Solomons to Grasonville, MD ~ Our new home!

Today:          54 miles             8.9 hours          ICW St M “-”

Total:    2957.5 miles        399.9 hours

After final hugs, Betty and John helped with lines as we departed around 8:30. 

    The skies area clear, but the winds will be out of the north for most of the day. Those lovely, 18-ish mph winds slowed our progress substantially with the help of an ebb current.  We were doing 4-5.3 mph for most of the day.

     The winds died down around 2:30, but the current remained against us until be approached Poplar Island. Thankfully, we had a strong current up Prospect Bay and into the Kent Narrows. We just made the 4:30 opening of the bridge.

     We continued to our new “home” in Mears Point Marina.  Since the docks have half-finger piers, this is the first time we backed into our new slip.  Since it was Memorial Day, some of our new neighbors were around and welcomed us to the marina.  Once lines were properly secured for the season, we ate a light dinner and chilled.

     Our 2018-2019 Cruise is complete. It is good to be home!

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Deltaville, VA to Solomons, MD ~ 2 Days

Today:          66 miles             9.2 hours          ICW St M “-”

Total:    2903.5 miles        399.9 hours

Saturday, 5/25/19 ~ Winds were out of the SSW at 15-18 as we left around 6:30. The currents were still a problem, so we only averaged 6 mph for hours before it finally turned.  When we loose 1 mph an hour while doing more than 7 hours of travel, that adds another hour onto our day.

     The currents began to help during the last 2 hours.  We kept Betty and John appraised of our arrival times as we were joining SV ADIAMO at Spring Cove Marina in Solomons.

     As we were about 200 feet from the fuel dock, the engine quit.  We were able to glide, turn and dock safely with John and Betty’s help.  Pete saw that the temperature for the engine was 170 instead of 175.  When he checked, Pete found a kink in the engine fuel supply hose.  He was able to use a hose clamp to straighten the kink and the engine restarted.  There was no problem staying on the fuel dock overnight, We will move in the morning.

     We were welcomed aboard ANDIAMO.  It has been too long since we have spent time with Betty and John.  John prepared a delicious sausage and broccoli robe dish. We talked until 9ish, but the day finally caught up with us.  We said our good nights and will see them in the morning.

Sunday, 5/26/19 ~  We moved from the fuel dock to the slip directly behind ANDIAMO.  When the electrical lines were plugged in one of the 30-amp supplies didn’t work.  Once another source was found, we were set.

     Betty offered to drive me to the stores.  A quick stop at ACE Hardware and Harris Teeter, and we were set.  Now I can make a Garlic Shrimp and Veggie dish for dinner.

     One dinner was finished, we played a round of Rummy Cube and of the conversations continued. It was time to say good night as we will be leaving for the final leg of our journey home in the morning.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Hampton Roads to Deltaville, VA

Today:            64 miles             7.4 hours          ICW St M “-”

Total:      2837.5 miles        388.7 hours

     After fueling up and some water to the tanks (it remained yellowish after running through the hose for a while. We passed on filling up Bailey’s water jugs.), we squared up with the office.  We were underway by 8:45.

     The current and winds were against us for hours. 

The only freighter we saw on The Bay

     We passed the fishing fleet for Menhaden. They can only fish in Virginia waters of the Chesapeake.  Other then the fleet, we didn’t see much traffic on the Bay. However, Pete did see an eel jump about 3 feet out of the water.

Tonight's sunset from Deltaville

     We arrived in Deltaville around 3:30. We have never been here before.  It is a great little marina, though a bit exposed for winds out of the E-SE. It is cute, friendly, floating docks, screened in gathering areas, play area with large swing, community gardens, and “free stuff” to take or leave.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Coinjock to Hampton Roads, VA

Today:             41 miles            13.0 hours          ICW St M “-”

Total:       2773.5 miles          381.3 hours

Knowing it was another long day, we left at 6 am. We had a smooth ride, but lost time at a number of places.  At Great Lock Bridge, we had to wait 28 minutes for the opening.  About 10 boats gathered during the wait.  A few were rather blissful skippers, taking their time transgressing through the bridge with a very impatient bridge tender.  Then we had to wait another 15 minutes for the lock to accept north bound traffic.  One boat jumped in front of us during the wait, and due to the addition of a tug and barge, we had to wait another 35 minutes for the next opening of the lock. We essentially lost 2 hours when you include the 10-minute wait for the last bridge, Glimerton Bridge in Norfolk.

