SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

Click on the arrow to play and enjoy!

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.

GOODBYE, NORTH CAROLINA

Tuesday, May 19th, we woke early in the morning and started to get ready for our departure. We left the dock in Swansboro,NC, with 15 knots of wind, a little choppy, but the Summer Wind was ploughing along with no problem. Heading for Beaufort,NC, Inlet, I (Elle) was a little concerned because we had to traverse across the Inlet before making our turn towards Adams Creek. Well, all my worries were unfounded because the wave action wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. We rounded the corner and turned toward Adams Creek. The wind had picked up to 15-20 knots and there were some gusts even higher. Dick reassured me that once inside the creek there would be little or no wave action because the creek narrows. He was right. The path was smooth, even though the winds were howling. Our plans were to cross the Neuse River to make Oriental,NC, however there was not even a thought of attempting that today. At the end of the mile creek there is a very good anchorage called Cedar Creek and its very well protected. So we tucked ourselves close in to land and dropped the hook. We were not alone in this anchorage, several boats that we heard travelling joined us. There were however a few brave souls that attempted to cross the Neuse River. The wind howled for 2 days before we could move across and finally on Thursday May 21 we made it across to Oriental. Even though the winds were calm there were good size waves. We contacted Annette and Jim Schneider and made arrangements to get together that evening. Of course before the fun, work had to be done. Dick pulled out the hose and bucket and I threw in the laundry and cleaned inside. The Summer Wind was now somewhat presentable, even with her moustache. Both of us were itching to get off the boat, so off we went to explore and find the post office. Both of us commented how weird it felt to be on land. In this tiny town, there is a small post office and would you believe they close for lunch?? Dick and I chuckled because we can't imagine a small town having a rush. As things happen, conversation started up with the gentleman behind us named Bill. He and his wife are sailors and of course there was a great conversation. Dick shared his love of the Summer Wind and Bill was intrigued and asked to bring his wife to have a look.

Later that evening Annette picked us up, we took a tour of Dune Village Marina, very neat little community but its very isolated. Annette took us back to her house, first thing we're greeted by are Jenny and Buffy. We believe Annette and Jim were Eco savvy before it became cool. Jenny and Buffy are very cute goats and hey, we all know what goats can do..mow lawns!

Annette told us she made us a surprise and to tell you the truth it was heavenly. She made a delicious dinner which included her own homemade sausage,,,YUM!!! She had also made fig bars from the figs from her trees.Heavenly!!! Dick has always told me how wonderful Annette could cook and yes Annette it was fantastic!!! For you Harlemites, Jim surprised Dick with Hungarian Bulls Blood dark red wine and it brought back memories for them. That evening all three shared wonderful memories of Harlem with me. Jim and Annette look great and it was wonderful seeing the both of them. Thank you so much for a great evening.

Our next stop was going to be an anchorage in the Pungo River. Before leaving Oriental, muffins were to be had. So, I (Elle) went over to the local coffee shop called the Bean. Great little place and believe it or not before 7am was filled with not only transits but locals with their dogs in tow all enjoying breakfast. The conversation was fast and furious and wittingly funny and the muffins and bagels were fresh. So, with breakfast in hand, back to the boat. It was a great trip up the Neuse river, and across the Pamlico River. Seas were calm and many boats were travelling. We found our anchorage and by the end of the night there were 7 boats sharing the basin. That evening we were treated to a beautiful sunset.

On Saturday, May 23rd we pulled up the hook shortly before 7am and would you believe we were almost the last to go. This time we were to traverse up the Alligator Pungo canal. As we were travelling we noticed that there had been a clean up of the dead trees all along the canal. Usually you can't see the green because of the dead wood, all that remains are stumps. Below is a picture of trees waiting to be removed.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!

I didn't think we'd voluntarily get up at 6 am, aren't we retired??? Could not believe we were on the move by 6:30, and so was everyone else. There were forecasts of possible t-storms in the afternoon and Dick wanted to get across the Albermarle Sound because its wide open and can get nasty. At this time, cruisers have a choice as to which route they'd like to take, either the Virginia cut or the Dismal Swamp. We had decided maybe next fall for the Dismal, and found there weren't many cruisers going our way. Early that afternoon we pulled into Coinjock. It was a race with the clouds. We had just tied up and the rains began to fall. Although there were no t-storms, it would have been uncomfortable travelling. That evening Dick treated us to Coinjock's famous prime rib dinner.
This is our last stop in North Carolina, Virginia here we come,, to be cont'd

STORMS, PORT CAPTAINS, ADVENTURES

Here it is the middle of May still travelling north, it is now May 15Th. We left Barefoot Landing fairly early in the morning at slack tide. This area along the ICW is commonly known as the "Rockpile", its fairly narrow with rock ledges on both sides of the channel. If a large vessel or barge was approaching you, there probably would not be enough room for the two boats. So, the Captain gave a securite' call on the radio requesting any southbound vessels to report back. With no response we proceeded through.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.

The next day we had to traverse the Cape Fear River and luckily for us, the weather was beautiful and it was an easy trip. Passing the Carolina Beach Inlet we noticed several tents and trucks parked on the sandbar. We ended up in one of our favorite anchorages Wrightsville Beach. Lots of boats were anchored in that area.College kids were no longer in school for there were several small boats scooting around just having a great time. It was really cute to watch, first the guys then the gals all trying to look cool and catch one another's eye.

The Wrightsville Beach lift bridge only opened on the hour and there were several more bridges to make. So we left fairly early to make the 8 am opening and to beat the 'possible' weather. However the tide was low, and we scooted under the bridge without having to wait. There was a boat train of approximately 5-6 boats all making the journey north. The Surf City Swing Bridge was another that we required to have open. It too was on a half hour schedule and we were a little early, so jockeying had to be done. Dick looked back and said "Elle, I suggest that we close the windows and turn on the instruments downstairs. " Oh my gosh!! there was a huge system coming in fast! We had just closed the windows and taken off the windshield cover in time! The skies became angry fast, there was lightening,wind and it was teaming. However this did not hurry the bridge tender, because in storms if the winds reached 30 miles/hr, it would not open. The bridge managed to open and as we were passing through our visibility was becoming difficult. Dick throttled back and we carefully made our way from buoy to buoy because we couldn't see the boat in front of us. That squall lasted for about 30 minutes and the skies gave hint this wasn't to be the last. 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.