Hi all, its been two weeks since we left the Summer Wind at her dock on City Island. Monday June 8th we tidied her up, packed some clothes for home and enjoyed a nice dinner at a nearby restaurant called the Tree House. Arranged for a car service to pick us up on Tuesday so we just relaxed and spent the night on board. During the night there was a huge rain storm with high winds, lightning, and huge claps of thunder. We were safe and secure on the Summer Wind but little did we know what was going on at our home in Morristown, NJ.
Got home on Tuesday to find the inside of the house was perfect, but in walking around the house outside we found bits and pieces of brick and mortar. Yep, you guessed it. Found out our fireplace chimney sustained a direct hit of lightning and blew 10 courses of brick to smithereens. So, if you remember last summer we had the flood, in February, we had the roof blow off during a storm and now lightning. Elle said ,'What is next, pestilence" Probably we'll be inundated with mosquitoes and ticks.
We have been requested to give some facts about our cruising experience, so we have compiled some which we thought was interesting.
Started Journey..................September 30, 2008
Ended Journey....................June 8, 2009
Days traveled.......................251
Statute miles traveled.........3,847.3
Engine hours........................497.2
Average speed......................7.73
Fuel.......................................1,855.2 gallons (incl. Genset)
Fuel Cost...............................$4,392.47
Per gallon average................$2.37
Burn Rate...............................3.5 gallons per hour
Marinas..................................199 days
Anchorages.............................52 days
Marina costs...........................$7,690.93
Marina cost per day (avg.).....$38.65
We did not keep track of all the "Publix" food stores or ice cream parlors but we can assure there were many. we traveled from New York City to Miami Beach, back to Stuart, Fl, across the Okeechobee to Ft. Myers, up the west coast to Tarpon Springs, back up Tampa Bay to St. Petersburg, back down to Sarasota, up Charlotte harbor to Punta Gorda, back across the Okeechobee to Stuart and North to New York City.
This is Elle's second time and my 5th to traverse the east coast and both of us are still enthralled with this journey. Suffice it to say we are still in love and love the Summer Wind
Our adventures are not over and Elle is compiling the next installment.
Keep abreast of the Summer Wind for she is longing to get off the dock.
We love you all........
Dick and Elle
Homeward Bound
After returning from a wonderful dinner at the Lobster House in Cape May, we checked the weather. Well, no luck, Mother Nature was having too much fun whipping things awry. Things to do on a rainy day?? Hmmmmmm I believe we've already played this game. On Thursday June, 4th Dick and I made a list of the things we'd like to do for the day. The weather outside was just miserable, so we really didn't want to walk into town as much as we love Cape May. There were plenty of things to keep us busy. Checked the oil, fixed the salt water wash down pump (again), fixed the water heater, wrote the blog and read together. As we were typing emails, we received one from our friends Craig and Kathy on Sangaris who were in Saracusa Italy on their boat. They had told us to keep a look out for friends of theirs who were also stuck in Cape May. Well, lo and behold as we were responding to this email there was a knock on our door. Yes you guessed it, Ty from Liberty, Craig's friend, was at our door. It seems there were several fronts coming through and if we were all staying another day, we were invited over for sun downers on Liberty. So, yes Friday we were there another day and it became a day of cleaning and organization. The winds were gale force on the ocean, there was no thinking of leaving. We had poked our heads out and walked around the marina in between downpours. That night we enjoyed a great pizza dinner with Ty, Suzanne, Annette, Anthony and of course Rudy and Gretchen (puppies). Ty and Suzanne travel on a beautiful 46 foot Morgan sailboat called Liberty. Thank you Ty and Suzanne, and of course thanks Craig for the heads up.
Saturday morning was grey and somewhat windy but we were able to make the decision to travel the inside route. It was supposed to improve as the day progressed. The trip inside was not a favorite of Dick's because our mileage increased from approximately 42 miles to 62 miles, tricky shallow spots and bridges to contend with and their schedules for opening.
So, by 6:30 am we were off the dock and we had company on our travels. Leo and Mary from Sea Song asked to accompany us,they too had wanted to be under way but didn't want to travel through the ocean. Who could blame them with 2-4 ft seas according to NOAA.
The scenery changed all along the coast. It's nesting time and all along the grassy islands were literally hundreds of terns vieing for their spot to build a nest. Then there were the fishing boats angling right in the middle of channel and they looked at us like we were the strange duck in the water. When you come upon Atlantic City, the canal goes from looking like Little Italy to play land with the huge glass like casinos. Later that evening we found a great spot to drop a hook. It had been a long day of travelling, so we had a quiet dinner aboard the Summer Wind and snuggled down for the night. According to NOAA, it was going to be an early start the next morning, the ocean still hadn't really settled down.
