Week 2 ~ Chesapeake, VA to Carolina Beach, NC

Sunday, 10/18/20 ~

Atlantic Yacht Basin, VA to Coinjock, NC
Today:    37 miles       6.0 hours            ICW ST Mile: 50
Total:   215 miles     36.6 hours

     Dropped lines around 7 am. The skies were blue with puffy clouds, calm winds and temps in the low 60's. 

   This part of the ICW is a pretty run. Initially the North River from the ABY Marina is straight, but below the first bridge, she begins to wander.

Stumps in the early morning mist

 

   The traffic on the water was light, especially as it is a Sunday, but we not complaining. You know…Those Sunday drivers, ummm boaters!
     We were smart in initially planning not to cross the Albemarle Sound today! Winds closed the Alligator Bridge for a couple of hours this afternoon.
    Once a Coinjock Marina, fueled, then docked all the way down, at the first slip from south. MV TROUBADOUR came in a few hours later and docked in front of us. They were unsuccessful trying to do the loop. The Erie Canal was closed, a bridge was out of service for 6 weeks & Covid has closed the Canadian border.
     The aromas were drifting down to our boat all afternoon from the restaurant. We gave in and opted to have a stuffed flounder dinner there this evening. Once back, the mosquitoes sent us down below.

Monday, 10/19/20 ~ Coinjock ~ Day 2

     Knowing we were not moving today, we relaxed. I did 2 loads of laundry. When I returned to the boat, Pete had finished up with work and was practicing his casting again. Catching was not an outcome today. Thankfully, he has gotten into the science of fishing and the sport of casting. It is so much better then standing around waiting for a bottom feeder to nibble on the bait.
     Our mail package arrived this afternoon. When Pete went to retrieve it and settle up the bill, the harbor master was just getting off the phone with the Alligator River bridge tender. The bridge has mechanical problems and will be closed indefinitely. We should check before leaving in the morning. We also checked out eastern route through Manteo, 17 hours! We would have to get a marina in Manteo to break up the trip. Bailey’s bladder isn’t that good!
     I worked the photos for the blog, but couldn’t post them as there was absolutely not Wi-Fi down at our area of the dock. Of course, the marina keeps all the big boats, who have their own internets close to the Wi-Fi antennas. Hopefully, with the upgrades coming, they will address this. I won’t hold my breath.

Tuesday, 10/20/20 ~

Coinjock to Belhaven, NC
Today:    91 miles       14.7 hours            ICW ST Mile: 135
Total:   397 miles      51.5 hours

 

     We were up before first light so we could leave at 7am. It was foggy with very poor visibility, and temps in 70’s. Pete called the Alligator bridge tender shortly thereafter. They hope that they can do a “soft opening” at 12 noon. 

    We, and the other 2 boats we we re traveling with, made it to the bridge with 3 minutes to noon, just as the fog began to lift. The bridge tender was very patient with all the boats calling in for an update. It took until 1:20, but the bridge was finally opened. Some boats had to anchor and waited over 25 hrs. There were a total of 24 boats that passed though the opening. Quite a few people posted the opening on Bob423’s Facebook page. We are in the photo courtesy of the boat behind us. Debbie Faidley Wicker is from MV SBEBA out of Annapolis Yacht Club.

PEKABU's next through
the Alligator River Bridge

    As we traveled down the Alligator Pongo Canal, I spotted 4 eagles, 2 kingfishers, a flock of barn swallows drinking from the canal as well as hundreds of them flying over the marshes hopefully, making a significant dent in the mosquito population! I was caught off guard when I spotted 6-7 wild turkeys in a field. I have never seen them on our trips.

     Since we were hungry, didn’t want to deal with the darkness nor wait until we made it to dock, we had dinner of franks & salads. Definitely a smart choice.
     Darkness descended as we arrived at the bottom of the AP Canal. There was only a 1/4 moon, with spotty clouds. So yea, it was dark, but the stars were amazing where the clouds had cleared. I wish tomorrows meteor shower was tonight. We could had appreciated it here in the darkness.
     Greg, the harbor master, was waiting to help us dock at 8:50. He still has 1 more boat to come in tonight. We will be staying here for 2 nights so we can chill after today’s long travel.

