SUNSHINE'S Summer Home - Worton Creek Marina, Worton, MD
View S/V SUNSHINE 2008-09 Position Reports in a larger map
Monday, June 15, 2009 Day 15
From: Indian Creek Anchorage, VA MM 146.0
To: Spring Cove Marina, Solomons Island, MD MM 97.6
Distance Traveled: 57.1
Hours Motoring: 10.3
Weather: The day started with an overcast sky, calm, flat sea and 70 degree temp. The sun cam out late in the morning and the wind picked up to around 6 knots out of the NW.
Comment: Even though we had a foul tide most of the day, we made about 6 mph, motoring with the jib flying. It was great to see the sun. The bay water turned a nice sky blue and we had a glorious day. Much different than yesterday!
Running low on fuel, we decided to call it a day when we arrived at Spring Cove Marina in Solomon’s Island. Gary treated to gas and dinner at the Captain’s Table where we enjoyed a sumptuous meal of scallops.
Both Captain and crew were tired, due primarily to the very early morning departure, so once again, we hit the sack before 2100 hours.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Day 16
From: Spring Cove Marina, Solomons Island, MD MM 97.6
To: Worton Creek Anchorage, MD MM 25.5
L/L: 39 16 82N 76 10 27W
Distance Traveled: 81.8 miles
Hours Underway: 12:10
Hours Motoring: 12.2
Weather: Overcast throughout the day, although there were some rays of sun at times; temp range 70 – 77 degrees; wind 10 – 15 E made for good, although with a lively motion, motor sailing; making much time over 7 mph and average was about 6.8 on the day.
Comment: The boat had lots of motion today, but we flew up the bay. Our average speed for the day was 6.8 mph. There were lots of sailboats out and about. The trip was uneventful.
We entered Worton Creek after covering 80 miles in 12 hours and were greeted by a pair of Bald Eagles. They might have been more eagles as they were interspersed with buzzards.
The anchorage was quiet, even though it was windy (small craft warnings are posted until at least tomorrow evening. Tomorrow, we plan to check out the marina to see if it is a place where we might leave SUNSHINE for the summer.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 Day 17
Location: Worton Creek Marina, Eastern Shore, MD MM 25.5
Weather: Showers all day
Comment: We visited Worton Creek Marina, talked to the owner, priced hauling, power washing, blocking, and splashing. The price was excellent. When we added up all the costs involved, we will save over $1,000 compared to summer storage in our home waters on Barnegat Bay.
I made the deal. The delivery trip is suddenly OVER! SUNSHINE will spend the summer at the Worton Creek Marina.
Anna Marie and Trudy arrived at around 1900 hours. We off loaded some stuff from the boat, went to dinner and headed home.
We’ll be back to SUNSHINE next week to off load more stuff and prep it for summer storage. We’ll also begin the projects that we’ll need to do before splashing in the fall.
Sunshine almost always makes me high! (John Denver)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
A Slow Day! (Day 14)
We are anchored in Pitman's Cove off the Indian Creek.
View S/V SUNSHINE 2008-09 Position Reports in a larger map
From: Jackson Creek, Deltaville, VA MM 152.6
To: Indian Creek Anchorage, VA MM 146.0
L/L: 37 41 57N 76 21 03W
Distance Traveled: 23.1 miles
Hours Underway: 5:10
Hours Motoring: 5.1
Weather: The day started calm and sunny; shortly after hoisting the anchor, it became cloudy and the wind picked up to 15 knots out of the north.
Comment: SUNSHINE cruised out of the anchorage, negotiated the winding channel back to the bay. It didn’t take long for the wind to build to 15 knots on the nose. That, combined with a foul current, made for slow progress in the choppy conditions. At times, our speed fell to less than 2 mph. After making 15 miles in four hours, the captain decided to throw in the towel. Our new destination was Indian Creek (MM 146.0) on the western shore. We have had it again, tomorrow we hope it will be more pleasant conditions.
