Well, we've moved!!! We woke up around 6:30 am this morning excited that we're finally going to be able to move!!! Woke up and we weren't disappointed, the sun was beginning to rise, the winds were barely noticeable and the seas were calm,, yeahhh!!!!! Thank you Ted and Nancy for your wonderful guest dock, and your awesome hospitality.
So, around 7:30 we had everything ready and made little work of getting off the dock. We joined several boats this morning at least ten, on the train heading south. It was a gorgeous morning!!
We had been on the Chesapeake Bay when we heard a distress call. A 57 year old man, boating alone, no GPS, no cell phone, and had an old radio was calling for the coast guard for help. He told the coast guard he was ill, weak and needed help. He had been on anchor for two days during the wind storm, and wanted them to take him to a hospital or doctor. Unfortunately, he could only give them an approximate guess as to where he had been located so many miles from the shore and the closest buoys he could remember. The description of his boat had been a 32foot white Zimmerman, white Bimini top. He did tell them the boat name, but that is almost impossible to see from great distances. Great, so his boat fit about 30 other boats that were out on the water within miles. We realized he could possibly be any of the boats we were passing because he said South of Hooper Point. Each time we passed a fishing boat we had the binoculars out checking to see if the person was fishing or possibly our distressed boater. We heard other cruisers talking on the radio, searching for this boat as well. Meanwhile, time is passing and the distressed boater was not responding to the coast guard.
This brought us to a topic of safe boating which Capt. Dick frequently quizzes me on. He makes sure we're prepared as much as possible for an emergency and that I'm familiar and competent with reading the equipment and charts.It's amazing, when we drive our car , we know our environment, street, city, state, what mall we're close to , or gas station. Most people today travel with cell phones and someone knows our itinerary. Boating should absolutely be the same way, you never know where or when your going to need help and you definitely need the tools to get the help. If your boating,, know your destination, weather and surroundings, take compass points frequently and know the course your set upon. You can purchase a hand held radio and hand held GPS,, the cost to not have these things are way tooo high,, your life!!! The other thing, is if your alone, tell someone, hey I'm going boating today and I plan to be in this area and I'm coming back by a certain time. That way at least someone knows you've past your estimated time of arrival and possibly can begin a coast guard look out. A cell phone today, makes so much sense!
It was 2 hours later before the coast guard was able to locate this boater . They could have found him a lot earlier if he had the proper tools and could tell the coast guard valuable information. Please travel safely!!
We arrived at Deltaville around 1430 hours, the Chesapeake was totally flat by then. Now we have mundane things like laundry and a few chores for this evening. We're hoping to get an early start out for Norfolk, the winds are going to start whipping up again. If it's not good weather, we just won't go and stay put and enjoy our time here.
So here we go,, safely boating!!
WE'RE STILL HERE
Well,guess what????? We are still tied to the same dock we have been on since lat week. The weather man is not cooperating and so here we are. Hopefully we will be able to get underway tomorrow.
So, since we last wrote we have been busy on the Summer Wind and in town. Took our bikes and found a good "Food Lion" (southern chain) and bought some essentials and a few doors away was a "boaters world" so you know I had to go in. Came out with boat soap so some day we can wash down again.
Touring Solomon Island is neat and as you can see the fire hydrants are all talking to us.
Yesterday biked all the way down to the tip of Solomon and went into the Calvert Museum where they have one of the only screw top lighthouses. The only one working is out in the Chesapeake a little north of here. From there ended up in the West Marine store and purchased a new solar lamp for the back deck and a new stereo radio since ours was on the fritz. Got the old one out after much juggling and found hundreds of wires that need to be connected but don't have the right connections. Planned on getting them today but the weather is nasty.
So here we are watching the trees blow like crazy and just waiting for the deluge which is predicted.
Ted and Nancy have gone to an MTOA Chesapeake group rendezvous so we said our goodbyes yesterday. Had a great dinner with them the night before at a very unique restaurant called "Vera's White Sands Club". Vera was an aspiring actress who use to come out all dressed in a fancy gown to entertain the diners. She has passed but her legacy still stands. Lot's of fun and good food.
Our water tanks are filled, our charts are ready, and we are anxious to get underway, so maybe tomorrow. Will let you know........
