tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49566451872280088022024-03-13T19:57:13.634-04:00Andiamo's Escape 2010-2011~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-62176503293919194392011-05-11T13:28:00.002-04:002011-09-29T20:02:30.825-04:00Reflection of the Cruise<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We have travelled over 3000 miles with great sailing friends from the crews of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brunelle, Pekabu and Sevilla</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have many memories, too many to list, and they will always be a part of us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So if you ask, what is the recipe for a great six month adventure? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 40.4pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One part great friends<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 40.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One part exciting places<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 40.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One part great food and wine<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 40.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One part great weather<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 40.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One part great adventure<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shake well and put it all on a sailboat and enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Often imitated but never equaled”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YP9bN5N-_eE/TcrCb-3F_LI/AAAAAAAAAhk/pIvAuKTB5SY/s1600/KKKK_410_Andiamo_Golden_Sunrise_Sea_of_Andros%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YP9bN5N-_eE/TcrCb-3F_LI/AAAAAAAAAhk/pIvAuKTB5SY/s640/KKKK_410_Andiamo_Golden_Sunrise_Sea_of_Andros%255B1%255D.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"> <em>"Often Imitated but Never Equaled"</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-66204803994934367192011-05-10T12:38:00.001-04:002011-09-08T14:25:59.356-04:00May 3, 2011 Fleet Bay, VA to Almshouse Creek, South River, MD – Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPkwKUsXZWU/TclnHU85wZI/AAAAAAAAAhY/9aL-rJLFpTM/s1600/light+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPkwKUsXZWU/TclnHU85wZI/AAAAAAAAAhY/9aL-rJLFpTM/s320/light+house.JPG" width="318" /></a></div> Lighthouse on the Chesapeake<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Anchors were raised at 7am and we headed out from our anchorage experiencing a beautiful sunrise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were expecting 15-20 knot southerly winds to help give us a push up the bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were sailing along and making great time at a steady 7-8 knots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at Solomon’s Island around 1:30, which had been our intended stay for the evening, but Dan asked if we all wanted to try making it home that day. We were all up for the challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A cold front was coming through and the wind would not be in our favor for another two days so we decided to keep moving at the pace we were traveling and we were hoping to make it home by sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived home in our slip at 7pm to a warm welcome from Paul, our son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He helped us with our lines, put food in our refrigerator, and had beautiful flowers waiting for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFtevLoahSk/TclnIeDLefI/AAAAAAAAAhc/gMZMmwQ3xcI/s1600/Coming+Home+5-3-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFtevLoahSk/TclnIeDLefI/AAAAAAAAAhc/gMZMmwQ3xcI/s320/Coming+Home+5-3-2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <em> Andiamo</em> arriving back in Almshouse Creek<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We had kept a bottle of champagne on board during the entire time to celebrate our dream journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had that bottle in our home that evening toasting our 35<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary trip. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Anderson" datetime="2011-05-26T18:29"><o:p></o:p></del></span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j34pxKPnr4s/TclnL3-ftvI/AAAAAAAAAhg/j7bUq9s5mY4/s1600/DSC01193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j34pxKPnr4s/TclnL3-ftvI/AAAAAAAAAhg/j7bUq9s5mY4/s320/DSC01193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-8257576501561616622011-05-10T12:25:00.001-04:002011-09-08T14:22:48.832-04:00May 2, 2011 Norfolk to Fleets Bay (56stm)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We left at 8:30am after <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brunelle</i> fueled up and John finished washing the boat - one more time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went by Hospital Point which is 0 on the mile marker for the Intercoastal Waterway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were then officially in the Chesapeake Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going down the Elizabeth River is a cool thing to do with all the naval action along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did notice some extra security in the harbor with small guns boats every half mile or so in front of all the naval vessels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were several busy channels all around as we navigated through that body of water. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw a naval warship heading out to sea and an aircraft carrier coming in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a helicopter flying overhead along with a pair of F16s which added to all the visual activity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once leaving the Elizabeth River we headed up the bay with light winds and fair seas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had our jib out for a while but we mostly motor sailed up to Fleets Bay, which was just north of the Rappahannock River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had experienced good protection from the southerly winds. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Betty felt like cooking that day as the southern part of the bay was not very picturesque once you pass all the Norfolk activity so <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i> invited everyone for dinner with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brunelle</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pekabu</i> contributing what they had left in their refrigerators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan was the travel taxi as he lowered his dinghy and bought everyone to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoyed a wonderful meal talking and clinking our glasses in a toast as that had been a great day coming out of Norfolk to begin our trip back up the Chesapeake. <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Anderson" datetime="2011-05-26T18:26"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iyHCqlczQQA/TclmprxwR-I/AAAAAAAAAhU/Ht_KS-V-SVU/s1600/sunrise+anchorage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iyHCqlczQQA/TclmprxwR-I/AAAAAAAAAhU/Ht_KS-V-SVU/s320/sunrise+anchorage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <em> Brunelle</em> and <em>Pekabu</em> in the sunrise at Fleets Bay</div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-5161338042307892011-05-03T12:19:00.001-04:002011-09-08T14:19:38.956-04:00May 1, 2011 Elizabeth City, NC to Norfolk, VA<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Lifting the anchor at 7:45am gave us time to arrive at the first of two locks on the Dismal Swamp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Traveling along at our normal speed we came across a line of other boaters beginning their trip along the swamp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we started to pass them they were not very happy with us, so we settled down and traveled about two knots for approximately 12 miles to the first lock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The locks had certain times for north bound openings so you had to pace yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did work out and we arrived in time. We entered the lock and there were about nine boats with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the trawlers bumped <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pekabu</i> as he was moving to the other side of the lock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That trawler had been one of the boats that would not let us pass. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were raised eight feet to the Dismal Swamp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to put a bow and a stern line around a cleat on land and then hold the rope and keep adjusting as the water levels would change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon exiting the lock again we were in the slow line of boats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chatter on the VHF by a trawler and some of the other boats was that we slower sailboats were going to have a hard time making the second lock and the final time slot was for 3:30. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, a few of them opted to stay overnight at the free dock of the Welcome Center which was in the middle of the swamp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In talking among ourselves on our private radios, we chose to keep going and try our luck in making the last opening of the lock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, we thought, it was possible because we would be losing some of the boats which were even slower than the sailboats in our group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NpJmiTBrGk0/TcAnq6TPeuI/AAAAAAAAAgo/6X9o6gEwHYY/s1600/BA+in+lock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NpJmiTBrGk0/TcAnq6TPeuI/AAAAAAAAAgo/6X9o6gEwHYY/s320/BA+in+lock.