Friday, October 31, 2003
Friday, October 31, 2003.
Happy Haloween!!!!
I have to say it was a little spooky overnight in the swamp at anchor with just the birds and insects around. This was our first real current at anchor. Our homeport tides on the Chesapeake are nothing compared to watching the tide drop 1 foot an hour and the tidal current running at two knots.
Today�s run slowly worked its way down past Georgetown, past old rice fields and into the large delta off the Cape Roman National Wildlife Refuge. We saw an eagle and may types or herons. There was more large powerboat traffic today, but every one executed a nice slow pass and so far we have not had a single �jerk� type of high speed boat go by.
As you get into this part of the low country there really is no protection from the wind at anchor. This means that the anchorages are only good up to 15 knots of wind or so.
This afternoon we are anchored in Graham Creek, SC just south of the ICW channel. There is just a sea of grass around and Sandra is enjoying her book on the sundeck.
Tomorrow we arrive in Charleston and plan a 3-4 day stay at the City Marina. Its time to restock the food and repair the air leak on my port engine, the broken aft head and one broken running light. Its also a chance to enjoy Charleston, one of my favorite cities.
Today Stats: Miles 50.02, running time 6 hours - average speed 8.36 mph ICW MM 439
Happy Haloween!!!!
I have to say it was a little spooky overnight in the swamp at anchor with just the birds and insects around. This was our first real current at anchor. Our homeport tides on the Chesapeake are nothing compared to watching the tide drop 1 foot an hour and the tidal current running at two knots.
Today�s run slowly worked its way down past Georgetown, past old rice fields and into the large delta off the Cape Roman National Wildlife Refuge. We saw an eagle and may types or herons. There was more large powerboat traffic today, but every one executed a nice slow pass and so far we have not had a single �jerk� type of high speed boat go by.
As you get into this part of the low country there really is no protection from the wind at anchor. This means that the anchorages are only good up to 15 knots of wind or so.
This afternoon we are anchored in Graham Creek, SC just south of the ICW channel. There is just a sea of grass around and Sandra is enjoying her book on the sundeck.
Tomorrow we arrive in Charleston and plan a 3-4 day stay at the City Marina. Its time to restock the food and repair the air leak on my port engine, the broken aft head and one broken running light. Its also a chance to enjoy Charleston, one of my favorite cities.
Today Stats: Miles 50.02, running time 6 hours - average speed 8.36 mph ICW MM 439
Friday, October 31, 2003.
Happy Haloween!!!!
I have to say it was a little spooky overnight in the swamp at anchor with just the birds and insects around. This was our first real current at anchor. Our homeport tides on the Chesapeake are nothing compared to watching the tide drop 1 foot an hour and the tidal current running at two knots.
Today�s run slowly worked its way down past Georgetown, past old rice fields and into the large delta off the Cape Roman National Wildlife Refuge. We saw an eagle and may types or herons. There was more large powerboat traffic today, but every one executed a nice slow pass and so far we have not had a single �jerk� type of high speed boat go by.
As you get into this part of the low country there really is no protection from the wind at anchor. This means that the anchorages are only good up to 15 knots of wind or so.
This afternoon we are anchored in Graham Creek, SC just south of the ICW channel. There is just a sea of grass around and Sandra is enjoying her book on the sundeck.
Tomorrow we arrive in Charleston and plan a 3-4 day stay at the City Marina. Its time to restock the food and repair the air leak on my port engine, the broken aft head and one broken running light. Its also a chance to enjoy Charleston, one of my favorite cities.
Today Stats: Miles 50.02, running time 6 hours - average speed 8.36 mph ICW MM 439
Happy Haloween!!!!
I have to say it was a little spooky overnight in the swamp at anchor with just the birds and insects around. This was our first real current at anchor. Our homeport tides on the Chesapeake are nothing compared to watching the tide drop 1 foot an hour and the tidal current running at two knots.
Today�s run slowly worked its way down past Georgetown, past old rice fields and into the large delta off the Cape Roman National Wildlife Refuge. We saw an eagle and may types or herons. There was more large powerboat traffic today, but every one executed a nice slow pass and so far we have not had a single �jerk� type of high speed boat go by.
