Saturday, May 21st We are anchored off St. Mary's River which is off the Potomac. We were in Deltaville last night. We intended to anchor but the anchorage was full by the time we arrived, so we docked at Deltaville Marina. We left the dock at 6 AM this morning with the sails raised and sailing against the tide. By afternoon we were straight into the wind and still against the tide. Bad day to get anywhere. We had hoped for Solomons Island, but that will wait for another day. The boat continues to hum along without any engine problems although Bill curses the fuel it eats. I am just glad it runs!
Sunday, May 22nd We left the anchorage in St. Mary's early under sail. The wind and tide stayed with us so we maintained approximately 5 knots into the Patuxent River and Solomons Island. We arrived just after lunch and in time to watch the ceremony at the yacht club for the blessing of the fleet. We anchored in the same area we used on our way South in 2009, but we didn't recognize it until we arrived. This is the anchorage where we had a close encounter with a cement boat. We took the dinghy ashore for a walk and to watch the blessing of the boats out in the river, and then to the marina for ice. It threatens rain. Our goal tomorrow is Annapolis, 50 kn miles, but the tide and wind have not been with us the past few days, so it is probably a reach.
Monday, May 23rd The weather report for the afternoon has small craft warnings - 25 kt winds. So we stay put until noon and then move into Calvert Marina here in Solomon's Island. We didn't like the poor holding we were at anchor in. Hopefully, we can move along tomorrow.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Yorktowne VA
Oookkay. I do conclude it is true.
Chesapeake Bay
May 19, 2011 We intend to leave today to start our journey North up the Chesapeake. We had a wonderful visit with the Parkers. The weather extended the visit, but what a great place for a layover. It was great to get off the boat for awhile. It was the first time we have slept in a bed on land or driven a car since November, 2010.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
May 11th We left Elizabeth City NC at 6:30 am to make the bridge and entered the Great Dismal Swamp. What a ride! Talk about green and everywhere. We loved it and evidently were lucky as we never had low water. We went through South Mills lock and Deep Creek lock and rafted with Release outside Deep Creek for dinner and cribbage.
May 12th We steamed down the Elizabeth River through Norfolk and on to Hampton Roads. We are in the Hampton Municipal Piers tonight as we were two years ago. We plan to spend some time visiting Pati and Harrie.
May 13th Pati picked us up in the morning and took us to their home. They treated us to a seafood buffet this evening in Colonial Williamsburg at the Williamsburg Lodge. It was wonderful!
May 14th We called Release and Ken, Francie and Skipper joined Pati and Harrie and us to have lunch and walk around Yorktowne. We all went back to the Parkers and then out for dinner. Toby and Skipper kept each other company and seemed to enjoy each other.
May 15th This was Busch Gardens day. We took the European tour on the simulated helicopter--what a ride! And then we saw the show with the Celtic dancers: an Irish wedding. Very good! We strolled through the wolves and rescued Eagles and the Clydedales. We also took in a rescued pet show. The Gardens are to be continued this evening, and we are really enjoying.
May 12th We steamed down the Elizabeth River through Norfolk and on to Hampton Roads. We are in the Hampton Municipal Piers tonight as we were two years ago. We plan to spend some time visiting Pati and Harrie.
May 13th Pati picked us up in the morning and took us to their home. They treated us to a seafood buffet this evening in Colonial Williamsburg at the Williamsburg Lodge. It was wonderful!
May 14th We called Release and Ken, Francie and Skipper joined Pati and Harrie and us to have lunch and walk around Yorktowne. We all went back to the Parkers and then out for dinner. Toby and Skipper kept each other company and seemed to enjoy each other.
May 15th This was Busch Gardens day. We took the European tour on the simulated helicopter--what a ride! And then we saw the show with the Celtic dancers: an Irish wedding. Very good! We strolled through the wolves and rescued Eagles and the Clydedales. We also took in a rescued pet show. The Gardens are to be continued this evening, and we are really enjoying.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Elizabeth City NC
Moving North
May 2nd, Monday Again we got up early to catch a good tide and were on the waterway by 7:00 a.m. We traveled along the Waccamaw River at break neck speeds with the sails flying. The river is a beautiful wildlife preserve and we saw many, many eagles and birds. We also sailed the ICW through Myrtle Beach. We are anchored with Release in Little Neck, SC. Less than a mile away is the NC/SC border, so South Carolina is behind us. We were in this same anchorage last year with Mike and Youla Cole on Kismet. We cut the corner too wide leaving in the morning and went aground. However, we did manage to kedge off.
