Wow! so much has happened I don't know where to begin. We were at this place, my people called it The Swamp. There were lots of boats really close together and other people were walking across ours. I wanted to jump from boat to boat but the woman wouldn't let me. I had to be satisfied with just sitting in the back place and watch. When the other people would come by they would all say, "What pretty blue eyes you have", well yeah, I'm a Siamese. Some would come and touch me and I would smell them. The ones that smelled good I would lick. Some didn't smell too good though. From my seat I could see lots of trees, in fact the whole place was trees. I wanted so bad to go out and climb them and pretend that I am the queen of the jungle. Ah, dreams are good.
We left there and went to this place where we were tied up at a park. All I could do there is dream about running in the park. I saw some of the same other people that I saw at The Swamp place. We didn't stay here very long. I heard the woman say something about getting some wine and then leaving. We did stay overnight though.
The next day we had some men people get on the boat and we weren't ever by land. They looked really official and looked all over the boat. At first it scared me but when one of the scary looking man people said, "Ah, you have a kitty on board", I knew we would be OK. We kept going and they got off, I don't know where they went or how but they got off.
We stopped for awhile at some dock and it rained and got really cold. I'm glad we were at the dock so we could have heat. I don't have that nasty long fur like my sister to help keep me warm. It is like icky, she licks it and then barfs. I just laugh.
After a few more of the regular days with that loud thingy they call a motor running we had a really long period of moving. I thought it would never end and my people were mostly up above. Every time they would come down below I would scream really loud, to be heard over the motor thingy, and then rub all up against them to get attention. We finally stopped and now it seems to be a lot warmer. Hmmm, wonder why that is!
Bye Bye for now.
Clewie
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Dismal Swamp and South
After leaving the York River Yacht Haven we went south in the Chesapeake and into the Elizabeth River where we anchored at Hospital Point. The winds were high and the seas choppy enroute. We passed the entrance to Saltponds Marina where we spent three months in the summer. Everyone complained about the entry channel being too shallow. There was a sailboat aground in the channel and other boats could not get in or out. We heard they are going to dredge it this winter. Let's hope.
When we arrived at Hospital Point there were already about 20 boats anchored there. The bottom is not real good for holding your anchor and it took us a couple of tries to get ours to set good. It was windy but a pleasant night. Both shores, Norfolk and Portsmouth were all lit up. It was like being anchored in the center of a city, which it was. When we woke up in the morning there was a huge Carnival Cruise Ship moored along the Norfolk side pier about 200 yards from us. We didn't even hear it arrive. There was two police boats patrolling along side it to keep other boats away.
We left Hospital Point around 8 AM and headed down the Elizabeth River and into the canal that leads to the Deep Creek lock at the north end of the Dismal Swamp Canal route. We had to wait about 30 minutes before the lock opened. There were 15 boats total going into the lock. It took longer than normal to get through the lock because the operator wanted to let the water in slowly as to not knock boats around. Here is a short video clip of the locking. It would have been longer but I ran out of space on my card. To see the videos on full screen click on the button on the lower right of the video after you start it.
Once in the Dismal Swamp it was single file up to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center which was a distance of 18 miles. The visitors center also serves as a rest stop for North Carolina route 17 traffic. I think drivers are amazed when they stop and see these boats there. We seem to be an attraction for them. Many come down and take photos and talk to us.
There is only enough room on the wall at the visitors center for 3 or 4 boats so rafting is expected. In the picture we are the boat on the inside front. This was taken after 5 boats had already left. There had been three rafted together in front of us.
There is a small bridge that swings open and closed to allow people to cross the canal to visit a small museum about the swamp and also hike on the miles of trails. The Dismal Swamp State Park is North Carolina's 2nd largest state park. We saw deer very near the visitor center.
We ended up staying at the visitors center 4 nights. The weather had turned bad with high winds from the south, rain and thunderstorms. We could have moved on down the canal to Elizabeth City but they were packed with boats on every bulk head, in every slip and filling the anchorage. They were not moving because of the weather so we couldn't move. On Friday we finally headed out for Elizabeth City. It was only a 23 mile run so it didn't take very long. We were able to find a spot on the bulkhead by the city park to tie up to. Here is a video clip of the upper Pasquotank River which is the river we enter after leaving the Dismal Swamp. It goes into Elizabeth CIty and then south to Albermarle Sound.
Video clip of the upper Pasquotank River just past the Dismal Swamp Canal.
We only stayed one night at Elizabeth City. Enough time for Sandy to resupply the wine and licorice stash. I hit the ice cream store, deli and chips stores.