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Betty holding the bow line prior to being raised 8 feet</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnFdInEqwmE/TcAnylnn_RI/AAAAAAAAAg4/4_EwOjFYI3s/s1600/lock+door+closing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnFdInEqwmE/TcAnylnn_RI/AAAAAAAAAg4/4_EwOjFYI3s/s320/lock+door+closing.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Lock doors closed behind us</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-49rwW3uxxiU/TcAoXKtmwuI/AAAAAAAAAhA/CM0-HIEh9YE/s1600/raising+up+in+lok.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-49rwW3uxxiU/TcAoXKtmwuI/AAAAAAAAAhA/CM0-HIEh9YE/s320/raising+up+in+lok.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Notice how high our boats are along the wall. We are still coming up.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As we were travelling down the second half of the swamp which was almost eight feet the entire way, we enjoyed looking at the beautiful surroundings of the swamp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could see from the pictures the narrowness of the swamp with the trees, the cascading honeysuckle bushes, lily pads, and so many other plants too numerous to mention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw many turtles sunning themselves on the dead trees that had fallen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did bump a few times on the dead heads underneath the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dead heads were tree stumps that were not quite cut far enough down but that was just part of the entire ambiance of the Dismal Swamp. The swamp had trees hanging over the waterway and the spreaders of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i> hit an overhanging tree branch and our boat was graced with small branches, leaves, and bark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at the second lock with about 10 minutes to spare and had to wait for one other sailboat which had come along after us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A trawler, which had refused to allow us to pass her, was there waiting. It had probably figured that it had seen the last of us as we were exiting the previous lock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My thought was that they were surprised to see us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We exited the lock which lowered us the eight feet to the level of the Chesapeake Bay and we were looking forward to our marina in Norfolk just 10 miles away.<o:p></o:p></span></div></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw5BuI448WE/TcAnu5WoTBI/AAAAAAAAAgw/xYvq3t99-KQ/s1600/following+pek+and+br+in+swamp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw5BuI448WE/TcAnu5WoTBI/AAAAAAAAAgw/xYvq3t99-KQ/s320/following+pek+and+br+in+swamp.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The view in front of us. <em>Pekabu</em> in the lead, with <em>Brunelle </em>directly in front of us.</div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y2RIqRHuR4/TcAoYWgXOjI/AAAAAAAAAhE/EpeAGR_i9jo/s1600/swamp+in+the+rear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y2RIqRHuR4/TcAoYWgXOjI/AAAAAAAAAhE/EpeAGR_i9jo/s320/swamp+in+the+rear.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> And the view in back of us!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v5tyif_DrVM/TcAnwso6pZI/AAAAAAAAAg0/ydeqI4rjqtI/s1600/Lilly+pads.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v5tyif_DrVM/TcAnwso6pZI/AAAAAAAAAg0/ydeqI4rjqtI/s320/Lilly+pads.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Many, many Lilly Pads along the way<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUB1Vwi7WFk/TcAoi3cBC6I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/KqUJ1yHP1yY/s1600/wel+to+va.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUB1Vwi7WFk/TcAoi3cBC6I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/KqUJ1yHP1yY/s320/wel+to+va.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> A Welcome to Virginia sign!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMWM9k90oYg/TcAocTgHynI/AAAAAAAAAhI/7pFdWA7UwTU/s1600/turtle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMWM9k90oYg/TcAocTgHynI/AAAAAAAAAhI/7pFdWA7UwTU/s320/turtle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> A turtle sunning himself on the fallen tree <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We arrived at the last bridge and missed the opening by a mere six minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It used to open by demand but they had changed their policy in December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brunelle</i> dropped her anchor and we rafted up to her to wait out the hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We commented that was our first raft up on the whole trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we went through the bridge and got in the mix of the Norfolk channels, our engine overheated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got the warning when the alarm went off! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our fan belt had broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were able to get out of the busy channel and we dropped our anchor in 40 feet of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brunelle</i> came next to us and Dan jumped on our boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John got out one of our spares and Dan quickly changed it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On our way once again to Tidewater Marina we saw a missile aircraft carrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at the marina around 7:15pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we all got settled in our slips, we had dinner at the marina restaurant since we were all too tired to look elsewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We toasted a good day because it could have gone the other way so many times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brunelle</i> showed us at dinner that we had not won the lottery with the tickets he had purchased a few days prior but I felt we did win by being on that wonderful trip with such good CCYC friends.<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Anderson" datetime="2011-05-26T18:21"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></div></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14TbDmumOt0/TcAoe-idWnI/AAAAAAAAAhM/5jI0shilMJ8/s1600/we+are+next+to+big+boats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14TbDmumOt0/TcAoe-idWnI/AAAAAAAAAhM/5jI0shilMJ8/s320/we+are+next+to+big+boats.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> This was our welcome to the Norfolk area. <em>Pekabu</em> looks like a peanut next to the large red vessel.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mAnczyv-7w/TcAn4LEJ7QI/AAAAAAAAAg8/MzyOlHgWTPc/s1600/naval+ships.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mAnczyv-7w/TcAn4LEJ7QI/AAAAAAAAAg8/MzyOlHgWTPc/s320/naval+ships.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Need to show our Naval ships if you are in Norfolk</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-78867463234756413012011-04-30T21:26:00.001-04:002011-09-08T14:12:21.972-04:00April 30, 2011 Belhaven, NC to Elizabeth City, NC<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We woke up feeling refreshed but realized there was a swarm of mayflies all over the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There must have been a million of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tried putting out a citronella candle but it did not seem to work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We bundled up (had to put long pants on!), sprayed bug spray on us, and braved the mayflies to go pull up the anchor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were thrilled to learn from Martha that the insects were mayflies and not mosquitoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lived with those bugs for a few hours and they were not leaving. While we were travelling in the “ditch”, John washed the cockpit with the hose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It eliminated 80% of them; however, they stayed on the underneath part of the dodger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were still there that evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq7EAoQ4_eA/Tby1AhkiCFI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/AH1cgvfK4pg/s1600/DSC01116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq7EAoQ4_eA/Tby1AhkiCFI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/AH1cgvfK4pg/s320/DSC01116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Going under a bridge along the "Ditch"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We travelled 75 nautical miles that and we are at mile marker 50 on the ICW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had only 50 more miles until Norfolk and then 150 miles up the bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We crossed the Albemarle Sound with a SE winds and one foot waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not bad for that body of water but it still seemed to take forever to cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pushed to get up to Elizabeth City and pass the bridge to be ready to enter the Dismal Swamp the following day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were anchored just past the bridge in a cove with three other boats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were looking forward to the Swamp the next day and the adventure it would surely bring.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F7cT18iE0HM/Tby1VFDsvjI/AAAAAAAAAgU/RW-I0r5bO1s/s1600/pek+on+sound.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F7cT18iE0HM/Tby1VFDsvjI/AAAAAAAAAgU/RW-I0r5bO1s/s320/pek+on+sound.