Wednesday, 10/21/20 ~ Belhaven ~ Day 2

     Today was for a few chores, but mostly relaxing. Pete power washed the boat. Boy, did it need it after being on the hard under a tree for work up at Haven Harbor. Our neighbors from MV HIGHWIND stopped by to say hello and ask some questions about the power washer. He was very impressed. Beth and I needed to do some food shopping, so I spoke with Greg. If we could leave right now, he would take us over and would wait. Beth and I felt that a half hour would be plenty. I went directly to the deli only to have her take 20 mins to fill my 3 requests. Each of the 3 items had to be retrieved from the fridge and the new selection opened for the first time. I finally grabbed 2 packages from the product selection due to time. I was 10 minutes later than on planned. Between the two of us, we filled the huge trunk of Greg's car. Thankfully, no boats arrived before we returned.

     Once back the groceries needed to be put on board. Man, does it look good! Food was put away and I ate the lunch Pete prepared form me before I returned.
     He sat up above and head while I posted blog It was the first time on updated version that I had to post photos. It was extremely frustrating and challenging, but I finally figured out the drag and drop, but still have plenty of problems. It took the better part of 4 hours just to place about 40 photos. It should have been about 90 minutes. Hopefully, I will get better at tricking the software.
     After dinner, we just chilled.

Thursday, 10/22/20 ~

Belhaven to Morehead City, NC
Today:    75 miles        9.5 hours            ICW ST Mile: 203
Total:   472 miles      61.0 hours

     We were up and out by 7. Greg was already at the marina and helped us turn around at the dock.
Pete had conference call and some work so I had more helm time.  

Classic Beauty ~ MV JUSTICE out of New York

     I love Adam's Creek, but it was too overcast for photos. Just before Morehead City, the sun peaked out.  While heading down the creek, we got an email form Jim and Lisa of SV SEAFORTH.  They will be in River Dunes for the next 10 days and wanted to know when we might be by.  Unfortunately, we just passed it on our way to Adam's Creek.  Hopefully we will meet further down the ditch.

     At Morehead City Yacht Harbor we docked at fuel dock and topped off tanks. We didn’t need to move as this is where we will spend the night.   MV SHEBA was docked behind us,  Pete was able to thank Debbie for the photo of us at the Alligator River Bridge.

PEKABU hanging out with the big boys!

These flowers were
growing all over a stump

   After dinner we both fell asleep. We were supposed to make phone call to family and watch the presidential debate. We will make the call in the morning and read about the debate. It must have been the fresh air poisoning.

Friday, 10/23/20 ~

Morehead City to Mile Hammock, Camp Lejeune, NC
Today:    42 miles        6.9 hours            ICW ST Mile: 244.5
Total:   514 miles      66.9 hours

     We could sleep in because the strong current won't be favorable until 10 am. We left at 9:40 because the tide had changed in the marina. That was a real stroke of luck!

     The Offshore Powerboat Association's Chrystal Coast World Championship Races began today and the first heat began at 10 am. We were the last boat to cross the Inlet for the next hour! Two USCG small boats, the marine police and the harbor police, the race committee boats, and the increasing flock of observation boats were crowding the water way. The races are held in the inlet today through Sunday, from 10 am until 5 pm! For the next 4 hours we heard boats inquiring for possible reopening of the waterway.

 

Warship 50

    As we passed the shipyard, there were 2 very curious boats with long arms at dock. They were Elon Musk's payload retrievers. The hydraulic arms apparently were being refitted or repaired. It is obvious that Musk has a real sense of humor. After all he did send one of his Tesla convertibles, with a waiving mannequin astronaut at the wheel, into space. The names of these ships are GO MS. TREE, GO MS. CHIEF and BIG STONE LEADER. There was a Naval “Warship 50” also docked, but it put out to sea at the 11 am opening in the race.

   

     I was at the helm as we approached Brogue Bridge. There were lots of fishermen north of the bridge, Most of them were pulling the anchors as the tide was beginning to turn. Those south of the bridge, looked like they were going to stay.

