Well folks, we have to take a little hiatus from our trip. Just to backtrack a little - from the Sassafrass River we went to Annapolis where we stayed a couple of days before heading on to Solomon's Island (on Thursday) about another 35 miles down the eastern shore of the Chesapeake.
Along the way, Albert began getting what he thought was acid reflux (which he has had before). To keep a long story a little short, at 4 a.m. Friday morning we got a taxi to St. Mary's Hospital who then called for a helicopter (that got there in 20 minutes) to take us to Washington Hospital Center in Washington DC. This hospital is the best cardiac hospital in the whole eastern coast of the United States. (Who knew?!) People come from all over to be treated here. It is a teaching and research hospital. Because they could not seem to control the pain and blood pressure with drugs, they decided to do "Cardiac Cathederization" (a dye test) done through the groin. They discovered a blockage and fixed it on the spot with two stents. (Albert was awake for the whole thing!) So he was in recovery when I went to see him and I still hadn't been told that he had had a heart attack. It was only when the nurse came by to check on him that we asked the question and got the answer. His heart attack was a medium sized one but fortunately, because everything was done so quickly, he has minimal damage to his heart and should be good as new in about a month.
Albert's brother Yvon, his wife Connie and our daughter Lise drove to Washington from home in Nova Scotia on Saturday (the day after the heart attack). They got to Washington on Sunday around 10 a.m. By then, Albert was in a regular room and feeling a whole lot better. On Monday, Albert was released and, after a brief tour of Washington DC's landmarks, we headed off back to Solomon's Island and TipToe.
Luckily, our boat was at the Solomon Island Marina which uses the facilities at the Holiday Inn (which overlooks the marina). So we had made reservations for ourselves, Connie & Yvon and Heather & Pete (who were at another marina about 20 minutes away by taxi but hours away by boat). After a tearful but joyful reunion, we had supper and made plans for what to do with TipToe.
Tuesday morning, Heather & Lise went off to fill Albert's new prescriptions, Pete & Yvon began winterizing the boat and Connie & I started cleaning out the boat. Everything went like clockwork and by noon, we were ready to leave. TipToe will remain in the water until we return. A big thank you to Richard and everyone at the marina. They were so helpful, generous and obliging...I can't thank them enough. Also, thanks to our new friends Dick & Ruth Foster, our ice box was cleaned out so nothing went bad or to waste.
After a sad farewell to Heather & Pete (who will continue the trip) we set off for as far as we could get that day. We had lots of offers from family & friends to stay along the way, but decided that we would stay wherever was closest to where we were when we decided we'd had enough. Around 8 p.m. we arrived at Neil & Grace LeBlanc's in Massachussets. They opened their house to us for which we are very grateful. After a good night's sleep, we left around 8:30 a.m. and were on our way - but first a quick stop to see Connie's mother Esther and her husband Gordon. We got to Moncton by 8:30 p.m. and spent the night at the Holiday Inn, left again by 7 a.m. on Thursday and were home by noon.
I don't know how to thank everyone, especially Connie & Yvon. We would have been up the creek without a paddle without their intervention. Heather & Pete have always been there for us, and missed valuable travel time to make sure we were alright. Our baby Lise (OK she's almost 27, but still my baby) helped and still is helping me keep a sharp eye on Albert. (He's already complaining!) We love you all. Words just aren't enough...
So, now we're home and will stay until after Christmas. Then, we will make plans to return to TipToe and continue our trip. We probably won't make the Bahamas because the timing might be wrong, but we can still continue on down to the Florida keys, go around the bottom and up the western side maybe. Whatever we decide, it will still be an adventure for us and for TipToe.
I'll keep you "posted"...(hahaha - play on words, get it?)
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Sassafrass River, Maryland
We left Chesapeake City around 10:30 a.m. What a beautiful day and scenery. The trees were just beginning to change, but the temperature was about 85F. No wind, sunny and super hot! Albert & I went through 6 bottles of water and we only went about 20 miles!
The Sassafrass River is considered by many one of the most beautiful in the Chesapeake. It is a winding river, lined with trees and few houses until you get right up into Georgetown (10.5 miles in). We picked up a mooring ball at the Georgetown Yacht Basin. This is just one of about 6 marinas all within the space of 1 mile.
For the past week or so, we've been seeing Canada geese (by the hundreds), a few bald eagles, cormorants, buzzards and what Albert thinks are Roseate terns, Foster terns and Bonaparte gulls. This morning Albert watched a Foster tern dive and pick up a little fish, flip it up in the air and then swallow it on the way down. Cool!
We will probably be here until Sunday due to windy weather on the way. But this is no problem for us. Showers, laundry, stores and great people make this an easy stay. Pete is getting hauled out as I write this to put on a new prop. Since he changed gearboxes, his speed has diminished and thinks that by changing from his new prop to his old one, this problem will be resolved.
Last night was calm, moonlit and just lovely. A couple came by in a kayak...Liz & Paul Day. We chatted and this morning Liz drove us to a grocery store and when we returned, we joined her and Paul in a gazebo for a snack and a chat. Very friendly and informative people. They gave us helpful hints about the Chesapeake and the trip south. They have already done it.
Going up to the Marine Store - there's a sale! hahahahaha. Later...
The Sassafrass River is considered by many one of the most beautiful in the Chesapeake. It is a winding river, lined with trees and few houses until you get right up into Georgetown (10.5 miles in). We picked up a mooring ball at the Georgetown Yacht Basin. This is just one of about 6 marinas all within the space of 1 mile.
For the past week or so, we've been seeing Canada geese (by the hundreds), a few bald eagles, cormorants, buzzards and what Albert thinks are Roseate terns, Foster terns and Bonaparte gulls. This morning Albert watched a Foster tern dive and pick up a little fish, flip it up in the air and then swallow it on the way down. Cool!
We will probably be here until Sunday due to windy weather on the way. But this is no problem for us. Showers, laundry, stores and great people make this an easy stay. Pete is getting hauled out as I write this to put on a new prop. Since he changed gearboxes, his speed has diminished and thinks that by changing from his new prop to his old one, this problem will be resolved.
Last night was calm, moonlit and just lovely. A couple came by in a kayak...Liz & Paul Day. We chatted and this morning Liz drove us to a grocery store and when we returned, we joined her and Paul in a gazebo for a snack and a chat. Very friendly and informative people. They gave us helpful hints about the Chesapeake and the trip south. They have already done it.
Going up to the Marine Store - there's a sale! hahahahaha. Later...
C & D Canal
We left Cape May at 11 a.m., traversed the Cape May Canal dodging tugs towing barges and ferries and after about a half hour of lumpy waves, headed up Delaware Bay which actually turned out to be very calm (less than 1 ft. waves) and arrived at the Cohansey River at 6:20 pm. This river is all marshland and the river winds back and forth. We anchored in 25 ft. with a full moon rising. Beautiful! After a supper of Tacos, Albert & I sat in the cockpit enjoying the moon and the quiet.
We left the Cohansey River about 7:00 a.m.Tuesday morning and rode the flood tide to the C&D Canal averaging 7.8 knots. Once in the C&D canal, we continued on to Chesapeake City (about a 2/3 down the canal). We anchored in a quiet little pond (11:30 a.m.) at Chesapeake City Basin and waited for Radical Jack to catch up. They arrived around 2:30 p.m. having left Cape May at 4:00 a.m.
We noticed that Dick & Ruth (S/V Grace C. and are heading south as well) were already anchored here and they joined us for cocktails, etc. aboard Tip Toe. I can’t believe it! It’s 8:30 p.m. and I’m in a tank top and shorts and it’s October 14th! Wow! Now we all feel that we’re actually doing it! This is what we’ve been waiting for!!!! Yahoo! So now it’s time for bed (soon) and we’ll decide tomorrow morning when our heads are a little clearer (hahaha) where we will head next. Chesapeake Bay here we come!!!
We left the Cohansey River about 7:00 a.m.Tuesday morning and rode the flood tide to the C&D Canal averaging 7.8 knots. Once in the C&D canal, we continued on to Chesapeake City (about a 2/3 down the canal). We anchored in a quiet little pond (11:30 a.m.) at Chesapeake City Basin and waited for Radical Jack to catch up. They arrived around 2:30 p.m. having left Cape May at 4:00 a.m.
We noticed that Dick & Ruth (S/V Grace C. and are heading south as well) were already anchored here and they joined us for cocktails, etc. aboard Tip Toe. I can’t believe it! It’s 8:30 p.m. and I’m in a tank top and shorts and it’s October 14th! Wow! Now we all feel that we’re actually doing it! This is what we’ve been waiting for!!!! Yahoo! So now it’s time for bed (soon) and we’ll decide tomorrow morning when our heads are a little clearer (hahaha) where we will head next. Chesapeake Bay here we come!!!
C & D Canal
We left Cape May at 11 a.m., traversed the Cape May Canal dodging tugs towing barges and ferries and after about a half hour of lumpy waves, headed up Delaware Bay which actually turned out to be very calm (less than 1 ft. waves) and arrived at the Cohansey River at 6:20 pm. This river is all marshland and the river winds back and forth. We anchored in 25 ft. with a full moon rising. Beautiful! After a supper of Tacos, Albert & I sat in the cockpit enjoying the moon and the quiet.