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <em>Pekabu</em> crossing the Albemarle Sound<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FY4qLfQlL2U/Tby2o-5hWNI/AAAAAAAAAgk/krRB2lnxkV0/s1600/DSC01124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FY4qLfQlL2U/Tby2o-5hWNI/AAAAAAAAAgk/krRB2lnxkV0/s320/DSC01124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPYHfin-W2E/Tby1Y49xAyI/AAAAAAAAAgg/6hHNorPXG_c/s1600/bridge+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPYHfin-W2E/Tby1Y49xAyI/AAAAAAAAAgg/6hHNorPXG_c/s320/bridge+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> It is always exciting to have bridges open for you. Above <em>Brunelle</em> and <em>Pekabu</em> are travelling through in front of us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFlv7OxovAI/Tby1WZ8IY9I/AAAAAAAAAgY/mqJQvUCATLI/s1600/Brunelle+at+anchorage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFlv7OxovAI/Tby1WZ8IY9I/AAAAAAAAAgY/mqJQvUCATLI/s320/Brunelle+at+anchorage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <em> Brunelle</em> in our anchorage just outside of Elizabeth City~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-35342991983548853882011-04-30T21:17:00.002-04:002011-09-08T14:07:36.718-04:00April 29, 2011 Morehead City, NC to Belhaven NC<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our day began at 8 to start our travels to Belhaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the fuel dock did not open until 8:30, we stopped for fuel five miles up the waterway at another fuel dock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The challenge of getting on the fuel dock was due to the strong current which kept pushing the boats away from the dock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, Dan and Martha were able to get on first and helped the rest of us by pulling on the lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All went well and it would be the last time we fueled up before we arrived home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We were able to sail some of the way and as we were leaving the Neuse River we noticed a Coast Guard boat chasing down a large powerboat in front of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard them hailing on the radio and they were asked to stop at a nearby CG station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were passing by the CG station they waved to us from the pier to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were letting the power boat go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were doing random checks to see if boats were in law compliance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They checked our life jackets, fire extinguisher, Y value closure, and a variety of other things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did get a citation for having a hole in the material of our Type 4 seat cushion!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hole could not be any larger than your fingertip. The CG was telling us that it was not in good and serviceable condition. We actually use the seat cushion to hold our dinghy tight to the boat; so after having used it for five years we knew we could use a new one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We needed to purchase one by the end of the weekend and send the receipt via email to the coast guard officer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good thing was we knew we were now safety ready for the upcoming sailing season in the Chesapeake.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our staff meeting was on the radio and we decided to leave at 7am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all toasted to a good day. After an early morning rise to watch the royal wedding we crashed early to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were currently at mile marker 135 on the ICW.<o:p></o:p></span></div></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-11702571140233573032011-04-30T21:15:00.004-04:002011-09-08T14:03:32.419-04:00April 28, 2011 Morehead City, NC<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We all took the courtesy van, except Pete who was working, to our favorite Harris Teeter to get a few perishable items to carry us through until our arrival home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a stop at the West Marine we managed to fill up the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once back at the marina John had put a second line on our bow in case the wind got strong but the radar was once again showing the storms passing us by.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>John began making a pot of chili to prepare for a stormy evening. The boat smelled good all day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i> was happy to host since we did not want to go out in the weather. Everyone came at 5:30 and as we continued to watch the radar it still looked like the storm was coming our way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate, cheered to another great day, and then everyone went home to wait for the storms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did get a passing rain shower within the hour and everything cleared out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan went up to a nearby convenience store and bought a lottery ticket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luck has been with us every day.<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-21994652973062785172011-04-28T14:41:00.001-04:002011-09-08T14:00:47.945-04:00April 27, 2011 Mike Hammock Bay to Morehead City<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We left our anchorage at 7am and a group of dolphins greeted us at the entrance to the channel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were just so special to watch and we never got tired of seeing them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As we began our journey northward that day we travelled through the firing range for Camp LeJeune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were large pieces of metal (looked like a quarter of a tank - with wheels) on both sides of the ICW. We read in our cruising guides and saw the signs that if the marines were doing target practice, they would shut down the ICW for three hours at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were fortunate that that day had not been a scheduled practice day since we were trying to reach Morehead City in order to ride out the storms which were coming our way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While we travelled north in southern North Carolina we noticed the ICW seemed to be close to the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could see the oceanfront homes with the body of water between us and them along with the numerous cuts into the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was interesting to see the waves of the ocean breaking in the cuts and we were happy to be on the inside since it was beginning to get a little windy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being out in the ocean was just a whole different experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We arrived at Morehead City Yacht Basin by early afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That marina had been voted the best Mid-Atlantic Marina in NC so we were anxious to try it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dockhands were great and our finding out that we could use a car for two hours for the small fee of $10.00 made the marina even better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reserved the car for the next morning to do some grocery shopping at our favorite store, Harris Teeter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner at a nearby recommended restaurant, Floyd’s, was an easy walk from the marina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all ordered different meals and each one was delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chocolate cake was enjoyed by most of us at the table to finish the evening.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OeBbpZ5rKhI/Tbm0Pdi1jmI/AAAAAAAAAf8/864sI5feNrM/s1600/DSC01110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OeBbpZ5rKhI/Tbm0Pdi1jmI/AAAAAAAAAf8/864sI5feNrM/s320/DSC01110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <em>Andiamo, Brunelle</em> and <em>Pekabu</em> in their slips at Morehead City Yacht Basin Marina~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-72552281610241771972011-04-27T08:23:00.001-04:002011-09-08T13:57:09.966-04:00April 26, 2011 Cape Fear, NC to Mike Hammock Bay, NC<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We left Deep Point Marina at 8:30am with a long and uncertain day ahead of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deep Point Marina was the home of the ferry that transfers passengers to Bald Head Island about three miles away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our plan was to try to get to Mike Hammock Bay, the home of Camp LeJeune. The bay was used by the marines and our guides told us we could be disturbed by the marines if they needed the space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was the uncertain part of the day and once we reach Wrightsville Beach we would re-evaluate the plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was a scenic ride up the ICW with, at times, the ocean along with its ocean front communities clearly seen along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dolphins, along with majestic eagles and beautiful white cranes, were still with us off and on all day.<o:p></o:p></span></div></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-35xsHlzqtwM/TbgJvM1fckI/AAAAAAAAAf0/UvCwnx2MZb4/s1600/fish+barge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-35xsHlzqtwM/TbgJvM1fckI/AAAAAAAAAf0/UvCwnx2MZb4/s320/fish+barge.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We saw a fish barge where a boat can tie up to buy fish bate. There is a powerboat doing just that in the picture.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEV_vGDZSt4/TbgJwZdJPuI/AAAAAAAAAf4/2CSdBz9B1K8/s1600/pink+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEV_vGDZSt4/TbgJwZdJPuI/AAAAAAAAAf4/2CSdBz9B1K8/s320/pink+house.