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May 3rd Tuesday We did the waterway through Cape Fear today and it was a struggle against the tide most of the way. We did have wind, but most of the time in the wrong direction. However, we did manage to put in 51 miles to the anchorage in Wrightsville Beach, NC.
May 4th, Wednesday Ashore at Wrightsville Beach we had pizza with Release and met some of the other cruisers. We did anchor checks all night as the wind blew hard, and so we slept in. After doing some catch up aboard, we went ashore and walked to Harris Teeter for groceries. The weather threatened but it blew over and we didn't get wet. We hope to travel tomorrow with Release, weather permitting. It is supposed to be in the 60's though and that is COLD!
May 5th, Thursday We made our way up the waterway to Swansboro, NC. Tried anchoring off the small fishing village, but the current and wind were against us backing down. We decided to pull into Casper Marina. The shower was worth it. We walked around the pretty, neat as a pin, little village.
May 6th, Friday We enjoyed the marina for awhile Friday morning, and then sailed through Beaufort on to a channel leading into the mouth of the Neuse River. We rafted there with Release. We had some rain in the evening but managed to avoid the predicted thunderstorms. The temperatures have taken a downturn and we are struggling to reach the 70's. We are enjoying our time with Ken, Francie and Skipper. They will leave us after the Dismal Swamp as they plan to leave their boat on the Chesapeake and we plan to visit in Williamsburg.
May 7th, Saturday We worked our way down the Neuse River, passing by Oriental and sailing on to Belhaven. We anchored off the town with Release and Newsboy. We had good holding. All three boats went ashore for a walk around a pretty little town and to get fuel at the very small marina.
May 8th, Sunday - Mother's Day. We left Belhaven at 7 am just as the rain began. It was cold and rainy for most of the morning as we motored in the Pungo River, but the rain stopped around noon. Soup for lunch hit the spot. Then we steamed through the atmosphere of smoke for many, many miles along the Alligator River. Evidently there was a very big woods fire some place along the ICW. The marina we had planned for our stop couldn't be reached (no cell phone coverage) until we were almost there when we found out they couldn't handle our draft. So we steamed on for another three or four miles and dropped anchor where the Alligator River meets Albermerle Sound. We are rafted with Release and Ken is preparing a Mother's Day feast. Tomorrow we plan to cross the Albermerle Sound and pull into Elizabeth City. Next junket of our trip will be the Dismal Swamp.
May 9th Monday We pulled anchor and left the anchorage only to go aground in a dogleg area. We managed to power dig a ditch and were released. We sailed across Albermerle Sound, down the river into Elizabeth City. On our way into the slip the accelerator lever broke off into our hands. Quick, vice grips and we avoided any accident. We were greeted here in Elizabeth City royally with a wine and cheese fest and roses. We will do some laundry, get a few supplies and head into the Dismal Swamp.
May 3rd Tuesday We did the waterway through Cape Fear today and it was a struggle against the tide most of the way. We did have wind, but most of the time in the wrong direction. However, we did manage to put in 51 miles to the anchorage in Wrightsville Beach, NC.
May 4th, Wednesday Ashore at Wrightsville Beach we had pizza with Release and met some of the other cruisers. We did anchor checks all night as the wind blew hard, and so we slept in. After doing some catch up aboard, we went ashore and walked to Harris Teeter for groceries. The weather threatened but it blew over and we didn't get wet. We hope to travel tomorrow with Release, weather permitting. It is supposed to be in the 60's though and that is COLD!
May 5th, Thursday We made our way up the waterway to Swansboro, NC. Tried anchoring off the small fishing village, but the current and wind were against us backing down. We decided to pull into Casper Marina. The shower was worth it. We walked around the pretty, neat as a pin, little village.
May 6th, Friday We enjoyed the marina for awhile Friday morning, and then sailed through Beaufort on to a channel leading into the mouth of the Neuse River. We rafted there with Release. We had some rain in the evening but managed to avoid the predicted thunderstorms. The temperatures have taken a downturn and we are struggling to reach the 70's. We are enjoying our time with Ken, Francie and Skipper. They will leave us after the Dismal Swamp as they plan to leave their boat on the Chesapeake and we plan to visit in Williamsburg.
