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Monday May 25- The weather was still a factor for planning our departure from Coinjock. We rose at 6am and left by 6:30 and our boat was almost the last boat to leave the dock. The only other remaining boat was a 50ft power cruiser which later passed us as we were entering the Virginia Cut. Our trip through the cut was slowed down by timed swing bridges. Some of the guides we used indicated that because of holidays the bridges were open upon request, we learned it wasn't so. Dick made a stop in Atlantic Yacht Basin at Great Bridge for fuel, $ 1.84/gallon with Boat US discount, very economical and the price hasn't been seen since Oct. 2004. As we were fueling, a broker from Great Bridge came over and commented on how much he liked the Heritage East. Just past the fuel dock at Great Bridge, there is a bridge and lock to go through. Our refuelling was barely finished in time to make the opening, otherwise we would have had to wait another hour, YIKES! There were still two more bridges that required opening and again that slowed us down tremendously. We pulled into the Portsmouth basin and on the dock waving to us were Cathy and Jim Fisher, MTOA members, small world. They helped us tie up and told us to be prepared for staying an extra night because the weather didn't look good. As we were sitting talking another boat pulled in by an MTOA member, Mike of Mi-T-Mo only this time he was captaining a Huckins. The basin was busy with Memorial Day celebrations. The coast guard had a cutter on display and there were two sailboats open for free tours. The Spirit of Independence has been lovingly restored and soon to be open for charters.We had just finished a nice little walk about the boardwalk, when the heavens opened up. That evening we had a delicious dinner aboard the Summer Wind and of course watched the rain.
Mother nature was going to give us a rough ride.The weather didn't look very nice for Tuesday so we planned to stay an extra night and make the best of it. We made arrangements to meet Sam and Barbara Shakespeare for a lovely lunch on the patio. It was wonderful catching up with them. They shared the sad news of losing Gracie their dog and shared wonderful stories of grand kids. We had just finished our lunch when the heavens opened up, it was going to be the theme for the afternoon. There are so many great sites to see in Norfolk, so we took a ferry across the Elizabeth River and walked through town. Shopped at a Fresh Market (whole foods) which believe it or not gave senior citizens a discount plus a discount for bringing our own bags. Took the ferry back, exhausted after our walk, opened up a nice bottle of wine and again watched the rain fall. This time mother nature gave us a rainbow show and it was beautiful.
Wednesday May26 we timed our departure for early in the morning. The Chesapeake had a narrow window for settling and more weather later. Upon leaving Norfolk there is a truly impressive display of America's strength. Over the radio a Navy War ship was having gunnery practice about 30 miles out and telling cruisers to change course or they were putting their vessel in jeopardy.It was a fairly smooth ride until we reached Hampton Roads which is right at the mouth of the Chesapeake. There we had a short roller coaster ride which lasted for about half an hour. The rest of our journey up the Chesapeake was very easy, the winds calmed down and the waves flattened out. Dick loves Dozier Regatta Point Marina where we docked the Summer Wind. It has great laundry, showers a pool and a wonderful captains lounge. Jack and Craig (female) Dozier owner of the marina and publisher of one of Dick's bibles on the water, the Waterway Guide. Every time we've been there they have been wonderfully hospitable. We borrowed the loaner car to pick up a part we needed for our haul out later. That evening we went to dinner and Jack gave us a lift over to the restaurant. Interesting thing we learned is that Virginia and North Carolina are going non smoking in their restaurants, so much nicer!!!