View S/V SUNSHINE 2008-09 Position Reports in a larger map
From: Jackson Creek, Deltaville, VA MM 152.6
To: Indian Creek Anchorage, VA MM 146.0
L/L: 37 41 57N 76 21 03W
Distance Traveled: 23.1 miles
Hours Underway: 5:10
Hours Motoring: 5.1
Weather: The day started calm and sunny; shortly after hoisting the anchor, it became cloudy and the wind picked up to 15 knots out of the north.
Comment: SUNSHINE cruised out of the anchorage, negotiated the winding channel back to the bay. It didn’t take long for the wind to build to 15 knots on the nose. That, combined with a foul current, made for slow progress in the choppy conditions. At times, our speed fell to less than 2 mph. After making 15 miles in four hours, the captain decided to throw in the towel. Our new destination was Indian Creek (MM 146.0) on the western shore. We have had it again, tomorrow we hope it will be more pleasant conditions.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Jackson Creek, Deltaville, VA
Where are we now?
Anchored in Jackson Creek, Deltaville, VA MM 152.6
View S/V SUNSHINE 2008-09 Position Reports in a larger map
Friday, June 12, 2009 Day 12
Lay Day: Waterside Marina, Norfolk, VA MM 0
Weather: Thunderstorms are in the forecast and both captain and crew are feeling lethargic.
Comment: Where'd this day go? We did a few errands, napped and had dinner at Joe's.
Saturday, June 13, 2009 Day 13
From: Waterside Marina, Norfolk, VA MM 0
To: Jackson Creek, Deltaville, VA MM 152.6
L/L: 37 32 96N 76 19 90W
Distance Traveled: 55.0 miles
Hours Motoring: 9.8
Weather: It was 86 degrees by 1000 hours. A chance of thunderstorms was predicted for the afternoon. We could see storms and fog on the horizon and as we motored toward it, cells of thunderstorms appeared behind us. At times, we could hear the thunder. By 1130 hours, we were in a shower. It rained on and off until we reached Jackson Creek. The temperature dropped to 77 degrees and made it back up to 84 degrees in the anchorage, when the sun returned. The evening was clear and calm.
Comment: We slipped our lines at 0639 and headed out the Elizabeth River to the bay. Along the way, we passed the “Fortune of the Seas” cruise ship. It was escorted by several police boats and by a Coast Guard Cutter and a CG runabout. The police told us to keep to the red side of the channel, which we did.
Although we were in rain showers for much of our travel, we managed to avoid the thunderstorms that were around the area.
The anchor was set at 1415 after 9.8 hours and 55 miles.
Anchored in Jackson Creek, Deltaville, VA MM 152.6
View S/V SUNSHINE 2008-09 Position Reports in a larger map
Friday, June 12, 2009 Day 12
Lay Day: Waterside Marina, Norfolk, VA MM 0
Weather: Thunderstorms are in the forecast and both captain and crew are feeling lethargic.
Comment: Where'd this day go? We did a few errands, napped and had dinner at Joe's.
Saturday, June 13, 2009 Day 13
From: Waterside Marina, Norfolk, VA MM 0
To: Jackson Creek, Deltaville, VA MM 152.6
L/L: 37 32 96N 76 19 90W
Distance Traveled: 55.0 miles
Hours Motoring: 9.8
Weather: It was 86 degrees by 1000 hours. A chance of thunderstorms was predicted for the afternoon. We could see storms and fog on the horizon and as we motored toward it, cells of thunderstorms appeared behind us. At times, we could hear the thunder. By 1130 hours, we were in a shower. It rained on and off until we reached Jackson Creek. The temperature dropped to 77 degrees and made it back up to 84 degrees in the anchorage, when the sun returned. The evening was clear and calm.
Comment: We slipped our lines at 0639 and headed out the Elizabeth River to the bay. Along the way, we passed the “Fortune of the Seas” cruise ship. It was escorted by several police boats and by a Coast Guard Cutter and a CG runabout. The police told us to keep to the red side of the channel, which we did.
Although we were in rain showers for much of our travel, we managed to avoid the thunderstorms that were around the area.
The anchor was set at 1415 after 9.8 hours and 55 miles.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Underway Again! (Days 6 - 11)
WHERE WE ARE TODAY, jUNE 11, 2009!
