We are still very happy to have a full enclosure. We ain't tired of it yet. You lose.
It was 33 this morning when we pulled out and there is a freeze warning for the o'nite tonite. So where was it we was gonna be tired of the full enclosure?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
A good day of progress
We pulled out of Elizabeth City Nc. with the 8:30 opening of the Route 158 bridge. From there we motored down the Pasquotank River into Albemarle Sound. Initially things were calm and the wind was out of the Northwest making for a following sea. As we got into the heart of the sound much to our chagrin the wind kicked up and so did the water. When we were across the sound turning into Alligator river we were in 3-5. At least it was a following sea for the most part. Nothing too serious but enterring a new inlet in rough water is not exactly high on our priority list of fun type activities.
At least there were no submarines this time.
Down the Alligator river we go, and the bridge across it opened up immediately for us. This is one very busy bridge since two ICW routes merge here and there is quite a bit of boating traffic. The operator was polite with everyone in spite of numerous radio calls.
From here we entered the Alligator River Pungo River canal and had an extremely sedate ride to Dowry Creek.
74 miles today, our longest day on the water. The average speed was about 8 knots and the boat held up well with the new water pump. In spite of being a major PITA to install, it is doing fine. Thank goodness I did mechanical work on the streets of NYC while growing up.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Driving around for parts (Kitty Hawk)
We drove back to where we were on Friday night (Portsmouth) to get one of the water pumps. Too bad the issue was not noticed that night. Oh well.. Anyway this was the one really needed. Next we drove down past Kitty Hawk to Wanchese to get the corresponding pump for the other engine in case it decided to fall out since the engines are the same age. They are different pumps since the engines spin in opposite directions (that's so we have counter rotating props which is appropriate in twin engine installations).
Seeing Kitty Hawk was a surprise for Deb since she had been to Kitty Hawk when she was younger. There used to be sand dunes and alot of open space. It is all built up with homes and condos now. The dunes are gone, except for one small strip about a 1/4 mile long on the bay side. There were quite a few people walking around on them, so it must be a tourist attraction.
Kitty Hawk seemed out of place given the over development and in spite of being a fan of aviation, I passed up the opportunity to visit it.
Since there are gale warnings for Albemare Sound we'll continue to wait here and do some maintenance. Boats are like houses...
Seeing Kitty Hawk was a surprise for Deb since she had been to Kitty Hawk when she was younger. There used to be sand dunes and alot of open space. It is all built up with homes and condos now. The dunes are gone, except for one small strip about a 1/4 mile long on the bay side. There were quite a few people walking around on them, so it must be a tourist attraction.
Kitty Hawk seemed out of place given the over development and in spite of being a fan of aviation, I passed up the opportunity to visit it.
Since there are gale warnings for Albemare Sound we'll continue to wait here and do some maintenance. Boats are like houses...
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Elizabeth City Nc.
Ok the day started out well, nice smooth water, no traffic. All the bridges opened up for us so we could pass through quickly.
Giong through Norfolk to the start of the DSC (Dismal Swamp Canal) via water is a humbling experience. Every where you look there is a war ship. They are huge. The machinary that supports them is larger. Think about dry docking a cruiser.. I mean a US Navy Cruiser. Or set your goal a bit lower and consider dry docking a destroyer. Hopefully that lends a bit of perspective. If you have been to the Intrepid air craft carrier in NYC think of that as medium sized ok?
And so it was at dawn. Police boats were everywhere. This is a by product of 9-11. Before that the lockmaster at the first lock in the DYC said he could have backed up to a destroyer and hauled it out if he wanted. In spite of the Mason Dixon Line we all agreed that 9-11 changed the world and that this religious war was not to be taken lightly.