As most of you know these past weeks have had many weather fronts and it seemed the story was continuing. So, we left Doziers again very early to beat the 'possible' weather. This trip across up the Chesapeake was interesting because the water was absolutely flat and it was a very grey sky. It was very eerie travelling up the Chesapeake.As we were travelling, over the radio we could hear the Coast Guard warning cruisers out in the ocean about a scheduled rocket launch and to avoid that area. All along the coast there are naval/air stations, very strong military presence. Shortly after 3 we pulled into Solomon's Landing. Our MTOA friends Nancy and Ted offered us the use of their guest dock. They were waiting there for us to arrive and tied us up. It was great to see them both. That evening we went out for a lovely rib dinner and later back for coffee and ice cream. Before we went back to their home, Ted who is a retired Navy Captain gave us a tour of the Patuxent Naval/Air Station by car, very fascinating. Didn't divulge any secrets, but was interesting to see the enormity of the size of the base. The next day we planned to stay which was a good thing because the weather again wasn't settling. We had managed to get out and walk around Solomon's Island. Checked out the local Boater's World that was on its last two days of opening, very little stock left. Later that afternoon I (Elle) needed to call in a professional techy, people had been asking questions about the blog and I didn't know the answers. So, Nancy spent some time aboard the Summer Wind and taught me to 'double click' instead of opening. Soon I was double clicking and my problems were solved, thanks Nancy. That evening we had a lovely dinner on board and again treated to mother nature. She gave us a lively thunderstorm show and then topped it off with 2 beautiful rainbows. Unfortunately the one could be seen just barely by the camera.
The next morning, Saturday,May 30 we left bright and early andf headed up the Chesapeake. As usual NOAA was wrong with their weather report. It was suppose to be 5-10 knots of wind with 1 foot waves. Well,it ended up to be windier and wavier but the Summer Wind plowed through and made it to Annapolis unscathed.
To be continued.
That evening we were treated to a beautiful sunset.
That evening we pulled into Miss Wanda's Alligator River Marina. Several boats pulled in that afternoon, there are not great anchorages in that area. One of the cruisers arranged a bocce ball and cocktail gathering. We reunited with several cruisers, including a couple we had met last year on our way home. They remembered us and asked us if we married, and then congrats were going around. It was great fun!
One of the 'bridges' that we had to have open for us was the Sunset Pontoon Bridge. This bridge is a one lane bridge and its actually a pontoon on the water that is opened and closed by cable. Currently they are building a high rise fixed bridge and the locals are upset because they would like to keep their pontoon. 
Our next destination is St. James Plantation,South Port, NC, where we took a slip for the night. Our friends Marcia & Mark Leeds are going to build a house in this lovely development and they wanted us to have a look. So, we took a tour.It is something to think about with beautiful built homes, nice wooded landscaping and 81 holes of golf, not to mention a new marina with a great Tiki Bar Restaurant. 
We had just entered the passage through Camp Lejeune and we were making a decision whether to just drop a hook in Mile Hammock Bay or go further the ten miles. Frank and Chris Erwin the MTOA port captains and president had phoned us and told us about the future weather conditions.However, It was only going to be one more hour and the sky didn't look as threatening, it was going to rain but not storm, so we chose to continue on. It was a very chilly hour.
By the time we arrived in Swansborro we were thrilled to be greeted by Frank and Chris. Dick made a first docking of the boat from the inside helm. We had opened the windows because there was only a nice breeze now. After tying the boat up, our host and hostess couldn't stay with us, but most graciously gave us the use of their automobile. They told us what stores were around, gave us directions to a wonderful grocery store, not a Publix this time but a Lowes whole food store, beautiful! They suggested some wonderful restaurants , but as it was pouring rain we decided to use the restaurant right in front of the boat and it was very good!The next morning we woke to a deluge of rain, wind, lightening and thunder. So we decided to stay put. Frank had emailed us with tourist attractions to see and do in Beaufort and Moorehead City. He called it ,'things to do on a Windy Rainy Day'. We took advantage and enjoyed a visit to the nautical museum in Beaufort had some great pizza for lunch. Then Frank called again and told us we were invited for dinner at their house. Chris was cooking and to call her for directions to the house. We asked what to bring for dinner and she insisted we bring our laundry??? Which we did do. That evening we enjoyed a wonderful home cooked dinner and Dancing with the Stars Finals. Thank you so much Frank and Chris!!!
The next morning even though the wind was howling, we parted and made the run for Oriental,, but that is another story.
On Wednesday May 13th we left for Osprey Marina, pulled up the hook and headed up Minim Creek canal to Winyah Bay. The weather had changed from warm to cool and breezy. The winds were leaving streaks across the water and waves were developing. We weren't worried because we were heading for the Waccamaw River which narrows down. The Waccamaw River passage is heavily wooded with tall cypress with hanging moss on its limbs. It's very interesting to see the tree roots above the water. Osprey nests could be seen and yes families were occupying and don't dare get too close! Sometimes a turtle can be seen on a tree that had fallen in the water.
