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)
Showing posts with label 2008-2009 Cruise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2008-2009 Cruise. Show all posts
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!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Stastical Information for Cruise 2008 - 2009
LIVING ABOARD:
Number of Days aboard SUNSHINE = 178 (89%)
Number of Days Home = 21 (11%)
Number of days in transit = 75 (38%)
Number of “Lay Days” = 103 (52%)
ANCHORING, DOCKING, MOORING, AND ON-THE-HARD:
Number of days anchored = 48 (24%)
Number of days docked = 37 (19%)
Number of days on a mooring ball = 90 (45%)
Number of days on hard = 24 (12%)
Number of days free dockage = 3 (3%)
Highest dockage fee = $72.00
FUEL INFORMATION:
Total engine hours = 449.0
Total gallons of fuel consumed = 370
Average price of fuel (gas) = $3.22/g
Total cost of fuel = $1190.34
Fuel consumption = 0.82 gallon per hour
RECORDS FOR LONGEST DAY:
Longest day (hours traveling): September 27, 2008 14 hours 5 minutes
Longest day (mileage): September 27, 2008 Cape May to Chesapeake City, MD 72.4 statute miles
DISTANCE:
Total Miles = 2644.8
Average miles per day when moving boat = 35.3
CREW:
Dee & Joe Fritz
Note: SUNSHINE is still in Myrtle Beach. I expect to return to her with a friend on May 28. We tune up the engines, change the oil before leaving the dock. We should begin the delivery trip home on Saturday, May 30.
Number of Days aboard SUNSHINE = 178 (89%)
Number of Days Home = 21 (11%)
Number of days in transit = 75 (38%)
Number of “Lay Days” = 103 (52%)
ANCHORING, DOCKING, MOORING, AND ON-THE-HARD:
Number of days anchored = 48 (24%)
Number of days docked = 37 (19%)
Number of days on a mooring ball = 90 (45%)
Number of days on hard = 24 (12%)
Number of days free dockage = 3 (3%)
Highest dockage fee = $72.00
FUEL INFORMATION:
Total engine hours = 449.0
Total gallons of fuel consumed = 370
Average price of fuel (gas) = $3.22/g
Total cost of fuel = $1190.34
Fuel consumption = 0.82 gallon per hour
RECORDS FOR LONGEST DAY:
Longest day (hours traveling): September 27, 2008 14 hours 5 minutes
Longest day (mileage): September 27, 2008 Cape May to Chesapeake City, MD 72.4 statute miles
DISTANCE:
Total Miles = 2644.8
Average miles per day when moving boat = 35.3
CREW:
Dee & Joe Fritz
Note: SUNSHINE is still in Myrtle Beach. I expect to return to her with a friend on May 28. We tune up the engines, change the oil before leaving the dock. We should begin the delivery trip home on Saturday, May 30.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Over? (Day 178)
From: The Anchorage at Enterprise Landing, Two Miles South of Osprey Marina, MM 375.5
To: Osprey Marina, Scoastee, SC MM 373.3
L/L: 33 40 88N 79 02 58W
Distance Traveled: 3.1 miles
Elapsed Time: 1.1 hrs
Weather: Sunny and calm; wind picked up in the afternoon;
Comment: We very much enjoyed the anchorage at Enterprise Landing and the beautiful weather. We spent a relaxing day and managed to get most of our boat chores completed.
At 1030 hours, we raised the anchor and headed for Osprey Marina. SUNSHINE will remain tied up to the dock at Osprey for about 2 months. Anna Marie and I will fly home tomorrow. Two friends and I will return SUNSHINE after Memorial Day for the trip home to Barnegat Bay.
So, I guess the trip is over... for now. I'll update the blog with additional information in a day or two.
To: Osprey Marina, Scoastee, SC MM 373.3
L/L: 33 40 88N 79 02 58W
Distance Traveled: 3.1 miles
Elapsed Time: 1.1 hrs
Weather: Sunny and calm; wind picked up in the afternoon;
Comment: We very much enjoyed the anchorage at Enterprise Landing and the beautiful weather. We spent a relaxing day and managed to get most of our boat chores completed.
At 1030 hours, we raised the anchor and headed for Osprey Marina. SUNSHINE will remain tied up to the dock at Osprey for about 2 months. Anna Marie and I will fly home tomorrow. Two friends and I will return SUNSHINE after Memorial Day for the trip home to Barnegat Bay.
So, I guess the trip is over... for now. I'll update the blog with additional information in a day or two.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
A Beautiul Spring Day (Day 177)
A Really Long Tow!
From: Butler Island, in the Wacamaw River, 7 miles north of Georgetown, SC, MM 396.0
To: Enterprise Landing, Two Miles South of Osprey Marina, MM 375.5
L/L: 33 39 94N 79 04 14W
Distance Traveled: 22.0 miles
Hours Underway: 3.5
Hours Motoring: 3.5
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 3.5 hrs
Average Speed: 6.3 mph
To: Enterprise Landing, Two Miles South of Osprey Marina, MM 375.5
L/L: 33 39 94N 79 04 14W
Distance Traveled: 22.0 miles
Hours Underway: 3.5
Hours Motoring: 3.5
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 3.5 hrs
Average Speed: 6.3 mph
Weather: Sunny; northwest wind @ 10 knots; temp range mid 60s to mid 70s
Comment: After yesterday’s long day, we only have twenty-two miles to travel today. We anchored in the Oxbow at Enterprise Landing. With bright sunshine and the birds chirping in the Cypress Swamp, it is a gorgeous day.
