Tuesday and Wednesday, December 29 and 30, 2015
Our plans for 2016 will be based upon what happens with Deidre's ankle. Before we left for Australia she visited a surgeon in Charleston and said her choice was "fusing" or "replacement". He projected that a replacement would only last about 5 years, and Deidre thought he needed to wash his hair. So we have been working on second, third and forth opinions.
Our Charleston GP recommended we visit the ankle specialists at Duke University in NC. We were able to get an appointment for today so drove to Durham yesterday and fronted up today. Deidre was a lot more comfortable with the guy and we scheduled replacement surgery for March 18th! I think we are about 75% sure of this decision. And now we have a date to build our year around.
The drive back was hampered by teeming rain. I will be interested to read what the totals were for the region. The round trip was 650 miles.The car got 43 MPG - amazing! We bought gas for $1.80 a gallon.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Isle of Palms, SC
Saturday December 19, 2015
We arrived back in Charleston at about 5 PM after about 20 hours of traveling. We went straight to Kylie's to catch up with her and Mason and then back to the boat where we were in bed by 10 PM. We slept until Noon the next day!
We arrived back in Charleston at about 5 PM after about 20 hours of traveling. We went straight to Kylie's to catch up with her and Mason and then back to the boat where we were in bed by 10 PM. We slept until Noon the next day!
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Kahanah, Maui
Friday December 11, 2015 thru Friday December 18, 2015
Our Korean kids had rented a house right on the beach in Kahanah, Maui. We were staying a week then Jennifer's parents and brother were taking our place for another week. David stayed 10 days before flying back to work in Korea.
On Monday we made the "drive to Hana. This was a full days drive around the easterly coast, where the island faced the trade winds.
On our last day Deidre, David and I drove up Mt Haleakala on the eastern part of the island. It is a dormant volcano with a peak 10,000' about sea level. Fortunately we had been warned about how cold it was at the summit. David took me for a walk down into the crater and I thought I was going to die on the way back.
Our Korean kids had rented a house right on the beach in Kahanah, Maui. We were staying a week then Jennifer's parents and brother were taking our place for another week. David stayed 10 days before flying back to work in Korea.
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| View from our balcony |
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| "Our" beach |
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| Connor |
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| Fiona |
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| Most of the gang |
On Monday we made the "drive to Hana. This was a full days drive around the easterly coast, where the island faced the trade winds.
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| Walking in the rain forest |
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| At the easterly tip. It is very volcanic. |
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| Very rugged coastline |
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| The road got a little rugged too |
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| Lots of waterfalls |
On our last day Deidre, David and I drove up Mt Haleakala on the eastern part of the island. It is a dormant volcano with a peak 10,000' about sea level. Fortunately we had been warned about how cold it was at the summit. David took me for a walk down into the crater and I thought I was going to die on the way back.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Isle of Palms Marina
Saturday October 10, 2015
N
W
Arrived the IOP right on time at 8:30 AM. Mark & Donna, Magnus and Charlotte and Stan Bell met us at the slip and helped tie us up. Was a nice welcome. We are on the same dock (D11) as Stan and Nancy so that will be fun. The trip from Wrightsville Beach had been quite pleasant and uneventful, 150 NM in 21 hours and 20 minutes. We only saw (on the radar about 6 miles distant) one other boat. I called them on the VHF and we talked to each other occasionally through the night.
The weather here at 9:00 AM is typical - hot (80 degrees) and humid (80%) and so we have turned on the AC. Donna gave us a ride to pick up the rental, and we drove over to Kylie's. She is doing OK, plenty of bruises and some burns from the air bags, but otherwise seems to be OK. Still counting our blessings.
Calculated that we had traveled 4,373 NM in 5 and a 1/3 months since we left IOP on April 30. We plan to stay here for three months. In January we expect to head for the west coast of Florida.
For the next three months the blog will be pretty boring. Boat jobs and family and a bit of tripping around.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Breakfast with Kylie and Mason.
Mid afternoon walk with Magnus from Swede Dreams. Only 2 miles, but I need to get into shape.
Popped over to visit the Taylor'sand see how the clean up is progressing. They seem to be doing fine, and have been impressed by the amount of help they have received from family, friends, strangers and the various government agencies.
Ended up on Belleaire for the rest of the day with Nancy and Stan, they ordered pizza.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Another 2 miles with Magnus.
Picked up Mason from day care and took him to the beach. We had a blast. Bit of TV and an early night.
Thursday October 15, 2015
Mason is enamored with his trains so this morning we got up early and took him to the Amtrak station. The visit was a big hit.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Met Kylie and Mason at the beach.
Off to the movies - "Bridge of Spies" - really good!
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Breakfast at IOP and ran into Magnus and Charlotte. Dinner out with Magnus, Charlotte, Mark and Donna.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Got cold today. Started stripping furniture.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Work on Tide Hiker. Mostly stripping varnish.
Looks like Kylie's car will be "written off".
Stan returned to I.O.P. and popped in for a drink and stayed for dinner. Chris and Allison called in.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Wow, how time flies. John Davy turned up today. We walked on the floor and John gave the rails a coat of varnish. I think the floor issue is resolved.