Into the DSC we go making great time. We caught the 8:30 lock and motored on without delay again! Eventually after driving down a canal that is very narrow we wind up at the bridge/lock pair that lets us down for the ride into Elizabeth NC. We have to wait here since it has scheduled openings. I go into the bilge and do some maintenance and notice a funny smell. It's antifreeze. I check around and sure enough the circulating pump for the starboard engine coughed up a seal and the engine bled out a couple of gallons of antifreeze.
Bad luck you say? To some extent yes. But look at it this way. Suppose the engine cacked while we were coming into Norwalk in the rough water? That would have been extremly bad timing! In that sense we are very lucky because the pump let go the very next day. So there is a silver lining here, even tho the whole situation sucks.
It loos like another 3 day layover. Fortunately I have tools, all I need is a pump. By the way a distributor is up in Portsmouth where we stayed last night. Yup. That'd be insult to injury.
I'll post a pic of the marina we are in now. The slip is 15 feet wide and we are 14. The owner was calling me to say don't come in when I backed it into the slip!
At least they have wifi and the sat tv is up and running.
Giong through Norfolk to the start of the DSC (Dismal Swamp Canal) via water is a humbling experience. Every where you look there is a war ship. They are huge. The machinary that supports them is larger. Think about dry docking a cruiser.. I mean a US Navy Cruiser. Or set your goal a bit lower and consider dry docking a destroyer. Hopefully that lends a bit of perspective. If you have been to the Intrepid air craft carrier in NYC think of that as medium sized ok?
And so it was at dawn. Police boats were everywhere. This is a by product of 9-11. Before that the lockmaster at the first lock in the DYC said he could have backed up to a destroyer and hauled it out if he wanted. In spite of the Mason Dixon Line we all agreed that 9-11 changed the world and that this religious war was not to be taken lightly.
Into the DSC we go making great time. We caught the 8:30 lock and motored on without delay again! Eventually after driving down a canal that is very narrow we wind up at the bridge/lock pair that lets us down for the ride into Elizabeth NC. We have to wait here since it has scheduled openings. I go into the bilge and do some maintenance and notice a funny smell. It's antifreeze. I check around and sure enough the circulating pump for the starboard engine coughed up a seal and the engine bled out a couple of gallons of antifreeze.
Bad luck you say? To some extent yes. But look at it this way. Suppose the engine cacked while we were coming into Norwalk in the rough water? That would have been extremly bad timing! In that sense we are very lucky because the pump let go the very next day. So there is a silver lining here, even tho the whole situation sucks.
It loos like another 3 day layover. Fortunately I have tools, all I need is a pump. By the way a distributor is up in Portsmouth where we stayed last night. Yup. That'd be insult to injury.
I'll post a pic of the marina we are in now. The slip is 15 feet wide and we are 14. The owner was calling me to say don't come in when I backed it into the slip!
At least they have wifi and the sat tv is up and running.
Updated the Southbound file (use refresh if it spits up) and also added to the photobucket.
Skip to the last page for the newer stuff.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Portsmouth Va. We're off the Cheasapeake!
Today we had a break. Not a large one, but a break. As it turned out we wound up with a 6 hour window when there would not be a small craft warning from Windmill Point to Cape Henry. We grabbed it and while it started out well enough things got rough.
The forcast was for 2 feet off Windmill but once down below New Point Comfort it grew to 2-3. For these areas the forcast was correct. But once south of the York River entrance channel it was more like 3-5. Fortunately Freedom is well built and there were no reverberations. Just a whump when it hit a wave. As well the water came at us from the South South East which enabled us to quarter the seas and make good progress. Things flew all over the place down stairs. Deb was locked into her chair (logically) not being allowed to move since she is a klutz. So it gets even better when we get near Horseshoe Flats off Phoebus since now we have to run a beam sea to get where we want to be.
