Solomons to HOME!

     

  

Today is the final day of our cruise and were once again battling the current, but this time in heavy fog.  As were departed around 6, we could see land as we were leaving Solomons, but soon everything was that flat white. The entire Bay was socked in.  All morning, our visibility was less than 50 feet. It finally began to lift after 1.  We could spot some land here and there.  By 3, we were in bright sunlight.

Fog  finally clearing on the Bay

      Our travels today were uneventful. We had to wait 10 minutes for the last bridge of our 2019-2020 Cruise.  Once the Kent Narrows Bridge opened, we had only 10 more minutes to get into our slip at Mears Point Marina, which is now Safe Harbor Narrows Marina.


          

     We pulled into a very quiet marina.  There are lots of boats still out of the water, many in the water still winterized and lots of slips still vacant.  The marina only reopened last week due to the quarantine.  I imagine that activity will begin to increase shortly.

     This 2019-2020 Cruise has been a very memorable for the new friends we made, previous friends we continue to enjoy, beautiful scenery and sunsets, great food, and special places, but also for a lot of “other stuff” that happened. It started with me staying with my sister as she underwent chemotherapy and Pete making the journey south by himself.  Our stay in Stock Island, lacking the sense of community we have had in the past. . . and a new world according to Corona virus 19.   Thankfully, Pete was able to make the trip south and deal with the mechanical issues.  My sister is currently disease free, our moms continue to amaze us, our family remain healthy, adapting to working, schooling and day care, all from home, meetings on the internet, as well as lots of texts, messenger, postings, emails and and especially love.

    We look forward to heading south again in the fall ~ for more great sunrises, sunsets, scenery, friends both new and old, and new places to explore. For now, however, we have family to see and we both have lengthy list of projects that need to be done, hopefully, many of which will be completed before we begin the journey South again.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K

Deltaville to Solomons.

It was another 6 am departure in heavily overcast skies but light winds.  The clouds slowly dissipated and the temperatures climbed into the 70’s.

     It was another uneventful journey.  Limited commercial traffic, except for the fleet of Menhaden fishing ships.  The cruisers were also very few.  I think we saw 4 motor vessels traveling north up the channel.

     The currents were against us all day. We once again called ahead for a slip assignment as we would be arriving after 6. The harbor master told us to use the Dockwa App reservations and payment. There would be a RESERVED placard on the T-dock with our name as well as information. Yup! It was there.

    The info packet also indicated that the Marina is now Safe Harbor Zanhizers.  They too, like Mears, have been bought out.  We hope that the new ownership does not affect the service staff.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K

Portsmouth to Deltaville

We were up and out again by 6 am.  It was another long day with heavy overcast and some fog is reported on the Bay.

     As we traveled the Elizabeth River, we passed not only the 3 Naval Reserve ships, but found where 3 of the Norwegian Cruise ships are docked for the quarantine.  I didn’t realize that the artist, WyLAND not only painted on canvas and buildings. but he also did a cruise ship.  The Norwegian Bliss has one of his paintings on its bow.  All three of the ships had colorful bows.
     There was the usual heavy marine traffic on the Elizabeth, so we stayed outside the channel across from the naval ships.

     Once on the Chesapeake, the fog had lifted and the winds remained light; so did the north bound cruisers.  We only saw about 5 other boats heading north.

     We gave Deltaville Marina a heads up that we would be there after 6. They gave us our slip assignment and will be back in the office at 8 am tomorrow.  We can settle up then or call in the credit card info if we are already heading out.

     The sand bar across from the marina was busy with families enjoying time on the water. It was also fairly busy marina, with lots of people there for the Memorial Day Weekend. Many of the Canadians were waiting to have their boats pulled for the summer before heading home.

     After dinner, the sunset was beautiful, but it also brought out the mosquitoes. We caught some TV then called it a night.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K

Coinjock to Portsmouth

We woke to heavy fog and wind. It was a raw, rainy, and windy crossing across Currituck Sound. We were passed by 15 large power boats, who apparently left Coinjock around the same time.

          

     Pete worked a good deal of the day. At the helm, I waited 25 minutes for the half hour opening of the Central Bridge, not knowing they were on demand on weekends. DUHH!!! It was an interesting trip north.  I saw a new graduate skiing ( in cap and gown), turkey vulture imitating cormorant (wings spread while on a fallen tree) and an osprey imitating a duck (washing herself by ducking her body into the water then shaking it off), a tree stump with flowers as well as small turtles on fallen logs. We joined 6 other boats had waiting at the Southern RR Bridge by the Gilmerton Bridge. There was a very long train that was already transiting the bridge at a slow pace. Then an additional 10+ minutes to raise the RR Bridge before they could raise the Gilmerton.   