Early the next morning, Sea Song had radioed over that they would like to travel with us. We should have realized our first few moments of the day was a heads up as to exactly how the rest of the day was going to be.'Frustrating'. When we were pulling up the anchor, the wash down decided it wasn't really fixed after all and gave out. So, out comes the line and the bucket and of course this anchor was MUDDY!!! Well that out of the way, we started to travel and we were happy the sun was shining. Little were we to realize our joy for the sun was shared by hundreds of boaters in Barnegat Bay. It was a game of chicken that neither Dick nor I bargained for, cigarette boats and little fishing boats speeding all around and causing chaos and confusion and weaving through the dozens of sailboats out trying to have a good sail. We couldn't believe the masses of boats on the water! At the Manasquan Inlet we turned into the little canal that leads to the Glimmer Glass Bridge. How many bridges have you had open where the bridge tender happily comes out on deck and welcomes you? He was there as usual.We were exhausted but we were happy to reach our little anchorage the. It was a tiny anchorage with room enough for just a few boats. Glad that only one other sailboat and Sea Song occupied the area. After checking all the connections on the salt water wash down, would you believe that it was the nozzle that was broken!! Thank goodness for having spare parts.
Monday June 8th we rose shortly after 6 am, pulled up the anchor and had the Glimmer Glass bridge open.Mother Nature didn't cause too much of a stir on our final leg of this journey. The seas still had swells about 2 feet but they were manageable. It was a little chilly and there was a little fog on the ocean but nothing to give us concern. Upon reaching the Verazano Bridge, there was a sense of we're getting close to home. Lady Liberty didn't easily reveal herself to us because there were several ships anchored in the inner harbor and the sky was still somewhat misty. The New York city skyline was impressive and humbling as always. The skyscrapers revealed a story of architecture all by themselves. Our last leg up the East River wasn't timed as we'd normally like, the current wasn't running in our favor. Our cruising speed went from 8 knots down to 4 knots and there were times we had seen our speed drop to 2.9. But with determination to get the Summer Wind home, Dick steered her carefully through the eddies. We said our good byes to Leo and Mary on Sea Song at the entrance of Long Island Sound, as they were heading for home in Rhode Island. Dick steered toward City Island, the Summer Wind would be in her slip tonight.
It had been a wonderful journey!!
Click on the arrow and enjoy!
Saturday morning was grey and somewhat windy but we were able to make the decision to travel the inside route. It was supposed to improve as the day progressed. The trip inside was not a favorite of Dick's because our mileage increased from approximately 42 miles to 62 miles, tricky shallow spots and bridges to contend with and their schedules for opening.
So, by 6:30 am we were off the dock and we had company on our travels. Leo and Mary from Sea Song asked to accompany us,they too had wanted to be under way but didn't want to travel through the ocean. Who could blame them with 2-4 ft seas according to NOAA.
The scenery changed all along the coast. It's nesting time and all along the grassy islands were literally hundreds of terns vieing for their spot to build a nest. Then there were the fishing boats angling right in the middle of channel and they looked at us like we were the strange duck in the water. When you come upon Atlantic City, the canal goes from looking like Little Italy to play land with the huge glass like casinos. Later that evening we found a great spot to drop a hook. It had been a long day of travelling, so we had a quiet dinner aboard the Summer Wind and snuggled down for the night. According to NOAA, it was going to be an early start the next morning, the ocean still hadn't really settled down.
Early the next morning, Sea Song had radioed over that they would like to travel with us. We should have realized our first few moments of the day was a heads up as to exactly how the rest of the day was going to be.'Frustrating'. When we were pulling up the anchor, the wash down decided it wasn't really fixed after all and gave out. So, out comes the line and the bucket and of course this anchor was MUDDY!!! Well that out of the way, we started to travel and we were happy the sun was shining. Little were we to realize our joy for the sun was shared by hundreds of boaters in Barnegat Bay. It was a game of chicken that neither Dick nor I bargained for, cigarette boats and little fishing boats speeding all around and causing chaos and confusion and weaving through the dozens of sailboats out trying to have a good sail. We couldn't believe the masses of boats on the water! At the Manasquan Inlet we turned into the little canal that leads to the Glimmer Glass Bridge. How many bridges have you had open where the bridge tender happily comes out on deck and welcomes you? He was there as usual.We were exhausted but we were happy to reach our little anchorage the. It was a tiny anchorage with room enough for just a few boats. Glad that only one other sailboat and Sea Song occupied the area. After checking all the connections on the salt water wash down, would you believe that it was the nozzle that was broken!! Thank goodness for having spare parts.
