compensate we could increase our speed to 12.4 knots but that would burn about 40 gallons of fuel as compared to about 8 gallons with no adjustment to the throttle setting.
 |
| Massachusetts Maritime Academy with the training ship Kennedy in the foreground The southwest beginning of the Cape Cod Canal |
Garmin presents current speed and direction with the chart below. In the upper left hand corner of the upper chart is the current speed, 3.7 knots, in relation to its high and low (+4.0 to – 4.0). The direction of the current is indicated in the lower chart, 83 degrees. 9:58 AM is during the time we were in the canal.
I’ve always struggled with reading this chart as it relates to direction. Is it coming from 83 degrees or going to 83 degrees? Fortunately, this time I figured it out. The number 83 degrees indicates the direction, northeast, TOWARD which the current is flowing.
 |
| Notice the current to the left of the buoy |
The magic numbers for us at 9:52 AM as we passed the Massachusetts Maritime Academy were as follows:
- Current speed: 3.8 knots – a big push
- Current direction: 83 degrees – favorable direction
Yes!! We have a favorable current. Result. We traversed the 7 NM canal in 34 minutes with GPS speeds of 14.5 knots at the Bourne and 12.2 at Sagamore bridges.
 |
| Heading northeast under the railroad bridge with the Borne Bridge ahead |
 |
| Sagamore Bridge |
 |
| Following a tow at the east end of the canal |
At 10:28 AM we entered Cape Cod Bay where we turned north. We noted WSW winds at 17 knots, seas of 1 to 2 feet and “a beautiful day on Cape Cod Bay.
 |
| Light at Plymouth Mass |
This changed around 2:00 PM when the wind shifted to the east and increased to 25 knots. Now we were in a 3 to 4 foot head sea, which for the 63 Outer reef is no big deal. We did however add spray and more salt to the already salt encrusted boat.
 |
| Boston in view as we pass Cohassett in a 3 to 4 foot head sea |
 |
| Minots Light off Cohassett Mass We came within 100 feet in 65 feet of water |
As we traveled north we divided responsibilities. Wylie took the con (i.e., the watch), Tom cleaned the ENTIRE interior (and did a FANTASTIC job) and I blogged. The time literally flew by. At 3:25 PM we were abreast of Boston Light. Then 19 minutes later we entered Hull Gut and at 4:00 PM we arrived at Hingham Shipyard Marina.
 |
| Boston Light at the entrance to Nantasket Roads Tom’s photo catches the light. |
Speaking of light (see photo above). We docked at the Hingham Shipyard Marinas gas dock and took on fuel. What does taking on fuel have to do with light you ask. Readers may recall that I have been struggling with a fuel consumption / remaining question for two years and up to now have been unable to reliably predict the following for both engines:
- Engine fuel used
- Generator fuel used
- Fuel remaining
Working with Outer Reef and Caterpillar we have reprogrammed the engines Electronic Control Modules (ECM) using Cat’s predicted fuel consumption in relation to data I recorded. Ring Power in Sarasota made a final change to the port engine ECM to compensate for data collected last November. They also supplied data for the Northern Lights generator fuel consumption. The number below show we finally, finally got it right.
PORT ENGINE STARBOARD ENGINE
& 12KW Gen & 16 KW Gen
Engine Fuel Consumed (gallons) 332 345
Generator Fuel Consumed (gallons) 50 36
Total Predicted Fuel Needed 382 381
Total Fuel Added 372 364
Difference (gallons) -10 -15
Percentage Error 2.6% 4.0%
We were well received. Skip Roper, crew member with Guy Aries on the November 2015 run south to Sarasota, was at the gas dock with Diana and Kodi to welcome us home.
By 6:00 PM we had parked Guided Discovery on her T-Head on I-Dock (her summer home). Diana, Wylie, Tom and I broke out a bottle of champagne to celebrate our successful arrival in Hingham. Then we adjourned to Alma Nove for a celebration dinner.
 |
|
Guided Discovery on the T-Head for I-Dock
Our summer home
|
 |
| View from the aft deck of our summer home at sunset. The end of a spectacular voyage |
Statistics – Morehead City NC to Hingham, MA:
- Total Distance: 641 NM
- Time Enroute: 78.2 hours
- Average Speed: 8.3 knots
- Fuel Added: 736.6 gallons
- Price Per Gallon 2.27 with tax
- Total Fuel Cost: $1,674.84
Statistics – Sarasota, FL to Hingham, MA
- Total Distance: 1,421.8 NM (1,635 statute miles)
- Time Enroute: 8 days and 9 hours (starting from 7:00 AM Sunday May 1).
