Sunday, March 21, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Back on the Water
Sun. March 7th- After spending the past 3 months on land in Jensen Beach with a few weeks in Piercefield at Christmas we are finally back on the boat for a new adventure. The weather since New Years has been unseasonably cold and windy. We had planned on heading out early Feb but decided to hold off until the cold fronts abated. Today we motor sailed down the ICW to N Palm Beach where we spent 2 nights anchored in the north end of Lake Worth. This is a very popular area for sailors staging to cross over to the Bahamas as the inlet here is excellent and major shopping is a short walk away. The weather has finally turned summerlike and we were able to explore a little and meet a few of the other boaters. An enjoyable evening was spent having Cocktails with the crew of Soulmate. On Tues we moved close to the inlet so we could get an early start.
Bahamas Bound
Wed 4AM- The weather looks promising to cross the gulf stream and we were out of the harbor by 4:30. The plan was to head to West End but that was not in the cards with this wind. Unlike in the anchorage where we had a south wind, the wind on the ocean was SE and right on the nose. We decided to motor on and without sails it was a very uncomfortable ride. By changing our course for Memory Rock we were able to hoist the main and steady the motion of the waves.
Dolphins, whales and flying Fish
As we approached the Bahama Bank we were entertained by numerous dolphins, amazing schools of flying fish traveling at least 100 feet thru the air and numerous sitings of huge whales we have yet to identify coming straight up out of the water and crashing down with a tremendous splash. We tried getting close for a better look but to no avail.
On the bank
Crossing onto the bank we left behind the deep blue 2000 ft deep waters and are now in calm 10-15 foot deep aquamarine waters that are “gin clear”. We anchored for the night at sunset off of Mangrove Cay and spent a very peaceful night.
Thursday- Winds weren’t favorable to head to Great Sale Cay so we decided to head to Walkers Cay to clear customs. As we approached the entrance channel the winds had built to 20 kts and the prospect of entering a long shallow channel at low tide led to another change of plans. We proceeded to change course for nearby Grand Cay where we anchored in its protected harbor. Gale winds and driving rain had us up much of the night resetting anchors in the poor holding. We were relieved to have the winds back down to 20 kt by dawn but heavy rains persist. A very trying couple of days for the crew of the little ship Andros. Hopefully things will improve from here.
Fri- Heavy rain all day, winds clocking around from all directions had us on anchor watch much of the day and thru the night. To wet to think about going ashore.
Sat- Another storm with gale winds at 6 am had us re-anchoring again. Later in the day after winds had dropped to 20kts marina suggested we pick up mooring rather than trying to get into dock. If we had realized it was there(just had a fender for a float) we would have picked it up sooner. Walked around tiny village after drying out boat in the welcome sunshine. Beers at Rosies (almost everything in town is owned by Rosie- Rest/bar, marina, cottages, fish processing, grocery). We bought fresh bread at local bakery.
Sun- Took water taxi (driven by customs officer) to Walkers Cay to clear customs. Exciting 4 mile ride in open fishing boat at 30mph. Winds still howling about 20 but sunny. Walkers was a fancy resort that was abandoned after hurricane Floyd and still sits idle. The airstrip is still in use but the resort is abandoned. Our friends in Tupper Lake will find it interesting that this group of islands was owned by Robert Abplanalph and was used as a vacation retreat by President Nixon, as was The Abplanalph camp on Big Tupper. Apparently the family still owns the Islands but makes little use of the beautiful estate. Spent afternoon wandering about Grand Cay followed by a great dinner at Rosies (local cracked conk and Grouper)
Mon-Sunny and still windy, one fishing boat went out but all others still at docks. To town to try for wifi, Stopped at school where principal offered the use of his office and computer during lunch, then later Phone Co manager offered the use of his home wifi. Am amazed at how friendly evreyone is. We were the only visitors (read the only whites) on the island. Apparently by next month the place will be crowded with fisherman from the states.