Magnificent Beauty ~ MV EAGLE from Newport

Adding to Nature's artwork

Shallow waters of Bogue Sound

     While at the helm I saw speeds between 5.2- 6.8 mph with 10 minutes of 7.4, south of Bogue Inlet. Pete, while at the helm, saw mostly 7.8 with a few high 8s and one 9.2!
     I was surprised to see a USCG small boat stopped in the middle of the channel. Once we and a few other boats passed, one of the crew tossed an orange float that their black lab jumped overboard to retrieve. Most of the crew helped him/her back into the boat. The dog took its place on the bow while they headed on north.

Clash of the currents

Not so pretty water ornament

Homes on the ICW

Tiny House on island around Swansboro

    

ICW Mile Marker 240

   Brown’s Inlet was well marked and the newest of Bob423’s Tracks downloaded AND it was high tide, made it non-exciting coming through Camp Lejeune. We could see the waves breaking on the shore. We could also hear Warship 50 and Warship 5 (an aircraft carrier) warning ocean travelers to keep clear as they were running exercises. Just south of Oslow bridge, we saw then heard 2 air boats on beach. They got much louder as they backed off. Helicopters and Osprey planes were active above the base all afternoon. They must be part of the exercise. Just before the bridge we saw the new radar/ lookout & communication tower. 

Target practice range across the ICW

Newly cut Inlet at Camp Lejeune & strong currents

Pete visits Jim on
MV BLACKTHORN

     We anchored with 7 other boats. MV BLACKTHORN and their friend from BILLY JEAN were also anchored. Pete stopped by and invited them for dinner onboard PEKABU tomorrow at Carolina beach.
     Periodically throughout the afternoon, we heard gunshots, helo’s and osprey’s as well as the air boats leaving and returning to shore.
     It was a beautiful sunset as the sun peeked out from behind the cloud bank. AS it got darker the helo’s and the osprey flew low as they headed to land in the field behind the trees. They become airborne to return to the aircraft carrier or base.

One of the reasons I love being on the water!

     By nine, things had quieted down. It was a great night for sleeping.

Saturday, 10/24/20 ~

Camp Lejeune to Carolina Beach, NC
Today:    49 miles       8.2 hours            ICW ST Mile: 295.5
Total:   563 miles      75.1 hours

     The dog walked, dinghy hoisted, anchor light downed and put away, anchor up and underway by 8. Skies clear with a few clouds, temps in the low 70"s with high humidity and breezes light.
 

   We were the first to leave the anchorage, but apparently the rest were not far behind. We followed Bob423's tracks through all the recontoured inlets with no problems.
     Today is a beautiful Saturday. Everyone who has a boat must have been on the water. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw anywhere from 300 to possibly 500 boats. We were passed by countless boats heading north to the Surf City area, decked out in flags, obviously for a Trump water parade.

     Wrightsville Bridge only opens on the hour and is 5 miles from The Figure Eight Bridge. If not timed properly, which happened, we had to wait 45 minutes for the next opening. It was here that the rest of the anchored boats in Mile Hammock, caught up with us. There were 11 boats waiting for the noon opening, when it opened 9 minutes early once an ambulance crossed onto the island. I guess this way the regularly scheduled opening wouldn't be delayed or interrupted by the ambulance transporting the patient westbound off the island.
     As the boats proceeded through the bridge, other boats, who have no problem with the bridge clearance, also joined the line. The 35-foot open console with 4- 400 hp engines crawled in front of us. He even slowed further while we were trying to clear the bridge as we were last in line. Then, he even stopped to talk with a north bound boat with at least 12 other boats in the narrow channel between marinas. As we started to pass him, he apparently got insulted and finally hit the gas!
     Boats in this area of the ICW have no problem passing boats at speed and within 10-15 foot away! Many times one or two on each side of the boat simultaneously.
     The regulator went to trickle so Pete, on Gerry & John's suggestion, turned the engine key to off, while the engine still ran and then turned the key on. All the instruments reset and the regulator returned to bulk load for charging the batteries.

