Everybody's been asking what's happening. Well it's very simple.... I had a rendezvous to attend last week from Tuesday through Friday and I decided to take a trip home before I get started up the Chesapeake Bay. I knew I wasn't going to want to stop once under way so I'm relaxing in East TN watching all the tress "leaf" and the flowers bloom. It's the most beautiful time of the year in the mountains and once I moved back from Germany to Florida I said to myself that I would always try to spend the Spring months at "home"..... so here I am!
The American Great Looper Cruising Association held it's semi-annual rendezvous in New Bern NC, 25-29 April. The main purpose of the meeting is to inform those who are attempting the loop this year to get expert boaters to tell them the most important issues going to be confronting them during the next few months on the trip. We were given information on what routes to take depending on our travel plans, what marinas were the most accommodating, things to see and do in each area where we plan to stop to include the best eating and relaxing spots.
This year we were very fortunate to have from the Canadian government lock system the person in charge of the whole system. He went into detail about what "locking" is all about and how is "team members" will interface with those locking through. We are especially lucky that year as it's the 150th anniversary of the system and the transit through all locks will be free! Yep, doesn't cost up one Canadian Cent! That's to include the cost of docking or tying up on the walls of the locks. In addition, the National Parks System is Free also! I've hit it lucky regarding charges to get to and see the main points of interest.
Other speakers informed us of the trip up the Hudson, trip while on the Erie Canal and Trent-Severn Waterway, movement through the Great Lakes including Lake Ontario and Michigan. The stories we were told of what awaits us in each place makes one want to get there NOW!
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Sunday, April 23, 2017
SO MUCH HISTORY.... so little time!
It's been almost like preparing for a test (but I have to be honest, I didn't do that much). The big difference today is it's much more interesting and one should want to know the history of our country. Yesterday was a lot of "Maritime Museum" but much different from the small towns along the coasts of SC & NC, who each have their own maritime museums. Those are more suited to who-is-who in their local area. Blackbeard the pirate is a good example. The museum in Beaufort NC tells his story. The Norfolk museum includes how the UNITED STATES developed their own navy but is actually a history lesson describing all countries and how ships were important to their survival and growth. I could have stay many more days but wanted to visit Jamestown and Williamsburg.
I went to Williamsburg yesterday about 2pm, but shopping is not my thing. It is a beautiful, clean, very busy place. The stores and houses are storybook-like almost as if they were printed on a 3D printer. Lots of families visiting there, which surprised me, and I kept thinking why? Disney couldn't have dressed and outfitted them anymore perfect than the whole town was..... all except me! This just wasn't my place. Having said that I must admit I did go into a Celtic store and bought myself an Irish shirt (could also have Scottish too)!
Off I go to Jamestown as it's only a short 20 minute ride there and I thought I could maybe see it all. That was a mistake, mainly because within 10 minutes of my arrival, It started to rain. There are 3 parts to Jamestown, the Fort, the boats, and the inside where I found the most interesting part. The 3 boats, which were built around 2005 to represent the 3 original boats that sailed from England to bring the Virginia Colony to the new world. One good thing about arriving late, the museum will issue another ticket for admission anytime during the next three days because you've arrive so late. I decided I'd come back the next day
Hoping today would be better, I set off again to discover the roots to our country. Rainmakers were working overtime but by the time I arrived back in Jamestown, Pocahontas had worked her magic and it had stopped. I got to see it all today and can't believe how much I learned.
One of the most interesting "WoW" things concerned water. Each display had a volunteer dressed in period costume to explain what we were seeing. I asked a question about the earliest settlers if they made "mead". For those who don't know, this is an alcoholic beverage made and drank in Europe early on. I was surprised to learn that the ONLY drink was BAD water. This caused serious health issues for all settlers. The most surprising thing is they DID NOT KNOW TO BOIL WATER, which would have killed the bacteria and saved countless people! Mosquitoes and Malaria killed many as their wells soon became contaminated with salt and brackish water from the swamp Jamestown was built on.
SO MUCH TO LEARN..... so little time!
I went to Williamsburg yesterday about 2pm, but shopping is not my thing. It is a beautiful, clean, very busy place. The stores and houses are storybook-like almost as if they were printed on a 3D printer. Lots of families visiting there, which surprised me, and I kept thinking why? Disney couldn't have dressed and outfitted them anymore perfect than the whole town was..... all except me! This just wasn't my place. Having said that I must admit I did go into a Celtic store and bought myself an Irish shirt (could also have Scottish too)!
