Thanks for waiting and reading our blog. I have been writing faithfully each day and taking lots of photos with my new iPhone, which is apparently a problem with the photo format. At least that is what I think it might be as I am experiencing problems posting them to the blog. So far, I have not find the answer to my problem. I plan to contact Blogspot directly to see if they can identify the problem. I will post them as soon as I can.
Thanks, Kathy
HOME ~ Grasonville, MD to Solomons - A 3-Day Stay
Today: 44 miles 7.75 hours ICW ST Mile: ——Total: 44 miles 7.75 hours
Skies were clear, temps pleasantly in the low 70’s, and winds were calm with intermittent breezes. . . . A beautiful day to start our journey.
We cast off lines by 8:20 and made the 8:30 Kent Narrow’s bridge opening. With the current until 1 pm, we averaged about 7.8 mph, traveling with current until about 1 pm. Engine is running well, but Pete noticed a leak around the hot water heater. Thankfully our mechanic had put in shut off valves as well as the expansion tank. We can isolate the hot water tank. It can heat up once we plug in. This will buy us time to buy extra antifreeze and, hopefully, find and fix the leak.
It was a busy summer. Pete’s workload has increased. That meant that he only had weekends for boat projects, and they were either hot or stormy. We have had an unusual amount of hurricanes/ tropical storms that have affected the Gulf and East Coast. At our marina, we had some strong storms and a few highly winds, but the biggest challenge was getting the dog on and off during very high tides caused by the winds out of the South. It keeps the tides from ebbing and pushes more up the bay. Bailey’s hind quarters are becoming weaker due to nerve damage. Pete’s new upper body regimen is carrying her up the companion way and on and off the boat.
We put in a work order for the remaining engine work at the beginning of July. 4-6 weeks turned into 10 weeks for the evaluation, then another 3 weeks until he returned to complete the work (4 days ago!). Pete had made multiple calls to two different divers to clean the bottom of the boat. One finally showed 3 days ago, too!
Pete changed out the wire and GPS antenna, only to find it still didn’t work. Then he went and found the fuse, replaced the burned out one and. . .it still isn’t working. He plans to talk with Garmin before investing in a new GPS. We have the iPad and phone, so we’ll be OK.
Our starboard side windows have been leaking. I had sealed them up with white duct tape (and no one really noticed!), but during the last tropical storm, the window completely separated and slid down. Thankfully, we didn’t have much water damage. I thoroughly cleaned the opening and the window. Pete found an excellent video for reseating the window. He purchased exactly what was needed, and made the proper pressure board with ratchet straps. He was able to install/seal the window. The next replacement will go even smoother, but will be done in Florida.
I did quite a few sewing projects: a soft door for Bailey to access the companion way, 2 new fitted sheets for the forward cabin, and made a new awning for over the cabin. The one I previously made worked great, but was made with untreated duck cloth. Mold blossomed over the entire cloth causing it to become mottled grey, UCK! Sewing such a large length of cloth, creates it problems when sewn on a very small table in a very small space. I only had to finish the bottom seams when my machine would no longer pick up the bobbin thread. Thank heavens for Martha. She has a wonderful sewing room, with 3 different sewing machines, cutting space, numerous workspaces and everything one might ever need for sewing projects. AND she offered it to me to finish the awnings! Not only did I get to visit with Martha and Dan, and finish my project, but the sewing machine repairman, David Olsen, also lives in Rock Hall, so I was able to drop off my machine for repairs (also 3 days ago.)
I cleaned the boat from stem to stern ceiling to floor, inside and out- my fall cleaning. We have taken the stuff not needed for the cruise off the boat, so she’s sitting slightly higher in the water.
With the higher temps or rain on the weekends, PEKABU didn’t get a good cleaning all summer. So yesterday, while Pete staged the car at St John’s Marina, south of Charleston, I hand scrubbed the boat. Now she is ready and I’m a bit sore!