As you get into this part of the low country there really is no protection from the wind at anchor. This means that the anchorages are only good up to 15 knots of wind or so.
This afternoon we are anchored in Graham Creek, SC just south of the ICW channel. There is just a sea of grass around and Sandra is enjoying her book on the sundeck.
Tomorrow we arrive in Charleston and plan a 3-4 day stay at the City Marina. Its time to restock the food and repair the air leak on my port engine, the broken aft head and one broken running light. Its also a chance to enjoy Charleston, one of my favorite cities.
Today Stats: Miles 50.02, running time 6 hours - average speed 8.36 mph ICW MM 439
Thursday, October 30, 2003
Thursday, October 30, 2003.
Today dawned a clear Carolina blue morning, 52 degrees and light winds. We departed on a low tide and the run from North Myrtle beach through the �Rockpile� is my least favorite part of the ICW. Its narrow, rocks are underwater on both sides and the development on both banks to my eye is unplanned and unattractive. On both sides new houses and condos are going up like crazy.
Yet, just 15 miles below Myrtle Beach you enter the Waccamaw River and have nothing but the beauty of the swamps, Cyprus trees and Spanish moss. Today there was very little fast boat traffic to contend with. For most of the time we had the entire waterway to ourself. I assume most of the Sport Fish boats heading south decided to run offshore from Little River Inlet direct to Charleston. So it was a big surprise when just before we turned to our evening anchorage a 103-foot yacht �My Way� passed us!!! I almost radioed the Captain to ask him why he was running such a large yacht inside.
Tonight we are anchored in Thoroughfare Creek. It�s a peaceful spot full of marsh grass and just the occasional other boat � we are the only anchored boat.
Today Stats: Miles 46.59, running time 6.6 hours - average speed 6.99 mph ICW MM 388.9
Today dawned a clear Carolina blue morning, 52 degrees and light winds. We departed on a low tide and the run from North Myrtle beach through the �Rockpile� is my least favorite part of the ICW. Its narrow, rocks are underwater on both sides and the development on both banks to my eye is unplanned and unattractive. On both sides new houses and condos are going up like crazy.
Yet, just 15 miles below Myrtle Beach you enter the Waccamaw River and have nothing but the beauty of the swamps, Cyprus trees and Spanish moss. Today there was very little fast boat traffic to contend with. For most of the time we had the entire waterway to ourself. I assume most of the Sport Fish boats heading south decided to run offshore from Little River Inlet direct to Charleston. So it was a big surprise when just before we turned to our evening anchorage a 103-foot yacht �My Way� passed us!!! I almost radioed the Captain to ask him why he was running such a large yacht inside.
Tonight we are anchored in Thoroughfare Creek. It�s a peaceful spot full of marsh grass and just the occasional other boat � we are the only anchored boat.
Today Stats: Miles 46.59, running time 6.6 hours - average speed 6.99 mph ICW MM 388.9
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Wednesday, October 29, 2003.
We went to bed last night anchored off Carolina Beach, NC in rainy but fairly calm weather. Two boats were nearby also at anchor. Sandra woke me at 1:45 AM; the rain was horizontal and the wind over 30 knots!!!! Not a word of course in the forecast. I went out to add a snubber, which is nylon rope that absorbs the shock of the anchor instead of the chain. All in all a rough night. The morning started to clear and we had an uneventful run down the Cape Fear River and then past Southport, NC on to North Myrtle Beach, SC. We are now in an area where the difference between high and low tide is over 5 feet. This generates real currents in the rivers and ICW. We will often go from 5.5 knots speed on one side of an inlet to 9 knots on the other just because of current.
Tonight we are at the Myrtle Beach Yacht Club Marina; we had a nice dinner ashore and are again enjoying the calm. We purchased 128 gallons of fuel at $1.09 per gallon � so far we are using about 3.2 gallons per hour of travel. That�s not bad for a 23,000 pound boat. That also works out to about 2.33 mpg. For comparison, a 40 foot �go fast� boat would travel about 24 mph ( a little more than three times our speed ) and use 35-40 gallons per hour of travel. That works out to .68 mpg. The difference is the extra power required to get a heavy boat up on a plane.