May 7th, Saturday We worked our way down the Neuse River, passing by Oriental and sailing on to Belhaven. We anchored off the town with Release and Newsboy. We had good holding. All three boats went ashore for a walk around a pretty little town and to get fuel at the very small marina.
May 8th, Sunday - Mother's Day. We left Belhaven at 7 am just as the rain began. It was cold and rainy for most of the morning as we motored in the Pungo River, but the rain stopped around noon. Soup for lunch hit the spot. Then we steamed through the atmosphere of smoke for many, many miles along the Alligator River. Evidently there was a very big woods fire some place along the ICW. The marina we had planned for our stop couldn't be reached (no cell phone coverage) until we were almost there when we found out they couldn't handle our draft. So we steamed on for another three or four miles and dropped anchor where the Alligator River meets Albermerle Sound. We are rafted with Release and Ken is preparing a Mother's Day feast. Tomorrow we plan to cross the Albermerle Sound and pull into Elizabeth City. Next junket of our trip will be the Dismal Swamp.
May 9th Monday We pulled anchor and left the anchorage only to go aground in a dogleg area. We managed to power dig a ditch and were released. We sailed across Albermerle Sound, down the river into Elizabeth City. On our way into the slip the accelerator lever broke off into our hands. Quick, vice grips and we avoided any accident. We were greeted here in Elizabeth City royally with a wine and cheese fest and roses. We will do some laundry, get a few supplies and head into the Dismal Swamp.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
North Carolina
May 2nd, Monday Again we got up early to catch a good tide and were on the waterway by 7:00 a.m. We traveled along the Waccamaw River at break neck speeds with the sails flying. The river is a beautiful wildlife preserve and we saw many, many eagles and birds. We also sailed the ICW through Myrtle Beach. We are anchored with Release in Little Neck, SC. Less than a mile away is the NC/SC border, so South Carolina is behind us. We were in this same anchorage last year with Mike and Youla Cole on Kismet. We cut the corner too wide leaving in the morning and went aground. However, we did manage to kedge off.
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May 3rd Tuesday We did the waterway through Cape Fear today and it was a struggle against the tide most of the way. We did have wind, but most of the time in the wrong direction. However, we did manage to put in 51 miles to the anchorage in Wrightsville Beach, NC.
May 4th, Wednesday Ashore at Wrightsville Beach we had pizza with Release and met some of the other cruisers. We did anchor checks all night as the wind blew hard, and so we slept in. After doing some catch up aboard, we went ashore and walked to Harris Teeter for groceries. The weather threatened but it blew over and we didn't get wet. We hope to travel tomorrow with Release, weather permitting. It is supposed to be in the 60's though and that is COLD!
May 5th, Thursday. Yes it certainly was cold this morning. 51 degrees as we hauled the anchor at 8 AM. We dug out the foul weather gear, warm gloves, wool caps and SHOES. I haven't worn long pants and shoes forever. We now feel as though we have been skiing on a sunny day. The temperature never went above 62 degrees, but our faces have wind burn from the cold North wind. Please keep your North wind up North. We tried to anchor off Swansboro but the current was running one way and the wind blowing another and we just couldn't set the anchor. So we pulled into a marina here in Swansboro. Skipper is visiting Snow Goose as I write this. He is mad at Release because they shut him in the cabin while they were docking. We will keep him and report his owners to the SPCA.
May 3rd Tuesday We did the waterway through Cape Fear today and it was a struggle against the tide most of the way. We did have wind, but most of the time in the wrong direction. However, we did manage to put in 51 miles to the anchorage in Wrightsville Beach, NC.
May 4th, Wednesday Ashore at Wrightsville Beach we had pizza with Release and met some of the other cruisers. We did anchor checks all night as the wind blew hard, and so we slept in. After doing some catch up aboard, we went ashore and walked to Harris Teeter for groceries. The weather threatened but it blew over and we didn't get wet. We hope to travel tomorrow with Release, weather permitting. It is supposed to be in the 60's though and that is COLD!
