Friday, October 31, 2008
Southern South Carolina & Happy Halloween
Each day is a little warmer and less windly. We decided to wait until slack tide to leave Charleston and that made for a late 10 am start for us. Just before we left the Berson's from our Stuart Condo complex pulled in for fuel. We had a short chat while they were fueling and they left about 30 minutes before us.
Today's run starting winding through the typical mashes of the low country. The section between Charleston and the Florida line is always my favorite. The go-fast boats hate it because it is much longer than the straight line distance over land. Today only three or four fast boats passed us and we only passed two sailboats. We are anchored off the Coosaw and Bull Rivers in Williman Creek. We can see may the lights of a handful of houses. There is a sliver of a moon over the marsh and all is still - just perfect!!!!! The weather looks good again tomorrow and we will get close to Georgia, but we also have to watch for a possible system Sunday to Monday as we start to cross the open sounds to our south.
Today's Stats: Location - Williman Creek, SC, ICW MM 521, distance traveled - 54.56 miles, average speed 8.73 MPH
Each day is a little warmer and less windly. We decided to wait until slack tide to leave Charleston and that made for a late 10 am start for us. Just before we left the Berson's from our Stuart Condo complex pulled in for fuel. We had a short chat while they were fueling and they left about 30 minutes before us.
Today's run starting winding through the typical mashes of the low country. The section between Charleston and the Florida line is always my favorite. The go-fast boats hate it because it is much longer than the straight line distance over land. Today only three or four fast boats passed us and we only passed two sailboats. We are anchored off the Coosaw and Bull Rivers in Williman Creek. We can see may the lights of a handful of houses. There is a sliver of a moon over the marsh and all is still - just perfect!!!!! The weather looks good again tomorrow and we will get close to Georgia, but we also have to watch for a possible system Sunday to Monday as we start to cross the open sounds to our south.
Today's Stats: Location - Williman Creek, SC, ICW MM 521, distance traveled - 54.56 miles, average speed 8.73 MPH
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Nice Day in Charleston
It was sunny and and warmer here today. We enjoyed a big breakfast at a restaurant near the marina and then went into town to shop and see the sights. We always enjoy walking to the Charleston market and picking up some fresh pralines at a local candy store. This evening we had a demonstration of what not to do with the strong currents here. An Island Packet sailboat tries to back out of a slip against the current. It caught the boat and he crashed into the stern of a 115 foot super sailing yacht Apache. The Island Packet is a full keel boat and once broadside to the current she went sideways. For a moment here stern was heading right to the side of my boat!! This is not the excitement I need. The marina then tried to send a 40 foot and 65 foot trawler past the restricted channel where the accident happened. Luckly the skippers refused and that for now was the end of the crash derby on the water.
Location: Charleston, SC - City Marina
Island Packet resting on stern of Apache:
It was sunny and and warmer here today. We enjoyed a big breakfast at a restaurant near the marina and then went into town to shop and see the sights. We always enjoy walking to the Charleston market and picking up some fresh pralines at a local candy store. This evening we had a demonstration of what not to do with the strong currents here. An Island Packet sailboat tries to back out of a slip against the current. It caught the boat and he crashed into the stern of a 115 foot super sailing yacht Apache. The Island Packet is a full keel boat and once broadside to the current she went sideways. For a moment here stern was heading right to the side of my boat!! This is not the excitement I need. The marina then tried to send a 40 foot and 65 foot trawler past the restricted channel where the accident happened. Luckly the skippers refused and that for now was the end of the crash derby on the water.
Location: Charleston, SC - City Marina
Island Packet resting on stern of Apache:
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Relaxing in Charleston
OK OK, it was cold again in the morning. About 39 degrees with a brisk North wind at about 10 MPH. We made the short run to the City Marina in Charleston and arrived about 9:15 am. A pleasant surprise was that they had just lowered fuel prices to $2.85 a gallon for diesel. We put in 141 gallons and that works out to about 2.68 gph since we last filled up. We spent the day cleaning the boat and also doing some grocery shopping. I also changed a fuel filter on the main engine. It was not clogged, but I have a gauge on the filter and it was showing a little restriction so I decided to replace it.