Thursday, October 232, 2015
Car looking with Ky. More sanding and stripping. Dinner out with Bill and Laura Bender.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Lots done today:
1. Washed the ison glass and canvas and dismantled it ready to remove for repairs
2. Finish sanded the newel posts
3. Finished sanded the grog cabinet
4. Finished sanded the coffee table
5. Took Tide Hiker over to the marina and filled up with fuel and pumped out
Dinner out (pizza) with Mark and Donna. They have termites! (Our house is next door!)
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Alligator in the marina this morning
Saturday October, 2015
Sunday to Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Quick 2 day trip to Chicago and Indiana to wrap a 3 year lease with our largest EP tenant. Their head office is in South Bend and I enjoyed the fall scenery on the 100 mile drive from Midway airport. The area was enjoying some beautiful warm fall weather with 75 degree temps. Spent some time at the building with Don Sparks, one of the 4 partners.
Wednesday November 4, 2015
Mason had his first "real" haircut today.
Adam and Family visit
N
W
Arrived the IOP right on time at 8:30 AM. Mark & Donna, Magnus and Charlotte and Stan Bell met us at the slip and helped tie us up. Was a nice welcome. We are on the same dock (D11) as Stan and Nancy so that will be fun. The trip from Wrightsville Beach had been quite pleasant and uneventful, 150 NM in 21 hours and 20 minutes. We only saw (on the radar about 6 miles distant) one other boat. I called them on the VHF and we talked to each other occasionally through the night.
The weather here at 9:00 AM is typical - hot (80 degrees) and humid (80%) and so we have turned on the AC. Donna gave us a ride to pick up the rental, and we drove over to Kylie's. She is doing OK, plenty of bruises and some burns from the air bags, but otherwise seems to be OK. Still counting our blessings.
Calculated that we had traveled 4,373 NM in 5 and a 1/3 months since we left IOP on April 30. We plan to stay here for three months. In January we expect to head for the west coast of Florida.
For the next three months the blog will be pretty boring. Boat jobs and family and a bit of tripping around.
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| Sunset last night. Calm seas. |
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Breakfast with Kylie and Mason.
Mid afternoon walk with Magnus from Swede Dreams. Only 2 miles, but I need to get into shape.
Popped over to visit the Taylor'sand see how the clean up is progressing. They seem to be doing fine, and have been impressed by the amount of help they have received from family, friends, strangers and the various government agencies.
Ended up on Belleaire for the rest of the day with Nancy and Stan, they ordered pizza.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Another 2 miles with Magnus.
Picked up Mason from day care and took him to the beach. We had a blast. Bit of TV and an early night.
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| Add caption |
Thursday October 15, 2015
Mason is enamored with his trains so this morning we got up early and took him to the Amtrak station. The visit was a big hit.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Met Kylie and Mason at the beach.
Off to the movies - "Bridge of Spies" - really good!
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| Kylie was holding my beer. |
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Breakfast at IOP and ran into Magnus and Charlotte. Dinner out with Magnus, Charlotte, Mark and Donna.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Got cold today. Started stripping furniture.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Work on Tide Hiker. Mostly stripping varnish.
Looks like Kylie's car will be "written off".
Stan returned to I.O.P. and popped in for a drink and stayed for dinner. Chris and Allison called in.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Wow, how time flies. John Davy turned up today. We walked on the floor and John gave the rails a coat of varnish. I think the floor issue is resolved.
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| Looking into the ER from the Salon |
Car looking with Ky. More sanding and stripping. Dinner out with Bill and Laura Bender.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Lots done today:
1. Washed the ison glass and canvas and dismantled it ready to remove for repairs
2. Finish sanded the newel posts
3. Finished sanded the grog cabinet
4. Finished sanded the coffee table
5. Took Tide Hiker over to the marina and filled up with fuel and pumped out
Dinner out (pizza) with Mark and Donna. They have termites! (Our house is next door!)
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Alligator in the marina this morning
Saturday October, 2015
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| He did not want to be a lamb! He wanted to be Batman! |
Sunday to Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Quick 2 day trip to Chicago and Indiana to wrap a 3 year lease with our largest EP tenant. Their head office is in South Bend and I enjoyed the fall scenery on the 100 mile drive from Midway airport. The area was enjoying some beautiful warm fall weather with 75 degree temps. Spent some time at the building with Don Sparks, one of the 4 partners.
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| Fall colors in Indiana |
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| The office, with the west bay in the background. |
Wednesday November 4, 2015
Mason had his first "real" haircut today.
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| He took a bit of convincing |
Adam and Family visit
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Wrightsville Beach Anchorage
Thursday October 8, 2015
N
W
We were up and underway at dawn. The days are less than 12 hours now and we needed 10+ for today's 72 NM run. The weather looked good, not much wave action, just long low swells.
The Navy provided some entertainment along the way. Midway thru the day we spotted a large amphibious assault vessel offshore the Camp Lejeune marine training base. We could see a large "3" on the ship so looked it up on Google.