A couple of minutes of this made it clear that was not going to happen. We continued to quarter seas until we hit marker Red 16 and ran with the seas. This was one of those challenging following seas deal that I really don't enjoy driving the boat in, but heck ya gotta get home. Plodding along surfing the boat we hear 'Securitayyyy all stations, this is the CG cutter so and so and we are escorting a Naval Warship out to such and such. All vessels are required to stay 100 yards off all US vessels and this is punishable by up to 250K and a number of years in jail"... Oh and by the way, deadly force will be used if required..
Talk about raining on your parade. I'm having a tough time keeping the boat in the channel and now there's a sub coming right at us!
Well, we are here to talk about it.
The folks at the Portsmouth Boating Center are terrific offering a ride to a restaraunt and diesel at 2.69 a gallon. They go the extra mile here!
The forcast was for 2 feet off Windmill but once down below New Point Comfort it grew to 2-3. For these areas the forcast was correct. But once south of the York River entrance channel it was more like 3-5. Fortunately Freedom is well built and there were no reverberations. Just a whump when it hit a wave. As well the water came at us from the South South East which enabled us to quarter the seas and make good progress. Things flew all over the place down stairs. Deb was locked into her chair (logically) not being allowed to move since she is a klutz. So it gets even better when we get near Horseshoe Flats off Phoebus since now we have to run a beam sea to get where we want to be.
A couple of minutes of this made it clear that was not going to happen. We continued to quarter seas until we hit marker Red 16 and ran with the seas. This was one of those challenging following seas deal that I really don't enjoy driving the boat in, but heck ya gotta get home. Plodding along surfing the boat we hear 'Securitayyyy all stations, this is the CG cutter so and so and we are escorting a Naval Warship out to such and such. All vessels are required to stay 100 yards off all US vessels and this is punishable by up to 250K and a number of years in jail"... Oh and by the way, deadly force will be used if required..
Talk about raining on your parade. I'm having a tough time keeping the boat in the channel and now there's a sub coming right at us!
Well, we are here to talk about it.
The folks at the Portsmouth Boating Center are terrific offering a ride to a restaraunt and diesel at 2.69 a gallon. They go the extra mile here!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Deltaville and a special picture
We walked into and back from Deltaville today. Ordered and ate a whole pizza just like the old days when I could eat a whole pie by myself only Deb had a couple of slices. I have to bulk up for the warmer weather...
Anyway, this picture is one of a painting a special person did for us. She probably doesn't like the notoriety so I'll keep her identity a secret. Only some former IBM'rs and those around the marina may know who surprised us with this. So we framed it up and will find a safe place aboard freedom for it.
Small Craft Advisories = no movement
We're stuck here for what looks like 2 more nights. So today we will walk into Deltaville and see about some shopping and those cosmopolitan type things.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Windmill Point Va. (Deltaville)
Out with the tide this morning and we ran across the Potomac with a light beam sea. It was easy enough but when we came around Smith Pt. we had 3 foot chop. We have no idea how this formed since the wind was out of the west and we felt it coming at us from the South. To ease the ride we bumped it up to around 11.5 knots and things smoothed out substantially.
Approaching Windmill Pt. things laid down and we had a smooth ride in to Norview Marina.
We'll sit out the ensuing foul weather here and start up again on Friday morning. Hopefully this is the last large water we'll see for a bit since we are headed for the Dismal Swamp Canal once we clear Norfolk Va..
By the way, it seems that the same group of 4 pelicans is still along for the ride with us.
Updated kmz file.
Approaching Windmill Pt. things laid down and we had a smooth ride in to Norview Marina.
We'll sit out the ensuing foul weather here and start up again on Friday morning. Hopefully this is the last large water we'll see for a bit since we are headed for the Dismal Swamp Canal once we clear Norfolk Va..
By the way, it seems that the same group of 4 pelicans is still along for the ride with us.
Updated kmz file.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Point Lookout Md.
It was a great day to travel on the Cheasapeake. The waves were a foot or less so we could run slow for the sake of economy. I think we averaged something like 9 knots over 56 nm.. Going past Annapolis' channel we saw the USS Cole anchored. She looked fine and fit for duty! Moving south later on she caught up with us and I have to admit her radar profile was less than some of the motor yachts that blew by us. They were all bragging about how they were only burning 80 gallons an hour to make 14 knots.