Off I go to Jamestown as it's only a short 20 minute ride there and I thought I could maybe see it all. That was a mistake, mainly because within 10 minutes of my arrival, It started to rain. There are 3 parts to Jamestown, the Fort, the boats, and the inside where I found the most interesting part. The 3 boats, which were built around 2005 to represent the 3 original boats that sailed from England to bring the Virginia Colony to the new world. One good thing about arriving late, the museum will issue another ticket for admission anytime during the next three days because you've arrive so late. I decided I'd come back the next day
Hoping today would be better, I set off again to discover the roots to our country. Rainmakers were working overtime but by the time I arrived back in Jamestown, Pocahontas had worked her magic and it had stopped. I got to see it all today and can't believe how much I learned.
One of the most interesting "WoW" things concerned water. Each display had a volunteer dressed in period costume to explain what we were seeing. I asked a question about the earliest settlers if they made "mead". For those who don't know, this is an alcoholic beverage made and drank in Europe early on. I was surprised to learn that the ONLY drink was BAD water. This caused serious health issues for all settlers. The most surprising thing is they DID NOT KNOW TO BOIL WATER, which would have killed the bacteria and saved countless people! Mosquitoes and Malaria killed many as their wells soon became contaminated with salt and brackish water from the swamp Jamestown was built on.
SO MUCH TO LEARN..... so little time!
Saturday, April 22, 2017
SITES of NORFOLK and SURROUNDING AREA
Some people have said I'm not enjoying my Loop enough because I haven't been stopping to "smell the roses"! Everyone enjoys "things" at their own pace and my pace has been just perfect for me. Leaving Florida was leaving something without exploring because I have seen most things there many times over since l've lived there since returning from Germany and even before that our father used to subject me to the annual "Christmas Trip" there during the holiday break. The only thing I remember about those trips were the speeding ticket he'd always get in Georgia, the bad motels we'd stop in for the nights ( yes, that's plural too because normally it took a couple of those torture nights to get there). Add in the bad roads and equally bad food and you had a lot of..... "are we there yet?" questions!
There were good things about going too..... riding my tricycle around some kind of park, the fruit trees (oranges & tangerines, but not the kumquats) to eat from at Ike's house when we visited; however, the afternoon naps were more torture. Lying there sweating because there was no A/C in Florida then. I guess all in all it was enjoyable if riding in a car for 5/6 days (again no a/c) during a 10 day vacation can be considered FUN! I digress.... Enough about my childhood and more about Norfolk.
Today I went to the Nauticus exhibit. They have a number of attractions there and I chose the USS Wisconsin, the last battleship made. Launched in 1944, she saw limited action in WWII but was used in Korea and Iraq/Kuwaiti. Quite impressive to see the 16" guns which launched a shell weighing 2,600 lbs and took 6 power bags weighing 110 lbs each. Toured throughout and saw home to a crew of 3,000. We saw a daily menu of food consumed and as an example, they ate 540 dozen eggs each day! The rest of what was eaten daily was just as staggering. One thing that impressed was the top of the ship was made of TEAK and most of the fixtures below were made of Stainless steel. As soon as I figure out how, I'll post the pics I took. Very big boat!
Also there was a small maritime museum I visited. Lots of artifacts from the civil war. I'll see more tomorrow when I visit the Maritime Museum in Hampton Roads. Included in their items is the original Union ship, the "Monitor", which fought a historic battle with the CSS Merrimack
There were good things about going too..... riding my tricycle around some kind of park, the fruit trees (oranges & tangerines, but not the kumquats) to eat from at Ike's house when we visited; however, the afternoon naps were more torture. Lying there sweating because there was no A/C in Florida then. I guess all in all it was enjoyable if riding in a car for 5/6 days (again no a/c) during a 10 day vacation can be considered FUN! I digress.... Enough about my childhood and more about Norfolk.
Today I went to the Nauticus exhibit. They have a number of attractions there and I chose the USS Wisconsin, the last battleship made. Launched in 1944, she saw limited action in WWII but was used in Korea and Iraq/Kuwaiti. Quite impressive to see the 16" guns which launched a shell weighing 2,600 lbs and took 6 power bags weighing 110 lbs each. Toured throughout and saw home to a crew of 3,000. We saw a daily menu of food consumed and as an example, they ate 540 dozen eggs each day! The rest of what was eaten daily was just as staggering. One thing that impressed was the top of the ship was made of TEAK and most of the fixtures below were made of Stainless steel. As soon as I figure out how, I'll post the pics I took. Very big boat!
