THE HIGHESTS LIFT LOCK IN THE WORLD IS NEXT...

Thank goodness a great Country radio station here in Peterborough ON! I was back on those dreadful PBS stations for a few days and this makes all the miles worthwhile. 

I left the little town of Hastings and the Cute Blonde Twins, who ran the marina for the city. In almost every city marina and locks too, for that matter, they employee either students or young people and they are always pleasant. My segment today took me to Petersborough ON, which is home of the highest lift lock in the world. 

What's a lift lock you ask? I'll post pictures tomorrow on Facebook to show you. It's  an amazing contraption, which was built in 1904 and it's still in perfect operating condition today…… I hope! It's very simple.... there are two large tubs, which are each filled with 330,000 gallons of water. They sit side-by-side and can handle up to a 100' boat weighing up to 100 tons! They put two boats in, one in each tub. The amount of water they displace is calculated automatically. The boat they want to descend they add one more gallon of water In its tub and this starts the lift to begin to drop.

This canal system here was built for the same purpose as the Erie Canal, to transport goods and commerce to the western part of the country. The Trent-Severn Waterway system was started before 1900 and finished in about 1920. It really didn't get a chance to move much commerce because by then Rail Roads were taking over hauling most goods. 

Now, the main function of TSW is to provide additional tourists revenue to the government. It's run by the Parks & Recreation Division and not only provides a way to get from one body of water to another but the property around each lock is used as a camping site.

I passed through only one lock today, shortly before entering the marina. There has been very few fuel stops available since I entered the canal system a week ago so it was time to fill'er up! Diesel fuel is a little more expensive here in Canada. Average cost is about one dollar per liter, figuring 4 L per gallon, that would be four dollars a gallon. Since I was low on fuel it took over 800 L or about one thousand dollars worth.

While filling my tanks and getting the waste pumped out, I met a young man and his family, who are from here in Peterborough and they just completed their loop yesterday! There were two adults and two young boys on a 27 foot sailboat! James, Nancy, Lucas, and Marcus were aboard "LIVING LIFE", but for the past two months, only the guys were on board. Nancy had to come home because her mom got sick and she needed to take care of her. Tragically she passed away just 30 days ago! Her father is still living and he is scheduled to join them as they continued. They own a house just around the corner from the marina but it's rented until 1 August, so they're going to continue cruising until then. We're both going on to the Georgian Bay. They say even though they are from here and it's beautiful, GB is wilderness and more beautiful.

I had an unusual meal this evening. Several lock people have told me when I get to Petersborough, I have to eat at the Whistle Stop Cafe. Even though I was tired tonight, I took a little nap then got up and walked about 10 blocks over to it. Very interesting! Of course you had your Goth dress damsel sitting in a corner with a laptop. Seemed to be drawing, or.... A couple of people were ordering and couple more waiting for their take-out. The menu board on the wall was about 15' by 4' times 2! They had, and their specialty was Poutine. Now if you don't know what that is, ask Cellia. She's eaten more of those than ayone but these are different..... very different. They have over 100 different specials ones they are known for. It's basically french fries covered in cheese curd and brown gravy, but to make it special I ordered a chicken something that was baked, cut up chicken, onions, mushrooms, in a little chinese takee outee boxee. It was very good but I could only eat 1/2. Lunch for tomorrow is now safely in my fridge.

Bet you're surprised there's 2 blogs in 2 days, heh?

Thank goodness a great Country radio station here in Peterborough ON! I was back on those dreadful PBS stations for a few days and this makes all the miles worthwhile. 

I left the little town of Hastings and the cute Blonde Twins who ran the marina for the city. In almost every city marina and locks to for that matter, they employee either students or young people and they are always pleasant. My segment today took me to Petersborough, which is home of the highest lift lock in the world. 

What's a lift block you ask? I'll post pictures tomorrow on Facebook to show you. It's  an amazing contraption, which was built in 1904 and it's still in perfect operating conditions today…… I hope! It's very simple.... ]there are two large tubs, which are each filled with 330,000 gallons of water. They sit side-by-side and can handle up to a 100' boat weighing up to 100 tons! They put two boats in, one in each tub. The amount of water they displace is calculated automatically. The boat they want to descend they add one more gallon of water In its tub and this starts the lift to begin to drop.

This canal system here was built for the same purpose as the Erie Canal. That was to transport goods and commerce to the western part of the country. The Trent-Severn Waterway system was started before 1900 and finished in about 1920. It really didn't get a chance to move much commerce because by then Rail Roads were taking over hauling most goods. 

Now, the main function of TSW is to provide additional tourists revenue to the government. It's run by the Parks & Recreation Division and not only provides a way to get from one body of water to another but the property around each lock is used as a camping site.

I passed through only one lock today, shortly before entering the marina. There has been very few fuel stops available since I entered the canal system a week ago so it was time to fill'er up! easel fuel is a little more expensive here in Canada. Average cost is about one dollar per liter, figuring 4 L per gallon, that would be four dollars a gallon. Since I was low on fuel it took over 800 L or about one thousand dollars.

While filling my tanks and getting the waist pumped out, I met a young man and his family, who are from here and they just completed their loop yesterday! There were two adults and two young boys on a 27 foot sailboat! James, Nancy, Lucas, and Marcus were aboard "LIVIN LIFE", but for the past two months, only the guys were on board. Nancy had to come home because her mom got sick and she needed to take care of her. Tragically she passed away just 30 days ago! Her father is still living and he is scheduled to join them as they continued. They own a house just around the corner from the marina but it's rented until 1 August, so they're going to continue cruising until then.

Bet you're surprised there's 2 blogs in 2 days, heh?

Thank goodness a great Country radio station here in Peterborough ON! I was back on those dreadful PBS stations for a few days and this makes all the miles worthwhile. 

I left the little town of Hastings and the cute Blonde Twins who ran the marina for the city. In almost every city marina and locks to for that matter, they employee either students or young people and they are always pleasant. My segment today took me to Petersborough, which is home of the highest lift lock in the world. 