WE'RE BACK ABOARD
OK, so here we are on Tuesday 10/21 still in Solomon Island. Was suppose to leave today to travel to our next stop but, alas the weather stopped us cold. Yes and that is what we mean. COLD!!!!!! The wind is whipping to 25 knots and the temperature is going down to the low 40's. So guess what we decided. Yep, that is sure. Hooked up the other 30 amp line and turned on the heat tonight. Took out the comforter from its storage area and we can't wait to get south where it is warmer.
NOAA states that the wind and waves will subside on Friday, so here we stay.
Our trip back to the Summer Wind was good and we made a little detour to my daughter Debby's house in Arlington, VA. Watched my granddaughter's soccer game, (Awesome) and had a grand steak dinner. Came back to the Summer Wind on Sunday and after unpacking crashed. The week and weekend were very emotional and tiring, but lovely.
Yesterday, Ted McCarley whose condo units we are docked came aboard and helped me bleed and re pressurize the autopilot system. Hopefully that will solve the problem.
So tomorrow, we will take out our bikes and get a little exercise. So, until we leave here will say goodbye and will continue then.
NOAA states that the wind and waves will subside on Friday, so here we stay.
Our trip back to the Summer Wind was good and we made a little detour to my daughter Debby's house in Arlington, VA. Watched my granddaughter's soccer game, (Awesome) and had a grand steak dinner. Came back to the Summer Wind on Sunday and after unpacking crashed. The week and weekend were very emotional and tiring, but lovely.
Yesterday, Ted McCarley whose condo units we are docked came aboard and helped me bleed and re pressurize the autopilot system. Hopefully that will solve the problem.
So tomorrow, we will take out our bikes and get a little exercise. So, until we leave here will say goodbye and will continue then.
OFF TO SOLOMON ISLAND
So we left you off after our first day at Cambridge. Yesterday we were still there so after a few chores in the morning we went into the Yacht club for a delicious brunch. Got back to the Summer Wind and decided we needed a little exercise,(well Elle decided that) so off we went on our bikes again. Found a building in the center of town that had a horrendous fire and the only thing left was the facade. The local artists created a mirrored mural on the front so at least it looked decent before they redo it. Note the beams holding the facade.
Also continued our bike ride around the water and returned kind of exhausted. crashed after a great chicken dinner. I keep telling Elle that she is such a good chef but she still doesn't believe me.
Today got up early again for a five hour trip to Solomon's Landing where Ted and Nancy McCarley were waiting for us on the dock. We will leave the boat here for a week while we rent a car and drive back to Morristown, NJ.On the way here my autopilot decided to quit but steering was no problem by hand.
Ted was great and we think we know the answer but will work on it on our return next Monday. Nice to have knowledgeable friends. Also went with them to a great lunch at the local restaurant.
Back on the Summer Wind right now and tomorrow Ted will bring us to the rental car place where we will get our car and start the trek to NJ. So we will probably not be writing until we return.......
See you then
OXFORD TO CAMBRIDGE
Slept in yesterday because the day was going to be quite easy. Had a leisurely cup of coffee and started out around 0900. Since Cambridge, Md was only 11 miles from Oxford,Md we went slow and enjoyed the beautiful weather we were having.
Got into the Cambridge Yacht Club around 1030 and was greeted by the Fleet Captain and a dock hand who helped us get into our slip. They only have finger piers here and two pilings, so we like to go bow in because in order to get off we have to climb over the forward railing since our dinghy is up on the swim platform. Elle is getting used to getting lines over those pilings with a little help from the boat hook.
The club house at the Yacht Club is very beautiful and the Fleet Captain boasted of their chef so we made reservations for dinner.
We got some information from the office and took our bikes into town. Found the visitor center with help from a motorist who actually led us there as we followed his car. "small town hospitality" The town was showing signs of economic stress. Lots of stores were boarded up or just closed. Not much traffic for a Saturday. Did find a store dedicated to the history of Harriet Tubman the underground railroad conductor during the slavery period. She lived in this county. Fascinating history and pictures.
It was good to get the bikes out and explore. haven't done that since Cape May.
So back to the boat to get ready for dinner. Showered, dressed up a little and off to the club. Had a drink at the bar before dinner. Surprised to see that our name was on a table next to the window. Nice touch. The Fleet Captain was right. The chef was great. Elle had Pork tenderloin medallions and I had a strip steak covered with crumbled bleu cheese. Both happy with our meal.