Today's Stats: Location City Marina, Charleston, SC ICW MM 469.3, distance traveled 15.90 miles, average speed 7.95 MPH
Nordhavn 68 Trawler in Charleston, displacement 70 tons, fuel capacity 3110 gallons:
OK OK, it was cold again in the morning. About 39 degrees with a brisk North wind at about 10 MPH. We made the short run to the City Marina in Charleston and arrived about 9:15 am. A pleasant surprise was that they had just lowered fuel prices to $2.85 a gallon for diesel. We put in 141 gallons and that works out to about 2.68 gph since we last filled up. We spent the day cleaning the boat and also doing some grocery shopping. I also changed a fuel filter on the main engine. It was not clogged, but I have a gauge on the filter and it was showing a little restriction so I decided to replace it.
Today's Stats: Location City Marina, Charleston, SC ICW MM 469.3, distance traveled 15.90 miles, average speed 7.95 MPH
Nordhavn 68 Trawler in Charleston, displacement 70 tons, fuel capacity 3110 gallons:
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Almost to Charleston, SC
Wow.... We woke up to 36 degrees, but with calm winds. Well we took the wimp solution - keep the generator and heat running and run the boat from inside. We really prefer to be outside enjoying everything around us but it was just too cold. The trip was nice making its way past the vast Cape Roman Wildlife Refuge and for most of the day we saw very little in the way of docks or houses. We only passed a few sailboats, but maybe 5 big fast boats passed us. The worst believe it or not was a 28 foot or so Grady White that threw maybe a 5 foot wake and never slowed down. In fact he forced me out of the channel, but at least I had enough water so we did OK.
Tonight we are in an anchorage just north of Charleston, SC. It is in the marsh as are all the places to anchor in the area. The wind is about 15 MPH so it is OK. We will head to Charleston early tomorrow, take on some fuel and enjoy the city for two days.
Today stats: Location Dewees Creek, SC, ICW MM 454.9, distance traveled 66.73 miles, average speed 8.38 MPH
Wow.... We woke up to 36 degrees, but with calm winds. Well we took the wimp solution - keep the generator and heat running and run the boat from inside. We really prefer to be outside enjoying everything around us but it was just too cold. The trip was nice making its way past the vast Cape Roman Wildlife Refuge and for most of the day we saw very little in the way of docks or houses. We only passed a few sailboats, but maybe 5 big fast boats passed us. The worst believe it or not was a 28 foot or so Grady White that threw maybe a 5 foot wake and never slowed down. In fact he forced me out of the channel, but at least I had enough water so we did OK.
Tonight we are in an anchorage just north of Charleston, SC. It is in the marsh as are all the places to anchor in the area. The wind is about 15 MPH so it is OK. We will head to Charleston early tomorrow, take on some fuel and enjoy the city for two days.
Today stats: Location Dewees Creek, SC, ICW MM 454.9, distance traveled 66.73 miles, average speed 8.38 MPH
Monday, October 27, 2008
Our Favorite River on the ICW
The day started with another clear morning and about 54 degrees. There was a light mist on the ICW as we worked our way through Myrtle Beach. Both sides of the channel are full of development, but compared to recent years there is almost no new construction now underway. A few large developments sit with empty streets and just the signs and lights in place. I am not a fan of the type of development found here so maybe it is a good thing to have a pause. Traffic on the ICW was very light today, we passed only one sailing catamaran and three faster powerboats passed us. This will be the last semi-warm day with a strong cold front coming.
Once past Myrtle Beach we entered the Waccamaw River which is our favorite. It is an unspoiled river lined with trees and cypress. At one time before the Civil War there were large plantations here but now almost all are gone. We are at a nice anchorage on the Waccamaw River called Thoroughfare Creek. We have another trawler behind us and just the wind and marsh grass for noise.
