Fri,Oct 23rd- Sunny and warm, bike to town for a few supplies(groceries and kerosene). Met a local fisherman on the dock who gave us 2 nice seatrout, which after filleting fed us for 2 nights of excellent dinners. Motor thru the canal to the NC visitor center docks. We were the 13th boat to arrive and we were rafted 4 deep.(the dock has room for 4 boats) Met many of the boaters at happy hour ashore. (It may sound like all we do is party each night but this is the only time we get to interact with with other people. We have met many interesting boaters thru these gatherings and get to share a lot of information this way.)
Sat- sunny and warm hi near 80. Borrowed real bikes from the visitors center(our folding bikes have 20" wheels) and rode to the next town on a paved bike trail. Many boats headed out early but another batch came in so we had a dozen boats for the evening gab fest.
Sun-Motor to Elizabety City where the town supplies free docks and a wine and cheese party each night. There were at least 20 boats docked ,many that we have been traveling with for at least part of the trip.
Monday- strong n-e winds kept everyone holed up here. The 2 boats that ventured out into Ablemarle sound were back within a couple of hours because of the rough seas. We biked for propane and a few supplies, Chris got caught in the rain and came back cold and wet just in time to catch the end of the Rose Buddies coctail party.
Monday, October 26, 2009
On thru the Lower Chesapeake
Wed- Nasty weather(double barrel nor'easter) predicted starting tomorrow so we headed back to Annapolis, mix of sailing and motor. Caught 2 nice bluefish on the trip across. Anchor once again in Harness Creek where we plan to leave the boat to travel north for the weekend.
Thurs- Holed up in boat during heavy rain and cold(mid 40's) all day. The combination of our new propane heater, trawler lamp and a lot of baking on Chris' part is keeping the boat toasty even though it's hard to keep the condesation on the cold surfaces under control.
Fri, Sat,Sun- Rented car and drive to Rochester for my niece Caryn's wedding. Cold and rainy. We enjoyed seeing Kate and Alli, also my brother David and sister Ellen and family. We stayed at Chris' sisters and had a quick visit at Chris' brothers. Very nice wedding and reception.
Mon- return rental car and did a little shopping. Still cold but no rain. Enjoyed cocktails with 2 neighboring boats.
Tues- Time to move on even though the winds are calm. Motor south 51 miles to Solomons Island.
Wed Oct 21st- Sunny and warmer but still no wind, Motor to Jackson Creek(Deltaville Va), invited neighboring boat "Perseverance" aboard for happy hour. Turns out we had many sailing friends in common from last year and we had a great evening swapping stories.
Thurs- Sunny and hot(finally), Motor into headwinds to all the conjestion of Norfolk and Hampton Roads harbors and on to a free town dock in South Norfolk. This is the point where we leave the open waters of the Chesapeake behind and enter the protected ICW. We get a chance to travel without paying quite as close attention to the weather. We have covered about 850 miles so far and are looking foreward to warmer weather.
Thurs- Holed up in boat during heavy rain and cold(mid 40's) all day. The combination of our new propane heater, trawler lamp and a lot of baking on Chris' part is keeping the boat toasty even though it's hard to keep the condesation on the cold surfaces under control.
Fri, Sat,Sun- Rented car and drive to Rochester for my niece Caryn's wedding. Cold and rainy. We enjoyed seeing Kate and Alli, also my brother David and sister Ellen and family. We stayed at Chris' sisters and had a quick visit at Chris' brothers. Very nice wedding and reception.
Mon- return rental car and did a little shopping. Still cold but no rain. Enjoyed cocktails with 2 neighboring boats.
Tues- Time to move on even though the winds are calm. Motor south 51 miles to Solomons Island.
Wed Oct 21st- Sunny and warmer but still no wind, Motor to Jackson Creek(Deltaville Va), invited neighboring boat "Perseverance" aboard for happy hour. Turns out we had many sailing friends in common from last year and we had a great evening swapping stories.
Thurs- Sunny and hot(finally), Motor into headwinds to all the conjestion of Norfolk and Hampton Roads harbors and on to a free town dock in South Norfolk. This is the point where we leave the open waters of the Chesapeake behind and enter the protected ICW. We get a chance to travel without paying quite as close attention to the weather. We have covered about 850 miles so far and are looking foreward to warmer weather.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Upper Chesapeake Bay
As we make our way onto the upper bay we are amazed once again at the beauty of the area. High forested banks abound with wildlife. Bald eagles circle overhead while deer wander the shoreline in each anchorage. Geese in huge flocks finding their way south seem always anxious to be on the move. Our plan last year was to spend time exploring here but the cold chased us south, so this year we vow once again to get to know the creeks and rivers of the bay a little better.
Thurs, Oct 8th- Chilly morning but bright sun warmed us as we motored south 25 miles to Still Pond on the eastern shore. Explored up the creek until we ran aground in what was charted as 8 ft. Anchor in south end of pond where we were entertained by numerous mature eagles and 2 familes of deer(each with twins) wandering the shore.