And then we got a real treat. I had no idea that pelicans came this far north but a gang of them were always around all the way into the Potomac. They'd dive into the water, come up and shake their heads and move on. Since we saw them for quite a while it would seem we could assume they were moving south like us.
Smart.
So all along the way we have been looking at options for pulling in for the night. We planned on this spot all along, but with the weather being good I was thinking we should move the goal a bit further south to take advantage of the situation. So I made my case a few times and as some she works with may know she held her position. I had all the times plotted out and the case made but it was to no avail. Her mind was made up.
After all was said and done for boating today, you know, we're all tied up and the "safe arrival cocktail" has been broken out, I say, "Yeah, that was enough of a trip for me today".
She beat me. Don't let the pose in front of the flowers fool you. She went bipolar because this is how everyone tried to wear her down at work (multiple attempts for change until someone relents) and 30 years was unloaded on me.
And then we got a real treat. I had no idea that pelicans came this far north but a gang of them were always around all the way into the Potomac. They'd dive into the water, come up and shake their heads and move on. Since we saw them for quite a while it would seem we could assume they were moving south like us.
Smart.
So all along the way we have been looking at options for pulling in for the night. We planned on this spot all along, but with the weather being good I was thinking we should move the goal a bit further south to take advantage of the situation. So I made my case a few times and as some she works with may know she held her position. I had all the times plotted out and the case made but it was to no avail. Her mind was made up.
After all was said and done for boating today, you know, we're all tied up and the "safe arrival cocktail" has been broken out, I say, "Yeah, that was enough of a trip for me today".
She beat me. Don't let the pose in front of the flowers fool you. She went bipolar because this is how everyone tried to wear her down at work (multiple attempts for change until someone relents) and 30 years was unloaded on me.
Ok,
It wasn't that bad. I have a 100 pounds on her and a good reach.
Southbound file updated as well.
Updated photo bucket as well. Use sort by alphanum (name) ->
Starting up again
When we pulled into Herrington Hrbr, the wind held us off the dock. I had to teach the dock hand how to manage the lines so he did not get pulled into the water. He seems to be about 17 years old and at that age I guess he thought that he could hold us against the dock even though we were broadside to about 25 knots of wind.
After a half an hour I had Freedom to the point we could actually get on and off the boat in spite of the wind pushing her out. I had to pull her in for Deb, but we could do it.
It looks like we get a one day shot to move on before the wind picks up again. We got a signal last night when Freedom laid onto the dock for the first time in two days. So we are heading south to the Potomac.
Sorry to hear everyone up North is getting ready to haul out and we wish we were ALL heading South. Hopefully everyone comes out ok, and does not see a clean spot on their hull like we did when we hauled for the props. Actually it was more than a clean spot. It was the only spot where there was no paint on the hull..
After a half an hour I had Freedom to the point we could actually get on and off the boat in spite of the wind pushing her out. I had to pull her in for Deb, but we could do it.
It looks like we get a one day shot to move on before the wind picks up again. We got a signal last night when Freedom laid onto the dock for the first time in two days. So we are heading south to the Potomac.
Sorry to hear everyone up North is getting ready to haul out and we wish we were ALL heading South. Hopefully everyone comes out ok, and does not see a clean spot on their hull like we did when we hauled for the props. Actually it was more than a clean spot. It was the only spot where there was no paint on the hull..
Saturday, October 18, 2008
South Herrington Marina (Holland Pt. Md.)
While we had to slog it out with a beam sea initially, we found ourselves in a full on following 4-5 foot sea when we went under the William P. Lane Jr. bridges. What was initially 2-3 cranked up when the geography pinched in for the bridges since the wind was out of the North.