View S/V SUNSHINE 2008-09 Position Reports in a larger map
On Saturday, June 6, 2009 (Day 06) we were finally underway again. The culprit was a faulty CDI, but because the technician didn't have the right diagnostic equipment, we ended up with a new pulser coil and stator in addition to the CID.
On the day, we traeled from South Harbor Village, Southport, NC MM 311.0 to Onslow Beach Bridge, Camp LeJune, NC MM 243.3 We had intended to anchor in Mile Hammock Bay on Camp Lejune, but the anchorage was secured for Marine Operations. It was late and we were both tired. We anchored just off the waterway two miles south of the bridge.
Via VHF radio, I spoke to the captain of a passing tug. He offered that we were on the edge of the ICW and that he mistook us for a mark as viewed from his radar. We debated moving for several minutes, but decided to stay put.
We did an anchor watch at 0200 as the current set us in a different direction. All was well and it was back to bed for four more hours.
Sunday, June 7, 2009 Day 07
This day's travel took us from the Onslow Beach Bridge, Camp LeJune, NC MM 243.3 to Cedar Creek (off Adams Creek), NC MM 187.3, a distance of 56.7 miles. It was another long day!
The weather was overcast, although the evening was very nice and we saw some sun. It got pretty warm during the day.
On Monday, June 8, 2009 (Day 08) we traveled from Cedar Creek (off Adams Creek), NC MM 187.3 to Dowery Creek Marina, Belhaven, NC MM 131.7, a distance of 55.5 miles.
Weather: Fog in the morning (delayed departure for two hours); 82 degrees at 1000 hours and made a high of 93; calm until late afternoon in the Pungo River when we were able to unroll he jib.
Comment: It was sunny and hot today. The engines performed well and we motored up the rivers at about 2500 rpms. We watched the shrimpers from our anchorage last night. There were five rather small boats dragging the river. After an hour or so, each pulled into the dock, off loaded and were finished for the day. This was a day after the full moon and the tide had just changed.
At 1030 hours, Gary, who was at the helm, reported a boat on fire! He saw the first wisp of smoke the evolved into flames 20 feet high! This was a 45 foot fishing boat (probably a shrimper) with two crew. Both were rescued by a nearby boater. Not long after passing, but still within easy view, the wooden boat, now burned to the waterline, sunk.
We did a bit of motor sailing on the Pungo River before tying up at the Dowery Creek Marina.
On Tuesday, June 9, 2009 (Day 09) we motored from Dowery Creek Marina, Belhaven, NC MM 131.7 to Deep Point Anchorage, Alligator River, NC MM 102.2
We had some interesting weather along the way. Although the morning was clear and bright, afternoon thunderstorms rolled in, causing us to anchor near the Fairfield Canal for two hours as we waited for the storms to pass. Once they did, we continued to the anchorage.
Comment: After provisioning (use of the Dowery Creek loaner car) we were off the dock at 1030 hours. The early part of the trip was uneventful until about 1430 hours, when we dropped the hook over, outside the Fairfield Canal, in anticipation of a big blow and thunderstorms, We never experienced a big blow, but the thunderstorms were intense and we could see big wind blowing in the tree tops. We sat out the storms until 1630 hours when we had some clearing.
Storms threatened after we anchored for the evening at Deep Point, but only a few showers came by. The new line of thunderstorms never made it to us.
On Wednesday, June 10, 2009 (Day 10), we traveled from the Deep Point Anchorage, Alligator River, NC MM 102.2 to Goat Island (in the Pasquotank River), NC MM 43.0, a distance of 59.1 miles.
Weather: Sun gives way to partly sunny in the afternoon; temp range 70 to 88; winds NE 5 to 12 knots
Comment: Left anchorage after changing oil in the starboard engine and replacing both fuel filters.
It was an easy trip up the Alligator River, across the Albemarle Sound, which was flatter than the Alligator, and the Pasquotank River. Rather than tie up in Elizabeth City, we continued on, making the 1630 opening of the Elizabeth City Bridge. We stopped at Lamb’s Marina for gas. Don’t believe the reported depths, there is a sand bar in the main thoroughfare that is only three feet deep! We didn’t touch, but the depth registered on the depth sounder.
