Well, we are here at last in the lovely spot of Admirals Cove at our friends Nancy and Bill Schneider; our great friends who have been so hospitable and generous to have us stay on their dock outside their beautiful home. Wish we could show you a photograph but not up to that blog technology yet!
We left Vero Beach at 9am to start down our last stretch of the journey to Jupiter. As we got out into the channel we saw a boat run aground and BoatUS getting ready to assist. Should have been a warning for us, as you can guess we managed to touch the bottom ourselves about 10 minutes later trying to get around a sailboat which had anchored in the ICW to do some repairs! Graeme manoeuvered the boat back and forth and we were able to get underway again but one of the pods was not working properly (lucky we have two of them!). So we carried on with the one engine and pod. Prayers were being said, as to lose a pod is not a good scenario. The pods are designed shear off if they hit something. Graeme turned off the engine and put the throttle back into neutral, then turned the key to start the engine and miraculously everything came back to normal! So we carried on and were soon entering the Jupiter Island area. Again amazing houses one after another just like Vero Beach.
The water changed color to a lovely blue green tone. It felt like we were in the Bahamas again Arrived at the dock in Admirals Cove with Bill's friendly face greeting us and a New Zealand flag flying at the end of the dock! What a welcome! We cleaned the boat from top to bottom with Bill's help. Had a lovely dinner with some freshly caught Spanish Mackerel fish Nancy was given and she cooked simply with olive oil and spices. Delicious!
End of the day and now a break till we head to Virginia again on December 8th.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Day 15
Good morning from Vero Beach, Florida!
We had a good run yesterday leaving at 7.30am, we boaters are now getting up at the crack of dawn!Still unfavorable conditions in the ocean,so we went inside on the ICW but it was very pleasant .Lots of dolphins along the way swimming near the boat crossing in front and behind also lots of bird life as we passed several lagoons..Not much traffic on the waterway today ,which made for a nice change.Just before arriving into Vero Beach Marina in the afternoon, we passed the most amazing collection do palatial homes one after another, some even chateau like in an area called St Johns Island.There sure is wealth down in this part of the USA!We docked at the Vero Beach City Marina.Many boats here .It is so popular sailboats are moored together in groups of three on one mooring ball. We understand there are some who stay here for months.Quite a little community of older probably retired folks.We took the shuttle bus into the Vero town but found it a bit disappointing.We were expecting nice restaurants and some character to the area.So we took the bus back to the Marina and ate dinner at a delightful little Riverside Cafe overlooking the ICW. Last part of the first journey tomorrow, to Jupiter .
We had a good run yesterday leaving at 7.30am, we boaters are now getting up at the crack of dawn!Still unfavorable conditions in the ocean,so we went inside on the ICW but it was very pleasant .Lots of dolphins along the way swimming near the boat crossing in front and behind also lots of bird life as we passed several lagoons..Not much traffic on the waterway today ,which made for a nice change.Just before arriving into Vero Beach Marina in the afternoon, we passed the most amazing collection do palatial homes one after another, some even chateau like in an area called St Johns Island.There sure is wealth down in this part of the USA!We docked at the Vero Beach City Marina.Many boats here .It is so popular sailboats are moored together in groups of three on one mooring ball. We understand there are some who stay here for months.Quite a little community of older probably retired folks.We took the shuttle bus into the Vero town but found it a bit disappointing.We were expecting nice restaurants and some character to the area.So we took the bus back to the Marina and ate dinner at a delightful little Riverside Cafe overlooking the ICW. Last part of the first journey tomorrow, to Jupiter .
Monday, November 28, 2011
Day 14
Hi there bloggers,
We left again at our sweet spot 8.45am for New Smyrna Beach Florida , still on the ICW. Didn't strike quite so many pleasure boats as the weather was a bit overcast but still the flotillas heading south. Many of the sailboats have plastic cans strapped and lined up on the decks. We suspect they are heading for the Bahamas and maybe beyond.Our best speed when overtaking seems to be around 7 to 9 miles per hour so our wake doesn't affect the other boats too much.And it is appreciated for sure. Many of the day trippers zip on by waving but nit caring too much what wake they leave behind.Still it's all part of the boating experience.We got into New Smyrna Marina just before 3 pm . This is more of a working marina with areas for repairing boats. but the staff were very friendly and helpful and it certainly was our cheapest marina so far .At
$1.25 per foot multiplied by the 48 feet length of our boat it came to $60! So a good deal.