A few miles away the ship radioed us and told us to keep 2 miles off. We managed to keep a mile and a bit off. The ship is like an aircraft carrier and its deck was covered with Harrier VTOL jets, Osprey VTOL and helicopters. They recovered one of those hovercraft while Ospreys shuttled to and from the shore. Good entertainment.
We arrived Wrightsville Beach right on schedule and had the anchor down by 5 PM. This is a good spot, and the weather remained calm. Then receved a phone call that Kylie had been involved in a car accident and taken to hospital. We were pretty spooked, but Ryan called a couple of hours later with the news that she was OK and would be discharged.
Nevertheless we have decided to head direct for Charleston in the AM. It will be an overnight trip, we will plan to arrive at the Charleston light at dawn and be at the IOP Marina by 9 AM.
N
W
We were up and underway at dawn. The days are less than 12 hours now and we needed 10+ for today's 72 NM run. The weather looked good, not much wave action, just long low swells.
The Navy provided some entertainment along the way. Midway thru the day we spotted a large amphibious assault vessel offshore the Camp Lejeune marine training base. We could see a large "3" on the ship so looked it up on Google.
A few miles away the ship radioed us and told us to keep 2 miles off. We managed to keep a mile and a bit off. The ship is like an aircraft carrier and its deck was covered with Harrier VTOL jets, Osprey VTOL and helicopters. They recovered one of those hovercraft while Ospreys shuttled to and from the shore. Good entertainment.
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| USS Kearsarge. |
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| Hovercraft on the way |
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| Havercraft loads into the stern door of the mother ship. Cool! |
We arrived Wrightsville Beach right on schedule and had the anchor down by 5 PM. This is a good spot, and the weather remained calm. Then receved a phone call that Kylie had been involved in a car accident and taken to hospital. We were pretty spooked, but Ryan called a couple of hours later with the news that she was OK and would be discharged.
Nevertheless we have decided to head direct for Charleston in the AM. It will be an overnight trip, we will plan to arrive at the Charleston light at dawn and be at the IOP Marina by 9 AM.
Cape Look Out - Anchorage
Wednesday October
7, 2015
N
W
Beautiful sunny morning. The bridge did not open till
8:30 AM so we enjoyed a bit of a sleep-in. If the weather held we planned
to go all the way to the Cape Lookout anchorage, one of our favorites. Our
concerns about debris in the water proved to be exaggerated. We saw a few tree
trunks in Adam’s Creek but otherwise the 49 NM were uneventful. The only
problem with this anchorage is that we have no internet reception and so I am
typing this in Word and I will paste it into the blog at a later date.
This is one of my all time favorite anchorages. It is big enough for 100 boats, but tonight we have it to ourselves.It feels totally isolated. We have seen green turtles and lots of porpoises in here. Plus there is an active lighthouse on the cape.
Tomorrow we plan to run 72 NM in the Atlantic in a
straight line from the anchorage to the Wrightsville Beach entrance. The
forecast looks good (or it did when we saw it last.)
Saturday, October 3, 2015
New Bern "Grand Marina"
Friday October 2, 2015
N
W
Another long day of 63 NM in poor conditions. On the final leg north up the river the wind had built to 20/25 MPH and the rain was basically horizontal. Tide Hiker handled the conditions with her usual aplomb, but Deidre and I were soaked to the skin when we were finally docked in the marina. Glad to get the day over with. Good friends (Lisa and Jeff Noyse) met us at the slip and invited us to dinner and loaned us a car! Lisa is a great cook and dinner was great. There is no doubt that home cooking beats eating out,
Hurricane Joaquin is now heading northeast and away from the mainland. But we are happy we headed to New Bern as the weather up the mid-east coast is universally bad. Seems the hurricane has contributed to a stream of windy and wet weather that is causing heavy rain and flooding.
This morning by about 10 AM Charleston had already received 5"of rain! I called Kylie's father in law (Gene Taylor) because they live alongside French Forest Creek, north of Charleston.. Gene told me that the creek had already reached the top of the bulkhead and they were preparing for a flood. Apparently downtown Charleston is already flooded and closed off by the authorities. Kylie and Ryans house is doing OK.
Saturday October 3, 2015
This morning we walked into town for breakfast. New Bern is a delightful city. It has been raining on and off. The weather forecast warns of winds up to 40 MPH today. This marina is protected to the north (and a bit NE and NW) by the Hilton Hotel and the Convention Center and to the East by a couple of bridges. We are a bit open in the other directions,
Here is the local "live cam" of the marina:
http://www.newberngrandmarinayachtclub.com/MarinaCam.html
Sunday October 4, 2015
The Charleston area is not having a good week. Total of 10" of rain yesterday and already another 3" this morning (Its 9:30 AM) Kylie's house is OK, our IOP house is OK, but Kylie's in-laws are flooded. No end in sight for now. The weather here is gusty with scattered rain. The forecast for the next few days is bad so we will not be moving for a while.
Monday October 5, 2015
Rained most of the day today. Windy too.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
The sun came out today. Tomorrow's weather looks sorta decent. Thursday looks great. Maybe its time to go. Getting reports that the ICW in South Carolina is virtually impassable because of floating debris.