A Wacamaw River Cruiser
We are tending to cleaning chores and final preparations to put the boat up at Osprey Marina tomorrow. We will fly home for Easter. I plan to return to SUNSHINE with two friends on May 28 when we will bring her home for the summer.
During our travel t
oday, we passed a tug towing two dredges, several barges, and long lengths of pipeline. The tow was ¼ mile long as measured by the GPS! Check the pictures in the April 2009 folder.
During our travel t
oday, we passed a tug towing two dredges, several barges, and long lengths of pipeline. The tow was ¼ mile long as measured by the GPS! Check the pictures in the April 2009 folder.The Jungle Princess
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Charleston to the Wacamaw River (Day 176)
From: Charleston City Marina, Charleston, SC MM 469.3
To: Butler Island, in the Wacamaw River, 7 miles north of Georgetown, SC, MM 396.0
L/L: 33 25 66N 79 12 30W
Distance Traveled: 72.1
Elapsed Time: 11.4 hrs
Average Speed: 6.3 mph
Weather: Bright sun all day; wind started out of the north @ 5 to 10 knots and backed to southwest by mid-afternoon ; temp range 41 degrees at wake up time, and 62 to 73 in the bubble
Comment: Our target destination for the day is a modest 50 miles to Minim Creek. The weather forecast (actually the wind forecast) caused us to change our target to Butler Island. It seems that the wind prediction now called for 15 to 20 knots with gusts to 25 for this evening. Our anchoring options included only the fairly exposed South Santee River and Minim Creek, both which offer no protection from the wind and both of which have very strong currents. The combination of opposing wind and current is not something we want to deal with tonight.
We could change our destination to Butler Island on the Wacamaw River, but only if the currents were favorable. As luck would have it, they were… mostly. We also enjoyed good wind for motor-sailing. We approached Minim Creek at about 1630 hours and decided to press on. We arrived at Butler Island, after a quick motor-sail up Winyah Bay, at 1830 hours and by 1845, we had the anchor set, the motors up and were relaxing in the cockpit.
Joining us in the anchorage were a trawler and two sailboats. One of the sailboats was Northern Rebel, with our friend Logan aboard. Logan is the young man we watched the kids awards while in Jacksonville Beach. The other sailboat left Charleston City Marina sometime after us. He made it to Winyah Bay and the anchorage by way of the ocean.
To: Butler Island, in the Wacamaw River, 7 miles north of Georgetown, SC, MM 396.0
L/L: 33 25 66N 79 12 30W
Distance Traveled: 72.1
Elapsed Time: 11.4 hrs
Average Speed: 6.3 mph
Weather: Bright sun all day; wind started out of the north @ 5 to 10 knots and backed to southwest by mid-afternoon ; temp range 41 degrees at wake up time, and 62 to 73 in the bubble
Comment: Our target destination for the day is a modest 50 miles to Minim Creek. The weather forecast (actually the wind forecast) caused us to change our target to Butler Island. It seems that the wind prediction now called for 15 to 20 knots with gusts to 25 for this evening. Our anchoring options included only the fairly exposed South Santee River and Minim Creek, both which offer no protection from the wind and both of which have very strong currents. The combination of opposing wind and current is not something we want to deal with tonight.
We could change our destination to Butler Island on the Wacamaw River, but only if the currents were favorable. As luck would have it, they were… mostly. We also enjoyed good wind for motor-sailing. We approached Minim Creek at about 1630 hours and decided to press on. We arrived at Butler Island, after a quick motor-sail up Winyah Bay, at 1830 hours and by 1845, we had the anchor set, the motors up and were relaxing in the cockpit.
Joining us in the anchorage were a trawler and two sailboats. One of the sailboats was Northern Rebel, with our friend Logan aboard. Logan is the young man we watched the kids awards while in Jacksonville Beach. The other sailboat left Charleston City Marina sometime after us. He made it to Winyah Bay and the anchorage by way of the ocean.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Windy and then... Windy and Cold (Days 174 & 175)
Choppy on the Ashley River
Monday, April 06, 2009 Day 174
Lay Day: Charleston City Marina, Charleston, SC MM 469.3
Weather: Windy, windy, windy!!! It’s so windy, nothing else matters! W @ 25 – 30 knots gusts over 40
Comment: Check the weather! The boats that arrived today had challenges docking.
Cooks! Classroom
Tuesday, April 07, 2009 Day 175
Lay Day: Charleston City Marina, Charleston, SC MM 469.3
Weather: Windy, windy, windy!!! And… COLD, COLD, COLD! It’s so windy and cold that nothing else matters! W @ 25 – 30 knots gusts over 40; temp range 40 – 54
"Lauren" on the Charleston City Marina Megadock
Comment: Check the weather again!