Also there was a small maritime museum I visited. Lots of artifacts from the civil war. I'll see more tomorrow when I visit the Maritime Museum in Hampton Roads. Included in their items is the original Union ship, the "Monitor", which fought a historic battle with the CSS Merrimack
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
MY INTRODUCTION to the s
It was a day to remember! We stayed the night at Top Rack Marina yesterday. After filling with fuel we decided it was too late to continue on to Norfolk. I made reservations to stay at Bay Point Marina there as they had the best prices for my situation. 2 weeks for $850, 4 weeks for $850.... strange, it's no typo. Right across the channel (100 yds) from the SEAL's trading base. Today we watched them in rubber boats running upon the front doors of Landing. Rafts.
Coming up here this morning those 30 miles it was rainy, very cool, and windy until we reached the channel, which enters the lower part of the Chesapeake. The seas turned ugly and waves were hitting us head on with 5/6' waves, many coming over the bow as the anchor plowed into the next one.
Not being used to this, I must say.... it was exciting but PHANTOM was doing her best to plow through each one. Sometimes running at 10 mph and other times at a crawl. The Coast Guard stopped a fishing boat running too fast and close to the Naval yards with 5 aircraft carriers. They boarded and were looking throughout the boat for a good 1/2 hour. Then a tug pushed an aircraft carrier out into the Cheaspeake besides me. She fell in behind me for 5 miles with the waves coming over my bow I had to slow almost to a stop and she passed me. At that time my first container ship passed by and I almost missed seeing the waves which came from her wake. They were a good 6/8' tall and combined with all the others, it made for an wild ride through it all. As we came closer to a bridge the water began to calm down and we made the marina and docked PHANTOM and sat down for a well deserved rest.
Norfolk is of course home to a large Naval contingent. Where we are docked is right across from the Navy Seals training base. This afternoon they were practicing in little rubber boats running upon the front gate of an LST. This is a craft you see in old war movies running up to the beach and discharging combat troops.
I'll be cleaning and servicing PHANTOM and unloading some things I probably will not need any further. I'm going to rent a car and go to New Bern for the Loopers Rendezvous next week and hopefully drive to TN for a few days after that.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
SITTIN OUTSIDE of NORFOLK, waiting to take the City by Storm!f
I made it toViriginia! I'm within 30 miles of Norfolk today and we stopped for cheap fuel at Top Rack Marina. They have some good prices on diesel and you can stay overnight for $35 including power. That's a great price but there's absolutely nothing around except a barge loading dock! It was slow going for awhile today because of the bridges and one lock. We waited 20 minutes for one and almost an hour for another bridge. I made a reservation in Portsmouth to leave PHANTOM next week so I can attend the AGLCA Rendezvous in New Bern. I'll rent a car and drive there and maybe to JC for a few days after the meeting. I'm still looking for people to go with me and hoping someone will show up at the Rendezvous. If not, I'll just make shorter hops around the Cheaspeake until some of the other Loopers come from the Rendezvous and I'll ask if the mind if I tag along with some of them.
BEAUFORT, BELHAVEN, & Points North
We left Beaufort after spending 2 full days there, Sat & Easter Sunday. We got to where we liked the place. Marine Museum, depicting the history of Blackbeard the Piriate. It also included lots of info about ship building, fishing, and the surrounding village. There was a monument to John Smith, an Astronaut on the Challenger Mission, which exploded and killed all aboard. He was from Beaufort. I called a young guy to come look at an electrical problem and he ended up him installing 2 batteries, which I had brought from Tarpon Springs. I didn't put them in before I left because I ran outa time. Ryan did an excellent job and he was very reasonable with what he charged. If anyone reads this and needs help, give Ryan a call @ 252-241-4907. Good work at realistic prices. I had the people at Thunderbolt Marina look at the job he did and they said it would take 21/22 hours to do it and Ryan did the job in less than 6 hours. Easter morning there was a Sunrise service down on the docks. When I got there the pastor was saying the final prayer so I didn't get much outa the sermon. I am award of the reason for Easter and blessed that God gave his son to die on the cross for our sins, which means, as long as we believe, we will have eternal life. One good thing about Beaufort was Roland's restaurant! They had collards, black eyed peas, fried green tomatoes, ribs, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, pecan & sweet potatoe pie! We ate there Friday and I went back and got $48 worth of to-go to take over to the "Tag Team" boat. They're from Texas and invited us to shared some crabs they had bought from a crabber along the river coming up! Excellent.... along with the fixins I brung!