May 5th, Thursday. Yes it certainly was cold this morning. 51 degrees as we hauled the anchor at 8 AM. We dug out the foul weather gear, warm gloves, wool caps and SHOES. I haven't worn long pants and shoes forever. We now feel as though we have been skiing on a sunny day. The temperature never went above 62 degrees, but our faces have wind burn from the cold North wind. Please keep your North wind up North. We tried to anchor off Swansboro but the current was running one way and the wind blowing another and we just couldn't set the anchor. So we pulled into a marina here in Swansboro. Skipper is visiting Snow Goose as I write this. He is mad at Release because they shut him in the cabin while they were docking. We will keep him and report his owners to the SPCA.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Leaving Florida
April 19th We left the mooring at St. Augustine saying goodbye to one of our favorite stops. Traveling with Release, they pulled off the waterway in Jacksonville Beach to pick up a new anchor. We attempted to anchor that afternnon by the railroad bridge outside of Jacksonville Beach, but Snow Goose didn't want to catch and it was close quarters. We headed down the ICW along with Release in search of better anchorage. Forgetting it was a moon tide which drops low tide by about 18 inches lower than normal, the boats started to experience low water. After bouncing over numerous shoals, Snow Goose managed to make it through. The Release who draws 6 ft (we draw 5 ft) was not that lucky and had to sit on bottom until the tide came in. We anchored just below them in nice 15 ft of water to watch Release. Beyond our anchorage was a yawl sitting on bottom, although he had poorly navigated. The tide came in to Release in a couple of hours and they were freed to anchor just beyond us.
April 20th We traveled on to our last stop in Florida and took a mooring off Amelia Island in Fernandina Beach. It was a short sail from our previous day and so we had all afternoon to enjoy Amelia Island.
April 21st Again we did a very short cruise to Cumberland Island in Georgia. We anchored off the island with the dolphins playing all around us and spent the afternoon touring the island, playing on the beautiful beach and watching the wild horses. We saw the Georgia 30 to 50 lbs. deer and Skipper had a wonderful time chasing turkeys.
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April 22nd We decided to take a break from the shallow waters through George, so we left Cumberland Island and had an enjoyable sail outside. We had 10 to 15 knot winds, beautiful sunshine, trailing seas and managed to tuck away another 50 miles. We came back in at Doboy Sound, Georgia and dropped anchor about 5 miles into the inlet.
April 23rd Motored out of Doboy with the sails flying heading for St Catherine's inlet. Another beautiful day with light sailing winds. Anchored just inside St. Catherine's across from a busy beach for small boaters. Prepared Easter eve dinner shared with Release.
April 24th Calm winds and beautiful sunshine. We flew the main sail. We have been having problems with navigation system. We suspect it might be the batteries. We anchored in Broad Creek off Hilton Head where sailors were celebrating Easter. Skipper, Ken and I went in for a dog walk and purchased ice. After doing some investigating, we have decided to purchase new batteries.
April 25th We made some phone calls this AM and ordered new batteries from West Marine. They will bring them down to the dock here at Palmetto Bay Marina. Bill cleaned out the locker, pulled out the old batteries to make room for two additional larger batteries throwing out more stuff and cleaning up more exhaust leak soot. Anyway, Hilton Head is a nice place to be stuck for the day, and we should be all set to head North tomorrow. We need to find a place to settle in for the Wednesday and Thursday's front with high winds.
April 26th We are in Beaufort in a hurricane hole tied up at a private dock. Long story short, Snow Goose did not want to hold at anchor. The first night I woke up to look out the V berth port only to find that we were snuggled up to another anchored unmanned boat. This was at one o'clock am. At 2:30 pm freed finally from the anchor tangle, we again tried to anchor. It was a no go two more times; Finally, at 5 am we rafted to Release. We waited for the tide wind and current to take another direction in the morning and anchored again. By 2 pm we started drifting and within seconds were alongside another abandoned boat tangled in their mooring line. Once freed from there, we headed for a dock very kindly offered to us by a resident of the river. The storm system bringing wind and rain/thunderstorm has in fact hung around for two days. Hopefully tomorrow, Friday, April 29th, we will be heading north again on our way toward Charleston. We have never had anchoring problems before, and I hope we never have them again like this. It was a combination of tide and wind setting and resetting our anchor. Anyway, another adventure I do not care to repeat.