Actually, it wasn’t too bad in town. We strolled the streets for an hour and a half and had lunch at the Sweetwater Café. Back at the marina, Anna Marie did laundry and we did a bit of cleaning. It was 70 in the bubble
thanks to the heater!Mud Sailing - a new olympic event?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Changeable Weather (Day 173)
From: Church Creek Anchorage (18 miles south of Charleston, SC) MM 488.2
To: Charleston City Marina, Charleston, SC MM 469.3
L/L: 32 46 54N 79 56 97W
Distance Traveled: 19.7
Hours Underway: 2:55
Average Speed: 6.7 mph
To: Charleston City Marina, Charleston, SC MM 469.3
L/L: 32 46 54N 79 56 97W
Distance Traveled: 19.7
Hours Underway: 2:55
Average Speed: 6.7 mph
Sunrise from Church Creek
Weather: Clear and sunny in the morning, overcast in the afternoon, showers in the evening; Temp range 54 to 80; wind calm to W 25+ knots in the evening and overnight
Comment: We awoke to a beautiful morning. Underway by 0730 hours, we motored up the waterway in bright sun and calm, very calm, water. We hit Elliot’s cut at max ebb. (FYI to my sailing friends: the water in Elliot’s cut ebbs to the east and floods to the west. North bound cruisers should hit it on ebb current and when south bound, you want to hit it on a flood current).
We tied up on the inside of the megadock at the Charleston City Marina. We are expecting strong west wind. Being on the inside, the wind will push us off the dock, not into it.
Amazingly, we saw the little sea pearl that I mentioned a few posts ago. When we last saw the little camp cruiser, it was anchored on the other side of the waterway from our anchorage in Skull Creek. Since we did 67 miles yesterday, and 20 today, we thought we’d be way ahead. As it turns out, we were only hours ahead. We are amazed at the speed this little cruiser travels.
The Wapoo Bascule Bridge Captain was most gracious to us. She saw us coming and radioed to ask us to “step on it.” If we could get to the bridge in two minutes, we’d make the opening. If not, we’d have to wait a half hour for the next opening. We had already put the pedal to the medal, but goosed it up a bit more. The GPS indicated that we’d be about five minutes late. There were already two sailboats waiting for passage through. The bridge tender opened the bridge about two minutes late to accommodate our arrival. We thanked her profusely!
Comment: We awoke to a beautiful morning. Underway by 0730 hours, we motored up the waterway in bright sun and calm, very calm, water. We hit Elliot’s cut at max ebb. (FYI to my sailing friends: the water in Elliot’s cut ebbs to the east and floods to the west. North bound cruisers should hit it on ebb current and when south bound, you want to hit it on a flood current).
We tied up on the inside of the megadock at the Charleston City Marina. We are expecting strong west wind. Being on the inside, the wind will push us off the dock, not into it.
Amazingly, we saw the little sea pearl that I mentioned a few posts ago. When we last saw the little camp cruiser, it was anchored on the other side of the waterway from our anchorage in Skull Creek. Since we did 67 miles yesterday, and 20 today, we thought we’d be way ahead. As it turns out, we were only hours ahead. We are amazed at the speed this little cruiser travels.
The Wapoo Bascule Bridge Captain was most gracious to us. She saw us coming and radioed to ask us to “step on it.” If we could get to the bridge in two minutes, we’d make the opening. If not, we’d have to wait a half hour for the next opening. We had already put the pedal to the medal, but goosed it up a bit more. The GPS indicated that we’d be about five minutes late. There were already two sailboats waiting for passage through. The bridge tender opened the bridge about two minutes late to accommodate our arrival. We thanked her profusely!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
FOUL! (Day 172)
From: Skull Creek Anchorage, Hilton Head, SC MM 553.8
To: Church Creek Anchorage (18 miles south of Charleston, SC) MM 488.2
L/L: 32 42 49N 80 10 66W
Distance Traveled: 67.2
Elapsed Time: 12:00
Average Speed: 5.6 mph
Paris Island - Go Marines!
Weather: Bright sun all day, the solar panels set a record 75 amp hours collected; wind 5 to 10 knots clocking from north in the morning to SE in the afternoon; temp range 54 to 81
Comment: FOUL! With the exception of the first and last three hours, we motored into a FOUL current! That’s eight hours of foul current. When I say foul, I mean foul! They ranged from 1.0 to 1.5 knots against us. Needless to say, it was slow going.
Laser Regatta - Beaufort River opposite Port Royal
Speaking of slow, we heard the trawler “Adios” on the radio. From the gist of their conversation with another vessel, we deduced that they were ten miles behind them. We relinquished the “slow boat” award back to them. Recall that as we were on the way to Vero Beach a few days ago, they radioed to tell us that they were surprised to fine a boat traveling slower than they. Well “Adios,” we’re ahead of you… whose feeling slow now?
We saw another bald eagle today. It was perched atop some driftwood on the edge of the Dawhoo River. We are amazed at the number of Bald Eagle sightings we have seen on this trip.
We had a strange encounter with a tug boat today. The tug “Sun Trader” was pushing a barge headed southbound and as you should know, we were northbound. It was a simple port to port passing situation as we entered the Wadmalaw River from the North Edisto River. He of course was doing the opposite. The pass went without a hitch. Seconds later, the tug and barge did a 180 degree turn and followed right behind us.
Passing another one of those ICW cruise ships
I scooted over to the starboard side of the channel and he followed. I moved over to the port side of the channel and he followed again. When he was about two hundred feet astern, Anna Marie radioed the captain to inquire about his intentions. By the time he responded, he was just 100 feet off our stern and closing fast. The captain told Anna Marie that he was going to the depot just around the bend and that we should hold our course. He wouldn’t get any closer.