What's a lift block you ask? I'll post pictures tomorrow on Facebook to show you. It's  an amazing contraption, which was built in 1904 and it's still in perfect operating conditions today…… I hope! It's very simple.... ]there are two large tubs, which are each filled with 330,000 gallons of water. They sit side-by-side and can handle up to a 100' boat weighing up to 100 tons! They put two boats in, one in each tub. The amount of water they displace is calculated automatically. The boat they want to descend they add one more gallon of water In its tub and this starts the lift to begin to drop.

This canal system here was built for the same purpose as the Erie Canal. That was to transport goods and commerce to the western part of the country. The Trent-Severn Waterway system was started before 1900 and finished in about 1920. It really didn't get a chance to move much commerce because by then Rail Roads were taking over hauling most goods. 

Now, the main function of TSW is to provide additional tourists revenue to the government. It's run by the Parks & Recreation Division and not only provides a way to get from one body of water to another but the property around each lock is used as a camping site.

I passed through only one lock today, shortly before entering the marina. There has been very few fuel stops available since I entered the canal system a week ago so it was time to fill'er up! easel fuel is a little more expensive here in Canada. Average cost is about one dollar per liter, figuring 4 L per gallon, that would be four dollars a gallon. Since I was low on fuel it took over 800 L or about one thousand dollars.

While filling my tanks and getting the waist pumped out, I met a young man and his family, who are from here and they just completed their loop yesterday! There were two adults and two young boys on a 27 foot sailboat! James, Nancy, Lucas, and Marcus were aboard "LIVIN LIFE", but for the past two months, only the guys were on board. Nancy had to come home because her mom got sick and she needed to take care of her. Tragically she passed away just 30 days ago! Her father is still living and he is scheduled to join them as they continued. They own a house just around the corner from the marina but it's rented until 1 August, so they're going to continue cruising until then.

Bet you're surprised there's 2 blogs in 2 days, heh?

ON TO TRENTON AND THE START OF THE TSW.....

Left Clayton NY on 14 June and traveled about 9 hours into Canada to Trenton ON. This is the starting point for the 245 mile Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW) which will take me to Georgian Bay. This Bay is suppose to be the prettiest place of the whole loop. The ride down was uneventful but had a variety of weather including the usual rain, wind, testy water at times but nothing I hadn’t seen before.

Stayed at the best marina that I have ever seen in Trenton….. bar none! This place was 2 years old and has about 350 slips in it but only 20% full. Their season has not started yet mainly because of all the rain. Older marinas, which have fixed docks (do not float) are underwater around Lake Ontario. This marina had a clubhouse where they hold receptions and parties for the city, beautiful showers, and Free washers and dryers that are the most modern front loaders I’ve seen. My only complaint is the distance I have to walk at every marina because of the size of Phantom. I’m always at the very end of the dock. There was a large, modern grocery and variety of other stores nearby.

I was planning to only stay overnight and start the TSW the next day. There were 2 other looper boats there and I introduced myself to the people on them. One I knew from Tarpon Springs and the other was at New Bern in April but I don’t remember meeting them. Neither were sure when they were leaving so I wasn’t counting on being able to travel with them.

Rain again caused a delay the next morning. It was going to be a challenge doing the locks by myself and I didn’t want to have to begin in the rain. Next morning,16 June, I left the marina in time to reach the 1^st lock by their opening time at 9 am. Bill and I had done the Erie Canals & Locks the week before and I couldn’t see how it could be much different except I was1 person short!

The 1^st lock opened and I eased Phantom inside it’s walls just as I had done through Erie’s 31 locks, stopped her dead in the water, jumped out and caught a line and looped my catch line around it and tied it off. Then I jumped back in the boat and shut the engines down. Canadians are a little different because on the Erie they let you keep engines started. Bill was choking so we even turned them off on the Erie too.

I stood there with my wireless thruster control in case the bow or stern started to swing away from the wall as the water entered. A little push here and little there and soon the level was up to the top of thel lock, gates opened up and we were ready to go on to the next one. Nothing to it, piece of cake….. only 44 more to go!

The river was well marked and it was nice and smooth. You couldn’t really make very good time because there were too many cottages and holiday houses along a still flooded bank and to make a big wake would not be cool. These people had been fighting flood waters for a couple of months and it was my responsibility to watch my wake and keep it small.First day I made it through 12 locks without any problems. A couple of times, I missed grabbing the Lock line on the first try but other than that..;. no problems.

Soon I came to Campbellford. A little village along the canal walls where the Chamber of Commerce rents you space to tie up your boat overnight. You can have power but somehow I forgot to bring an adapter so I ran the generator for awhile then shut it off and went to bed. I didn’t even go out to eat because it turned out to be a pretty exhausting day for me. I think mostly the stress of locking alone didn’t seem like much until I sat down after stopping.

Next day, rain delay again but this time it was with tornado warning and 25-35 mph winds. Even the river had white caps on it. I’m glad I was docked almost under the bridge and sorta around out of the wind using the wall to shield me from the full force.

Next day, I day I was ready to go and at the lock when it was to open at 9 am, One slight problem, they weren’t there. I called on the radio and telephoned but there was no answer. I thought maybe I had mis-read the time or something but there I sat until 10:15 when they came to the water’s edge and shouted they were ready. Explanation given and we went in and out just as the day before another 6 times.

I reached Hastings about 2:30, went through lock 18, and decided this was enough. I called the marina and pulled in there, shut Phantom down and sat down. It’s a nice little town with a good hardware store, which I needed for 2 batteries (normally $5 at home and $10.95 here!

Boat owner next to me said a good place to eat was the Captain’s Table (but it wasn’t). He claimed the Halibutt was big (it wasn’t), cooked nice (it wasn’t – it was over breaded, deep fat fired, and soaked with grease, Ugh). The cute blonde’s, who ran the marina for the city, told me to eat at Banjo’s. I had walked by on my way to the hardware and it was about as big as a postage stamp. As I walked back by on my way to the boat after eating, I stopped in to see for myself. Sat outside on the 3 table porch and enjoyed the sound of the river and a bread pudding for desert. Knew I had made a “halibut” mistake. They were serving homemade meatloaf as their daily special and it looked great.