So today is Sunday and have a few chores to do and then off for a bike ride. So again will see you later.
Got into the Cambridge Yacht Club around 1030 and was greeted by the Fleet Captain and a dock hand who helped us get into our slip. They only have finger piers here and two pilings, so we like to go bow in because in order to get off we have to climb over the forward railing since our dinghy is up on the swim platform. Elle is getting used to getting lines over those pilings with a little help from the boat hook.
The club house at the Yacht Club is very beautiful and the Fleet Captain boasted of their chef so we made reservations for dinner.
We got some information from the office and took our bikes into town. Found the visitor center with help from a motorist who actually led us there as we followed his car. "small town hospitality" The town was showing signs of economic stress. Lots of stores were boarded up or just closed. Not much traffic for a Saturday. Did find a store dedicated to the history of Harriet Tubman the underground railroad conductor during the slavery period. She lived in this county. Fascinating history and pictures.
It was good to get the bikes out and explore. haven't done that since Cape May.
So back to the boat to get ready for dinner. Showered, dressed up a little and off to the club. Had a drink at the bar before dinner. Surprised to see that our name was on a table next to the window. Nice touch. The Fleet Captain was right. The chef was great. Elle had Pork tenderloin medallions and I had a strip steak covered with crumbled bleu cheese. Both happy with our meal.
So today is Sunday and have a few chores to do and then off for a bike ride. So again will see you later.
A VERY SMALL QUAINT TOWN
Got up early this morning at almost sunrise and decided to get going since we wanted to do some exploring in our next stop. So by 0800 we weighed anchor and started down the bay. One picture we didn't share with you was last night as we relaxed on the back deck the most magnificent sunset came about. That is always a good feeling for the old salty saying. (red sky at night, sailors delight)
It came true because when we left the Rhodes River the sun was shining brightly and the wind was at our back as was the tide. We joined the train of boats heading south for awhile and then turned off to head for Oxford,MD. Went through Knapps passage and the bridge tender raised the bridge almost immediately after we called him. Into the Choptank River and eventually the Tred Avon up to a nice little anchorage right across from all the marinas.
It was 1130 hrs when we dropped the anchor and after putting things away and having a quick lunch put the dinghy in the water and cruised into the town dock.
Oxford is a very small quaint town with not too much to see. We walked all over and found a little museum which had a lot of memorabilia from the beginning which was in 1620. Got a map from them and walked some more. Went into the Robert Morris Inn which dates back to 1710. That's Elle sitting in the parlor of the inn.
Found a great homemade ice cream place and indulged. HMMMMM!!!
Getting back to the dinghy and going out to the Summer Wind we stopped at a 42'center cockpit Endeavor sailboat. it hailed from New Zealand but the owners did not sail it across. My last sailboat was that same 42 footer.
So going to grill some Salmon and enjoy the evening. See you soon......
Summer Wind Launched at Worton Creek
Today is the day the Summer Wind comes off the lift and goes back into the water where she belongs. No more climbing the ladder up and down, just to go to the head,YEAH!! We were up and dressed by 0715 hrs. in anticipation and joy that we were going to travel again.
So by 0900 the crew came and strapped her in and gently lowered her back to the water.The mechanic came aboard and gave a final check. He checked her tachometer and made sure the air conditioning pumps didn't need priming. The Summer Wind is ready to swim.
We filled her water tanks, put our bed back together after a final look to make sure she wasn't leaking at the rudder post and Dick went in to pay the bill. Wasn't as bad as we thought it was going to be, so after a number of thank you's we slipped off the dock to continue our journey.
The bay was a little lumpy with about 1'to 3' waves but they were on our nose and the Summer Wind loves that condition. She just plowed through and her rudder was responding much better after the work.
Traveled about 36 miles today to a beautiful anchorage up the Rhode River on the western shore. Couldn't go to Annapolis because the sailboat show was this weekend and would never find a place. Under the Bay bridge and on to our destination.