Around boat chores were visiting friends and sharing some great meals; routine medical appointments; seeing the amazing Preservation Hall Jazz Band with friends at Wolf Trap National Park in Sterling, VA, catching a really cool Drum Corps International show with 6 different bands in Allentown, PA; was able to see the s barge with super cranes made in China, making way under the Annapolis Bay Bridge to their final destination in Baltimore; and, of course, hung out with our granddaughters, playing games, being silly and photo shoots. The 8-year-old is a definite Diva while the 5-year-old simply enjoys the moment . . . Until she’s had enough. Along with that beautiful ginger hair comes a noticeable stubborn streak!
Summer 2021 ~
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| Super high tide at Safe Harbor Narrows Point Marina |
We put in a work order for the remaining engine work at the beginning of July. 4-6 weeks turned into 10 weeks for the evaluation, then another 3 weeks until he returned to complete the work (4 days ago!). Pete had made multiple calls to two different divers to clean the bottom of the boat. One finally showed 3 days ago, too!
 |
| Bailey giving Pete support |
Our starboard side windows have been leaking. I had sealed them up with white duct tape (and no one really noticed!), but during the last tropical storm, the window completely separated and slid down. Thankfully, we didn’t have much water damage. I thoroughly cleaned the opening and the window. Pete found an excellent video for reseating the window. He purchased exactly what was needed, and made the proper pressure board with ratchet straps. He was able to install/seal the window. The next replacement will go even smoother, but will be done in Florida.
 |
| The old awning just beginning to mold |
I did quite a few sewing projects: a soft door for Bailey to access the companion way, 2 new fitted sheets for the forward cabin, and made a new awning for over the cabin. The one I previously made worked great, but was made with untreated duck cloth. Mold blossomed over the entire cloth causing it to become mottled grey, UCK! Sewing such a large length of cloth, creates it problems when sewn on a very small table in a very small space. I only had to finish the bottom seams when my machine would no longer pick up the bobbin thread. Thank heavens for Martha. She has a wonderful sewing room, with 3 different sewing machines, cutting space, numerous workspaces and everything one might ever need for sewing projects. AND she offered it to me to finish the awnings! Not only did I get to visit with Martha and Dan, and finish my project, but the sewing machine repairman, David Olsen, also lives in Rock Hall, so I was able to drop off my machine for repairs (also 3 days ago.)
I cleaned the boat from stem to stern ceiling to floor, inside and out- my fall cleaning. We have taken the stuff not needed for the cruise off the boat, so she’s sitting slightly higher in the water.
With the higher temps or rain on the weekends, PEKABU didn’t get a good cleaning all summer. So yesterday, while Pete staged the car at St John’s Marina, south of Charleston, I hand scrubbed the boat. Now she is ready and I’m a bit sore!
 |
| Cranes and Bay Bridge Only 10 foot of clearance top and sides |
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| The Spirit of Atlanta |
Around boat chores were visiting friends and sharing some great meals; routine medical appointments; seeing the amazing Preservation Hall Jazz Band with friends at Wolf Trap National Park in Sterling, VA, catching a really cool Drum Corps International show with 6 different bands in Allentown, PA; was able to see the s barge with super cranes made in China, making way under the Annapolis Bay Bridge to their final destination in Baltimore; and, of course, hung out with our granddaughters, playing games, being silly and photo shoots. The 8-year-old is a definite Diva while the 5-year-old simply enjoys the moment . . . Until she’s had enough. Along with that beautiful ginger hair comes a noticeable stubborn streak!
 |
| The Preservation Hall Jazz Band |
Paul, SV KYA ANNE, our good friend from Ft. Pierce has made his way up to Annapolis this summer, where he is doing some major projects. We are sorry that we were unable to meet up before we started heading south. He will be following us after the boat shows in Annapolis. Perhaps, we will meet up as we continue south.
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| Fish in a feeding frenzy . . . and escape! |
Our friends Alexi & Rob, MV LAMANTIN, have finished most of the work on their boat while staying in Rock Hall this summer. They left a few days ago, but will be waiting out the weather in Hampton Roads, at the bottom of the Bay. That little bit of info encouraged us to look more closely at the weather and especially the winds. Since the lower Bay will be experiencing winds of 20-25 with gusts above 30 through Tuesday, we have decided to stay here in Solomons in till then. A little R & R would be appreciated.