Today's Stats: Location Thoroughfare Creek, SC ICW MM388.9, distance traveled 43.33 miles, average speed 8.38 MPH
Video of Waccamaw River passage: Waccamaw River Passage
The day started with another clear morning and about 54 degrees. There was a light mist on the ICW as we worked our way through Myrtle Beach. Both sides of the channel are full of development, but compared to recent years there is almost no new construction now underway. A few large developments sit with empty streets and just the signs and lights in place. I am not a fan of the type of development found here so maybe it is a good thing to have a pause. Traffic on the ICW was very light today, we passed only one sailing catamaran and three faster powerboats passed us. This will be the last semi-warm day with a strong cold front coming.
Once past Myrtle Beach we entered the Waccamaw River which is our favorite. It is an unspoiled river lined with trees and cypress. At one time before the Civil War there were large plantations here but now almost all are gone. We are at a nice anchorage on the Waccamaw River called Thoroughfare Creek. We have another trawler behind us and just the wind and marsh grass for noise.
Today's Stats: Location Thoroughfare Creek, SC ICW MM388.9, distance traveled 43.33 miles, average speed 8.38 MPH
Video of Waccamaw River passage: Waccamaw River Passage
Sunday, October 26, 2008
A Perfect Day on the Water going to South Carolina
The weather started clear, calm and for this trip warm at 60 degrees when we left Carolina Beach, NC early in the morning. Winds were light and with a favorable current we had a nice trip down the Cape Fear River. We passed very few boats and only one or two faster power boats passed us. Just below Southport, NC is a new bridge under construction and they are blocking the ICW for up to 4 hours to put up the girders, but they were not working today which was a good break. Just before the SC line is the infamous Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge that opens only every hour. It, thankfully, is finally being replaced by a high rise bridge. We hit the bridge perfectly at noon and then had just a short 10 mile trip to Dock Holidays Marina in Myrtle Beach. We made a short walk to provision the boat and then relaxed in the sun enjoying the Sunday boat traffic. Walking around we see a restaurant we likes called Santa Fe on RT 17 is gone and a couple of the bars are closed. We have one more warm day before the cold blast hits.
Today's Stats: Location Dock Holiday's Marina, Myrtle Beach, SC ICW MM 348.2, distance traveled 51.53 miles, average speed 8.24 MPH
The weather started clear, calm and for this trip warm at 60 degrees when we left Carolina Beach, NC early in the morning. Winds were light and with a favorable current we had a nice trip down the Cape Fear River. We passed very few boats and only one or two faster power boats passed us. Just below Southport, NC is a new bridge under construction and they are blocking the ICW for up to 4 hours to put up the girders, but they were not working today which was a good break. Just before the SC line is the infamous Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge that opens only every hour. It, thankfully, is finally being replaced by a high rise bridge. We hit the bridge perfectly at noon and then had just a short 10 mile trip to Dock Holidays Marina in Myrtle Beach. We made a short walk to provision the boat and then relaxed in the sun enjoying the Sunday boat traffic. Walking around we see a restaurant we likes called Santa Fe on RT 17 is gone and a couple of the bars are closed. We have one more warm day before the cold blast hits.
Today's Stats: Location Dock Holiday's Marina, Myrtle Beach, SC ICW MM 348.2, distance traveled 51.53 miles, average speed 8.24 MPH
Saturday, October 25, 2008
It's Warm Again
After a windy and rainy night the sky cleared at daybreak at Carolina Beach, NC. It is still blowing 15-20 knots, but it is a south wind and it is already over 70 degrees and we are back into shorts for the first time since leaving Virginia. We will spend the day here and head down to Myrtle Beach, SC tomorrow.
Late afternoon update: It has turned into a spectacular day with warm breezes and sun. We have enjoyed the down time and meeting new and old friends on the docks. It is 77 degrees and we are loving it!!
Charlie & JoAnn Hooper aboard Liberty:
After a windy and rainy night the sky cleared at daybreak at Carolina Beach, NC. It is still blowing 15-20 knots, but it is a south wind and it is already over 70 degrees and we are back into shorts for the first time since leaving Virginia. We will spend the day here and head down to Myrtle Beach, SC tomorrow.