This morning at 6 am when I woke up it was pouring rain again. I covered my head and went back to sleep. When I woke up again at 9, it was bright sun. I jumped up and checked the weather. This was a “sucker hole” or about an hour of nice weather followed by you guessed it….. heavy rain. I have about a 5 hour run to get to Peterborough tomorrow and there was no way to make it without getting into nasty weather….. so here I am in Hastings until tomorrow. BTW, I did eat at Banjo”s tonight…. Breaded chicken with a mountain of spaghetti and the BEST fresh salad I have had since starting the loop!

Just checked the weather for tomorrow (after it rained outside for the last hour) and the first 4/5 hours in the morning will be fine but about 2pm 75% chance of rain. I’m planning to leave at 7 the latest and be in Peterborough by noon. It’s the biggest city on the TSW so things should be more normal there. So long Hastings!

We’ll see!

LEFT THE GOOD OLE USA FOR CANADA.....

Had a great visit to Johnson City to celebrate Jack's, my brother's, 90th birthday! All his children and grandchildren were there along with my 86 year old sister. It's nice to be included in their festivities and to see how everyone is doing. It's a 2 day event that would tire out a sane person with all the young kids (4 to 14) running around; however, that's not the case because they are all well behaved..... and allowed to have fun! Grandpa even camped out with them on Saturday night

I did the 12 hour return drive to Phantom Tuesday night and almost couldn't see her once I arrived! It was covered with nasty little bugs/fly! I mean they were everywhere. When you tried to get in the door, they came with you, when you tried to breath you sucked them up your nose, when you opened your mouth to scream, you got all the protein you needed for a month! I found out later - after I washed the clothes I had on.... when they were smashed on your clothes, washing does not get them out! I finally gave up on Tuesday night and went to bed. Next morning they were everywhere and I mean everywhere. Got the hose and a bucket of soap and scrubbed all day. No matter what I used, there are still remnants remaining. 

Update on bugs.... like everything's else that's annoying, just leave it alone and get away from it.... it will go away! I think they die overnight. Maybe they were the ugly ducklings of butterflies. They just didn't get pretty, lived one day, and were history the next day! 

I've moved on to Trenton yesterday to stage for the trip up and over the Trent-Severn lock system of Canada. Probably will start that tomorrow. It's 41 locks and about 250 miles. If you've never heard of them, Google this:   www.thetrentsevernwaterway.com    ALSO there are several things to click on for more info on this system included in this article. Don't forget to click on everything because this is all a big deal. Click them all, they are interesting. I'm really looking forward to this section of my Loop. Most people who have done it say it is one of their highest rated parts of the trip and will never be forgotten.

Yesterday's 90 mile, 9 hour trip to Trenton was relatively uneventful except for the weather and the flooding along the way. One is always "Responsible for their Wake"! You don't need a sign to tell us that but even though I was a good mile or more off shore and there was no requirement to slow down, I did so in many areas. Seeing houses 50% flooded doesn't make you want to forget about their personal situation. Many had sand bags surrounding their dwellings, and out buildings, trying to keep water out but you can guess how that's going for them! There was no need for me to add to their plight by going too fast. Too fast for me is only anything over 10 mph. At 10 Phantom makes her presence known far and wide! She sits deep in the water and displaces more than her share when under power. Remember the story about the "Ugly Stick Hustle"! I can "wake" people upon bridges!

Working today to regain control of everything on the boat. I'm sitting here enjoying the down time with a sandwich enjoying absolutely beautiful weather (about time!) but rain is predicted. Let it rain, I've got ONE windshield wiper that came in the mail from ZORO! It's not on yet but I've got it and I think it's gonna fit. Now to see and just order 2 more. The radio has an excellent Country station that I've had on since I arrived yesterday. Canadian love country music.... remember Shania Twain? I was getting so tired of hearing the Pubic Radio Stations of PBS I could have screamed! Why we continue to allow Congress to give those idiots any money I'll never understand. 

The largest CAF base is a only about 3 miles away and they have a very impressive museum that I could go see but organization is foremost in my mind today. I'm also going to attempt to install a piece of my auto pilot that I've been trying to get operational since I left. I'm just waiting for word back from my guy in Tarpon Springs, the expert, to tell me if I have the concept right in order to proceed. 

Tomorrow will be a post about my 1st day in the lock system and how it went. Also, I am trying to post photos and write more on my Facebook page too. That seems to be easier for me so if you want to send me a friend request I'll be glad to include you. You may have to put up with a little soft porn political rankings from time to time but if I can put up with them.... you can probably tolerate me! 

UP THE HUDSON, THROUGH THE ERIE, OSWEGO, ACROSS LAKE ONTARIO

UP THE HUDSON, THROUGH THE ERIE & OSWEGO, ACROSS LAKE ONTARIO AND INTO "THE RIVER" (ST LAWRENCE AS IT'S KNOWN THERE).....

Bill and I left NYC Monday morning 28 May for the CANAL trip up the Hudson River. Traveling into and out of the NY harbor on your own boat is an experience never to be forgotten. It’s a shame that more people didn’t take the opportunity to join me on this portion of the trip. I didn’t stay long there because I’ve seen the sights in NYC and felt nothing could be added by doing more this trip. There is much more to see “up the river”.

The trip on the Hudson River is one of exploring what sources are available to assist with what you’re seeing along the ridge lines of the hills and mountains that contain it. We found Google Earth provides much information at your fingertips. You can also do a “screen capture” to provide history for your archive. We would see something interesting and these sources provided the visual as well as complete information.

The river to the end is 315 miles long. We did the portion to just above Albany, the NY capital, with one stop in Kingston… a trip of 10.7 hours over 110 miles and then on to Waterford the next day. It flows from N to S but is tidal from Troy down to the where it empties into the Atlantic.

Starting immediately are places you’ve heard of all your life, Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, along with the skyline including the 1 World Trade Center, Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, etc.

One of the early landmarks we saw on the river was West Point. The main buildings are impressive and look old but the newer wings were just that, no character. Around back as the river meanders, are the sports facilities. Heard the tour there wasn’t anything like the Naval Academy so we didn’t even try.