We left the Cohansey River about 7:00 a.m.Tuesday morning and rode the flood tide to the C&D Canal averaging 7.8 knots. Once in the C&D canal, we continued on to Chesapeake City (about a 2/3 down the canal). We anchored in a quiet little pond (11:30 a.m.) at Chesapeake City Basin and waited for Radical Jack to catch up. They arrived around 2:30 p.m. having left Cape May at 4:00 a.m.
We noticed that Dick & Ruth (S/V Grace C. and are heading south as well) were already anchored here and they joined us for cocktails, etc. aboard Tip Toe. I can’t believe it! It’s 8:30 p.m. and I’m in a tank top and shorts and it’s October 14th! Wow! Now we all feel that we’re actually doing it! This is what we’ve been waiting for!!!! Yahoo! So now it’s time for bed (soon) and we’ll decide tomorrow morning when our heads are a little clearer (hahaha) where we will head next. Chesapeake Bay here we come!!!
We left the Cohansey River about 7:00 a.m.Tuesday morning and rode the flood tide to the C&D Canal averaging 7.8 knots. Once in the C&D canal, we continued on to Chesapeake City (about a 2/3 down the canal). We anchored in a quiet little pond (11:30 a.m.) at Chesapeake City Basin and waited for Radical Jack to catch up. They arrived around 2:30 p.m. having left Cape May at 4:00 a.m.
We noticed that Dick & Ruth (S/V Grace C. and are heading south as well) were already anchored here and they joined us for cocktails, etc. aboard Tip Toe. I can’t believe it! It’s 8:30 p.m. and I’m in a tank top and shorts and it’s October 14th! Wow! Now we all feel that we’re actually doing it! This is what we’ve been waiting for!!!! Yahoo! So now it’s time for bed (soon) and we’ll decide tomorrow morning when our heads are a little clearer (hahaha) where we will head next. Chesapeake Bay here we come!!!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Cape May
We’ve finished the Jersey coast…YAY! We’re on a slip at the Utsch’s Marina in Cape May. What a beautiful place. We got a complimentary bag of goodies with wine, biscotti, home-made soap and a few other things. They’ve got beautiful showers, lots of laundry facilities, cable TV and are within walking distance of stores – all for $2.00 per foot! This is a family owned and operated marina since 1951 (sound familiar (d’Eon Boatbuilding). They own all their own travel-lifts, backhoes, etc. and keep the price of their fuel reasonable. Great place and great people.
We figured we were safe here…wrong! This morning Pete awoke to find his dinghy stolen! The Utsch’s crew took him in a speed boat to search and believe it or not, they found it tied to the outside docks! I guess somebody took it for a joy ride, but were kind enough to at least tie it up once they were done! What next?! The staff was appalled that this could happen here and told Pete to contact the Jersey police, which he did. They were very nice, but there was nothing to do since it was back with Radical Jack.
So now, Heather & I are showered and doing laundry. For some reason, I am the only one in the whole marina who can’t seem to log on to the internet! I keep trying, however I’m not having much luck. But we’re all making the best of things. We’re having a glass of wine while the men are doing boat stuff.
Sunday – we’ve spoken to a lot of people here and there are differing opinions about when to leave for Delaware Bay. The only consensus is that Delaware Bay is the worst stretch of water to travel. Albert has decided to leave at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow (Monday) and fight the tide for a couple of hours in the Cape May Canal then ride the flood up Delaware Bay to the Cohansey River (34 miles away) before dark. Then, the next day we’re close to the C&D canal which leads into the Chesapeake. Pete has decided to wait until Tuesday morning and leave at 4:30 a.m. and try to make the C&D Canal (47 miles away) in one day. Either way, we should be in the Chesapeake soon. Then we should be home free…lots of anchorages and short days. Yay!
We walked to a grocery store that was supposed to be about 1 ½ miles away…at least 2 miles later we finally found it! Needless to say, we took a taxi back to the marina. Hahah. And yes, we’re both still losing weight!
‘Til next time…
We figured we were safe here…wrong! This morning Pete awoke to find his dinghy stolen! The Utsch’s crew took him in a speed boat to search and believe it or not, they found it tied to the outside docks! I guess somebody took it for a joy ride, but were kind enough to at least tie it up once they were done! What next?! The staff was appalled that this could happen here and told Pete to contact the Jersey police, which he did. They were very nice, but there was nothing to do since it was back with Radical Jack.
So now, Heather & I are showered and doing laundry. For some reason, I am the only one in the whole marina who can’t seem to log on to the internet! I keep trying, however I’m not having much luck. But we’re all making the best of things. We’re having a glass of wine while the men are doing boat stuff.
Sunday – we’ve spoken to a lot of people here and there are differing opinions about when to leave for Delaware Bay. The only consensus is that Delaware Bay is the worst stretch of water to travel. Albert has decided to leave at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow (Monday) and fight the tide for a couple of hours in the Cape May Canal then ride the flood up Delaware Bay to the Cohansey River (34 miles away) before dark. Then, the next day we’re close to the C&D canal which leads into the Chesapeake. Pete has decided to wait until Tuesday morning and leave at 4:30 a.m. and try to make the C&D Canal (47 miles away) in one day. Either way, we should be in the Chesapeake soon. Then we should be home free…lots of anchorages and short days. Yay!
We walked to a grocery store that was supposed to be about 1 ½ miles away…at least 2 miles later we finally found it! Needless to say, we took a taxi back to the marina. Hahah. And yes, we’re both still losing weight!
‘Til next time…
Atlantic City
Well, here we are in Atlantic City! What a ride! We left Manasquan at 7 a.m. and everything was great until about 2 p.m. when the wind started picking up and the waves got bigger. We got here about 5 p.m. and the last two hours were quite an adventure. TipToe performed really well riding the waves like a duck and only taking the odd extra big wave over the bow. But now we’re anchored in a little pond, which is very calm and protected.
The Radical Jack crew turned in early so Albert & I spent the early part of the evening watching the “Harrah’s” tower change pictures from our cockpit. There’s a hologram on the whole side of the building that changes from the US flag, to fireworks, to rolling dice, to slot machine 777’s and it just keeps changing. Really cool! From here (using binoculars) we can see the Trump tower, Trump Taj Mahal tower and Bally’s tower as well as several others. But the only one with the changing pictures is the Harrah’s. (Guess Donald’s too cheap! Hahahahaha)
Today, Thursday, we spoke with two other boats in the anchorage who are also going to the Abacos. Guess we’ll be seeing them along the way as well. Since Heather wasn’t feeling well, she & Pete stayed aboard Radical Jack while Albert & I decided to sight-see Atlantic City. We took the dinghy into Gardner’s Basin (across from the anchorage) where we visited an aquarium, then took a Jitney bus (mini bus) into Atlantic City. We walked the boardwalk and went into the Trump Taj Mahal to gamble. We spent $15.00 and came out with $20. So Mr. Trump is out five bucks!!! We also went into Bally’s and decided that all casinos were the same except for their exterior. Inside, we could have been at the Casino Halifax and never noticed any difference.
We took a Jitney back and had supper at the Flying Cloud restaurant then back to the anchorage. Heather was feeling better so we dropped in for cocktails, then back to TipToe. We’re all heading for Cape May tomorrow (Radical Jack, TipToe and two other boats in the anchorage). Pete found out the Utcher’s Marina is only $2 per foot so we’ll tie up there for a couple of days waiting for good weather to do Delaware Bay. They’ve got Wifi, cable, showers, laundry, etc. so I’ll be able to post my thoughts on my blog. Right now I’m writing on a Word document so I won’t forget my first impressions.
‘Til tomorrow…
The Radical Jack crew turned in early so Albert & I spent the early part of the evening watching the “Harrah’s” tower change pictures from our cockpit. There’s a hologram on the whole side of the building that changes from the US flag, to fireworks, to rolling dice, to slot machine 777’s and it just keeps changing. Really cool! From here (using binoculars) we can see the Trump tower, Trump Taj Mahal tower and Bally’s tower as well as several others. But the only one with the changing pictures is the Harrah’s. (Guess Donald’s too cheap! Hahahahaha)
Today, Thursday, we spoke with two other boats in the anchorage who are also going to the Abacos. Guess we’ll be seeing them along the way as well. Since Heather wasn’t feeling well, she & Pete stayed aboard Radical Jack while Albert & I decided to sight-see Atlantic City. We took the dinghy into Gardner’s Basin (across from the anchorage) where we visited an aquarium, then took a Jitney bus (mini bus) into Atlantic City. We walked the boardwalk and went into the Trump Taj Mahal to gamble. We spent $15.00 and came out with $20. So Mr. Trump is out five bucks!!! We also went into Bally’s and decided that all casinos were the same except for their exterior. Inside, we could have been at the Casino Halifax and never noticed any difference.