   
Very long dredging lines along the shore ~

Front end loader loaded onboard

Cleaning out the water pipes

Colored Sails Racing

   Knowing we had another 3 hours, Pete called Salt Pond Marina in Hampton Rhodes for a dock assignment due to late arrival and will square up in the morning as well as get fuel.

     We arrived at Salt Pond Marina around 7 pm.  After a fast dinner, some reading & relaxing, then early to bed.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Belhaven to Coinjock, NC

Today:          86.5 miles            13.4 hours          ICW St M “49.5”

Total:       2773.5 miles          368.3 hours

Since we knew it was going to be a long day, we were up and out at first light, 5:30 am. As we were getting to leave, I saw a moving line on the water in the dock area.  It turned out to be ducks and their ducklings.  I hope I was able to capture their early morning swim.
   

     Due to our steady, but slow speed, we were passed by everyone today.  It was probably about 15 boats, primarily motor, but a few sailboats as well.

Alligator Pongo Canal

Mother Nature reclaiming "The Beaver Pile"
(12' tall in 2010 ~~~ 2019 only about 4-5')

     The day was partially sunny, with the winds were on the nose at about 12-15 while crossing the Albemarle Sound, but it was doable. The marina staff usually waits for all the boats to be docked before heading home.

North River into the Sun

     We didn’t get into Coinjock until 7:30 and there were 2 more boats that come in after us.  Since it was late, we decided to eat at the restaurant.  This was our 3^rd time eating here and I still was disappointed with the food.  Pete’s burger was great.  I guess I will have to stick with that or the Prime Rib, which they is known for.

Sunset in Coinjock

   

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

River Dunes to Belhaven, NC ~ 2 Days

Today:    37 miles               5.8 hours          ICW St M “135.0”

Total:       2687 miles          364.9 hours

Hurricane Flood Heights

     After topping off the fuel, we headed out to Belhaven.  The winds continued to increase as the day progressed.  When we checked the forecast, we decided we will stay at Belhaven Town Dock for 2 days to wait out the front.  Winds are predicted to be 15-20 from the NNW with higher gusts on Albemarle Sound tomorrow.

View down Town Dock from PEKABU

    We were sitting above enjoying the view, when two boats arrived for the night.  One was flagged in Sweden and the other flagged in Norway.

     It poured and blew all day Tuesday. We were glad we decided to stay the extra day.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Swansboro to River Dunes, NC ~ 2 Day

Today:          61 miles               9.2 hours          ICW St M “175.0”

Total:       2650 miles          359.1 hours

Saturday, 5/18/19 ~  I decided to walk her in the morning before we left.  I wanted to check out this part of town and also the geese.  I wasn’t disappointed. The town had its own style and it was charming! There were 2 drakes fighting in the parking lot, making a racket as they challenged each other.  Further on I saw Mama and her 11 chicks. Bailey did, too and kept as far away as possible!

          

          

          

          

          

     

     While I was gone, Pete checked everything again.  We are now fully charged, thanks to being able to plug in.

     It was another long day, but we will have time to chill once at River Dunes. The ride today was rather sedate as the charger seemed to be working.

Clouds that came and went
 during our travels

US Navy 21 in Morehead City Pier

    As we secured into our dock, the woman from the boat behind us called out to us!  Lisa and Jim from SV SOUTHWARD are once again our neighbors.  They wintered in Hilton Head and were now heading back to Maine to cruise and investigate since they didn’t have time when they bought the boat early last fall.

     After some discussion, we decided to pass on the BBQ hosted by River Dunes. Instead head to M & M Café, in Oriental with Lisa, Jim, Stan and Jeannie, who are also on our dock. It was a totally enjoyable time with friends, both new and old, lively conversation and delicious food.