Next came a place I wanted to stop but to get there was problematic; however, I was prepared to go through calling a taxi and taking a 20 mile ride to get to the CIA! Our plans were to stop and eat at one of the CIA's famous 5 restaurants but they were closed on Sunday’s and since Monday was a holiday, they were closed then too. Dang!!! Was looking forward to eating at the Culinary Institute of America!

Other places of interest to see along the river, and tour if you had a car available, would be the Vanderbilt Mansion, Franklin Roosevelt’s estate, and that of Samuel Morse (famous for “code”).

We stopped in Kingston as a matter of convenience on our way to stage in Waterford for the beginning of the Erie Canal. By docking along the city wall of Waterford you sit right in front of the 1^st Erie Lock. If you chose, you can be first out in the morning. We pulled up at the very front because it was the only space left, but chose to let the main group depart early so we would not be crowded in the lock and could move at our pace.

What a historic, unheard of feat when built. America was beginning to develop commerce, a system was needed to transport goods coming into the Port of NYC, on to destinations Westward. The Hudson and Mohawk Rivers were chosen to construct this system by then Governor Clinton and the Erie Canal was started in1823. After 425 miles, in October of 1825 it was finished. There were 35 locks and raised us 565 feet above sea level. This finished two year effort opened up the whole Midwest for goods to flow both ways.

We used 3 days to transit the Erie then crossed Lake Oneida (21 miles in open water) to Brewerton NY. This is a popular place people leave their boats in heated, winter storage and come back next spring to continue their loop. I was able to get an electronics guy to look at my wireless remote for the autopilot but thanks to Raymarine and their greedy ways of providing equipment, I needed a short cable to combine them. Of course no one had the cable so part was installed and the rest will be when I get back. I ordered the cable from Amazon.

After Brewerton we entered the Oswego Canal system. This is a short system of only 21 miles. It combines the Erie with Lake Ontario and consist of 7 locks and changes the elevation 118 feet over this distance.

We stayed at Oswego and left early the next day for an easy crossing about 20 miles off shore to enter the St Lawrence River. We traveled to Clayton, where because of several days of nasty weather, I decided this was as good a place as any to put Phantom to sleep and head to my brother’s home in Tennessee to celebrate his 90^th birthday party. I will return around the 10-12 of June to continue my loop and head immediately into Canada, where I’ll probably be for the next month.

I'm atill looking for crew as Celia is starting a new business with her sister and Bill has returned to “honey-dos”! This will be a pretty good challenge….. locking through Canada and the Trent-Severn system single handed! Most say it’s impossible but according to what I read and talking with those who have done it, not with a 53’ boat granted, but Phantom has been kind to me (much more so than I to her!) but we have an understanding….. that we need to do this, so onward it is!

I'M Back...... HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED!

I know it's been awhile since I posted on my blog. I will do better, and try to figure out how to load photos too. Here's why I stopped for a spell and didn't write anything. On May 21 we arrived in Cape May NJ. We had gone up the Chesapeake Bay and crossed the C & D Canal into Delaware Bay then down that to arrive there.

We were having things go so well and we were in a nice rhythm. Celia and I stopped in Annapolis for a couple days then went to Baltimore inner harbor and docked. We toured Ft Monroe and saw the USS Constitution. It was all great and we were making good time in order to get her to NYC before her flight back to Tennessee.

We stayed at a marina at the top of Delaware Bay. The weather was not good so we elected to wait one more day. When we left it was not the best but PHANTOM does not mind rough weather as long as the crew can handle it. We've learned - through some bad experiences - to take things down and put them on beds, in sinks, or in closets. The trip down Delaware Bay can be really rough but this day was a 3/4 out of 10. To help you make-up time there is a tremendous current 3 or 4 mph to help you get down faster. Later than may not prove so friendly!

Cape May is entered through a Canal shortcut. With the current, it flows very fast and has to be taken seriously. We docked at Utsch's Marina. Next day weather had turned bad again but I wanted to move on. There was only one other boat moving so we decided to stay. Next morning, same thing, bad weather but doable but nobody wanted to go. Finally about 11 am, I decided to leave and try it. Big Mistake! Not because of the weather but because having been undecided for two days made me not as prepared as I should have been. I got in a rush to leave and you shouldn't do that.

I prepared everything, made my route on the iPad, went up on the fly bridge, where I drive the boat from normally, and started removing the new covers on the deck covering the seats. I had them special made in Norfolk and the lady who did them didn't get a chance to fix it so it would not pool water on top. Unfortunately was a 3" puddle of water pooled there. When I lifted the cover, my iPad slipped from under my arm and went into the water..... covered by 2"! I grabbed it up, laid it aside, and finished uncovering the instruments and seats. I started the engines and proceeded to leave the marina.

The marina breaker wall you go out to exit the marina opens up directly into the Cape May Canal AND that very fast current I was mentioning. I was trying to see if my iPad was working, trying to see my route, and trying to negotiating the Canal. Before I knew it, the strong current was pushing the bow of the boat directly at a navigational marker in the middle of the channel. In order to steer away from the marker, the right rear roof of the boat struck the marker! When you turn a large boat left the back goes right and that's what happened. Hello R18..... your color, number, and a mental video of that instant will forever be imbedded in my memory.

An explanation of navigational markers is in order here. Some of these markers are little floating cans, or bigger floaters, and some are 20" round steel poles sunk 60 feet down INTO BEDROCK! Then to hold the little red triangle markers, on top of this pole is a welded a steel plate 4/6" thick. This last kind of marker - the non-floating steel one is, of course the kind I chose to become intimidate with!

PHANTOM was wounded but not mortally. One of the supports for her sunroof was literally sawed in half and many of the screws holding the roof to the radar arch came loose. Some of her beautiful wooden railing that I spent weeks varnishing was broken, the supports holding it were bent, and numerous other small incidentals happened. This happened on the morning of 22 May.