Suddenly, he veered to port and passed within fifty feet of us. It wasn’t close, but his lack of communication was nerve wracking.
Sunset from Church Creek
After twelve hours, we had the anchor down in Church Creek, about 18 miles south of Charleston, SC, our destination for tomorrow. It’s going to blow 25 to 30 knots on Monday and Tuesday, so we decided to tie up to a dock and wait it out.
To: Church Creek Anchorage (18 miles south of Charleston, SC) MM 488.2
L/L: 32 42 49N 80 10 66W
Distance Traveled: 67.2
Elapsed Time: 12:00
Average Speed: 5.6 mph
Paris Island - Go Marines!
Weather: Bright sun all day, the solar panels set a record 75 amp hours collected; wind 5 to 10 knots clocking from north in the morning to SE in the afternoon; temp range 54 to 81
Comment: FOUL! With the exception of the first and last three hours, we motored into a FOUL current! That’s eight hours of foul current. When I say foul, I mean foul! They ranged from 1.0 to 1.5 knots against us. Needless to say, it was slow going.
Laser Regatta - Beaufort River opposite Port Royal
Speaking of slow, we heard the trawler “Adios” on the radio. From the gist of their conversation with another vessel, we deduced that they were ten miles behind them. We relinquished the “slow boat” award back to them. Recall that as we were on the way to Vero Beach a few days ago, they radioed to tell us that they were surprised to fine a boat traveling slower than they. Well “Adios,” we’re ahead of you… whose feeling slow now?
We saw another bald eagle today. It was perched atop some driftwood on the edge of the Dawhoo River. We are amazed at the number of Bald Eagle sightings we have seen on this trip.
We had a strange encounter with a tug boat today. The tug “Sun Trader” was pushing a barge headed southbound and as you should know, we were northbound. It was a simple port to port passing situation as we entered the Wadmalaw River from the North Edisto River. He of course was doing the opposite. The pass went without a hitch. Seconds later, the tug and barge did a 180 degree turn and followed right behind us.
Passing another one of those ICW cruise ships
I scooted over to the starboard side of the channel and he followed. I moved over to the port side of the channel and he followed again. When he was about two hundred feet astern, Anna Marie radioed the captain to inquire about his intentions. By the time he responded, he was just 100 feet off our stern and closing fast. The captain told Anna Marie that he was going to the depot just around the bend and that we should hold our course. He wouldn’t get any closer.
Suddenly, he veered to port and passed within fifty feet of us. It wasn’t close, but his lack of communication was nerve wracking.
Sunset from Church Creek
After twelve hours, we had the anchor down in Church Creek, about 18 miles south of Charleston, SC, our destination for tomorrow. It’s going to blow 25 to 30 knots on Monday and Tuesday, so we decided to tie up to a dock and wait it out.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Hello Sunshine! (Day 171)
From: Delegal Creek Marina, Skidaway Island, GA MM 601.0
To: Skull Creek Anchorage, Hilton Head, SC MM 553.8
L/L: 32 14 63N 80 4 81W
Distance Traveled: 48.0
Hours Underway: 7.75
Average Speed: 6.4 mph
Weather: SUNNY! Temp range 70 to 81; wind out of the west @ 15 – 20 knots; moderate chop on the waterway
Comment: After making a few phone calls, we departed Delegal Marina at 0900. Sadly, the rain prevented us from really checking out this marina or the neighborhood. It was a good stop none-the-less. Thanks to Fran and Larry (Kallista) for the tip. They stayed at this marina on their way home last year and we remembered that they had nice things to say about it.
The prediction for west wind @ 15 to 20 knots was right on. Fortunately, the wind was on our beam, port quarter stern most of the day. It pushed us along, and we didn’t even unroll the sail.
The container ship "Bigara" outbound on the Savannah River
Our only excitement came as we were about to transit the Savannah River. The container ship “Bigara” radioed that he was outbound and about to cross over the ICW. Interested traffic was invited to contact the captain. Rather than call on the VHF, we did an about face and watched the ship pass before we proceeded across the river.
We planned to use the Bull Creek anchorage again, but it was only 1500 hours and we had a favorable current (and wind). The decision to use the current and wind and clock to make an additional 12 miles was made. The anchor was down beside the Skull Creek Marina, where we saw another PDQ (Kokomo) anchor last fall.
Sunset from the Skull Creek Anchorage
As we monitored our position, Anna Marie noticed a Sea Pearl 21 anchor on the other side of Skull Creek. That boat was anchored near the shore at Bull Creek. Anna Marie believes it is the same boat she saw four days ago near our anchorage on the Brickhill River at Cumberland Island. If that is the same boat, he has come as far as us in the same amount of time, but in a much smaller boat. The Sea Pearl is a trailerable camp/cruiser.
To: Skull Creek Anchorage, Hilton Head, SC MM 553.8
L/L: 32 14 63N 80 4 81W
Distance Traveled: 48.0
Hours Underway: 7.75
Average Speed: 6.4 mph
Weather: SUNNY! Temp range 70 to 81; wind out of the west @ 15 – 20 knots; moderate chop on the waterway
Comment: After making a few phone calls, we departed Delegal Marina at 0900. Sadly, the rain prevented us from really checking out this marina or the neighborhood. It was a good stop none-the-less. Thanks to Fran and Larry (Kallista) for the tip. They stayed at this marina on their way home last year and we remembered that they had nice things to say about it.