Following the fuel stop, we motored the remaining two miles to the Goat Island Anchorage where we spent a quiet evening.
Today, Thursday, June 11, 2009 (Day 11) we traveled from Goat Island (in the Pasquotank River), NC MM 43.0 to the Waterside Marina, Norfolk, VA MM 0
Weather: sunny; temp range 78 to 91 degrees; light & variable wind
Comment: What a contrast! We traveled from the serenity and remoteness of Goat Island to the hustle and bustle of Norfolk. In the morning, we were identifying birds by their songs and in the afternoon, there was a cornucopia of sights and sounds, almost none that were natural.
“Lo Que Se A” and Barbara were tied up at Elizabeth Dock, just before the Deep Point Lock. They came over to say hi while we were tied up. We hadn’t seen Judy or Gene since Marathon last year. They spent the winter in Marsh Harbor, Abacos, Bahamas with several of our cruising buddies. They had such a great time on “D” Dock, they made reservations for next year.
We pulled into the Waterside Marina for the evening. Tomorrow I’ll take care of some business while Gary goes shopping (again!).
View S/V SUNSHINE 2008-09 Position Reports in a larger map
On Saturday, June 6, 2009 (Day 06) we were finally underway again. The culprit was a faulty CDI, but because the technician didn't have the right diagnostic equipment, we ended up with a new pulser coil and stator in addition to the CID.
On the day, we traeled from South Harbor Village, Southport, NC MM 311.0 to Onslow Beach Bridge, Camp LeJune, NC MM 243.3 We had intended to anchor in Mile Hammock Bay on Camp Lejune, but the anchorage was secured for Marine Operations. It was late and we were both tired. We anchored just off the waterway two miles south of the bridge.
Via VHF radio, I spoke to the captain of a passing tug. He offered that we were on the edge of the ICW and that he mistook us for a mark as viewed from his radar. We debated moving for several minutes, but decided to stay put.
We did an anchor watch at 0200 as the current set us in a different direction. All was well and it was back to bed for four more hours.
Sunday, June 7, 2009 Day 07
This day's travel took us from the Onslow Beach Bridge, Camp LeJune, NC MM 243.3 to Cedar Creek (off Adams Creek), NC MM 187.3, a distance of 56.7 miles. It was another long day!
The weather was overcast, although the evening was very nice and we saw some sun. It got pretty warm during the day.
On Monday, June 8, 2009 (Day 08) we traveled from Cedar Creek (off Adams Creek), NC MM 187.3 to Dowery Creek Marina, Belhaven, NC MM 131.7, a distance of 55.5 miles.
Weather: Fog in the morning (delayed departure for two hours); 82 degrees at 1000 hours and made a high of 93; calm until late afternoon in the Pungo River when we were able to unroll he jib.
Comment: It was sunny and hot today. The engines performed well and we motored up the rivers at about 2500 rpms. We watched the shrimpers from our anchorage last night. There were five rather small boats dragging the river. After an hour or so, each pulled into the dock, off loaded and were finished for the day. This was a day after the full moon and the tide had just changed.
At 1030 hours, Gary, who was at the helm, reported a boat on fire! He saw the first wisp of smoke the evolved into flames 20 feet high! This was a 45 foot fishing boat (probably a shrimper) with two crew. Both were rescued by a nearby boater. Not long after passing, but still within easy view, the wooden boat, now burned to the waterline, sunk.
We did a bit of motor sailing on the Pungo River before tying up at the Dowery Creek Marina.
On Tuesday, June 9, 2009 (Day 09) we motored from Dowery Creek Marina, Belhaven, NC MM 131.7 to Deep Point Anchorage, Alligator River, NC MM 102.2
We had some interesting weather along the way. Although the morning was clear and bright, afternoon thunderstorms rolled in, causing us to anchor near the Fairfield Canal for two hours as we waited for the storms to pass. Once they did, we continued to the anchorage.