Monday June 8th we rose shortly after 6 am, pulled up the anchor and had the Glimmer Glass bridge open.Mother Nature didn't cause too much of a stir on our final leg of this journey. The seas still had swells about 2 feet but they were manageable. It was a little chilly and there was a little fog on the ocean but nothing to give us concern. Upon reaching the Verazano Bridge, there was a sense of we're getting close to home. Lady Liberty didn't easily reveal herself to us because there were several ships anchored in the inner harbor and the sky was still somewhat misty. The New York city skyline was impressive and humbling as always. The skyscrapers revealed a story of architecture all by themselves. Our last leg up the East River wasn't timed as we'd normally like, the current wasn't running in our favor. Our cruising speed went from 8 knots down to 4 knots and there were times we had seen our speed drop to 2.9. But with determination to get the Summer Wind home, Dick steered her carefully through the eddies. We said our good byes to Leo and Mary on Sea Song at the entrance of Long Island Sound, as they were heading for home in Rhode Island. Dick steered toward City Island, the Summer Wind would be in her slip tonight.
It had been a wonderful journey!!
Click on the arrow and enjoy!
NEW JERSEY, HERE WE COME
The next morning, Saturday,May 30 we left bright and early and headed up the Chesapeake. We're not going to bore you with more weather, lets just say it kept us on our toes for the next few days. Our journey up from Solomon to Annapolis was a little rocky, but the Summer Wind is very good for plowing into waves. The windy weather made a great day for sail boats and coming upon the Severn River there were dozens of sailboats all sizes and shapes having a great sail. We tried to capture the blips on screen but our picture just didn't do it justice. Not only were there sailboats, there were trawlers and of course the cigarette boats weaving all around, to think not a traffic light to be found. Everyone was out on their boat, and when we entered the Annapolis mooring field, not one empty ball could be found and several boats were jockeying around looking for empty moorings. Well we decided to give the mooring field a try just above the Spa Creek bridge. There were a few open and we were lucky to get ours because not 10 minutes later they were full. Happy to be in Annapolis we took the dinghy down and ventured into town. The rain didn't appear and the dinghy dock was full, but we squeezed in carefully. We were awed at how many tourists were out and about on the street. They were literally jammed with people and cars. This little town has great boutiques and restaurants. Annapolis,the capital of Maryland is enriched in Navy History and they pay tribute to Alex Haley. Well, we walked our feet off and went back to the Summer Wind. That evening we had a lovely dinner aboard the boat.
The next morning we took the dinghy back into town. We were both very excited because Dick's daughter Debby and her three beautiful girls were joining us for brunch in town. The restaurant was hopping and it was packed. Later we walked around for a bit before saying good bye to the girls. It was lovely seeing them, thank you Debby,Meghan,Lauren and Moira.The rest of the afternoon we spent touring around Annapolis. One of the places we toured was the Naval Academy which in itself was like a huge museum. What looked like the plebes were running,drilling,learning how to march and doing all kinds of exercises. Being the tourists we watched without incident but didn't join in. Couldn't believe even on Sunday they were working hard. We walked through the campus and entered many of the buildings which we allowed and were in awe. Did you know that John Paul Jones was buried in a crypt in their chapel? Did you know there was a Pilot on the space shuttle that graduated from the Naval Academy? We had a great tour of many of the buildings, some historic and others very modern.
The next morning we had to time our departure from Annapolis for the Spa Creek bridge opening. Between 7:30-9:00 it didn't open, so we were up and off the mooring by 6:45 waiting for the 7:00am opening. The Summer Wind also had a 10:30 appointment to be hauled at Worton Creek,31 miles up the bay. The cruise up the last bit of the Chesapeake Bay was a little slow because we were bucking some tide. Shortly by 11:00 we had pulled up to Worton Creek service dock. The entrance to the creek was a little shallow and the depth alarms were screaming. A thru hull valve had to be replaced and the boat needed to be lifted out of the water in order to be fixed. Shortly after lunch the Summer Wind was in the air and getting worked on and by 4:30 that afternoon she was back in the water with a brand new thru hull fitting.