Late afternoon update: It has turned into a spectacular day with warm breezes and sun. We have enjoyed the down time and meeting new and old friends on the docks. It is 77 degrees and we are loving it!!
Charlie & JoAnn Hooper aboard Liberty:
Friday, October 24, 2008
A Windy Day
We left Mile Hammock Bay just before sunrise to make our first bridge of the day at 9 am in Surf City, NC. The bridges here have restrictions and also are very old so the state does not want to open them as much as they did in the past. We made the first bridge in perfect time and by at the second bridge we were able to go under without opening it - we need 22 1/2 feet and had 23 feet available. The good luck stopped at the next bridge in Wrightsville Beach, NC. The gauge at the bridge could not be read so I could not chance hitting the top of the boat. We had to wait 30 minutes as the bridge only opens on the hour. The current was about 3 MPH toward the bridge so I had to turn around and go about 1.5 miles away from the bridge before turning back for the opening. After that we had about a hour run to Carolina Beach where we had a marina reservation. The slip they assigned us was very tight and with a brisk east wind on the side of the boat after a couple of tries getting into the slip we decided to move on to the State Park Marina just off the Cape Fear River. It is inexpensive and very protected and there we will take off tomorrow, Saturday while the storm moves through. At this marina we saw friends from our condo in Florida Charlie & JoAnne Hooper aboard their trawler "Liberty".
Today's Stats: Location Carolina Beach State Park Marina ICW MM 297.1, distance traveled 57.96 miles, average speed 7.99 MPH
We left Mile Hammock Bay just before sunrise to make our first bridge of the day at 9 am in Surf City, NC. The bridges here have restrictions and also are very old so the state does not want to open them as much as they did in the past. We made the first bridge in perfect time and by at the second bridge we were able to go under without opening it - we need 22 1/2 feet and had 23 feet available. The good luck stopped at the next bridge in Wrightsville Beach, NC. The gauge at the bridge could not be read so I could not chance hitting the top of the boat. We had to wait 30 minutes as the bridge only opens on the hour. The current was about 3 MPH toward the bridge so I had to turn around and go about 1.5 miles away from the bridge before turning back for the opening. After that we had about a hour run to Carolina Beach where we had a marina reservation. The slip they assigned us was very tight and with a brisk east wind on the side of the boat after a couple of tries getting into the slip we decided to move on to the State Park Marina just off the Cape Fear River. It is inexpensive and very protected and there we will take off tomorrow, Saturday while the storm moves through. At this marina we saw friends from our condo in Florida Charlie & JoAnne Hooper aboard their trawler "Liberty".
Today's Stats: Location Carolina Beach State Park Marina ICW MM 297.1, distance traveled 57.96 miles, average speed 7.99 MPH
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A Nice but Chilly Day
Yet another clear but chilly morning in North Carolina. Mid 40 degrees again with low sixties this afternoon. Winds were steady at about 15 knots from the NE but we are now inside so winds are less of a concern. We talked to George & Mary Kay on Summer Slopes who are behind us and they said winds were higher to our north so they would stay put until the weekend storm passes. Today's run took us past Beaufort & Morehead City, NC then along the Crystal Cost through Bouge Sound which runs parallel to the ocean. At Morehead City the ICW turn west and sometimes a little NW making the curve down the coast. Conditions were fine and we had a very favorable current for most of the trip. At times the boat was doing 9 knots ( 10.35 MPH ) which in a trawler is like flying!! We only saw a handful of other sailboat and powerboats today. One in particular " Coffee Break" from Atlantic City, NC waked every boat it passed without any consideration. This morning we also saw the first dolphins on the trip just above Morehead City. Tonight we are anchored in a favorite spot of ours, Mile Hammock Bay at the Camp LeJune Marine Base. We had a show as a pilot practiced touch and go landings in his helicopter. The weather looks iffy from Friday thru Saturday so we will plan to spend an extra night down the road in Carolina Beach, NC our next stop.