The prediction for west wind @ 15 to 20 knots was right on. Fortunately, the wind was on our beam, port quarter stern most of the day. It pushed us along, and we didn’t even unroll the sail.
The container ship "Bigara" outbound on the Savannah River
Our only excitement came as we were about to transit the Savannah River. The container ship “Bigara” radioed that he was outbound and about to cross over the ICW. Interested traffic was invited to contact the captain. Rather than call on the VHF, we did an about face and watched the ship pass before we proceeded across the river.
We planned to use the Bull Creek anchorage again, but it was only 1500 hours and we had a favorable current (and wind). The decision to use the current and wind and clock to make an additional 12 miles was made. The anchor was down beside the Skull Creek Marina, where we saw another PDQ (Kokomo) anchor last fall.
Sunset from the Skull Creek Anchorage
As we monitored our position, Anna Marie noticed a Sea Pearl 21 anchor on the other side of Skull Creek. That boat was anchored near the shore at Bull Creek. Anna Marie believes it is the same boat she saw four days ago near our anchorage on the Brickhill River at Cumberland Island. If that is the same boat, he has come as far as us in the same amount of time, but in a much smaller boat. The Sea Pearl is a trailerable camp/cruiser.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Garbage Day (Day 170)
From: New Teakettle Creek, 3 miles north of Sapelo Island, GA MM 646.6
To: Delegal Creek Marina, Skidaway Island, GA MM 601.0
L/L: 31 53 45N 81 03 72W
Distance Traveled: 47.7
Hours Underway: 9.5
Average Speed: 5.0 mph
Weather: Rain and thunderstorms; wind direction variable and wind speed range from 5 – 20 knots, the temp reached 72 degrees at 1100 hours but by 1430, when we docked it was 63 degrees
Comment: The weather report for today and the next few days is not good. Thunderstorms are predicted again (we had them yesterday) and by Monday, the wind is supposed to be 20 – 25 knots, gusting to 35.
It rained during most of our travel today. As we were docking, a thunderstorm was over us. We docked in a heavy downpour.
The "Helminator" steering through the dreaded Hell's Gate
The highlight of the day was when Anna Marie volunteered to give me a break at the helm. Most of you know that she doesn’t like to steer the boat, so this was a little out of character. During her turn at the wheel, she steered us through Hell’s Gate. How do you like that? Anna Marie was only at the helm for a hour or so, before it was time to motor in the channel to the marina, but what a time to be at the helm!
To: Delegal Creek Marina, Skidaway Island, GA MM 601.0
L/L: 31 53 45N 81 03 72W
Distance Traveled: 47.7
Hours Underway: 9.5
Average Speed: 5.0 mph
Weather: Rain and thunderstorms; wind direction variable and wind speed range from 5 – 20 knots, the temp reached 72 degrees at 1100 hours but by 1430, when we docked it was 63 degrees
Comment: The weather report for today and the next few days is not good. Thunderstorms are predicted again (we had them yesterday) and by Monday, the wind is supposed to be 20 – 25 knots, gusting to 35.
It rained during most of our travel today. As we were docking, a thunderstorm was over us. We docked in a heavy downpour.
The "Helminator" steering through the dreaded Hell's Gate
The highlight of the day was when Anna Marie volunteered to give me a break at the helm. Most of you know that she doesn’t like to steer the boat, so this was a little out of character. During her turn at the wheel, she steered us through Hell’s Gate. How do you like that? Anna Marie was only at the helm for a hour or so, before it was time to motor in the channel to the marina, but what a time to be at the helm!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April Fool (Day 169)
From: Jekyll Harbor Marina, Jekyll Island, GA MM 684.3
To: New Teakettle Creek, 3 miles north of Sapelo Island, GA MM 646.6
L/L: 31 27 10N 81 18 23W
Distance Traveled: 37.7
Hours Underway: 6.3
Average Speed: 6.0 mph
The Brunswick (GA) Bridge barely visible through the rain and fog
Weather: when it wasn’t raining, it was overcast; we finally saw the sun for a few minutes before sunset; temp range mid 50s to mid 60s; in the bubble it was in the high 60s and low 70s; winds were light and variable
Comment: After waking, we called for transportation to the Jekyll Island Club, our favorite breakfast spot. We enjoy breakfast in the elegant dinning room at the JIC.
At 1000 hours, we cast off from the dock at Jekyll Harbor Marina and pointed the bows north in a light rain. It continued to rain for several hours, heavy at times, but the winds were light and we had a favorable current for much of the day. Timing is everything, even when it involves dumb luck.
There was very little traffic on the waterway today. I didn't get a chance to try out the April Fool's joke on a passing motorboat because there were none. There wasn't much traffic on the VHF radio either. We heard a few pan-pans broadcast by the Coast Guard - Jacksonville Sector. The only real excitement, if you can call it that, was when we saw the American Spirit southbound in the Little Mud River. Our courses would have had us met at a bend in the river. I chose to hold our position until the ship negotiated the turn before proceeding. Anna Marie used the radio to tell the captain our intentions.
