August 10, 2010

We ordered a new hot water tank from West Marine and they delivered it this morning. We toured the Navel Academy. Such a neat place. So much to see and I wish I could share all of my pics with you on this place. The first one is the sinking of the Sussex. I have to assume it was a Navel boat. This is how I have felt a few times that our boat was doing. It looked like a great comparison. The next one is of one of the many beautiful stained glass windows in the chapel. It is dated Aug 5, 1864. I can't remember who it was of except a navel officer. We heard that they were closing parts of the academy down for a short while because of some secret service people coming in. Michele Obama is coming here today. Guess she can walk in the foot steps of the Conniff's on these grounds. How lucky is that? Really, if you ever have a chance to visit this town, do so. We left here about 1:00 heading for Baltimore. Heather is flying in to spend a few days with us there. Had choppy waters all the way there but made it. We are staying at a public dock right in the heart of things. Good location and a bargain at $77.50 a night.

August 9, 2010 Monday

Well, each day brings a new adventure. The hot water tank is leaking. There are two tanks on board but we are only hooked into the one. He switched it over and now we know why that tank was disconnected. It leaks worse. So now we need to find a tank. We decided to get the dingy down and tour the harbor. Big place and some beautiful homes. We walked a little more of the town. This place gets a big thumbs up from us. It has so much history and old homes. Our kind of town. We went to a little restaurant for brunch. They serve a 6 lb mike shake. Yep..6 lbs! One table (two people) ordered one and they had to stand up at the table to be able to reach the straw. Record time is 9 minutes to drink one. Looked like it was going to take them all day to do this one. This is another pic of the slip. Straight ahead is a dingy dock and we were in front of the boat to your right. All the boats would come up through there, parade by and turn about where we were. Guess it was just the thing to do.

August 8, 2010 Sunday

We moved from the mooring ball to our "slip" in downtown Annaplois. The slip is a tie-up along a wall in the heart of downtown. You really have to see it to appreciate it. There was just enough space for our boat to fit and that was it. Boats everywhere. We walked all over the area looking at all the old homes and churches. Had lunch at Stan and Joes Saloon. Beer break back on the boat at 5:00 and set on the fly bridge watching the silly people. Some Japanese people even took their picture standing next to our boat. I wanted to charge them for the back ground. After all, we had to pay $97.00 a night to stay here. We had supper at Dock Side Saloon. Right outside out front door. Captain had been upset with me when he and Mike were on the boat because water came in one of the side ports and he thought I did not get it closed tight enough. Well, we have wet carpets now because we cannot get them sealed tight enough with some of the waters we have been in. Wasn't the first mates fault after all. This pic shows just how much downtown we were.

August 7, 2010 Saturday

Left Solomon's Island about 7:00 and headed to Annapolis, MD in some very choppy waters in the morning. Finally smoothed out and arrived around 3:00 We passed this tow on our way. There is a rope (line) connecting that big pile of containers to that little tug. He was moving right along. Dropped a hook in front of the Navel academy for a while. Found out there were free mooring balls just down the way that the Navy lets you use unless there is a threat of a hurricane and then they put their boats there. So, we moved on down. First ball we have been on. It was a nice area, calm for the most part and Frizz enjoyed her walks around the boat. This is one of the few times lately I have allowed her to roam freely outside the boat because I wasn't afraid of what was waiting in the water to eat her. She likes to walk the cat walks on each side.

August 6, 2010 Friday

We left Reelsville around 6:00, again hoping to get past the Potomac River. It is a very bad area. There was a mayday from a sail boat there last night that got caught in the storm. It is a very wide area and the winds can cause some interesting and challenging waters. Made it to Solomons Island about 2:00 with just a few crazy waves. Stayed at a restaurant dock for free as long as we ate there. We got our bikes out and rode all over town. All toll, about 5-6 miles. We toured another museum, listened to a Navy band rode our bikes to the end of the island and back, found another band playing 50's music so we listened to them for awhile. The restaurant was Catamaran's. Suppose to have a chief working there that was on Hells Kitchen. Hess was his name. He didn't do much for my chicken fingers (sorry, don't eat seafood)! Oh, we also took a 4 minute tour of an oyster museum. They were closing! Lighthouse coming into Solomons Island.

