M & M
We finally made the connection!
Nov 11/12th - For a couple of years now we've been trying to catch up with our friends Mark and Marcia Leeds in St. James Plantation. Well this year we did it! Both our 'schedules' meshed and we had the chance to visit the them in their beautiful new home in North Carolina. We enjoyed a wonderful time with M & M. We visited a place that Mark likes to describe as his "future work office," the Provision Company which is a waterside restaurant with a great relaxed atmosphere. We're just not sure how he is going to get any work done? There was a wonderful artists craft sale going on in the Community Center. Then later on in the afternoon we met their good friends Kris & Steve George back at the house. That evening we enjoyed a lovely evening at Mr. Pete's restaurant which is family owned and fantastic! Thanks M & M so glad we had the chance to make this work! By the way, our room it's the one downstairs next to the hot tub right????
Visiting Bald Head Island
Nov 9/10th - We love it when we decide to stop and explore a new place. Today our new destination was Bald Head Island. This Island is right at the mouth of the Cape Fear River and fortunately we had excellent weather so the seas were not a concern. Early morning we pulled into the Bald Head Island marina and resort. All we can say is WOW! The marina is surrounded by cape cod style 'cottages' and everything was pristine.
Our first day there we decided to walk around and check out 'Old Baldy' the stone Lighthouse. Part of the tour included the lightkeepers cottage and the walk up the steps to the top of the lighthouse. Old Baldy had been renovated so the original iron circular staircase was no longer there, in its place is a wooden circular staircase. There are resting platforms in a couple of spots for those that require a little place to catch one's breath without being in a climbers way. The climb is well worth it because the views from the top were spectacular. Later in the afternoon we took advantage of renting the golf cart for 24 hours. We wasted very little time and toodled around for an hour or two to see some of the local beaches. As we came down a path we spotted what we thought was a puppy on the road. Lo and behold we spotted our first red fox and it was a beauty!
Our second day we 'toodled' around the island on the golf cart. The captain had a blast driving the golfcart along the narrow winding roads. The roads lead through many small 'cottage areas' that are nestled in very natural woodland and they then lead to the sandy beaches on the ocean side. We had a great time walking along the sandy beaches. In the afternoon we enjoyed a fantastic lunch at the Country Club by the pool. Back in the cart we went and explored more of this wonderful small resort island. By the end of the second night we were exhausted but had a fantastic stop on Bald Head Island.
Our first day there we decided to walk around and check out 'Old Baldy' the stone Lighthouse. Part of the tour included the lightkeepers cottage and the walk up the steps to the top of the lighthouse. Old Baldy had been renovated so the original iron circular staircase was no longer there, in its place is a wooden circular staircase. There are resting platforms in a couple of spots for those that require a little place to catch one's breath without being in a climbers way. The climb is well worth it because the views from the top were spectacular. Later in the afternoon we took advantage of renting the golf cart for 24 hours. We wasted very little time and toodled around for an hour or two to see some of the local beaches. As we came down a path we spotted what we thought was a puppy on the road. Lo and behold we spotted our first red fox and it was a beauty!
Our second day we 'toodled' around the island on the golf cart. The captain had a blast driving the golfcart along the narrow winding roads. The roads lead through many small 'cottage areas' that are nestled in very natural woodland and they then lead to the sandy beaches on the ocean side. We had a great time walking along the sandy beaches. In the afternoon we enjoyed a fantastic lunch at the Country Club by the pool. Back in the cart we went and explored more of this wonderful small resort island. By the end of the second night we were exhausted but had a fantastic stop on Bald Head Island.
Short Days
Nov 6th - Woke up to the sound of diesel engines being fired up in the distance. For a few days it had been one sound we hadn't heard. Sure enough the big Kady Krogens and Acapella were heading out of their slips. We began to ready the Summer Wind for departure. To make sure that the Neuse had settled we radioed Jeff and Karen to get their opinion of the conditions. It had indeed settled and would be manageable. So we dropped the lines and headed down the Neuse. We were indeed surfing a bit, but the trip on the Neuse was relatively short.