Comment: After provisioning (use of the Dowery Creek loaner car) we were off the dock at 1030 hours. The early part of the trip was uneventful until about 1430 hours, when we dropped the hook over, outside the Fairfield Canal, in anticipation of a big blow and thunderstorms, We never experienced a big blow, but the thunderstorms were intense and we could see big wind blowing in the tree tops. We sat out the storms until 1630 hours when we had some clearing.
Storms threatened after we anchored for the evening at Deep Point, but only a few showers came by. The new line of thunderstorms never made it to us.
On Wednesday, June 10, 2009 (Day 10), we traveled from the Deep Point Anchorage, Alligator River, NC MM 102.2 to Goat Island (in the Pasquotank River), NC MM 43.0, a distance of 59.1 miles.
Weather: Sun gives way to partly sunny in the afternoon; temp range 70 to 88; winds NE 5 to 12 knots
Comment: Left anchorage after changing oil in the starboard engine and replacing both fuel filters.
It was an easy trip up the Alligator River, across the Albemarle Sound, which was flatter than the Alligator, and the Pasquotank River. Rather than tie up in Elizabeth City, we continued on, making the 1630 opening of the Elizabeth City Bridge. We stopped at Lamb’s Marina for gas. Don’t believe the reported depths, there is a sand bar in the main thoroughfare that is only three feet deep! We didn’t touch, but the depth registered on the depth sounder.
Following the fuel stop, we motored the remaining two miles to the Goat Island Anchorage where we spent a quiet evening.
Today, Thursday, June 11, 2009 (Day 11) we traveled from Goat Island (in the Pasquotank River), NC MM 43.0 to the Waterside Marina, Norfolk, VA MM 0
Weather: sunny; temp range 78 to 91 degrees; light & variable wind
Comment: What a contrast! We traveled from the serenity and remoteness of Goat Island to the hustle and bustle of Norfolk. In the morning, we were identifying birds by their songs and in the afternoon, there was a cornucopia of sights and sounds, almost none that were natural.
“Lo Que Se A” and Barbara were tied up at Elizabeth Dock, just before the Deep Point Lock. They came over to say hi while we were tied up. We hadn’t seen Judy or Gene since Marathon last year. They spent the winter in Marsh Harbor, Abacos, Bahamas with several of our cruising buddies. They had such a great time on “D” Dock, they made reservations for next year.
We pulled into the Waterside Marina for the evening. Tomorrow I’ll take care of some business while Gary goes shopping (again!).
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wating for Repairs
Yesterday (Thursday) I had a heart to heart talk with George (Boat House Marine) regarding the quality of the skill of our repairman. George understood my concerns and offered some acceptible solutions. I gave him the authorization to order the stator and CDI in the hopes that one or the other is the culprit.
After lunch today, Gary packed his pack and took off for town where he hopes to buy some horseradish and a few other items. I'm awaiting the repair guys.
After lunch today, Gary packed his pack and took off for town where he hopes to buy some horseradish and a few other items. I'm awaiting the repair guys.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Now It's A Delivery Trip!
Greetings All:
On May 30, Anna Marie and I departed West Creek, NJ in the wee hours of the morning. Our destination: Osprey Marina and SUNSHINE. Along the way, we picked up Gary, who would be crew for the trip home. After a long 14 hour drive, we made it to SUNSHINE, where we off loaded a few items and hit the sack.
On the 31st, Anna Marie did the provisioning while Gary attended to servicing the generator. I replaced spark plugs and the fuel filter on the port engine. Anna Marie departed at 1400 hours for the long drive home. She'll stop along the way and should arrive back home tomorrow afternoon.
Gary and I attended to all of the other chores necessary to get SUNSHINE cruise ready. We finished our tasks just after dark.
We met a couple (Jack and Lois) aboard "Adventurous." They're heading home to Washington, DC after their first cruise on the waterway, to the Keys and the Bahamas.
We departed Osprey Marina on June 1 and motored up the waterway on a warm (hot?), sultry day. We made it to our anchorage just after noon. Being way too early to stop, we continued on. We missed the 1200 opening of the Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge by 15 minutes, so we threw out the hook and waited for the 1400 hour opening.