N
W
Another long day of 63 NM in poor conditions. On the final leg north up the river the wind had built to 20/25 MPH and the rain was basically horizontal. Tide Hiker handled the conditions with her usual aplomb, but Deidre and I were soaked to the skin when we were finally docked in the marina. Glad to get the day over with. Good friends (Lisa and Jeff Noyse) met us at the slip and invited us to dinner and loaned us a car! Lisa is a great cook and dinner was great. There is no doubt that home cooking beats eating out,
Hurricane Joaquin is now heading northeast and away from the mainland. But we are happy we headed to New Bern as the weather up the mid-east coast is universally bad. Seems the hurricane has contributed to a stream of windy and wet weather that is causing heavy rain and flooding.
This morning by about 10 AM Charleston had already received 5"of rain! I called Kylie's father in law (Gene Taylor) because they live alongside French Forest Creek, north of Charleston.. Gene told me that the creek had already reached the top of the bulkhead and they were preparing for a flood. Apparently downtown Charleston is already flooded and closed off by the authorities. Kylie and Ryans house is doing OK.
Saturday October 3, 2015
This morning we walked into town for breakfast. New Bern is a delightful city. It has been raining on and off. The weather forecast warns of winds up to 40 MPH today. This marina is protected to the north (and a bit NE and NW) by the Hilton Hotel and the Convention Center and to the East by a couple of bridges. We are a bit open in the other directions,
Here is the local "live cam" of the marina:
http://www.newberngrandmarinayachtclub.com/MarinaCam.html
Sunday October 4, 2015
The Charleston area is not having a good week. Total of 10" of rain yesterday and already another 3" this morning (Its 9:30 AM) Kylie's house is OK, our IOP house is OK, but Kylie's in-laws are flooded. No end in sight for now. The weather here is gusty with scattered rain. The forecast for the next few days is bad so we will not be moving for a while.
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| Taylor's from the deck early Saturday. Later that day the gate was submerged. |
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| Uncle Bill's from the creek |
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| Taylor's later in the day. Gene moving the boat. |
Monday October 5, 2015
Rained most of the day today. Windy too.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
The sun came out today. Tomorrow's weather looks sorta decent. Thursday looks great. Maybe its time to go. Getting reports that the ICW in South Carolina is virtually impassable because of floating debris.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Belhaven
Thursday October 1st, 2015
35 32.352 N
76 37.937 W
We are taking 2 days to travel a distance that we would normally take three days. The daylight hours are a bit less than 12 now, so we were up at 6:30 AM and underway at 7:15. The anchor took some extra time as the chain was quite dirty.
It had rained most of the night and conditions in the AM were a bit bleak - reminded us of Canada. Once we had crossed Albemarle Sound and entered the Alligator River I rigged up a long hose on the salt water pump and attempted to clean up the insect mess.As well as the bodies we were still carrying a few million "flyers" and I tried to knock them out of the air with the hose. When we are at the marina in New Bern I will finish the job with the "wet and dry" vacuum.
After the Albamarle we were in sheltered water all the way and made decent time.
Received confirmation today that we have a slip in IOP.
35 32.352 N
76 37.937 W
We are taking 2 days to travel a distance that we would normally take three days. The daylight hours are a bit less than 12 now, so we were up at 6:30 AM and underway at 7:15. The anchor took some extra time as the chain was quite dirty.
It had rained most of the night and conditions in the AM were a bit bleak - reminded us of Canada. Once we had crossed Albemarle Sound and entered the Alligator River I rigged up a long hose on the salt water pump and attempted to clean up the insect mess.As well as the bodies we were still carrying a few million "flyers" and I tried to knock them out of the air with the hose. When we are at the marina in New Bern I will finish the job with the "wet and dry" vacuum.
After the Albamarle we were in sheltered water all the way and made decent time.
Received confirmation today that we have a slip in IOP.
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| How the decks looked |
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| The door sill |
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Lutz Creek Anchorage
Wednesday September 30, 2015
36 14.459 N
75 55.538 W
We have a new variable to deal with - "Joaquin" is now a hurricane and aiming at North Carolina. Our plan this morning was to head south ASAP and hope that the storm stayed off shore so that we would get south of the storm before it made landfall. But the forecast track is now aimed at North Carolina. So we have made a reservation in New Bern where we "rode out" Sandy. New Bern is 3 long days away but we can arrive Friday night, 24 - 48 hours ahead of Jaoquin. Will be an interesting week.
This morning we took on 497 gallons of diesel at $1.92 a gallon! This delayed our departure until 10 AM, and we were delayed more at the Great Bridge lock and then at the Centerville lifting bridge. For the first few miles we had plenty of company, but they all "peeled off" along the way and we were on our own again.
Ten miles past Great Bridge and we feel like we are back into the wilderness. The East Coast of the USA is really quite amazing - one minute in civilization, next minute in the Amazon. It is really beautiful and primitive country to travel through.
We pushed on until 5:30 PM but only made 43 NM in total. That leave two big days to get to New Bern. Anchored in the North Landing River for the night. Its calm now, a wind change is expected about midnight. The weather looks a bit spooky, lots of lightening around.