Our destination today was Moorehead City Yacht basin. We're very familiar with this marina and it's extremely boater friendly. What is 'boater friendly'? This marina offers many amenities such as clean laundry machines, showers, and a loaner car. We can accomplish a great deal on a one night stop.
As we were preparing our lines to depart we looked over at the Sport Fish next to our boat and noticed a crew member patiently waiting for the rest of the crew!
Our destination today was Moorehead City Yacht basin. We're very familiar with this marina and it's extremely boater friendly. What is 'boater friendly'? This marina offers many amenities such as clean laundry machines, showers, and a loaner car. We can accomplish a great deal on a one night stop.
As we were preparing our lines to depart we looked over at the Sport Fish next to our boat and noticed a crew member patiently waiting for the rest of the crew!
Hey where is everyone?
Nov 7th- Our next destination would be Mile Hammock Bay. We could hear many captains talking over the radio and knew that there were still many boats out on the water. This idea was confirmed when we pulled into the anchorage and discovered that it was almost full. That evening we shared the anchorage with over 29 other boats.
Mile Hammock Bay
Nov 8th - After a wonderful calm night on the hook, we rose to a beautiful sunrise. Many sailboats had already weighed anchor and we decided to join the train. At the bridges we made a pretty impressive parade.
Our stop for the night was the Carolina Beach State Park. For $30/night we can tie up on their new docks and explore the trails.By the time we were ready to explore it was almost 4:00 in the afternoon. With maps in hand we decided a 'short walk' should be no problem.The trails led through tall pines and swamp land. It was a bonus that the temperatures were not too hot or we'd be dinner for the no'seeums. Around 5:00 we decided that with the daylight dwindling we better make our way back to the boat. The maps we had didn't quite fit with our turns, so finally we came upon a couple who were walking a dog and we asked for directions. Their dog must have sensed we were lost because every 20 feet or so, it would turn back to make sure we were following.
leading the pack
Inside the Carolina Beach State Park
Just in time to catch the Sunset
River Dunes Marina , Oriental, NC
November 3rd/5th - The captain rose in the morning and I could hear him chuckling. When I asked him what was amusing , he told me that he couldn't see anything outside. We were totally socked in with thick fog. Oh well, so much for getting an early start on our day. Our trip to River Dunes marina wasn't going to be a long trip anyway. So, we enjoyed a leisurely warm breakfast waiting for the fog to break. Shortly around 9 we were shocked to discover that several boats had already pulled their anchor. The fog had lifted enough for us to feel comfortable travelling and several boats followed suit. We could hear the fog and air horns of several boats blasting. Soon the warm sun was shining and the temperatures were very comfortable.Early afternoon we were pulling into the River Dunes canal which led to the marina. At the docks waiting to grab our lines were two surprising dockhands Jeffrey and Karen Siegel. For some reason the conversation once again turned to weather and Jeff told us about another nor'easter and 50 knot winds were predicted. We decided that we're not going to have anymore weather conversations with Jeff in the future. In the evening we were treated to a lovely family style dinner in a sumptious dining room with a roaring fireplace.
On our second day we met Harlem friends Jim and Annette Schneider. They showed us around Oriental and showed us the damage from Hurricane Irene. Several homes had sustained flooding and damaged appliances, wall board and belongings lined the roads. We enjoyed a wonderful seafood dinner and it was great reuniting with them both. Thanks Jim and Annette!
That night the winds howled! The power went out on the docks and we were glad that the Summer Wind was securely tied down.
The third and final day, we decided that waiting out the winds for one more day would be wise. The Neuse River would need more time to calm down.
On our second day we met Harlem friends Jim and Annette Schneider. They showed us around Oriental and showed us the damage from Hurricane Irene. Several homes had sustained flooding and damaged appliances, wall board and belongings lined the roads. We enjoyed a wonderful seafood dinner and it was great reuniting with them both. Thanks Jim and Annette!