That made things interesting. When the boat velocity kicked up 30% for a large wave, it was not like it went unnoticed. I'll put it this way. We started at 9:30 and it was brisk out. But one hour into the trip I had Deb yank my sweat shirt off since I was sweating keeping the bow into the game. Don't forget, there's no power steering on Freedom and she has a keel that loves to hook up with a following see if it gets away from you. There were a couple of times when we jumped from 10 knots to just about 14k. It's ok when you plan on it and goose the throttles. It's another thing when you slide down a wave with help from behind!
Pulling into the Herrington Harbor South Marina made it all worth while. It's a class place and a great setting to sit out the weather. With the BoatUS discount it's not bad from a dollar point of view.
So far we have about 350 miles under the belt and we figure we have about 1500 altogether. We'll sit it out here until it's back down below 2-3 out there.
That made things interesting. When the boat velocity kicked up 30% for a large wave, it was not like it went unnoticed. I'll put it this way. We started at 9:30 and it was brisk out. But one hour into the trip I had Deb yank my sweat shirt off since I was sweating keeping the bow into the game. Don't forget, there's no power steering on Freedom and she has a keel that loves to hook up with a following see if it gets away from you. There were a couple of times when we jumped from 10 knots to just about 14k. It's ok when you plan on it and goose the throttles. It's another thing when you slide down a wave with help from behind!
Pulling into the Herrington Harbor South Marina made it all worth while. It's a class place and a great setting to sit out the weather. With the BoatUS discount it's not bad from a dollar point of view.
So far we have about 350 miles under the belt and we figure we have about 1500 altogether. We'll sit it out here until it's back down below 2-3 out there.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Rock Hall Md.
Down to Rock Hall Md. ok. Dock and dine for a slip at Waterman's. Since the price for the dock is cheap, there will be no complaints! The ride down was good enough with only some mild slop.
But the weather has taken a turn for the worse so we are only going as far as So. Herrington today. Pushing it beyond that is going to take us beyond the comfort level since it's looking like 4-6 down there. We can handle 2-3 following but not 4-6 following. If it was on the snout we'd probably go for it.
The Solomons are going to have to wait an extra day or two.
But the weather has taken a turn for the worse so we are only going as far as So. Herrington today. Pushing it beyond that is going to take us beyond the comfort level since it's looking like 4-6 down there. We can handle 2-3 following but not 4-6 following. If it was on the snout we'd probably go for it.
The Solomons are going to have to wait an extra day or two.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Cheasapeake City MD
We pulled in around 12:30 today. The trip up was smooth except for a beam sea until we were well into the bay. I thought Deb was going to paint the side of the boat but she held on or held it in as they say.
The prop work paid off and the boat ran smoothly, more so than before we left since they had not been tuned up in 8 years.
Tonite we are out to dinner with Deb's buddy from grade school. The town is interesting and a great stop as long as the draft is good for your boat. We churned a little by the town dock but there is a LARGE Flemming MY at the marina. It followed us in. Rumor has it staying to port on the way in is a good idea.
The prop work paid off and the boat ran smoothly, more so than before we left since they had not been tuned up in 8 years.
Tonite we are out to dinner with Deb's buddy from grade school. The town is interesting and a great stop as long as the draft is good for your boat. We churned a little by the town dock but there is a LARGE Flemming MY at the marina. It followed us in. Rumor has it staying to port on the way in is a good idea.
On the move again
Freedom has her props again and while we did not take it out to check the prop work out the props are definitely better than they were. So today at sunrise we pull out to catch the tide north up Delaware Bay into the C&D canal. There are two likely spots we'll call it a day at those being Delaware City or Cheasapeake City.
At this stop Deb gets to hook up with her friend from grade school. Hopefully we have a pleasant ride up the forcast is reasonable for the water at the mouth of the Bay. By the way we use a combination of the http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/ and NOAA broadcasts for that information.