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This house was in the middle of nowhere. Marshes on both sides of it. Notice the pool sliding board next to the lighthouse. The color of everything is bright pink!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We needed to travel through several bridge openings and one in particular was extremely accommodating by opening the bridge five minutes after his posted time in order for us to arrive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At another bridge we did have to wait and, in doing so, we went aground and it took some effort to get off. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were still waiting in line a small powerboat had come up to us to make sure we were okay and we said we were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said she saw we were aground and came out in her boat to help us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Real southern charm!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We arrived at Mike Hammock Bay at 5:30pm with storms and rain showers all around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We seemed to be in a bubble the whole day with rain showers all around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once anchored we were watching a storm offshore heading our way for the evening so we all prepared for a stormy evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing happened!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan, our cruise dictator, kept us safe! We had a staff meeting via our CCYC radios and said we would try to leave at 7 in the morning if the weather was with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We toasted an excellent day as we listened to the surf of the nearby ocean.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-69067977119829707602011-04-25T21:05:00.002-04:002011-09-08T13:52:52.187-04:00April 25, 2011 Myrtle Beach, SC to Cape Fear River, NC<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Waking up at Osprey Marina we found three turtles next to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed a piece of bread to feed the turtles but it only resulted in a feeding frenzy for the fish that we could not see in the dark water. John proceeded to try feeding the turtles basil leaves from a plant we had on board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t like that either but we had to enjoy just watching them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cedar water is very dark in color but supposed to have a healing effect to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cedar water reminds me of my childhood in Browns Mills, NJ at a cedar lake I used to swim in. </span></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-_C9L_y1wE/TbYWv9VYqVI/AAAAAAAAAfU/Flt8xUc5lnI/s1600/turtle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-_C9L_y1wE/TbYWv9VYqVI/AAAAAAAAAfU/Flt8xUc5lnI/s320/turtle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> One of our morning turtles that visited us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Going up through Myrtle Beach was fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw many mansions, golf courses, and a well recommended restaurant, Gregg Normans, along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The restaurant had a boat dock to tie up to but we continued travelling to keep the current in our favor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A must for the next time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the golf courses along the way had cable car lines that took the golfers up and over the ICW, a fascinating concept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ll5duRS6_Jo/TbYW13yddYI/AAAAAAAAAfg/588DscLj-LY/s1600/home+with+waterfall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ll5duRS6_Jo/TbYW13yddYI/AAAAAAAAAfg/588DscLj-LY/s320/home+with+waterfall.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> This home (mansion?) had a waterfall as part of its landscape<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oSjgsPzqG1M/TbYW0DHuAtI/AAAAAAAAAfc/PMijHe70U_s/s1600/restaurant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oSjgsPzqG1M/TbYW0DHuAtI/AAAAAAAAAfc/PMijHe70U_s/s320/restaurant.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> Gregg Norman's Restaurant in Myrle Beach. Note the long dock to tie up to!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y6S1iZCG-1M/TbYW3TKKaLI/AAAAAAAAAfk/BCFBhCaLBNQ/s1600/golf+course.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y6S1iZCG-1M/TbYW3TKKaLI/AAAAAAAAAfk/BCFBhCaLBNQ/s320/golf+course.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> Golf Courses are popping up along the ICW</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Do9cLrHIPQ/TbYW6dVl1FI/AAAAAAAAAfo/70C7Ma3ZN3k/s1600/golf+cable+car.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Do9cLrHIPQ/TbYW6dVl1FI/AAAAAAAAAfo/70C7Ma3ZN3k/s320/golf+cable+car.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cable car system to transfer golfers from one side of the ICW to the other</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXZeXHFxsRg/TbYXHtQ7nvI/AAAAAAAAAfw/1KMlxpNSQrg/s1600/Brun+pek+in+icw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXZeXHFxsRg/TbYXHtQ7nvI/AAAAAAAAAfw/1KMlxpNSQrg/s320/Brun+pek+in+icw.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Following<em> Pekabu</em> and <em>Brunelle</em> up the ICW </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We crossed the South Carolina and North Carolina border early afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In North Carolina we were actually travelling near the ocean and, at one time, we could see the ocean waves breaking over the beach. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a really neat scene and was much different from when we were actually out in the in ocean.</span></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1342XnD4arg/TmkAzQQqn6I/AAAAAAAAAmw/RcVCGS_xLXY/s1600/DSC01104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1342XnD4arg/TmkAzQQqn6I/AAAAAAAAAmw/RcVCGS_xLXY/s320/DSC01104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We arrived at Deep Point Marina which was a relatively new marina but an excellent one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived around 5pm and we received a welcome from the boaters in the nearby slips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone was friendly and willing to make sure we are settled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a spontaneous meeting with our sailing buddies aboard <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i> to discuss the following day's travel plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did toast one more great day of sailing.<o:p></o:p></span></div></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQ-fEmmHkG8/TbYWxZ665ZI/AAAAAAAAAfY/ysxvpnXHxcU/s1600/swing+bdg+in+sc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQ-fEmmHkG8/TbYWxZ665ZI/AAAAAAAAAfY/ysxvpnXHxcU/s320/swing+bdg+in+sc.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Picture from <em>Andiamo</em> following <em>Pekabu</em> through a swing bridge in SC with <em>Brunelle</em> in the lead.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-33635305682698254222011-04-25T20:35:00.001-04:002011-09-08T13:40:47.511-04:00April 24, 2011 Awendaw Creek, SC to Myrtle Beach, SC<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We woke up early to leave at 7am and to head north.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Easter sunrise was magnificent on the horizon as the ocean was a mere half mile away. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha passed us wearing her Easter bonnet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a big flower on her blue sun hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked great and made us all laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The swamps of South Carolina made us use our screens to keep the various flies and flying bugs out of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fly swatter was still handy for anything that made its way in. John would get to wash the bug bodies off the boat rather than the salt! We enjoyed the beauty of the ICW as we had travelled that part out in the ocean while we were going south.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw our first alligator, on the ICW, swimming close to shore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did not take any pictures because the water was dark but we knew that it was definitely an alligator. The outline of the body along the top of the water was unmistakable. We noticed some eagles in the various trees along the waterway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were winding along the “S” curves of the various rivers and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brunelle’s</i> engine just stopped but they had their jib up so Martha was able to keep sailing but at a much slower rate of speed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan was quick to realize that it was the electric fuel filter and he had a spare on board but it was going to take a dock slip to change it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We already had reservation at the Osprey Marina so we gave <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brunelle </i>a tow the last few miles and the winds became non-existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pekabu </i>went ahead to get settled and to come back out to the ICW with their dinghy to help guide <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brunelle </i>into her slip at the fuel dock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The team effort all worked!