We took a Jitney back and had supper at the Flying Cloud restaurant then back to the anchorage. Heather was feeling better so we dropped in for cocktails, then back to TipToe. We’re all heading for Cape May tomorrow (Radical Jack, TipToe and two other boats in the anchorage). Pete found out the Utcher’s Marina is only $2 per foot so we’ll tie up there for a couple of days waiting for good weather to do Delaware Bay. They’ve got Wifi, cable, showers, laundry, etc. so I’ll be able to post my thoughts on my blog. Right now I’m writing on a Word document so I won’t forget my first impressions.
‘Til tomorrow…
Sandy Hook & Manasquan, NJ
Once we got back to the boat, we ended up anchoring because we were on yacht club moorings, not harbour moorings. Oops! Found out later that the yacht club charged $13.00 for showers! I mean really…we weren’t that dirty!!!!!!
Then, we got a call from Brenda (Muth) Lovie who we had met about 13 years ago when she and her then husband Edwin came to Pubnico via sailboat. We had spent a few great days with them, their friends and Peg & Brad. Peggy had let Brenda know we were in New Jersey, hence the call. We arranged to meet up after supper and had drinks with Brenda and John. What a good time we had catching up on our lives, kids and reminiscing. It was like time had stood still. They promised to come and visit next summer. Really looking forward to that!
We left Sandy Hook early Tuesday morning and set off for Manasquan. The coast of New Jersey is one long sand beach dotted with houses…as far as the eye can see! We found a marina with slips (no moorings anywhere) and had to go through a bascule railroad bridge. (see picture) This was the first of many more to come along the trip. I might as well get used to it! The marina was immediately after the bridge. After showers, Albert & I headed into the little town of Brielle to look around and find a restaurant for supper. Had the best hamburger ever (Albert) and my Hawaiian pizza was second to none! Brought some back for the trip to Atlantic City.
Left Manasquan at 7:00 a.m.(Wednesday) and are now headed for Atlantic City 47 miles away. It’s gonna be a long day…
Then, we got a call from Brenda (Muth) Lovie who we had met about 13 years ago when she and her then husband Edwin came to Pubnico via sailboat. We had spent a few great days with them, their friends and Peg & Brad. Peggy had let Brenda know we were in New Jersey, hence the call. We arranged to meet up after supper and had drinks with Brenda and John. What a good time we had catching up on our lives, kids and reminiscing. It was like time had stood still. They promised to come and visit next summer. Really looking forward to that!
We left Sandy Hook early Tuesday morning and set off for Manasquan. The coast of New Jersey is one long sand beach dotted with houses…as far as the eye can see! We found a marina with slips (no moorings anywhere) and had to go through a bascule railroad bridge. (see picture) This was the first of many more to come along the trip. I might as well get used to it! The marina was immediately after the bridge. After showers, Albert & I headed into the little town of Brielle to look around and find a restaurant for supper. Had the best hamburger ever (Albert) and my Hawaiian pizza was second to none! Brought some back for the trip to Atlantic City.
Left Manasquan at 7:00 a.m.(Wednesday) and are now headed for Atlantic City 47 miles away. It’s gonna be a long day…
Monday, October 6, 2008
New York Harbour
“Start spreadin’ the news…” (Frank Sinatra) My first impressions of New York were smelly, smoggy and noisy – then it got better! Hahahaha. Albert was right again! The tides and current were a non-event. I’m glad we were on the water though, because we watched 13 (I kid you not) police cars in a row drive by with their lights a-flashing. The East River had no traffic to speak of. We watched the planes land and take off at La Guardia airport every 2 or 3 minutes. It was really cool. Then we went past Rikers Island (I took pictures for all you Law & Order fans). Hell’s Gate was like a mill pond. Manhatten is just sky-scrapers – lots of them!
We didn’t really meet any water traffic until we got to where the Hudson River meets New York Harbour. And boy was there traffic! Helicopters (4 of them) taking off and landing on a platform, water taxis, tour boats – you name it! Then we saw the Statue of Liberty in the distance. What a sight! Then we headed for the Narrows Bridge. BIG freighters coming in while we were going out. Two cruise ships passed us by – the Norwegian Dawn & the Norwegian Spirit. (Thought of you Brad – wasn’t your ship the Norwegian Jewel?)
Now, we’re tied to a mooring at Atlantic Highlands (Sandy Hook, NJ). Heather & Pete came over for a cocktail and we toasted to a great day. We all feel like we’ve turned a page to a new chapter of the voyage. We may be here for a couple of days because you’re not supposed to attempt to go down the New Jersey coast when the wind has an East in it. What the heck…we’ll wait. We don’t have to be anywhere!
Update...Right now we're sitting outside a Public Library because it isn't open on Mondays. But we can still connect to their wireless! Yay! So we're here for today and will hopefully move tomorrow to Manasquan. 'Til later...
We didn’t really meet any water traffic until we got to where the Hudson River meets New York Harbour. And boy was there traffic! Helicopters (4 of them) taking off and landing on a platform, water taxis, tour boats – you name it! Then we saw the Statue of Liberty in the distance. What a sight! Then we headed for the Narrows Bridge. BIG freighters coming in while we were going out. Two cruise ships passed us by – the Norwegian Dawn & the Norwegian Spirit. (Thought of you Brad – wasn’t your ship the Norwegian Jewel?)
Now, we’re tied to a mooring at Atlantic Highlands (Sandy Hook, NJ). Heather & Pete came over for a cocktail and we toasted to a great day. We all feel like we’ve turned a page to a new chapter of the voyage. We may be here for a couple of days because you’re not supposed to attempt to go down the New Jersey coast when the wind has an East in it. What the heck…we’ll wait. We don’t have to be anywhere!
Update...Right now we're sitting outside a Public Library because it isn't open on Mondays. But we can still connect to their wireless! Yay! So we're here for today and will hopefully move tomorrow to Manasquan. 'Til later...
Friday, October 3, 2008
Port Jeff
Well, I'm loving this place! You can walk right around the Town in a circle. Cute little shops...I discovered the Bakery this morning! Wow! I could have just stayed there!!!!! Yesterday, Ed Gatz (owner of Silver Bay Marine - we picked up one of his moorings) drove Albert to Home Depot & West Marine. He's been more than kind to us - whatever we want, he'll try to accommodate. We'd also like to mention the Harbour Master, Peter Koutrakos and his lovely assistant, Diane Salazar. They were both very friendly and helpful. Great people here at Port Jefferson! This is a port not to be missed.
We had breakfast at Starbucks and picked up lunch/whatever (Spinach & cheese quiche) at the Bakery for back on the boat (along with a mini apple pie with crumb topping!) Yummy!!!!! We're now at the Library posting our blog and I'll finally get to upload the picture of the swan eating our Ritz cracker.
There's still a small craft warning for today, so we'll anchor just inside the mouth of the harbour tonight to get an early start tomorrow. Should be a good one. We'll see what the day brings...
We had breakfast at Starbucks and picked up lunch/whatever (Spinach & cheese quiche) at the Bakery for back on the boat (along with a mini apple pie with crumb topping!) Yummy!!!!! We're now at the Library posting our blog and I'll finally get to upload the picture of the swan eating our Ritz cracker.
There's still a small craft warning for today, so we'll anchor just inside the mouth of the harbour tonight to get an early start tomorrow. Should be a good one. We'll see what the day brings...
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Fishers I, Thimble Islands, Port Jeff
We left Block Island once the rain stopped and headed for West Harbour, Fishers Island. We decided to go through the channels on the eastern side of the island instead of trying to make “The Race” on the western end because we didn’t think we’d make it before the tide turned. That was a good idea. All we had to contend with was the current from all the water emptying out of the various harbours on the Connecticut side. Pete, on the other hand, ended up in “The Race” and encountered freighters and a submarine! At one point he was only doing 0.5 knots against the current. We both picked up moorings. Nobody was around and no answer at the Yacht Club. So our night was free.
Pretty spot – sand beaches and a family of four swans came by for food – which we happily obliged (see picture). Although they hissed at the gulls competing for the bread, we still enjoyed seeing them. I have never seen swans except in parks.
Since it was giving good weather for Tuesday, we set off for the Thimble Islands – down the coast on the Connecticut side of the Sound. Flat seas and calm winds brought us to a little anchorage amongst the islands. There were moorings there, so we picked one up. This place reminds us of Dover – not far from Peggy’s Cove – except that there were houses built on the rocks on every island. Very picturesque. I figure if these people saw how barren our islands are back home, they’d go nuts! There’s no room between the houses here, either along the shores or on individual islands!
Wednesday morning we planned on leaving early again, but the weather forecast was calling for imminent thunder storms, so we waited a couple of hours. Around 9:00 a.m. we decided that the threat of storms was done so we set off across the sound to the Long Island side to Port Jefferson. It was quite a rolly passage, but about half way the chop subsided and we motorsailed into Port Jefferson, met the ferry on the way in, and picked up a mooring at 2:00 p.m.
Port Jefferson is really nice. The people we’ve met so far have been very helpful. There’s two big ferries that travel in and out. There’s also nobody on any of the boats around here – just us! There are swans here too. Two came up to the boat and Albert fed them Ritz crackers. Check out the picture of the swan with a Ritz in his mouth. His neck was stretched up to our cockpit!