The Nobeltec Software allows us to predict the best departure time given a route we intend to follow.
At this stop Deb gets to hook up with her friend from grade school. Hopefully we have a pleasant ride up the forcast is reasonable for the water at the mouth of the Bay. By the way we use a combination of the http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/ and NOAA broadcasts for that information.
The Nobeltec Software allows us to predict the best departure time given a route we intend to follow.
Monday, October 13, 2008
IBM Security Server Team Shopping Spree THANK YOU!!
So here we are in Utches Marina Cape May. I must admit the staff here are courteous, professional and expedient. In less than 1/2 an hour, they hauled Freedom, knocked off the props, and had her back in her slip so we could transport the props to a local prop shop. Yes I used the IBM discount to get a car for 30 bucks a day.
By the way we all sort of think that the props are the source of the vibration since one of the stbd blades was about 3/16 out from the others. All things considered this ain't bad.
Since there was a local West Marine store, we stopped in after dropping off the props for rework. We cannot thank the gang enough for the gift it came in really handy today and we still have more left! The RACF Security Server Team is without a doubt one of the best teams in IBM to be associated with!
Oh, by the way, Maura thanks for all the candy, but Debbie is getting fat. Since my brother is expecting pix of bikini clad babes, this is not a good thing.
So we'll hang in Cape May and enjoy the area for a couple of days.
We had dinner at the Harbor View Restaraunt and drowned a couple of sorrows......
But if I did not mention this, the transom lights I installed this Spring brought on quite a show at Avalon last night. All sorts of bait fish came to the transom and yes, bigger fish ate them.
By the way we all sort of think that the props are the source of the vibration since one of the stbd blades was about 3/16 out from the others. All things considered this ain't bad.
Since there was a local West Marine store, we stopped in after dropping off the props for rework. We cannot thank the gang enough for the gift it came in really handy today and we still have more left! The RACF Security Server Team is without a doubt one of the best teams in IBM to be associated with!
Oh, by the way, Maura thanks for all the candy, but Debbie is getting fat. Since my brother is expecting pix of bikini clad babes, this is not a good thing.
So we'll hang in Cape May and enjoy the area for a couple of days.
We had dinner at the Harbor View Restaraunt and drowned a couple of sorrows......
But if I did not mention this, the transom lights I installed this Spring brought on quite a show at Avalon last night. All sorts of bait fish came to the transom and yes, bigger fish ate them.
Updated the tracks and added photos
Here's a link to the album on Photobucket -> http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh40/danno53/Southbound/
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Dan got a spankin' Dan got a spankin'
So given we lifted the stern out of the water in a following sea (very few small craft were out that day) we elected to take the inside down to CapeMay from AC. Not a bad decision as long as the tide is on your side. We gathered up a mess of local information that indicated we would be fine given our draft.
Not so.
At Red 306 we pushed the starboard prop and rudder into the mud. If we waited long enough the tide or traffic would have pushed us off. But since there were some a$$holes out here ripping by at 40 mph (within 20 feet) we elected to get towed off. Big shot to the ego and the butt is red.
We went a bit further and finding a wide spot we holed up for the tide and then proceeded on to Avalon. All the marinas down here are dead to the world now, and we finally pulled into a fuel dock and tied up and tied one on. Had to dull the spankin'.
No vibrations at 1300 but since we have not opened her up yet time will tell if we skated with "lesson learned" or not.
It was risky coming this way but so was the outside given the forcast. Should'a waited. Like a transient at Rondout Yacht Basin related. Every time I tried to make a schedule, I got spank'd. Now I can say been there dun dat.
Not so.
At Red 306 we pushed the starboard prop and rudder into the mud. If we waited long enough the tide or traffic would have pushed us off. But since there were some a$$holes out here ripping by at 40 mph (within 20 feet) we elected to get towed off. Big shot to the ego and the butt is red.