That night the winds howled! The power went out on the docks and we were glad that the Summer Wind was securely tied down.
The third and final day, we decided that waiting out the winds for one more day would be wise. The Neuse River would need more time to calm down.
Morning Fog
Signs of destruction along the waterway from hurricane Irene
River Dunes
Jim & Annette
Alligator River/Pungo Canal
November 2nd - Before releasing the lines in the morning we checked NOAA weather to see if the forecast had changed. NOAA had predicted NW15-20 and they were to be 'subsiding'. As we were travelling we were trying to decide whether to anchor in our first choice or make a very long day and anchor in our second choice. Several boats over the radio were discussing the same situation. There were definitely 2 good days of travelling but after that, another Nor'easter was heading our way. Our decision made we went for the long day and progressed after crossing Albemarle Sound. At the Alligator River bridge we noticed a familiar looking vessel. It was another Heritage East! Did we know this boat and crew? Sure enough we hailed them on the radio and discovered it was Helene and Lucien aboard their Exploreur II. We had met this couple in Fort Lauderdale a couple of years ago when they were doing their great loop.
Helene and Lucien aboard Exploreur II
Quiet Night at anchor
Heading down the Alligator River,the seas (2-3 ft) were on our stern, so we were surfing but it was all manageable. 78 miles and 91/2 hours later we were setting the anchor just in time for a beautiful sunset. We counted at least 8 vessels enjoying the quiet night.
Coinjock, NC
Misty Morning on the Great Bridge Wall
October 31st/Nov 1 - Shortly before 8am we rose to release the lines from the wall only to discover there was ice on the deck of the boat. Even with boat shoes it was precarious trying to maneuver on deck. We had one "good" weather day and we wanted to get off the wall. So we carefully followed everyone at good slow pace through the icy fog. The captain and I looked at one another and started to laugh both of us were in winter coats, hats, gloves and fleece wear underneath, "boating attire?" Needless to say the coffee was kept in our thermal cups and we brewed a second pot to keep our insides nice and toasty.
Boating Attire?
Following the train
Our passage took us through the narrow Virginia Cut heading south. We spotted several eagles along the way watching us make our journey down the canal. Early in the afternoon the temperatures rose enough to warrant taking off the gloves and winter hats. We were surprised to find the cruise ship Independence tied up at Coinjock. The captain of the ship explained that they had hit something in the lock and that's why they couldn't travel.
Eagles in Abundance
Damaged prop from Independence
NOAA was predicting 35 - 40 knot winds with gusts up to 45 knots. Throughout the night we heard a howling and we knew that NOAA was indeed right. So, we spent an extra day doing chores, including organizing the v-berth and doing laundry. Our next project was then to change the wash down faucet, the one that failed on our last night anchoring.
Heading down the ICW at a snails pace
Waiting for the Gilmerton Bridge
October 26th/30th - Getting through Norfolk, VA takes a little planning and proper timing. Norfolk, Va is MM 0 of the ICW and for the first 20 miles, everyone moves at a snails pace. Why you ask? Well, there are 5knot speed limits through Norfolk and let's just say frustrating low bridges (even for powerboats) on hourly schedules and locks. We had timed our departure from Portsmouth,VA to make the first scheduled opening at 9:30 at the Gilmerton Bridge MM 5.8 (15'height restriction). There were 24 boats waiting patiently by the time the bridge was lifted. It's a good thing that in a few years there will be a new high rise bridge and navigating these waters will become less time consuming.At MM 8 our first stop was Top Rack Marina where we topped up our diesel tanks 162 gallons at $3.369/gallon. This has been the best price since December of 2010. We've been keeping our diesel burn below 3 gallons/hour which is great! The marina has a new deli so we grabbed a couple of sandwiches to go, I mean how can you beat $5 for Pastrami? We had untied the lines just in time to catch our next bridge opening WHEW!!!
Less than 3 miles later we had the Great Bridge Lock which for some reason was only a 1foot lift. It's hard to figure out why there is even a locking procedure. We stopped in between the lock and the bridge. So, how far did we get in 4 hours? 11 miles!! Yes we can hear our good friend Craig Briggs, calling it the ICW slog, today we definitely felt like snails.