We continued down the Pasquotank River and at the mouth where it meets Albermarle Sound we were boarded by the U.S. Coast Guard. They come up from behind you in a fast rigid inflatable boat. They have you maintain your course and speed while two officers cross over to our boat. They did there normal safety inspection, checking our documents and holding tank settings. It took them about 15 minutes to complete everything and then they leave. The two officers were very polite and treated us with respect. After crossing Albermarle Sound we entered the Alligator River. The entrance is a bit tricky. Shoaling continues to change the route. You cannot go by your charts at all. You strictly follow the buoys. This is where we ran aground in May on our way north. While going through there was a 50+ foot power yacht stuck. A Towboat US boat was trying to pull it off the shoal. We went through without seeing anything less than 10 feet. While continuing on we heard several more boats call Towboat US to get pulled off. I hope they were members with unlimited towing because one tow can cost you up to $800.
We stopped for the night anchored in the Alligator River just before preceding into the Alligator River - Pungo River Canal. We then left at dawn and just went 30 miles to the Dowry Creek Marina where we had to refuel and pump out the holding tank. We will stay here the night and continue to Oriental in the morning.
While at the visitor center we made friends with other boaters and have been going along at the same pace. We all met at Elizabeth City, some were anchored in the Alligator River by us and a few are here at the Dowry Creek Marina for the night.
When we arrived at Hospital Point there were already about 20 boats anchored there. The bottom is not real good for holding your anchor and it took us a couple of tries to get ours to set good. It was windy but a pleasant night. Both shores, Norfolk and Portsmouth were all lit up. It was like being anchored in the center of a city, which it was. When we woke up in the morning there was a huge Carnival Cruise Ship moored along the Norfolk side pier about 200 yards from us. We didn't even hear it arrive. There was two police boats patrolling along side it to keep other boats away.
We left Hospital Point around 8 AM and headed down the Elizabeth River and into the canal that leads to the Deep Creek lock at the north end of the Dismal Swamp Canal route. We had to wait about 30 minutes before the lock opened. There were 15 boats total going into the lock. It took longer than normal to get through the lock because the operator wanted to let the water in slowly as to not knock boats around. Here is a short video clip of the locking. It would have been longer but I ran out of space on my card. To see the videos on full screen click on the button on the lower right of the video after you start it.
Once in the Dismal Swamp it was single file up to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center which was a distance of 18 miles. The visitors center also serves as a rest stop for North Carolina route 17 traffic. I think drivers are amazed when they stop and see these boats there. We seem to be an attraction for them. Many come down and take photos and talk to us.
There is only enough room on the wall at the visitors center for 3 or 4 boats so rafting is expected. In the picture we are the boat on the inside front. This was taken after 5 boats had already left. There had been three rafted together in front of us.
There is a small bridge that swings open and closed to allow people to cross the canal to visit a small museum about the swamp and also hike on the miles of trails. The Dismal Swamp State Park is North Carolina's 2nd largest state park. We saw deer very near the visitor center.
We ended up staying at the visitors center 4 nights. The weather had turned bad with high winds from the south, rain and thunderstorms. We could have moved on down the canal to Elizabeth City but they were packed with boats on every bulk head, in every slip and filling the anchorage. They were not moving because of the weather so we couldn't move. On Friday we finally headed out for Elizabeth City. It was only a 23 mile run so it didn't take very long. We were able to find a spot on the bulkhead by the city park to tie up to. Here is a video clip of the upper Pasquotank River which is the river we enter after leaving the Dismal Swamp. It goes into Elizabeth CIty and then south to Albermarle Sound.
Video clip of the upper Pasquotank River just past the Dismal Swamp Canal.
We only stayed one night at Elizabeth City. Enough time for Sandy to resupply the wine and licorice stash. I hit the ice cream store, deli and chips stores.
We continued down the Pasquotank River and at the mouth where it meets Albermarle Sound we were boarded by the U.S. Coast Guard. They come up from behind you in a fast rigid inflatable boat. They have you maintain your course and speed while two officers cross over to our boat. They did there normal safety inspection, checking our documents and holding tank settings. It took them about 15 minutes to complete everything and then they leave. The two officers were very polite and treated us with respect. After crossing Albermarle Sound we entered the Alligator River. The entrance is a bit tricky. Shoaling continues to change the route. You cannot go by your charts at all. You strictly follow the buoys. This is where we ran aground in May on our way north. While going through there was a 50+ foot power yacht stuck. A Towboat US boat was trying to pull it off the shoal. We went through without seeing anything less than 10 feet. While continuing on we heard several more boats call Towboat US to get pulled off. I hope they were members with unlimited towing because one tow can cost you up to $800.