I continued on toward Atlantic City for a little while but Celia came up and told me the roof was moving in all directions. Not good so I returned to my Cape May marina to assess the damages. When I saw it, I was heartbroken. All the work I had done for 2 years seemed wasted. It was the original day in my Black Rock! How disappointing the rest of my days that week were. Too much going on, not paying enough attention, and trying to do too much is an expensive lesson to learn.

First thing I did once I returned to the marina was Survey the damage then call the insurance company to report the accident. They sent a surveyor and I got someone to do the estimate. Some loopers staying in the marina came by and together we formulated a strategy to do emergency repairs so I could continue on my Loop.

I contacted the local Harbor Host in Cape May, Bruce & Buffi Miller. They are my counterpart there and provide assistance just as I would in Tarpon Springs. They were new and I was their first customer, the very first looper to call them!

Thursday Bill was scheduled to arrive in Cape May so Celia, after me begging her, drove to the Newark airport to pick him up. I had the surveyor and a guy coming to install another piece of the autopilot scheduled to come and stayed behind. While waiting, Jeff Hester helped me install a new VHF antenna that was torn off. After becoming a nervous wreck and stopping to settle her nerves, Celia finally got Bill and returned to the boat.

He chipped right in and on Thursday we made good progress on the temp repairs. I got up at 5 on Friday to finish installing the last bit of hand rails and we departed for Manasquan NJ late that morning. We passed Atlantic City, because we wanted to get Celia to NYC to see the Statue of Liberty and cruise around the harbor.

The trip Friday was about 8 hours and the seas a little unsettled but we were determined and made it in by 5:30 to our scheduled dock. The river current there was fierce and tides were near 5 feet. The weather report for the next day said we were going to have our best weather the next morning on Saturday for our trip to NYC.

They were 100% correct.... beautiful weather for the 4 and 1/2 hour ride into NYC. It got a little overcast but nothing could dampen our spirits that day! I had a terrible week, but when you're on a boat doing the Loop and a trip of a lifetime, nothing was going to spoil it. The temporary repairs were proving to be more than adequate, Celia got to see NY before she had to fly out the next day, and Bill and I were going to continue up the Hudson River and through the Erie & Oswego Canals, out into my first Great Lake, Ontario and continue on the loop!

BALTIMORE and FORT McHENRY and the WAR of 1812

Had a rather short stay in Baltimore but got a lot more information that I've been looking for.... the reason for the War of 1812. All up the Chesapeake,I've been hearing about the War of 1812. I can't say I remember having any history in school explaining what or why it was or happened. Of course maybe that was because I wasn't paying attention, which was quite often.

Day before yesterday May 17, I met several Loopers, who were docked in Annapolis.... 4 or 5 of them. There were even more that others had seen, which I didn't meet.... 3/4. While we were sitting on one of their boats having "docktails" (the terminology used for a get together to exchange BS and tell lies and drink a cool one). The subject of returning from Canada after we come back to the US, came up. I found out there is a government form one can get from Homeland Security that lets you return, on a boat from a foreign country, without having to go to a border station to check back in.

Some of these Loopers had filled out their paperwork, submitted it, and had an appointment yesterday morning for their personal interview (a requirement to get the approval). I called and asked if I got my paperwork submitted online could I join them for the personnel interview. Very nice lady said of course and to make this long story short.... I got it done! This means people with me, on my boat, don't have to personally appear at an immigration office when they return from outside the country. That includes the Bahamas, the islands, and Cuba if I go. Really a good deal!

Now FORT McHENRY..... a very important part of the history of the Chesapeake. All through my trip up this Bay, I've heard about battles between the Patriots and British. Many of the towns were named after British cities.... Oxford, Cambridge, St Micheal, etc. All towns had strong loyalties to the Crown for quite some time even after the revolution was over.

At the Fort, there was a Park Ranger, who had quite a knowledge of the history and he talked for an hour in the sun and gave an excellent lesson on this part of the War. In a nutshell the War of 1812 was fought between England and America to stop us from trading with the French!

The French and English have always fought about something and during this period Napoleon was running around and he needed our food to feed his troops. The English could never raise enough to feed their people so..... they need the food too. They thought if we were helping the French we should stop and we decided it was to our advantage to have "fair trade",  something our country was founded on.

The British sent 50 war ships to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay to blockade ships carrying goods out. Much of the trading and commerce of the time was coming from this region. They were determined to cut off this supply for France.

To challenge this largest show of navel force ever assembled, America being a very young country and not wealthy enough to have raised a large naval force, could count a total of only 14 vessels among their fleet! They immediately enlisted private people with boats to raid any British ship carrying or carrying goods destined for England.

There were 1,500 British troops on these ships to be used to assault and take Baltimore. To do so they would need the help of a naval bombardment from their ships. These troops were landed on the banks of the Northern banks of the Patapsco River. They were carrying 3 days rations to sustain themselves.

The British ships maneuvered into position to bombard Fort McHenry but the amount of fire they took. They soon retreated to a safe distance out of range of the forts 1 and a half mile range guns but within range of their 2 mile bigger guns. For the next 25 hours they pounded the Fort with all they had!

Thinking was eventually the Fort would have to surrender after such an attack but as dawn arose, slowly an American flag rose too, only this time it was THREE TIMES the size of the one from the previous day! Then as was done everyday on military installations, a single cannon fired their gun to signify the beginning of the day and to show they were not giving up! Once Francis Scott Key saw this, he jotted down some verses and began to write, what has become our National Anthem.

Initially the British ground troops encountered heavy resistance from the local militia and, without support from the guns on the ships, they could not advance as predicted and made camp and ate their 1st days rations,  with little to show for their efforts.

The second day they made some advances but just outside the city they met fierce resistance from a well dug in militia who had fortified their position and had to make camp and eat their 2nd days rations. Still no help from the ships who could not get close enough to damage Fort McHenry.

The third night the British loaded 500 marine reserves into small boats and, under cover of darkness, sent them around the other side of the Fort in what was to be a surprise attack. American batteries ashore heard them and began shelling them and caused them to eventually retreat without landing.