<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We arrived at Osprey Marina and Kathy was quick to defrost six steaks from their freezer and she grilled them on our boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We added the remainder of the meal and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brunelle </i>came with dessert and it turned out to be an Easter dinner we would all remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We toasted another successful day and then, after everyone left, we crashed.<o:p></o:p></span></div></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-64730581311786045812011-04-23T20:47:00.001-04:002011-09-08T13:37:32.466-04:00April 23, 2011 Charleston,SC to Awendaw Creek, SC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LmtQ8tbhnGI/TbNyPWsqyuI/AAAAAAAAAfE/BC0nmiUgUI4/s1600/fort+sign+for+4.23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LmtQ8tbhnGI/TbNyPWsqyuI/AAAAAAAAAfE/BC0nmiUgUI4/s320/fort+sign+for+4.23.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our trip into town via the marina courtesy van left at 8:45am for a 9:30 boat ride to Fort Sumter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at Liberty Square, purchased our tickets, and viewed the great exhibits at the museum prior to our boarding the ferry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The National Park Service did an excellent job in communicating the significance of Fort Sumter and its history while we took the 30 minute ride to the fort and, then, once again after we had arrived at the fort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked around and were amazed as we looked at the original cannons and bricks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took a total of 31 years to build the fort in the 1800’s. Once back in Charleston we called the van and it came and picked us up to head back to the marina to prepare for our departure.</span></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nSNfpUFobNU/TbNyQ9mocqI/AAAAAAAAAfM/MeK2rk3wPP8/s1600/4.23+inside+fort.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nSNfpUFobNU/TbNyQ9mocqI/AAAAAAAAAfM/MeK2rk3wPP8/s320/4.23+inside+fort.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Inside the fort</div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmxrC_ojUZI/TbNyQEE70QI/AAAAAAAAAfI/lerhdNFP_vo/s1600/4.23+original+cannon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmxrC_ojUZI/TbNyQEE70QI/AAAAAAAAAfI/lerhdNFP_vo/s320/4.23+original+cannon.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> An Original Cannon<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oUvIOUZZLk/TbNyRoo_cDI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/G0JrOq6b2Y0/s1600/4.23+flags+flying+over+fort.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oUvIOUZZLk/TbNyRoo_cDI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/G0JrOq6b2Y0/s320/4.23+flags+flying+over+fort.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Flags flying over the fort<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The winds were higher than expected or predicted so we decided to go north on the ICW rather than going out for the overnight ocean trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We traveled up the ICW on a beautiful sunny 80 degree day with a light breeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spring had arrived and it seemed like every boat was out enjoying the perfect weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John and I felt like we were back home on the South River on just another Sunday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw some beautiful homes along the water, along with marshes in other areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were anchored on the Awendaw Creek at mile marker 435.7 just off the ICW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had relatively deep water for that area as we had 35 feet in the approach but found 13 feet to anchor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed very quiet but the crab pots were there so I was sure we would hear the crabbers in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would be pulling up our anchor at 7 in the morning to head north.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended another terrific day listening to Martha's horn blowing at sunset!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-69229206209783255622011-04-22T21:36:00.002-04:002011-09-08T13:33:36.386-04:00April 22, 2011 Charleston, SC<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We took the 10 am shuttle into town from the marina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We asked the driver to leave us off at the well known market in town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was several blocks long with a variety of vendors selling their goods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of the better markets that we had seen on our journey. We found a great kitchen store and asked the cashier for a lunch recommendation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told us her favorite place was right next store,<span class="MsoIntenseEmphasis"><strong><em><span style="color: #4f81bd;"> </span></em></strong></span><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Slightly North of</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Broad</span></em>, and that we should get reservations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So next door we went!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They gave us a time of 11:45.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked down a few blocks to see the charming architecture of Charleston but the rains came so we dodged the drops by going from building to building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went into the restaurant to sit and wait for our seating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a fabulous lunch and we were thrilled to have had reservations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The line was so long that it went outside the restaurant by the time we had finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xguqXg4gANk/TbIsMs9FGrI/AAAAAAAAAe0/DAhCiInnqck/s1600/john+os+of+restaurant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xguqXg4gANk/TbIsMs9FGrI/AAAAAAAAAe0/DAhCiInnqck/s320/john+os+of+restaurant.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> John standing outside of "The Slightly North of Broad" restaurant</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovFRQ2ppfR4/TbIsLW-4vCI/AAAAAAAAAew/jjcurXJ6kdg/s1600/inside+restaurant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovFRQ2ppfR4/TbIsLW-4vCI/AAAAAAAAAew/jjcurXJ6kdg/s320/inside+restaurant.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View of inside</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--zM-tydXFS4/TbIsJqLWDLI/AAAAAAAAAeo/QVTgZZomolM/s1600/charleston+bld.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--zM-tydXFS4/TbIsJqLWDLI/AAAAAAAAAeo/QVTgZZomolM/s320/charleston+bld.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View of a dressed up man handling the flags on a building</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcxGZ6MopNU/TbIuJUW03JI/AAAAAAAAAfA/Y7bl2mS91Qk/s1600/neat+looking+bld.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcxGZ6MopNU/TbIuJUW03JI/AAAAAAAAAfA/Y7bl2mS91Qk/s320/neat+looking+bld.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Unique building in Charleston </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSSHP4KdMh4/TbIsKZaXvYI/AAAAAAAAAes/vVDTpFC41Nk/s1600/dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSSHP4KdMh4/TbIsKZaXvYI/AAAAAAAAAes/vVDTpFC41Nk/s320/dinner.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, we are always eating!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-88482734015941431092011-04-22T20:51:00.002-04:002011-09-08T13:26:17.429-04:00April 21, 2011 Mosquito Creek to Charleston<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We left B&B quickly as the flying bugs and mosquitoes made it uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the first time on the trip we had experienced bugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We actually found a baby crab on our deck which had come up with the bow line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went through the many rivers and cuts to Charleston and our aim was to get to the one bridge opening just prior to Charleston by 4pm or we would have had to wait until after evening rush hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily we make it at 2pm and arrived at Charleston City marina by 2:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were on the mega dock which meant it was very long but the dock hands were extremely nice and all three boats came in with ease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We received a nice welcome package via a golf cart ride to the office. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The storms finally founds us. We had been lucky to miss them all, and it rained and hailed and we had thunder and lightning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were thrilled that we arrived early and were all tied up safely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John and I enjoyed a quiet dinner for two aboard <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i>!<o:p></o:p></span></div></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-10422845798058541742011-04-21T20:18:00.001-04:002011-09-08T13:22:38.705-04:00April 20, 2011 Hilton Head to Mosquito Creek<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We left Hilton Head at 9am to catch the rising tide out of the harbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We headed up the ICW and the view was so different from being out in the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The homes on the waterway were very interesting with their long docks and motorboats on lifts at the end of the docks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were also many dolphins to watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being on the ICW also meant that there were bridges to navigate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a few high ones with one swing bring just outside of Beaufort. Dan was able to time the bridge so we only had a 15 minute wait for the opening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came across some shallow water for a mile or so and in one particular spot <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i> bounced across a low spot. We were very happy that we did not fill our tanks with either water or fuel in Hilton Head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought if we had we would have had to wait for the tide to rise before passing through that area.