Today stats: Location Mile Hammock Bay, Cam LeJeune, NC ICW MM 244.5; distance traveled 58.00 miles, average speed 8.81 MPH
Marine Helicopter Practice at Camp LeJeune, NC:
Yet another clear but chilly morning in North Carolina. Mid 40 degrees again with low sixties this afternoon. Winds were steady at about 15 knots from the NE but we are now inside so winds are less of a concern. We talked to George & Mary Kay on Summer Slopes who are behind us and they said winds were higher to our north so they would stay put until the weekend storm passes. Today's run took us past Beaufort & Morehead City, NC then along the Crystal Cost through Bouge Sound which runs parallel to the ocean. At Morehead City the ICW turn west and sometimes a little NW making the curve down the coast. Conditions were fine and we had a very favorable current for most of the trip. At times the boat was doing 9 knots ( 10.35 MPH ) which in a trawler is like flying!! We only saw a handful of other sailboat and powerboats today. One in particular " Coffee Break" from Atlantic City, NC waked every boat it passed without any consideration. This morning we also saw the first dolphins on the trip just above Morehead City. Tonight we are anchored in a favorite spot of ours, Mile Hammock Bay at the Camp LeJune Marine Base. We had a show as a pilot practiced touch and go landings in his helicopter. The weather looks iffy from Friday thru Saturday so we will plan to spend an extra night down the road in Carolina Beach, NC our next stop.
Today stats: Location Mile Hammock Bay, Cam LeJeune, NC ICW MM 244.5; distance traveled 58.00 miles, average speed 8.81 MPH
Marine Helicopter Practice at Camp LeJeune, NC:
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Rock & Roll in Palmico Sound/Neuse River
Another crisp but clear Carolina morning with 44 degrees at sunrise. We were off about 7 am and knew from the forecast we would have an interesting day. Winds were about 15 mph from the N - NE and after a short trip down a protected canal we entered Palmico Sound. The swell was 2 to 3 feet and on the quarter of our boat which for a trawler is a bad direction because they like to roll. The good news is we only had about 20 minutes on that course before turning into the 5 mile wide Neuse River. Once into the Neuse the swell was on our stern and the ride much better. We decided on a short day to recharge and relax and anchored just off the Neuse. The anchorage faces the ICW so we have a parade of large boats going by. Here is my question of the day: Why do sailors motor in rough conditions like today's when with the sail or sails up the boat is more stable?
Today's Stats: Location Cedar Creek, off Adams Creek, NC, ICW MM 187.5, distance traveled 32.82 miles, avg speed 8.48 mph
Another crisp but clear Carolina morning with 44 degrees at sunrise. We were off about 7 am and knew from the forecast we would have an interesting day. Winds were about 15 mph from the N - NE and after a short trip down a protected canal we entered Palmico Sound. The swell was 2 to 3 feet and on the quarter of our boat which for a trawler is a bad direction because they like to roll. The good news is we only had about 20 minutes on that course before turning into the 5 mile wide Neuse River. Once into the Neuse the swell was on our stern and the ride much better. We decided on a short day to recharge and relax and anchored just off the Neuse. The anchorage faces the ICW so we have a parade of large boats going by. Here is my question of the day: Why do sailors motor in rough conditions like today's when with the sail or sails up the boat is more stable?