The American Spirit approaches
As the ship passed us, we noticed that two people were trying to get kites airborne from the top deck. They had no success. One lost his kite in the river. At the last possible moment, I saw the string as it trailed from the water to the top of the cruise ship. Hard to starboard! We don’t want that string to w
rap around the prop. Anna Marie hauled in over a hundred feet of kite string but was unable to land the kite. It was full of water and the string eventually broke. At least we kept it from fouling the propeller.
A one whistle pass with the American Spirit
We had the anchor down by 1630 hours in the New Teakettle Creek. We haven’t used this anchorage before. The water was 16 feet deep at low tide and there is almost an 8 foot tide range. We let out plenty of scope.
To: New Teakettle Creek, 3 miles north of Sapelo Island, GA MM 646.6
L/L: 31 27 10N 81 18 23W
Distance Traveled: 37.7
Hours Underway: 6.3
Average Speed: 6.0 mph
The Brunswick (GA) Bridge barely visible through the rain and fog
Weather: when it wasn’t raining, it was overcast; we finally saw the sun for a few minutes before sunset; temp range mid 50s to mid 60s; in the bubble it was in the high 60s and low 70s; winds were light and variable
Comment: After waking, we called for transportation to the Jekyll Island Club, our favorite breakfast spot. We enjoy breakfast in the elegant dinning room at the JIC.
At 1000 hours, we cast off from the dock at Jekyll Harbor Marina and pointed the bows north in a light rain. It continued to rain for several hours, heavy at times, but the winds were light and we had a favorable current for much of the day. Timing is everything, even when it involves dumb luck.
There was very little traffic on the waterway today. I didn't get a chance to try out the April Fool's joke on a passing motorboat because there were none. There wasn't much traffic on the VHF radio either. We heard a few pan-pans broadcast by the Coast Guard - Jacksonville Sector. The only real excitement, if you can call it that, was when we saw the American Spirit southbound in the Little Mud River. Our courses would have had us met at a bend in the river. I chose to hold our position until the ship negotiated the turn before proceeding. Anna Marie used the radio to tell the captain our intentions.
The American Spirit approaches
As the ship passed us, we noticed that two people were trying to get kites airborne from the top deck. They had no success. One lost his kite in the river. At the last possible moment, I saw the string as it trailed from the water to the top of the cruise ship. Hard to starboard! We don’t want that string to w
rap around the prop. Anna Marie hauled in over a hundred feet of kite string but was unable to land the kite. It was full of water and the string eventually broke. At least we kept it from fouling the propeller.A one whistle pass with the American Spirit
We had the anchor down by 1630 hours in the New Teakettle Creek. We haven’t used this anchorage before. The water was 16 feet deep at low tide and there is almost an 8 foot tide range. We let out plenty of scope.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
A Genteel Sport! (Day 168)
From: Brickhill River North Anchorage, Cumberland Island, GA MM696.1
To: Jekyll Harbor Marina, Jekyll Island, GA MM 684.3
L/L: 31 02 76N 81 25 36W
Distance Traveled: 13.2
Hours Underway: 2.5
Hours Motoring: 2.5
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 2.5
Average Speed: 5.3mph
Weather: Overcast; temp range 48 to 63; light wind out of the east clocking to the southeast; showers in the evening
The Jekyll Island Croquet Club on the lawn and in action
Comment: Most of our 13.2 miles was accomplished into a foul current. After fueling and pumping out the holding tank, we tied up to the face dock at the marina. Once secure, we borrowed two marina bikes to ride to the Jekyll Hotel where we watched members of the Jekyll Island Croquet Club (JICC) on the lawn in front of the hotel. The participants were dressed in their sporting whites. There were four teams on the lawn with two matches being contested. After watching for a few minutes, it became apparent to us that they were not playing according to the “California Croquet Rules.”
A good stroke!
The JICC had the lawn reserved for their competition from 12 o’clock noon until 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Anna Marie and I will not be able to get lawn time during this brief stopover.
To: Jekyll Harbor Marina, Jekyll Island, GA MM 684.3
L/L: 31 02 76N 81 25 36W
Distance Traveled: 13.2
Hours Underway: 2.5
Hours Motoring: 2.5
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 2.5
Average Speed: 5.3mph
Weather: Overcast; temp range 48 to 63; light wind out of the east clocking to the southeast; showers in the evening
The Jekyll Island Croquet Club on the lawn and in action
Comment: Most of our 13.2 miles was accomplished into a foul current. After fueling and pumping out the holding tank, we tied up to the face dock at the marina. Once secure, we borrowed two marina bikes to ride to the Jekyll Hotel where we watched members of the Jekyll Island Croquet Club (JICC) on the lawn in front of the hotel. The participants were dressed in their sporting whites. There were four teams on the lawn with two matches being contested. After watching for a few minutes, it became apparent to us that they were not playing according to the “California Croquet Rules.”
A good stroke!
The JICC had the lawn reserved for their competition from 12 o’clock noon until 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Anna Marie and I will not be able to get lawn time during this brief stopover.