Today Stats: Miles 52.24, running time 7.0 hours - average speed 7.46 mph ICW MM 346
We went to bed last night anchored off Carolina Beach, NC in rainy but fairly calm weather. Two boats were nearby also at anchor. Sandra woke me at 1:45 AM; the rain was horizontal and the wind over 30 knots!!!! Not a word of course in the forecast. I went out to add a snubber, which is nylon rope that absorbs the shock of the anchor instead of the chain. All in all a rough night. The morning started to clear and we had an uneventful run down the Cape Fear River and then past Southport, NC on to North Myrtle Beach, SC. We are now in an area where the difference between high and low tide is over 5 feet. This generates real currents in the rivers and ICW. We will often go from 5.5 knots speed on one side of an inlet to 9 knots on the other just because of current.
Tonight we are at the Myrtle Beach Yacht Club Marina; we had a nice dinner ashore and are again enjoying the calm. We purchased 128 gallons of fuel at $1.09 per gallon � so far we are using about 3.2 gallons per hour of travel. That�s not bad for a 23,000 pound boat. That also works out to about 2.33 mpg. For comparison, a 40 foot �go fast� boat would travel about 24 mph ( a little more than three times our speed ) and use 35-40 gallons per hour of travel. That works out to .68 mpg. The difference is the extra power required to get a heavy boat up on a plane.
Today Stats: Miles 52.24, running time 7.0 hours - average speed 7.46 mph ICW MM 346
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Tuesday, October 28, 2003.
Today was a warm, buy gray and rainy morning. For the first few hours the rain was very light, but toward afternoon it picked up and I moved downstairs to steer from inside the pilothouse. We had three bridges to deal with today and two only opened on the hour. I made the last one by pushing the boat speed up to 11 knots, burning some fuel and using some of my spare 400 HP ( 200 HP each engine ). Major bummer though, just 1 hour from the anchorage the port engine quite again. It had run 4 days without problems, so its really a mystery why it then gets fuel starved. I�ll have to post something on the internet and see what the brain trust thinks. Tonight we are anchored just behind Carolina Beach in NC. Tomorrow we will make the turn behind Cape Fear and head for Myrtle Beach.
Today Stats: Miles 50.70, running time 6.3 hours - average speed 6.91 mph ICW MM 295.5
Monday, October 27, 2003
Lay Day at Mile Hammock Bay, NC. ICW MM 245.
Enjoyed watching the marines practice flying, heard the thump of heavy artillery practice and overnight they ran a desalination exercise near the shore. Weather was better than expected. Strong front petered out.
Today was a warm, buy gray and rainy morning. For the first few hours the rain was very light, but toward afternoon it picked up and I moved downstairs to steer from inside the pilothouse. We had three bridges to deal with today and two only opened on the hour. I made the last one by pushing the boat speed up to 11 knots, burning some fuel and using some of my spare 400 HP ( 200 HP each engine ). Major bummer though, just 1 hour from the anchorage the port engine quite again. It had run 4 days without problems, so its really a mystery why it then gets fuel starved. I�ll have to post something on the internet and see what the brain trust thinks. Tonight we are anchored just behind Carolina Beach in NC. Tomorrow we will make the turn behind Cape Fear and head for Myrtle Beach.
Today Stats: Miles 50.70, running time 6.3 hours - average speed 6.91 mph ICW MM 295.5
Monday, October 27, 2003
Lay Day at Mile Hammock Bay, NC. ICW MM 245.
Enjoyed watching the marines practice flying, heard the thump of heavy artillery practice and overnight they ran a desalination exercise near the shore. Weather was better than expected. Strong front petered out.
Sunday, October 26, 2003
Sunday, October 26, 2003.
This morning was warm, cloudy and no wind. It is light earlier now so it�s a little easier to get up. There where 4 sailboats in the anchorage with us and they left before us. The days trip ran through marshes and past areas of homes. The size of the homes on the waterfront is crazy, what do people do with all that space?
We decided to stop early, as places to anchor in this area are hard to find. Sandra is enjoying our forst warm ( 80 degree ) day since we left Virginia reading on the back deck. The area we are in is a dredged basin that Camp Lejeune uses for Marine training. Tomorrow�s forecast is for rain � we�ll see.
