FOG!

Early morning fog provides a monochromatic view of the Cattlepen Creek Anchorage

From: Cattle Pen Creek, St. Catherine Island, GA MM 625.5

To: Fort Frederica, St. Simon Island, GA MM 665.7

L/L: 31 13.18N 81 23.70W

Distance Traveled: 44.4

Hours Motoring: 8.3

Average Speed: 5.3 mph

Weather: Fog at wake up time caused a one hour and one-half delay in leaving the anchorage; temp range low 70’s to low 80’s; south wind @ 10 knots

Comment: Early morning fog cause us to delay leaving the anchorage for about an hour and one-half. We got underway on a warm Saturday morning in bright sunshine. Unfortunately, we bucked the current most of the day. Our trip through the Little Mud River was uneventful although, traversing this shallow area at dead low tide caused some concern for Captain Dave. Canvasback Too has a five foot draft. At one point, his depth sounder showed only six inches of water under his keel.

Shrimper comes out of the fog

We made our way to the Fort Frederica anchorage at St. Simon Island and, after we were sure the hook (another night for the Fortress FX-23) was set, Canvasback Too

sidled up to raft with us again.

There's That Tow Again!

There's that dredge equipment tow again. This is the third day we have had to pass it.

From: Herb River, Thunderbolt, GA MM 584.4

To: Cattlepen Creek, St. Catherine Island, GA MM 625.5

L/L: 31 38.49N 81 11.14W

Distance Traveled: 41.6 miles

Hours Motoring: 7.0

Average Speed: 5.9 mph

Weather: Cloudy and overcast all day; mid 60’s to mid 70’s; East wind 10 - 15 knots

Being overtaken by a power cat

Well, well, well, there’s that tow again! Fortunately, we had another wide spot in the water way to pass all that apparatus. Before passing the “tow,” we navigated Hell’s Gate. There were no shallow depths as the area was dredged last summer.

Once the anchor was down and secured, we invited Canvasback Too to raft with us. It’s the first time since we lost our primary ground tackle back at the Butler Island Anchorage in the Wacamaw River. Once Canvasback Too was tied up, we started swinging wildly. The wind was blowing at fifteen knots out of the east and the current was opposite the wind direction. Fortunately, the rode stayed below our keels. After nightfall, the wind calmed and things settled into a more comfortable motion. Here’s hoping it stays that way until we separate tomorrow morning.

Being overtaken by a trawler with a sail!

Up at O Dark Thirty!

From: Factory Creek, Beaufort, SC MM 535.9

To: Herb River, Thunderbolt, GA MM 584.4

L/L: 32 00.95N 81 02.40W

Distance Traveled: 49.9

Hours Motoring: 8.1

Average Speed: 6.2 mph

Weather: Partly cloudy to sunny; temp range 64 - 82 degrees; east wind <>

Comment: Up Early!

We were up and pulling the anchor at 0615. Captain Dave is sure a slave driver! The real culprit was the Lady’s island Swing Bridge. We had to go through before 0700 or wait until 0900. It is closed to boat traffic during the morning (and afternoon) rush hours.

We had the current with us for all but an hour or two. The ride to the Herb River anchorage was easy. On the way, we passed the one quarter-mile long tug towing the dredge equipment that we passed yesterday in Wall’s Cut. The tow is headed to Jacksonville and is traveling at less than 4 knots all day and night. I’m not sure how far he goes in a twenty four hour period, but I suspect we’ll see him again.

Today, we managed to pass in a relatively wide section of water just before the narrow Ram’s Horn River. That was lucky!

This is the third night on the hook since loosing our primary anchor. Our first choice was the 25 lb. CQR with 80 feet of 5/16" chain. The chain weights a little over one pound per foot. That means one must retrieve over one hundred pounds of ground tackle by hand. It's not an easy feat and it is the reason we had a windlass installed. It held well in the stormy conditions that night, but was a bear to haul up in the morning. Last night and tonight, we have chosen to use the Fortress (FX-23) it weighs about 17 lbs. (if I remember correctly) and it has sixty feet of a much smaller diameter chain. It has superior holding power and is much easier to bring up in the morning. We'll use the Fortress under normal conditions and will resort to the CQR when strong winds are predicted.