We stopped for the night anchored in the Alligator River just before preceding into the Alligator River - Pungo River Canal. We then left at dawn and just went 30 miles to the Dowry Creek Marina where we had to refuel and pump out the holding tank. We will stay here the night and continue to Oriental in the morning.
While at the visitor center we made friends with other boaters and have been going along at the same pace. We all met at Elizabeth City, some were anchored in the Alligator River by us and a few are here at the Dowry Creek Marina for the night.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
We're Moving! We're Moving!
All of our engine maintenance items are completed. Chad at Zimmerman Marine did a great job. We had the fuel injectors pulled and cleaned, valves adjusted, belt inspected and tightened, coolant drained, flushed and replaced and we had a small oil leaked fixed. I highly recommend the good folks at Zimmerman.
We left the dock this morning early and went south. The winds were forecast to be southwest around 5. They were southwest but up close to 20. The Chesapeake was really choppy. We were able to sail part of the way and had to motor sail the rest. We stopped in Sarah Creek which is up the York River. We will stay here one night and then complete the Chesapeake transit tomorrow. We will go into the Elizabeth River and stop at Hospital Point. That is in Norfolk right next to the Naval hospital. From there we will go back thru the Dismal Swamp Canal and down to Elizabeth City, North Carolina. That much should take us 5 to 7 days depending on weather. We may sit tight for a day or two. This coming week there are thunderstorms and rain in the forecast.
We left the dock this morning early and went south. The winds were forecast to be southwest around 5. They were southwest but up close to 20. The Chesapeake was really choppy. We were able to sail part of the way and had to motor sail the rest. We stopped in Sarah Creek which is up the York River. We will stay here one night and then complete the Chesapeake transit tomorrow. We will go into the Elizabeth River and stop at Hospital Point. That is in Norfolk right next to the Naval hospital. From there we will go back thru the Dismal Swamp Canal and down to Elizabeth City, North Carolina. That much should take us 5 to 7 days depending on weather. We may sit tight for a day or two. This coming week there are thunderstorms and rain in the forecast.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
After Cambridge
We left Cambridge, Md on Friday October 8th and headed for St. Michaels which is further north. We came out the Choptank river and went north and entered Eastern Bay and then the Miles river. It was about a 42 mile run. I had been to St. Michaels by boat about 15 years ago. Wow, what a change. It has really built up. Most of the places to anchor were either taken over by marinas or had a bunch of other boats in them. We ended up taking a slip at a marina. I think the slips were made out of gold. At least you would think so by the cost. We only stayed one night and really didn't go see anything.
We had planned on St. Michaels being our most northerly port before heading back south. We left Saturday morning and went 48 miles all the way back to Solomon's, Md. We anchored up in St. John's creek for the night. We got up early and went to refuel at Spring Cove marina before heading south to Mill Creek. The cruising guide lists eight Mill Creek's. It seems that you can't throw a stick without hitting either a Mill Creek, Broad Creek or Back Creek. Anyhoo, we were in the Mill Creek that is off Ingram Bay at the mouth of the Great Wicomico river. It is about 5-6 miles south of Reedville, Va. And, no, there was no smell from the fish processing plant.
We stayed two nights in Mill Creek. It was absolutely beautiful and peaceful. The first night there were about eight other boats anchored around us. The second night there was only one other boat and it was around the corner from us.
We wanted to stay another night but some bad weather and high winds were approaching. We pulled up the anchor on Wednesday about 11 AM and headed for Broad Creek off the Rapahannock river and Deltaville, Va. On the way north we came into Deltaville but came in on the south side into Jackson Creek. We are at the Deltaville location of Zimmerman Marine. We need to get some engine maintenance items done since we are coming up on 600 hours. We liked the work that Chad does and figured this would be a good time to stop before heading way south. We will be here about a week.
We had planned on St. Michaels being our most northerly port before heading back south. We left Saturday morning and went 48 miles all the way back to Solomon's, Md. We anchored up in St. John's creek for the night. We got up early and went to refuel at Spring Cove marina before heading south to Mill Creek. The cruising guide lists eight Mill Creek's. It seems that you can't throw a stick without hitting either a Mill Creek, Broad Creek or Back Creek. Anyhoo, we were in the Mill Creek that is off Ingram Bay at the mouth of the Great Wicomico river. It is about 5-6 miles south of Reedville, Va. And, no, there was no smell from the fish processing plant.
We stayed two nights in Mill Creek. It was absolutely beautiful and peaceful. The first night there were about eight other boats anchored around us. The second night there was only one other boat and it was around the corner from us.