Our good friends Mike and Jane Ross drove down from Kitty Hawk, NC to meet us for dinner that evening. We met Mike and Jane 4 years ago in Oriental,NC during Hurricane Noelle and have kept in touch ever since. Our reunion was wonderful as we reminisced about the time we joined them aboard their boat Blessings in Key West for New Years and wore tin foil hats. Very sweet and wonderful memories, Thanks Mike and Jane, we love catching up and miss you both!
Potluck Just before the weather change
Bailey Not Enjoying the Snow courtesy of Judy
Winter Wonderland in Morristown courtesy of Peppi
Portsmouth, VA
Oct 24th/25th - Released the lines from the dock and let the Summer Wind take us down the York River. Our cruise down the York River into the Chesapeake Bay was relatively calm. Unfortunately when we reached the mouth of the Chesapeake the winds had picked up and we were also running against the current. The Summer Wind felt like she was surfing the pipeline of Hawaii,,, well maybe not quite that bad. But what made this precarious was we had an entourage of Navy Ships leaving port. To say that these ships not only require a relative distance,, they also create quite a wake. The Captain had a heck of a time trying to keep us on course.
New York leaving Norfolk
The two small things on the deck are people
Early afternoon we found space at the free basin in Portsmouth,Va to tie up for 2 nights. As we had just settled down for a quick bite of lunch we heard a knock on our door. It was our cruising friends Jeffrey and Karen from aCappella welcoming us back to Portsmouth. They run a fantastic cruising website called Active Captain. They are not the only famous ones in the family, Dyna and Dylan (their 4 legged children) have a great cruising blog. Talk turned to weather after the hellos and Jeffrey told us about the deteriorating weather window. 
Catching the Tide
We spent 2 great nights in Portsmouth. One of our fun excursions was grabbing the ferry to head over to Norfolk. Then we rode on the new electric train called the Tide. Portsmouth/Norfolk are transport friendly places, you can ride all day for $3.50 or the great senior rate of $1.50.
Destination Yorktown!!
Summer Wind gets front row seats to wedding
October 22nd/23rd - Many of you may remember we tried to visit Colonial Williamsburg last year. We had travelled all the way up the St. James River to the Chicahominy River to an isolated marina, no where near Williamsburg and we were told no walking around because it was grey powder season.Well this year we did a little better with our research and planning. The captain had called the Yorktown marina to confirm that yes indeed the free shuttles were running and their slip fees were $1.75/ft/day! Fantastic! So, early in the morning we said our goodbyes to Bob and Laura and ventured out into the Chesapeake Bay heading for Yorktown!The day was absolutely gorgeous, the sun was shining and the temperatures warmed up to almost 80 degrees. We spotted dolphins and pelicans and just enjoyed cruising out on the bay. Our trip was a little over 30 miles and early in the afternoon we were tied up at the docks. The dockhand greeted us warmly and gave us schedules to the triangle Jamestown/Yorktown/Williamsburg. We had a lot of planning to do for 2 nights.
That afternoon we walked all around Yorktown. We checked out the little shops on the Riverwalk Landing and then went to see the Waterman's museum. Unfortunately there was a private wedding that took over the whole place. We discovered that many locals use the waterfront as the setting for their wedding, the captain, I and many locals 'discreetly observed' a few wedding ceremonies taking place. The riverwalk was also the perfect place for Sam and Barbara Shakespeare to stop in for a quick hello on their way to their boat. It's always fantastic getting together with the both of them, thanks Sam and Barb!