Motoring in the Low Country

Quater mile long tow in Wall's Cut

From: Church Creek Anchorage, 10 miles south of Charleston, SC MM 488.2

To: Factory Creek, Beaufort, SC MM 535.9

L/L: 32 25.36N 80 38.98W

Distance Traveled: 49.0

Hours Motoring: 8.3

Average Speed: 5.9

Weather: During the wee hours of the morning, there were thunder and lightening storms in the vicinity, but not near us. The day dawned dark and overcast, rain threatened. The temp range was 72 - 84 degrees; SW wind @ 10 knots or less

Passing the tow

Comment: Motoring in the Low Country

After departing the anchorage, we motored down several rivers and cuts through thousands of acres of undeveloped shore line. It sure is nice to see the low country this way.

In Walls Cut, the man made canal that connects the Dawho River with the South Edisto River, we caught up to and passed about nine sailboats. We have seen or heard on their crew

on the radio since Oriental, NC. As luck would have it, a tug was pulling loads of dredging equipment. Top speed seemed to be around three knots. In all, the tow was about one-quarter mile long. The deeper draft boats were reluctant to pass in the narrow cut, concerned that getting too close to the water’s edge, would put them aground. With a relatively shallow draft, we were not as concerned and motored past the sailboats and the tow. Once out of the cut, all of the sailboats passed the tow but by then, we were way ahead. As usual, they tracked us down and overtook us just before the Lady’s Island Swing Bridge. Rather that pass through the bridge today, we joined a group of five boat to anchor in Factory Creek.

The tug doing the towing

Tomorrow we should be in Georgia. If that is to happen, we’ll have to get up in the wee hours of the morning. If we don’t make the 0700 opening of the bridge, we’ll have to wait until 0900 for the next opening.

Sunset from the Factory Creek Anchorage, Beaufort, SC

Fair Currents Today!

From: Leland Oil Company Marina, McClellanville, SC MM 430.0

To: Church Creek Anchorage, 10 miles south of Charlestown, SC MM 488.2

L/L: 32 42.53N 80 10.77W

Distance Traveled: 58.3

Hours Motoring: 9.4

Average Speed: 6.2 mph

Weather: Cloudy, overcast and afternoon rain; east wind 10 knots or less except gusts to 20 in squall; temp range 63 - 77 degrees

Comment: Fair Currents Today!

Today, our average speed was 6.2 mph. It was a relatively easy day on the waterway. The Coast Guard broadcast several unscheduled safety bulletins including a report of a boat adrift in the Ashley River and the sinking S/V Ragtime between the city marina and the CG Station. S/V Ragtime remains on the bottom, is unmarked and is not visible at high tide.

Rain started falling about an hour before it was time to anchor. Just as it was time to get the ground tackle ready for deployment, a squall blew threw with 20 knot gusts. The rain blocked all visibility and we had to follow our line into the anchorage from last year’s visit to this anchorage.

After the anchor was set, the rain and the wind stopped (go figure!). As of this writing, it remains calm in the anchorage now occupied by a total of four boats (a very large motor yacht, the PDQ 36 Pretty Penny (first sighted in Mile Hammock Bay), Canvasback Too (lying on his own hook) and SUNSHINE (lying to her 25 lb. CQR plow anchor).

Houston, We Have a Problem!

From: Butler Island Anchorage on the Wacamaw River, SC MM 396.0

To: Leland Oil Company Marina, McClellanville, SC MM 430.0

L/L: 33 04.98N 79 27.75

Distance Traveled: 34.4

Hours Motoring: 5.9

Average Speed: 5.8mph

Weather: Mix of rain, fog, overcast; temp hovered in the low 60’s all day; north wind @ 10 knots

Comment: Houston, We Have a Problem!

Our day started much as any cruising day as we prepared for departure from our anchorage. WE cast Canvasback Too off at about 0715 and set about pulling up the anchor. Not so fast! The anchor is apparently wrapped around one of the keels.

This has happened to SUNSHINE three other times since we’ve owned her. It has never been fun, but we always managed to get the rode free after a lot of effort. On this occasion, we had great difficulty. After a couple of hours, there was a shudder and we were floating freely. We pulled in the anchor only to find that it and the chain was missing! Not good!

There was no way we could find the anchor. The only thing left to do was motor down the waterway. Fortunately, we have three other anchors on board.

While motoring down Winyah Bay in the cold and rain, Anna Marie set about finding a new destination. She decided on Leland Oil Company Marina and Captain Dave concurred.