We stayed at Belhaven NC last night after an 8 hour run up the inside coast. The Marina wasn't much but the kids working there were nice. Pulling into the dock a black snake was snoozing and Joe started to pick it up thinking it as a line/rope. At the other end of the boat Craig was starting to tie up the stern and Joe threw him a black rope! He thought it was a snake too and jumped a mile. A little amusement to humor ourselves. Everybody survived. The town wasn't much but I got a ride to the Foodie Lioness to pick up some more Moon Pies! The night was not very comfortable as the wind was blowing last night and waves were slapping the boat. Anyway, up at 6, on the way by 7 until 5 today.
We crossed the Albermar Sound today. The is a big body of water and because of the depth being ONLY 12' any wind from any direction can make it very uncomfortable. It was NOT scary, unsafe, uncomfortable or anything approaching any of these, BUT it was windy and when my fridge decided to throw up in the middle of the galley (kitchen) floor with 90% of its contents...... NOW this was irritating, to say the lease! Toms BBQ sauce was the big problem. It went all over everything plus other jars broke, which didn't make me happy at the end of the day BUT it was my fault for ensuring the doors were locked!!!!! Sitting here writing before bed I just heard a big Diesel engine approaching. It was a Tug and 1 Barge going by. This is always a high point for a looper day, to see and pass a tug tug boat moving a Barge.
Tomorrow we'll be in Norfolk or the lower Chesapeake. It's been one day more than 3 weeks and I think we've done great. Covered quite a distance in that time and I'm about 1/3 thru the Loop.
We stayed at Belhaven NC last night after an 8 hour run up the inside coast. The Marina wasn't much but the kids working there were nice. Pulling into the dock a black snake was snoozing and Joe started to pick it up thinking it as a line/rope. At the other end of the boat Craig was starting to tie up the stern and Joe threw him a black rope! He thought it was a snake too and jumped a mile. A little amusement to humor ourselves. Everybody survived. The town wasn't much but I got a ride to the Foodie Lioness to pick up some more Moon Pies! The night was not very comfortable as the wind was blowing last night and waves were slapping the boat. Anyway, up at 6, on the way by 7 until 5 today.
We crossed the Albermar Sound today. The is a big body of water and because of the depth being ONLY 12' any wind from any direction can make it very uncomfortable. It was NOT scary, unsafe, uncomfortable or anything approaching any of these, BUT it was windy and when my fridge decided to throw up in the middle of the galley (kitchen) floor with 90% of its contents...... NOW this was irritating, to say the lease! Toms BBQ sauce was the big problem. It went all over everything plus other jars broke, which didn't make me happy at the end of the day BUT it was my fault for ensuring the doors were locked!!!!! Sitting here writing before bed I just heard a big Diesel engine approaching. It was a Tug and 1 Barge going by. This is always a high point for a looper day, to see and pass a tug tug boat moving a Barge.
Tomorrow we'll be in Norfolk or the lower Chesapeake. It's been one day more than 3 weeks and I think we've done great. Covered quite a distance in that time and I'm about 1/3 thru the Loop.
Friday, April 14, 2017
MOVING RIGHT ALONG or "This Loop Ain't Gonna Git Me Down"!
We're naturally mak'in great progress! We've been traveling some shallow places with require strict attention to the channel markers. Even then is no guarantee that you won't hit, touch, or kiss the bottom of some pretty shallow shoals. Shoals are NOT your friend. We've been on several and more than that, we've backed off some places that one does not want to be.
Wrightsville Beach Marina was a real challenge. The best thing about it was I was able to find a guy to check our synchronizer for the engines. I didn't get time to have that fixed before I left. It was working until about 6 months ago. He was very knowledgeable and couldn't find anything wrong. After talking about them, we determined I didn't remember how to operate them. DUH.... I'm glad the things I'm having fixed are operators error and not something wrong with the equipment.
We came up from Wrightsville Beach yesterday and the day before that (that'd be Wednesday night) we pulled into a beautiful, new marina. There was hardly anyone there. It was right on the ICW (that's inter costal waterway for you who know not) and a very narrow place. The current was ripping through there about 3 knots (that's about 4+ mph for you KN)l and when I tried to get close to the dock the young (pretty thing) they sent to help us with our lines, didn't know much (i.e. anything) and she couldn't get the lines around a cleat to hold the boat so we could tie up. In trying to help, I used up my thrusters (they are extra motors front and back, with propellers on them to help move the boat sideways. If you run them too long they QUIT and that's not good. Mine did.... quit! After all the trouble finally getting in there, their power did not work! We stayed for 6 hours and after 3 visits from their electrician telling us there was something wrong with my boat. BS, anyway we moved across the waterway to another marina and had no problem.