- Average Speed: 8.4 knots (Stuart to Hingham)
- Fuel Added: 1870 gallons (includes non-trip fuel)
- Avg. Cost Per Gallon: $2.20 per gallon
- Total Fuel Cost: $4,118
- Total Cost of Moving Boat: $7,352 (includes Diana’s car trip)
Written by Les.
Below Portsmouth to St. Petersburg Nov.-May
Well, as I was saying, back in November, 2015….wait, I
blinked! It is now May of 2016! For the sake of posterity, I will bring the blog up to date on the balance
of the cruise to St. Pete, where we have again ‘wintered’. Actually, from 2011-2015, our southern winter stop has been in St.
Petersburg, on the west coast of Florida.
And we have pretty much parked here.
Doing what you are doing—living life, enjoying each day, and taking what comes. But we had to get here….
blinked! It is now May of 2016! For the sake of posterity, I will bring the blog up to date on the balance
of the cruise to St. Pete, where we have again ‘wintered’. Actually, from 2011-2015, our southern winter stop has been in St.
Petersburg, on the west coast of Florida.
And we have pretty much parked here.
Doing what you are doing—living life, enjoying each day, and taking what comes. But we had to get here….
We left off the Blog as we were approaching our old friend
the Neuss River. Tied up in Oriental Marina where we made plans to visit Joe
and Punk Pica. They’ve parked CAROLYNN
ANN and purchased a home in New Bern.
Had a fine lunch and house tour and enjoyed very much the time spent
with old friends! No photos, darn it.
the Neuss River. Tied up in Oriental Marina where we made plans to visit Joe
and Punk Pica. They’ve parked CAROLYNN
ANN and purchased a home in New Bern.
Had a fine lunch and house tour and enjoyed very much the time spent
with old friends! No photos, darn it.
 |
| New backup nav system for us–iPad along with the pelican on the paper chart… |
Moving right along (the current pushed us through Bogue
Sound at 9 mph!) we stopped in Swansboro
at Dudley’s Marina, and were treated to a lovely dinner at the home of Tom and
Melissa, cruising buddies aboard JOURNEY.
Next day was Bridge Day—Onslow Beach, Surf City, Figure 8, and the
Wrightsville Bascule—before we took a slip a the Mona Black Marina in Carolina Beach. First time there—Randy, the Harbormaster, was a hoot! And he
was up and out at 6:45 to toss our lines.
This time of year an early start is imperative, as the sun goes down by
4 or so! Our ‘new normal…’
Sound at 9 mph!) we stopped in Swansboro
at Dudley’s Marina, and were treated to a lovely dinner at the home of Tom and
Melissa, cruising buddies aboard JOURNEY.
Next day was Bridge Day—Onslow Beach, Surf City, Figure 8, and the
Wrightsville Bascule—before we took a slip a the Mona Black Marina in Carolina Beach. First time there—Randy, the Harbormaster, was a hoot! And he
was up and out at 6:45 to toss our lines.
This time of year an early start is imperative, as the sun goes down by
4 or so! Our ‘new normal…’
Our next stop was at Grande Dunes in South Carolina, anddaughter Kris was there to meet us! She
and John are settled into their beautiful new home in Surfside Beach, and for 2
days we enjoyed dining on fresh fish, watching the critters in their
backyard canal, and the generally excellent hospitality! On Wednesday Nov. 18, John and Kris left a
car at Murrels Inlet (Wacca Wacca Marina) and drove back to Grande Dunes. Once they boarded the boat we all cruised down
the river—again the current gave us a nice push—water is really high! So high in fact, that Kris had to move their car
up the hill as the parking lot was submerged!
Did I mention the outstanding fajitas Kris prepared for lunch? I’m a proud mama!
We had a quick dinner so Aunt Kris could be off to pick up
our grandson JT at Coker College in Huntsville, SC. She took him to the Myrtle Beach airport so he could fly home for his
uncle’s funeral. It’s never dull!
our grandson JT at Coker College in Huntsville, SC. She took him to the Myrtle Beach airport so he could fly home for his
uncle’s funeral. It’s never dull!