<o:p></o:p></span></div></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mk_CMwBQBsM/TbDIJ00QUbI/AAAAAAAAAeg/6p0m-dAywvY/s1600/swing+bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mk_CMwBQBsM/TbDIJ00QUbI/AAAAAAAAAeg/6p0m-dAywvY/s320/swing+bridge.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waiting for a swing bridge to open. <em>Brunelle</em> in the lead!</div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XgR-yLG9vM/TbDIJJUCnoI/AAAAAAAAAec/eeQZ0qiDR1k/s1600/hi+and+dry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XgR-yLG9vM/TbDIJJUCnoI/AAAAAAAAAec/eeQZ0qiDR1k/s320/hi+and+dry.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> We view the Low Country of South Carolina- the good and the bad!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We arrived at B&B Seafood at 5pm to tie up to their dock for the evening behind the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Billie B </i></span>s<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">hrimp boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were closed for the day but the fuel dock master allowed us to stay and sold us five pounds of shrimp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chef John had lobster (from Marsh Harbour, Bahamas) defrosting and he made the group a wonderful lobster meal. Betty made brownies and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pekabu’s</i> ice cream topped the dessert. We would save the shrimp for another evening. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate inside <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i> with the air conditioner on since it was quite warm and Mosquito Creek was living up to its name! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRbz7XOGxRw/TbDILWkeXsI/AAAAAAAAAek/Sq0HjfLQVYg/s1600/for+4.20+shrimp+boat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRbz7XOGxRw/TbDILWkeXsI/AAAAAAAAAek/Sq0HjfLQVYg/s320/for+4.20+shrimp+boat.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Shrimp boat behind <em>Andiamo</em></span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8k4T3wCNSlY/TbDHhxPM_VI/AAAAAAAAAeY/95vhfKztw1g/s1600/4.20+three+boat+at+anchorage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8k4T3wCNSlY/TbDHhxPM_VI/AAAAAAAAAeY/95vhfKztw1g/s320/4.20+three+boat+at+anchorage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Our anchorage at B&B! <em>Pekabu</em> is rafted next to <em>Brunelle</em>. Only enough room for two boats on the dock.</div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-55802661245817577032011-04-20T09:48:00.001-04:002011-09-08T13:16:58.783-04:00April 19, 2011 Hilton Head<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jpihWuoETSw/Ta7i3Gvc9hI/AAAAAAAAAeE/g6idyiGam5Y/s1600/HH+litehse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jpihWuoETSw/Ta7i3Gvc9hI/AAAAAAAAAeE/g6idyiGam5Y/s320/HH+litehse.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> Hilton Head in the Spring time!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we arrived in our slip at 9am, we were greeted with a bottle of vino from the dock hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How nice was that after being out on the ocean overnight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We settled in and everyone took naps at various times during the day and then met up at dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBAQlLf4nn0/Ta7i7-6gXPI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/bFP00Hac-Wc/s1600/for+4.19+anchorage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBAQlLf4nn0/Ta7i7-6gXPI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/bFP00Hac-Wc/s320/for+4.19+anchorage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <em> Andiamo</em> and <em>Brunelle</em> in Hilton Head Harbor. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The really neat thing about Hilton Head on this journey was that we just happened to arrive the day before the Heritage Golf Tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw the stands for the 18<sup>th</sup> hole and enjoyed a metal cold beer container at the 19<sup>th</sup> hole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had never had beer out of a metal container but it’s a must if you get the chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was extremely cold. The excitement for the tournament was just beginning and would be in full swing by the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though we were not golfers, we enjoyed seeing the satellite trucks setting up along with all the stands, and watching the machine perfectly cut the golf grass.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zUYwwhVft-g/Ta7i6g_DqPI/AAAAAAAAAeM/w85vnWHCdC0/s1600/grand+stand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zUYwwhVft-g/Ta7i6g_DqPI/AAAAAAAAAeM/w85vnWHCdC0/s320/grand+stand.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View of the 18th hole viewing stand looing out</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5hnywGM59M/Ta7i8ir3zoI/AAAAAAAAAeU/SqZQPCimUCQ/s1600/18th+hole+from+water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5hnywGM59M/Ta7i8ir3zoI/AAAAAAAAAeU/SqZQPCimUCQ/s320/18th+hole+from+water.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View of all the trucks setting up for the Heritage<br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Having a toast at an outside stand, which was being set up for the Heritage function, with our group at dinner was another great way to end a unique and memorable day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDIXWHMPdKg/Ta7i5ShGIKI/AAAAAAAAAeI/SAXCHQt5N7c/s1600/group+at+dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDIXWHMPdKg/Ta7i5ShGIKI/AAAAAAAAAeI/SAXCHQt5N7c/s320/group+at+dinner.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> A great day at Hilton Head!~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-23844889996408117092011-04-19T15:56:00.001-04:002011-09-08T13:12:35.255-04:00April 18, 2011 Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, FL to Hilton Head SC<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We left at 9:30am to walk into town which was right across the street from the municipal marina where we were docked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a picturesque southern town with nice shops and plenty of eateries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all enjoyed walking in and out of the shops, trying on some clothes, and just enjoying the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all met at the restaurant near our marina so Pete could join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had stayed aboard <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pekabu</i> to do some work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all then went back to the boats to rest and get prepared for our overnight up to Hilton Head.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3lPWankopo/Ta3oLWxG4tI/AAAAAAAAAdk/p0QzA0ppUhE/s1600/dan+walking+street+at+fern+beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3lPWankopo/Ta3oLWxG4tI/AAAAAAAAAdk/p0QzA0ppUhE/s320/dan+walking+street+at+fern+beach.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Dan walking in Fernandina Beach<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our plan was to leave at 5pm to head out St. Mary’s inlet which was between the border of Florida and Georgia and to arrive in Hilton Head by 9am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left our marina and headed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a fort, along with a few dolphins, on the Amelia Island side of the inlet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip speed was planned to be around 6K to 6.5K in order that we would not arrive too early at Hilton Head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ocean was relatively calm with a full moon and we had a perfect ride up the coast of Georgia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at the Hilton Head inlet as the sun was coming up which was a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found quite a bit of debris in the channel and also in the marina harbor from the high tide of the full moon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We always preferred to arrive in daylight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dBbe-E6pn8Q/Ta3oOM-AL8I/AAAAAAAAAdo/xlwa5N3fPvM/s1600/fort+at+st.+mary+inlet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dBbe-E6pn8Q/Ta3oOM-AL8I/AAAAAAAAAdo/xlwa5N3fPvM/s320/fort+at+st.+mary+inlet.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Fort as we were leaving St. Mary's inlet<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJz57-VJthQ/Ta3oPSM50KI/AAAAAAAAAds/PbESRogWVvY/s1600/pekabu+brunelle+heading+out.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJz57-VJthQ/Ta3oPSM50KI/AAAAAAAAAds/PbESRogWVvY/s320/pekabu+brunelle+heading+out.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Brunelle and Pekabu heading out to sea!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7e5zDpzTf_Q/Ta3oRRQf4fI/AAAAAAAAAdw/VvtJ7nI-MW0/s1600/Pekabu+in+ocean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7e5zDpzTf_Q/Ta3oRRQf4fI/AAAAAAAAAdw/VvtJ7nI-MW0/s320/Pekabu+in+ocean.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Pekabu sailing in the ocean to Hilton Head!