Bahamas Bound
Wed 4AM- The weather looks promising to cross the gulf stream and we were out of the harbor by 4:30. The plan was to head to West End but that was not in the cards with this wind. Unlike in the anchorage where we had a south wind, the wind on the ocean was SE and right on the nose. We decided to motor on and without sails it was a very uncomfortable ride. By changing our course for Memory Rock we were able to hoist the main and steady the motion of the waves.
Dolphins, whales and flying Fish
As we approached the Bahama Bank we were entertained by numerous dolphins, amazing schools of flying fish traveling at least 100 feet thru the air and numerous sitings of huge whales we have yet to identify coming straight up out of the water and crashing down with a tremendous splash. We tried getting close for a better look but to no avail.
On the bank
Crossing onto the bank we left behind the deep blue 2000 ft deep waters and are now in calm 10-15 foot deep aquamarine waters that are “gin clear”. We anchored for the night at sunset off of Mangrove Cay and spent a very peaceful night.
Thursday- Winds weren’t favorable to head to Great Sale Cay so we decided to head to Walkers Cay to clear customs. As we approached the entrance channel the winds had built to 20 kts and the prospect of entering a long shallow channel at low tide led to another change of plans. We proceeded to change course for nearby Grand Cay where we anchored in its protected harbor. Gale winds and driving rain had us up much of the night resetting anchors in the poor holding. We were relieved to have the winds back down to 20 kt by dawn but heavy rains persist. A very trying couple of days for the crew of the little ship Andros. Hopefully things will improve from here.
Fri- Heavy rain all day, winds clocking around from all directions had us on anchor watch much of the day and thru the night. To wet to think about going ashore.
Sat- Another storm with gale winds at 6 am had us re-anchoring again. Later in the day after winds had dropped to 20kts marina suggested we pick up mooring rather than trying to get into dock. If we had realized it was there(just had a fender for a float) we would have picked it up sooner. Walked around tiny village after drying out boat in the welcome sunshine. Beers at Rosies (almost everything in town is owned by Rosie- Rest/bar, marina, cottages, fish processing, grocery). We bought fresh bread at local bakery.
Sun- Took water taxi (driven by customs officer) to Walkers Cay to clear customs. Exciting 4 mile ride in open fishing boat at 30mph. Winds still howling about 20 but sunny. Walkers was a fancy resort that was abandoned after hurricane Floyd and still sits idle. The airstrip is still in use but the resort is abandoned. Our friends in Tupper Lake will find it interesting that this group of islands was owned by Robert Abplanalph and was used as a vacation retreat by President Nixon, as was The Abplanalph camp on Big Tupper. Apparently the family still owns the Islands but makes little use of the beautiful estate. Spent afternoon wandering about Grand Cay followed by a great dinner at Rosies (local cracked conk and Grouper)
Mon-Sunny and still windy, one fishing boat went out but all others still at docks. To town to try for wifi, Stopped at school where principal offered the use of his office and computer during lunch, then later Phone Co manager offered the use of his home wifi. Am amazed at how friendly evreyone is. We were the only visitors (read the only whites) on the island. Apparently by next month the place will be crowded with fisherman from the states.
South to the Sea of Abaco
Tues- The winds have finally calmed down and we headed south at daybreak. Motor sailed the 55 nm to Manjack Cay where we are anchored along with 12 other sailboats. The islands owners supply free wifi and welcome use of the extensive trails and ocean beaches.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Florida at last
Nov 23 and 24th- finally crossed into Fl in heavy fog. We now leave the sulfer laden air behind (a product of all the paper mills that seem so prolific along this stretch). After meandering thru the saltmarshes of Georgia this section of Fl is rather plain. Miles of canal cut thru the woods finally open up into the Tolomato River which brings us thru St. Augistine and on to Datona.
Nov 25 and 26th- The waters open up in this stretch and steady north winds give us two days of great sailing. Decided to head into the Canaveral Canal and spend Thanksgiving in the marina there. We were invited to join group of live aboards having a dock party/thanksgiving feast and we spent a pleasant evening enjoying their hospitality.