Though the days were short, we made good time—below Charleston, we swooshed
through Elliott’s Cut at 7.2 mph with the engines at 1400 rpm—idle speed. Anchored in Tom’s
Creek, and then stopped in Beaufort at the Port Royal Landing—That is the
marina you see in the background at the end of
“The Prince of Tides” when Nick Nolte is driving across the
bridge thinking “Lowenstein, Lowenstein….” Love that movie! Klauss from MOON BEAM joined us for dinner—Beaufort is his home town!
through Elliott’s Cut at 7.2 mph with the engines at 1400 rpm—idle speed. Anchored in Tom’s
Creek, and then stopped in Beaufort at the Port Royal Landing—That is the
marina you see in the background at the end of
“The Prince of Tides” when Nick Nolte is driving across the
bridge thinking “Lowenstein, Lowenstein….” Love that movie! Klauss from MOON BEAM joined us for dinner—Beaufort is his home town!
On through Georgia with stops at Kilkenney Creek and Jeckyll
Island (new shopping mall there, and a golf cart to travel to and from it!) and
soon we were tied up at Fernandina Beach
in Sunny Florida!
Island (new shopping mall there, and a golf cart to travel to and from it!) and
soon we were tied up at Fernandina Beach
in Sunny Florida!
Had a great visit with Maurice from QUOTIDIAN, a St. Pete
boat we first met in Canada while on the Great Loop. One of the best parts of
cruising is meeting great folks, and then meeting again in a different time and
place. Maurice was on his way home from
what had been a fairly harrowing trip. He single handed to and AROUND Maine, so he
could see the white whales—blue ones too!
His boat is under 30 feet, and I’d say it was no match for the North
Atlantic, but he was here to tell us about it! Brave Man!
boat we first met in Canada while on the Great Loop. One of the best parts of
cruising is meeting great folks, and then meeting again in a different time and
place. Maurice was on his way home from
what had been a fairly harrowing trip. He single handed to and AROUND Maine, so he
could see the white whales—blue ones too!
His boat is under 30 feet, and I’d say it was no match for the North
Atlantic, but he was here to tell us about it! Brave Man!
 |
| Must’ve been construction waste. It was really hard to unwrap the stuff! |
The next afternoon we heard a strange sound as we motored along, and
the starboard propeller stopped turning.
We made it to St. Augustine—Camachee Island Marina had a nice long face
dock to tie up to. Thursday was Thanksgiving
Day, and we were most thankful that Joe the Diver came around at 8 am. He unwrapped a huge chunk of black plastic
from the prop—heavy, unbending black plastic. Uffda!
We kept a piece for a souvenir (threw it out recently…) and were off to
Halifax Harbor in Daytona, with small craft warning type winds howling outside!
the starboard propeller stopped turning.
We made it to St. Augustine—Camachee Island Marina had a nice long face
dock to tie up to. Thursday was Thanksgiving
Day, and we were most thankful that Joe the Diver came around at 8 am. He unwrapped a huge chunk of black plastic
from the prop—heavy, unbending black plastic. Uffda!
We kept a piece for a souvenir (threw it out recently…) and were off to
Halifax Harbor in Daytona, with small craft warning type winds howling outside!
On Friday we pulled into the space at the free dock in NewSmyrna Beach that Henry and Debbie on SEVEN TENTHS had saved for us. Fun evening as the town had a parade and
turned on the Holiday lights!
By 1:30 the next afternoon we were tied up at Harbortown
Marina in Ft. Pierce where SHINGABISS has been living for some time. Steve and Liz, our hosts in Minneapolis, who
now live on the boat, will head for the Bahamas soon. We had a great shrimp dinner on their boat!
Marina in Ft. Pierce where SHINGABISS has been living for some time. Steve and Liz, our hosts in Minneapolis, who
now live on the boat, will head for the Bahamas soon. We had a great shrimp dinner on their boat!
After Ft. Pierce we headed west! Uneventful crossing of Lake Okechobee, a nicenight at Indiantown Marina, a beautiful free dock at Port LaBelle, and next thing
you know we’ve come down the Caloosahatchee River and finally I got to go to the
Edison/Ford homes in Ft. Myers! Bucket List: Check!
The marina at Edison-Ford was great and we were comped tickets to the
Light Show at the 2 homes. Extra special
was the huge Banyan tree. It covers acres, and is second largest in the world–the really big one is in Oahu, Hawaii. Shades of the Little Prince! No wait, his tree was a baobob tree, which looked like a rose in it’s earliest days, but grew to become something huge and destructive if not uprooted early. Hmmmmm.