We wanted to stay another night but some bad weather and high winds were approaching. We pulled up the anchor on Wednesday about 11 AM and headed for Broad Creek off the Rapahannock river and Deltaville, Va. On the way north we came into Deltaville but came in on the south side into Jackson Creek. We are at the Deltaville location of Zimmerman Marine. We need to get some engine maintenance items done since we are coming up on 600 hours. We liked the work that Chad does and figured this would be a good time to stop before heading way south. We will be here about a week.
Clewie Clip!
Hi everyone, it has been a really long time since I have been able to post. My people keep shoving me away from the computer. It seems that my paws hit the wrong keys and it really messes up the display. I think when I do it the screen is called "Oh Crap" or something like that.
Well, it was a really hot summer. I stayed down in the boat where it was nice and cool. I was getting kind of bored though so it is nice to be back out on the water. Although there were some rough days and I still don't like when that loud motory thing is running. When that happens I just hide under the covers as far away as I can get from it. I don't know how my sister stands it. She just lies in the aft cabin where it is the noisiest. She must be deaf or something. I guess that explains why I can sneak up and pounce on her without her knowing.
It is really neat to be traveling. The inside stays the same but the outside has changed everytime we stop. I'm not allowed outside when we are moving though. When we are stopped I get to run around in the cockpit. When I get close to the edge I keep hearing a loud sound from the people. It sounds like "NO". Not sure what that means. The other day the lady people took me out on the deck. I even got my picture taken.
Now I know how to get out there and run out without the people as soon as they are not looking. You should hear the "NOs" then. I think the people think that I am crazy because now they put a straight jacket on me and I can hardly move. When I first had it on I flopped on my side and laid there like a slug. They would stand me up but I would just fall over. I'm not liking this thing at all. Eventually I was able to get up and stand. It took a long time for me to finally get my legs to move. Now I can walk a little bit with it on. For some reason it just takes the fun out of running out onto the deck.
I had to go to the doctor and get shots. The people stuck me in this little cage and my sister in another one. We rode in this big red truck that was really noisy. The doctor was nice but I must have not been good because I didn't get a tasty treat. After the shots I probably would have barfed it up anyway.
Today it is really windy and noisy outside so I think I will just stay inside and sleep.
Well, it was a really hot summer. I stayed down in the boat where it was nice and cool. I was getting kind of bored though so it is nice to be back out on the water. Although there were some rough days and I still don't like when that loud motory thing is running. When that happens I just hide under the covers as far away as I can get from it. I don't know how my sister stands it. She just lies in the aft cabin where it is the noisiest. She must be deaf or something. I guess that explains why I can sneak up and pounce on her without her knowing.
It is really neat to be traveling. The inside stays the same but the outside has changed everytime we stop. I'm not allowed outside when we are moving though. When we are stopped I get to run around in the cockpit. When I get close to the edge I keep hearing a loud sound from the people. It sounds like "NO". Not sure what that means. The other day the lady people took me out on the deck. I even got my picture taken.
Now I know how to get out there and run out without the people as soon as they are not looking. You should hear the "NOs" then. I think the people think that I am crazy because now they put a straight jacket on me and I can hardly move. When I first had it on I flopped on my side and laid there like a slug. They would stand me up but I would just fall over. I'm not liking this thing at all. Eventually I was able to get up and stand. It took a long time for me to finally get my legs to move. Now I can walk a little bit with it on. For some reason it just takes the fun out of running out onto the deck.
I had to go to the doctor and get shots. The people stuck me in this little cage and my sister in another one. We rode in this big red truck that was really noisy. The doctor was nice but I must have not been good because I didn't get a tasty treat. After the shots I probably would have barfed it up anyway.
Today it is really windy and noisy outside so I think I will just stay inside and sleep.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Solomons to Cambridge
We departed Solomons early Wednesday for the 43 nautical mile trip north to Cambridge, Md. The winds were light from the Northwest so we couldn't sail until we got up to the Choptank River and turned Northeast. The Chesapeake waters were somewhat choppy. The wind the previous few days was blowing pretty hard and it was still churned up.
We passed a natural gas storage site along the west coast of the Chesapeake. It is huge with a natural gas platform and huge storage tanks.
We had to go about 16 miles up the Choptank River to get to Cambridge. They have a cement wall next to the county building that we could tie up to for 48 hours. It is right downtown so getting around was easy. The downtown area was kind of depressed. The guide indicated that there was a lot of shops. It was mostly empty buildings. We spoke to one shop owner who told us that most of the buildings were owned but the bad economy was keeping people from opening there business.
Xperience on the wall at Cambridge, Md.
Looking at some Condos on the north side of Cambridge Creek.
Looking west up Cambridge Creek thru the bascule bridge.
We walked around the historic area and saw many older large homes and ornate churches.