Also ,George the dock hand who looked after us at the Marina, handed us a car for a free service in an electric buggy to anywhere we wanted to go in the area. So this friendly lady turns up 15 mins later and takes us across the river to the beach side supermarket Then she waited for us and returned us to the Marina, all with a cheery smile. Apparently, she and her husband run the business and rely on advertising to pay for this venture. What a blessing to have people like them around. There is a similar service in Sarasotta, Florida . Dinner was on board , the famous Tilapa on the menu again! Tomorrow off to Melbourne ,Florida.
We left again at our sweet spot 8.45am for New Smyrna Beach Florida , still on the ICW. Didn't strike quite so many pleasure boats as the weather was a bit overcast but still the flotillas heading south. Many of the sailboats have plastic cans strapped and lined up on the decks. We suspect they are heading for the Bahamas and maybe beyond.Our best speed when overtaking seems to be around 7 to 9 miles per hour so our wake doesn't affect the other boats too much.And it is appreciated for sure. Many of the day trippers zip on by waving but nit caring too much what wake they leave behind.Still it's all part of the boating experience.We got into New Smyrna Marina just before 3 pm . This is more of a working marina with areas for repairing boats. but the staff were very friendly and helpful and it certainly was our cheapest marina so far .At
$1.25 per foot multiplied by the 48 feet length of our boat it came to $60! So a good deal.
Also ,George the dock hand who looked after us at the Marina, handed us a car for a free service in an electric buggy to anywhere we wanted to go in the area. So this friendly lady turns up 15 mins later and takes us across the river to the beach side supermarket Then she waited for us and returned us to the Marina, all with a cheery smile. Apparently, she and her husband run the business and rely on advertising to pay for this venture. What a blessing to have people like them around. There is a similar service in Sarasotta, Florida . Dinner was on board , the famous Tilapa on the menu again! Tomorrow off to Melbourne ,Florida.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Day 13
Hi Everyone,
Thanks for the comments from some of you. Glad we are not boring you with our adventures and enabling some of you to see an insiders view of this ICW journey as you haven't yet done this trip or may never get to do it.
I got a bit behind with the blog schedule as we have had two really full days on the water and now Rhonda and John have gone back to Maryland I have more duties from the Captain to do!
We left Jekyll Island at 8.30am and headed along the ICW to Jacksonville Beach Marina in Florida ,so John and Rhonda could disembark and rent a car to drive back to Maryland the next day. It was sad for us all to say goodbye as we had such fun together and we got to enjoy the wise counsel of John with his ICW and boating experience and Rhonda's great organizational skills and help. It is a pleasurable experience to do this with another couple and invaluable when coming in to dock at the marinas having three pairs of hands to assist in stead of one.
Graeme and I fueled up (you don't want to know how much that costs each time! ) had lunch and then headed of down to St Augustine a further 28 miles.This rest of the journey took us two hours to complete as being Thanksgiving weekend ,there were many pleasure boats on the canal going in both directions as well as all the sail boats heading south.We spent a lot of time overtaking the slower boats, in many ways it's like driving on a road highway in a car.As the dredged part of the ICW canal is quite narrow for the most part ,this is a slow and sometimes tricky operation! We finally crawled up a side river to River Edge Marina in St Augustine. Maybe Redneck Marina would have been a suitable name. The folks there were very welcoming but shame we didn't bring our bandanas and Graeme hadnt grown a beard and been in possession of a motorbike!
We decided to take the suggested half mile walk to the city of St Augustine .In reality it was more like one and half miles but we managed it ok in our tired state. Graeme on a whim said let's take a horse and buggy to see the city and so we did. Barney the 9 year old chestnut horse did a great job as did his driver, who had been suspended for a week as he had left Barney unattended to take a picture of a newly married couple beside a strange local tree called the love tree . We learnt all about the city's Spanish heritage.The city was discovered in 1513 by Ponce St Leon .He was only 4' 9" but he was the tallest on his ship. The average height of the Spanish in those days was 4'6" and the local Indian Chief was 7'. Ponce decided there had to be something good in the soil , so he stayed! The place was buzzing with holiday makers and all the lights covering the buildings and trees were lit. Seems Christmas decorations come early in the south which is funny because it doesn't really get that cold here especially in November.