As the day progressed, the rain stopped and sky brightened a bit.

After tying up, we did several boat chores and sorted out our anchoring options. Captain Dave joined us for dinner and conversation. Before hitting the sack, we listened to a bit of the Eagles.

Osprey Marina is a Great Plaace to Chill!

Lay Day: Osprey Marina, Socastee, SC MM 373.5

Weather: Breezy; cloudy; overnight showers, but none during the daylight hours

Comment: The bad weather never materialized, although there were a few downpours last night. The day was spent in conversation with Captain Dave and other cruisers. After a late dinner, we’ll meet with Dave to plan tomorrow’s departure time and destination. We're looking forward to working our way down the waterway in his company again.

The Old In and Out!

From: Calabash Creek, SC MM 341.7

To: Osprey Marina, Socastee, SC MM 375.2

L/L: 33 40.88N 79 02.46W

Distance Traveled: 32.4

View from the helm, Casino Boats, Little River, SC

Weather: Another beautiful, sunny day; temp range high 50’s to the mid 80’s; wind start light and built to 10+ knots out of the southwest.

Comment: How’s this for a surprise... the new engines are ready for their 100 hour service (we don’t want any warranty issues). Yesterday, we made arrangements to have the Yamaha Certified Technicians at Anchor Marina do what is required.

We raised the anchor at 0800 and made it to ANchor Marina at the appointed hour (0900) where SUNSHINE was quickly lifted out of the water (again!). Anna Marie and I took care of some business and when we returned, SUNSHINE was ready to be put back in the water. We were back underway in only one and one-half hours. Now that’s pretty efficient in my book.

Ribbon of highway

We motored the rest of the way down the “Grand Strand,” that is Myrtle Beach, and made Osprey Marina by 1515 hours. After fueling up and pumping out, we motored to our assigned slip (yes, we have a slip!), hooked up and attended to some tasks.

Captain Dave (Canvasback Too) is here and we are celebrating our reunion by going to Scatori’s for dinner tonight.

We intend to stay another night because bad weather is on its way. We should be out of here on Sunday.

Outdoor swing bed

Fair or Foul?

From: Carolina Beach Anchorage, Carolina Beach, NC MM 295.1

To: Calabash Creek, SC MM 341.7

L/L: 33 52 48N 78 34 22W

Distance Traveled: 47.8 miles

Weather: Look at this... another sunny day, and warm too! Temp range 55 to 82 degrees; light wind out of the south; calm on the waterway.

Sunrise over the Carolina Beach anchorage

Comment: Fair or Foul?

No, I’m not talking about the Phillies, who earned a return to the World Series last night, I’m talking about the currents on the sections of the waterway we must navigate today. We raise anchor in civil twilight, several minutes before dawn, and found a favorable current in Snow’s cut, the cut that connects the waterway with the Cape Fear River. Usually, a favorable current in means a foul current in the river. We we reached the river, we continued to enjoy a favorable current for the first hour in the river. The current turned against us with about 6 of the 10 river miles to go. By the time we reached Southport, the current was about seven-tenths of a knot against us, until we turned the corner back the the ICW. We enjoyed a seven-tenths knot push for a couple of hours before “hitting the wall” at Lockwood’s Folly Inlet. The current went from fair to foul and vice versa as we approached and passed Shallotte Inlet. We enjoyed another push from the current as we approached and passed the Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge and rode it to the anchorage at Calabash Creek in South Carolina. That’s right, we crossed another boarder today. We are making southerly progress, indeed.

Also of note, we are one quarter of the way from Norfolk to Miami.

An interesting take on a fishing boat (at the Sunset BEach Pontoon Bridge)

The Calabash Creek Anchorage is crowded with eight boats, all tucked off on the starboard side of the Calabash Creek Channel that is busy with shrimp boat traffic day and night. Calabash is the capital of seafood (all of it fried) in this region.

The Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge opened for boat traffic. The high rise bridge now under construction is scheduled to open in November of 2010

A Three Bridge Day!

From: Mile Hammock Bay, Camp Lejune, NC MM 244.5

To: Carolina Beach Anchorage, Carolina Beach, NC MM 295.1

L/L: 34 03 17N 77 53 35W

Distance Traveled: 51.0

Weather: Sunny; Temp range 50 to 75; winds 10 knots or less out of the south; calm on the waterway

Comment: A Three Bridge Day!