TV reception was pretty good. But when we muted the TV we started to hear noises. Looking out on the aft deck we discover millions - billions? - of bugs. Their combined wing beating noise is noticeable. They are too thick in the air to go out to close the aft cabin door. We made sure all the screens were in place and went to bed.
36 14.459 N
75 55.538 W
We have a new variable to deal with - "Joaquin" is now a hurricane and aiming at North Carolina. Our plan this morning was to head south ASAP and hope that the storm stayed off shore so that we would get south of the storm before it made landfall. But the forecast track is now aimed at North Carolina. So we have made a reservation in New Bern where we "rode out" Sandy. New Bern is 3 long days away but we can arrive Friday night, 24 - 48 hours ahead of Jaoquin. Will be an interesting week.
This morning we took on 497 gallons of diesel at $1.92 a gallon! This delayed our departure until 10 AM, and we were delayed more at the Great Bridge lock and then at the Centerville lifting bridge. For the first few miles we had plenty of company, but they all "peeled off" along the way and we were on our own again.
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| There was a line at the lock - then a barge came out! |
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| The line up of big guys at Coinjock. Too spoiled the anchor. |
Ten miles past Great Bridge and we feel like we are back into the wilderness. The East Coast of the USA is really quite amazing - one minute in civilization, next minute in the Amazon. It is really beautiful and primitive country to travel through.
We pushed on until 5:30 PM but only made 43 NM in total. That leave two big days to get to New Bern. Anchored in the North Landing River for the night. Its calm now, a wind change is expected about midnight. The weather looks a bit spooky, lots of lightening around.
TV reception was pretty good. But when we muted the TV we started to hear noises. Looking out on the aft deck we discover millions - billions? - of bugs. Their combined wing beating noise is noticeable. They are too thick in the air to go out to close the aft cabin door. We made sure all the screens were in place and went to bed.
Top Rack - Marina
Tuesday September 29, 2015
36 44.374 N
76 17.773 W
The forecast is not great so we want to get out of the Chesapeake ASAP, so another long day today. After a very peaceful night we were underway soon after 7 AM. Target was the Top Rack marina where we can get fuel and stay overnight. Top Rack is 15 miles into the ICW in the Norfolk area,
The sea conditions started a bit lumpy and the wind started to build as the day progressed. Unlike Monday we seemed to have a current against us most of the day. Tide Hiker was making a lot of spray. On a whim Deidre decided to check below, and found that I had left the forward head porthole open and the room was "swimming".
About lunch time we stumbled over a couple of US hovercraft doing their thing. I took lots of photos and a video that I will show below. You could hardly see them because of the rough weatther and consequent spray.
As we approached Norfolk the Coast Guard warned boaters that an aircraft carrier was underway - it was not really an aircraft carrier - just a large "Amphibious Landing Craft" called the "Wasp". We were into Hampton Roads by about 2 PM and started to benefit from the protection, although the scene was pretty bleak. - grey clouds, grey water and grey war ships. And it was raining on and off.
We had to pass two lifting bridges to make it to Top Rack - both N&S railway bridges. (There has been an enormous effort over the last 10 years to replace all the lifting and swinging road bridges over the ICW, which saves time and money for everyone. But not so with the railway bridges.) We made it thru N&W #5 OK but not N&W #7. We waited for two trains, but then it broke down. All in all we waited for an hour.
Top Rack has a great deal - if you spend your slip fee at their restaurant, dinner is on them. And its a nice restaurant. So after we settled in (we were so late that there was no-one there to help) we took a shower and headed in for dinner. This is a "proper restaurant" - no pub food here.
Back on Tide Hiker we had cranked up the AC and it was cool and dry on board when we returned. We even slept with a blanker.
36 44.374 N
76 17.773 W
The forecast is not great so we want to get out of the Chesapeake ASAP, so another long day today. After a very peaceful night we were underway soon after 7 AM. Target was the Top Rack marina where we can get fuel and stay overnight. Top Rack is 15 miles into the ICW in the Norfolk area,
The sea conditions started a bit lumpy and the wind started to build as the day progressed. Unlike Monday we seemed to have a current against us most of the day. Tide Hiker was making a lot of spray. On a whim Deidre decided to check below, and found that I had left the forward head porthole open and the room was "swimming".
About lunch time we stumbled over a couple of US hovercraft doing their thing. I took lots of photos and a video that I will show below. You could hardly see them because of the rough weatther and consequent spray.
As we approached Norfolk the Coast Guard warned boaters that an aircraft carrier was underway - it was not really an aircraft carrier - just a large "Amphibious Landing Craft" called the "Wasp". We were into Hampton Roads by about 2 PM and started to benefit from the protection, although the scene was pretty bleak. - grey clouds, grey water and grey war ships. And it was raining on and off.
We had to pass two lifting bridges to make it to Top Rack - both N&S railway bridges. (There has been an enormous effort over the last 10 years to replace all the lifting and swinging road bridges over the ICW, which saves time and money for everyone. But not so with the railway bridges.) We made it thru N&W #5 OK but not N&W #7. We waited for two trains, but then it broke down. All in all we waited for an hour.