We had dinner in a local small restaurant and wine bar.When we saw the spiced lamb burgers on the menu posted outside, we were sold. Then the walk back to the boat and bed.
Thanks for the comments from some of you. Glad we are not boring you with our adventures and enabling some of you to see an insiders view of this ICW journey as you haven't yet done this trip or may never get to do it.
I got a bit behind with the blog schedule as we have had two really full days on the water and now Rhonda and John have gone back to Maryland I have more duties from the Captain to do!
We left Jekyll Island at 8.30am and headed along the ICW to Jacksonville Beach Marina in Florida ,so John and Rhonda could disembark and rent a car to drive back to Maryland the next day. It was sad for us all to say goodbye as we had such fun together and we got to enjoy the wise counsel of John with his ICW and boating experience and Rhonda's great organizational skills and help. It is a pleasurable experience to do this with another couple and invaluable when coming in to dock at the marinas having three pairs of hands to assist in stead of one.
Graeme and I fueled up (you don't want to know how much that costs each time! ) had lunch and then headed of down to St Augustine a further 28 miles.This rest of the journey took us two hours to complete as being Thanksgiving weekend ,there were many pleasure boats on the canal going in both directions as well as all the sail boats heading south.We spent a lot of time overtaking the slower boats, in many ways it's like driving on a road highway in a car.As the dredged part of the ICW canal is quite narrow for the most part ,this is a slow and sometimes tricky operation! We finally crawled up a side river to River Edge Marina in St Augustine. Maybe Redneck Marina would have been a suitable name. The folks there were very welcoming but shame we didn't bring our bandanas and Graeme hadnt grown a beard and been in possession of a motorbike!
We decided to take the suggested half mile walk to the city of St Augustine .In reality it was more like one and half miles but we managed it ok in our tired state. Graeme on a whim said let's take a horse and buggy to see the city and so we did. Barney the 9 year old chestnut horse did a great job as did his driver, who had been suspended for a week as he had left Barney unattended to take a picture of a newly married couple beside a strange local tree called the love tree . We learnt all about the city's Spanish heritage.The city was discovered in 1513 by Ponce St Leon .He was only 4' 9" but he was the tallest on his ship. The average height of the Spanish in those days was 4'6" and the local Indian Chief was 7'. Ponce decided there had to be something good in the soil , so he stayed! The place was buzzing with holiday makers and all the lights covering the buildings and trees were lit. Seems Christmas decorations come early in the south which is funny because it doesn't really get that cold here especially in November.
We had dinner in a local small restaurant and wine bar.When we saw the spiced lamb burgers on the menu posted outside, we were sold. Then the walk back to the boat and bed.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Day 12
Dare I say say it another beautiful day not a cloud in the sky ,so again at 8.45am we went out into the Atlantic to make it all the way down to St Simons Sound Inlet so we could rejoin the ICW and get to Jekyll Island. The seas were 2' to 3 ' in parts but we had the following sea so not too uncomfortable. Saw a couple of dolphins riding our wake at one point.Rhonda and I tried out the Travel Scrabble I bought.It was fun and easy as the letters interlocked onto the board. However with the rolling seas we decided it was easier to wait for calmer waters.We both started to feel a bit squeamish .We arrived at the sound after about a 5 hour journey and as we entered the sound we saw a group of horses and riders on a trail ride along the water's edge.
A lovely sight. We moored up at Jekyll Island 45 minutes later ,after another somewhat low tide experience through the canal to reach our destination. Watching tides and currents has become a daily pastime since Charleston. The Tide change is 9' in this area.
We finished off the day with a lovely meal at the Jekyll Club Hotel. Very fancy but we had the Sunset dinner and a nice bottle of wine so it was a good deal. Our waiter was still learning the ropes in wait service, so we were able to help him out a bit!Rhonda and I finishes our half completed scrabble game and then the day was over .
A lovely sight. We moored up at Jekyll Island 45 minutes later ,after another somewhat low tide experience through the canal to reach our destination. Watching tides and currents has become a daily pastime since Charleston. The Tide change is 9' in this area.
We finished off the day with a lovely meal at the Jekyll Club Hotel. Very fancy but we had the Sunset dinner and a nice bottle of wine so it was a good deal. Our waiter was still learning the ropes in wait service, so we were able to help him out a bit!Rhonda and I finishes our half completed scrabble game and then the day was over .