Not too long after passing through, the port engine began to act up, eventually stalling. I fed it some oil and it started up and ran fine for the next three hours, when it stopped running again. This time, we couldn't get it started. We spent the next five hours motor sailing to the St. James Marina. We traveled alomost 59 miles on the day.
On June 2, a mechanic came to check out the motor. The marina is not convenient to his shop, so he asked us to move to a closer one. We agreed and moved the boat five miles north to the South Harbor Village Marina. Mechanic Kurt arrived in the afternoon to check out the situation and, after sever tests with a multimeter, determined the problem to be a pulsifer coil (I think it is commonly known as a stator).
He ordered the part. If it can be overnighted, he'll install it tomorrow, if not, he'll be back on Thursday, June 4 to install it. We should be underway again on Thursday afternoon.
UPDATE: THe part arrived in the early afternoon. Mechanic Kurt arrived to install it. We were hoping for a late afternoon departure as the tides would be favorable in the Cape Fear River, but that was not to be. The engine wouldn't start. Kurt ran the same tests with the multimeter that he performed yesterday, then he performed them again. Finally, he called the shop for more diagnostic equipment. It turns out the equipment didn't match the motor on SUNSHINE, so it was useless. Kurt then asked the guy who brought the equipment to run several of the trouble shooting tests that Kurt had run (I think these tests were performed for the fourth time). Yep, it sounds like I'm going to be paying for on the job training!
I'll be talking to the owner of the shop tomorrow!
Stay tuned!
On May 30, Anna Marie and I departed West Creek, NJ in the wee hours of the morning. Our destination: Osprey Marina and SUNSHINE. Along the way, we picked up Gary, who would be crew for the trip home. After a long 14 hour drive, we made it to SUNSHINE, where we off loaded a few items and hit the sack.
On the 31st, Anna Marie did the provisioning while Gary attended to servicing the generator. I replaced spark plugs and the fuel filter on the port engine. Anna Marie departed at 1400 hours for the long drive home. She'll stop along the way and should arrive back home tomorrow afternoon.
Gary and I attended to all of the other chores necessary to get SUNSHINE cruise ready. We finished our tasks just after dark.
We met a couple (Jack and Lois) aboard "Adventurous." They're heading home to Washington, DC after their first cruise on the waterway, to the Keys and the Bahamas.
We departed Osprey Marina on June 1 and motored up the waterway on a warm (hot?), sultry day. We made it to our anchorage just after noon. Being way too early to stop, we continued on. We missed the 1200 opening of the Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge by 15 minutes, so we threw out the hook and waited for the 1400 hour opening.
Not too long after passing through, the port engine began to act up, eventually stalling. I fed it some oil and it started up and ran fine for the next three hours, when it stopped running again. This time, we couldn't get it started. We spent the next five hours motor sailing to the St. James Marina. We traveled alomost 59 miles on the day.
On June 2, a mechanic came to check out the motor. The marina is not convenient to his shop, so he asked us to move to a closer one. We agreed and moved the boat five miles north to the South Harbor Village Marina. Mechanic Kurt arrived in the afternoon to check out the situation and, after sever tests with a multimeter, determined the problem to be a pulsifer coil (I think it is commonly known as a stator).
He ordered the part. If it can be overnighted, he'll install it tomorrow, if not, he'll be back on Thursday, June 4 to install it. We should be underway again on Thursday afternoon.
UPDATE: THe part arrived in the early afternoon. Mechanic Kurt arrived to install it. We were hoping for a late afternoon departure as the tides would be favorable in the Cape Fear River, but that was not to be. The engine wouldn't start. Kurt ran the same tests with the multimeter that he performed yesterday, then he performed them again. Finally, he called the shop for more diagnostic equipment. It turns out the equipment didn't match the motor on SUNSHINE, so it was useless. Kurt then asked the guy who brought the equipment to run several of the trouble shooting tests that Kurt had run (I think these tests were performed for the fourth time). Yep, it sounds like I'm going to be paying for on the job training!
I'll be talking to the owner of the shop tomorrow!
Stay tuned!
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