Fri-Sunny and much warmer, hi near 80 with strong south winds. Tried beating south but the open waters were to rough for comfort. Anchored in Worten Creek with great protection where we were surrounded by at least a thousand geese. Thankfully they all left before nightfall as the noise was amazing.
Sat-Showery and cool, NW winds at 15-20 swept us 40 miles down the bay past Annapolis where we anchored in Harness Creek, one of our favorite stops from last year. The sky cleared and we enjoyed a great hike thru the beautiful Quiet Waters county park that surrounds us. More deer but no eagles.
Sun-Sunny but cool- Biked into Annapolis where the sailboat show is in progress. The surrounding waters are a real zoo with boats everywhere. Glad we chose our peaceful anchorage. Lunch in town after wandering about.
Mon-Cold and cloudy, sailed and motored across the bay to St Michaels. Caught 2 bluefish along the way. 17 boats in the snug anchorage. Mostly canadiens and one vermonter. Feels like we never left the lake.
Tues-Sunny and warmer, Biked around St Michaels which is a cute historic town turned high class tourist trap. It's saving grace is a great maritime museum. Followed Chris thru numerous pricey shops.
Thurs, Oct 8th- Chilly morning but bright sun warmed us as we motored south 25 miles to Still Pond on the eastern shore. Explored up the creek until we ran aground in what was charted as 8 ft. Anchor in south end of pond where we were entertained by numerous mature eagles and 2 familes of deer(each with twins) wandering the shore.
Fri-Sunny and much warmer, hi near 80 with strong south winds. Tried beating south but the open waters were to rough for comfort. Anchored in Worten Creek with great protection where we were surrounded by at least a thousand geese. Thankfully they all left before nightfall as the noise was amazing.
Sat-Showery and cool, NW winds at 15-20 swept us 40 miles down the bay past Annapolis where we anchored in Harness Creek, one of our favorite stops from last year. The sky cleared and we enjoyed a great hike thru the beautiful Quiet Waters county park that surrounds us. More deer but no eagles.
Sun-Sunny but cool- Biked into Annapolis where the sailboat show is in progress. The surrounding waters are a real zoo with boats everywhere. Glad we chose our peaceful anchorage. Lunch in town after wandering about.
Mon-Cold and cloudy, sailed and motored across the bay to St Michaels. Caught 2 bluefish along the way. 17 boats in the snug anchorage. Mostly canadiens and one vermonter. Feels like we never left the lake.
Tues-Sunny and warmer, Biked around St Michaels which is a cute historic town turned high class tourist trap. It's saving grace is a great maritime museum. Followed Chris thru numerous pricey shops.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Jersey coast to the head of Chesepake Bay
Over the past 10 days we have sailed down the New Jersey shore and back up the Deleware Bay with a stop in South Jersey to visit friends for a few days.
Wed Sept 30- The winds have finally calmed a bit and we headed out early with about a dozen other boats. Lower NY Bay was rough but once we turned south on the ocean we had much calmer waters and a great sail to Barnegat Light anchorage.
Thurs. Weather predicted to turn nasty tomorrow so we got an early start to make Cape May before dark. Great sailing to Atlantic City then wind veered so we had to work into rough seas the next 44 miles. Covered 138 miles in the past 2 days.
Fri- Winds now out of the south so we headed up Delaware Bay to visit our good friends Bob and Mae up the Cohansey River. Winds built to 20mph for great sailing but we were fighting a 2 mph tidal current and the waves were short and steep.
Sat thru Mon- Spent time with the LaRoys who as usual treated us royally. They supplied us with a car and some great meals, Spent the day Sunday striper fishing on the bay with Bob and a friend.
Tues-Motor up the bay and thru the C&D canal to Chesapeake City where we tied up to the free town dock. Biked around town.
Wed- Gale winds but sunny, no one traveling today. Joined about a dozen other boaters for a cocktail party in the park where we were entertained by 2 of the boaters on guitars.
Wed Sept 30- The winds have finally calmed a bit and we headed out early with about a dozen other boats. Lower NY Bay was rough but once we turned south on the ocean we had much calmer waters and a great sail to Barnegat Light anchorage.
Thurs. Weather predicted to turn nasty tomorrow so we got an early start to make Cape May before dark. Great sailing to Atlantic City then wind veered so we had to work into rough seas the next 44 miles. Covered 138 miles in the past 2 days.
Fri- Winds now out of the south so we headed up Delaware Bay to visit our good friends Bob and Mae up the Cohansey River. Winds built to 20mph for great sailing but we were fighting a 2 mph tidal current and the waves were short and steep.
Sat thru Mon- Spent time with the LaRoys who as usual treated us royally. They supplied us with a car and some great meals, Spent the day Sunday striper fishing on the bay with Bob and a friend.
Tues-Motor up the bay and thru the C&D canal to Chesapeake City where we tied up to the free town dock. Biked around town.
Wed- Gale winds but sunny, no one traveling today. Joined about a dozen other boaters for a cocktail party in the park where we were entertained by 2 of the boaters on guitars.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Lake Champlain & Hudson River
Albany, NY
Through one of the 11 locks.