Thanksgiving Day
Warm wishes from us on board Lady Erica for this special day.
We all have a lot to be thankful to God for what we have been given.
Another beautiful day in the South here in Beaufort. I decided to buy a toaster so we could do Eggs Wheatley this morning for breakfast. Basically it is poached eggs on toasted Engilsh muffins with Vegemite and freshly sliced tomatoes. We decided for lunch we would partake of the generous offer of the St Helena Episcopal Church to have their free Thanksgiving dinner. This is something they provide for the people of Beaufort and no you don't have to be homeless or destitute to qualify! A small donation will do if you want to do so. Many of the boaters decided to partake also. Lovely turkey dinner plus trimmings and tons of desserts. we were served at the table by the parishioners,truly a thoughtful Christian outreach . Afterwards we explored the old church ground the grave yard with many old gravestones from the civil war and some flying Confererate flags.Spent a lazy afternoon and usual drinks when the sun was setting.
We all have a lot to be thankful to God for what we have been given.
Another beautiful day in the South here in Beaufort. I decided to buy a toaster so we could do Eggs Wheatley this morning for breakfast. Basically it is poached eggs on toasted Engilsh muffins with Vegemite and freshly sliced tomatoes. We decided for lunch we would partake of the generous offer of the St Helena Episcopal Church to have their free Thanksgiving dinner. This is something they provide for the people of Beaufort and no you don't have to be homeless or destitute to qualify! A small donation will do if you want to do so. Many of the boaters decided to partake also. Lovely turkey dinner plus trimmings and tons of desserts. we were served at the table by the parishioners,truly a thoughtful Christian outreach . Afterwards we explored the old church ground the grave yard with many old gravestones from the civil war and some flying Confererate flags.Spent a lazy afternoon and usual drinks when the sun was setting.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Hi Y'all from the Lady Erica
Hi Y'all
Well , we are really getting into the South now. Having had three days in Charleston we set off for Beaufort SC via the ICW.Note the Beaufort in NC is pronounced as in Bow and in SC as in Beutiful! who knows why? Decided to have a break from writing and enjoy the charming city of Charleston. Truly wonderful for restaurants and quality of service in them and also the beautiful old mansions.Friends of John and Rhonda lent us their car (a PT Cruiser)so we were able to sightsee by car as well as by foot. On the 22 nd we all went off on a "field trip" to the Cummins factory for the marine division. We had a two hour long tour and explanations of the workings and manufacture of the Zeus engines they make and send around the world .Also in the USA. Many boats now are using the pod drive system and the largest one they have fit in a 75 ft boat. Bryan and Rob Cummins employees ,ended up taking us out to lunch afterwards at the Carolina BBQ. Place. Of course we all had to have the pulled pork sandwiches! We truly made new friends that day and were impressed with the set up Some of the employees have been there 37 yrs! Graeme and I decided to visit one of the most famously mansions in the afternoon. Calhoun Mansion has guided tours , and we learnt the owner lives in the house and is an international litigation lawyer.Something Graeme toyed with doing after Exxon Mobil. So we too could have lived in a big mansion .However the cleaning and upkeep would have been a headache!
We walked the city and ended up at a lovely outdoor garden restaurant with a great Jambalaya meal. Graeme asked for spicy and he got it!
We arrived in the early afternoon in Beaufort after going to some scary low depths in the narrow canals. (we were at low tide not a good idea )but Greaeme did a great job steering .
We are here for two days so will let you know what we did Thanksgiving Day , tomorrow.
Wishing all the USA readers Happy Thanksgiving.
Over and Out
Well , we are really getting into the South now. Having had three days in Charleston we set off for Beaufort SC via the ICW.Note the Beaufort in NC is pronounced as in Bow and in SC as in Beutiful! who knows why? Decided to have a break from writing and enjoy the charming city of Charleston. Truly wonderful for restaurants and quality of service in them and also the beautiful old mansions.Friends of John and Rhonda lent us their car (a PT Cruiser)so we were able to sightsee by car as well as by foot. On the 22 nd we all went off on a "field trip" to the Cummins factory for the marine division. We had a two hour long tour and explanations of the workings and manufacture of the Zeus engines they make and send around the world .Also in the USA. Many boats now are using the pod drive system and the largest one they have fit in a 75 ft boat. Bryan and Rob Cummins employees ,ended up taking us out to lunch afterwards at the Carolina BBQ. Place. Of course we all had to have the pulled pork sandwiches! We truly made new friends that day and were impressed with the set up Some of the employees have been there 37 yrs! Graeme and I decided to visit one of the most famously mansions in the afternoon. Calhoun Mansion has guided tours , and we learnt the owner lives in the house and is an international litigation lawyer.Something Graeme toyed with doing after Exxon Mobil. So we too could have lived in a big mansion .However the cleaning and upkeep would have been a headache!