“Surf City Bridge, Surf City Bridge, this is the sailing vessel SUNSHINE requesting an opening.” That line is typical when we approach a bridge. We had three bridges to open today, but the routine was a bit different. We were at the back of a pack of ten or twelve boats, so we really didn’t need to request any openings. Others had already done that. We simply passed through (Surf City, Figure Eight Island Swing Bridges and Wrightsville Beach Bascule Bridge) and thanked the bridge tenders after clearing each bridge.

It was a beautiful day on the waterway. We motored in a foul current for much of the day, finally anchoring in Carolina Beach with over a dozen other boats.

Fresh Bait Float anchored in the Carolina Beach Inlet

39 Degrees!

From: Cedar Creek, off Adams Creek, NC MM 187.5

To: Mile Hammock Bay, Camp Lejune, NC MM 244.5

L/L: 34 33 16N 77 19 47W

Distance Traveled: 58.8

Hours Motoring: 10.2

Sunrise over Cedar Creek

Weather: Wake up temp is 39 chilly degrees; light wind out of the south and southwest; temp reached 79 degrees in the bubble; bright sun all day; few clouds in the sky; calm seas

Comment: My internal alarm clock went off at 0610 this morning. While waking up from my slumber, my nose hinted that it might be a tad cold here in the master suite. A quick check of the thermometer and my suspicions were confirmed. It is 51 degrees! I lie in bed for another ten minutes just thinking about getting up. Anna Marie awoke shortly after me and by 630, the coffee was on and we were ready to go.

Airing out his tarp

The cockpit thermometer pegged the temperature at a cool 39 degrees. I went back into the cabin and lit the heater. Since it’s still dark at 0630, we had coffee, tea and breakfast. There was light fog in the area and heavier fog off to the distance. Despite that, we raised anchor and headed off. Perhaps we went 1,000 feet when the heavy fog came to us and the nine other boats in the anchorage. We found a safe spot to reanchor and wait for the fog to lift.

At 0800, we raised the anchor and started on this day’s journey. Loosing an hour to the fog may mean that we won;t be able to reach our destination, Mile Hammock Bay. The current in Adams Canal was strongly against us. We barely made 5 miles per hour. We traveled at this slow speed for about three hours before the current turned in our favor.

On the day, we averaged 5.4 mph not great, but we were able to make our destination. We anchored in Mile Hammock Bay, Camp LeJune just as the sun was setting.

Sunset at the Mile Hammock Bay anchorage

Ahoy! It's the SUN!

From: Dowery Creek Marina, Belhaven, NC MM 131.7

To: Cedar Creek, off Adams Creek, NC MM 187.5

L/L: 34 55 99N 76 38 59W

Distance Traveled: 55.1 miles

Weather: Hey! The sun’s out! The temp rose to a balmy 77 degrees in the bubble, the wake up temp was 50 degrees; we never saw predicted winds of 20 - 25 out of the north although we motor-sailed in 20 knots for a few hours

Comment: Despite the wind forecast (20 - 25 knots out of the north), we decided to depart Dowery Creek Marina. The wind was mostly on our stern for the day, and with a portion of the jib unrolled, we motor-sailed at speeds close to 9 mph.

We weren’t alone on the waterway today as there were over a dozen boats heading south. Many stopped in Oriental, a few headed toward New Bern , still others headed into Adams Creek. We anchored in Cedar Creek with nine other vessels.

It was great to see the sun today. Not only does it lighten our spirits, it provided comfortable temperatures in the bubble.

We arrived at our destination a few minutes before 1600 hours, enough time to do a couple of chores and chill out before dinner. After dinner, we’ll find a radio station so we can listen to the Phillies in Game 4 of the NLCS.

Sunset from our Cedar Creek anchorage

UNCLE!

From: Tuckahoe Point Anchorage, NC MM 104.4

To: Dowery Creek Marina, Belhaven, NC MM 131.7

L/L: 35 31 97N 76 32 15

Hours Motoring: 5.0

Distance: 28.5

Weather: COLD! 46 degrees at 0700, high temp 55 degrees; NW wind 20 knots; flat water in the canal and one to two foot chop on the Pungo River

Comment: The Crew Cries UNCLE!!