One of the reasons we chose Osprey Marina to stop was because their fuel prices were $1.86/gal after discount and the slip prices are $1.00/ft. The marina is very protected for iffy weather and they give a great welcome bag with cheese,crackers, cookies and Carolina magazine, very welcoming. Turtles are plenty in this tiny little basin, just wiggle your fingers above the water and they come to the surface, very cool. 
Although Osprey is a very nice marina, there is no real place to adventure around the area unless you have a car.The weather wasn't going to be so great so we decided that if we were to get rained on, we'd like to be able to do something. So early the next morning we decided to take a short hop up to Barefoot Landing in Myrtle Beach. The trip was going to be very short, but it was a race to beat the rain. Barefoot landing is a long strip of a dock and again, when Dick pulled in yup more Parallel Parking. We tied up easily and the heavens opened up, whew, we made it just in time! The downpour didn't last very long,we turned on the news and watched the weather and a story about Bike Week in Myrtle Beach. So armed with our umbrella off to explore we went. Barefoot landing is a neat stop, there are great little restaurants and outlet shops of various kinds. One of the things that caught our interest was the roar of several engines. Well we found a huge area filled with bikes, not your average moped type bikes but shiny chromed out Harleys! There were tents where mechanics were working on the bikes, putting on wheels, tuning them up, changing the seats, tweaking anything that needed to be tweaked. They had tents set up, selling anything from t-shirts, leather bags,belts, pants, jackets and all kinds of biker clothing. There were tattoo parlors, and very strange things to be purchased. We both did a double take when we came upon a man wearing an apron which was fully shaped 3D or double D and pierced as a naked woman,, too weird!! One of the things we noticed was that although there were some of the typical nubile bodies of 'biker chicks' the majority of bikers were seniors, and they were kitted out in their leathers and the men had pony tails and headbands. Just think these are Grandparents!!! LOLOL We had a great time checking out Bike Week in Myrtle Beach. Well we also made a few purchases at the Landings, however the only leather was Dick's new pair of boat shoes!!! 
Myrtle Beach was our last stop in South Carolina,, NC here we come,, to be continued....
Early Friday morning we said our good byes to Mike, Jane, Natasha and of course Godiva. It was a bittersweet goodbye, because that may be our last time to be with the Ross's on Blessings, their 44'Defever. However, we hope this will be a friendship to continue past boating. Thank you Mike and Jane and hope to catch up somewhere down the 'road'. So, off the dock we went, let me interject one moment, people talk about parallel parking a car, well, try parallel parking a boat. In order for Dick to get off the dock, he had to reverse and turn the bow towards the dock. Dick is quite adept at 'parallel parking' and Savannah was the beginning of his skill being tested.
Our next stop was to be Port Royal Landing Marina in Port Royal SC. The trip down the ICW was relatively non eventful until we came close to the ocean coming down the Port Royal Sound. The winds had started kicking up and the waves were building. Well we turned into Beaufort River and again with the winds at our back we were surfing up the river. The river runs fast and with the winds the waves were getting pretty high. When we came upon the marina, the waves had subsided, however the river was still running. Dick made docking the boat look easy, he had to turn the boat between two rows of slips 180* and then pull into his slip between two boats, not an easy feat. We tied up and checked in at the marina. This marina was very welcoming, they have a loaner car which they lend for a couple of hours and offered it to us. So, we took advantage and went into Beaufort to get a few things and to check out the town. Upon returning the car, the manager informed us that the local cruisers get together Friday nights, bring your steak and they provide the sides. It was a wonderful idea and we joined in with the Landing cruisers. They warmly welcomed us into their group, and we met others who were also transiting the marina. We had also met a couple who shared Connecticut ties with Dick, (they were from Willimantic and knew the Mazzola market and the Mazzola family)small world. That evening was also interesting because at the Dockside restaurant it was Karaoke night, lets just say we were treated to some very interesting 'renditions'. 