We walked the city and ended up at a lovely outdoor garden restaurant with a great Jambalaya meal. Graeme asked for spicy and he got it!
We arrived in the early afternoon in Beaufort after going to some scary low depths in the narrow canals. (we were at low tide not a good idea )but Greaeme did a great job steering .
We are here for two days so will let you know what we did Thanksgiving Day , tomorrow.
Wishing all the USA readers Happy Thanksgiving.
Over and Out
Monday, November 21, 2011
Day 6
Greetings from Charlestown! We are here for 3 days so it is nice to have a break from all our 1 night stops. We celebrated Graeme's 61st birthday with a lovely stroll into the town and then a fabulous breakfast with the best omelette in town.In fact we thought it the best omellette ever! We may stop there on the way back just to try it again! Graeme opened his gifts and we set off at 10am .It was another beautiful sunny calm day so again we went out into the ocean Although it was 20 extra miles to do so , we decided to have another break from the slow / fast journey of the ICW again.We can travel at 22 knots that way .We arrived in Charlestown at 2 pm at the Charlestown City Marina. Lots of big vessels line the docks and it is very convenient as it is close to the city. John and Rhonda 's friend Cal lent us his PT cruiser car so we were able to drive to Magnolia's Restaurant for the birthday dinner which John and Rhonda kindly shouted us.
Over and Out.
Over and Out.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Day 6
Hi Everyone
As we struck yet another beautiful day we decided to go outside into the Atlantic Ocean to start coming in at the Little River Inlet and progressing at a somewhat slower through the ICW As you pass sailboats and tug boats it is a lot of speeding up then slowing down for us. A sailboat and the displacement hulls who all go slower just remind at the same speed for the most part.This part of the ICW is suposed to be the most scenic part of the whole ICW.
We stopped in at Osprey Marina for a fuel stop. Of friendly crew there,John commented if there were another five set of guys at the dock they would have had a full set of teeth between them !However they were a very friendly crew and offered free coffee and cinamon buns.We arrived at Georgetown at exactly 4.40pm .A long day and a reason why many with powerful boats go outside as much as possible.Georgetown proved to be a quaint little town with a fabulous restaurant called The Rice Paddy Apparently rice is/was grown here. The food was American style and very good.Graeme and I enjoyed the peppermint ice cream sunday dessert. Most of the dinners were heading after dinner to the local play about the Love Boat. Graeme said he was already a captain of a Love Boat whatever that may mean!!
On that note, signing off over and out.
As we struck yet another beautiful day we decided to go outside into the Atlantic Ocean to start coming in at the Little River Inlet and progressing at a somewhat slower through the ICW As you pass sailboats and tug boats it is a lot of speeding up then slowing down for us. A sailboat and the displacement hulls who all go slower just remind at the same speed for the most part.This part of the ICW is suposed to be the most scenic part of the whole ICW.
We stopped in at Osprey Marina for a fuel stop. Of friendly crew there,John commented if there were another five set of guys at the dock they would have had a full set of teeth between them !However they were a very friendly crew and offered free coffee and cinamon buns.We arrived at Georgetown at exactly 4.40pm .A long day and a reason why many with powerful boats go outside as much as possible.Georgetown proved to be a quaint little town with a fabulous restaurant called The Rice Paddy Apparently rice is/was grown here. The food was American style and very good.Graeme and I enjoyed the peppermint ice cream sunday dessert. Most of the dinners were heading after dinner to the local play about the Love Boat. Graeme said he was already a captain of a Love Boat whatever that may mean!!
On that note, signing off over and out.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Day 5
HI everyone!