Moon over Carolina Beach

    We grabbed out reserved mooring at Carolina Beach around 4. Since Jim and Sue, MV BLACKTHORN, we coming to join us for dinner, I got thinks prepped.
     Conversation over appetizers and dinner never lagged. Before we realized it, it was already 9 and Bailey need to be taken to shore. We said our good-byes hoping to meet up later. They are staying put tomorrow due to the anticipated rain. We head out, unless the weather is poor.
     We are thankfully once again, that there is a nice breeze for sleeping.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P

2020-2021 Cruise Week 1 ~ Home to Great Bridge, VA

HOW WE SPENT OUR SUMMER ~

     Summer was busy and very hot. Lots of sewing projects, including sunshade for cabin, cloth door for the cabin, (so that Bailey could go above when she wishes. Unfortunately, she still dances while whimpering, during the 7+ attempts to climb the 4 stairs, while we are calling out encouragements to her!) repair of the enclosure zipper, the dodger front panel zipper, the Velcro replacement for the interior window shades to mention a few. We did find the enclosure sustained some damage due to heat. The canvas bled onto the upper Isinglass, thankfully, not bad enough to replace at this time. In between babysitting the girls every Monday, other projects were completed, and the boat interior thoroughly cleaned, reorganized, and inventoried, while "stuff" that wasn't necessary, removed.

     We were also able to do a few other things. Enjoying sunsets, spending time with the girls at home and in St. Michael’s, getting to Annapolis for the first time in 2 years and of course snapping a photo or two of flowers.

Fun with our girls! ~
 

Sunsets ~

Pennsylvania

At our marina

Orange glow from Sahara sand
 that blew across the Atlantic!

 

Annapolis

 
Unusual and curious blooms found this summer ~

Dinner with some of our Kids!

     Pete still had a lot on his “to do” list. We still had issues with the regulator, the dinghy engine and a substantial leak from the area of the PSS bearing. When Pete could not resolve the issues, the challenge continued with attempting to get people to do the service. Number of voice mails to a tech for the regulator - unreturned; 4 calls and 2 week wait for diver to clean the bottom; our mechanics, who we have used for 16+ years, stalled us all summer but promised they "would come in July", "in 3-weeks", "in September", "definitely before you leave", "next week", and after numerous emails to them, they informed us the "3rd week in Sept". Then came the email: "Sorry, we do not come across the bridge anymore." So much for our plans to leave by September 30th! Thankfully, Haven Harbor was able to schedule us in on 10/3 and Dan & Martha offered us a place to hang while the mechanics were aboard.
     Previously, the bilge pump usually only came on maybe once a day. Since the PSS bearing was replaced last year, the pump activity has been increasing until it was running every 30 seconds. We even burned out a pump. the mechanics at Haven Harbor secured the regulator, made adjustments and it appears to be running fine. The hose & pencil zinc were replaced, but finding the leak was the most challenging. After 2 days, the leak couldn't be found internally. The decision was made to pull the boat. Once pulled, they found that the shaft log seal and the void fund within the log were the culprits. Once PEKABU was pulled, we headed up to Chris & Kell's for a few days. The repairs took a week.

Fog over the farms of Rock Hall while heading to Pennsylvania during repairs.

Fall is arriving

     Sunday, Pete dropped me off at the boat in Haven Harbor so I could bring it back to Safe Harbor Narrows Point (Mears' new name) . Martha happened to look out of the window and saw PEKABU departing the marina. She called to wish me good luck. Though drizzle, winds were calm. I made it back just as the winds began to pick up. Late Sunday and all day Monday, the winds ranged in intensity from 10-35 mph. Definitely not a good day to travel. 

The engine hour count changed

 as I head back to our marina 

     Monday was spent returning to PA as I forgot frozen goods in their freezer as well as the dog's meds. On our return, we were able to pick up the dinghy engine. Carlisle Marine had it for 5 weeks. The Mercury plant closed due to a Covid outbreak and no parts could not be had. The part came in that morning. Talk about getting lucky!!! Pete. mounted the engine on the dinghy as I did the last of the shopping. After dinner, we just chilled and reassured each other that the major items have all been checked off. The only thing we didn’t do was top off the fuel. We will take care off that once we arrive in Solomons.