Monday, March 30, 2009
61 Trips Around the Sun Completed! (Day 167)
From: Palm Cove Marina, Jacksonville Beach, FL MM 747.4
To: Brickhill River North Anchorage, Cumberland Island, GA MM696.1
L/L: 30 53 33N 81 27 14W
Distance Traveled: 53.8
Hours Underway: 9.6
Hours Motoring: 79.6
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 79.6
Average Speed: 5.6mph
Weather: Sunny; the bubble temps were most comfortable, ranging from 50 to 81 degrees; the outside temp ranged from the mid 40s to the low 70s; wind was out of the east @ 10 knots
Warship 28 in dry dock
Comment: We’re on the move again! We left Palm Cove Marina at 0815 hours. Our destination was Cumberland Island, but it was only 1430 hours (about the time we entered GA) when we arrived so we decided to fight the current and push on to the Brickhill River. The wind turned favorable for motorsailing and the current turned in our favor just as we made the lower end of the Brickhill River.
The extra run w
ill give us an easy day tomorrow, as it is only about 12 miles to Jekyll Island. We’ll have our traditional stop for breakfast at the Jekyll Island Club before leaving on Wednesday.
Fernandina Beach, FL - Pulp
We saw two Canada Geese today. We haven’t seen them for months. A couple of days ago, we saw two Willets. Willets are our favorite spring shorebird. They vociferously tells us that warm weather is on the way.
Sub tied to dock in Kings Bay
I reached yet another milestone, as I completed my sixty-first trip around the sun today. It’s great to make the annual trip! All of the kids and grandkids called to wish me a happy birthday. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone during Easter break!
To: Brickhill River North Anchorage, Cumberland Island, GA MM696.1
L/L: 30 53 33N 81 27 14W
Distance Traveled: 53.8
Hours Underway: 9.6
Hours Motoring: 79.6
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 79.6
Average Speed: 5.6mph
Weather: Sunny; the bubble temps were most comfortable, ranging from 50 to 81 degrees; the outside temp ranged from the mid 40s to the low 70s; wind was out of the east @ 10 knots
Warship 28 in dry dock
Comment: We’re on the move again! We left Palm Cove Marina at 0815 hours. Our destination was Cumberland Island, but it was only 1430 hours (about the time we entered GA) when we arrived so we decided to fight the current and push on to the Brickhill River. The wind turned favorable for motorsailing and the current turned in our favor just as we made the lower end of the Brickhill River.
The extra run w
ill give us an easy day tomorrow, as it is only about 12 miles to Jekyll Island. We’ll have our traditional stop for breakfast at the Jekyll Island Club before leaving on Wednesday.Fernandina Beach, FL - Pulp
We saw two Canada Geese today. We haven’t seen them for months. A couple of days ago, we saw two Willets. Willets are our favorite spring shorebird. They vociferously tells us that warm weather is on the way.
Sub tied to dock in Kings Bay
I reached yet another milestone, as I completed my sixty-first trip around the sun today. It’s great to make the annual trip! All of the kids and grandkids called to wish me a happy birthday. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone during Easter break!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Weather Induced Lay Days (Days 165 & 166)
Saturday & Sunday, March 28 & 29, 2009 Days 165 & 166
Lay Days – Palm Cove Marina MM 747.4
Weather: Overcast and windy on Saturday and Sunday morning, mostly sunny on Sunday afternoon, March 28, with severe thunderstorms in the area on Saturday night into Sunday morning; temp range high 60s to low 80s; wind south gusting to 35 knots
Comment: SUNSHINE’S crew has been busy becoming reacquainted with the Jacksonville Transit Authority (bus service). We took the bus to the beach on Saturday. Bill’s knee has been sore, a problem being caused by the uncomfortable helm seat, so there was no beach walk on this visit. We did manage to visit Joe’s Crab Shack. The Jax Beach Joe’s is our favorite. We had another great time there watching the surfers whilst sipping our beverages and eating our snacks.
In the evening, we went to the Captain’s Lounge in hopes of watching the Villanova/Pitt game. The winner advances to the NCAA’s final four. As luck would have it, the TV was commandeered by a child, Logan, a fellow boater who was watching a series of SpongeBob Square Pants episodes while waiting for the Kid’s Awards show. I had a most enjoyable time chatting with Logan. He and his parents are just returning from the Bahamas. They plan to leave the boat in Deltaville and return home to Ontario by the middle of April.
When Anna Marie and I arrived back at the boat, we were able to catch the last few minutes of the Villanova game. If the last five minutes are any indication, it was a great game. ‘Nova won 78 -76 on a last second shot.
On Sunday, after eating breakfast in the Galley Restaurant (on the marina premises), we boarded the inbound (K2) bus. We had heard that the brand new Super West Marine Store was located in or near the new St. John’s Town Center Mall. The bust driver didn’t know anything about West Marine, but he told us where to get off so we could connect with another bus (S1) that would take us to the corner of the Town Center.
We found the West Marine, after a long walk. They had a very comfortable helm seat, so we splurged and made the purchase, hoping that a new seat would help my knee. Anna Marie had her eye on a set of nesting, stainless steel pots and pans. She wanted nesting ones to save on storage space in the galley. These will fit the bill.
Since we were traveling by bus, the manager of the Palm Cove West Marine, John White (who was helping out in the new store for the grand opening), offered to deliver the chair to us after his work day was concluded.
After he delivered the chair, we spent about an hour installing its new pedestal. We’ll do a more permanent installation when we get back home.