Well this is a beautiful day ,as we head off to Southport. We decided to go outside into the Altlantic Ocean. Perfect fair weather and following seas!We left Beaufort NC at 9am . Rhonda made sandwiches so we could eat on the way.. We arrived at 2pm at a very impressive Southport Marina. Were greeted at the dock and received free USA Today newspaper and sample bags of Carolina Peanuts.Graeme , The docks had large tiles in the center most fancy. Graeme,Rhonda and I walked into the town passing lovely old homes built for sea captains, mainly to find some extra bananas and tomatoes. This proved to be quite a feat but we were successful after going through the whole town. We even stopped, at the Christmas House full of every conceivable ornament to hang on your tree and Christmas bows galore lining the entrance of the store.
Evening , we were invited to join the Sea Ray reunion party and met some more wonderful people. Always willing to impart their knowledge and experiences on the ICW. Dinner on board and an early night finshed off the evening.
Over and Out
.
Well this is a beautiful day ,as we head off to Southport. We decided to go outside into the Altlantic Ocean. Perfect fair weather and following seas!We left Beaufort NC at 9am . Rhonda made sandwiches so we could eat on the way.. We arrived at 2pm at a very impressive Southport Marina. Were greeted at the dock and received free USA Today newspaper and sample bags of Carolina Peanuts.Graeme , The docks had large tiles in the center most fancy. Graeme,Rhonda and I walked into the town passing lovely old homes built for sea captains, mainly to find some extra bananas and tomatoes. This proved to be quite a feat but we were successful after going through the whole town. We even stopped, at the Christmas House full of every conceivable ornament to hang on your tree and Christmas bows galore lining the entrance of the store.
Evening , we were invited to join the Sea Ray reunion party and met some more wonderful people. Always willing to impart their knowledge and experiences on the ICW. Dinner on board and an early night finshed off the evening.
Over and Out
.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Day 4
Thursday was our best day running so far. After a pleasant overnight in Dowry Creek, with some wine drunk with other boaters in the marina, we decided to head out for Beaufort NC, using the ICW,at 9.20am even though the weather did not look promising. It was one of those days when the conditions were much better than forecast. We were able to make 28kts at one point. However, there were the usual challenges with no wake zones and, at one point, a large barge which we had to overtake in a narrow channel. This is Graeme's report.
We parked next to a huge Viking boat about 65 ft and and even bigger 110ft boat!the town of Beaufort is lovely lots of old houses line the dock most built in the 1700's and we had a wonderful dinner out at the best restaurant in town. Opposite our marina is an island with wild horses probably of Spanish descent, the story is that they swam ashore from ship wrecks of the coast of North Carolina.
Over and out , Erica.
We parked next to a huge Viking boat about 65 ft and and even bigger 110ft boat!the town of Beaufort is lovely lots of old houses line the dock most built in the 1700's and we had a wonderful dinner out at the best restaurant in town. Opposite our marina is an island with wild horses probably of Spanish descent, the story is that they swam ashore from ship wrecks of the coast of North Carolina.
Over and out , Erica.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Day 3
Hi my blog friends and family,
This was our longest journey so far we travelled about 117 miles to our next destination ,left around 8am in the morning so we could get in behind a convoy of boats and time it right for two bridge over the canal openings . The first one only opened at 6.30am and 8.30 am and on the hour after that. After coming out of the canal we crossed through the Albemarle Sound, a big body of water near Kitty Hawk coast. I got to drive a fair distance and found it amazing that if you didn't keep on the narrow path between the red and green markers you soon registered very shallow water. A need to continually keep your mind on the job! We finally finished up in another canal called the Pungo River Canal and past several sailboats who were going at much slower speeds. At one point a catamaran ran aground as it got too close to the edge of the canal ,again the need to keep near the middle! The water in most of the canals is the color of dark tea, due to the tannins in the rotting leaves and trees that line the waterways.We arrived at 3.pm at Dowry Creek Marina. Rhonda and I took the courtesy car provided to get some provisions at the local Belhaven supermarket. We soon realized we were in the depths of rural North Carolina! The slow and ponderous speech of the locals and the cotton fields beside the road said it all.We had cocktail hour at the marina and met several interesting characters. Most were sailors and the staff at the marina. Great sweet pickles and egg salad sandwiches were provided for us.
So ends our blog for today.