We passed a natural gas storage site along the west coast of the Chesapeake. It is huge with a natural gas platform and huge storage tanks.
We had to go about 16 miles up the Choptank River to get to Cambridge. They have a cement wall next to the county building that we could tie up to for 48 hours. It is right downtown so getting around was easy. The downtown area was kind of depressed. The guide indicated that there was a lot of shops. It was mostly empty buildings. We spoke to one shop owner who told us that most of the buildings were owned but the bad economy was keeping people from opening there business.
Xperience on the wall at Cambridge, Md.
Looking at some Condos on the north side of Cambridge Creek.
Looking west up Cambridge Creek thru the bascule bridge.We walked around the historic area and saw many older large homes and ornate churches.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Solomons Island, Maryland
After leaving Reedville we headed north 42 miles to Solomons Island, Maryland. The route was easy and we were able to sail part of the way. We passed two lighthouses enroute. The Smith Point Light and the Point No Point Light (catchy name).
It took us about 7 hours for the trip and had the anchor down in St John's creek next to some nice looking homes. We went up the creek further than most boats do so we would have a quiet anchorage. The weather has been nice, temperature in the 70's and sunshine.
Every evening right before dark hundreds of geese would fly over heading from west to east. I am assuming they went ashore to feed and then were heading back out to the bay for the night. We could hear them coming from about 1/2 mile away. Just honking like mad. I wonder what they are saying. Probably giving the leader of the V directions. The leader is probably a male and we know he won't ask directions.
We stayed in the anchorage for six nights. Occasionally taking our dinghy and going around to Back Creek where the marinas are. We would land at Zahniser's marina and walk to the grocery store.
Our fine weather was about to come to an end with the arrival of tropical storm Nicole which was coming straight up the east coast from Florida. We decided to move over to a mooring ball at Zahniser's so we would be closer to going ashore and maybe a little piece of mind being on a secure mooring. However, we have never dragged anchor, yet! I really trust our big Super Max anchor.
Tropical storm Nicole hit on Thursday and the wind and rain lasted for about 40 hours. We had wind gusts to 50 mph with sustained wind around 30. The rain just kept coming down in buckets. We heard reports that some areas nearby had up to 20 inches of rain. Since Nicole has passed we really have only had one nice day or weather.
We took advantage of the nice weather day and borrowed the bikes from the marina and rode to a CVS pharmacy about a mile and 1/2 away. We also stopped at the grocery store and picked up some fresh meat. The Woodburn's grocery is pretty close, you can walk to it or dinghy to the Holiday Inn marina which is right next to it, and they have great produce and meats. We stocked up on some extra and put it in the freezer.
Here in Back Creek there is a lot of boating things going on. There are about five large marinas so it has been a parade of boats coming and going. The mooring is right by the Calvert Marine Museum and they have a tour boat that leaves early and comes back in the afternoon. The people have to sit outside and most were pretty well bundled up. There was a replica Viking boat that came out from the museum. It was small and had eight oars and a single sail. No one was calling the rowing count and it looked like a bunch of drunks trying to row together.
I never did see them put the sail up.
There is a boat race on the Patuxent river just outside the creeks where we are this weekend. The noise from the boats is unbelievable. There are even some jet boats here. They are using the marina right across from us and do the engine revving thing to get warmed up before going out.
Just sitting around watching the boat traffic has been nice and relaxing though. Also there is a clock somewhere that chimes the Winchester chime that we can hear. It reminds me of our den at home. Or at least the home we used to have.
The other night we met a couple, Dave and Peggy, that are living on there Venizia 42 Catamaran sailboat. They invited us over for drinks after dinner. Dave is a retired Coast Guard captain and spent a lot of time on the water. He says it has all been larger ships though and has a lot to learn about his Cat and doing the ICW. They are heading to the Bahama's this winter too so we may run into them down there.
We are planning to leave here soon and head further north to Oxford and Cambridge Maryland. The winds have been strong and out of the north with waves running 2-5 feet in the Chesapeake. We don't really want to head right into that. We have met some people that are already heading south for the winter. We will stick around the Chesapeake for a few more weeks before heading south.
It took us about 7 hours for the trip and had the anchor down in St John's creek next to some nice looking homes. We went up the creek further than most boats do so we would have a quiet anchorage. The weather has been nice, temperature in the 70's and sunshine.
Every evening right before dark hundreds of geese would fly over heading from west to east. I am assuming they went ashore to feed and then were heading back out to the bay for the night. We could hear them coming from about 1/2 mile away. Just honking like mad. I wonder what they are saying. Probably giving the leader of the V directions. The leader is probably a male and we know he won't ask directions.