At 9:30 am on Dec. 3, we turned north at mile O of the Gulf
IntraCoastal Waterway. There was an
issue with a bridge ahead, so we tied up at the Gasparilla Marina for 3 days
before moseying up to the Crow’s Nest Marina in Venice. There we docked behind NEVER SAY NEVER, an 86′
Monte Carlo Yacht built by Benetau (who knew).
We weren’t invited to the cocktail party for 35 prospective buyers. Just as well….
IntraCoastal Waterway. There was an
issue with a bridge ahead, so we tied up at the Gasparilla Marina for 3 days
before moseying up to the Crow’s Nest Marina in Venice. There we docked behind NEVER SAY NEVER, an 86′
Monte Carlo Yacht built by Benetau (who knew).
We weren’t invited to the cocktail party for 35 prospective buyers. Just as well….
 |
| Ho Ho Ho! |
Continuing with our early starts, at 7:15 a.m. on Dec. 7, we headed north, and by 4:30 had passed under the Sunshine Bridge, and bounced along Tampa Bay’s lumpiness to the St. Pete Municipal Marina. From the 7th until the 17th
we got re-acclimated (even though we now were tied up on the North Dock). We put up our little ‘mast tree’, and it was about the only decoration on the dock. Thence to New York—Allegiant Airlines is
our new best friend. 2.5 hours non-stop
from Clearwater (20 minutes away) to Stewart Airport—10 minutes from our
condo! Fabulous!
we got re-acclimated (even though we now were tied up on the North Dock). We put up our little ‘mast tree’, and it was about the only decoration on the dock. Thence to New York—Allegiant Airlines is
our new best friend. 2.5 hours non-stop
from Clearwater (20 minutes away) to Stewart Airport—10 minutes from our
condo! Fabulous!
We stayed in NY over the holidays, and then some. Doctors and dentists etc.etc. and thankfully
we each came away with a clean bill of health!
we each came away with a clean bill of health!
Back to the Boat by car on Feb. 5-8 with stops at Geoff andAmy’s in Carlisle, PA, Kris and John’s in SC, and JAX—a quick stop at LAZY
DOLPHIN (Barb and Randy) and then a Holiday Inn with a free upgrade to a hot
tub in the room! What better place to
watch the Super Bowl? (Obviously the photo is backwards—should be from the tub, looking at the TV!)
In February, even though it is Florida, we had the boat’s furnace runningmany days. The wind is cold! It was too cold for the heated pool at Jerry
and Janet Guyer’s (AT LAST) home near Sarasota when they hosted about 24 Great
Harbour family members, but it was an excellent event!
Feb. 15-19 we were in Orlando at the USPS Annual
meeting. Fred was re-elected Chair of
the National Educational Fund, and I continued to play in the Ship’s
Store.
meeting. Fred was re-elected Chair of
the National Educational Fund, and I continued to play in the Ship’s
Store.
Had a super surprise when daughter Ada called to say they,
too were in Orlando! Met at Universal
Studios for lunch and quality time with Ada, Jimmy, Katie Rae and Jim’s sister,
Dawn! Lovely! Not
so lovely to drive back to Orlando that night to get the items we forgot at the
hotel, but all in all it was a great week!
too were in Orlando! Met at Universal
Studios for lunch and quality time with Ada, Jimmy, Katie Rae and Jim’s sister,
Dawn! Lovely! Not
so lovely to drive back to Orlando that night to get the items we forgot at the
hotel, but all in all it was a great week!
On March 3, a slip finally opened on the West Dock, our
favorite! We happily moved there, and
now live at 101 Bayshore Drive NE again!
Our mailbox (#19) is still here and we are happy to be back, enjoying
the closeness of downtown, of Frescoe’s Restaurant, and the open view of the
harbor!
favorite! We happily moved there, and
now live at 101 Bayshore Drive NE again!
Our mailbox (#19) is still here and we are happy to be back, enjoying
the closeness of downtown, of Frescoe’s Restaurant, and the open view of the
harbor!
Spent Easter in NY—started the day with a 911 call to putout the fire in the condo next door. A
bit of excitement in the wee small hours!
