FLORIDA HERE WE COME

The last time we left you we were getting ready to go home for Thanksgiving. The Summer Wind was all snuggled down in a nice little marina in Beaufort, SC as we rented a car and started the drive north. It was a 2 day trip and got to Morristown on Sunday, 11/23. Now just to back up a little. Something exciting happened on our trip. Stopped over night a little south of Richmond,VA and went to a nice Italian restaurant. Ordering a bottle of wine the waitress asked Dick for ID. She was a little taken back when she saw his birth date. He was sooooooo happy to be carded!!!!!!! the waitress got a great tip that night. LOLOLOL

The next few days we shopped and shopped and shopped. Couldn't believe the things we took to the mountains, but all were used.

Could you believe the one Condo we rented had a flood and couldn't be used (Does that bring back memories).The resort compensated with 3 condos, one being free, so everything worked out great. We had a wonderful weekend with everyone there and participating in many activities. (swimming, basketball,football,tennis,exercising in the gym, lots of walking and all eating to oblivion)We took a family portrait which I hope you all like.

Sunday we said all of our goodbyes and started our drive back but taking a side trip to our friends,Jerry and Kathryn Greenhoot, to see their newly built mountain home.Well after 9 1/2 hours of stop and go traffic we finally got into a motel just outside Washington, DC. The next day we made it to their house in Saluda, NC but got delayed with a flat tire in Lexington, NC.

Their home is lovely but unfortunately our camera didn't work so no pictures. they were marvelous hosts with a delicious meal and great wine to ease our trip.

So back to the Summer Wind, refilled her fridge with more shopping and laundry and started our journey again.

Thursday,12/4, we left Beaufort, SC and found a nice new anchorage just south of Savannah, GA. The next day another anchorage. This one (Wahoo River)we had found last year and decided to go in again. We were the only boat and not a house in sight. It was so quiet without any wind we thought we were sitting on land which was not the case. Unfortunately, the weather still is cold so we couldn't sit out to watch the stars.

Saturday, 12/6, we decided to go to Brunswick, GA since we had heard some good reports. Thought to stay 2 days but were disappointed because the town closed up at 4 pm. So here we are on Sunday just south of Fernandina Beach, FL. Yes would you believe we made it to Florida, but it still feels like the north. We wake up in the morning and have to turn on the heaters. This morning was about in the high 30's and tonight they are calling for a frost warning. When is the warmth coming???????

Our friends from last year (Dolphins) don't seem to mind the cold because everyday as we are traveling they join us.

Ok, now some of you may not believe this, but the Summer Wind is dressed for Christmas. Since last year we lit Chanukah candles I promised Elle to dress the boat. We will still light the Menorah when Chanukah arrives.

Oh yes, one more thing we should mention. We have become grandparents again. This time it was on Elle's side. A bouncing 8 pound 22" baby boy named "CJ" born on November 29, 2008

Again we hope you are enjoying our adventure as much as we are. See you next time.

GETTING READY FOR THANKSGIVING

1:45 in the afternoon, sitting here in a warm toasty boat with the heat blasting.We are in Beaufort, SC and can't believe this weather. Since leaving North Myrtle Beach the weather has been fluctuating between nice to cold and windy. Didn't we come south to get out of the cold weather?
Georgetown was an easy trip as we saw dolphins, turtles, wild goats and a wild pig along the waterway. The Waccamaw river is always an adventure of wildlife, and many, many Cypress trees growing right out of the water.The trees give off tannic acid which makes the water as brown as tea and sticks to the bow of the boat as we travel. It is commonly called the ICW moustache which every boat traveling has. By the way, the only thing that will clean it is an acid. So the next time we are stopped and have warmth (will that ever happen?).
Georgetown, SC is a quaint little town and because it was Sunday everything was closed. Found a nice little cafe for a cup of coffee and we went there later on for a delicious dinner. It was nice to just be alone since Mike and Jane whom we are still traveling with decided to eat aboard. Elle and I enjoyed the quietness.
The next day traveled straight to Charleston, SC which was a 66 mile day. Traveling at about 8 miles an hour makes for a long day. Filled the diesel tanks for $2.79 a gallon.Called Joe and Renee Odierna, as planned, and they picked us up that evening and we went to their new (1895) home which they recently purchased and renovated. Had a lovely dinner and visit. The weather the next day was again going to be nasty so we stayed again. Said goodbye to Mike and Jane as they decided to go on ahead because of their plans and schedule for Thanksgiving.Luckily we did call the marina early to tell them because they were turning boats away. Elle and I bundled up and took the van into town. It was cold and blustery but we still walked around and stopped for a Thai lunch. Went back to the Summer Wind and snuggled down for some warmth.
Since we had reservations in Beaufort, SC in 2 days we decided to make 2 short days. Went into Tom Point Creek off the North Edisto River and dropped the hook in a very secluded spot all alone. Not one boat that night. It was a clear crisp cold night with thousands of stars and a bottle of wine. NICE!!!!!
So getting ourselves ready to drive home for Thanksgiving. Leaving the Summer Wind in a protected marina and will return after the holiday. Hopefully the weather will be a little warmer then.

SHARKS AND FOG

We had left you in Cedar Creek with about 10 boats anchored. The moon was full and the air was crisp. In the morning we woke, the winds were calm and not a ripple on the water. It seemed like everyone had the same eagerness to be on their way because at daybreak the anchorage was alive with boaters weighing anchor. Our departure was relatively easy, however a shrimp boat and barge were travelling down the creek and heading in our direction. We sped up somewhat to get in front of the barge because he would have taken up the whole canal and we wouldn't be able to get by. So here we were on our way and the fog started to roll in. Luckily and again we say, thanks for the electronics. Our radar was working great and most of the time we could make out the shrimp boat. Got past Adams creek and past the Beaufort inlet without any mishaps.

The day turned out nice and early that afternoon pulled into a nice cove that the marines had dredged. It was in the middle of Camp LeJeune and as we pulled in we saw a number of marines practicing with heavy inflatables all painted with camouflage paint. A nice spot to anchor but you can't go ashore. Most of the boats that started out with us came in to this basin for the night.

The next day we decided to go into a marina in Carolina Beach, NC because the residual winds from hurricane Paloma were to arrive. The marina had just been renovated with brand new docks and was very nice. The weather deteriorated so we stayed another day. Our bikes came out and Elle and I took off to the local Food Lion. It was about a 2-3 mile ride but nice and flat so easy. lolol. Mike and Jane made a pot of spaghetti sauce so we brought the salad and fresh fruit and we had a lovely dinner together.

The next morning was going to finally be "nice" so again at daybreak we left this marina and got off to a good start. This passage had to transverse the Cape Fear River which could be nasty with high winds. We were pleasantly surprised with very flat seas, but the fog rolled in again.Large ships move up and down the Cape Fear because it goes right out to the Atlantic ocean. We only encountered one and both he and I were blasting our fog horns.
Made it safely to North Myrtle Beach and here we are again for 2 days with downpours and Tornado warnings.

Today we had a break in the weather so both Mike and Jane and even Godiva took a nice walk to the local Food Lion. Replenished some fresh veggies and a few other odds and ends. Found this large shark so picture time.
It is pouring right now but Mother Nature has predicted a sunny day tomorrow but cold so made reservations in Georgetown, SC and will continue then.