We stayed in the anchorage for six nights. Occasionally taking our dinghy and going around to Back Creek where the marinas are. We would land at Zahniser's marina and walk to the grocery store.
Our fine weather was about to come to an end with the arrival of tropical storm Nicole which was coming straight up the east coast from Florida. We decided to move over to a mooring ball at Zahniser's so we would be closer to going ashore and maybe a little piece of mind being on a secure mooring. However, we have never dragged anchor, yet! I really trust our big Super Max anchor.
Tropical storm Nicole hit on Thursday and the wind and rain lasted for about 40 hours. We had wind gusts to 50 mph with sustained wind around 30. The rain just kept coming down in buckets. We heard reports that some areas nearby had up to 20 inches of rain. Since Nicole has passed we really have only had one nice day or weather.
We took advantage of the nice weather day and borrowed the bikes from the marina and rode to a CVS pharmacy about a mile and 1/2 away. We also stopped at the grocery store and picked up some fresh meat. The Woodburn's grocery is pretty close, you can walk to it or dinghy to the Holiday Inn marina which is right next to it, and they have great produce and meats. We stocked up on some extra and put it in the freezer.
Here in Back Creek there is a lot of boating things going on. There are about five large marinas so it has been a parade of boats coming and going. The mooring is right by the Calvert Marine Museum and they have a tour boat that leaves early and comes back in the afternoon. The people have to sit outside and most were pretty well bundled up. There was a replica Viking boat that came out from the museum. It was small and had eight oars and a single sail. No one was calling the rowing count and it looked like a bunch of drunks trying to row together.
I never did see them put the sail up.
There is a boat race on the Patuxent river just outside the creeks where we are this weekend. The noise from the boats is unbelievable. There are even some jet boats here. They are using the marina right across from us and do the engine revving thing to get warmed up before going out.
Just sitting around watching the boat traffic has been nice and relaxing though. Also there is a clock somewhere that chimes the Winchester chime that we can hear. It reminds me of our den at home. Or at least the home we used to have.
The other night we met a couple, Dave and Peggy, that are living on there Venizia 42 Catamaran sailboat. They invited us over for drinks after dinner. Dave is a retired Coast Guard captain and spent a lot of time on the water. He says it has all been larger ships though and has a lot to learn about his Cat and doing the ICW. They are heading to the Bahama's this winter too so we may run into them down there.
We are planning to leave here soon and head further north to Oxford and Cambridge Maryland. The winds have been strong and out of the north with waves running 2-5 feet in the Chesapeake. We don't really want to head right into that. We have met some people that are already heading south for the winter. We will stick around the Chesapeake for a few more weeks before heading south.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Reedville Virginia
We had a pleasant sail to Reedville Virginia. We entered the Great Wicomico River at Ingram Bay which is just off the West side of the Chesapeake and headed up Cockrell Creek. We went past the Reedville town point about 1/2 mile up the creek to a quiet anchorage by some lovely homes.
Reedville is very historic and well known for the menhaden fishing industry started by Elijah Reed in the late 1800's. There are many beautiful stately turn of the century homes on Millionaire's Row. Many are now B&B's.
The menhaden fish is an oily fish and is processed for the oil and by products. There is a fish processing plant just south of the town and the smell from it is overwhelming to say the least. We were to the north and of course had a south wind blowing it right across us. I am still trying to decide which aroma is more pleasant, the fish processing plant or sticking my head in the litter box after a fresh BM and no burial. We were going to go out to dinner at the Crazy Crab restaurant but I was afraid I would barf in my clam chowder. Not that barfing would be embarrassing, it probably happens all the time there, but I would not want to deface a good clam chowder.
Needless to say we highsailed it out of there at first light. We had planned to stay over the weekend, but no way. We were planning to go up the Potomac River a ways but there is bad weather moving into the area and will last about a week so we are going to Solomons Island, Maryland. It is rumored that the air is very fresh smelling there.
By the way, the autopilot hydraulics seem to be working fine. We do have another problem where the pilot will do a Crazy Ivan every now and then, which isn't good. I am tracking that problem down now. If you don't know what a Crazy Ivan is go watch the movie "Hunt for Red October".
Reedville is very historic and well known for the menhaden fishing industry started by Elijah Reed in the late 1800's. There are many beautiful stately turn of the century homes on Millionaire's Row. Many are now B&B's.
The menhaden fish is an oily fish and is processed for the oil and by products. There is a fish processing plant just south of the town and the smell from it is overwhelming to say the least. We were to the north and of course had a south wind blowing it right across us. I am still trying to decide which aroma is more pleasant, the fish processing plant or sticking my head in the litter box after a fresh BM and no burial. We were going to go out to dinner at the Crazy Crab restaurant but I was afraid I would barf in my clam chowder. Not that barfing would be embarrassing, it probably happens all the time there, but I would not want to deface a good clam chowder.