A New and Tight Bottom
Made arrangements a few weeks ago to have the bottom of Summer Wind painted in Worton Creek. The trip down the Susquehanna River to Worton Creek was only going to be about 23 miles,a short trip, and hopefully only a short haul. We woke up to cool temperatures, high 30's and boy we felt it!! The Summer Wind was tied up against a bulkhead between two sailboats but Capt. Dick made the departure look very easy, talk about parallel parking!! So, off we went heading south towards Worton Creek Marina. The trip down was relatively easy, very little waves, the wind and tides were with us. Temporarily we joined the 'wagon train' of boats heading south. I realized that a short haul meant, no water, especially inside the heads. So scrubbrush in hand I went below and let the Captain do his thing.
At 1030 hours we arrived at Worton Creek Marina and the dockmaster took control of her immediately after we pulled up to a dock. They towed her over to a lift and gently and efficiently lifted her out. Beside the Summer Wind on another lift was a 91' Berger cruiser. The owner of the marina purchased her as salvage and is refurbishing her because she had a fire in the cabins.
They inspected the bottom of the boat and said she was in fairly good condition, very few barnicles, but the paint had been worn off in a couple of spots, hmmm could it be from touching bottom??? Out came the spray gun, and the bottom was power washed. After inspecting the prop and rudder they showed us there was a little too much play in the rudder . A mechanic came over and confirmed, that the rudder should be looked at. We were both impressed with this type of efficiency, because you never want to lose your rudder!!
So, by late afternoon the Summer Wind had a freshly painted bottom. The mechanic had taken the rudder off, repacked the stuffing and refitted some bearings. Captain Dick was learning from the mechanic how to check for any problems with the rudder so he can maintain it.
We're going to be on the 'hard' for one more night because the rudder and prop are going to be protected with prop speed. It's a great product that keeps the barnicles off. Last time the Summer Wind was on the hard the Capt. and I were the ones that sanded and protected the prop and rudder. By the looks of them both, we did a very good job.A NEW ADVENTURE????
Well today was going to be a new adventure for the both of us. We decided to take a little detour and visit Havre de Grace,MD (39*32.825N 76*05.153 W). It was going to be a short run approx 23 miles, so we were able to sleep in a little this morning and left Chesapeake City at 0730 hrs. The skies were overcast and the temps felt colder then the lower 40's,, brrrrr. Several sailboats were cruising down the C & D canal with us. We were the bigger (taller in body, not counting a mast) at least until a freight ship came up behind us,, whewwwwww she was big!!!! So, we turned right and went up the Susquehanna River.
This route took us past the Aberdeen proving grounds, where they test newly developed weapons. Needless to say, we went past this area and there was a whoomp that made the both of us jump and look back. However, closer North there is a wildlife preserve, and needless to say , the birds were well tuned, they didn't even budge.
You have to be careful to pay close attention to the channel because on either side, is, let's just say, mud flats. We've seen several species of birds which was a great treat.
So at 1030 hrs we docked at TideWater Marina. All the charts recommend docking and not anchoring because of the river traffic and it is quite open. The marina has a few moorings, however they were full.
So time to play explorer and see what Havre de Grace offers visitors. We put on some warm clothes, walking shoes and armed with a map started into town. Found the visitor's center and it was like they hadn't seen anybody for weeks with the welcome they gave us. Told us of a few museums and a promenade to take a stroll along the water. (Just what we wanted was to see more water) LOLOL.
Did stroll through the downtown and since it was Monday most of the stores were closed. Off to see the "decoy" museum. It was on the other side of town so took a little way to get there. Same reaction from the staff inside as was at the visitor center. We must say this place was quite interesting since this town is known for its duck decoy production. Worth the $5.00. Also they take their duck hunting quite seriously here.
Back to the Summer Wind and planned our day tomorrow. Another short day to Worton Creek to be hauled out for bottom painting. That's the boat not ours!!!!! Will be there a couple of days so will continue later this week.
This route took us past the Aberdeen proving grounds, where they test newly developed weapons. Needless to say, we went past this area and there was a whoomp that made the both of us jump and look back. However, closer North there is a wildlife preserve, and needless to say , the birds were well tuned, they didn't even budge.
You have to be careful to pay close attention to the channel because on either side, is, let's just say, mud flats. We've seen several species of birds which was a great treat.
So at 1030 hrs we docked at TideWater Marina. All the charts recommend docking and not anchoring because of the river traffic and it is quite open. The marina has a few moorings, however they were full.
