L'Shana Tovah , the beginning of a New Year and New Adventure

Hard to believe its mid September and time to start heading south. The past three weeks we've been very busy. Celebrated with family, birthdays and back to school.We've enjoyed a few events with the Harlem group. There was a fantastic Island night where we had a great dinner, listened to some fantastic island music that beckoned your hips to sway. Another event was the Labor Day weekend at Oyster Bay. We left on Friday to get a great spot to set our anchor.There were about 10 Harlem boats and dozens of other groups.The weather was fantastic, we spent two days swimming and enjoying the warmth of the sun. Sunsets were marvellous, and watched fireworks from nearby towns, then the full moon topped off the evenings.On Sunday we took our dinghy to shore where Harlem gathered and had a fantastic bbq. Early Monday the weather cooled, and it was time to head back to City Island, that afternoon we went to the club and enjoyed another bbq.

Some of you know Dick was busy with his leg surgery. It's amazing how technology and medicine has progressed. He's been in very little discomfort and chasing me relentlessly : ) which is wonderful. His doctor gave him the ok to be aboard and he'll do the other leg in November.

Saturday we timed our departure right with the East River and heading down the New York harbor. The weather was a little cool in the morning, the temps were in the 50's but warmed up to the low 70's, the sun was shining and the New York skyline was crystal clear and beautiful.We made great time down the river, at times we were cruising at 12 knots! Before dropping the hook in Atlantic Highlands we purchased fuel at $2.46/ gallon, which is a 'good' price compared to the cost of fuelling last fall at $4.00/gallon. The anchorage was packed with several sailboats, mostly from Canada, heading south. We enjoyed a grilled dinner aboard the Summer Wind and enjoyed the lovely sunset.
Sunday morning we weighed anchor, NOAA promised a delightful cruise down the Atlantic Ocean and we weren't disappointed. The temperatures were crisp in the morning but warmed up to mid 70's. The sun was shining and the seas were calm. Early afternoon we entered Manasquan Inlet which was busy with boaters and the beach was loaded with bathers. Entered the Glimmer Glass and warmly welcomed back by the bridge tender. We dropped anchor and settled down for the night. Two Canadian sailboats joined us in our little anchorage. It was a beautiful evening.
Left the Glimmer Glass early Monday to head for Atlantic City. Again, NOAA had a great report, so the trip on the ocean was uneventful. However upon entering the Abescon Inlet, we were wondering if the Summer Wind had enrolled in surfing lessons, because she was doing an excellent job with the waves! It was low tide and the tide was beginning to roll in, therefore a rocky entrance. Entered the anchorage and well, we cut the entrance a little short and before the Captain could correct it, we were aground. Oh, Oh, no problem,we can wait for the tide to roll in. Eventually we were able to get the Summer Wind into a spot for the night and settled down to enjoy the lights of the casinos. It turned out a little dissappointing because Harrah's didn't put on their usual spectacular show, oh well.
Early Tuesday morning we turned on the computer to check NOAA. We knew the weather was going to change soon and we didn't want to get caught. Well, the report was not sounding so bad, so we headed out into the ocean for a 'looksee'. Made it out into the ocean, things seemed fine, however as we turned more westward toward Cape May, the seas were not so friendly. We were getting 2-3 foot waves on the beam, which means the Summer Wind was rolling. The thought of trying to control the boat for 4 hours in rolling seas didn't appeal to either Dick or myself. So, we made the decision to do a little backtracking. We decided to attempt the inside route instead. This route doesn't appeal much to us either because there are several timed bridges, the route winds and adds another 14 miles and its very shallow in some of the marshy areas. Yes New Jersey has marsh or more correctly 'wetlands'. Well late afternoon we pulled into our favorite marina, Utsch's. It's a family run business and they are wonderful.

to be cont'd