We went a bit further and finding a wide spot we holed up for the tide and then proceeded on to Avalon. All the marinas down here are dead to the world now, and we finally pulled into a fuel dock and tied up and tied one on. Had to dull the spankin'.
No vibrations at 1300 but since we have not opened her up yet time will tell if we skated with "lesson learned" or not.
It was risky coming this way but so was the outside given the forcast. Should'a waited. Like a transient at Rondout Yacht Basin related. Every time I tried to make a schedule, I got spank'd. Now I can say been there dun dat.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Manasquan to Atlantic City
Ok call me a wuz.
On Friday we came down the ICW from Manasquan to Tice's Shoal where we anchored out for the night.
Who ever says this stretch is not passable when they need 4 feet is not being accurate. We never saw less than 3 feet until we went out Barnegat inlet on Saturday. As I said we anchored at Tices' cove and it was terrific. No one else around save one other o'nighter. We spun around during the night but the FX-55 reset and hooked up without our knowing it. There are some good photos coming but that will have to wait until we have some performance since dial up is around 230kb.
We were fortunate to follow some other larger boats out Barnegat. Believe me, it's quite the winding path. There are a few extremely shallow spots where most larger boats back off and take it dead slow. The trip down to AC was reported to be 2 feet but in actuality it was more like 3-4 over all. The challenge here was to find the sweet spot and ride it down to AC. About 10.5 knots of boat speed had us frequently surfing well over 12 knots and heeling all over the place. It was a good workout to keep the boat running on course as well as I did. At one point with a large swell moving under us, the port side appeared to cavitate and spin up. Not sure if we snagged something or not but a very brief blast inside the inlet proved nothing to be worried about. We hope it stays that way.
The real treat today was a pod of dolphins passing right in front of us as we pulled into the AC inlet. It made traveling in a full beam sea on the approach to the inlet worthwhile. So here we are in AC, where diesel is 3.58 after we filled up just inside the pt. pleasant canal at 4.01.
We tried to anchor out inside the small bay to the north of Rum Point inside the AC inlet but the holding was poor. So we gave up and went to Kammermon's which has the diesel at 3.58.
On Friday we came down the ICW from Manasquan to Tice's Shoal where we anchored out for the night.
Who ever says this stretch is not passable when they need 4 feet is not being accurate. We never saw less than 3 feet until we went out Barnegat inlet on Saturday. As I said we anchored at Tices' cove and it was terrific. No one else around save one other o'nighter. We spun around during the night but the FX-55 reset and hooked up without our knowing it. There are some good photos coming but that will have to wait until we have some performance since dial up is around 230kb.
We were fortunate to follow some other larger boats out Barnegat. Believe me, it's quite the winding path. There are a few extremely shallow spots where most larger boats back off and take it dead slow. The trip down to AC was reported to be 2 feet but in actuality it was more like 3-4 over all. The challenge here was to find the sweet spot and ride it down to AC. About 10.5 knots of boat speed had us frequently surfing well over 12 knots and heeling all over the place. It was a good workout to keep the boat running on course as well as I did. At one point with a large swell moving under us, the port side appeared to cavitate and spin up. Not sure if we snagged something or not but a very brief blast inside the inlet proved nothing to be worried about. We hope it stays that way.
The real treat today was a pod of dolphins passing right in front of us as we pulled into the AC inlet. It made traveling in a full beam sea on the approach to the inlet worthwhile. So here we are in AC, where diesel is 3.58 after we filled up just inside the pt. pleasant canal at 4.01.
We tried to anchor out inside the small bay to the north of Rum Point inside the AC inlet but the holding was poor. So we gave up and went to Kammermon's which has the diesel at 3.58.
The photo is the sunset from Tice's Shoal on Barnaget Bay.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Jersey ICW
It looks like what was a good forcast for the outside has gone a bit stale, so we are going to run down the inside of Jersey. Predictions of 2-4 may not see like much and it isn't generally speaking but we have quite a bit of stuff on board and it's difficult to keep it all secure. That is not an easy chore while bouncing around! Fortunately the boat is relatively well equipped with hand holds.