Tuesday June 2nd- We departed Worton Creek to make our last trip this journey through the Chesapeake. Arrived in Chesapeake City at the beginning of the C & D canal to a great surprise. We were able to find a spot on the free dock which the town provides and for $15.00 we were able to plug in our electricity. In all the times we've visited this city we had to anchor in the basin because the dock was always full. Thank god we had the electric because we were able to put on our air conditioning during a hot and humid thunderstorm. On this free dock there is enough room for three boats and we were the lucky ones, only one electric outlet.
Some planning needed to be done for the next leg. The trip down Delaware Bay to Cape May was close to 70 miles. Tide was a very important consideration,so again, we were up at daybreak moved off the dock by 6:30am. Old mother nature was predicting rain and thunderstorms that afternoon but never happened until that evening. We were tucked in nicely in Utsch's marina and had a lovely dinner at the Lobster House when again the heavens opened up with thunder and lightening. No longer was it muggy and humid but cool.
Two slips down from us believe it or not sat a 2001 Heritage East 36 which will have completed the Great Loop when they cross New York City. Charles and Jeanette are heading to Portsmouth,NH with their boat Highlander. Obviously we both wanted to inspect each others boats to see what amenities or changes we would like.
So here it is now Thursday June 4Th and mother nature is holding us back some more. We were hoping to make City Island by this week, but that doesn't seem possible now. Can someone please stop doing the rain dance!!!!
Click on the arrow and enjoy.
The next morning we took the dinghy back into town. We were both very excited because Dick's daughter Debby and her three beautiful girls were joining us for brunch in town. The restaurant was hopping and it was packed. Later we walked around for a bit before saying good bye to the girls. It was lovely seeing them, thank you Debby,Meghan,Lauren and Moira.The rest of the afternoon we spent touring around Annapolis. One of the places we toured was the Naval Academy which in itself was like a huge museum. What looked like the plebes were running,drilling,learning how to march and doing all kinds of exercises. Being the tourists we watched without incident but didn't join in. Couldn't believe even on Sunday they were working hard. We walked through the campus and entered many of the buildings which we allowed and were in awe. Did you know that John Paul Jones was buried in a crypt in their chapel? Did you know there was a Pilot on the space shuttle that graduated from the Naval Academy? We had a great tour of many of the buildings, some historic and others very modern.
The next morning we had to time our departure from Annapolis for the Spa Creek bridge opening. Between 7:30-9:00 it didn't open, so we were up and off the mooring by 6:45 waiting for the 7:00am opening. The Summer Wind also had a 10:30 appointment to be hauled at Worton Creek,31 miles up the bay. The cruise up the last bit of the Chesapeake Bay was a little slow because we were bucking some tide. Shortly by 11:00 we had pulled up to Worton Creek service dock. The entrance to the creek was a little shallow and the depth alarms were screaming. A thru hull valve had to be replaced and the boat needed to be lifted out of the water in order to be fixed. Shortly after lunch the Summer Wind was in the air and getting worked on and by 4:30 that afternoon she was back in the water with a brand new thru hull fitting.
Tuesday June 2nd- We departed Worton Creek to make our last trip this journey through the Chesapeake. Arrived in Chesapeake City at the beginning of the C & D canal to a great surprise. We were able to find a spot on the free dock which the town provides and for $15.00 we were able to plug in our electricity. In all the times we've visited this city we had to anchor in the basin because the dock was always full. Thank god we had the electric because we were able to put on our air conditioning during a hot and humid thunderstorm. On this free dock there is enough room for three boats and we were the lucky ones, only one electric outlet.
Some planning needed to be done for the next leg. The trip down Delaware Bay to Cape May was close to 70 miles. Tide was a very important consideration,so again, we were up at daybreak moved off the dock by 6:30am. Old mother nature was predicting rain and thunderstorms that afternoon but never happened until that evening. We were tucked in nicely in Utsch's marina and had a lovely dinner at the Lobster House when again the heavens opened up with thunder and lightening. No longer was it muggy and humid but cool.
Two slips down from us believe it or not sat a 2001 Heritage East 36 which will have completed the Great Loop when they cross New York City. Charles and Jeanette are heading to Portsmouth,NH with their boat Highlander. Obviously we both wanted to inspect each others boats to see what amenities or changes we would like.
So here it is now Thursday June 4Th and mother nature is holding us back some more. We were hoping to make City Island by this week, but that doesn't seem possible now. Can someone please stop doing the rain dance!!!!
Click on the arrow and enjoy.
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