They’ve just built a new building with showers and washer & dryer. I think I’m the first to use the washer & dryer. We walked around town yesterday, stopped in a pub for late lunch (early supper) and Papa watched a bit of a World Series game. There’s not much for groceries, so we only picked up a few little things.
Today, we’ll take in a few more sights and, because it’s giving wind on the nose again today, we’ll probably stay another night on the mooring. We’re close to shore there, so can get back and forth to town easily. Tomorrow night, we’ll most likely move to the head of the harbour where there’s a little cove where we can anchor so we can make an early start on Saturday. Not sure where we’ll be going, depends on the weather. We’re trying to get to Port Washington which will be the starting off point to go through Hell’s Gate & the Narrows in New York City. We have to time the tides right for that passage which will then take us on to Sandy Hook, the start of the New Jersey coastline.
Pretty spot – sand beaches and a family of four swans came by for food – which we happily obliged (see picture). Although they hissed at the gulls competing for the bread, we still enjoyed seeing them. I have never seen swans except in parks.
Since it was giving good weather for Tuesday, we set off for the Thimble Islands – down the coast on the Connecticut side of the Sound. Flat seas and calm winds brought us to a little anchorage amongst the islands. There were moorings there, so we picked one up. This place reminds us of Dover – not far from Peggy’s Cove – except that there were houses built on the rocks on every island. Very picturesque. I figure if these people saw how barren our islands are back home, they’d go nuts! There’s no room between the houses here, either along the shores or on individual islands!
Wednesday morning we planned on leaving early again, but the weather forecast was calling for imminent thunder storms, so we waited a couple of hours. Around 9:00 a.m. we decided that the threat of storms was done so we set off across the sound to the Long Island side to Port Jefferson. It was quite a rolly passage, but about half way the chop subsided and we motorsailed into Port Jefferson, met the ferry on the way in, and picked up a mooring at 2:00 p.m.
Port Jefferson is really nice. The people we’ve met so far have been very helpful. There’s two big ferries that travel in and out. There’s also nobody on any of the boats around here – just us! There are swans here too. Two came up to the boat and Albert fed them Ritz crackers. Check out the picture of the swan with a Ritz in his mouth. His neck was stretched up to our cockpit!
They’ve just built a new building with showers and washer & dryer. I think I’m the first to use the washer & dryer. We walked around town yesterday, stopped in a pub for late lunch (early supper) and Papa watched a bit of a World Series game. There’s not much for groceries, so we only picked up a few little things.
Today, we’ll take in a few more sights and, because it’s giving wind on the nose again today, we’ll probably stay another night on the mooring. We’re close to shore there, so can get back and forth to town easily. Tomorrow night, we’ll most likely move to the head of the harbour where there’s a little cove where we can anchor so we can make an early start on Saturday. Not sure where we’ll be going, depends on the weather. We’re trying to get to Port Washington which will be the starting off point to go through Hell’s Gate & the Narrows in New York City. We have to time the tides right for that passage which will then take us on to Sandy Hook, the start of the New Jersey coastline.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Leaving?
Last night we were welcomed back into the mooring neighbourhood in fine style by Lynn & Dan and their friend Ann. We met them on our second day here in Block Island and have continued to meet them ashore in passing from time to time. They stayed on the mooring when we all deserted them for the dock. We joined them for drinks and snacks aboard their Mainship power boat. Had a lot of laughs, and thoroughly enjoyed their company. We hope we cross paths again sometime.
It's raining right now, but I think it's going to let up and Papa is anxious to leave. Looks like Fisher Island is the next stop. We'll call Pete & Heather and see what their plans are. If they decide to stay, we'll just do a short hop tomorrow and meet up there. They don't seem to mind doing the long days like I do.
Hope everyone's fine back home. Read that "Kyle" came ashore near Yarmouth, but Shelburne got the worst of it. It's not often a hurricane hits us in Southwest Nova Scotia. Kind of ironic...everyone was worried about us encountering hurricanes and they get hit instead.
It's raining right now, but I think it's going to let up and Papa is anxious to leave. Looks like Fisher Island is the next stop. We'll call Pete & Heather and see what their plans are. If they decide to stay, we'll just do a short hop tomorrow and meet up there. They don't seem to mind doing the long days like I do.
Hope everyone's fine back home. Read that "Kyle" came ashore near Yarmouth, but Shelburne got the worst of it. It's not often a hurricane hits us in Southwest Nova Scotia. Kind of ironic...everyone was worried about us encountering hurricanes and they get hit instead.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Still in Block Island
It's Sunday and we didn't get any of the wind predicted, so today we'll move back to a mooring ball. The seas are still churned up outside, so we'll wait until tomorrow to move to another location in Long Island Sound.
Guess back home you're going to get Tropical Storm Kyle. Batten down the hatches! Hope you don't get hit too hard.
I think once we start moving, we'll keep going as fast as we can to get past New York. If we can get down the Jersey coast and into the Chesapeake, we'll be home free. From then on it's inland. Although we've been stuck here in Block Island, we have met some very nice people who gave us lots of advice on places to stop.
We haven't seen the sun in quite a while, but I think after this stuff goes by, it'll be smooth sailing (so to speak) hahaha. The big story on the island here was the wedding that was planned for the weekend. Because of the heavy seas, the ferry was stopped, so the guests (and caterer) couldn't get here. The bride cried for two days and the wedding was postponed until Sunday. Luckily there was a break in the weather and the ferry came on Saturday morning, the wedding was back on for Saturday afternoon and went off as planned. Yesterday afternoon and evening we could hear the music and laughter in the distance. Glad it all worked out for the new bride.
We spent yesterday afternoon watching DVD movies then were joined by Heather & Pete and Matthew & Monica for cocktails and supper. We'll see what tomorrow brings...
Guess back home you're going to get Tropical Storm Kyle. Batten down the hatches! Hope you don't get hit too hard.
I think once we start moving, we'll keep going as fast as we can to get past New York. If we can get down the Jersey coast and into the Chesapeake, we'll be home free. From then on it's inland. Although we've been stuck here in Block Island, we have met some very nice people who gave us lots of advice on places to stop.
We haven't seen the sun in quite a while, but I think after this stuff goes by, it'll be smooth sailing (so to speak) hahaha. The big story on the island here was the wedding that was planned for the weekend. Because of the heavy seas, the ferry was stopped, so the guests (and caterer) couldn't get here. The bride cried for two days and the wedding was postponed until Sunday. Luckily there was a break in the weather and the ferry came on Saturday morning, the wedding was back on for Saturday afternoon and went off as planned. Yesterday afternoon and evening we could hear the music and laughter in the distance. Glad it all worked out for the new bride.
We spent yesterday afternoon watching DVD movies then were joined by Heather & Pete and Matthew & Monica for cocktails and supper. We'll see what tomorrow brings...
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Waiting on Weather
Well, we've moved! O.K. it was only 300 metres, but at least we moved!!!!! haha. We decided that the moorings might not be heavy enough (500 lbs.) and it's giving gusts to 35 knots overnight, so we decided to move over to a marina (Payne's) and a more secure location. Don't want to be dragging at midnight...Well, apparently we're not the only ones - three others moved over here too (Pete included). Actually, Pete made the first move.
So now, we're plugged into power and the showers will be on at 4:00 p.m., so all is good! Plus because we're tied to a dock, we can get ashore! Went for a walk to the market and ate lunch there - home-made sandwiches and pizza by the slice. It's only about a 15 minute walk from here. There's also a good restaurant just up the hill.
From what we can gather from locals as well as the internet, there's no break in wind and seas until late Sunday night. So depending on how much the seas subside, maybe Monday we can leave - at the earliest. Oh well, at least we're safe! I've got tons of books to read (thanks to Michelle) and also jigsaw puzzles - oh yeah, since we're plugged in, we can watch a movie on our laptop! Hey, that sounds like fun! That's what we'll do tonight. I know what you're thinking...how boring! But it's really not. We're meeting all kinds of people in the same boat (no pun intended) as we are and everyone is still smiling. It's still an adventure.
So now, we're plugged into power and the showers will be on at 4:00 p.m., so all is good! Plus because we're tied to a dock, we can get ashore! Went for a walk to the market and ate lunch there - home-made sandwiches and pizza by the slice. It's only about a 15 minute walk from here. There's also a good restaurant just up the hill.
From what we can gather from locals as well as the internet, there's no break in wind and seas until late Sunday night. So depending on how much the seas subside, maybe Monday we can leave - at the earliest. Oh well, at least we're safe! I've got tons of books to read (thanks to Michelle) and also jigsaw puzzles - oh yeah, since we're plugged in, we can watch a movie on our laptop! Hey, that sounds like fun! That's what we'll do tonight. I know what you're thinking...how boring! But it's really not. We're meeting all kinds of people in the same boat (no pun intended) as we are and everyone is still smiling. It's still an adventure.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Naushon Is., Cuttyhunk, Block Island
Man, are there ever a lot of boats around here! On the trip to Naushon Island we saw so many bass fishing boats, it was unreal! A lot of sailboats too.