Cozy in our bunk, it was tough getting up this morning. In fact, we over slept, comparatively. We fired up the engines at 0715 in 46 degrees.

As we navigated the Alligator - Pungo Canal, we light our little propane heater to try to get some warmth in the bubble. It helped a bit as the temperature rose to 57 degrees. Rather than push on and complete a fifty mile run to another anchorage, we decided to pull into Dowery Creek Marina where we’ll plug in the heater, listen to the Eagles football game and watch the Phillies in the clubhouse TV. UNCLE!!!

Once secure to the face dock, we borrowed the loaner car, drove to town and bought a few necessities, When we started this cruise, we found that our fresh water hose burst and the wash down pump hose developed several leaks. We were able to replace both with a purchase at the local hardware store.

On the Move!

From: Mariners’ Wharf, ELizabeth City, NC MM 51.0

To: Tuckahoe Point Anchorage, NC MM 104.4

L/L: 36 40 31N 76 05 49W

Distance Traveled: 53.1

Hours Motoring: 8.0

Weather: Cold! Temp range 50 to 61 degrees; 15 knots of wind out of the north backing to the northwest; overcast (again) all day

Comment: The north and northwest wind at 15 knots (gusts to 20) gave us a pretty fast ride to the anchorage. On the day, we did 53.1 miles in eight hours. SUNSHINE arrived in the anchorage at 1500 hours. THe captain had thoughts of running the Aligator-Pungo Canal, but the ETA for the other side was 1900 hours. Rather than chance anchoring in the cold and dark, we decided to hold tight at the Tuckahoe Point anchorage and do the canal tomorrow.

Tonight, we’ll fire up the heater, have dinner and bake bread pudding to keep the cabin warn!

Lay Day in Elizabeth City, NC

Lay Day in ELizabeth City, NC - The Harbor of Hospitality

Weather: Overcast, low in the mid 60’s, high in the mid 60’s; rain

Comment: Anna Marie did laundry. We had dinner and watched the Phillies loose game 2 of the NCLS to the Dodgers over dinner at Thumpers.

Elizabeth City is home to the Moth Sailboat.

Elizabeth City is home to the Museum of the Albemarle. It's a nice facility with some very interesting displays. One of our favorites was the extensive Coast Guard display.

This Moth Sailboat is on display in the Museum of the Albemarle

Elizabeth City, NC Day 013

From: NC Visitors’ Center, Great Dismal Swamp, NC MM 28.0

To: Mariners’ Wharf, ELizabeth City, NC MM 51.0

L/L: 36 17 95N 76 13 09W

Distance Traveled: 24.2

Hours Motoring: 5.1

S/V Ming underway on the Pasquotank River

Weather:Overcast, periods of rain and showers through midday; temp range low 50’w to low 60’s; wind generally less than 10 knots variable (predicted 15 - 20 knot wind did not materialize)

Comment: Left the visitor’s center at 0730 and made the Bascule Bridge before the South Mills Lock at 0830 (one half hour before schedule as there were no north bound vessels.

The beauty of the swamp and Pasquotank River was shrouded in grey a combination of light fog and condensation on the windows. We eventually had to open the center window in the dodger for visibility.

This vessel is slipped at Lamb's Marina, Elizabeth City, NC

Stopped at Lamb’s Marina for fuel. Last week, they caved to Sunoco’s demand that they use gas with ethanol. We treat it both in the jerry jugs and in the gas tank.

Sam still greets cruiser's to the docks. As usual, he directed us to the main bulkhead at Mariner’s Wharf.

Anna Marie and three other cruisers were picked up by the manager of the Farm Fresh store. After she returned, we went to the Verizon store to replace my phone and then went to the theater for dinner and a movie, “The Informant,” starring Matt Damon, was very good. Included in the cast were Scott Bakula and the Smothers Brothers!

Following the movie, we checked out the Phillies game on Postseason.tv. We signed up over a week ago but could never log in. Earlier today, I received an e-mail stating that the problems had been resolved. Okay, I signed in. The coverage was terrible. The streaming video lock up repeatedly, almost on every play, and the audio was intermittent. Still, we got the gist of the game and the Phillies beat the LA Dodgers in the first game of the NLCS.