Needless to say we highsailed it out of there at first light. We had planned to stay over the weekend, but no way. We were planning to go up the Potomac River a ways but there is bad weather moving into the area and will last about a week so we are going to Solomons Island, Maryland. It is rumored that the air is very fresh smelling there.
By the way, the autopilot hydraulics seem to be working fine. We do have another problem where the pilot will do a Crazy Ivan every now and then, which isn't good. I am tracking that problem down now. If you don't know what a Crazy Ivan is go watch the movie "Hunt for Red October".
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Mathews to Deltaville
We finally have all of the maintenance items completed. The list seemed to get longer as the days went on. Our original purpose for going to Zimmerman Marine in Mathews Va. was to get the hydraulic leak fixed on our autopilot. Before we left Hampton I had a diver clean the bottom since we had been sitting for several months. He mentioned that the bottom paint was rubbed off of the bottom of the keel. So I decided to have the boat pulled and touch up the paint also. In the past when I had done this the boat was hauled, bottom paint touched up and relaunched all in about 5 hours. The boat stayed in the travel lift the entire time. At Zimmerman Marine in Mathews they don't have a travel lift. They use a huge trailer with hydraulic arms that are raised after the boat is over them. Then they pull the trailer and boat out of the water. The bottom needed more attention then thought so the boat was blocked on the hard. The work should only take a day and we should be back in the water the next day. Yeah, right! Eight days later we are finally back in the water. The hydraulics on the tractor that pulls the trailer out of the water broke down while they were pulling another boat out. It took a week for that to get fixed. It seems hydraulics and I don't get along. We stayed on the boat on the hard and it was like living in a tree house.
While the boat was out of the water we noticed that the cutlass bearing needed replacement. This is the area where the propeller shaft goes thru the hull. It is a rubber bushing that will wear out with use. This is the first time we have had to replace it in 9 years. Since we are using the boat more now it will most likely last two or three years. I also replaced the stuffing in the stuffing box. That is the part where the shaft log, tube the propeller shaft goes thru, ends inside and keeps the water out. I also replaced all the zincs on the shaft, propeller and week shoe. The zincs keep the other metals from being eaten by electrolysis. I also changed the impellers on the main engine and generator.
We moved from the dock to the Zimmerman mooring buoy out on the East River on Friday the 17th. We had to move at high tide in order to get across the bar that is only 4 feet at low tide. I kept have the song "The tide is high and were moving on" going thru my head. We stayed on the buoy until Sunday morning. At that time we took off and headed for Deltaville Va. about 30 miles north.
East River looking south.
East River looking north.
The trip north to Deltaville was uneventful. We motor sailed since the wind was mostly on the bow with some points moving to starboard and allowing us to sail close hauled. The trip took us 4 and a half hours.
This is the Wolf Trap light house which we used as one of our navigation markers. It is about three miles from the western shore but marks an area of shoaling.
We entered Jackson Creek on the south side of Deltaville. That name has a nice ring to it. The entrance looks wide open coming into the area. However, the opening is very shallow, two feet in some places, and you have to remain in a tight channel coming in. We did see one boat turn too early and run aground. They were able to back off and recognized their mistake. We first stopped at the Deltaville Marina where we were able to pump out our holding tank for free. We then went around to the southern arm of Jackson Creek and anchored in 9 feet of water. This is a very nice creek with lots of protection from all but east winds. There are some very pretty homes along the creek.
Looking west in Jackson Creek.
Home just to the north of where we are anchored.
Looking east out into the Chesapeake Bay.
On Monday we launched the dinghy so we could go into town. We landed at the public pier which is only about 100 yards from where we are anchored. The main road is about 1/2 mile from the public pier. All of the stores are spread across about two miles along the main road coming into the marina area. We wanted to go to the grocery store which is about another mile away. Right when we got to the main road a guy in a pickup truck asked if we were off of a boat. We talked to him and he offered to give us a ride to the grocery. He also told us about the area and what restaurants to go to that are good. We spent about 30 minutes in the grocery and started walking the mile and a half back to the pier. We walked about a eighth of a mile when a lady stopped and asked if we were off a boat. She gave us a ride all the way back to the public pier. These two individuals were absolutely wonderful to give us the assistance they did. Everyone we have met on this entire trip so far have been wonderful.
We plan to leave tomorrow, Wednesday, and head for Reedville Va. about another 30 miles north.