We left there the next morning and traveled about 80 miles to Beaufort NC. We got up at 7 to catch the bridge opening at 7. We traveled as fast as I wanted, and the weather was great, to the next bridge which also opened every hour on the hour..... and we were 5 minutes too late! We had to wait for 55 minutes for it to open. The next bridge opened every hour and 1/2 hour so no problem.
We arrived in Beaufort about 5:45, tanked up with fuel, and tied up the boat. I registered and asked "Where do the locals eat" and was told Roland's BBQ. We went, we ate, we agree.... it was pretty good. Collards, mashed potatoes, 2 pcs fried chicken, 1 pork rib (Very big) cold slaw, green beans, corn sticks, and sweet potato pie. Very country kinda place. Some Loopers asked up to come eat crabs tonight on their boat so I'm going back to Roland's and pick up some "sides" to take with.
This morning I had an electrician come by and check out the thrusters and we found the only thing wrong was a burnt lug on the forward battery. We replaced that and they are fine now. I docked yesterday without thrusters and backed easily into a place so no real problem.
They have a "loaner car" at the marina and I'm gonna borrow it to go to the PO to return something, to the Piggly Wiggly, to ACE marine store, and to a marine consignment store. Imagine that, looking for something else to carry around.
We'll leave tomorrow and travel a pretty desolate stretch of the ICW. Have reservations 75 miles away, then it's only about 2 more days to Norfolk and the Southern end of the Chesapeake! I plan to leave the boat and drive back to the AGLCA meeting in New Bern NC the 25th of April. NB is only a 1/2 day away from me now but I want the boat as far N as I can get it and then if necessary, I can move around myself if necessary. Not so many shoals etc there to worry about. It really takes 1 and 1/2 persons to be safe running the boat. One to steer full time and one to watch too most of the time. The shallow water in places can be very treacherous and it's easy to "park" on a sandbar. Just ask Me!
Wrightsville Beach Marina was a real challenge. The best thing about it was I was able to find a guy to check our synchronizer for the engines. I didn't get time to have that fixed before I left. It was working until about 6 months ago. He was very knowledgeable and couldn't find anything wrong. After talking about them, we determined I didn't remember how to operate them. DUH.... I'm glad the things I'm having fixed are operators error and not something wrong with the equipment.
We came up from Wrightsville Beach yesterday and the day before that (that'd be Wednesday night) we pulled into a beautiful, new marina. There was hardly anyone there. It was right on the ICW (that's inter costal waterway for you who know not) and a very narrow place. The current was ripping through there about 3 knots (that's about 4+ mph for you KN)l and when I tried to get close to the dock the young (pretty thing) they sent to help us with our lines, didn't know much (i.e. anything) and she couldn't get the lines around a cleat to hold the boat so we could tie up. In trying to help, I used up my thrusters (they are extra motors front and back, with propellers on them to help move the boat sideways. If you run them too long they QUIT and that's not good. Mine did.... quit! After all the trouble finally getting in there, their power did not work! We stayed for 6 hours and after 3 visits from their electrician telling us there was something wrong with my boat. BS, anyway we moved across the waterway to another marina and had no problem.
We left there the next morning and traveled about 80 miles to Beaufort NC. We got up at 7 to catch the bridge opening at 7. We traveled as fast as I wanted, and the weather was great, to the next bridge which also opened every hour on the hour..... and we were 5 minutes too late! We had to wait for 55 minutes for it to open. The next bridge opened every hour and 1/2 hour so no problem.
We arrived in Beaufort about 5:45, tanked up with fuel, and tied up the boat. I registered and asked "Where do the locals eat" and was told Roland's BBQ. We went, we ate, we agree.... it was pretty good. Collards, mashed potatoes, 2 pcs fried chicken, 1 pork rib (Very big) cold slaw, green beans, corn sticks, and sweet potato pie. Very country kinda place. Some Loopers asked up to come eat crabs tonight on their boat so I'm going back to Roland's and pick up some "sides" to take with.
This morning I had an electrician come by and check out the thrusters and we found the only thing wrong was a burnt lug on the forward battery. We replaced that and they are fine now. I docked yesterday without thrusters and backed easily into a place so no real problem.
They have a "loaner car" at the marina and I'm gonna borrow it to go to the PO to return something, to the Piggly Wiggly, to ACE marine store, and to a marine consignment store. Imagine that, looking for something else to carry around.