Once in the inner harbour we were met by a grand total of 27 boats in the little harbour anchorage. It was stalk calm, sunny, warm...a beautiful day. Although we are not permitted to go ashore, you could still see parts of houses peeking out through the dense tree-line shore. What a pretty place...then we turned off the engine.
What should have been silence, turned into the sound of a brook flowing into our boat...Oh, Oh! Opened the engine box - water! Oh, no...not again, I said! I opened up the cockpit locker to look at the stern tube and there it was...water flowing in quite steadily. I crawled down to it and first squeezed the shaft seal which seemed to stop the flow. Then I lifted up on it (which I should not be able to do) and the flow stopped completely. OK we're not going to sink...now what do we do? We were a bit discouraged, I must say. But after sleeping on it, the next morning I fiddled with it again and discovered that the silver doughnut thingy could move. It shouldn't! So, we pushed it back hard against the charcoal part of the shaft seal and I put two hose clamps in back of it so it couldn't move and Voila! no more leak!
Too bad we couldn't enjoy this beautiful place, but we had to keep moving and next stop was Cuttyhunk on Sunday.
Cuttyhunk is a very unique place as well. All the houses are weathered cedar shingles, and the mode of transportation is golf carts. Albert & I trekked up the hill to the look-out and took some pictures. What a view! Right now, this place is Albert's favorite. He says this is the striper capital of the world. People take their fishing seriously around here. On the way in, Tow-Boat US got three calls from disabled boats needing tows.
Monday we left in breezy conditions for Block Island. The wind was on the quarter, so the waves were behind us and it wasn't too bad for about half the way. Then the waves got bigger and the wind a little wilder. We did have un unexpected visitor along the way. A yellow-shafted flicker apparently got tired of flying, and took a much-needed break on Albert's shoulder! He stayed for about 15 minutes which allowed me to take pictures, then he was off again. What a neat experience! After a roller-coaster ride surfing down waves at over 7 knots, we finally made landfall at Block Island. Although we could anchor, I vetoed that and wanted to hang on to something solid, so we took a mooring. The harbour is rather empty because the summer season is past, but this morning the harbour master came to get his money and we paid for another day because it's still rather windy. Unfortunately, the showers on this side of the island are closed after Labour Day and we have to walk 1.5 miles to the other side to find showers. By the time we get back, we'll need showers again!!!! Might just use the solar shower. There is a restaurant just off the boat, so maybe we can have a meal ashore for a change.
From here, we'll be traveling into Long Island Sound. Don't know where we'll make landfall yet - still to be determined. But from now on (until New Jersey) we shouldn't have to do long days. YAY!
And yes, we're still having fun and not ready to turn back!!!!!!!! (But next year, I may apply for a job in the boat yard instead of the office. I'm becoming quite the engine mechanic! hahahahah)
Once in the inner harbour we were met by a grand total of 27 boats in the little harbour anchorage. It was stalk calm, sunny, warm...a beautiful day. Although we are not permitted to go ashore, you could still see parts of houses peeking out through the dense tree-line shore. What a pretty place...then we turned off the engine.
What should have been silence, turned into the sound of a brook flowing into our boat...Oh, Oh! Opened the engine box - water! Oh, no...not again, I said! I opened up the cockpit locker to look at the stern tube and there it was...water flowing in quite steadily. I crawled down to it and first squeezed the shaft seal which seemed to stop the flow. Then I lifted up on it (which I should not be able to do) and the flow stopped completely. OK we're not going to sink...now what do we do? We were a bit discouraged, I must say. But after sleeping on it, the next morning I fiddled with it again and discovered that the silver doughnut thingy could move. It shouldn't! So, we pushed it back hard against the charcoal part of the shaft seal and I put two hose clamps in back of it so it couldn't move and Voila! no more leak!
Too bad we couldn't enjoy this beautiful place, but we had to keep moving and next stop was Cuttyhunk on Sunday.
Cuttyhunk is a very unique place as well. All the houses are weathered cedar shingles, and the mode of transportation is golf carts. Albert & I trekked up the hill to the look-out and took some pictures. What a view! Right now, this place is Albert's favorite. He says this is the striper capital of the world. People take their fishing seriously around here. On the way in, Tow-Boat US got three calls from disabled boats needing tows.
Monday we left in breezy conditions for Block Island. The wind was on the quarter, so the waves were behind us and it wasn't too bad for about half the way. Then the waves got bigger and the wind a little wilder. We did have un unexpected visitor along the way. A yellow-shafted flicker apparently got tired of flying, and took a much-needed break on Albert's shoulder! He stayed for about 15 minutes which allowed me to take pictures, then he was off again. What a neat experience! After a roller-coaster ride surfing down waves at over 7 knots, we finally made landfall at Block Island. Although we could anchor, I vetoed that and wanted to hang on to something solid, so we took a mooring. The harbour is rather empty because the summer season is past, but this morning the harbour master came to get his money and we paid for another day because it's still rather windy. Unfortunately, the showers on this side of the island are closed after Labour Day and we have to walk 1.5 miles to the other side to find showers. By the time we get back, we'll need showers again!!!! Might just use the solar shower. There is a restaurant just off the boat, so maybe we can have a meal ashore for a change.
From here, we'll be traveling into Long Island Sound. Don't know where we'll make landfall yet - still to be determined. But from now on (until New Jersey) we shouldn't have to do long days. YAY!
And yes, we're still having fun and not ready to turn back!!!!!!!! (But next year, I may apply for a job in the boat yard instead of the office. I'm becoming quite the engine mechanic! hahahahah)
Friday, September 19, 2008
Fixed Again
Well, we're fixed again. Hopefully this time it will last longer! The bill wasn't TOO bad.hahah
We're going to Hadley Harbour, Naushon Island this afternoon (Saturday). It's not far away. Right now it's sunny and quite calm. Should be an easy afternoon's run...but then again, you never know. The engine trolls might start playing havoc with our Volvo again. Guess we'll have to wait and see...
We're going to Hadley Harbour, Naushon Island this afternoon (Saturday). It's not far away. Right now it's sunny and quite calm. Should be an easy afternoon's run...but then again, you never know. The engine trolls might start playing havoc with our Volvo again. Guess we'll have to wait and see...
Cape Cod Canal
We spent a day at Sandwich Marina so took advantage of their showers then went to the Supermarket to stock up on food. On the way back got a call from Howard & Priscilla who said they were in the area and they joined us for cocktails and supper. Great visit and nice to see people from home. Had a wonderful time!
Left the marina at 12:30 pm and set off to tackle The Canal. I was quite apprehensive, but it turned out well. No big barges or anything! We went with the tide and were going 7.9 knots at one time. People fishing for striped bass all along the shore. Very picturesque.
The engine is still dripping oil, so we made arrangements to go to Brewer Marine in Fiddler's Cove and here we are. What a place!!!!!!! $120 per night plus mechanic fees, etc. Guess we'll be going back to work when we get home....hahahah. Never mind! If we can fix the problem, it's worth it. They have washer & dryers, BEAUTIFUL showers (8 of them), a pool table, library, TV, barbeques...this is how the other half live!!!!!! We feel a little insignificant though...
Heather & Pete are with us here, but will leave for Hadley Harbour, Naushon Island where Heather lived as a little girl tomorrow morning. We'll either find them there if we're fixed early, or will bypass that stop and head for Cuttyhunk and try to see it on the way back.
Might post a few pictures of this place before we're off again... Later!
Left the marina at 12:30 pm and set off to tackle The Canal. I was quite apprehensive, but it turned out well. No big barges or anything! We went with the tide and were going 7.9 knots at one time. People fishing for striped bass all along the shore. Very picturesque.
The engine is still dripping oil, so we made arrangements to go to Brewer Marine in Fiddler's Cove and here we are. What a place!!!!!!! $120 per night plus mechanic fees, etc. Guess we'll be going back to work when we get home....hahahah. Never mind! If we can fix the problem, it's worth it. They have washer & dryers, BEAUTIFUL showers (8 of them), a pool table, library, TV, barbeques...this is how the other half live!!!!!! We feel a little insignificant though...
Heather & Pete are with us here, but will leave for Hadley Harbour, Naushon Island where Heather lived as a little girl tomorrow morning. We'll either find them there if we're fixed early, or will bypass that stop and head for Cuttyhunk and try to see it on the way back.
Might post a few pictures of this place before we're off again... Later!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Portsmouth, Gloucester, Cape Cod
When we got back to the boat on Monday, we had a chance to look around at our surroundings. Fort McClary State Memorial, which has a picnic area, overlooks Pepperell Cove and was directly in line with our stern so I took a picture. Very pretty. The real Fort McClary is further in and we couldn’t see it. The entrance to Portsmouth Harbour is marked by a tower which I also took a picture of.
After supper (thanks to Michelle’s leftovers), we had a cocktail with the fellow next to us who reminded us of Alvah! Another cool dude! He’ll be traveling to the Florida Keys shortly, so I’m sure we’ll meet up with him again.