     With so many boats held up by the train, the Tidewater deck hands were busy with all the boats needing to dock.  We asked for out slip assignment and docked ourselves.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K

Belhaven to Coinjock ~ Memorial Day Weekend

Sunrise over Belhaven

Knowing it was going to be a long day, we left around 6, before sun rise. Currents were against us most of the day,  We were passed by numerous boats while in the Canal. Being a pretty day, we still enjoyed the ride. The Albemarle was calm, but the breezes were once again on the nose, changing directions as we did.

   We heard a boat call to the Coast Guard from the North River.  Apparently, the transmission had failed on his sailboat, and he needed help reaching Tow Boat US. When we passed, he was down below working.

    While still about an hour from Coinjock, we had a call from the Marina. Due to so many large boats, they could raft us on the eastern shore, close to the just-opening restaurant. Pete explained about Bailey, so, since we had reserved 2 days ago, they offered us free dockage on the western shore and a lift to and from the restaurant if we wanted.

    The rest of the journey to Coinjock was beautiful with the winding river and the late day lighting~

        

     

         Boats were 2 deep along most for the marina dock, and most of them were bigger power boats. We rode past them and self-docked on the opposite shore.  The dock hands needed to come over to activate the electrical as they just started using some of the dock space here.  They will have to invest some money to make more of the dock usable as many of the supports and boards are broken on the southern end of the dock.  I imagine that the office will undergo some renovations as well. The additional space will be welcome during the fall and spring migrations of we snow birds!

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K

Belhaven ~ Five Days

TS Arthur's possible path~
It actually came slightly more west 

     Since we missed our window to get to Coinjock, we moved to Belhaven Marina on Sunday. Tropical Storm Arthur will brush the Outer Banks tomorrow and two additional lows will bring winds and heavy rain for most of the week. Belhaven Marina is much more protected. Apparently, we were not the only ones seeking safe harbor, we got the last dock space reservations. By night fall, there were 7 other boats tied to the docks.

      Since it is impossible to buy surgical face masks, which are required when in public, Pete had bought me a new lighter weight sewing machine.  I was able to sew 3 of the 6 masks, but machine had problems with the multiple layers. We though with the lesser weight we could keep it onboard.  After some discussion, I will bring my 40-year old White sewing machine. It is only about 5 pounds heavier, but a real truck when sewing. I will be able to sew anything but canvas.  I will leave those canvas projects for the summer, when we are on the Chesapeake and close to the storage garage. I will finish the rest of the masks once home. 

Views around Belhaven Marina ~
      

          

    We had heavy rains with winds from 15-30 and gusts much higher for 4 days. We actually had waves in dock, which is out of the long fetch in the harbor and very protected.  We spent 2 nights rocking. It was great for sleeping. During the day, Pete had work, we both read, I made big pot of Tuscan Ham and Bean Soup, plus Garlic and Cheese Muffins. we also did laundry (which is free!), spoke with fellow dock mates, had delicious hamburgers, great onion rings and strawberry milkshakes from Farm Boys,(which everyone rightfully praises!) food shop (driven there by Greg, the harbor master, who told Pete about the closing of the hospital.)  The hospital was suddenly closed one year.  It stood vacant for another. Then one night a crew showed up and knocked it down, leaving just the rubble for folks to see in the morning. Apparently before the hearing could stop it.  They needed to build a new 20 bed hospital that handles simple things.  More complex cases are set to the larger hospital.

     Some boats left on Friday, when winds were still out of the north at about 20 making the Albemarle Sound crossing a bit more challenging.   Most of us will leave tomorrow.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K

Morehead City To Duffy's Creek- Two Days

SM 200 just north of Morehead City

We were gone by 7 this morning. The current gods helped a little, but it was a long day. The winds were none to light for most of the day, but around 2 kicked up. The Neuse River was very calm.

     
     While motoring across Pemlico Sound in confused seas with 15+ mph winds, we somehow got air in fuel line. Pete was able to bleed the line, but noticed drip from water pump went from 5 sec drop to 1 sec. Once on our way, Pete called Duffy's Marina, requested a recommendation for a mechanic and extra day. We went straight into the inside slip by the gas dock.  The winds 15-20 from SSE and it took 2 sets of hands to pull us to the dock.

Pines lined up like soldiers along the Pongo River

     It is a cute marina, sociable with a pool and new restaurant coming soon and very convenient to the Alligator Pongo Canal, but it is away from downtown Belhaven and open to the east and south.  We rocked most of both days.  The mechanic came around 11 on Saturday to remove pump. Even though Pete has everything needed to replace it, the information on YouTube, insisted that the bearing needed to be banged into place.  The mechanic laughed, agreeing with Pete that banging is very bad!  He used his home press and returned around 5:30 to install. Pete was very impressed with him. An Island Packet stopped for fuel, sang praises of Danny. He custom fit a new engine into the boat last year. Great recommendation indeed!
    We discussed our plans and rather than head up to the Alligator River Marina, that is open to the East and SE, or try to make it to Coinjock, where the winds are supposed to be the highest, we will head back to Belhaven Marina, where it is protected and a very short walk to get Bailey ashore. Pete made the call and has reservations for 5 days.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K

Mile Hammock to Morehead City ~ 2 days

     We were the last to leave the anchorage around 8 am.  Pete wanted to navigate though the skinny areas just north of the entrance to Mile Hammock, where the ocean has breached the dunes and created shifting shallows.  We did have about a foot under the keel and was glad we were on a rising tide.  Close by, they were dredging Brown's Inlet.