Today Stats: Miles 35.47, running time 4.5 hours - average speed 7.8 mph ICW MM 245
This morning was warm, cloudy and no wind. It is light earlier now so it�s a little easier to get up. There where 4 sailboats in the anchorage with us and they left before us. The days trip ran through marshes and past areas of homes. The size of the homes on the waterfront is crazy, what do people do with all that space?
We decided to stop early, as places to anchor in this area are hard to find. Sandra is enjoying our forst warm ( 80 degree ) day since we left Virginia reading on the back deck. The area we are in is a dredged basin that Camp Lejeune uses for Marine training. Tomorrow�s forecast is for rain � we�ll see.
Today Stats: Miles 35.47, running time 4.5 hours - average speed 7.8 mph ICW MM 245
Saturday, October 25, 2003
Sunday, October 25, 2003.
We had a great time last night doing the New Bern � Ghost Walk� We walked to beautifully restored homes and at each one actors portrayed real stories from new Bern�s past. Of course a cemetery walk was also included.
Sunday morning was our first cloudly day of this trip. Going down the Neuse there were light winds and then we made the trun into the Gallant Cut toward Moorehead City, NC. At one point the current was adding 2 knots to our boat speed and we were doing 10 mph. Just a few minutes later the same current was against us and we were down to 5.5 mph!! Tonight we are anchored in Spooner Creek south of Morehead City. I took the dinghy to shore and walked to a nearby Wal-Mart for some supplies. That broke the spell of the trip� too much civilization!!! Its now raining and we are snug in the main cabin.
Today Stats: Miles 51.6, running time 6.6 hours - average speed 7.74 mph ICW MM 266.6
We had a great time last night doing the New Bern � Ghost Walk� We walked to beautifully restored homes and at each one actors portrayed real stories from new Bern�s past. Of course a cemetery walk was also included.
Sunday morning was our first cloudly day of this trip. Going down the Neuse there were light winds and then we made the trun into the Gallant Cut toward Moorehead City, NC. At one point the current was adding 2 knots to our boat speed and we were doing 10 mph. Just a few minutes later the same current was against us and we were down to 5.5 mph!! Tonight we are anchored in Spooner Creek south of Morehead City. I took the dinghy to shore and walked to a nearby Wal-Mart for some supplies. That broke the spell of the trip� too much civilization!!! Its now raining and we are snug in the main cabin.
Today Stats: Miles 51.6, running time 6.6 hours - average speed 7.74 mph ICW MM 266.6
Friday, October 24, 2003
Friday, October 24, 2003
Today its more wind then expected. 15 knots or so from the north. It was another crisp morning, 48 degrees. We ran 25 miles upriver on the Neuse to the town of New Bern. It is a very wide river and it can be as rough as the Chesapeake Bay. Today its 1 foot or so rollers across the river.
We decided to stay at the Sheraton Marina which is very nice. A bonus is their high speed internet connection I am now using. New Bern is a historic city and like many similar towns the shopping is everything nobody really needs, jewelry, antiques etc. No grocery stores etc.
Tonight we will do their annual "Ghost Walk" and tomorrow head back down river to rejoin the ICW.
Today's Stats: Miles 27.8, running time 3.5 hours, average speed 7.9 mph
Today its more wind then expected. 15 knots or so from the north. It was another crisp morning, 48 degrees. We ran 25 miles upriver on the Neuse to the town of New Bern. It is a very wide river and it can be as rough as the Chesapeake Bay. Today its 1 foot or so rollers across the river.
We decided to stay at the Sheraton Marina which is very nice. A bonus is their high speed internet connection I am now using. New Bern is a historic city and like many similar towns the shopping is everything nobody really needs, jewelry, antiques etc. No grocery stores etc.
Tonight we will do their annual "Ghost Walk" and tomorrow head back down river to rejoin the ICW.
Today's Stats: Miles 27.8, running time 3.5 hours, average speed 7.9 mph
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Wednesday, October 22, 2003.
Expecting howling NE winds we awoke to near calm on the Alligator River. The winds started up as we left, but now on our back 5-10 from the NE with us heading south. One and 1/2 hour later, you guessed it, the port engine quit again. This time I could tell it was fuel starved. No choice but to continue on with one engine. Most of the day was spent running the Alligator/Pungo Canal which runs straight almost west between the Alligator River and Pungo Rivers for over 20 miles. It was a beautiful day and tonight we are anchored off ICW MM 135 in Dowery Creek. There is only one other boat near us. I again worked on the engine, vented the injector lines and it again runs. If it runs out of fuel tomorrow I will be near out of ideas.