April 29th We said goodbye to the Montreal friends who loaned us a dock. We started out up the ICW again from Beaufort and did the 40 plus miles to Steamboat Creek. We rafted with Release in the anchorage and had a pan of nachos and rum together. 7:30 AM we pulled anchor and headed for Charleston and beyond. The sailing was beautiful both days. We did a top speed of 8.1 knots along the way although we had to wait one and one half hours for bridges. We ended up doing 10 hours, going beyond Charleston, with another 40 miles to go tomorrow to get to Georgetown. We will go into a marina in Georgetown and stay overnight. We are again rafted to Release tonight -- it is so fun to be with our friends and Skipper. We connected our chart plotter directly to the battery and all is now fine.
April 30th We had a slow day today against the tide the whole way. We pulled the head sail in and out all day trying to get some help with power. We FINALLY spotted allegators--many of them!!! And also two bald eagles. We are in a marina tonight in Georgetown SC. The shower was wonderful! We needed fuel and water. Tomorrow we are off again.
April 20th We traveled on to our last stop in Florida and took a mooring off Amelia Island in Fernandina Beach. It was a short sail from our previous day and so we had all afternoon to enjoy Amelia Island.
April 21st Again we did a very short cruise to Cumberland Island in Georgia. We anchored off the island with the dolphins playing all around us and spent the afternoon touring the island, playing on the beautiful beach and watching the wild horses. We saw the Georgia 30 to 50 lbs. deer and Skipper had a wonderful time chasing turkeys.
April 23rd Motored out of Doboy with the sails flying heading for St Catherine's inlet. Another beautiful day with light sailing winds. Anchored just inside St. Catherine's across from a busy beach for small boaters. Prepared Easter eve dinner shared with Release.
April 24th Calm winds and beautiful sunshine. We flew the main sail. We have been having problems with navigation system. We suspect it might be the batteries. We anchored in Broad Creek off Hilton Head where sailors were celebrating Easter. Skipper, Ken and I went in for a dog walk and purchased ice. After doing some investigating, we have decided to purchase new batteries.
April 25th We made some phone calls this AM and ordered new batteries from West Marine. They will bring them down to the dock here at Palmetto Bay Marina. Bill cleaned out the locker, pulled out the old batteries to make room for two additional larger batteries throwing out more stuff and cleaning up more exhaust leak soot. Anyway, Hilton Head is a nice place to be stuck for the day, and we should be all set to head North tomorrow. We need to find a place to settle in for the Wednesday and Thursday's front with high winds.
April 26th We are in Beaufort in a hurricane hole tied up at a private dock. Long story short, Snow Goose did not want to hold at anchor. The first night I woke up to look out the V berth port only to find that we were snuggled up to another anchored unmanned boat. This was at one o'clock am. At 2:30 pm freed finally from the anchor tangle, we again tried to anchor. It was a no go two more times; Finally, at 5 am we rafted to Release. We waited for the tide wind and current to take another direction in the morning and anchored again. By 2 pm we started drifting and within seconds were alongside another abandoned boat tangled in their mooring line. Once freed from there, we headed for a dock very kindly offered to us by a resident of the river. The storm system bringing wind and rain/thunderstorm has in fact hung around for two days. Hopefully tomorrow, Friday, April 29th, we will be heading north again on our way toward Charleston. We have never had anchoring problems before, and I hope we never have them again like this. It was a combination of tide and wind setting and resetting our anchor. Anyway, another adventure I do not care to repeat.
April 29th We said goodbye to the Montreal friends who loaned us a dock. We started out up the ICW again from Beaufort and did the 40 plus miles to Steamboat Creek. We rafted with Release in the anchorage and had a pan of nachos and rum together. 7:30 AM we pulled anchor and headed for Charleston and beyond. The sailing was beautiful both days. We did a top speed of 8.1 knots along the way although we had to wait one and one half hours for bridges. We ended up doing 10 hours, going beyond Charleston, with another 40 miles to go tomorrow to get to Georgetown. We will go into a marina in Georgetown and stay overnight. We are again rafted to Release tonight -- it is so fun to be with our friends and Skipper. We connected our chart plotter directly to the battery and all is now fine.
April 30th We had a slow day today against the tide the whole way. We pulled the head sail in and out all day trying to get some help with power. We FINALLY spotted allegators--many of them!!! And also two bald eagles. We are in a marina tonight in Georgetown SC. The shower was wonderful! We needed fuel and water. Tomorrow we are off again.
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