Sunday, 5/19/19 ~ was chores: Laundry, scrubbing the boat and dog, checking the electrical again, laying in a few more food provisions, and finally some reading.  The internet is still practically non-existent, but the harbor master assured me that the new internet system will be going in shortly.  I sure hope so! They also need better telephone reception as there is practically none in this area.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Carolina Beach to Swansboro, NC

Today:          68 miles           10.0 hours          ICW St M “229.0”

Total:       2589 miles          349.9 hours

The Batteries were down to 57%. Hopefully we will top them off when we plug in tonight. We had to lube the dinghy blocks, but it was still a challenge. The dinghy was again full of water within the hull. Hence it weighed a ton!

     Once we were underway, Pete called Wrightsville Beach Marina for dockage for tonight, but they are booked solid.  Then he called both marinas in Swansboro to find that they were both silted in and couldn’t accommodate our depth.  However, it was suggested to call Swansboro’s Town Dock.  Surprisingly, they had space, power and were inexpensive.  We now have a 10.5-hour day instead of our planned 8.5 which was originally to be Mile Hammock, if we hadn’t had problems.  Besides the charging issue, there is no way that Pete could have rowed into shore for Bailey’s walks!

     We docked at the town marina on our own as the marina is not staffed. It is a challenge in the high current and substantial tides due to the closeness to the inlet.  Thankfully, we had no problems.  We were docked next to SV AVANTI.  While we were discussing our travels, he mentioned that he has steering problems. Single-handling must have been a real challenge coming into the dock! It appears as if he will be here for a while. He plans to have a diver come to check things below the waterline before his wife come to take him home.

     Pete took Bailey for a walk as soon as we docked. This is a cute and whimsical  part of Swansboro.  There are a couple of shops and a restaurant close to the docks. When he took her for the 9 pm walk, she was very interested in a bush, Pete assumed that it had been marked by another dog.  While she continued to investigate, suddenly, there was an explosion of feathers and squawks. Mama goose came at Bailey, then continued on as 15 goslings followed in her wake. Oh, how I wish we had caught it on video!

     With the rocking caused by the 20-25 mph winds and securely tied to the dock, we should have no problems drifting off to sleep.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Myrtle Beach to Carolina Beach, NC

Today:          53 miles           8.2 hours          ICW St M “295.5”

Total:       2491 miles       339.9 hours

     The current was against us for most of the day.  We had it with us for just the trip up the Cape Fear River, which is real good, but when you add the wind, which gave us a good push, we were able to make up some time. Of course, then we lost some as we fought the strong current in Snow’s Cut.  SV AVANTI was our traveling companion for a good part of the way. We parted as we made the turn to head to the mooring fields.

     When the batteries were checked once we shut down, we found that we were not charging and were losing the charge while motoring.  Add to that frustration, the dinghy engine would not start.  Pete had to row from mooring ball “#1” to the town dock, which isn’t far, but is hindered by the strong 15-20 SSW winds!  Needless to say, he wasn’t a happy camper!

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Georgetown to Myrtle Beach, NC

Today:          50 miles        10.0 hours          ICW St M “346.0”

Total:       2438 miles      331.7 hours

The breezes light and the skies were cloudy as we left the marina, but they began to clear as we headed up the Waccamaw River.  This is always such a pretty and peaceful ride.  I doubt much has changed along the banks of this river over the past few centuries.  The forests are very thick and have no beach.  There are lots of osprey nesting in trees along the river, while turtles try to catch some sun on those trees that have fallen into the water. The river has carved deep water very close to the tree line, and some of those trees have been around for a long time.

     The river winds its way up to Socrastee, just below Myrtle Beach.  Many of the homes that were affected by the floods have been razed and replaced with homes on stilts.  (This was the area that had seen repeated flooding over the past two years of 17 feet above flood stage.)  Passing thought southern Myrtle Beach, we could see a lot more development along the ICW.  It is obviously a good place to retire to with all the golf, milder weather and lower cost of living.

   We arrived at Myrtle Beach Yacht Club around 4-ish. The marina was in the process of dredging in the alley to the south.  We were assigned D-40 which was the T-head and easy for Bailey to get off the boat.

