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.