Today Stats: Miles 50.26, running time 6.5 hours - average speed 7.73 mph
Thursday, October 23, 2003
We awoke to a crisp, chilly perfect North Carolina morning. Mist was over the water and a parade of boats entered the ICW. Sandra counted at least 20, mostly sailboats. We had one early scare. I had left the starboard engine ( my good one !! ) off and staved that engine. After a few minutes of bleeding it was running again. The big question � how long would the other one go�.. The answer ALL DAY!!!!! We made good spped and pasted almost all of the sailboats before the day�s run was done. Maybe it was the good omen, we saw 4 purposes in Goose Creek. Much of today�s run was down the Neuse River that can be wide and rough. Thankfully, NOAA got it wrong, as in we had much less wind than predicted�. Only 5-10 from the west, but its cold� just 57 degrees. I am ready to get further south!! Tonight we are anchored off the town of Oriental, NC and tomorrow head up the Neuse to New Bern for a side-trip.
Today�s Stats: Miles 51.40, running time 6 hours � average speed 8.56 mph
Expecting howling NE winds we awoke to near calm on the Alligator River. The winds started up as we left, but now on our back 5-10 from the NE with us heading south. One and 1/2 hour later, you guessed it, the port engine quit again. This time I could tell it was fuel starved. No choice but to continue on with one engine. Most of the day was spent running the Alligator/Pungo Canal which runs straight almost west between the Alligator River and Pungo Rivers for over 20 miles. It was a beautiful day and tonight we are anchored off ICW MM 135 in Dowery Creek. There is only one other boat near us. I again worked on the engine, vented the injector lines and it again runs. If it runs out of fuel tomorrow I will be near out of ideas.
Today Stats: Miles 50.26, running time 6.5 hours - average speed 7.73 mph
Thursday, October 23, 2003
We awoke to a crisp, chilly perfect North Carolina morning. Mist was over the water and a parade of boats entered the ICW. Sandra counted at least 20, mostly sailboats. We had one early scare. I had left the starboard engine ( my good one !! ) off and staved that engine. After a few minutes of bleeding it was running again. The big question � how long would the other one go�.. The answer ALL DAY!!!!! We made good spped and pasted almost all of the sailboats before the day�s run was done. Maybe it was the good omen, we saw 4 purposes in Goose Creek. Much of today�s run was down the Neuse River that can be wide and rough. Thankfully, NOAA got it wrong, as in we had much less wind than predicted�. Only 5-10 from the west, but its cold� just 57 degrees. I am ready to get further south!! Tonight we are anchored off the town of Oriental, NC and tomorrow head up the Neuse to New Bern for a side-trip.
Today�s Stats: Miles 51.40, running time 6 hours � average speed 8.56 mph
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Start today Coinjock Marina, NC Mile 50 ICW
Finish today, Alligator River Marina, NC ICW MM 84.
Weather clear & windy.
Today was a day you wonder about boating. We left Coinjock, NC knowing that Albermarle Sound would be rough .....It was, 20 plus knots on the nose SW, 3-4 foot waves. But that was only the start....About 3 hours into the day and 1/2 way across the sound the Port engine just quit... No warning. We went into the Alligator River Marina on one engine. A few hours late I determined that the fuel lift pump had failed and starved the engine for fuel. A spare was onboard and hopefully its fixed. Tomorrow is still supposed to be windy, but more Northerly, so we still hope to keep going south Wednesday.
Today's stats: Miles 35, hours 5 average 7 mph.
Start today Coinjock Marina, NC Mile 50 ICW
Finish today, Alligator River Marina, NC ICW MM 84.
Weather clear & windy.
Today was a day you wonder about boating. We left Coinjock, NC knowing that Albermarle Sound would be rough .....It was, 20 plus knots on the nose SW, 3-4 foot waves. But that was only the start....About 3 hours into the day and 1/2 way across the sound the Port engine just quit... No warning. We went into the Alligator River Marina on one engine. A few hours late I determined that the fuel lift pump had failed and starved the engine for fuel. A spare was onboard and hopefully its fixed. Tomorrow is still supposed to be windy, but more Northerly, so we still hope to keep going south Wednesday.