The regular army made no progress during the 3rd day and because they had run out of rations, had to begin their retreat. Soon all were back on boats headed down the Chesapeake and this was the beginning of the end of the war of 1812. All made possible by the successful defense of Baltimore. Even though it would take a 2 more years for the Treaty of Paris to be signed, for all intent and purpose, it was successful defense of Baltimore, which made that treaty possible.

For me, it was a successful day. I had learned about what the war of 1812 was all about and how the victory was eventually won by the defenders of Baltimore. After spending considerable time walking along the top of the forts ramparts and envisioning the battle taking place, it was even more rewarding next day to sail (under power of course) out the same channel where the British fleet had been anchored and maneuver my boat into the same position and see how the forts guns could have rained shell after shell on them from above.

Very late in the day we returned to the inner harbor in order to see the USS Constitution, old Ironsides, which was anchored there for visitors to tour. By the time we got to the ticket window it was 4:30 and they were closing at 5. Price for two attractions (they had 5 other historical exhibits to see) was $16 and I knew I wouldn't get to experience the full advantage of being there so I opted out until next time I return.

Tomorrow, May 19 is the final day on the Chesapeake as I go all the way up to the Chesapeake & Delaware (D&C) Canal and head East into the mouth of the Delaware River, which flows South into the Delaware Bay. 75 miles later, at the end of the Bay, we round Cape May and enter that portion of my trip which heads out into the Atlantic Ocean. Up to Atlantic City for one overnight, then on to New York, New York and by the Stature of Liberty for what will prove to be one of the highlights of my trip!

CHILLIN IN ANNAPOLIS.....

Actually burning up in Annapolis is more like it.

OK, we were at White Point Marina after the "DO OVER" return trip there on our aborted 1st attempt to reach Solomon Island. If you've looked at the track we laid down, no one can figure it out. I haven't really seen it because I might get dizzy. When we left WPM on Friday to get over to Solomon it was really iffy. Once I reached the point where the Potomac entered the Chesapeake it was too much for me to handle.

That taught me a lot but I was not prepared to handle that kind of turbulence. The boat was doing things I could anticipate or control so I told Celia, we have to go back. Rob was very nice and told us we made the right choice. We laid low on Sunday as the weather continued to be nasty. Winds all up the Chesapeake were 25/30 mph and tho the water was relative calm, that's no day to have fun in the sun on the water.

We saw that Monday was going to be beautiful so we opted out for leaving that day. It was, flat water clear skies, no traffic. Once we arrived there we took a drive around the boardwalk, only this was really a sidewalk like any other near a beach road. Not much to it but Celia went walking and I stopped by yet another museum!

There was one interesting thing I didn't know and hadn't seen before'. They had on display a mockup of the largest shark that has ever been on Earth, bigger than a dinosaur. It was called a MEGALOON. They went extinct about 2.5 million years ago and even though the Science Channel says they could still be alive, people who know say by 99.9% they are not.

So Tuesday we left for Annapolis in glass seas with no wind. It was a straight run up the Bay and surprisingly we saw hundreds of boaters out on the water fishing. Some were dragging lines, some crabbing, some with nets trapping fish. Ever way you can think of they were working it. Once we got closer to Annapolis there were 4 large Tankers anchored in the entrance to the harbor. Celia sat up front and took pictures of them as we passed by.

We pull into the dock and once secured, we walked up through the town. Interesting middle of the city with very small shops (not too many T-shirts tho) selling pretty expensive clothing, mostly for women. Next week is going to be their busy week here as the Naval Academy has their graduation next week. This place will be a mad house.

The bars along the waterfront have been here for awhile. We were in Middleton's yesterday that has been there since 1740 and owned b.y the same man now for 49 years. Had some of the best steamed mussels yesterday I've had in quite awhile..... and a Stella!

Going to tour the Academy today and take it easy walking around another part of town. There are 5 other Loopers that I've seen here at different docks. Lots more behind us starting to take advantage of some well deserved nice weather. I'm trying to get rid of the remnants of a nasty cold I caught last week (first one in 5 years and I hate them).

Tomorrow we leave for Baltimore and the inner harbor. A new to them boat owner who arrived yesterday said he just came from there and it was very expensive to dock there. Whatever, gotta say I was there. He said the harbor was very dirty and industrial. Maybe only stay one night and move on. Next stop afterwards will be overnight at the entrance to the C & D Canal, which will take me to the Delaware Bay. Then down that to Cape May, which we round out into the Atlantic Ocean for our trip up to Atlantic City. All this, with good weather, will take 5/6 days. We'll see!

AFTER THE OIL CHANGE…..

I wanted to get up to the Soloman Islands as soon I could so after Tom finished changing the oil, checking the engines, I decided to cast off for a short 3+ hours ride down the Potomac around the Point then up the Chesapeake. The 1.5 hour ride across the Potomac was testy but easily done but once I rounded the Point, King Neptune had a surprise in store for me!

I was hit with Wind, Current, Waves, Tides, Convenulence of different bodies of water, Crap Traps, etc. All these things together made for an impossible condition. After fighting them for 30 minutes…. I gave up and decided it was better to “live to fight another day”.

There wasn’t really any alternative port available to get outa my perdictment but finally I got PHANTOM turned and headed back to the marina I had left from. You may ask “why if it was so rough”? My answer is I could surf her back on the waves and use the push from them as a boost. Took less time to get back and Rob was waiting at the dock.

After tying up, getting a warm shower, off we went to BACK DRAFT for their Friday night special of Steak & Lobster as a reward for making the right choice to return to a safe port.  

BACK DRAFT…. THE RESTAURANT!

I have to write about our experience(s) at Back Draft. Our first experience with food in this area was at Tim’s up at Cole Point. You have to remember that nothing is really open around here until Memorial Day and of course Monday’s were never a big restaurant day anywhere. That was where Rob recommended us go on our initial visit to his marina. Now we have a choice since it was Thursday…. and that’s Back Draft’s big special day!

Back Draft is owned by a retire Fireman of course. Very sparse building with a restaurant on one side and a Smoking Bar on the other! Plenty of patches from fire departments around the walls and fire extinguishers & hydrants too.