Fri, Nov 27th- Stayed around to watch the space shuttle land(We didn't have a choice since all the drawbridges are closed during launches and landings and we couldn't go anywhere) Had a good sail to Melborne with another day of north winds.
Sat-Motored to Ft Pierce under cool blue skies where we anchored in a protected cove on Hutchinson Island.
Tomorrow will be a short day to Jensen Beach where we will dock the boat for a while and move ashore. This will bring a close to this leg of our journey. We have been traveling for ten weeks and have covered nearly 2000 miles. The trip has gone very smoothly and was much more relaxing than last years. Chris is looking foreward to traveling north for Christmas but for the next couple of weeks I'm sure we will be busy getting 32 Palm Circle in shape after being empty all summer.
Look for our next journey "On to the Bahamas" to start once we return south after New Years.
Nov 25 and 26th- The waters open up in this stretch and steady north winds give us two days of great sailing. Decided to head into the Canaveral Canal and spend Thanksgiving in the marina there. We were invited to join group of live aboards having a dock party/thanksgiving feast and we spent a pleasant evening enjoying their hospitality.
Fri, Nov 27th- Stayed around to watch the space shuttle land(We didn't have a choice since all the drawbridges are closed during launches and landings and we couldn't go anywhere) Had a good sail to Melborne with another day of north winds.
Sat-Motored to Ft Pierce under cool blue skies where we anchored in a protected cove on Hutchinson Island.
Tomorrow will be a short day to Jensen Beach where we will dock the boat for a while and move ashore. This will bring a close to this leg of our journey. We have been traveling for ten weeks and have covered nearly 2000 miles. The trip has gone very smoothly and was much more relaxing than last years. Chris is looking foreward to traveling north for Christmas but for the next couple of weeks I'm sure we will be busy getting 32 Palm Circle in shape after being empty all summer.
Look for our next journey "On to the Bahamas" to start once we return south after New Years.
on thru Georgia
Nov 14/15/16- two days of motoring thru the marshes of South Carolina has brought us to Beaufort SC where we have mail waiting. Spent 2 days biking about this beautiful old town before moving on by mid day Monday.
Nov 17 thru 19th- Arrived Jeckyl Island late wed and spent Thursday biking about. Sunny but the air was a little cool to spend much time on the beach. Chris did humor me with biking on the wide beach (she doesn't see the novelty in this but I think it's great).
Nov 20 thru 22- We have enjoyed the past two days exploring Cumberland Is. National Park. A side trip up the St Marys river brought us to the village of St Marys where we spent a day exploring this charming town. We debated about staying here for Thanksgiving but decided it was time to move on. Each year the townspeople put on a feast at the local hotel for the traveling boaters. The townspeople supply the turkeys and each boater brings a dish. It has turned into a weeklong event and last year 200 boaters attended.
Nov 17 thru 19th- Arrived Jeckyl Island late wed and spent Thursday biking about. Sunny but the air was a little cool to spend much time on the beach. Chris did humor me with biking on the wide beach (she doesn't see the novelty in this but I think it's great).
Nov 20 thru 22- We have enjoyed the past two days exploring Cumberland Is. National Park. A side trip up the St Marys river brought us to the village of St Marys where we spent a day exploring this charming town. We debated about staying here for Thanksgiving but decided it was time to move on. Each year the townspeople put on a feast at the local hotel for the traveling boaters. The townspeople supply the turkeys and each boater brings a dish. It has turned into a weeklong event and last year 200 boaters attended.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
On thru South Carolina
Friday, Nov 6th- Bright sun and a cool north breeze carried us 24 miles down the Cape Fear River to the historic village of Southport NC where we tied up to the free town dock. Have decided our 3 house batteries are failing us so I biked to Walmart and hauled replacements back via taxi. As I was unloading them a neighbor came out of his house and offered his pickup. Said he felt bad we had to take a cab. Took him up on his offer to return old batteries and do some shopping. It is amazing how often we experience this type of hospitality.