After a VERY rolly night at the anchorage, Tuesday morning we left for Gloucester. Wind and seas were calm. We went up to Smith’s Cove near the inner harbour to fuel up. There really wasn’t anywhere to anchor – very crowded – so we went back to the little anchorage at the entrance behind the breakwater. Guys were fishing off the breakwater and Albert kept watching, but nobody seemed to be catching anything. He wondered if they were after stripers.
Wednesday morning (after another VERY rolly night) at 6 am it was clear, but by 6:30 it was thick smoky fog. We couldn’t even see the breakwater behind us. Pete had already taken off, but we decided to wait until it burnt off. We set out at 8:00 am bound for the Cape Cod Canal. It normally would take us about 10 hours, but we did it in 9 thanks to favorable tides. We’re just inside the start of the Canal at a little marina for the night. Busy spot! But they’ve got showers and a large supermarket just down the road. We’ll be stocking up again.
Having engine problems again! Albert thinks he shouldn’t have read Silver Donald Cameron’s book, because he had “engine trolls” screwing with his engine the whole trip. Albert thinks they jumped ship and joined ours. Hahaha. The problem is, we are now leaking oil. It could be because when they replaced the water filter, they could only put back two bolts. The spot where the third one should go had a piece missing off our engine, so there was nothing to connect it to. This morning (Thursday) Pete and Albert will have a look at it, but Albert is going to call Brewer Marine because he thinks there’s another Brewer Marine near here (the other side of the Canal). We also spoke with a neighboring boat who gave us a number for a Volvo mechanic about 10 miles from here. Between the two, hopefully we will be fixed again.
We’re not giving up yet! The adventure continues…(maybe with a new engine?)
After supper (thanks to Michelle’s leftovers), we had a cocktail with the fellow next to us who reminded us of Alvah! Another cool dude! He’ll be traveling to the Florida Keys shortly, so I’m sure we’ll meet up with him again.
After a VERY rolly night at the anchorage, Tuesday morning we left for Gloucester. Wind and seas were calm. We went up to Smith’s Cove near the inner harbour to fuel up. There really wasn’t anywhere to anchor – very crowded – so we went back to the little anchorage at the entrance behind the breakwater. Guys were fishing off the breakwater and Albert kept watching, but nobody seemed to be catching anything. He wondered if they were after stripers.
Wednesday morning (after another VERY rolly night) at 6 am it was clear, but by 6:30 it was thick smoky fog. We couldn’t even see the breakwater behind us. Pete had already taken off, but we decided to wait until it burnt off. We set out at 8:00 am bound for the Cape Cod Canal. It normally would take us about 10 hours, but we did it in 9 thanks to favorable tides. We’re just inside the start of the Canal at a little marina for the night. Busy spot! But they’ve got showers and a large supermarket just down the road. We’ll be stocking up again.
Having engine problems again! Albert thinks he shouldn’t have read Silver Donald Cameron’s book, because he had “engine trolls” screwing with his engine the whole trip. Albert thinks they jumped ship and joined ours. Hahaha. The problem is, we are now leaking oil. It could be because when they replaced the water filter, they could only put back two bolts. The spot where the third one should go had a piece missing off our engine, so there was nothing to connect it to. This morning (Thursday) Pete and Albert will have a look at it, but Albert is going to call Brewer Marine because he thinks there’s another Brewer Marine near here (the other side of the Canal). We also spoke with a neighboring boat who gave us a number for a Volvo mechanic about 10 miles from here. Between the two, hopefully we will be fixed again.
We’re not giving up yet! The adventure continues…(maybe with a new engine?)
Monday, September 15, 2008
Pepperell MA
Spent two nights at Marc's. Again, we were treated like royalty. I don't think I've ever eaten so much. I gained back everything I had lost!!!!! But it was worth it. WOW! Everyone came over yester to watch the Patriot game - Ron, Olivia, Paul & kids, Phil & Nancy, Danielle & Kelsey, Melissa and of course Marc, Michelle, Pete & Heather and Albert & I. The Pat's won too!
Marc took us out shopping earlier in the day yesterday and Papa found what he was looking for...a 7" LCD TV to watch football on the boat. It's kinda cute! He's been coveting Pete & Heather's TV for a few days now, so he's all set! Heather bought her own laptop because Pete hogs his all the time, so now she'll learn how to communicate technologically with the folks back home.
N'oncle Ron is driving us back to the boat this morning because Marc had to go to work. Tomorrow we'll try for Cape Ann & the Annisquan River. We're supposed to be getting 3 days of good weather so we'll move as much as we can.
Later...
Marc took us out shopping earlier in the day yesterday and Papa found what he was looking for...a 7" LCD TV to watch football on the boat. It's kinda cute! He's been coveting Pete & Heather's TV for a few days now, so he's all set! Heather bought her own laptop because Pete hogs his all the time, so now she'll learn how to communicate technologically with the folks back home.
N'oncle Ron is driving us back to the boat this morning because Marc had to go to work. Tomorrow we'll try for Cape Ann & the Annisquan River. We're supposed to be getting 3 days of good weather so we'll move as much as we can.
Later...
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Wood Island and Portsmouth NH
We made it to Wood Island and anchored after motoring a long day. From our anchorage, we can see Old Orchard Beach. Thought about Peg & Brad and the road trip we took a few years ago. That was fun. Brought back memories.
Met up with Moonraker (Sara & Chris) who came aboard for cocktails along with Heather & Pete. Planned on moving the next day.
At 7:30 am we were talking with Pete on the VHF about taking off and where to go when Moonraker called us and told us about the sea conditions...wind on the nose and seas...he wasn't making much headway. Naturally, we decided to spend the day again at Wood Island!
This morning, we awoke to hazy fog and flat calm conditions. We left around 8 am and motored for 6+ hours to Portsmouth. We picked up a mooring at Pepperell Cove and Marc came to pick us up to bring us home with him for showers, laundry, etc. Just got here and Michelle has a giant meal planned. Don't know how she does it - everything's spotless! Danielle is coming over with Kelsey - can't wait to see them both. Hope Melissa drops in too.
Again, we're having a blast. But I think it will be an early night anyway...unless we get our second wind....hahahaha. Oh, by the way, we stopped off at the New Hampshire State Liquor Store. We loaded up and should be good for quite a while...
Met up with Moonraker (Sara & Chris) who came aboard for cocktails along with Heather & Pete. Planned on moving the next day.
At 7:30 am we were talking with Pete on the VHF about taking off and where to go when Moonraker called us and told us about the sea conditions...wind on the nose and seas...he wasn't making much headway. Naturally, we decided to spend the day again at Wood Island!
This morning, we awoke to hazy fog and flat calm conditions. We left around 8 am and motored for 6+ hours to Portsmouth. We picked up a mooring at Pepperell Cove and Marc came to pick us up to bring us home with him for showers, laundry, etc. Just got here and Michelle has a giant meal planned. Don't know how she does it - everything's spotless! Danielle is coming over with Kelsey - can't wait to see them both. Hope Melissa drops in too.
Again, we're having a blast. But I think it will be an early night anyway...unless we get our second wind....hahahaha. Oh, by the way, we stopped off at the New Hampshire State Liquor Store. We loaded up and should be good for quite a while...
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Fixed!
We're fixed and ready to go. We're leaving for - well don't know exactly. Maybe Biddeford Pool off Wood Island, we'll see as we go along wind-wise.
Don't know where the next internet connection will be, but when we get one, I'll be writing...
Great people here at Brewer's. Very helpful even though they think we're crazy. I think they get a kick out of us. Guess we're kinda off-the-wall!
Thanks to all of the employees here. You've been very kind - but I hope we don't have to see you again mechanically hahahaha.
Don't know where the next internet connection will be, but when we get one, I'll be writing...
Great people here at Brewer's. Very helpful even though they think we're crazy. I think they get a kick out of us. Guess we're kinda off-the-wall!
Thanks to all of the employees here. You've been very kind - but I hope we don't have to see you again mechanically hahahaha.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Water Pump
Well...Heather & I went shopping while the men got booze and stayed with the boats. We just got back and Yahoo!...TipToe was at the dock being looked at. The new water pump has arrived! Oh Oh...the mechanic just broke something trying to get the old one out...I don't think that's a good sign...Papa just poured himself a drink...Hmmmmmmmmmmm
Mechanic is back with more tools - heavy duty stuff. We'll let you know how it goes later...
Mechanic is back with more tools - heavy duty stuff. We'll let you know how it goes later...
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Still in South Freeport
Well, today's Tuesday and we had the mechanic look at the engine yesterday. Bad news...we need a new water pump. Bob (the mechanic) ordered us a new one and it's coming from South Carolina and should be here in 3 days (hopefully). So we're here for a while. Oh well, it's a great place to be stuck in!.
About Tropical Storm Hannah...we had about 6 inches of rain in about 6 hours. We didn't get the wind and the anchorage here was very flat - no big wave action. We found a few more leaks, but have fixed them since then, so we should be okay for the next rain storm.
Met a couple who are also heading for the Abacos (Ed & Shirley Zellers). They gave us lots of good information for the coast and ICW. A fellow in a boat next to us (Johnathan St. Mary) came over and also gave us all kinds of info - he's been down the ICW as well. People are certainly helpful around here.