We'll leave tomorrow and travel a pretty desolate stretch of the ICW. Have reservations 75 miles away, then it's only about 2 more days to Norfolk and the Southern end of the Chesapeake! I plan to leave the boat and drive back to the AGLCA meeting in New Bern NC the 25th of April. NB is only a 1/2 day away from me now but I want the boat as far N as I can get it and then if necessary, I can move around myself if necessary. Not so many shoals etc there to worry about. It really takes 1 and 1/2 persons to be safe running the boat. One to steer full time and one to watch too most of the time. The shallow water in places can be very treacherous and it's easy to "park" on a sandbar. Just ask Me!
Monday, April 10, 2017
BEAUTIFUL MORNING leaving Charleston, BETTER EVENING MEETING COURAGE
We arose early today to leave at 7 am because today we had near 85 miles to do today. It was beautiful leaving and the sun was coming up on my left as we passed by Ft Sumter on my right. Water was perfect with only a slight ripple. We were behind a private 120' Yacht named VICTORIOUS, captained by a young (25) man we met in the marina schuttle
The befor. Very quite guy and polite as people were asking all kinds of questions of him. The largest ship in the marina was the 190' SV ATHENA owned by Mr.Clark, who founded, then sold, the company Netscape, which was anchored on our dock. She is a ,real beauty as most 4 masted schooners are. With a crew of 20 she's well taken care of.... and looks it!
The trip up the Waccamaw River was a piece of cake today. Winding around the countryside with old Cypress trees on both sides. There were numerous tributaries feeding this swift, moving river. Unfortunately today we had the current against us all day. That's about 1.5 mph that you have to buck and it slows down your time and sucks up more fuel. If we could time our leaving, providing we were going in the right direction you could make some time and save fuel.
We made good time, better than expected, and we reached a point where we had to make a decision on wether to stop for the day or continue on. We chose the latter and continued with our new destination as Bucksport Plantation Marina. I made the call for revervations and on we went, with a new arrival time of 4:45. That's where we first met Jeff and Jeffery. A father and son team and new owners of the marina. You couldn't ask for more accomnating owners. Jeff managed the tie up and Jeffery watched. He's a young man of about 25 years and a wounded veteran from the war in Iraq. We asked about a restaurant and Jeff said Jeffery would take us and sit and wait for us.... and he did! He took us to Food Lion and then to a local place to eat. He was going to wait but I asked him to come inside and eat with us that I was buying his supper. He did and he told us he had been a cadet at VMI and was there on a wrestling scholarship. After graduation he enter the Army and went to Iraq where he was injured and suffered a broken neck, back, and numerous other injuries. He was in a comma for months and ended up weighing just 80 lbs. He was told he'd never walk again and yet there he was doing it, yea with a limp but as well as me. It hit home what a waste of youth a war really is tonight. A young, vibrant kid is now handicapped for life. What was unique about today was Jeffery was ok with it, he didn't quit, and he was doing what he could to help his father by contributing in his own limited way and doing so with a great attitude!
The befor. Very quite guy and polite as people were asking all kinds of questions of him. The largest ship in the marina was the 190' SV ATHENA owned by Mr.Clark, who founded, then sold, the company Netscape, which was anchored on our dock. She is a ,real beauty as most 4 masted schooners are. With a crew of 20 she's well taken care of.... and looks it!
The trip up the Waccamaw River was a piece of cake today. Winding around the countryside with old Cypress trees on both sides. There were numerous tributaries feeding this swift, moving river. Unfortunately today we had the current against us all day. That's about 1.5 mph that you have to buck and it slows down your time and sucks up more fuel. If we could time our leaving, providing we were going in the right direction you could make some time and save fuel.
We made good time, better than expected, and we reached a point where we had to make a decision on wether to stop for the day or continue on. We chose the latter and continued with our new destination as Bucksport Plantation Marina. I made the call for revervations and on we went, with a new arrival time of 4:45. That's where we first met Jeff and Jeffery. A father and son team and new owners of the marina. You couldn't ask for more accomnating owners. Jeff managed the tie up and Jeffery watched. He's a young man of about 25 years and a wounded veteran from the war in Iraq. We asked about a restaurant and Jeff said Jeffery would take us and sit and wait for us.... and he did! He took us to Food Lion and then to a local place to eat. He was going to wait but I asked him to come inside and eat with us that I was buying his supper. He did and he told us he had been a cadet at VMI and was there on a wrestling scholarship. After graduation he enter the Army and went to Iraq where he was injured and suffered a broken neck, back, and numerous other injuries. He was in a comma for months and ended up weighing just 80 lbs. He was told he'd never walk again and yet there he was doing it, yea with a limp but as well as me. It hit home what a waste of youth a war really is tonight. A young, vibrant kid is now handicapped for life. What was unique about today was Jeffery was ok with it, he didn't quit, and he was doing what he could to help his father by contributing in his own limited way and doing so with a great attitude!