Today's Stats: Location Cedar Creek, off Adams Creek, NC, ICW MM 187.5, distance traveled 32.82 miles, avg speed 8.48 mph
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Trying to run ahead of the weather
It was another clear but chilly Carolina morning when we departed Alligator River Marina. The temperature was a little warmer than yesterday at 46 degrees but we were surprised by brisk 10 Plus Sw winds on the nose and a good 1 foot swell in the river. As we approached the swing bridge I was reminded what happened yesterday there - someone I know had his Island Packet sailboat demasted when the operator closed the bridge too soon. No fun!!!! They live on the boat and this will be a major headache. A picture of the damage is below.We had a nice run down the river and then thru the long canal connecting to the Pungo River. A few fast boats caught us at about 10 am. I need to ask a professional captain why they run a 80 foot ocean capable boat in narrow confined waters??We are anchored tonight in Campbell Creek, NC. It is our first time in this anchorage which is nice, but a little open. Winds are supposed to pick-up tomorrow so we will have to see how the conditions are before making the turn into Palmico Sound and the Neuse River.Today's Stats: Location Campbell Creek, NC ICW MM 154.1, distance traveled 71.23 miles, average speed 8.69 MPH
Island Packet Sailboat Cats Cradle demasted by Alligator River Bridge Oct 20, 2008:
It was another clear but chilly Carolina morning when we departed Alligator River Marina. The temperature was a little warmer than yesterday at 46 degrees but we were surprised by brisk 10 Plus Sw winds on the nose and a good 1 foot swell in the river. As we approached the swing bridge I was reminded what happened yesterday there - someone I know had his Island Packet sailboat demasted when the operator closed the bridge too soon. No fun!!!! They live on the boat and this will be a major headache. A picture of the damage is below.We had a nice run down the river and then thru the long canal connecting to the Pungo River. A few fast boats caught us at about 10 am. I need to ask a professional captain why they run a 80 foot ocean capable boat in narrow confined waters??We are anchored tonight in Campbell Creek, NC. It is our first time in this anchorage which is nice, but a little open. Winds are supposed to pick-up tomorrow so we will have to see how the conditions are before making the turn into Palmico Sound and the Neuse River.Today's Stats: Location Campbell Creek, NC ICW MM 154.1, distance traveled 71.23 miles, average speed 8.69 MPH
Island Packet Sailboat Cats Cradle demasted by Alligator River Bridge Oct 20, 2008:
Monday, October 20, 2008
Underway Again!!!!!
After 3 days of very windy ( 30 mph and higher ) conditions we finally had a nice day to get underway. It was chilly ( 42 degrees ) and mist was coming off the warm water as we left Great Bridge, VA. We could only leave at 8 AM since some of the bridges we needed to open are restricted at rush hour. We timed them perfectly and soon were running down Currituck Sound in NC. It was hard to believe that what was now calm water had big waves yesterday. Our original plan was to stop in Coinjock, NC for the night, but with the fine weather we decided to just stop for fuel there. Diesel was $2.89 a gallon, a nice change from July when we paid $4.45. After taking 140 gallons we continued on across Albermarle Sound. We had a light swell, but a good crossing and arrived at Alligator River Marina about 5 pm. We are again watching the weather , as another cold front and winds are forecast for Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.
Today stats: Location Alligator River Marina, ICW MM 84.1, distance travelled 73.34 miles, average speed 8.14 mph.
After 3 days of very windy ( 30 mph and higher ) conditions we finally had a nice day to get underway. It was chilly ( 42 degrees ) and mist was coming off the warm water as we left Great Bridge, VA. We could only leave at 8 AM since some of the bridges we needed to open are restricted at rush hour. We timed them perfectly and soon were running down Currituck Sound in NC. It was hard to believe that what was now calm water had big waves yesterday. Our original plan was to stop in Coinjock, NC for the night, but with the fine weather we decided to just stop for fuel there. Diesel was $2.89 a gallon, a nice change from July when we paid $4.45. After taking 140 gallons we continued on across Albermarle Sound. We had a light swell, but a good crossing and arrived at Alligator River Marina about 5 pm. We are again watching the weather , as another cold front and winds are forecast for Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.
Today stats: Location Alligator River Marina, ICW MM 84.1, distance travelled 73.34 miles, average speed 8.14 mph.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Short Days Run to Great Bridge, VA
Today started cloudly and a little cooler at 62 degrees. The warm spell is now over and we will have cooler weather for the next week or so. We made the first bridge opening at 8:30 AM in Norfolk but then had to wait later on for 40 minutes for a bridge that only opens on the hour. Motorists always win over boaters today, especially in crowded surburbs!! It is always interesting when you have 10 or 15 boats in a confined space waiting for a bridge. This time everyone behaved. We reached the Great Bridge, Virginia lock at 10:30 am and all of the southbound boats filled it up. The lock is used to control tidal flow between Virginia and North Carolina and we had a two foot drop today. Just on the other side of the lock we are docked at a Free dock in Great Bridge. We plan probably 2 nights here until the weekend storm blows thru.