Top Rack has a great deal - if you spend your slip fee at their restaurant, dinner is on them. And its a nice restaurant. So after we settled in (we were so late that there was no-one there to help) we took a shower and headed in for dinner. This is a "proper restaurant" - no pub food here.
Back on Tide Hiker we had cranked up the AC and it was cool and dry on board when we returned. We even slept with a blanker.
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| Bob: "How does the captain see where he is going?" Deidre: "Keep out of his way!" |
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| The "WASP" |
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| Another one. |
Monday, September 28, 2015
Fishing Bay Anchorage
Monday September 28, 2015
37 32.084 N
76 20.145 W
Underway from Washburn's about 7:35 AM. Cavara delayed 30 minutes by a worn fan belt. Conditions were fine and we seemed to have some tide assistance most of the day. Dropped anchor in Fishing Bay at about 4 PM - 61 NM in 8 1/2 hours. Good going.
37 32.084 N
76 20.145 W
Underway from Washburn's about 7:35 AM. Cavara delayed 30 minutes by a worn fan belt. Conditions were fine and we seemed to have some tide assistance most of the day. Dropped anchor in Fishing Bay at about 4 PM - 61 NM in 8 1/2 hours. Good going.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Solomons (Washburn's Boat Yard)
Saturday, September 19, 2015
38 19.958 N
76 21.526 W
Pleasant 44 NM run south to "The Solomons". This is a large boating center, nobody seems to know why. There are no big towns close by, the area is really quite isolated. There are several big marinas and several boat yards. We are here to get a few things investigated and fixed up that are "above my pay grade". My biggest issue is the #2 generator that bogs down way below its rated capacity. Other jobs:
1. I cannot get fuel to flow out of the stb-aft fuel tank. The three other tanks are down to about 1/4 full, but the stb-aft tank is chocker. As a result Tide Hiker has a weird list.
2. The stb exhaust hose in the ER is running too hot. I am thinking maybe the elbow is clogged somewhat?
3. The sport transmission control cable on the flybridge is out of adjustment. Leaving Boston we were running on one engine and did not realize for an hour or so that the port transmission had not engaged.
4. I have ordered a new control cable for the Glendenning. It needs to be installed. I could probably do it, but since there will be a mechanic in the ER......
5. The gasket behind the mechanical fuel pump on the Onan is leaking. These guys are Onan dealers so should have the part.
Sunday September 22, 2015
Just so happens that old friends John and Bonnie are in the Solomons. We met up with them for dinner last night and today they arranged for us to attend the Solomons Watermen's Festival. This is the fisherman's equivalent of a tractor pull or stock car racing. The main even was a 'docking competition" for fishing boats. I have included a video below.
Monday, September 23, 2015
We were up and dressed at 8 AM, ready for the workers to arrive. Eric the manager arrived after lunch for a planning meeting. Eric and Rich came back later to run some tests on the generator. Rich started working on the transmission controls and removed the port engine elbow.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
More happening today. More tests on the generator. The port engine elbow was replaced with my spare. Talked some more about the Onan. The transmission controls seem improved. The new Glendenning RPM cable was installed, and seems to work OK.
Don and Barb came over for drinks and cards. the boys and girls split 2 games of 500. They are leaving tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Jon and Bonnie picked us up in their rental. Bonnie had some doctor appointments in Baltimore so we came for the ride. We enjoyed lunch in Baltimore "Little Italy" and some shopping in Baltimore and the DC suburbs. Was a fun day, back on the boat by 5 PM.
Today the stb aft tank issue was diagnosed - a bad hose that had collapsed. We decided to have all 4 hoses replaced. Waiting on parts for the Onan and hoses.Still have electrical work re the generator.
Don and Barb did not leave this morning - I suspect they enjoy our "Last suppers" too much. I think we have had 3 or 4 by now. The other reason might be the weather.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
The yard is making steady progress on the remaining issues. Deidre and I took the yard car and replenished the larder. We invited a couple from another trawler in the yard over for drinks and then drove us into town for a casual dinner.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Cool overcast morning. The yard have had two guys on Tide Hiker most of the day. They have promised to wrap up the work by mid afternoon.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Lazy day, did some shopping and a few small jobs. Dinner out by ourselves.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Another lazy day. Out for breakfast with the Washington Post. Visited the Patuxant Navy Air museum.
38 19.958 N
76 21.526 W
Pleasant 44 NM run south to "The Solomons". This is a large boating center, nobody seems to know why. There are no big towns close by, the area is really quite isolated. There are several big marinas and several boat yards. We are here to get a few things investigated and fixed up that are "above my pay grade". My biggest issue is the #2 generator that bogs down way below its rated capacity. Other jobs:
1. I cannot get fuel to flow out of the stb-aft fuel tank. The three other tanks are down to about 1/4 full, but the stb-aft tank is chocker. As a result Tide Hiker has a weird list.
2. The stb exhaust hose in the ER is running too hot. I am thinking maybe the elbow is clogged somewhat?
3. The sport transmission control cable on the flybridge is out of adjustment. Leaving Boston we were running on one engine and did not realize for an hour or so that the port transmission had not engaged.