We are sooo grateful for firemen who come out in the dark on a
holiday. (Hmm, very familiar
that—Thanksgiving 1984, only it was our very own home on Sunset Drive that
was afire! Uffda!) The rest of the day was indeed a lovely day
at Ada and Jim’s! Lots of good food (sit
down dinner for 29) and lots of kids, large and small, hunting for eggs in the
yard.
While home, we drove to Boston for our annual MIT
Luncheon—with 3 inches of snow atop the car!
We helped Ada put Salon Lucere back together after having the floors
re-done, we watched granddaughter Laurel tap beautifully in 42nd
Street at Arlington High School, attended the D2 Change of Watch and had a
successful ‘virtual Ship’s Store’.
Sadly, my high school buddy Paula lost her fight with Lung Cancer. She is already missed. Although we didn’t see her often, she was
always just there, ready to pop in at a moment’s notice! Sigh.
Luncheon—with 3 inches of snow atop the car!
We helped Ada put Salon Lucere back together after having the floors
re-done, we watched granddaughter Laurel tap beautifully in 42nd
Street at Arlington High School, attended the D2 Change of Watch and had a
successful ‘virtual Ship’s Store’.
Sadly, my high school buddy Paula lost her fight with Lung Cancer. She is already missed. Although we didn’t see her often, she was
always just there, ready to pop in at a moment’s notice! Sigh.
In addition to Easter, the April trip was to do the
taxes. Unfortunately, we left the bundle
of 2015 papers on the boat, so the process was extended until yesterday, the 11
of May. THAT won’t happen again, she
said….
taxes. Unfortunately, we left the bundle
of 2015 papers on the boat, so the process was extended until yesterday, the 11
of May. THAT won’t happen again, she
said….
.
When we left New York to return to the boat, we turned the condo over
to Kris and John. He had very successful
back surgery in Rockland County, and was able to recoup at 68 HPC. That same week, in Virginia, Christopher bade
his gall bladder adieu. Happily, he, too, is enjoying a speedy recovery!
to Kris and John. He had very successful
back surgery in Rockland County, and was able to recoup at 68 HPC. That same week, in Virginia, Christopher bade
his gall bladder adieu. Happily, he, too, is enjoying a speedy recovery!
And so spring is here.
Our summer plans don’t involve moving YOUNG AMERICA, just moving
us. Will update the blog when we are
‘back on boat’ in September.
Our summer plans don’t involve moving YOUNG AMERICA, just moving
us. Will update the blog when we are
‘back on boat’ in September.
Hope you are staying on the sunny side of life—who and
wherever you are!
wherever you are!
Be well and remember to breathe!
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Below Portsmouth to St. Petersburg Nov.-May
Well, as I was saying, back in November, 2015….wait, I
blinked! It is now May of 2016! For the sake of posterity, I will bring the blog up to date on the balance
of the cruise to St. Pete, where we have again ‘wintered’. Actually, from 2011-2015, our southern winter stop has been in St.
Petersburg, on the west coast of Florida.
And we have pretty much parked here.
Doing what you are doing—living life, enjoying each day, and taking what comes. But we had to get here….
blinked! It is now May of 2016! For the sake of posterity, I will bring the blog up to date on the balance
of the cruise to St. Pete, where we have again ‘wintered’. Actually, from 2011-2015, our southern winter stop has been in St.
Petersburg, on the west coast of Florida.
And we have pretty much parked here.
Doing what you are doing—living life, enjoying each day, and taking what comes. But we had to get here….
We left off the Blog as we were approaching our old friend
the Neuss River. Tied up in Oriental Marina where we made plans to visit Joe
and Punk Pica. They’ve parked CAROLYNN
ANN and purchased a home in New Bern.
Had a fine lunch and house tour and enjoyed very much the time spent
with old friends! No photos, darn it.
the Neuss River. Tied up in Oriental Marina where we made plans to visit Joe
and Punk Pica. They’ve parked CAROLYNN
ANN and purchased a home in New Bern.
Had a fine lunch and house tour and enjoyed very much the time spent
with old friends! No photos, darn it.
|
| New backup nav system for us–iPad along with the pelican on the paper chart… |
Moving right along (the current pushed us through Bogue
Sound at 9 mph!) we stopped in Swansboro
at Dudley’s Marina, and were treated to a lovely dinner at the home of Tom and
Melissa, cruising buddies aboard JOURNEY.
Next day was Bridge Day—Onslow Beach, Surf City, Figure 8, and the
Wrightsville Bascule—before we took a slip a the Mona Black Marina in Carolina Beach. First time there—Randy, the Harbormaster, was a hoot! And he
was up and out at 6:45 to toss our lines.