The ride down to Manasquan was ok since we were going directly into it. We got bounced around a bit but things held together fine. We ran at 12 knots and that was just enough to prevent bobbing up and down with the waves but we did slam a few times.
Since things seem to be picking up according to the forcast we decided to run down to Barnagat on the inside. The passage looks ok with enough water for us even at low tide. But we will time the tide anyway.
The ride down to Manasquan was ok since we were going directly into it. We got bounced around a bit but things held together fine. We ran at 12 knots and that was just enough to prevent bobbing up and down with the waves but we did slam a few times.
Since things seem to be picking up according to the forcast we decided to run down to Barnagat on the inside. The passage looks ok with enough water for us even at low tide. But we will time the tide anyway.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Kingston to Tarrytown
This was a pleasant enough ride, although it was cold in the morning. At times the visability was less than a mile on the river, but once we passed the Esopus Light near Norie point things cleared up substantially. Radar was a plus but not really needed.
It was great having the river to ourselves on the way down. I think we saw maybe 10 private boats.
We linked up (briefly) with George and Incentive off the Chelsea power plant. He may admire out boat, but I think he was being polite! It had to be at least 58 feet. See this thread in boatered.com for details -> http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=120283
The trip to tarry town took a bit longer than we had planned but that could be due to backing down from 9.2 knots a few times to reduce our wake. It seems that Central Hudson is still recovering the gas line near the Poughkeepsie rail road bridge. Those around the area back in 1999 know a tug ripped up the gas line with an anchor. We happened to be on the river that day and saw the sheriff take the tug and barge over (almost by force due to a stubborn captain) just before it it the Chelsea power plant lines to NYC etc..
Note to self:
Ensure the S.O. stows the dockside water filter so it doesn't slam around in the dunage box. And no Geo it certainly wasn't your wake!
It was great having the river to ourselves on the way down. I think we saw maybe 10 private boats.
We linked up (briefly) with George and Incentive off the Chelsea power plant. He may admire out boat, but I think he was being polite! It had to be at least 58 feet. See this thread in boatered.com for details -> http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=120283
The trip to tarry town took a bit longer than we had planned but that could be due to backing down from 9.2 knots a few times to reduce our wake. It seems that Central Hudson is still recovering the gas line near the Poughkeepsie rail road bridge. Those around the area back in 1999 know a tug ripped up the gas line with an anchor. We happened to be on the river that day and saw the sheriff take the tug and barge over (almost by force due to a stubborn captain) just before it it the Chelsea power plant lines to NYC etc..
Note to self:
Ensure the S.O. stows the dockside water filter so it doesn't slam around in the dunage box. And no Geo it certainly wasn't your wake!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Departure Date Set (weather depending)
I see people are jumping the game here, expecting to see bikini clad women already. Hang in there gang as soon as there is something worthwhile, I'll provide some imagry.
If someone has photos of prospective models, you know, between the ages of say, 19 and 27, I'll be happy to post them.
Anyway, it looks like Wednesday is when we start off. With luck and good weather we hope to be in Cape May NJ in about 5 or 6 days. I'll let you know how all of that goes since we have all of the coast of NJ to traverse.
Reminds me of days chasing bluefish on the Ranger V party boat out of Sheepshead bay.. LET'R FLY OVER HERE MATIE!
If someone has photos of prospective models, you know, between the ages of say, 19 and 27, I'll be happy to post them.
Anyway, it looks like Wednesday is when we start off. With luck and good weather we hope to be in Cape May NJ in about 5 or 6 days. I'll let you know how all of that goes since we have all of the coast of NJ to traverse.
Reminds me of days chasing bluefish on the Ranger V party boat out of Sheepshead bay.. LET'R FLY OVER HERE MATIE!