The Thursday special is All U-Can-Eat for $23.95! But wait, expensive you say, but I haven’t told you what you get to eat…..

How about Shrimp fixed 3 different ways…. scampi (that means broiled with garlic & butter , fried, or broiled OR Fish (cod, grouper, and 2 or 3 other choices) OR BBQ (ribs, pulled pork/beef).

Good enough for me, I’ll have scampi shrimp, Celia fried shrimp. Oh I forgot, hush puppies, & FF included. It came and was delicious. We ate our portions and they were large and ordered more fixed differently. After the 2^nd portion I changed to ribs and Celia quit. After ribs I went back to more shrimp fried. Not a bad night for good food. Only problem was they had store bought pies. Seems like the local lady who used to make their desserts, especially apple pudding, quit. Sucks!!!

Well since the weather sent us back here Back Draft has another special for Friday night. Steak & Lobster. Back in the truck, back to Back Draft. Lobster looked huge but meat was meager. Steak was filet m. and very good.

EAT'IN IN RUAL VA AT TIM'S

Anyway, I talked to Rob the owner about having a new wireless autopilot controller installed and hopefully on my return trip back down the Potomac there will be an electronics installer ready to do just that.... install it. One issue I've been trying to get taken care of is windshield wipers. I have none, can't find anyone with them in stock, and most don't want to fool with them. Rob had his people come out to the boat and measure my windows and he's going to try to have them by the time I get back. Lastly, by the time I'm there again I'll have my 200 hours on the oil and they'll do the oil change for me and send off the oil analysis to CAT for me.

You normally don't get things scheduled this quick but one thing I learned while there was that their tourist season doesn't start until Labor Day or about 3 weeks from now. PHANTOM was the only boat in the water in the marina! Looked lonely sitting there by herself but I'm really glad I was cold and wanted to stop. If any other Loopers happen to read this blog, you will not find a better HOST that Rob and White Point Marina (804-472-2977).

Oh and I forgot to say, I asked about eating. Rob said most places were closed on Monday but he'd check. Later he came by and said try this place..... Tim's Riverfront Restaurant at Coles Marina. "Here" he said "are the keys to my truck. Take it and I've drawn you a detailed map on how to get there, but you have to go down some little country roads" like it was a big deal. It wasn't because I was raised on more country roads that they were BUT this marina is out in the sticks.... with no Verizon signal. It's like being somewhere in space with no lifeline. Serious panic for some on PHANTOM, huh C?

We pulled up to Tim's Riverfront and there was an old rustic log home boarded up that overlooked the most beautiful view of anywhere I've ever seem. Fantastic views of the Potomac for at lease 20 miles up and down the river.

Well it didn't look crowded.... actually there was a car there when we drove up but as we were taking photos, they came out and drove off. When we went inside there was one guy sitting at the bar. I asked the tattooed, with tongue, ear, lip, and who knows where else, rings piecing all kinds of body parts..... how long is the wait? Anyway, I talked to Rob the owner about having a new wireless autopilot controller installed and hopefully on my return trip back down the Potomac there will be an electronics installer ready to do just that.... install it. One issue I've been trying to get taken care of is windshield wipers. I have none, can't find anyone with them in stock, and most don't want to fool with them. Rob had his people come out to the boat and measure my windows and he's going to try to have them by the time I get back. Lastly, by the time I'm there again I'll have my 200 hours on the oil and they'll do the oil change for me and send off the oil analysis to CAT for me.

You normally don't get things scheduled this quick but one thing I learned while there was that their tourist season doesn't start until Labor Day or about 3 weeks from now. PHANTOM was the only boat in the water in the marina! Looked lonely sitting there by herself but I'm really glad I was cold and wanted to stop. If any other Loopers happen to read this blog, you will not find a better HOST that Rob and White Point Marina (804-472-2977).

Oh and I forgot to say, I asked about eating. Rob said most places were closed on Monday but he'd check. Later he came by and said try this place..... Tim's Riverfront Restaurant at Coles Marina. "Here" he said "are the keys to my truck. Take it and I've drawn you a detailed map on how to get there, but you have to go down some little country roads" like it was a big deal. It wasn't because I was raised on more country roads that they were BUT this marina is out in the sticks.... with no Verizon signal. It's like being somewhere in space with no lifeline. Serious panic for some on PHANTOM, including me, huh C?

We pulled up to Tim's Riverfront and there was an old rustic log home boarded up that overlooked the most beautiful view of anywhere I've ever seem. Fantastic views of the Potomac for at lease 20 miles up and down the river.

Well it didn't look crowded.... actually there was a car there when we drove up but as we were taking photos, they came out and drove off. When we went inside there was one guy sitting at the bar. I asked the tattooed, with tongue, ear, lip, and who knows where else, rings piecing all kinds of body parts..... how long is the wait?

SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE....

I know everyone thinks I've disappeared but I've just been without WiFi for a couple of days and could not publish anything. Now you have something to do with your idle time while I freeze. Actually this is one day we awoke to sunshine so we're moving to Solomons to take advantage. With all the cold and rainy weather I've finally caught a cold (ugh) after 5 years at least not having one. Whatever, onward I charge!

GEORGE's FARM back to WHITE PT MARINA

WHAT A FUN RIDE BACK DOWN THE POTOMAC….. I sent a video clip to several people and they could just look at it and say “WoW”! To give you some perspective of what it was like…. if you added the effects of a rolla coaster, to rides at water world, to the roughest carnival ride you’ve ever experienced, and add in some sound effects plus what it would be like sitting in the motor compartment of a double motor 18 wheeler….. you’d pretty much have what it was like….. and it wasn’t even THAT ROUGH !!!

After an absolutely perfect day visiting Mount Vernon (Home of George Washington for those who didn’t know, but were afraid to ask because they’d be ridiculed). Once in the DC area, I contacted Rich and Barb Courtney, who now live in Fairfax VA. They were friends from Germany and I’ve had in mind visiting them if I took this trip. Both have had some health issues recently but now are doing much better and we all spent the day visiting the beautiful gardens of Washington’s home. Afterwards, we stopped for some food and drink and talked of earlier times. Seeing them again after 20 years has been one of the highlights of my trip so far.