Tuesday, 10/13/20 ~
Kent Narrows to Solomons, MD
Today:   52 miles     7.4 hours       ICW ST Mile: --
Total:     52 miles     7.4 hours

     We departed at 7:50 and made 8 am Kent Narrows Bridge opening. The weather was not the best; 60 degrees, showers, fog, and winds NNW at 10 mph. We were able to put out the jib and motor sail from Parsons Island. We spent the day cruising at 7.8-8 mph due to the currents and the winds. We did see about 10 “snowbirds” in their boats heading south. As the day progressed, the skies cleared and we entered the Patuxent River in bright sunshine and temps in the 70’s. Thanks to those winds and currents, we dropped 90 minutes from our usual travel time to Solomons!
 

Wednesday, 10/14/20 ~
Solomons to Deltaville, VA
Today:     66 miles      9.7 hours      ICW ST Mile: --
Total:     108 miles     17.1 hours
     

Anchored boat
as we departed

     Lines were cast off at 7:45 am. It was a beautiful morning, clear and 60 degrees. With a NNW breeze at 10-15, we were able to motor sail for about 4 hours until the breeze died. We averaged 7.8 mph for most of the day. We saw our first pelican of our cruise.
     

Home on the channel

The curvy, narrow,
close-to-shore channel into Deltaville

     Originally, we planned to drop anchor in Antipoison Creek, one of our favorite anchorages. After checking tomorrow's forecast, we decided to add the 2 hours to Deltaville today since we had the current with us almost all day. Tomorrow we will be against the current all day along with 10-15 on our nose.

Deltaville Marina

 

Deltaville Sunset

     When we lowered the dinghy to take Bailey to shore, the engine was running rich and idling too low. They made it the short distance to shore and back. Unfortunately, when it was time to take the dog at 9 pm, it took numerous pulls to get it running. It died at the dock. Pete had 40+ pulls in attempting to start, but with no luck. He had to row the 70 yards or so back to the boat. Needless to say, he wasn't a happy camper! It is leaking gasoline all over and the few times it ran, it smoked. We picked it up from the repair shop 3 days ago!

Thursday, 10/15/20 ~
Deltaville to Salt Pond, Hampton, VA
Today:      40 miles      7.9 hours      ICW ST Mile: --
Total:     148 miles    25.0 hours

     We were up, dinghy hoisted, and anchor pulled by 7:30. We docked at the fuel dock so that Bailey could be walked and headed out by 7:45. Between the 3 boats anchored in Deltaville and the 7 who exited Fishing Creek, it was a decent flotilla heading south.
     As predicted, the skies clear, temperatures in the 60s, winds were light, but built to the forecasted 10-15 from the SSW; “noserlies” again! Bucking the incoming current, we spent most of the day doing about 5+ mph. Only after passing the York River did we make up some time. 8.2 mph is great providing you can maintain it for more than 45 minutes!

Sandy entry on the North of the channel

     We entered Salt Pond, Hampton, VA at dead low. At one point we only had 6 inches below the keel. This is a really beautiful and very protected spot. We will be reevaluation tomorrow's travel based on the winds that may come with the rains. We have also reserved dock space by Great Bridge lock and Coinjock, again with the winds in mind.

Water's Edge Restaurant

    

 Private dock across from Marina

         We'll see. . . .


Friday, 10/16/20 ~ (2 Days)
Salt Pond to Atlantic Yacht Basin, Chesapeake, VA
Today:    30 miles       5.6 hours            ICW ST Mile: 12
Total:   178 miles     30.6 hours


  
    

  After looking at the radar, we felt that we could make it to our next stop before the rains come. The rains are currently training to the west of us. Prepping to leave in the morning, we had mild temps (70 degrees) with calm winds, the outgoing current, sun on the horizon, but clouds and rain to the west. I even saw a partial rainbow just before we departed.

As we headed south, the current had us cruising at 7.9. We did hit 9.7mph entering the Elizabeth River!. We saw our 1st pod of dolphins. One even jumped about 6-8 feet out of the water. We came across 3 other pods, but no other show offs!