Lay Days – Palm Cove Marina MM 747.4
Weather: Overcast and windy on Saturday and Sunday morning, mostly sunny on Sunday afternoon, March 28, with severe thunderstorms in the area on Saturday night into Sunday morning; temp range high 60s to low 80s; wind south gusting to 35 knots
Comment: SUNSHINE’S crew has been busy becoming reacquainted with the Jacksonville Transit Authority (bus service). We took the bus to the beach on Saturday. Bill’s knee has been sore, a problem being caused by the uncomfortable helm seat, so there was no beach walk on this visit. We did manage to visit Joe’s Crab Shack. The Jax Beach Joe’s is our favorite. We had another great time there watching the surfers whilst sipping our beverages and eating our snacks.
In the evening, we went to the Captain’s Lounge in hopes of watching the Villanova/Pitt game. The winner advances to the NCAA’s final four. As luck would have it, the TV was commandeered by a child, Logan, a fellow boater who was watching a series of SpongeBob Square Pants episodes while waiting for the Kid’s Awards show. I had a most enjoyable time chatting with Logan. He and his parents are just returning from the Bahamas. They plan to leave the boat in Deltaville and return home to Ontario by the middle of April.
When Anna Marie and I arrived back at the boat, we were able to catch the last few minutes of the Villanova game. If the last five minutes are any indication, it was a great game. ‘Nova won 78 -76 on a last second shot.
On Sunday, after eating breakfast in the Galley Restaurant (on the marina premises), we boarded the inbound (K2) bus. We had heard that the brand new Super West Marine Store was located in or near the new St. John’s Town Center Mall. The bust driver didn’t know anything about West Marine, but he told us where to get off so we could connect with another bus (S1) that would take us to the corner of the Town Center.
We found the West Marine, after a long walk. They had a very comfortable helm seat, so we splurged and made the purchase, hoping that a new seat would help my knee. Anna Marie had her eye on a set of nesting, stainless steel pots and pans. She wanted nesting ones to save on storage space in the galley. These will fit the bill.
Since we were traveling by bus, the manager of the Palm Cove West Marine, John White (who was helping out in the new store for the grand opening), offered to deliver the chair to us after his work day was concluded.
After he delivered the chair, we spent about an hour installing its new pedestal. We’ll do a more permanent installation when we get back home.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009 Day 164
From: Ft. Matanzas Anchorage, FL MM 792.4
To: Palm Cove Marina, Jacksonville Beach, FL MM 747.4
L/L: 30 17 42N 81 25 83W
Distance Traveled: 48.6
Hours Underway: 7:20
Hours Motoring: 7.3
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 7.3
Average Speed: 6.7
Weather: Mostly cloudy, then overcast; late afternoon shower; temp range mid 60s to high 70s; wind generally out of the SE @ 10 knots, builds to 15 knots by late afternoon and then calm after the shower
Bald Eagle perched atop AIW mark 55 near Crescent Beach Bascule Bridge
Comment: Bummer! The anchor dragged last night, just as the current changed direction. Even though we were in bed, we weren’t yet asleep. We felt and heard the anchor become dislodged.
In a series of quick moves, we managed to lower the engines, get them started and then move away from the shore line. We were in 5 feet of water and perhaps about 10 feet from the shore grasses. We were lucky it was high tide!
Anna Marie was able to untangle the kellet, trip and anchor lines so we could bring them all onboard. It took some time, but we were eventually ready to reanchor. Finally, after three more tries, we felt comfortable with our position. We watched our movement for an hour. After feeling comfortable until the next turn of the tide, we hit the sack (after setting the anchor watch alarm) about three hours after the ordeal began!
We arrived at the Pine Island anchorage at 1230 hours, too early to stop, so we continued on to Palm Cove Marina fo
r a night. We like this marina because it is reasonably priced, has a bus stop right out in front. We could bus to Publix, WalMart or the beach and have in the past. Tonight, we’ll probably just stay onboard!
From: Ft. Matanzas Anchorage, FL MM 792.4
To: Palm Cove Marina, Jacksonville Beach, FL MM 747.4
L/L: 30 17 42N 81 25 83W
Distance Traveled: 48.6
Hours Underway: 7:20
Hours Motoring: 7.3
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 7.3
Average Speed: 6.7
Weather: Mostly cloudy, then overcast; late afternoon shower; temp range mid 60s to high 70s; wind generally out of the SE @ 10 knots, builds to 15 knots by late afternoon and then calm after the showerBald Eagle perched atop AIW mark 55 near Crescent Beach Bascule Bridge
Comment: Bummer! The anchor dragged last night, just as the current changed direction. Even though we were in bed, we weren’t yet asleep. We felt and heard the anchor become dislodged.
In a series of quick moves, we managed to lower the engines, get them started and then move away from the shore line. We were in 5 feet of water and perhaps about 10 feet from the shore grasses. We were lucky it was high tide!
Anna Marie was able to untangle the kellet, trip and anchor lines so we could bring them all onboard. It took some time, but we were eventually ready to reanchor. Finally, after three more tries, we felt comfortable with our position. We watched our movement for an hour. After feeling comfortable until the next turn of the tide, we hit the sack (after setting the anchor watch alarm) about three hours after the ordeal began!
We arrived at the Pine Island anchorage at 1230 hours, too early to stop, so we continued on to Palm Cove Marina fo
r a night. We like this marina because it is reasonably priced, has a bus stop right out in front. We could bus to Publix, WalMart or the beach and have in the past. Tonight, we’ll probably just stay onboard!Paddlewheeler Dock (Palm Valley Canal)
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