Grey Skies and Good Company

 

Momentary sunlight among the storms

     There are only 3 cruisers currently here in the marina, two trawlers and another sailboat.
     This morning, I was able to do 2 loads of laundry. At $1/load and no wait for the single washer and dryer, it was a great deal.  While sitting on the porch overlooking the marina, I had the chance to meet a number of visitors from both land and sea: 
      --- The crew of the trawler is heading to Charleston to assist in the Regatta. Though they have helped for quite a few years, this year they were invited to bring their boat with them, all the way from Ontario.
      --- Bob is retired, lives across the Cut, and always has his coffee here on the deck to watch all the boats. After retiring from Corning, he served as mate on the Community College Training Ship that traveled as far north as Baltimore and as s far south as Nassau. Students get practical training on seamanship, navigation, maintenance and marine survey. The program is so good, that students who graduate from Carolina University with degrees in Marine Studies and Marine Engineering apply for the certificate obtained through the training vessel.  Students usually go on to work in the oil off shore industry making good money even with an associate’s degree.
 

Coast Guard buoy tender
Hopefully, heading up to Camp Legune

     --- The crew from the Corps of Engineers completed their day evaluating some of the bridge abutments.
      --- The friends who crew the 2nd trawler are neighbors in Hershey, PA. One is substituting for the other’s wife, who is currently recovering from some surgery. 
     Cruising always requires some adjustment and compromise.  I realize that we have it easy.  Consider leaving one's family, friends, home and jobs in Hawaii, move onto a boat that belongs to someone else, provision and accommodate toys, books, and all the stuff required for little cruisers. I was impressed and enchanted by the crew of this sailboat.  Noel is 4, loves fishing and exploring, having fun and sharing his knowledge with others.  He definitely keeps his mom and dad, Leah and James, on their toes.  To make the crew more interesting, they added Leanni, who is 7 months.  They left about the same time we started our journey. They started in Baltimore on his parents 36 Morgan, and hope to make it to the Bahamas.  I spent a good part of the afternoon with Leah, Leanni and Noel, who played with Bailey, periodically checked the fishing pole, searched for crabs in the sand, investigated a green gecko and playing at the water’s edge. Leah mentioned that they felt they were ready to sail as a family.  The reality of spending so much time in such a little space, with no breaks from kids has proved to be a little challenging.  Once they find their rhythm, I know they will create wonderful memories together.
 

Intriguing Paper Birch bark

    I was glad for the conversation and company. Pete has been working since 8 this morning and continued until 5:30 only to begin again tomorrow.
     Do to the forecast of heavy rains and thunderstorms, today was a layover for everyone.  RAGTIME, SEVILLA, PINNACLE and BRUNELLE are staying at their marina today. BRUNELLE still has issues with the engine.  Add to their woes, Martha seems to have developed Shingles on her leg. She was able to go to the pharmacy for topical medication.  We were fortunate, it showered on and off for most of the day, until about 4 PM.  That’s when the heavier stuff began to fall.
 

En Vogue: A Tiny Houseboat

        Everyone is staying put another day due to the heavy rains forecasted for tomorrow. News from our fellow travelers is that they will be on the move Wednesday to Southport Village Marina.  We tried to get reservations, but they are full.
    After dinner we were able to watch some TV, which is a novelty.

ICW Mile Marker    296 (Layover)

0.0 Hours       (Total 75.0 Hours)
0.0 Miles       (Total 467.6 Miles)