     We did need to slow down to let a Navy Reserve Ship meet up with the tugs and dock at the base. The River had a lot of traffic. The ferry coming out of the Portsmouth public dock had to slow their exit so we could pass. Do you think that the Coast Guard would approve my suggestion of turn signals on boats? We had a dredge barge as well as another barge and a single tug turn right in front of us. Another tug was maintaining station in the middle of the river with one of the naval housing barges attached while waiting for access into the naval shipyard. When we began to do a 1-whistle pass as directed by the tug, we didn't realize there was a larger tug approaching on our port. Thankfully, he announced himself! Blinking hazard lights would have been great upgrade here! Needless to say, PEKABU had a numerous conversations with other workboats this morning.
We had to wait at the Glimerton Bridge as trains were going in BOTH directions on the RR bridge. Then we had to wait another 5 minutes for to north bound tugs to clear the bridge before we could pass.
     The delay made our lock experience more interesting. We just missed the 11:30 am opening for southbound by 3 minutes. While we waited the hour, there was additional communication from a large tug with a barge coming up on our aft. The breeze and showers also decided to make their appearances. The drizzle was on and off, while the winds blew from the NNW, dropping the temperatures substantially into the high 50’s. The barge loaded first, then we were invited to follow and come all the way up on his starboard side. We had plenty of room, but the wash from the engines made approaching the side of the lock more challenging. The 2 other boats, 35-40 foot trawlers, weren't as confident and secured at the north end of the lock. The water differential was a whole 12-14 inches today.
     Once through the Great Bridge Bridge, we docked at the Atlantic Yacht Basin. That's when things got really exciting! Pete asked for his phone & wallet so he could take care of the bill. We spent the next 30 minutes pulling things apart both inside and out in search of his wallet. He finally remembered lying on the sofa yesterday, and the wallet was uncomfortable. So, he removed it from his pocket, laid it next to him and forgot about it. We found it under the back cushion. PHEW!!!
Bailey was so excited; every office desk she approached, she received a treat! Almost as good as Halloween for her! Once the bill was paid, we read up in the enclosed cockpit until dinner.
After dinner, Pete checked the tracking of the mail package that was supposed to be sent overnight to Coinjock for us to retrieve. The new girl sent it 1-Business day, so it won’t arrive until Monday. That means we have to be at Coinjock all day Monday. We decided to stay here tomorrow and head to Coinjock on Sunday. This way we should miss the winds that will make crossing Albemarle Sound a challenge. Been there. Done that. Don’t wish to repeat it again!

Saturday, 10/17/20 ~ Knowing we were not traveling today, we slept a bit later. Pete called the office while walking Bailey and we are welcome to stay the extra day. He was also able to push back the two-day stay at Coinjock.
     While I did some chores aboard, he worked on the dinghy engine. He was able to fix the loose hose. While he was in clean-up mode, he called me up. I was in the middle of hot ironing my hair. I wasn’t going to delay as he usually only banged on the hull when it was important. I popped into the cockpit with a top-knot, a pony tail, and the layer in between hanging loose and chaotic. Great way to meet fellow dock mates, Jim and Sue of MV BLACKTHORN, and make plans to meet for drink later!

A beautiful 
Coastal Cruiser

 

      After lunch Pete headed out to try fishing, but as usual, he was not successful catching! The engine worked perfectly the whole time he was casting from the dinghy. Once back, he read while I worked on the blog.
     We spent the greater part of 3 hours with Jim and Sue aboard MV BLACKTHORN for appetizers, conversation and new friendships. They have made this trip many more times than we have. Unfortunately, this spring, after returning from The Bahamas, as they prepped their Benateau 339 for summer storage, it had a fire that totaled the boat and very little was able to be saved. They are now on a trawler making their eleventh trip to The Bahamas. We look forward to meeting up with them as we travel.
     Once back onboard PEKABU, I was able to post most of this week’s blog. I just have to process the photos to attach to it. I hope to be more timely on my posts. Time will see. . . .


~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P