4. I have ordered a new control cable for the Glendenning. It needs to be installed. I could probably do it, but since there will be a mechanic in the ER......
5. The gasket behind the mechanical fuel pump on the Onan is leaking. These guys are Onan dealers so should have the part.
Sunday September 22, 2015
Just so happens that old friends John and Bonnie are in the Solomons. We met up with them for dinner last night and today they arranged for us to attend the Solomons Watermen's Festival. This is the fisherman's equivalent of a tractor pull or stock car racing. The main even was a 'docking competition" for fishing boats. I have included a video below.
Monday, September 23, 2015
We were up and dressed at 8 AM, ready for the workers to arrive. Eric the manager arrived after lunch for a planning meeting. Eric and Rich came back later to run some tests on the generator. Rich started working on the transmission controls and removed the port engine elbow.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
More happening today. More tests on the generator. The port engine elbow was replaced with my spare. Talked some more about the Onan. The transmission controls seem improved. The new Glendenning RPM cable was installed, and seems to work OK.
Don and Barb came over for drinks and cards. the boys and girls split 2 games of 500. They are leaving tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Jon and Bonnie picked us up in their rental. Bonnie had some doctor appointments in Baltimore so we came for the ride. We enjoyed lunch in Baltimore "Little Italy" and some shopping in Baltimore and the DC suburbs. Was a fun day, back on the boat by 5 PM.
Today the stb aft tank issue was diagnosed - a bad hose that had collapsed. We decided to have all 4 hoses replaced. Waiting on parts for the Onan and hoses.Still have electrical work re the generator.
Don and Barb did not leave this morning - I suspect they enjoy our "Last suppers" too much. I think we have had 3 or 4 by now. The other reason might be the weather.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
The yard is making steady progress on the remaining issues. Deidre and I took the yard car and replenished the larder. We invited a couple from another trawler in the yard over for drinks and then drove us into town for a casual dinner.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Cool overcast morning. The yard have had two guys on Tide Hiker most of the day. They have promised to wrap up the work by mid afternoon.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Lazy day, did some shopping and a few small jobs. Dinner out by ourselves.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Another lazy day. Out for breakfast with the Washington Post. Visited the Patuxant Navy Air museum.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Annapolis (Mooring Ball)
Friday September 18, 2015
38 58.581 N
76 28.982 W
Short run today so we slept in and did not pull the anchor until 7:30 AM. Another perfect day, lots of sun and light winds. Warm enough to run the boat from the fly bridge.
We entered the Annapolis inner harbor at about 1 PM and we pleased to see at least three "heavy" mooring balls available. We picked up one, Cavara was a few minutes behind us and picked up another. There was a cat flying the Australian red ensign beside us. They were from Brisbane.
Annapolis is just a great place, one of my all time favorites with lots of good memories. We dropped the dink in and headed ashore for a walk around and a bit of shopping. Big weekend in Annapolis - "Change of Command" day at the Naval Academy, and a home game for the Navy football team. Before we returned to Tide Hiker we made reservations for another farewell dinner with Don and Barb at the "oldest inn in Maryland" - 1750.
38 58.581 N
76 28.982 W
Short run today so we slept in and did not pull the anchor until 7:30 AM. Another perfect day, lots of sun and light winds. Warm enough to run the boat from the fly bridge.
We entered the Annapolis inner harbor at about 1 PM and we pleased to see at least three "heavy" mooring balls available. We picked up one, Cavara was a few minutes behind us and picked up another. There was a cat flying the Australian red ensign beside us. They were from Brisbane.
Annapolis is just a great place, one of my all time favorites with lots of good memories. We dropped the dink in and headed ashore for a walk around and a bit of shopping. Big weekend in Annapolis - "Change of Command" day at the Naval Academy, and a home game for the Navy football team. Before we returned to Tide Hiker we made reservations for another farewell dinner with Don and Barb at the "oldest inn in Maryland" - 1750.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Sassafras River Anchorage
Thursday September 17, 2015
39 22.405 N
76 02.800 W
I really do not like the Delaware River. Not sure why, maybe its because we have to go North, which is the wrong direction, plus its just a boring run. Once again the tide is important, so we were up and underway at 6:30 AM. I hate getting out of bed at that hour, but I love running the boat in the calm and half light of an early morning. We were thru Cape May and out of the canal by 7:30 AM. Don had judged the tide perfectly, we average 8.5 knots up the river and hit the C&D canal right at slack. After an hour or so at slack the current had turned and we rode it thru the canal and into the northern Chesapeake. All in all, 85 miles in 10.5 hours, not bad.
We anchored in the Sassafras river against the southern shore, made up of cliffs and trees. There was not much wind but we were totally sheltered. There were no other boats, just the two of us. I felt good to be back in the Chesapeake, its a cruising paradise. It had been another long day so we were in bed by about 9 PM. I love sleeping in a safe anchorage.
