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.
Monday, September 29, 2008
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.
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