August 5, 2010

Left the marina around 6:35 a.m. (see, I can get up) . Got back on the Chesapeak around 8:40. Waters were a little choppy. We had hoped to make it past the mouth of the Potomac River before the winds picked-up but didn't. Had to find a marina for safety because again, the weather was turning bad quick. We went to Reelsville, VA and stayed at the Crazy Crab restaurant. We had just enough time to walk up main street and see some of the town and then back before the storm hit. It was so bad that we could not see nothing from our boat. All toll, the storms lasted about four hours. We got a break so we went into the restaurant and had supper. We could not see the boat when the next round came through and we were setting right in front of it. It finally calmed down so we could sleep. This is a lighthouse we passed. You can tell how big it is by the boat setting to its left.

August 4, 2010 Wednesday

We headed to a marina right around the corner this morning. Bad storms are heading our way plus 102 temps. We stayed at the Dozier Port Urbanna Marina. the name is bigger than the marina! They put us under cover to protect us from the weather. We walked around town and went through a few junk stores. Captain found a "Y" connector for $35.00 and it even works. Not much to look at in this town. The people really aren't overly friendly. Had Captains favorite meal, pizza, for supper. We had a great lightening and thunder show. The storm stayed south of us. Sounds like it was really bad over there. Couldn't resist a picture of the clouds moving in.

Aug 3, 2010 Tuesday

Today we said good bye to Southall Marina and headed north. I was on top and just happened to look down and this is a picture of what I saw. Captain on the front of the boat! Who was piloting? Autopilot of course! Our beds got wet the other night from the rain so he was sealing around the hatches. Waters were smooth until about 12:30 when we headed west across the waves to Rappahannock River and then up to the Corrotoman River to an anchorage for the night. Lots of jelly fish in the waters. Today we hit a mile stone...we are at the half way point. We have ran 3500 miles now.

Aug 2,2010 Monday

This will be interesting to write around! We took today and got all of our supplies for the next four weeks (beer, beer and beer), dropped the car off for repairs (Jeff will fly back at the end of the trip and pick-it up. Then drive to up to NY to get Frizz and I), Jeff changed the fuel filters (again) and we finished cleaning all the salt water from inside the boat from the other day. Think we are ready to rock and roll! These pics are from the Mariners Museum. It shows the gun turret I spoke of earlier. Pic to right shows what it really looked like and the rest are replicas of it now. It was found upside down on the bottom of the river so this is how it is displayed. I also researched the Great Dismal Swamp. It was made in 1974 to protect the swamps ecosystem. So now you know the rest of the story.... By the way, if you are looking for July 27th post, look down the list. It is out of line with the others.

August 1, 2010 Sunday

Rained last night. This is a shot from out boat of the marina right across from us. It looks like another gated area across the way. Beautiful houses. This was snapped just before the rains moved in. We spent this morning cleaning the inside and outside of the boat. They get dirty just setting there. Found a really nice shopping area so Captain dropped me off while he ran to West Marine to get the charts he will need for the Jersey and NY shore lines. Even though he tried to act interested in shopping with me after he got back, you could tell his mind was back on the boat. Didn't stay long. It started raining anyway. We went to the drive through at the Dairy Queen and the window on the drivers side would not go back up all the way. Jeff tried to pull it up and..oops...what was that? Well now it won't go up or down. We finally got it up and just hope it stays up tonight since it is raining. Will need to get it fixed. Just one more thing to break!

july 31, 2010 Saturday

Took the boat up to Hammond City dock and went to the farmers market. Got 2 lbs greenbeans, 6 large new potaotes, 2 apples and a red and green pepper all for $4.50. We them took a cruise down to the James River for about 45 minutes before Captain realized he missed his turn to go to Portsmith. Turned around and headed to the right channel to get there. We fueled up and it was a good thing I spent so little at the farmers market. 108 gallons and $434.00 we were headed back to Southall.
This picture shows the type of traffic we shared the waters with. They are a little intimidating heading straight at you but most have a gentle wake. We hit really bad waters heading back. The side windows were open and there was no way I was going out on the back deck to close them. Let the water come in because I really didn't care! The waves and wind were hitting us from the side and we just kind of rolled side to side. I was glad when we finally made the turn into our channel to get back to our marina.