Claude called - he's in Portland but without a vehicle and so are we, so although we're only about 25 minutes apart, we can't meet up. It was still nice to hear from him. We're still trying to get our phone sorted out. We need to get on internet and set up another type of account where we can call out to Canada using 1 800 numbers. This is the first time we've been able to get online since we've been here. Their internet was down. Tomorrow we'll try to set more stuff up. We're on the boat now, so don't know how long this connection will stay.
Last night, the daughter of the person who owns the mooring we are on came by to say hello. She and her husband came aboard to see the boat and had a little yarn. Very nice people.
Today it rained, but Pete got a new battery installed because his wasn't charging properly. We just stayed on the boat and read, fixed little things, etc. Tomorrow, Heather & I will go shopping in Freeport again. Papa might try to get to Portland to Hamilton Marine to pick up an extra bilge pump (bigger) just in case we have a BIG leak! hahaha
All in all, we're doing great, learning a lot and still smiling! It's great to hear from our friends and family. We really enjoy your phone calls. Take care all - talk to you again tomorrow...
About Tropical Storm Hannah...we had about 6 inches of rain in about 6 hours. We didn't get the wind and the anchorage here was very flat - no big wave action. We found a few more leaks, but have fixed them since then, so we should be okay for the next rain storm.
Met a couple who are also heading for the Abacos (Ed & Shirley Zellers). They gave us lots of good information for the coast and ICW. A fellow in a boat next to us (Johnathan St. Mary) came over and also gave us all kinds of info - he's been down the ICW as well. People are certainly helpful around here.
Claude called - he's in Portland but without a vehicle and so are we, so although we're only about 25 minutes apart, we can't meet up. It was still nice to hear from him. We're still trying to get our phone sorted out. We need to get on internet and set up another type of account where we can call out to Canada using 1 800 numbers. This is the first time we've been able to get online since we've been here. Their internet was down. Tomorrow we'll try to set more stuff up. We're on the boat now, so don't know how long this connection will stay.
Last night, the daughter of the person who owns the mooring we are on came by to say hello. She and her husband came aboard to see the boat and had a little yarn. Very nice people.
Today it rained, but Pete got a new battery installed because his wasn't charging properly. We just stayed on the boat and read, fixed little things, etc. Tomorrow, Heather & I will go shopping in Freeport again. Papa might try to get to Portland to Hamilton Marine to pick up an extra bilge pump (bigger) just in case we have a BIG leak! hahaha
All in all, we're doing great, learning a lot and still smiling! It's great to hear from our friends and family. We really enjoy your phone calls. Take care all - talk to you again tomorrow...
Jewell Island & South Freeport
We left Pemaquid Harbour on Thursday, originally planning to go to The Basin, but realized that it was almost 10 miles inland, and if we kept going outside we would be further along so…Jewell Island would be our landfall.
Along the way, I went below to get something and lo and behold! WATER!!!!! I opened the little hatch to the bilge and it was FULL and sloshing over! OK – don’t panic (I told myself)! I tasted the water and it was salty so that left out the water tank and meant it was coming from outside – oh, oh. I put on the bilge pump and started bailing with a bowl until the bilge pump could keep up. Four bucket loads later, we were maintaining things so I could look around. Albert couldn’t see anything wrong from the stern, and there wasn’t anything wrong in the bow – that left the middle – the front of the engine. I finally found where the water was coming from – the water pump on the engine. It was spurting out. Albert came below and I took the wheel while he tried to fix it. I know that duct tape is the thing to have, but let me tell you – TIE WRAPS are the thing to have aboard. A hose going into the engine came unsoldered so Albert jury-rigged it with a couple of tie wraps and got it down to a drip every 3 seconds or so. YAY PAPA!!!! So we continued on to Jewell Island.
This island is about 7 – 10 miles from Portland. A very pretty little place that is maintained by the state to keep it clean, etc. We anchored, had supper then heard the forecast…50 knot winds from Tropical Storm Hannah on the weekend. We were planning on Portland until a very nice gentleman came by in a power boat and offered moorings in South Freeport – a super sheltered spot (near L.L. Bean). After conferring with Pete, we decided South Freeport on Friday it is!
South Freeport is BEAUTIFUL! The people are so friendly and helpful – it’s unreal! Mr. P.J. Kimball (the fellow from Jewell Island) met us at the docks of the Harraseeket Yacht Club and found us moorings, and arranged for us to see the diesel mechanic at Brewer Marine. Thanks So Much P.J.! Since we are transient guests, we can use all their facilities – showers, washer, dryer. The mechanic will look at our water pump on Monday, but apparently he is a Volvo expert, so again, we’re in luck.
In the meantime, we will enjoy the harbour, the people and hunker down for Hannah. We really should be fine here. It’s so far inland that there are no seas that can get in. We’ll be here until at least Wednesday.
Along the way, I went below to get something and lo and behold! WATER!!!!! I opened the little hatch to the bilge and it was FULL and sloshing over! OK – don’t panic (I told myself)! I tasted the water and it was salty so that left out the water tank and meant it was coming from outside – oh, oh. I put on the bilge pump and started bailing with a bowl until the bilge pump could keep up. Four bucket loads later, we were maintaining things so I could look around. Albert couldn’t see anything wrong from the stern, and there wasn’t anything wrong in the bow – that left the middle – the front of the engine. I finally found where the water was coming from – the water pump on the engine. It was spurting out. Albert came below and I took the wheel while he tried to fix it. I know that duct tape is the thing to have, but let me tell you – TIE WRAPS are the thing to have aboard. A hose going into the engine came unsoldered so Albert jury-rigged it with a couple of tie wraps and got it down to a drip every 3 seconds or so. YAY PAPA!!!! So we continued on to Jewell Island.
This island is about 7 – 10 miles from Portland. A very pretty little place that is maintained by the state to keep it clean, etc. We anchored, had supper then heard the forecast…50 knot winds from Tropical Storm Hannah on the weekend. We were planning on Portland until a very nice gentleman came by in a power boat and offered moorings in South Freeport – a super sheltered spot (near L.L. Bean). After conferring with Pete, we decided South Freeport on Friday it is!
South Freeport is BEAUTIFUL! The people are so friendly and helpful – it’s unreal! Mr. P.J. Kimball (the fellow from Jewell Island) met us at the docks of the Harraseeket Yacht Club and found us moorings, and arranged for us to see the diesel mechanic at Brewer Marine. Thanks So Much P.J.! Since we are transient guests, we can use all their facilities – showers, washer, dryer. The mechanic will look at our water pump on Monday, but apparently he is a Volvo expert, so again, we’re in luck.
In the meantime, we will enjoy the harbour, the people and hunker down for Hannah. We really should be fine here. It’s so far inland that there are no seas that can get in. We’ll be here until at least Wednesday.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
From Sunday - Wednesday, Sept. 3rd
Well...I couldn't get any internet access so I published a couple of blog details that I had written on a Word document to be posted at a later time - like today! So now for what happened at Pulpit Harbour...
We were planning on leaving for Tenant's Harbour Sunday morning, but at the entrance of the harbour we found it to be blowing WAAAAY too much and Pete decided he didn't want to bounce around anymore, so we turned back and anchored again in Cabot Cove. It was so tranquil in there, that we didn't realize how windy it actually was. So we decided to stay for another couple of days until the wind abated. Went for a walk to the store in the early afternoon, and on our return we felt that the wind had calmed down enough for us to cross to Tenant's Harbour. Well...
We left around 2:00 p.m. and we hauled out the new furling jib and in 20-25 knots of wind (with gusts to 30) we were doing 6.8 knots at times! Albert was in his glory - I was just holding on tight! hahahaha. Actually, it wasn't all that bad. Got to Tenant's Harbour around 6:00 and anchored separately for the night.
The next morning, (Monday) we set off for Pemaquid to find Jane & Hughie - old friends we met on the 1991 trip to Maine. Again, it was blowing 20-25 kts with gusts to 30. Seas were about 3 ft. - but it was sunny! Again, we traveled on only the furling jib and averaged 5.5 knots. Took a couple of waves on the cheek that splashed in the cockpit, but luckily our steering is in the front, so Albert didn't get tooooo wet. hahaha
Made it into Pemaquid Harbour and Hughie came out in a skiff to help guide us in and found us a mooring. What a pretty place! Very quaint with fantastic views! I will try to upload pictures, but I can't find where I did it the last time! Frustrating or what!!!!!
Yesterday, Hughie had some work to do, so Jane took Heather, Albert & I shopping to the outlets in Freeport (L.L. Bean, etc.) What a ball we had - the credit cards took a pounding, but hey, the buys were so good, just couldn't leave them behind!
Today, Pete & I are here at the Bristol Library using internet while Albert & Heather are gone grocery shopping with Jane. Tonight, we'll be meeting Roger & Jacqueline (Hughie's brother) for supper at Jane & Hughie's to catch up on old times.
Having a little problem with oil seeping out of underneath our engine. Jane's cousin is a good mechanic who will look at the problem later this afternoon. So whether we leave tomorrow or not is dependent upon what he finds.