Sunday, April 9, 2017
The DAY of MY 77th BIRTHDAY... April 9
We arrived in Charleston yesterday about 2:30 from Beaufort. It was a relative easy trip compared to the other days. There were 2 shoaling areas that could have been a problem but we left at 1st light around 6 am while still some high tide was left. We would be traveling on a descending tide or one that would be falling. Since there is a 7' tide in the area you can see how difficult a falling tide can be. There were several other loopers in Beaufort but they have a keel that's only 4' and mine is 5' so I need more water than they do. I am fast learning that tides are probably the most important factor but then you have to factor in the weather to include the winds too. We made the run in good time with very sunny skies BUT it was very windy & cold. We arrived at the Charleston City Marina thinking that was a good place to dock but it's right on the main channel around the city with major boat traffic. It's suppose to be a NO wake zone but it ain't. The director of the AGLCA or cruisers organization I belong to came to see the boat and took me to dinner. She recommended a new BBQ place and it was excellent. Brisket was so tender you could cut it with a plastic fork!
Today was my 77th birthday and I slept late and got up at 8. Caught the shuttle to Ft Sumter and later booked a historical trip around the city. The guide was excellent and never stopped talking. I can't believe how much there is to see here. It would take several days and would be very, very interesting plus there are many good places to eat. Today we ate at a fish restaurant that was near the market.
We'll be leaving early (7 am) tomorrow morning for Georgetown SC and plan a 65 mile run of 7 plus hours duration. The channel has some shoals to pass through but leaving early means we should have enough water to pass safety.
Today was my 77th birthday and I slept late and got up at 8. Caught the shuttle to Ft Sumter and later booked a historical trip around the city. The guide was excellent and never stopped talking. I can't believe how much there is to see here. It would take several days and would be very, very interesting plus there are many good places to eat. Today we ate at a fish restaurant that was near the market.
We'll be leaving early (7 am) tomorrow morning for Georgetown SC and plan a 65 mile run of 7 plus hours duration. The channel has some shoals to pass through but leaving early means we should have enough water to pass safety.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Up a PRETTY ROUGH Stretch....
Slowly I'm making my way to Charleston. A questionable decision to proceed too late a couple of days ago has slowed my progress and the weather has been a big factor yesterday and will be again tomorrow. Moving up the ICW from Palm Coast, we had a nice stop in Fernandina Beach. The devastation from hurricane Matthew last year has been evident all they way up the coast. We stopped in Ferdnandina Beach at the marina, which took a direct hit. Most of it was destroyed but luckily we found dockage there. The town has hit but damage was either repaired and it looked quaint as usual. We left early the next morning trying to get to Savanna to let Bruno off to go home for a doctors appointment. Bruce was on his way up to take him back. It took much longer than expected as the channel narrowed and "shoaled" much more than we expected. Seeing we were not going to make it to our planned destination, we turned around and attempted to return to another Marina about 2 miles away but lost our daylight. Traveling up channel against a receding tide, in the dark, with shoaling all around and with the depth gauge reading 0.3 is NO fun! Finally we turned around again heading back down the channel and decided to anchor in a safe lagoon at around 11 pm. In order to proceed through a narrow portion later in the day, appropriately named "Hell's Gate" with depths as low as 3/4 in places, we decided to leave at high tide at 4:30 am! Leave we did but cruising at only at 3 or 4 mph (normally we're going at 8 - 11 mph) in pitch dark again, is NO fun.... again! We arrived at our original destination around 10 and stopped for the day at Thunderbolt Marina. Bruno caught his ride back to Tarpon Springs and I had an electrician on board to repair a minor annoyance. We took the rest of the day off and "hunkered" down for the up coming storms with predicted tornado's. I had brought new batteries with me and wanted them installed but they couldn't do that until Monday so I'll just wait. We dodged the bullet on the T's but got rained on pretty hard. Thursday we left for Beaufort SC with strong winds predicted. After about 4 hours we decided to stop early again because we were getting beat up by 25 gusting to 35 mph. Most loopers didn't even leave but we're wanting to be in Charleston on Friday. We couldn't find dockage in Beaufort so we took a marina 7 miles short of there at Hilton Head. That's going to make our trip to Charleston even more challenging at 80 miles and a full day. That along with strong winds again may mean we have to stop early again, which is always a possibility. I am learning about shoaling and weather being very important to Dailey progress. Boat is running nicely with only a couple of known issues which are not too important. Several bad decisions had me testing the sand here but fortunately we wiggled our way out. Touching the bottom is not a pleasant experience and a dangerous learning one at that, but we're making progress still. We had hoped to be able to these narrow channels in GA & SC and run outside in the Atlantic up the coast to save time and avoid the shoals but things weather wise has prevented that. Hoping for better in the next few days while I visit Charleston.