The breezes were gently, the sun was out and temps were in the low 70’s when we got up. However, the wind out of the NNE built through the day, the skies covered with clouds and the temperature slowly dropped.
Lots of sailboats headed to the Bay for some great sailing. The Calvert Maritime Museum was loaded with guests for the celebration Sea Squirts: Dino-Power, the Mighty Dinosaurs. Both of the museum’s classic wooden boats, the WM. B. TENNISON, a log-built bugeye, and the DEE OF ST. MARY, a sailing skipjack, passed by our dock multiple times heading to and from the Bay with guests.
Pete took advantage to check the engine, which is still losing antifreeze. He thinks it might be from the head gasket, which is to be replaced in Ft. Pierce. He borrowed a marina bike to make the run to West Marine for antifreeze, then replaced what was lost. The wash down hose and wand were replaced. The enclosure was hung and then rolled up. The couple of things that needed to find homes on board were put away. We also chatted with neighbors on the dock. By dinner time, we had to done jackets as cool, raw wind was blowing.
Sunday, 10/10/21 ~ Solomons Day 3
Pete was busy all day with work. I am trying to edit photos taken with my phone. It is a great camera with a computer and phone attached. The “live” photo editing is proving to be frustrating. About half of the many photos I took of our granddaughters defaulted to “live.” I figured it was OK as I could simply use the best slide as the photo and not bother with the rest. Unfortunately, the recent software upgrade has changed some things and the learning curve is a bit frustrating. The kids are excited to see the results.
Pete went “big game” hunting in the cabin. Somehow, one of the apples rotted on the bottom and I didn’t realize it. There are fruit flies everywhere. The vacuum does a great job for the hunt. I took it up after he put the vacuum down. He got most of the hundred plus flies.
~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P
Saturday, 10/9/21 ~ Solomons Day 2
The breezes were gently, the sun was out and temps were in the low 70’s when we got up. However, the wind out of the NNE built through the day, the skies covered with clouds and the temperature slowly dropped.
Lots of sailboats headed to the Bay for some great sailing. The Calvert Maritime Museum was loaded with guests for the celebration Sea Squirts: Dino-Power, the Mighty Dinosaurs. Both of the museum’s classic wooden boats, the WM. B. TENNISON, a log-built bugeye, and the DEE OF ST. MARY, a sailing skipjack, passed by our dock multiple times heading to and from the Bay with guests.
And then the rains came.
 |
| Partial clearing after rains |
Pete took advantage to check the engine, which is still losing antifreeze. He thinks it might be from the head gasket, which is to be replaced in Ft. Pierce. He borrowed a marina bike to make the run to West Marine for antifreeze, then replaced what was lost. The wash down hose and wand were replaced. The enclosure was hung and then rolled up. The couple of things that needed to find homes on board were put away. We also chatted with neighbors on the dock. By dinner time, we had to done jackets as cool, raw wind was blowing.
Sunday, 10/10/21 ~ Solomons Day 3
Overcast skies and cool winds greeted us this morning. After breakfast, we headed over to Spring Cove for a pump out and fuel. Pete has a very busy workday tomorrow and we are looking at about 9 hour run on Tuesday to get to Deltaville.
Pete relaxed and read up in the cockpit while I worked on downloading and processing photos.
Monday, 10/11/21~ Solomons Day 4
Pete relaxed and read up in the cockpit while I worked on downloading and processing photos.
Monday, 10/11/21~ Solomons Day 4
Pete was busy all day with work. I am trying to edit photos taken with my phone. It is a great camera with a computer and phone attached. The “live” photo editing is proving to be frustrating. About half of the many photos I took of our granddaughters defaulted to “live.” I figured it was OK as I could simply use the best slide as the photo and not bother with the rest. Unfortunately, the recent software upgrade has changed some things and the learning curve is a bit frustrating. The kids are excited to see the results.
Pete went “big game” hunting in the cabin. Somehow, one of the apples rotted on the bottom and I didn’t realize it. There are fruit flies everywhere. The vacuum does a great job for the hunt. I took it up after he put the vacuum down. He got most of the hundred plus flies.
~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P
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