The Dismal Swamp Canal (Day 012)

From: Elizabeth Dock, Deep Creek Lock on the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, Deep Creek, VA MM 10.7

To: NC Visitors’ Center, Great Dismal Swamp, NC MM 28.0

L/L: 36 30 40N 76 21 35W

Distance Traveled: 17.2

We're in a parade of six boats on Great Dismal Swamp Canal

Weather: Overcast; cool temp range low 50’s to low 60’s; windy above but light and variable in the

protected canal

Comment: Perfect! A dismal day for the Dismal Swamp Canal. Motoring was easy as the engines loafed for three and one-half hours. The scenery is pretty; the leaves have begun to change colors. Don’t misunderstand. It’s not spectacular like New England fall colors, but it is nice just the same.

We traveled the canal in the company of five other boats. Two of us joined two boats already tied up at the visitors’ center while the other four kept going.

We’re in for some cool and snotty weather for the next several days, so we are slowing our pace. We have covered 178 miles since leaving the Solomons four days ago. Aside from our rather short 17 mile day today, the others have been over fifty mile days.

Flotsam in the canal. Surprisingly, with only four miles of canal left for tomorrow, we have yet to hit any submerged objects. If we don't bump into anything tomorrow, it will be the first time we made it through the canal without any bumps at all!

To Norfolk Harbor and Beyond! (Day 011)

From: East River Anchorage, Mobjack Bay, VA MM 172.0

To: Elizabeth Dock, Deep Creek Lock on the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, Deep Creek, VA MM 10.7

L/L: 36 44 75N 76 20 47W

Distance Traveled: 53.1 miles

The Harry Truman and nine other warships were dressed

Weather: Mostly sunny and warm; temp range 60 - 84 degrees; wind generally west 10 knots or less (the predicted blow never materialized)

The Coast Guard was on station while the security fences were opened to permit entry of the returning warships

The harbor was busy with shipping, tug & barge, work and pleasure boat traffic. The container ship “Washington Express” pulled away from its dock as we were passing by. The captain sounded a warning and we did an immediate 180. The captain called on the VHF to ask us to hug the green side of the channel and he would swing by. No problems, mate!

We tied up to Elizabeth Dock immediately after exiting the lock. We joined the crew of C:\[esc] aka Sea Escape and another catamaran. We were joined by a northbound sailboat that passed through the Deep Point Bascule Bridge. We’ll do that bridge tomorrow morning at 0830.

Yehah! (Day 010)

From: Indian Creek Anchorage, VA MM 146.0

To: East River Anchorage, Mobjack Bay, VA MM 172.0 via Norview Marina and Zimmerman Marine on Broad Creek in Deltaville, VA. MM 152.6

L/L: 37 24 20N 76 21 05W

Distance Traveled: 50.6

Weather: Temp range 55 - 66; east wind 10 - 15 gusts to 20 (diminishing to 10 knots in the late afternoon); 2 - 3 foot seas made for a lumpy ride; late afternoon showers

Comment: Hold on to your hats, cowpokes. We're riding a bronco today. Picture this; feet wrapped around the seat pedestals, Left arms in the air and right hands holding on to the reins! The bay presented east winds of 15+ knots and three foot seas. We bounced around for an hour or so before a course change allowed for an easier motion.

Before hauling the anchor, Anna Marie made arrangements for a short haul by Zimmerman Marine at Norview Marina on Broad Creek in Deltaville (off the Rappohanock River). The mud hook was up at 0815 and we were underway. Once out of the protection of the land, the east wind made for very lumpy seas. Unlike yesterday, there were few sailboats and no trawlers on the bay today. It’s a tad rough!

We rounded the shoal on the north side of the Rappohanock and set a course for Broad Creek. After navigating the channel into the harbor, Anna Marie called Norview and was told the travel lift crew was standing by. We motored around the red roofed sheds to the waiting travel lift. SUNSHINE was high and dry by 1030 hours.

After a few misadventures, we got the gear oil changed in both engines. SUNSHINE was splashed at 1230 hours and we were immediately underway.

By now it was to late to consider Norfolk as our destination so we opted for Mobjack Bay. The sea state improved as the afternoon wore on and the wind calmed to 10 knots. We had a “level” ride up Mobjack Bay to the East River. We had the anchor down just after sunset near channel mark 13.

It’ll be up early tomorrow with Norfolk as our destination. We hope to beat the 15 - 20 knot wind predicted for the afternoon.