Sat- After a morning walk along the waterfront and downtown we are off to Calabash SC. where we spent a quiet night at anchor.
Sun-On thru Myrtle Beach on what I consider the least attractive section of the trip. The waterway is cut thru a rocky stretch with high banks. without anywhere to stop to visit the town except a few high priced marinas. After motoring 50 miles we anchored off a sandy beach up Thoroughfare Creek where we were invited along with another couple aboard Sanctuary to a potluck supper aboard the 45 foot catamaran Just Imagine. Both couples have called their boats home for a few years and it was a wonderful evening sharing stories.
Mon and Tues.- As we head down the beautiful Waccama River our plan was to stop in Georgetown for a day or two but with hurricane Ida heading our way we decided to press on south. The Ben Sawyer bridge above Charleston won't open in winds over 35 mph and we wanted to get thru before the winds built. Anchored in Weems Creek after a 63 mile day then arrived in Charleston by lunchtime where we plan to wait out the weather. Biked for groceries and some sightseeing most of the afternoon.
Wed- Even though Ida has been downgraded to a tropical storm it still brought rain by the bucketful all day. By evening the winds built and are expected to stay at gale force for a couple of days. This anchorage is definitely not my favorite as the tidal currents run fast and it is a long dingy ride across the Ashley River to town. We were stuck here in May for 5 days with the same kind of weather and if Charleston wasn't such a beautiful city I would hesitate to recommend anchoring here.
Sat- After a morning walk along the waterfront and downtown we are off to Calabash SC. where we spent a quiet night at anchor.
Sun-On thru Myrtle Beach on what I consider the least attractive section of the trip. The waterway is cut thru a rocky stretch with high banks. without anywhere to stop to visit the town except a few high priced marinas. After motoring 50 miles we anchored off a sandy beach up Thoroughfare Creek where we were invited along with another couple aboard Sanctuary to a potluck supper aboard the 45 foot catamaran Just Imagine. Both couples have called their boats home for a few years and it was a wonderful evening sharing stories.
Mon and Tues.- As we head down the beautiful Waccama River our plan was to stop in Georgetown for a day or two but with hurricane Ida heading our way we decided to press on south. The Ben Sawyer bridge above Charleston won't open in winds over 35 mph and we wanted to get thru before the winds built. Anchored in Weems Creek after a 63 mile day then arrived in Charleston by lunchtime where we plan to wait out the weather. Biked for groceries and some sightseeing most of the afternoon.
Wed- Even though Ida has been downgraded to a tropical storm it still brought rain by the bucketful all day. By evening the winds built and are expected to stay at gale force for a couple of days. This anchorage is definitely not my favorite as the tidal currents run fast and it is a long dingy ride across the Ashley River to town. We were stuck here in May for 5 days with the same kind of weather and if Charleston wasn't such a beautiful city I would hesitate to recommend anchoring here.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Bogue Sound
The past few days have brought clear skies along with north winds. Days have been in the upper 60's but bright sun has kept us comfortable. We have been able to motor sail down much of the open water of Bogue Sound .
Tues Nov 3rd-Sail much of the 45 miles anchoring for the night at Camp Lejune's Mile Hammock Bay. Had new friends from S/V Hook over for dinner. This young family Steve and Kirsten, along with their daughters Maddy and Emma have traveled from Maine and we have shared a number of the same anchorages along the way.
Wed and Thurs-Sail in sunny skies with a north wind 41 miles to Wrightsville Beach. We missed this spot on our last trip and enjoyed biking about and spending a sunny 70 degree day on the wide beaches. Biking on the beach was a first for us and the hard flat sand was perfect for this.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Outerbanks pictures
The lighthouse is on Ocracoke Is. The ship "Elizabeth II" was at Roanoke Is.
This lighthouse which also contained a museum was also on Roanoke Is.
Our boat "Andros" at a free town dock at Roanoke Is.
Our boat "Andros" at a free town dock at Roanoke Is.
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