~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-28180621604301120542011-04-17T22:02:00.002-04:002011-09-08T13:07:26.435-04:00April 17, 2011 St. Augustine to Fernandina Beach<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We left St. Augustine with a full fuel tank and with water at 8am to catch the tide heading towards Jacksonville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were going at a good clip to make time hoping to be able to get to Fernandina Beach. We needed to get used to travelling on the ICW and going under bridges again. We left at high tide which meant there was too much water under the bridges. We came across one that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i> would fit under but not by much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were holding our breaths and our antenna was clicking the underneath of the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the far end of the bridge there had been a light hanging down with a chain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hit the chain but kept going. No damage was done to either the boat or bridge. Having 12 feet <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">under</i> the boat was much different from the 12,000 feet out in the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though the USA has navigational aids, (Bahamas have none) it did not mean that there was a lot of water in the channel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hit the bottom a few times with Betty and John both being at the wheel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing major but we felt it. There was a full moon out so the tides were much more extreme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The low tides were lower than normal and the high tides were higher. We saw a sailboat aground in the middle of a channel but it soon floated off as the tide rose. We went around her and saw her later arriving in the marina.<o:p></o:p></span></div></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVVBWJ3dFlY/TaubVMPZdJI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/Xp-sOY09lX0/s1600/boat+on+wrong+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVVBWJ3dFlY/TaubVMPZdJI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/Xp-sOY09lX0/s320/boat+on+wrong+side.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Boat aground but was on the wrong side of the aide<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbmnDeBKJUI/TaubWPVcaDI/AAAAAAAAAdU/qrSpOXmhLj8/s1600/sights+along+the+way.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbmnDeBKJUI/TaubWPVcaDI/AAAAAAAAAdU/qrSpOXmhLj8/s320/sights+along+the+way.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> One of the scenes we saw today. A ship painting company.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We arrived at Fernandina Beach City Marina at 4pm which was too late to pick up a mooring ball. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were all tied to a bulk head which made it much easier to visit each other and to walk around. We had a wonderful cherry pie aboard <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pekabu.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We were planning on exploring the town in the morning and heading out to sea at 5pm for an overnight trip to Hilton Head. It was much easier travelling in the ocean than through Georgia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Georgia's ICW waterway was known to be very shallow and we would not make it.<o:p></o:p></span></div></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-48944812283593819862011-04-16T20:58:00.002-04:002011-09-08T13:02:45.592-04:00April 14,15,16 2011 St. Augustine<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>St. Augustine was a great town for touring, getting provisions, and just finding any type of store you could need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were able get our errands done and filled up our refrigerator once again. We had another dinner with Jay and Pegg at their home and always enjoyed Peddie who is Dan’s 93 year old mother. We also enjoyed dinner at the marina restaurant, Kingfish, with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pekabu</i> on the evenings that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brunelle</i> had quiet family dinners. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We were leaving in the morning to head up to Jacksonville on the ICW as the winds were not in our favor to travel out in the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was going to be hard to leave St. Augustine since we could not believe we had been there for five days but we toasted each evening as another wonderful day would come to an end! <o:p></o:p></span></div></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
</div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-48392790835561973592011-04-15T12:27:00.002-04:002011-09-08T13:00:53.050-04:00April 13, 2011 St. Augustine<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Departure time was 9am for our adventure up to Jacksonville to meet the custom's officer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan was hoping he remembered how to drive since the last two times driving were in golf carts and on the opposite side of the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove for an hour and we all went in together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we surprised them that all six people arrived at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed they had some computer issues but it was all done and accomplished in one hour and 20 minutes to process the three boats!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They gave us individual cards so we were hoping that the next time we would be registered and we would not have to see them in person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The decals we purchased didn’t seem to make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After customs we headed for lunch at Panera Bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all enjoyed eating again from an American chain restaurant but we did miss that conch was no longer on the menu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After lunch we headed back to the marina and Martha and I went to Publix to do a little food shopping. I was on a sensory overload.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just being out of the country for seven weeks, I never realized just how many choices we have in our supermarkets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bought our fresh fruits and a variety of other things and then headed back to the marina since we were due at Pegg's and Jay’s home for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xkNxWf-eNRs/TahxyL7NWPI/AAAAAAAAAcw/rqWaoUGV-Jw/s1600/girls+at+pegg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xkNxWf-eNRs/TahxyL7NWPI/AAAAAAAAAcw/rqWaoUGV-Jw/s320/girls+at+pegg.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The girls at Pegg's home for dinner!</span></span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While at dinner at Pegg's and Jay’s home we met some other Bliss relatives who were staying with them along with some of Pegg’s friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha made her famous “Dark and Stormy” rum drink which we always enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan bought us back to the marina for another restful evening.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div> <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-85818164103852066992011-04-15T12:24:00.002-04:002011-09-08T12:57:53.130-04:00April 11-12, 2011 Bahama Bank to Gulf Stream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hEt5zqzWehM/Tahu5_7GOoI/AAAAAAAAAck/zZYOHX_lrMk/s1600/ocean+sunrise+on+bank+4.11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hEt5zqzWehM/Tahu5_7GOoI/AAAAAAAAAck/zZYOHX_lrMk/s320/ocean+sunrise+on+bank+4.11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Sunrise on the bank<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We pulled our anchor at 7am to begin our journey to St. Augustine inlet about 200 nautical miles away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were figuring it would take 30 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started out with less wind than expected but that was okay when you were out in the open water like we were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We had a visitor on our boat. A small bird came and sat with us and even flew into our cabin. There ended up being at least two and they were sitting on our lifelines. They visited <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brunelle</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pekabu</i> and checked out all of our cabins. We had some bread out for them to eat but they didn't seem to want it. We enjoyed their company.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2ve2DSKiZw/Tahu0Cs2XiI/AAAAAAAAAcY/Ti3vxuFGIuE/s1600/bird+on+seat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2ve2DSKiZw/Tahu0Cs2XiI/AAAAAAAAAcY/Ti3vxuFGIuE/s320/bird+on+seat.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">One of our visitor with no land in sight for 50 miles</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our strategy was to head NW to the center of the gulf stream and to allow the current to carry us north.