Todays Stats: Location, Great bridge, VA ICW MM 11.9 - distance traveled 11.9 miles - average speed 3.7 mph.
Sailboats in Great Bridge Lock:
Today started cloudly and a little cooler at 62 degrees. The warm spell is now over and we will have cooler weather for the next week or so. We made the first bridge opening at 8:30 AM in Norfolk but then had to wait later on for 40 minutes for a bridge that only opens on the hour. Motorists always win over boaters today, especially in crowded surburbs!! It is always interesting when you have 10 or 15 boats in a confined space waiting for a bridge. This time everyone behaved. We reached the Great Bridge, Virginia lock at 10:30 am and all of the southbound boats filled it up. The lock is used to control tidal flow between Virginia and North Carolina and we had a two foot drop today. Just on the other side of the lock we are docked at a Free dock in Great Bridge. We plan probably 2 nights here until the weekend storm blows thru.
Todays Stats: Location, Great bridge, VA ICW MM 11.9 - distance traveled 11.9 miles - average speed 3.7 mph.
Sailboats in Great Bridge Lock:
Thursday, October 16, 2008
WE ARE UNDERWAY!!!!
We decided to leave a little early, as the weather will turn cold and windy and it is a long 60 nautical mile run down the bay for us to Norfolk. We left at dawn and had a very nice trip. It was a little slow, as the tide was against us for all but 2 hours of the trip and at times the current was almost 2 knots!! As we entered the Elizabeth River in Tidewater, Virginia we were passed by our friends from Florida, Paul & Shirley in their 36 foot Carver MotorYacht. Tonight we are anchored at Hospital Point just across from the Norfolk Cruise Terminal and Waterside. The weather is not supposed to be nice for a few days and we will try to find a place to hang out just down the waterway tomorrow.
Today stats: Location ICW MM 0 Norfolk, VA. Distance covered 63.16 NM ( 72.63 SM ) averager speed 6.83 knots, 7.85 MPH
Be sure to check out a new feature of my Blog - on the left every night will be a map of our current location.
Paul & Shirley Berson on the ICW
We decided to leave a little early, as the weather will turn cold and windy and it is a long 60 nautical mile run down the bay for us to Norfolk. We left at dawn and had a very nice trip. It was a little slow, as the tide was against us for all but 2 hours of the trip and at times the current was almost 2 knots!! As we entered the Elizabeth River in Tidewater, Virginia we were passed by our friends from Florida, Paul & Shirley in their 36 foot Carver MotorYacht. Tonight we are anchored at Hospital Point just across from the Norfolk Cruise Terminal and Waterside. The weather is not supposed to be nice for a few days and we will try to find a place to hang out just down the waterway tomorrow.
Today stats: Location ICW MM 0 Norfolk, VA. Distance covered 63.16 NM ( 72.63 SM ) averager speed 6.83 knots, 7.85 MPH
Be sure to check out a new feature of my Blog - on the left every night will be a map of our current location.
Paul & Shirley Berson on the ICW
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
GETTING READY TO HEAD SOUTH
We just returned from 10 days on the water attending the Marine Trawler Association ( MTOA) Northern rendezvous in Cambridge, Maryland. It was good to see old friends and meet new ones. The weather was variable with a couple of days of a strong blow as a coastal storm blew through.
Punches is at the dock and we are making preparations to head south for Florida in a few weeks. As always with a boat there are a few last minute repairs - an anchor windlass switch failed and a kitchen faucet needs replacing.
We just returned from 10 days on the water attending the Marine Trawler Association ( MTOA) Northern rendezvous in Cambridge, Maryland. It was good to see old friends and meet new ones. The weather was variable with a couple of days of a strong blow as a coastal storm blew through.
Punches is at the dock and we are making preparations to head south for Florida in a few weeks. As always with a boat there are a few last minute repairs - an anchor windlass switch failed and a kitchen faucet needs replacing.