Saturday morning it was time to leave and our next stop was going to be an anchorage ,Tom Point Creek. Well, again, Dick had turned the bow toward the dock, reversed and pulled out between two boats that were very close. Not a scratch, nor a touch to any of the other boats, he's amazing! We had a great trip down to our anchorage. Alas, that evening we couldn't sit on the back deck and watch the stars, too buggy. So, we snuggled on the cushions and turned down the lights and we could see the stars through the windows. 
Our second day in Charleston was part work day. There were a few things that needed to be looked at, one is the saltwater wash down pump which had stopped working. When we anchor, this washdown is much needed, otherwise the anchor and chain gets put away muddy.Dick was happy he was able to find the problem and get it fixed. It works great now. Later that evening we had dinner with Joe Odierna brother to Ernie, who is a good friend of ours from the Harlem Yacht Club.. We went to a wonderful Italian restaurant and then later went back to his house for after dinner drinks. Thanks Joe!
On Tuesday May 11Th, we headed out for our next anchorage,, but that is another story........
Our first night in Georgia we anchored in the Frederica River across from Fort Frederica. It's one of our favorite anchorages because its very well protected. We had our first taste of what travelling through Georgia would be like, buggy!! That night we heard there were storm watches and with the high temps and humidity it made a perfect combination for storms. Although that night we were treated to a beautiful sunset any storms that were around passed over us.
On Tuesday May 5 , we left for our next anchoring spot the Wahoo River. Again, the temps were very warm in the morning and we opened all the vinyls. The ICW in Georgia goes through mostly marsh areas. Shortly into our journey, it seemed like the attack of the giant green headed horse flies. We're not exaggerating when we say there were hundreds dive bombing us as we were travelling. Dick was steering the boat and ducking, and Elle was swatting and shooing the flies, YUCK! After four hours we were both exhausted! That evening we closed the screens and had 3 other boats anchored down with us. We received a phone call from our good friends Mike and Jane who were in Savannah. They had their XM weather on, and there were severe thunderstorm warnings. They were concerned and wanted to make sure we were safe because the storms were hit and miss in our area. Well, we watched the skies coming closer going that eerie black and we could see the lightning, but we were safe, our boat was hardly rocking. The storm seemed to just skim our area. That evening we were tending our bug bites. We had purchased two different kinds of bug spray and they both didn't seem to work because we look like we have the measles!!! 
On Wednesday May 6, we headed for Savannah. Both of us were looking forward to seeing our good friends Mike and Jane. We pulled into our slip, two down from Blessings at Isle of Hope Marina. Jane was excited because her daughter Natasha was coming down to spend some time with them. We started our laundry and made arrangements to borrow the courtesy car to replenish some food. There was a super WalMart about a couple of miles away so off we went. Stocked up and returned to the marina to meet Natasha. The next day the 5 of us went into Savannah proper and got on a tour trolley for a great history lesson. The streets were made of ballast stones which came from the sailing vessels that used to bring in supplies.Went down to the waterfront to have lunch in the old cotton exchange. Toured the sweet shops, Mike and Jane and Natasha indulged in some delicious chocolate covered pecans, we of course chose our favorite,,, ICE CREAM! We visited some shops and churches and even wanted to tour a synagogue unfortunately that was closed by 4 pm. Had a nice day with Jane, Mike and Natasha. That evening we tried to sit out o enjoy a glass of wine on the back decks but the bugs were biting furiously.
The next morning we said our goodbyes and took off for our next port. But that is another story.
Took off the next day and went to our MTOA friends Sarah and Phil Lowe who act as port captains for the Palm Coast area.. They live in a pretty community and we tied up to their 55' Fleming, "Sarah G" right in back of their house. As usual they were great hosts and had planned an evening out with two other MTOA couples, John and Mary Slattery, and Chic and Mia. Happy Birthday again Phil and thanks!!!
Our first stop was Vero Beach in which we pulled up a mooring. We had arrived shortly after noon. Usually at Vero your rafted with another boat. This time we enjoyed our own mooring as there were several empty mooring balls. We had a very relaxing evening on the boat and it was definitely much needed since we haven't stopped since leaving Punta Gorda. 