     Pete had work, so I had the helm for a while.  The winds were light and the skies cloudy.

     We arrived around 4:30 pm. And plan to stay 2 days so Pete can work on a project and I can pick up some things tomorrow.

Morning Dew

      In the morning, there were crews using a jack hammer on one of the cement walkways.  When I asked about the loaner car, she apologized for the noise and said that there was no charge (instead of the $10 fee) due to the early morning noise.  It was currently out, so I asked if it would be available around 4.  Since I needed to go to Harris Teeter and West Marine, Pete called in an order to Jersey Mike’s that I picked up on my way back. 

       Pete and George worked most of the day on a work project, while I got a few chores ticked of my list before food shopping.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K

Carolina Beach to Mile Hammock Bay

PEKABU leaving
Carolina Beach
taken by HAPPY TRAILS

     Pete had calculated the time needed to make the 10 am opening of the Wrightsville Bridge.  We had planned to leave at 8 to leave us a slight buffer. We waived farewell to SV HAPPY TRAILS as they were going to say at Carolina Beach for a couple of days to provision and walk the beach. We were only 10 minutes behind in our timing, but Pete was concerned due to our slow headway against the current.   We made it to the bridge at 10:02.  Thankfully, the bridge tender was friendly and agreed to open.  Once we clear this bridge, there is only one more for today, The Figure Eight Bridge.

     Boat traffic was pretty light compared to other days of traveling.  Around 3, we were the first of 4 to drop anchor in Mile Hammock. Bailey was confused as Pete didn’t try to walk her after he set the anchor.  Currently, there were about 20 marines along with 8 vehicles on shore taking turns driving a course.  Pete found our later that these were MPs, who were training in evasive driving.  They wrapped up around 5:30 and Bailey was glad to finally head to shore.
          

     After dinner, as the sun set the mosquitoes came out, so we headed down below.  Once again did some reading since we didn’t recharge the batteries, then headed to bed.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K

Myrtle Beach to Carolina Beach

 Left about 7:30. Tide still going out. SV RENAISSANCE just grounded outside the marinas, and was now waiting the rising tide.

    Temps were in the 60's and low 70's, the breezes kicked up around mid-morning. Due to the number of inlets today, we had changing currents all day due to Little River, Shallotte’s, Follies, and Cape Fear Inlets. The current gods finally were kind as we headed East through Snow's Cut!

Our speed though Snow's Cut

     SV HAPPY TRAILS passed us just before we entered the Cape Fear River. As we pulled into Carolina Beach Mooring Field, HAPPY TRAILS was already on a mooring ball. We were able to snag the #2 mooring ball, near the town dock.  It makes it much easier to walk Bailey at night and in the morning.

     Both of us went to shore to walk Bailey and to check out the beach.  Even though it was a weekday, the beach was the most crowded we have seen. With everyone home due to the quarantine, they took advantage of the sun, sand and water, while minding the social distance recommendations.

          
Carolina Beach ~ Water, sand and blooming cacti

         
     We detoured on our way back to the boat to say “hi” to Kathy and Mike. While chatting, I saw the head of a Loggerhead turtle come up about 15 feet from the boat.  With a head that was about 8-10 inches, I could only imagine just how big the carapace is!

     Since we didn’t need the Honda to charge the batteries, after dinner, we just read for a while and called it a day.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K

Georgetown to Myrtle Beach

Bailey loving the warmth

My favorite old tree

     It was another long day. We left Georgetown by 7:30 in the hope of catching the flood tide. Kathy and Mike were already gone. We were about a half hour too early, so we fought the current for the first few hours.  If you have to have somewhere to slowly watch the scenery, the Waccamaw River doesn't disappoint:  Knobby-kneed Cyprus trees, floating water lilies, sun bathing turtles, ospreys nesting as well as fishing, a golden eagle gliding through the trees in the marshes;  windy, forested river bends, and vegetation that finds a way to survive on fallen trees and old trees that are hollow, but still has a few green branches.

Last attempt at fishing
before we leave SC

     There is a lot of home construction in southern Myrtle Beach along the ICW. Barefoot Landing has had a lot of new things added, especially eateries. Lots of people were out and practicing social distancing. Others we out enjoying being out on the water and celebrating Mother's Day.

     When we pulled into Myrtle Beach Yacht Club, SV HAPPY TRAILS was already docked by the fuel dock.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K