This was our longest journey so far we travelled about 117 miles to our next destination ,left around 8am in the morning so we could get in behind a convoy of boats and time it right for two bridge over the canal openings . The first one only opened at 6.30am and 8.30 am and on the hour after that. After coming out of the canal we crossed through the Albemarle Sound, a big body of water near Kitty Hawk coast. I got to drive a fair distance and found it amazing that if you didn't keep on the narrow path between the red and green markers you soon registered very shallow water. A need to continually keep your mind on the job! We finally finished up in another canal called the Pungo River Canal and past several sailboats who were going at much slower speeds. At one point a catamaran ran aground as it got too close to the edge of the canal ,again the need to keep near the middle! The water in most of the canals is the color of dark tea, due to the tannins in the rotting leaves and trees that line the waterways.We arrived at 3.pm at Dowry Creek Marina. Rhonda and I took the courtesy car provided to get some provisions at the local Belhaven supermarket. We soon realized we were in the depths of rural North Carolina! The slow and ponderous speech of the locals and the cotton fields beside the road said it all.We had cocktail hour at the marina and met several interesting characters. Most were sailors and the staff at the marina. Great sweet pickles and egg salad sandwiches were provided for us.
So ends our blog for today.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Day 2
We left Deltaville around 9am and headed for Norfolk.The seas were still rough with swell and wind most of the way til we reached our destination.Once there the sea calmed down thankfully. We past an array of impressive grey naval ships including aircraft carriers and submarines. As we approached Portsmouth we searched for the 0 mile marker to start the official ICW canal ,and found it opposite the old hospital building. We crawled through the Portsmouth area at the 5 mile per hour speed while the little marine police boats sat waiting with their blue lights flashing to try and catch us over the limit! Then came the good part ! Tranquil waters along a tree lined canal it reminded us of our canal boating in France. We entered a large lock at Great Bridge which was a fun experience then tied up shortly after that at the Alantic Yacht Basin along side the canal. As we had eaten on board the first night we treated our selves to dinner at Kelly's Tavern .As it had been a long day we were to bed at 9.30 pm!
As my dear Dad would say over and out!
As my dear Dad would say over and out!
Day 2 of the trip
We left Deltaville bound for Norfolk and Portsmouth. Still had swelling seas and wind most of the way but as we approached Norfolk it became blessedly calm! We entered the ICW and noted marker zero. Each marker denotes the distance travelled so that is useful.we past the navl ships all painted grey and looking impressive with their size.Lots of tugboats on the water and the little marine police boats with their flashing blue lights watching and waiting for you to go over the 5 miles per hour limit. Then we got out into a more tranquil setting reminded me of the canal boat trip we did in France many years ago. We went through the one lock of the whole ICW and then tied up for the night at Atlantic Yacht Basin right beside the canal. Having had dinner on board the first night we treated ourselves to dinner at Kellys Pub and Restaurant.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
First day out on the Chesapeake
Hi Everybody,
Well ,we left just after noon once we had picked up John and Rhonda Griiffith ( our travelling companions for part the way down the ICW) The Kyles and Lewises gave us their best rendering of " Now is the hour for us to say goodbye " , as they waved us off on our journey south.
Seas were about 1 to 3 ft and there wasplenty of sun and wind , great for sailors but not quite so good for us. 4 1/2 hours later we arrived at Deltaville Marina our first stop just as the sun was setting .On the way we saw some brown pelicans normally found south of here ,but some stray birds seem to enjoy an adventure north! Also saw two F 16 aircraft pass by at high speed then we watched them descend down to the runway at the Paxtuent Naval Base.
So ends this first day!
Well ,we left just after noon once we had picked up John and Rhonda Griiffith ( our travelling companions for part the way down the ICW) The Kyles and Lewises gave us their best rendering of " Now is the hour for us to say goodbye " , as they waved us off on our journey south.
Seas were about 1 to 3 ft and there wasplenty of sun and wind , great for sailors but not quite so good for us. 4 1/2 hours later we arrived at Deltaville Marina our first stop just as the sun was setting .On the way we saw some brown pelicans normally found south of here ,but some stray birds seem to enjoy an adventure north! Also saw two F 16 aircraft pass by at high speed then we watched them descend down to the runway at the Paxtuent Naval Base.
So ends this first day!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Nautical Adventures
Well we are finally off on our journey south! We will be keeping you posted as to what we are up too.
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