This time of year an early start is imperative, as the sun goes down by
4 or so! Our ‘new normal…’
Sound at 9 mph!) we stopped in Swansboro
at Dudley’s Marina, and were treated to a lovely dinner at the home of Tom and
Melissa, cruising buddies aboard JOURNEY.
Next day was Bridge Day—Onslow Beach, Surf City, Figure 8, and the
Wrightsville Bascule—before we took a slip a the Mona Black Marina in Carolina Beach. First time there—Randy, the Harbormaster, was a hoot! And he
was up and out at 6:45 to toss our lines.
This time of year an early start is imperative, as the sun goes down by
4 or so! Our ‘new normal…’
Our next stop was at Grande Dunes in South Carolina, anddaughter Kris was there to meet us! She
and John are settled into their beautiful new home in Surfside Beach, and for 2
days we enjoyed dining on fresh fish, watching the critters in their
backyard canal, and the generally excellent hospitality! On Wednesday Nov. 18, John and Kris left a
car at Murrels Inlet (Wacca Wacca Marina) and drove back to Grande Dunes. Once they boarded the boat we all cruised down
the river—again the current gave us a nice push—water is really high! So high in fact, that Kris had to move their car
up the hill as the parking lot was submerged!
Did I mention the outstanding fajitas Kris prepared for lunch? I’m a proud mama!
We had a quick dinner so Aunt Kris could be off to pick up
our grandson JT at Coker College in Huntsville, SC. She took him to the Myrtle Beach airport so he could fly home for his
uncle’s funeral. It’s never dull!
our grandson JT at Coker College in Huntsville, SC. She took him to the Myrtle Beach airport so he could fly home for his
uncle’s funeral. It’s never dull!
Though the days were short, we made good time—below Charleston, we swooshed
through Elliott’s Cut at 7.2 mph with the engines at 1400 rpm—idle speed. Anchored in Tom’s
Creek, and then stopped in Beaufort at the Port Royal Landing—That is the
marina you see in the background at the end of
“The Prince of Tides” when Nick Nolte is driving across the
bridge thinking “Lowenstein, Lowenstein….” Love that movie! Klauss from MOON BEAM joined us for dinner—Beaufort is his home town!
through Elliott’s Cut at 7.2 mph with the engines at 1400 rpm—idle speed. Anchored in Tom’s
Creek, and then stopped in Beaufort at the Port Royal Landing—That is the
marina you see in the background at the end of
“The Prince of Tides” when Nick Nolte is driving across the
bridge thinking “Lowenstein, Lowenstein….” Love that movie! Klauss from MOON BEAM joined us for dinner—Beaufort is his home town!
On through Georgia with stops at Kilkenney Creek and Jeckyll
Island (new shopping mall there, and a golf cart to travel to and from it!) and
soon we were tied up at Fernandina Beach
in Sunny Florida!
Island (new shopping mall there, and a golf cart to travel to and from it!) and
soon we were tied up at Fernandina Beach
in Sunny Florida!
Had a great visit with Maurice from QUOTIDIAN, a St. Pete
boat we first met in Canada while on the Great Loop. One of the best parts of
cruising is meeting great folks, and then meeting again in a different time and
place. Maurice was on his way home from
what had been a fairly harrowing trip. He single handed to and AROUND Maine, so he
could see the white whales—blue ones too!
His boat is under 30 feet, and I’d say it was no match for the North
Atlantic, but he was here to tell us about it! Brave Man!
boat we first met in Canada while on the Great Loop. One of the best parts of
cruising is meeting great folks, and then meeting again in a different time and
place. Maurice was on his way home from
what had been a fairly harrowing trip. He single handed to and AROUND Maine, so he
could see the white whales—blue ones too!
His boat is under 30 feet, and I’d say it was no match for the North
Atlantic, but he was here to tell us about it! Brave Man!
|
| Must’ve been construction waste. It was really hard to unwrap the stuff! |
The next afternoon we heard a strange sound as we motored along, and
the starboard propeller stopped turning.
We made it to St. Augustine—Camachee Island Marina had a nice long face
dock to tie up to. Thursday was Thanksgiving
Day, and we were most thankful that Joe the Diver came around at 8 am. He unwrapped a huge chunk of black plastic
from the prop—heavy, unbending black plastic. Uffda!