39 22.405 N
76 02.800 W
I really do not like the Delaware River. Not sure why, maybe its because we have to go North, which is the wrong direction, plus its just a boring run. Once again the tide is important, so we were up and underway at 6:30 AM. I hate getting out of bed at that hour, but I love running the boat in the calm and half light of an early morning. We were thru Cape May and out of the canal by 7:30 AM. Don had judged the tide perfectly, we average 8.5 knots up the river and hit the C&D canal right at slack. After an hour or so at slack the current had turned and we rode it thru the canal and into the northern Chesapeake. All in all, 85 miles in 10.5 hours, not bad.
We anchored in the Sassafras river against the southern shore, made up of cliffs and trees. There was not much wind but we were totally sheltered. There were no other boats, just the two of us. I felt good to be back in the Chesapeake, its a cruising paradise. It had been another long day so we were in bed by about 9 PM. I love sleeping in a safe anchorage.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Cape May (Marina)
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
38 57.617 N
74 52.001 W
145 NM does not sound much, but it takes us about 20 hours. Rather than take three days we decided to take advantage of the good forecast and "do an overnight" on the Atlantic.
We dropped the moorings in Port Washington at 11:10 AM on Tuesday. Could not leave any earlier as we had to catch the slack and the ebb down the East river, past the east side of Manhattan and out New York harbor to the Atlantic. We arrived at the Cape May entrance at 7 AM on Wednesday morning, a bit earlier than expected. It was nice and calm so we dropped anchor outside on the Atlantic shore in about 15' of water to wait for the marina to answer the phone.
We have now made the run down the East River along the east side of Manhattan at least 1/2 dozen times, but it is still fun. We tend to go crazy with the camera, but this time I decided just to focus on the bridges.
We met this freighter on the way out Ambrose channel. He did not really follow our rules and got a bit close. I told Deidre not to worry
It was totally dark by 7 PM. The first hour or so of running in the dark is a bit spooky. We have the radar and chart plotter running, so we can avoid most obstacles. Don and I had previously agreed on a route that avoided known obstacles, such as "fish havens" that are delineated by unlit buoys that would really scratch up Tide Hiker if we ran into one.
Deidre and I split up into 2 hours shifts starting before dark so we can bank a little sleep. It gets a bit boring "on watch" at night and it is almost a relief for an unidentified blip to appear on the radar. Both of us sleep pretty well, I find the engine noise and the movement of the boat to be quite relaxing, Deidre not so much.
The sun came up about an hour before we reached the Cape May entrance. We were a bit early so we dropped the anchor and took a nap just off the beach a bit south of the entrance. The marina called back about 9 AM so we recovered the anchor and headed in.
Once settled in the marina we all hit the sack. Early departure up the Delaware tomorrow. This was our first marina for 5 weeks. It felt quite strange to be able to step off the boat and walk around.
38 57.617 N
74 52.001 W
145 NM does not sound much, but it takes us about 20 hours. Rather than take three days we decided to take advantage of the good forecast and "do an overnight" on the Atlantic.
We dropped the moorings in Port Washington at 11:10 AM on Tuesday. Could not leave any earlier as we had to catch the slack and the ebb down the East river, past the east side of Manhattan and out New York harbor to the Atlantic. We arrived at the Cape May entrance at 7 AM on Wednesday morning, a bit earlier than expected. It was nice and calm so we dropped anchor outside on the Atlantic shore in about 15' of water to wait for the marina to answer the phone.
 |
| Sunrise, Cavara off Cape May |
We have now made the run down the East River along the east side of Manhattan at least 1/2 dozen times, but it is still fun. We tend to go crazy with the camera, but this time I decided just to focus on the bridges.
 |
| Throgsneck Bridge - the first bridge - complete with petroleum barge |
 |
| Bronkx-Whitestone Bridge - Empire State Building in the background |
 |
| Hells gate Bridge - this is where the current really picks up |
 |
| Triborough Bridge |
 |
| Queensborough Bridge. You can see the tidal flow rapids on the left |
 |
| Williamsburg Bridge |
 |
| Manhatten Bridge with the Brooklyn Bridge behind |
 |
| Brooklyn Bridge - everybody's favorite |
 |
| Verrazano Narrows Bridge - last one |
We met this freighter on the way out Ambrose channel. He did not really follow our rules and got a bit close. I told Deidre not to worry
It was totally dark by 7 PM. The first hour or so of running in the dark is a bit spooky. We have the radar and chart plotter running, so we can avoid most obstacles. Don and I had previously agreed on a route that avoided known obstacles, such as "fish havens" that are delineated by unlit buoys that would really scratch up Tide Hiker if we ran into one.
Deidre and I split up into 2 hours shifts starting before dark so we can bank a little sleep. It gets a bit boring "on watch" at night and it is almost a relief for an unidentified blip to appear on the radar. Both of us sleep pretty well, I find the engine noise and the movement of the boat to be quite relaxing, Deidre not so much.
The sun came up about an hour before we reached the Cape May entrance. We were a bit early so we dropped the anchor and took a nap just off the beach a bit south of the entrance. The marina called back about 9 AM so we recovered the anchor and headed in.
Once settled in the marina we all hit the sack. Early departure up the Delaware tomorrow. This was our first marina for 5 weeks. It felt quite strange to be able to step off the boat and walk around.
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