Monday, April 3, 2017
The FORGOTTEN DAYS revisited
Yes, I’m still on the water making headway North. It’s like being attached to a ROCKET and you can’t get off. PHANTOM likes to run so I’ve just decided to let her go! Tomorrow may be a
We’ll make it out of Florida tomorrow. From here, up the ICW and into Savannah is about 100 water miles. We could probably have made it if we could have gone outside into the Atlantic but this rain today would present too much hassle for us. Once we get along the GA coast, we’ll have plenty of places to duck into…. hopefully.
We’ve had a speed run up the East coast of Florida. We had a easy run across Lake Okeechobee on Saturday all the way to Ft Pierce. Up the next morning and off at 7:15 for St. Augustine. On our way we found a better price for fuel and docking fees so we stopped about an hour short. I had some friends who were docked across the ICW and they wanted us to stop there but couldn’t get them on the phone so we just started winding down a little.
Later I received a text from John & Angie inviting me to dinner. They picked me up and took me to Publix to stock up on some staples. First shopping trip to a grocery while on the Loop. Dinner was nice and I now know all the history about John’s family! Good food but I was falling asleep. when I got back to the boat I sat down and started writing this blog.
While writing I kept dozing off. I woke up and decided it was finally time to post and send it off. Half dazed & tired, I was going to bed BUT deleted the whole thing! Had no energy to re-write, so I struggled and went to bed.
Tomorrow with the rain and high winds is going to be my biggest challenge. We want to go outside into the Atlantic because there is a place in the ICW that says the depth is only 2/4 feet in places. We can’t get through there with a 5’ draft so we have to be very flexible tomorrow. It appears the inReach tracking deice is working well. The map is working well and if you click on a point it will give you the info on the place and when we passed by there.
I’ve taken quite a few photos and a few videos. I will post those too as soon as I learn how. The other issue is I still have not identified new crew to join me onward after Joe leaves around 1 May. Bruno, a friend from Tarpon Springs joined us Saturday night when Bruce brought me some things I had forgotten. As we head into Georgia’s coast tomorrow, I’m sure things will get to be more interesting. Much different ICW as well as strange coastline. I’ll try try to write more about what’s happening on a regular basis.
We’ll make it out of Florida tomorrow. From here, up the ICW and into Savannah is about 100 water miles. We could probably have made it if we could have gone outside into the Atlantic but this rain today would present too much hassle for us. Once we get along the GA coast, we’ll have plenty of places to duck into…. hopefully.
We’ve had a speed run up the East coast of Florida. We had a easy run across Lake Okeechobee on Saturday all the way to Ft Pierce. Up the next morning and off at 7:15 for St. Augustine. On our way we found a better price for fuel and docking fees so we stopped about an hour short. I had some friends who were docked across the ICW and they wanted us to stop there but couldn’t get them on the phone so we just started winding down a little.
Later I received a text from John & Angie inviting me to dinner. They picked me up and took me to Publix to stock up on some staples. First shopping trip to a grocery while on the Loop. Dinner was nice and I now know all the history about John’s family! Good food but I was falling asleep. when I got back to the boat I sat down and started writing this blog.
While writing I kept dozing off. I woke up and decided it was finally time to post and send it off. Half dazed & tired, I was going to bed BUT deleted the whole thing! Had no energy to re-write, so I struggled and went to bed.
Tomorrow with the rain and high winds is going to be my biggest challenge. We want to go outside into the Atlantic because there is a place in the ICW that says the depth is only 2/4 feet in places. We can’t get through there with a 5’ draft so we have to be very flexible tomorrow. It appears the inReach tracking deice is working well. The map is working well and if you click on a point it will give you the info on the place and when we passed by there.
I’ve taken quite a few photos and a few videos. I will post those too as soon as I learn how. The other issue is I still have not identified new crew to join me onward after Joe leaves around 1 May. Bruno, a friend from Tarpon Springs joined us Saturday night when Bruce brought me some things I had forgotten. As we head into Georgia’s coast tomorrow, I’m sure things will get to be more interesting. Much different ICW as well as strange coastline. I’ll try try to write more about what’s happening on a regular basis.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)