While the boat was out of the water we noticed that the cutlass bearing needed replacement. This is the area where the propeller shaft goes thru the hull. It is a rubber bushing that will wear out with use. This is the first time we have had to replace it in 9 years. Since we are using the boat more now it will most likely last two or three years. I also replaced the stuffing in the stuffing box. That is the part where the shaft log, tube the propeller shaft goes thru, ends inside and keeps the water out. I also replaced all the zincs on the shaft, propeller and week shoe. The zincs keep the other metals from being eaten by electrolysis. I also changed the impellers on the main engine and generator.
We moved from the dock to the Zimmerman mooring buoy out on the East River on Friday the 17th. We had to move at high tide in order to get across the bar that is only 4 feet at low tide. I kept have the song "The tide is high and were moving on" going thru my head. We stayed on the buoy until Sunday morning. At that time we took off and headed for Deltaville Va. about 30 miles north.
East River looking south.
East River looking north.The trip north to Deltaville was uneventful. We motor sailed since the wind was mostly on the bow with some points moving to starboard and allowing us to sail close hauled. The trip took us 4 and a half hours.
This is the Wolf Trap light house which we used as one of our navigation markers. It is about three miles from the western shore but marks an area of shoaling.We entered Jackson Creek on the south side of Deltaville. That name has a nice ring to it. The entrance looks wide open coming into the area. However, the opening is very shallow, two feet in some places, and you have to remain in a tight channel coming in. We did see one boat turn too early and run aground. They were able to back off and recognized their mistake. We first stopped at the Deltaville Marina where we were able to pump out our holding tank for free. We then went around to the southern arm of Jackson Creek and anchored in 9 feet of water. This is a very nice creek with lots of protection from all but east winds. There are some very pretty homes along the creek.
Looking west in Jackson Creek.
Home just to the north of where we are anchored.
Looking east out into the Chesapeake Bay.On Monday we launched the dinghy so we could go into town. We landed at the public pier which is only about 100 yards from where we are anchored. The main road is about 1/2 mile from the public pier. All of the stores are spread across about two miles along the main road coming into the marina area. We wanted to go to the grocery store which is about another mile away. Right when we got to the main road a guy in a pickup truck asked if we were off of a boat. We talked to him and he offered to give us a ride to the grocery. He also told us about the area and what restaurants to go to that are good. We spent about 30 minutes in the grocery and started walking the mile and a half back to the pier. We walked about a eighth of a mile when a lady stopped and asked if we were off a boat. She gave us a ride all the way back to the public pier. These two individuals were absolutely wonderful to give us the assistance they did. Everyone we have met on this entire trip so far have been wonderful.
We plan to leave tomorrow, Wednesday, and head for Reedville Va. about another 30 miles north.
Monday, August 30, 2010
On the move again
We left Salt Ponds Marina in Hampton Va. today and motored up to Zimmerman Marine. It is up the East River in Mobjack Bay on the weatern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. It was about a 25 mile trip up from Hampton. It took us 3 hours and 40 minutes. We were not able to sail at all. What wind we had was very light and on the nose. We will be here for a few days having some items done on the boat. Still having auto pilot problems, now a hydraulic leak. Also need an engine maintenance item and we think we will touch up the bottom paint where, as Sandy states it, I (Jeff) ran aground and also replace our Maxprop zinc.
We stored our vehicle in Hampton at an American Classic Storage facility. I think that was the hardest part of leaving. It sure was a luxury to have the SUV to visit places and get supplies. We want to keep the Expedition because that is our link to land. It may be in storage now until next summer but it gives us something to come back for.
It looks like hurricane Earl will get pretty close to the coast and will give us some high winds this Thursday so we are not in a hurry to leave. This place is really protected being back in a nice little cove. We had to have the service manager, whom I know from Cedar Mills on Texoma, come out in a little skiff and lead us in. At one point the channel is no wider than the beam of the boat and that is where a shallow spot is. We arrived right at high tide and had about 6 inches of water under our keel. The tides here run about a foot and a half. I guess we will be leaving at high tide also. Not much choice in the matter.
We stored our vehicle in Hampton at an American Classic Storage facility. I think that was the hardest part of leaving. It sure was a luxury to have the SUV to visit places and get supplies. We want to keep the Expedition because that is our link to land. It may be in storage now until next summer but it gives us something to come back for.
It looks like hurricane Earl will get pretty close to the coast and will give us some high winds this Thursday so we are not in a hurry to leave. This place is really protected being back in a nice little cove. We had to have the service manager, whom I know from Cedar Mills on Texoma, come out in a little skiff and lead us in. At one point the channel is no wider than the beam of the boat and that is where a shallow spot is. We arrived right at high tide and had about 6 inches of water under our keel. The tides here run about a foot and a half. I guess we will be leaving at high tide also. Not much choice in the matter.
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