So time to play explorer and see what Havre de Grace offers visitors. We put on some warm clothes, walking shoes and armed with a map started into town. Found the visitor's center and it was like they hadn't seen anybody for weeks with the welcome they gave us. Told us of a few museums and a promenade to take a stroll along the water. (Just what we wanted was to see more water) LOLOL.
Did stroll through the downtown and since it was Monday most of the stores were closed. Off to see the "decoy" museum. It was on the other side of town so took a little way to get there. Same reaction from the staff inside as was at the visitor center. We must say this place was quite interesting since this town is known for its duck decoy production. Worth the $5.00. Also they take their duck hunting quite seriously here.
Back to the Summer Wind and planned our day tomorrow. Another short day to Worton Creek to be hauled out for bottom painting. That's the boat not ours!!!!! Will be there a couple of days so will continue later this week.
CAPE MAY TO CHESAPEAKE CITY
Instead of spending 3 days as planned in Cape May we did all we had to do and left after 2 days. The first day there after filling our fuel tanks and getting into our assigned slip we were quite tired from the trip down through NJ so just relaxed and didn't even go to dinner.
The next day we were up early and after a quick breakfast got a cab to Quest Diagnostic for a routine Pro Time blood test for me. Came back and as I washed the boat down from top to bottom Elle did 2 loads of laundry. That afternoon we needed o get to a food store for some fresh fruits and veggies so out came the bikes. Brought some small milk crates with us and strapped them to the back of the bikes. Got ourselves into the center of town, locked the bikes up in a rack and walked all through this quaint little town and along the beach. Not as crowded as it would have been if it was summer. Went to the local Acme, loaded up on the needed food and biked back to the boat. Put everything away and decided we would treat ourselves to a nice dinner at the Lobster House. Brought back lots of the dinner for the next night.
Made the decision to leave in the morning since the weather will cooperate and so will the tides. So at 6:00 am we arose and was off the dock by 7:00. Rode the tide all the way up Delaware Bay and the C & d Canal and are now at anchor in Chesapeake City. Got here yesterday and will be off tomorrow for Havre De Grace, MD on the Chesapeake Bay. Today dinghied in and had a nice lunch at the Inn on the water and then treated ourselves to Ice Cream....YES!!!!
Short day tomorrow but will be exploring a new town neither one has been to. Tell you about it later.GOING THE INSIDE ROUTE
OK, made it to Cape May, NJ today after 2 days of running the inside route of the ICW. The reason is that the winds were kind of high and the ocean gets steep.
After rising from a wonderful sleep in Tom's River, NJ we continued down the "inside Route". Normally we would be on the ocean because this route winds all through Barnegat Bay and the marshes. The water in some spots becomes "very skinny" and in fact we touched bottom twice. That was not necessarily because we were out of the channel. We were in but the shoaling was not noted in our manuals. Also some of the buoys were moved and hard to follow. We got off the ground OK and did not damage anything. The way went something like; we are in 20 feet of water and all of a sudden there is 1 foot under the keel.
It took us 6 hours and we traveled to a great anchorage in Atlantic City. There were about 10 sailboats and a couple of big power boats there with us. Mostly from Canada and this guy who snuggled in next to us from Denmark. Great looking boat.
From this anchorage we could see all the casinos and that evening Harrah's entertained us with a magnificent light show on the side of the hotel.Elle is getting really good with our camera and hope you enjoy her shots.
Today we decided to go the "inside route" also because the wind was whipping up and there were small craft warnings. Yes we are a small craft. We had never done this route and were told in previous trips that we should avoid it because it was so shallow. We decided to try it anyway because we had reservations in Cape May. So up at 6:00 am to start on the rising tide. that would help with this route. Took us 7 hours to go 45 miles because there were many bridges that had to open for us and one of them had some police activity on it and we had to wait for over a half hour before it opened. The wind piped up with gusts at 20 miles an hour and we both kept saying, "aren't we glad we went on the inside" Got to Cape May at 2:00PM filled both diesel tanks and moved into a nice snug slip. Plan on staying here for 3 nights since we have a few chores to do. ( laundry, deck washing, fresh food shopping, Blood test for me) and just enjoying this place.
See you here soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)