Sam and Barb drop in for a visit
Sunday morning we rose at the crack of dawn (7:00am tee hee) to discover a cruise ship the American Spirit sharing our dock. Can you imagine that, we didn't even hear them through the night. We caught the first free Yorktown trolley which took us to the Yorktown Victory Center to catch the free shuttle to Colonial Williamsburg. At the visitor center we purchased our all day pass to Colonial Williamsburg and grabbed that free shuttle which took us near the Governor's Palace where our historic tour began. Throughout the village all the historians were dressed in 18th century period costume and painted a scenario as to what was going on at that historical and monumental time, making history exciting and interesting. Our day was filled with stopping at various places such as the Goldsmith, Wyeth House and the Capitol just to name a few. In order to tour the Yorktown Battlefield we needed to catch the 3pm shuttle back and this was something we really didn't want to miss. The park ranger gave the tour of the battlefield, and his presentation was excellent. He explained why the British General Lord Cornwallis didn't stand a chance winning this monumental battle against General George Washington and the french commander.
Summer Wind's beachfront dock
Colonial Williamsburg
Yorktown Battlefield
Rotisierre above the Fireplace
At the end of the day, we were exhausted and thoroughly happy that we finally visited Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg. If anyone asks us,, was it worth it? Absolutely!!! Our recommendation would be to stay a 3rd day to visit Jamestown.
Thai Hot Rendezvous
Thai Hot
October 21st 2011 - In order to give the seas on the Chesapeake a little more time to settle, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in the morning. Slowly we raised our anchor and gave it a good wash down after being dug in the mud for a few days. We noticed the faucet on the foredeck just doesn't open as much as it's supposed to, time for a new one. If we want to anchor that faucet definitely needs to be replaced.Just as we were coming out of Mill Creek the captain hailed our friends Bob and Laura aboard Thai Hot on the radio to see if they had left. Sure enough they were directly across heading down Ingram Bay. We knew they were in the area and our destinations were the same for the day. Bob and Laura are on a 2 year trip to the BVI aboard their Island Packet. They too belong to the Harlem Yacht Club on City Island. Once we spotted them it became a great photo opportunity.
It was a relatively short trip to the Regatta Point Marina in Deltaville. Each time we looked back we could see that Thai Hot was having a great sail. We were getting small waves on the beam and the Summer Wind gets pushed slightly to the side.
We made a turn west into the Rapahonick and came upon a group of watermen. Lines were everywhere in the water and we were wondering how they didn't tangle up with one another. It seemed to be a very pretty amazing dance.
Shortly after we were tied at the docks then Thai Hot was making way to her slip. I needed to get some laundry underway and Dick and the crew of Thai Hot made a run to West Marine. At sunset we enjoyed lovely champagne and appetizers aboard the bridge of the Summer Wind. That evening Kokomos restaurant picked us up and it was a great evening with wonderful company. Thanks so much Laura and Bob. We hope you have a great adventure!!
Bob and Laura
Watermen
Toasting on the Summer Wind
A day or two for the 'honey do' list
October 19th, 2011 -Here we are tucked into a nice protected anchorage in Mill Creek on the Great Wicomico river while mother nature does what she does best out on the Chesapeake Bay. There are 15 -20 knot winds with 30 knot gusts out of the east. Yesterday we did a vey long day close to 70 miles and a 9 hour travel day in order to be well protected.
During the night the skies opened up and there was a deluge of rain. There was an incredible pounding on the sun deck. We checked the windows to make sure that everything was secured well and there were no unexpected leaks. The wind could be howling, but we were barely moving aboard the boat and all was fairly quiet that way.
Today we only spotted one "daring soul" leave the anchorage. Today has been a day of fixing little things that needed repair. The captain even fixed the first mates glasses after the lens fell out. The stove top lid hinges had broke and those have now been replaced.
The best thing about days like today are, in between the rain the windows are opened and the captain serenades with his flute. He is most relaxed playing and I enjoy listening. Sometimes we hear a distant clap coming from one of the boats.
Today we're experiencing a relatively windy day, but the Summer Wind is secure and swinging gently. We're sure the Chesapeake would be horribly nasty out there today!
During the night the skies opened up and there was a deluge of rain. There was an incredible pounding on the sun deck. We checked the windows to make sure that everything was secured well and there were no unexpected leaks. The wind could be howling, but we were barely moving aboard the boat and all was fairly quiet that way.