 ~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Isle of Palms to Georgetown, NC

Today:          55 miles         8.0 hours          ICW St M “402.9”

Total:       2388 miles     321.7 hours

We made the trip from Isle of Palms to Georgetown in sunshine,with cool temps, nice, but "noserly" breezes, and against the current all but the last 90 mins! We also came through McClellenville at dead low, with the lowest water at 0.9 inches under the keel.  I was even photo bombed by a turtle!

       

    We saw the usual sea birds, a number of dolphins, and a number of fish that jumped.  As we were motoring, we heard birds real close. . .and they stayed close for over 2 miles! When we looked up, 4 starlings were fighting for spots on our TV antenna atop the mast AND the space between our radar and satellite dish!  But that wasn't the highlight! What looks deceptively like a stick was actually a moving Alligator! (sorry I only had the cell phone handy!) The current was against us for all but the last 90 minutes, which probably added another hour to our day

En route to Georgetown ~ Territorial birds, beautiful scenery and a log that was actually a gator!
            

A golden but clear sunset in Georgetown

  

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

St. Johns to Isle of Palms, NC

Today:          16 miles         4.7 hours          ICW St M “456.8”

Total:       2333 miles     313.7 hours

Today was another short day so we had the luxury to wait for slack tide before leaving.  We are only going over to Isle of Palms Marina.  This way we do not have to worry about the commuter closings of the Wapoo Creek or the Ben Sawyer Bridges. This also cuts the long day’s travel to Georgetown by 4 hours.  Even though it is light longer this time of year, docking is always better in sunlight.

     It turned out to be a good decision.  The Ben Sawyer had problems and we had to wait a good 40 minutes for the repairs. Then further up, we waited and /or slowed for the 2 dredges being maneuvered into place.

          

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

B & B Shrimp to St. Johns, NC ~ 3 Days

Today:          42 miles         6.7 hours          ICW St M “472.6”

Total:       2317 miles     309.0 hours

FV BILLY B
at B & B Shrimp

As requested, we departed the dock around 7:15.  We know that we will once again have current changes all day, but more importantly, we want to dock at St. John’s while the dock hands are still there.  Between strong currents and wind, it can be a challenge.  I have the most faith in my captain, but having someone there to catch lines is a real help, and nothing gets exciting.
    I love this part of our travels. My artistic heart loves the colors, textures and just the scenery as it passes. Standing as well as washed up trees along with the variety provided by the different shades, shapes and textures of the greens, when added to skies, water, sunshine and clouds completely captures my attention.



    
 

           

     We stayed 3 nights so that laundry and provisioning could be completed.  We also ran some additional errands.

     Since we were here, had a car, and the weather was favorable, Sunday, we headed to Charleston and took a horse drawn carriage ride around the city.  Our guide was a student of architecture as well as a historian.  His talks were very interesting and the architecture beautiful.  Many homes (called Charleston Singles) face their side yards (supposedly to allow for better cross ventilation or to avoid larger taxes as the property was taxed on street frontage) with a door leading to the porch( a hospitality door). This door was left open to let neighbors know that owners were home.  It also allowed important guests to be let into the property by a servant, but the residents would welcome them in the front door.  We also learned that the “carriage homes” are actually slave quarters, built with cheaper brick rather than the colored, wooden clap boards. However, no one wanted to pay a million plus for slave quarters. Hence the new name!  The horses are well loved and taken care of.  They have their temperature checked and given a bucket of water after every tour.  The animals are rotated between town and the farm for R & R. Also, nails are no longer needed to secure the metal horse shoes. They are now heavy rubber and clip-ons! The lovely scented air around Charleston is courtesy of all the Star Jasmine that is found all over town.
    We walked through the crowded Market Place and stopped for ice cream before heading back.

The horse and carriages ~
         

          

The tree lined streets ~
     

The architecture ~
              

             

          

The beautiful iron works ~
          

The flowers and gardens ~
          

         

         

      We wish a belated Happy Mother's Day to the ladies!  

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P