July 30, 2010 Friday

We headed out to the Mariners' Museum today to finish the tour Mike and Jeff started when they were here last time. Some man made a trip across the Atlantic in the 5 ft boat. What some people won't do. Try to zoom in on the boards and read about his trip.

there were lost of interesting things here but I am starting to get "museumed" out. Spell check says there is no such word but that is what I am...no more museums please. All the boats are starting to look the same. The one thing that was interesting is old turret replica they have on
display from the USS Monitor an old Ironclad from the Civil War. They found the real ship and have brought parts of it to the museum and they are in the process of de-salting the parts. One of these pieces is the real gun turret.

We then went to Yorktown and walked around. /Stopped and listened to a band playing beach side and walked the little town. Guess where we ate supper. Yep, another Irish Pub!

July 29th, 2010 Thursday

Went to Ft. Monroe today built in 1834. It is the only fort in the US that was built with a moat around it. With a irregular heptagon shape, it has three sides facing the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads (not a street but water way). We toured the casemate museum. Believe it or not, Robert E. Lee help construct this fort. Edgar Allen Poe spent four months stationed here in 1828. Jefferson Davis was imprisoned here in the casemate after the war. He had a nice size room for a prisoner. This was also called the "freedom fort" during the Mexican War in 1845 as General Butler declared any excaping slaves that made it there as "contraband of the war". This is still an active base today so we had to show ID's and registration to the car to get in.

We had lunch at a Sarah's Irish Pub and headed to Nauticus Museum. There we toured the battleship Wisconsin and the museum. It is mainly a hands on museum for children.

July 28, 2010 Wednesday

This a picture that Mike took. Not sure where it was at but it sure is narrow. Wouldn't want to have met to big of a boat heading the other way!

We took today and did a few things on the boat plus three more loads of laundry. Yep, still the captains laundry...sheets, towels and what ever. Last time was Captain Jeff's clothes. We now know the real reason I am on board. Set by the pool while laundry was going. Such a hard life today. Laundry was 2.00 for each wash and 1.00 for each dryer. I miss my washer! Ate on board and had a very bad storm go through. Couldn't see outside the boat the rain was so heavy. I was glad we were tied to the dock.

July 26, 2010 Monday

This is our 6th leg of the trip. The beginning of the 6th time we have returned to the boat. Captains Jeff & Mike left the boat at a marina called Southhall in Hampton, VA. It is a gated community with condo's and the marina. Very upper class and super nice people. I thought the more we moved up the coast, the closer we were to home. Silly me! It still took 12 hours of driving to get here. The same as I drove to get home from Myrtle Beach. We got here around 8:00 last night. The temp was 102 at 7:30 last night driving and all we could think of is how hot the boat is going to be and yes, we were right. Today we got the vehicle unloaded and laundry done that was left form the captains week. Temp today is 109 and these temps are without the heat index!! Pick is of the marina. We will be staying here for about a week and going sightseeing.

July 12, 2010 Monday

We will return to the boat around July 25th. Need to go back to work to earn some dollars to pay for the fuel we are burning :) Also, big party at our house for my Mom's 90th birthday. Tune in then.

July 11, 2010 Sunday

Took the day and went sight seeing around Norfolk. So much to see. We went to a mariners museum and didn't get all the way through before they chased us out because they wanted to close. Got the boat ready to leave for two weeks. Changed the port fuel filter again. Captain Mike and I will fly out for home early in the morning.

My thanks to Mike for sharing this week with me. It was fun and nice to have someone to share the piloting with.