We kept a piece for a souvenir (threw it out recently…) and were off to
Halifax Harbor in Daytona, with small craft warning type winds howling outside!
the starboard propeller stopped turning.
We made it to St. Augustine—Camachee Island Marina had a nice long face
dock to tie up to. Thursday was Thanksgiving
Day, and we were most thankful that Joe the Diver came around at 8 am. He unwrapped a huge chunk of black plastic
from the prop—heavy, unbending black plastic. Uffda!
We kept a piece for a souvenir (threw it out recently…) and were off to
Halifax Harbor in Daytona, with small craft warning type winds howling outside!
On Friday we pulled into the space at the free dock in NewSmyrna Beach that Henry and Debbie on SEVEN TENTHS had saved for us. Fun evening as the town had a parade and
turned on the Holiday lights!
By 1:30 the next afternoon we were tied up at Harbortown
Marina in Ft. Pierce where SHINGABISS has been living for some time. Steve and Liz, our hosts in Minneapolis, who
now live on the boat, will head for the Bahamas soon. We had a great shrimp dinner on their boat!
Marina in Ft. Pierce where SHINGABISS has been living for some time. Steve and Liz, our hosts in Minneapolis, who
now live on the boat, will head for the Bahamas soon. We had a great shrimp dinner on their boat!
After Ft. Pierce we headed west! Uneventful crossing of Lake Okechobee, a nicenight at Indiantown Marina, a beautiful free dock at Port LaBelle, and next thing
you know we’ve come down the Caloosahatchee River and finally I got to go to the
Edison/Ford homes in Ft. Myers! Bucket List: Check!
The marina at Edison-Ford was great and we were comped tickets to the
Light Show at the 2 homes. Extra special
was the huge Banyan tree. It covers acres, and is second largest in the world–the really big one is in Oahu, Hawaii. Shades of the Little Prince! No wait, his tree was a baobob tree, which looked like a rose in it’s earliest days, but grew to become something huge and destructive if not uprooted early. Hmmmmm.
At 9:30 am on Dec. 3, we turned north at mile O of the Gulf
IntraCoastal Waterway. There was an
issue with a bridge ahead, so we tied up at the Gasparilla Marina for 3 days
before moseying up to the Crow’s Nest Marina in Venice. There we docked behind NEVER SAY NEVER, an 86′
Monte Carlo Yacht built by Benetau (who knew).
We weren’t invited to the cocktail party for 35 prospective buyers. Just as well….
IntraCoastal Waterway. There was an
issue with a bridge ahead, so we tied up at the Gasparilla Marina for 3 days
before moseying up to the Crow’s Nest Marina in Venice. There we docked behind NEVER SAY NEVER, an 86′
Monte Carlo Yacht built by Benetau (who knew).
We weren’t invited to the cocktail party for 35 prospective buyers. Just as well….
|
| Ho Ho Ho! |
Continuing with our early starts, at 7:15 a.m. on Dec. 7, we headed north, and by 4:30 had passed under the Sunshine Bridge, and bounced along Tampa Bay’s lumpiness to the St. Pete Municipal Marina. From the 7th until the 17th
we got re-acclimated (even though we now were tied up on the North Dock). We put up our little ‘mast tree’, and it was about the only decoration on the dock. Thence to New York—Allegiant Airlines is
our new best friend. 2.5 hours non-stop
from Clearwater (20 minutes away) to Stewart Airport—10 minutes from our
condo! Fabulous!
we got re-acclimated (even though we now were tied up on the North Dock). We put up our little ‘mast tree’, and it was about the only decoration on the dock. Thence to New York—Allegiant Airlines is
our new best friend. 2.5 hours non-stop
from Clearwater (20 minutes away) to Stewart Airport—10 minutes from our
condo! Fabulous!
We stayed in NY over the holidays, and then some. Doctors and dentists etc.etc. and thankfully
we each came away with a clean bill of health!
we each came away with a clean bill of health!
Back to the Boat by car on Feb. 5-8 with stops at Geoff andAmy’s in Carlisle, PA, Kris and John’s in SC, and JAX—a quick stop at LAZY
DOLPHIN (Barb and Randy) and then a Holiday Inn with a free upgrade to a hot
tub in the room! What better place to
watch the Super Bowl? (Obviously the photo is backwards—should be from the tub, looking at the TV!)