If all goes well, we'll leave for a place called The Basin which is a little Hurricane Hole halfway to Portland. Then try for Portland on Friday. Supposed to get rainy weather for the weekend, so we'd like to be somewhere near a real port. If we're gonna get stuck somewhere, might as well be somewhere with a lot a stuff going on...And so, the adventure continues...
We were planning on leaving for Tenant's Harbour Sunday morning, but at the entrance of the harbour we found it to be blowing WAAAAY too much and Pete decided he didn't want to bounce around anymore, so we turned back and anchored again in Cabot Cove. It was so tranquil in there, that we didn't realize how windy it actually was. So we decided to stay for another couple of days until the wind abated. Went for a walk to the store in the early afternoon, and on our return we felt that the wind had calmed down enough for us to cross to Tenant's Harbour. Well...
We left around 2:00 p.m. and we hauled out the new furling jib and in 20-25 knots of wind (with gusts to 30) we were doing 6.8 knots at times! Albert was in his glory - I was just holding on tight! hahahaha. Actually, it wasn't all that bad. Got to Tenant's Harbour around 6:00 and anchored separately for the night.
The next morning, (Monday) we set off for Pemaquid to find Jane & Hughie - old friends we met on the 1991 trip to Maine. Again, it was blowing 20-25 kts with gusts to 30. Seas were about 3 ft. - but it was sunny! Again, we traveled on only the furling jib and averaged 5.5 knots. Took a couple of waves on the cheek that splashed in the cockpit, but luckily our steering is in the front, so Albert didn't get tooooo wet. hahaha
Made it into Pemaquid Harbour and Hughie came out in a skiff to help guide us in and found us a mooring. What a pretty place! Very quaint with fantastic views! I will try to upload pictures, but I can't find where I did it the last time! Frustrating or what!!!!!
Yesterday, Hughie had some work to do, so Jane took Heather, Albert & I shopping to the outlets in Freeport (L.L. Bean, etc.) What a ball we had - the credit cards took a pounding, but hey, the buys were so good, just couldn't leave them behind!
Today, Pete & I are here at the Bristol Library using internet while Albert & Heather are gone grocery shopping with Jane. Tonight, we'll be meeting Roger & Jacqueline (Hughie's brother) for supper at Jane & Hughie's to catch up on old times.
Having a little problem with oil seeping out of underneath our engine. Jane's cousin is a good mechanic who will look at the problem later this afternoon. So whether we leave tomorrow or not is dependent upon what he finds.
If all goes well, we'll leave for a place called The Basin which is a little Hurricane Hole halfway to Portland. Then try for Portland on Friday. Supposed to get rainy weather for the weekend, so we'd like to be somewhere near a real port. If we're gonna get stuck somewhere, might as well be somewhere with a lot a stuff going on...And so, the adventure continues...
Cabot Cove (Pulpit Harbour)
We’re now anchored with Radical Jack in Cabot’s Cove (off to the side of the entrance of Pulpit Harbour). We sailed the whole way – thank goodness we had the tide with us because at times we were only doing 2.5 knots. It was lovely and very relaxing. The lobster buoys are not as plentiful around here, so we’re not as anxious about them.
I took pictures at the entrance of Pulpit Harbour. There’s a HUGE house on the hill and then on Pulpit Rock, there is still an osprey nest that has been there for over 170 years. And there’s still an osprey using it. I hope you can see it in my picture.
It’s sunny, warm and flat calm in here. We’re anchored in about 15 ft. of water at the furthest end of the cove, so we shouldn’t be in anybody’s way. We are completely sheltered here in all winds.
It’s only 2:30 so I guess I have time for a nap before cocktail hour…hahahaha
I took pictures at the entrance of Pulpit Harbour. There’s a HUGE house on the hill and then on Pulpit Rock, there is still an osprey nest that has been there for over 170 years. And there’s still an osprey using it. I hope you can see it in my picture.
It’s sunny, warm and flat calm in here. We’re anchored in about 15 ft. of water at the furthest end of the cove, so we shouldn’t be in anybody’s way. We are completely sheltered here in all winds.
It’s only 2:30 so I guess I have time for a nap before cocktail hour…hahahaha
Lem's Cove
We tried to sail down Eggemoggin Reach, but the wind wasn’t very helpful, so we basically motor-sailed with the jib up. A beautiful, sunny, warm day – all was well until we were accosted by little flies. They were everywhere!!!!!! And they Bite!!!! We spent most of our time on the Reach swatting them – Albert with a fly swatter and me with “The Executioner” – zapping them. It was quite a game, but became very annoying.
We had a look in Bucks Harbour where there didn’t seem to be much room for anchoring, so we went to Lem’s Cove which is actually in the harbour too, but on the right of the entrance. Radical Jack & TipToe anchored separately, but joined for cocktail hour (or two).
After a very peaceful night, we went ashore to find a store and had a nice little walk. See, we’re still getting some exercise!
So, today we leave for Pulpit Harbour – looks good.
We had a look in Bucks Harbour where there didn’t seem to be much room for anchoring, so we went to Lem’s Cove which is actually in the harbour too, but on the right of the entrance. Radical Jack & TipToe anchored separately, but joined for cocktail hour (or two).
After a very peaceful night, we went ashore to find a store and had a nice little walk. See, we’re still getting some exercise!
So, today we leave for Pulpit Harbour – looks good.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Bucks Harbour Here We Come
We’re finally off to parts unknown! Today we leave Northeast Harbour and head down Eggemoggin Reach to Bucks Harbour which is located at the other end of the Reach. We’ll be sailing under the bridge which always makes me nervous, but it’s 65 ft. high, so I know we’ll be fine. (plus, we did it back in 1991 and our mast hasn’t grown an inch since then – hahaha). The last time we stayed in Benjamin River on a guest mooring of s/v Mermaid.
It should bring back fond memories of our time here with Serge & Lise when they were quite young. Looking back, I guess I was quite adventuresome in my younger days too. We came to Maine with two small kids and no buddy boat and didn’t think twice about it.
It should bring back fond memories of our time here with Serge & Lise when they were quite young. Looking back, I guess I was quite adventuresome in my younger days too. We came to Maine with two small kids and no buddy boat and didn’t think twice about it.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Raring to Go
Well, good news. I think Radical Jack is all fixed! The fellow came aboard this morning and had the gearbox out and a new one in, in no time flat! Pete still has to take her out for a spin just to confirm all is well. It's a little breezy today, so we'll probably stay here one more day then tomorrow we set off on a new adventure.
The Captains will discuss where a good place to make landfall will be (according to the winds) and then we'll set sail sometime tomorrow - probably morning. A nice little anchorage would be the order of the day - maybe in Eggomoggin Reach. We'll see...
Maybe a little visit to the Tan Turtle Tavern today for a little lunch will be in the plans. The food there is great and there's lots of it. The menu is enormous. I had a Bread Melt appetizer the other day and brought most of it back to the boat for lunch the next day. Talk about huge portions!!!!! They also have interesting "cold" drinks. I had a Chocolate Freeze. It consists of Godiva chocolate liquor, Cherry Brandy and ice cream. It came topped with whipped cream and a cherry - a spiked milkshake!!!! Yummy!
Well, it's shower time, so that's it for today. Don't know when I can pick up internet again - might be a few days. I'll be in touch when I can.
The Captains will discuss where a good place to make landfall will be (according to the winds) and then we'll set sail sometime tomorrow - probably morning. A nice little anchorage would be the order of the day - maybe in Eggomoggin Reach. We'll see...
Maybe a little visit to the Tan Turtle Tavern today for a little lunch will be in the plans. The food there is great and there's lots of it. The menu is enormous. I had a Bread Melt appetizer the other day and brought most of it back to the boat for lunch the next day. Talk about huge portions!!!!! They also have interesting "cold" drinks. I had a Chocolate Freeze. It consists of Godiva chocolate liquor, Cherry Brandy and ice cream. It came topped with whipped cream and a cherry - a spiked milkshake!!!! Yummy!
Well, it's shower time, so that's it for today. Don't know when I can pick up internet again - might be a few days. I'll be in touch when I can.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Southwest Harbour
This morning we set off to Southwest Harbour to have the injector on the engine fixed. It was seeping this black stuff so it needed to be looked at. A very nice fellow at Downeast Diesel took it all apart and repaired it quite easily. We also purchased a couple of more filters for the trip. Then we headed back to Northeast Harbour and our mooring.
Pete's having a new gearbox installed tomorrow morning, then is having the boat hauled out of the water so he can tighten his stern gland. Then we'll both be good to go on Thursday for parts as yet undetermined.
Albert is gone to find something fresh for supper which we will have with the fresh veggies we brought with us compliments of Henri & Ann. We always manage to eat well while on TipToe. But then, we always manage to eat well anywhere!!!!!!!
Pete's having a new gearbox installed tomorrow morning, then is having the boat hauled out of the water so he can tighten his stern gland. Then we'll both be good to go on Thursday for parts as yet undetermined.
Albert is gone to find something fresh for supper which we will have with the fresh veggies we brought with us compliments of Henri & Ann. We always manage to eat well while on TipToe. But then, we always manage to eat well anywhere!!!!!!!
Monday, August 25, 2008
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