Note: My thanks to Mike for coming aboard and allowing me to head home to get everything ready for my Mother's 90th birthday party next Saturday. This really helped me get a head start on things. Hugs and kisses for doing this. Hugs and kisses to Laura for allowing Mike to do this (just kidding about the "allowing" part).

July 10th, 2010 Saturday

Departed Elizabeth City around 5:45 and passed through the Great Disimal Swamp. Very quiet and tranquil. Narrow and shallow! Two locks and two draw bridges then came into Norfolk VA. Mighty big waters, even bigger ships and even a bigger city yet! WOW!!!
Saw many Navy aircraft carriers, a stealth battleship, destroyers and more.
Arrived at Southall Landing at Salt Pond, Hampton, VA on the mighty Chesapeake around 5:00. Another great day on the water.

Note: The Great Disimal Swamp...Finally got a picture to download! Not sure how it got it's name. Maybe I can research this and pass some info on.

July 9th, 2010 Friday

5:30 a.m. start. More like it! Left Bel Haven and heading to Elizabeth City on the Great Disimal Swamp - 85 miles. Cruising included large sounds & rivers with rough waters, 3-5ft waves but also some narrows and canals which gave us some smooth water too. Arrived in Elizabeth City, N.C.(AKA: City of Hospitality) to a welcome party put on by the city "Rose Buddies". Free wine, beer and cheese along with a welcome by the locals plus free dockage. Note: Think there was a Rose Buddy waiting there to give them a kiss on the cheek and say "welcome sailor boys"?
After supper we walked around the historic district and found a place for a beer with great live music.

July 8, 2010 Thursday

Okay, not so early. We left Seagate around 8:30 with hopes of making it to Bel Haven, N.C. mm 135.7 (about 60 miles. We hit rough waters on Nuese River with 3-5 ft waves for about 16 miles. Finally smoothed out in the afternoon. Arrived at Bel Haven at 4:45. Anchored, then took dingy to town for supper. Great seafood at the the Fish Hook restaurant. We had a good breeze tonight and should sleep well after pina colada's with Captain Mike.

Note: Notice how nothing exciting seems to be happening on the boat. Everything just perfect? I see a sigh a lot that says "what happens on the boat, stays on the boat". Do you think they are just not telling us everything?

July 7, 2010 Wednesday

Had trouble changing fuel filters so we got a late start (7:15 a.m.). We still have garbage floating up from the tanks and clogging the filters. Hopefully, we will soon have this problem behind us.
We exited the ICW at the Masonboro Inlet and rode the seas for about 85 miles/7hours
to Cape Lookout/Morehead City. Captain Mike says it seafood time! Arrived at 3:00 and ate at the Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant- est 1937 - Moreheads oldest. Too early to stop so we went another 10 miles to mm 194.2 to Seagate Marina. Air conditioning felt mighty good after last night. Not much air moving. Washed saltwater off boat and fueled up. Time for lights out so we can get an early start.

July 6, 2010 Tuesday

Remember that first mate Cheri and Frizz have headed home and Captain Jeff is now sharing the helm with Captain Mike Lytle. The next week will be in Captain Jeff's words.
Left Myrtle Beach at 6:45 a.m. after seeing Cheri and Frizz off and headed north on the ICW for 32 miles. Headed to the outside to the wide open seas at the Little River inlet to Cape Fear inlet (approx 35 miles). Cut back inside to the ICW and went north to Wrightsville where the anchor was dropped for the night. There we set, among million dollar homes and condo's enjoying the view. this area looked somewhat like south Florida. Did a little maintenance on the boat and lights out on this long day.

OOPS!!!!

FINALLY GOT IN TO MY BLOG. IT HAS NOT ALLOWED ME TO GET TO THIS POINT BEFORE AND IT WILL NOT ALLOW PHOTOS AT THIS TIME. I AM WORKING ON IT. PROMISE....IN THE MEAN TIME, I WILL TRY TO GET YOU CAUGHT UP AS BEST AS I CAN SO SET BACK AND READ ON.