Today we only spotted one "daring soul" leave the anchorage. Today has been a day of fixing little things that needed repair. The captain even fixed the first mates glasses after the lens fell out. The stove top lid hinges had broke and those have now been replaced.
The best thing about days like today are, in between the rain the windows are opened and the captain serenades with his flute. He is most relaxed playing and I enjoy listening. Sometimes we hear a distant clap coming from one of the boats.
Special Marine Warning?
October 20th, 2011 - Last night was interesting to say the least. We had checked the weather forecast before going to bed and were shocked to see not only Gale Warnings but "Special Marine Warnings." How could that be? Where our boat was located, there was barely a whisper of wind. NOAA predicted winds coming from the southwest with gusts up to 60 knots! After checking the boat to make sure everything was as it should be, we tucked in for the night. In the middle of the night, we woke to what sounded like a freight train passing really close and the boat was rumbling. We each took turns watching throughout the night. It was a really loud evening, but nothing for us to be concerned about, no waves or horrible bouncing could be felt. All the boats in the anchorage were exactly where they should be and nothing was amiss. Today we're experiencing a relatively windy day, but the Summer Wind is secure and swinging gently. We're sure the Chesapeake would be horribly nasty out there today!
Halfway down the Potomac
Chapel Point Church
October 18th, 2011 - There's nothing like spending a delightfully quiet night on the hook to energize and refresh ones batteries. Port Tobacco river is a great anchorage despite being fairly wide open. The night was quiet, dark and stars were plentiful. We woke up early and watched the sunrise above the tree line. It was a quiet and unusually hot day (80 *). We had passed Clements Island, the first English settlement in MD and captured a great shot. This will be a day excursion via dinghy possibly on next years trip.One of our concerns was the weather forecast for the next few days. Our plan was to anchor in St. Mary's river by the college but that meant still having to cross the mouth of the Potomac at the Chesapeake after the two fronts had passed. So, we decided to make it a longer travel day 70 miles in 9 hours and get beyond the Potomac. The hardest part of the trip was entering Mill Creek heading directly into the setting sun. It was difficult to spot the fish stakes which made things a little challenging. For those of you that don't know fish stakes are rods placed a couple of feet apart across approximately 30 feet wide that have a net across to gather the fish. The problem is, the stakes only stand about 2-3 feet above the waterline and they aren't easy to spot with rolling seas. Oh yes, forgot to mention the winds had picked up out of the east and we were starting to get beam seas as we were heading towards the channel of the creek entrance which made things even more interesting. Everything calmed down once we entered Mill Creek and discovered at least 10 sailboats have already dropped the hook. This must definitely be the right place.
Saint Clements Island
First English Settlement in MD
Time to start south again
Heading Down the Potomac
October 17th- We spent a rocky night aboard the Summer Wind. There were waves slapping at the bow of the boat which echoed throughout the hull. The winds had settled in the wee hours of the morning so we were able to get some quiet. Shortly after 7am we made short work of dropping the lines and heading down the Potomac. Because the Potomac is over 100 miles long our plan was to split the trip into two spots. Along the way we spotted several eagles hunting and flying high above the trees. The eagles scoop down on their prey and use their talons to grab their dinner. They are quite fast and it's an amazing flight to watch. The river was relatively calm even with the winds, however in spots we did get a little following sea. One of the requests I as first mate have, was to get more experience at the helm during questionable seas. The captain handed over the helm when taking a phone call and I managed to get some good practice in learning how to handle the boat in following seas that were building. Our boat yaws (meaning wobbles) in these types of conditions and it takes a little work to keep her on her course.
As the day wore on the seas settled so we were comfortable dropping a hook in Port Tobacco River. The entrance to the river is a giant maze of crab pots but once we were past them we felt confident dropping the hook. That evening we had a lovely night relaxing and it was extremely quiet!
Eagle enjoying his catch!
Terns fishing around the boat!
Whats on that buoy?
OH it's an eagle!!
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