The grounds of MV are beautiful, well maintained, and it left me with a feeling of being on hallowed ground. Think about walking where Washington walked and seeing what he accomplished. He was a master politician but not in the same sense as the ones we have today. He knew when it was time for him to quit….. and he did! Today, 535 should all quit after 2 terms! Enough opinion on this for today.

Several things puzzled me about this experience. The grounds were filled with school kids on field trips, their teachers, and chaperons. Most were very well behaved, having fun, giggling and talking as they strolled throughout. I wondered if any of them realized the historical meaning of this man since nothing much is taught in school these days about our history. A few might know he cut down a cherry tree at and early age but how many would know he fought for the British before taking command of the Continental Army?

Our heritage is being changed, not by history, but rather by street gangs and people with little respect for what this country has achieved in a very short period of  time. Minority groups are destroying the heritage, which some of the bravest men to live fought and died for because they believed it was right, not because they would gain something for doing so.

Mount Vernon is NOT owned by the people of the United States but rather by a “Women’s Group”. Not because it is a woman’s but just the fact that it is a Private Group, and not the people, I offended! Because there were so many people there, we were RUSHED through the grounds, house, and descriptions of Washington’s life like cattle. The narrators were courteous but short and clearly wanted us to move on quickly. $20 for a quickie with the “Father of Our Country” I call it.

But wait, the best is yet to come. Also on the grounds are a Museum and Historical sections. Glancing quickly through the museum you could see a pattern staring to develop...... one of the abused slave! But the next exhibit came at you full force. All the things that were done to blacks, especially those who worked for Washington. So our hero took advantage of slaves! Many people did but this was THE MAN. He did give them their freedom when he died. Martha lived an additional 3 years before she died and her own slaves were property given to others.

This means pretty soon that George and Martha will be disgraced, pictures and statues will be destroyed, and memories of them will be replaced. It makes me sad that names like Trevon Martin, Harvey Milk, and whoever the most popular is Rapper will be known and discussed more in school.

Pardon my soap box but I’m just offended that the biggest landowner in the US doesn’t own Mt Vernon, that it’s been turned into a propaganda tool, and that our History and Heritage is quickly being lost!

Have a good day!

DELTAVILLE TO WHITE POINT MARINA, Kinsale VA

Boy did I get "sat upon and <whipped and put up wet" today PLUS at the end of the day I was frozen. We take showers on a boat differently from @home. You get in the shower, wet your body then turn the water OFF, soap up, then rinse off. That way you save water. It is the most precious thing on a boat, not necessarily PHANTOM because we have been docking in marinas each night and we can tank up. It's sorta a pain in the butt, but only takes a few minutes. Last night was different because I had to warm up someway and I did that with warm water running over my body because I was frozen!!! The Chesapeake was rough, very windy and cold.

This gave me a real sense of what George Washington accomplished during the Revolutionary War! He crossed many rivers including the Delaware River during the winter, I suppose in rain, sleet, and snow. Back when he did it, was much tougher I'm sure.He didn't have 2 X 455 hp pushing his boat so I can imagine how long it took him to get across. Thank goodness the only thing we ended up with from the English is their English language and a curse of a legal system of torts. We were really doing nothing but running up the Potomac River just to say I have taken my boat up the Potomac River, eventually ending up where George slept!

Finally after 6 hours, I had planned to do 8, I just had enough and looked for "Plan B" marina's. Low & behold there was White Point Marina. It wasn't the closest but sometime you thank what is better AND boy did this turn out to be a better deal. The marina had been in the family for over 50 years. It was small but they have been servicing vessels for that 50 years. They don't have a big fork lift to remove boats from the water, they have a railway car pulled by a Diesel engine using cables on guides just like the funicular going up to Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga. Sitting on it was a Monk trawler gettin her bottom cleaned and painted. The shop reminds me of the type of marina/yards I saw in Germany during the 33 years I was there. I love the old way of doing things. Makes so much more sense.

Anyway, I talked to Rob the owner about having a new wireless autopilot controller installed and hooefully on my return trip back down the Potomac there will be an electronics installer ready to do just that.... install it. One issue I've been trying to get taken care of is windshield wipers. I have none, can't find anyone with them in stock, and most don't want to fool with them. Rob had his people come out to the boat and measure my windows and he's going to try to have them by the time I get back. Lastly, by the time I'm there again I'll have my 200 hours on the oil and they'll do the oil change for me and send off the oil analysis to CAT for me.

You normally don't get things scheduled this quick but one thing I learned while there was that their tourist season doesn't start until Labor Day or about 3 weeks from now. PHANTOM was the only boat in the water in the marina! Looked lonely sitting there by herself but I'm really glad I was cold and wanted to stop. If any other Loopers happen to read this blog, you will not find a better HOST that Rob and White Point Marina (804-472-2977).

Oh and I forgot to say, I asked about eating. Rob said most places were closed on Monday but he'd check. Later he came by and said try this place..... Tim's Riverfront Restaurant at Coles Marina. "Here" he said "are the keys to my truck. Take it and I've drawn you a detailed map on how to get there, but you have to go down some little country roads" like it was a big deal. It wasn't because I was raised on more country roads that they were BUT this marina is out in the sticks.... with no Verizon signal. It's like being somewhere in space with no lifeline. Serious panic for some on PHANTOM, huh C?

We pulled up to Tim's Riverfront and there was an old rustic log home boarded up that overlooked the most beautiful view of anywhere I've ever seem. Fantastic views of the Potomac for at lease 20 miles up and down the river.

Well it didn't look crowded.... actually there was a car there when we drove up but as we were taking photos, they came out and drove off. When we went inside there was one guy sitting at the bar. I asked the tattooed, with tongue, ear, lip, and who knows where else, rings piecing all kinds of body parts..... how long is the wait? She calmly said "none" and moved toward out table. Food was good but not spectacular, but plenty of it for later. Two other people can later for soup or something small and left quickly. Learn that their season here does not start until Labor Day and that's 2+ weeks off.