In February, even though it is Florida, we had the boat’s furnace runningmany days. The wind is cold! It was too cold for the heated pool at Jerry
and Janet Guyer’s (AT LAST) home near Sarasota when they hosted about 24 Great
Harbour family members, but it was an excellent event!
Feb. 15-19 we were in Orlando at the USPS Annual
meeting. Fred was re-elected Chair of
the National Educational Fund, and I continued to play in the Ship’s
Store.
meeting. Fred was re-elected Chair of
the National Educational Fund, and I continued to play in the Ship’s
Store.
Had a super surprise when daughter Ada called to say they,
too were in Orlando! Met at Universal
Studios for lunch and quality time with Ada, Jimmy, Katie Rae and Jim’s sister,
Dawn! Lovely! Not
so lovely to drive back to Orlando that night to get the items we forgot at the
hotel, but all in all it was a great week!
too were in Orlando! Met at Universal
Studios for lunch and quality time with Ada, Jimmy, Katie Rae and Jim’s sister,
Dawn! Lovely! Not
so lovely to drive back to Orlando that night to get the items we forgot at the
hotel, but all in all it was a great week!
On March 3, a slip finally opened on the West Dock, our
favorite! We happily moved there, and
now live at 101 Bayshore Drive NE again!
Our mailbox (#19) is still here and we are happy to be back, enjoying
the closeness of downtown, of Frescoe’s Restaurant, and the open view of the
harbor!
favorite! We happily moved there, and
now live at 101 Bayshore Drive NE again!
Our mailbox (#19) is still here and we are happy to be back, enjoying
the closeness of downtown, of Frescoe’s Restaurant, and the open view of the
harbor!
Spent Easter in NY—started the day with a 911 call to putout the fire in the condo next door. A
bit of excitement in the wee small hours!
We are sooo grateful for firemen who come out in the dark on a
holiday. (Hmm, very familiar
that—Thanksgiving 1984, only it was our very own home on Sunset Drive that
was afire! Uffda!) The rest of the day was indeed a lovely day
at Ada and Jim’s! Lots of good food (sit
down dinner for 29) and lots of kids, large and small, hunting for eggs in the
yard.
While home, we drove to Boston for our annual MIT
Luncheon—with 3 inches of snow atop the car!
We helped Ada put Salon Lucere back together after having the floors
re-done, we watched granddaughter Laurel tap beautifully in 42nd
Street at Arlington High School, attended the D2 Change of Watch and had a
successful ‘virtual Ship’s Store’.
Sadly, my high school buddy Paula lost her fight with Lung Cancer. She is already missed. Although we didn’t see her often, she was
always just there, ready to pop in at a moment’s notice! Sigh.
Luncheon—with 3 inches of snow atop the car!
We helped Ada put Salon Lucere back together after having the floors
re-done, we watched granddaughter Laurel tap beautifully in 42nd
Street at Arlington High School, attended the D2 Change of Watch and had a
successful ‘virtual Ship’s Store’.
Sadly, my high school buddy Paula lost her fight with Lung Cancer. She is already missed. Although we didn’t see her often, she was
always just there, ready to pop in at a moment’s notice! Sigh.
In addition to Easter, the April trip was to do the
taxes. Unfortunately, we left the bundle
of 2015 papers on the boat, so the process was extended until yesterday, the 11
of May. THAT won’t happen again, she
said….
taxes. Unfortunately, we left the bundle
of 2015 papers on the boat, so the process was extended until yesterday, the 11
of May. THAT won’t happen again, she
said….
.
When we left New York to return to the boat, we turned the condo over
to Kris and John. He had very successful
back surgery in Rockland County, and was able to recoup at 68 HPC. That same week, in Virginia, Christopher bade
his gall bladder adieu. Happily, he, too, is enjoying a speedy recovery!
to Kris and John. He had very successful
back surgery in Rockland County, and was able to recoup at 68 HPC. That same week, in Virginia, Christopher bade
his gall bladder adieu. Happily, he, too, is enjoying a speedy recovery!
And so spring is here.
Our summer plans don’t involve moving YOUNG AMERICA, just moving
us. Will update the blog when we are
‘back on boat’ in September.
Our summer plans don’t involve moving YOUNG AMERICA, just moving
us. Will update the blog when we are
‘back on boat’ in September.
Hope you are staying on the sunny side of life—who and
wherever you are!
wherever you are!
Be well and remember to breathe!
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