Memorial lighthouse at Crown Pt., NY
Not a lot of wood here!
Through one of the 11 locks.Memorial lighthouse at Crown Pt., NY
Not a lot of wood here!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Back on the Water
After spending the past 2 1/2 months ashore we're back on the water and headed for sunshine, palm trees and warm water. We had a busy summer catching up on neglected projects at home and camp, taking care of medical and dental problems and working on the boat. We relaunched the boat on Sept 14th and headed out on the 19th. Beautiful sunny days and cold nights allowed us to enjoy a great trip down Lake Champlain and thru the locks to Waterford, 150 miles in 3 days.
Sat, Sept 19, 2009- Spent the afternoon at Crown Point where the rededication of the historic lighthouse and monument was taking place. Musical entertainment, numerous speeches and great fireworks made for a memorable first anchorage.
Sun & Mon- On down the Lake and thru the locks. Spent Sun night at lock 9, and Mon at Waterford town docks. Kate joined us for Dinner and a pleasant evening. Past few nights have been cold with lows near 40, but sunny days warmed us quickly inside our greenhouse.
Tues- Short trip thru Albany and on to Castelton Boat Club where Katie met us and helped step our mast to become a sailboat once again. As we passed thru downtown Albany we were greeted by watercannons and a crowd welcoming a number of historic ships into the port. This was a part of the 400 year celebration of the Hudson/Champlain.
Wed- Spent much of the day putting the boat back in order, then on to Coxsackie town dock where we were met by old friends Ron and Janet for dinner and a visit to our old neighborhood.
Thurs- Motor sail with a brisk north wind south 67 miles to Peekskill where we spent the night anchored behind Bannermans Castle, Pollepel Island.
Fri- Another great sailing day, Sail and motor thru NYC and on to Sandy Hook NJ, 77 miles. Anchored behind the breakwater at Atlantic Highlands. Only 3 other boats at anchor, but hundreds on yacht club moorings and docks.
Sat- Weather dosen't look promising for our offshore passage down the Jersey coast. Looks like we will be here until mid week as strong cold fronts pass thru. To town with our bikes, then cocktails aboard with fellow sailors from 2 neighboring boats. Both came from Lake Superior and are on the way south.
Sun- Rain all day, projects aboard.
Mon- Sunny and warmer, low 70's. Biked around the area. Strong cold front came thru late afternoon with gale force winds and blinding rain. Wind stayed up all night but we are very protected in this anchorage. At least 22 boats now in the anchorage, all waiting out the weather to head south.
Tues- Sunny but cool, after a few projects aboard we headed to town for a few items and wifi at the library. Wind still strong but expected to calm down tomorrow giving us 2 days of fair winds so we will prepare to head out in the morning. Hopefully winds will calm down enough so we can get into the fuel dock this afternoon without to much problem.
Sat, Sept 19, 2009- Spent the afternoon at Crown Point where the rededication of the historic lighthouse and monument was taking place. Musical entertainment, numerous speeches and great fireworks made for a memorable first anchorage.
Sun & Mon- On down the Lake and thru the locks. Spent Sun night at lock 9, and Mon at Waterford town docks. Kate joined us for Dinner and a pleasant evening. Past few nights have been cold with lows near 40, but sunny days warmed us quickly inside our greenhouse.
Tues- Short trip thru Albany and on to Castelton Boat Club where Katie met us and helped step our mast to become a sailboat once again. As we passed thru downtown Albany we were greeted by watercannons and a crowd welcoming a number of historic ships into the port. This was a part of the 400 year celebration of the Hudson/Champlain.
Wed- Spent much of the day putting the boat back in order, then on to Coxsackie town dock where we were met by old friends Ron and Janet for dinner and a visit to our old neighborhood.
Thurs- Motor sail with a brisk north wind south 67 miles to Peekskill where we spent the night anchored behind Bannermans Castle, Pollepel Island.
Fri- Another great sailing day, Sail and motor thru NYC and on to Sandy Hook NJ, 77 miles. Anchored behind the breakwater at Atlantic Highlands. Only 3 other boats at anchor, but hundreds on yacht club moorings and docks.
Sat- Weather dosen't look promising for our offshore passage down the Jersey coast. Looks like we will be here until mid week as strong cold fronts pass thru. To town with our bikes, then cocktails aboard with fellow sailors from 2 neighboring boats. Both came from Lake Superior and are on the way south.
Sun- Rain all day, projects aboard.
Mon- Sunny and warmer, low 70's. Biked around the area. Strong cold front came thru late afternoon with gale force winds and blinding rain. Wind stayed up all night but we are very protected in this anchorage. At least 22 boats now in the anchorage, all waiting out the weather to head south.
Tues- Sunny but cool, after a few projects aboard we headed to town for a few items and wifi at the library. Wind still strong but expected to calm down tomorrow giving us 2 days of fair winds so we will prepare to head out in the morning. Hopefully winds will calm down enough so we can get into the fuel dock this afternoon without to much problem.
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