Today's stats: Miles 35, hours 5 average 7 mph.
Monday, October 20, 2003
Start Today - Norfolk ICW MM 0.
Finish Today - Coinjock marina, NC Mile 50 ICW. Weather excellent.
Today we left Norfolk at about 7 AM at sunrise. It is really nice staying in the center of the busy harbor. There where very few big wakes overnight from the tugs. We headed down south and at the first bridge, the Jordon Bridge all the boats were backed-up. Electrical problem...lucky for us only a 20 minute delay and after that we hit all of the remaing bridges and Great Bridge Lock right on time. Only at today's last bridge Centerville, did we need to wait 24 minutes for an opening. The wind picked up in the afternoon as we made our way down the North landing River and Currituck Sound. We can actually see to the ocean barrier islands. Just 5 miles from the marina the local Coast Guard boarded us for an inspection -- no problems so hopefully if someone else stops us we can just show them the paper.
Tomorrow's weather forecast is for building winds - we hope to make it across Albemarle Sound before it kicks up.
Today stats: running time 8 hours - distance 50 miles, average sppeed 6.25mph ( 5.43 knots )
Finish Today - Coinjock marina, NC Mile 50 ICW. Weather excellent.
Today we left Norfolk at about 7 AM at sunrise. It is really nice staying in the center of the busy harbor. There where very few big wakes overnight from the tugs. We headed down south and at the first bridge, the Jordon Bridge all the boats were backed-up. Electrical problem...lucky for us only a 20 minute delay and after that we hit all of the remaing bridges and Great Bridge Lock right on time. Only at today's last bridge Centerville, did we need to wait 24 minutes for an opening. The wind picked up in the afternoon as we made our way down the North landing River and Currituck Sound. We can actually see to the ocean barrier islands. Just 5 miles from the marina the local Coast Guard boarded us for an inspection -- no problems so hopefully if someone else stops us we can just show them the paper.
Tomorrow's weather forecast is for building winds - we hope to make it across Albemarle Sound before it kicks up.
Today stats: running time 8 hours - distance 50 miles, average sppeed 6.25mph ( 5.43 knots )
Sunday, October 19, 2003
OK. How does NOAA get it so wrong. Today they forecast 5-10 West, waves 1 foot on the Bay. We used that forecast to decide to leave today, Sunday when there was supposed to be better conditions. We left our home dock at 6:45 am and about 9:10 am made the turn down the Bay at Stingray Point. Wow... 15-20 West wind and 3-4 foot seas. It was a wet and lumpy ride all the way to the York river. It then calmed down and the rest of the trip was OK. We pulled into the anchorage at ICW Mile Marker 0 across from Waterside in Norfolk at 3:50 PM ( a nine hour run ).
Today's stats: running time 9 hours - distance 64.51 NM, average speed: 7.16 knots
Today's stats: running time 9 hours - distance 64.51 NM, average speed: 7.16 knots
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Three days to go. The Marine forecast for Saturday is not looking favorable for a trip down the bay. They are calling for N winds 15 to 20 kt increasing to 25 kt.
Friday, October 10, 2003
Eight days and counting. The reality of the trip South starts to sink in. Sandra has done a great job taking care of the galley, menus and provisions. I now have all the spares, tools and maintenance items onboard. Scuba equipment is also on and I hope the water this winter is not too cool - I decided to only pack a thinner suit, but will add a vest down there if necessary. I am now going through the cruising guides. This will be my first ICW trip with the majority of time spent on the hook. On two prior trips I was in a "go-fast" boat and it was a fuel and marina every night.
Friday, October 03, 2003
Hard to believe, just two weeks until Sandra and I leave to head South. At this point I am feeling OK about the boat itself; the seasons trips should have shaken out the bugs...< I hope >. There is still much to do, provisioning the boat, taking care of the landside arrangements, putting the cars to bed. The Hurricane was an unwelcome diversion, but I am thankful that the boat came through Ok and other than many damaged trees, so did our house. Now its time to decide what to pack into the finite storage space of Punches and get ready to go.