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reaching the center late in the evening and heading north, the winds increased more than we expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our sails were up and, with motor assist, we travelled at one point at 11.1 knots. We wanted to travel 70 miles in the fast current. We had rollers going in the opposite direction so it was a little tough handling the boat but John did a terrific job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did not get a chance to sleep much during that night because the rocking was a bit much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At day break, it was time to head to St. Augustine, the last 40 miles of the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were approaching St. Augustine dolphins were swimming next to us and began diving under the boat and having a great time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also encountered a rain shower with strong winds and nasty looking clouds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we passed through the shower the inlet was calm and, at high tide, just perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived in our slip at 2pm, called customs, and just enjoyed relaxing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We purchased a boat decal in December with the hopes of entering the US; it would lessen our chance of customs needing to see us in person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t happen like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All three boats had to appear before customs with our passports and documentations within 24 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next issue was that the customs officer at St. Augustine was off Tuesday and Wednesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to head up to Jacksonville the next morning to appear there at the custom's office.</span></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"></div></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjtnTHfIwHI/Tahu247sjcI/AAAAAAAAAcg/agRK0Om3BeU/s1600/jumping+dolphin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjtnTHfIwHI/Tahu247sjcI/AAAAAAAAAcg/agRK0Om3BeU/s320/jumping+dolphin.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Dolpins racing to keep up with us!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nO5PpEacIFg/Tahu0_S7n9I/AAAAAAAAAcc/OZj1gcfrflA/s1600/dolphin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nO5PpEacIFg/Tahu0_S7n9I/AAAAAAAAAcc/OZj1gcfrflA/s320/dolphin.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The water was clear and neat to watch them!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was one very interesting fact we observed during our crossing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sea temperature at the time we pulled our anchor on the Little Bahamas Bank was 88 degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we were in the Gulf Stream it was 92.5 degrees and at our arrival in St. Augustine it was 78 degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The air temperature was also quite a shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived in St. Augustine with long pants and sweat shirts on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the first time I had long pants on in over two months, if not longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t sure where they were on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YBptoz7XO4/Tahwhp2FLaI/AAAAAAAAAco/UjPh7dht9Gk/s1600/a+under+sail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YBptoz7XO4/Tahwhp2FLaI/AAAAAAAAAco/UjPh7dht9Gk/s320/a+under+sail.JPG" width="227" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> Andiamo under sail </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgRFLpFY_qE/TahwiQePE1I/AAAAAAAAAcs/YIU-IyuFOL0/s1600/coming+in+st+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgRFLpFY_qE/TahwiQePE1I/AAAAAAAAAcs/YIU-IyuFOL0/s320/coming+in+st+a.JPG" width="256" /></a></div> Andiamo approaching St. Augustine through the rain shower <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> We all retired early that day and slept a good 12 hours or more.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-56511694340339007462011-04-15T10:59:00.004-04:002011-09-08T11:35:50.140-04:00April 10, 2011 Powell Cay to NW of Little Bahama Bank<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8WZLHiF05U/TahfhkM3IhI/AAAAAAAAAcE/5ZZinqaFUYs/s1600/sunrise+at+powell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8WZLHiF05U/TahfhkM3IhI/AAAAAAAAAcE/5ZZinqaFUYs/s320/sunrise+at+powell.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Our anchorage at Powell Cay- Sunrise <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We woke up to a beautiful sunrise at our anchorage along with starfish next to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water was so clear that you could see absolutely everything on the bottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were headed to a staging point somewhere on the bank so we could jump off and head to St. Augustine in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had the wind on our nose for the whole day so our sails were not much use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We picked an anchorage close to the Lilly Sand Bank where we thought we would be safe enough that other boats would not come close to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all enjoyed the ocean sunset along with the music from Martha’s conch horn.<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Anderson" datetime="2011-05-23T13:30"><o:p></o:p></del></span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_I4JUPs0NU/TahfgN94_uI/AAAAAAAAAcA/vl2ig0JS_l4/s1600/anchorage+at+powell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_I4JUPs0NU/TahfgN94_uI/AAAAAAAAAcA/vl2ig0JS_l4/s320/anchorage+at+powell.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Starfish with clear water next to anchored Andiamo </div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-20446712357910464932011-04-15T10:57:00.002-04:002011-09-08T11:32:56.001-04:00April 9, 2011 Green Turtle Cay to Powell Cay<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We enjoyed a leisurely morning and did some chores while we were in the marina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laundry and defrosting the freezer were done and the boat was washed for the last time prior to our crossing back to Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We loaded <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo's</i> water tanks at the marina and on the way out of the harbour we stopped at a nearby fuel dock and filled up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We travelled north 14 miles to Powell Cay which was known for its shelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived mid-afternoon, dropped the dinghy, and off we went in search of shells and coral for snorkeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did find the beach on the other side of the Cay from where we anchored and a variety of shells were found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Live conchs along with sand dollars, sea biscuits, and beautiful starfish were all there for us to enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went back to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i> for a swim and to snorkel around our boat and we saw a lot of sea biscuits beneath us. We finished off the evening by listening to Martha blow her conch horn at sunset in the distance!</span></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QKD5vfBTBdQ/Tahe2JU42pI/AAAAAAAAAb4/p1Q6ciAsvbM/s1600/4.9+conch+shell+powell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QKD5vfBTBdQ/Tahe2JU42pI/AAAAAAAAAb4/p1Q6ciAsvbM/s320/4.9+conch+shell+powell.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> Conch Shell</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8NT-iSFdCN0/Tahe3R9J4MI/AAAAAAAAAb8/4T1Myr2qzMM/s1600/4.9+starfish-powell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8NT-iSFdCN0/Tahe3R9J4MI/AAAAAAAAAb8/4T1Myr2qzMM/s320/4.9+starfish-powell.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Many beautiful starfish to be seen! <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-78455662739812372882011-04-09T08:50:00.001-04:002011-09-08T11:27:57.310-04:00April 8, 2011 Great Guana Cay to Green Turtle Cay<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Brunelle</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> left Marsh Harbor after Pegg's and Jay's departures for the airport and picked up <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pekabu</i> and us as they headed north.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We motored along, which included about 2 miles of ocean, to arrive at the Leeward Club & Marina in the Black sound of Green Turtle Cay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha and Dan had stayed there two years before while it was still being built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Yacht Club now has a pool, Tiki bar, laundry, showers, and beautifully landscaped grounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan, our tour dictator, immediately made arrangements to rent two golf carts for us to go touring. I thought Dan was trying to get us accustomed to having another mode of transportation that had rubber tires on it!</span></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ9B4Dfqkr4/TaBVGBHhkSI/AAAAAAAAAbc/ecSZ6FMduxs/s1600/k+p+in+golf+cart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ9B4Dfqkr4/TaBVGBHhkSI/AAAAAAAAAbc/ecSZ6FMduxs/s320/k+p+in+golf+cart.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Kathy and Pete in their golf cart!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We went to town where we found some gift shops, a hardware store, and a well stocked grocery store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The town was an 18<sup>th</sup> Century settlement that had the flavor of an old New England sailing port.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of the original masonry was fashioned from lime that was produced when conch shells were broken up, burned, and sifted for cement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came across the Memorial Sculpture Garden to honor the Loyalists and we learned that the descendants still live on these out islands. Then on to the beaches!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw one of the most beautiful crescent beaches we had ever seen! The sand and water were just perfect!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eox6vwf8rPI/TaBVTr67ynI/AAAAAAAAAbg/LBInk3c_5Ww/s1600/memorial.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eox6vwf8rPI/TaBVTr67ynI/AAAAAAAAAbg/LBInk3c_5Ww/s320/memorial.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Memorial Park<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWfN_2ncNbE/TaBVVGa0sNI/AAAAAAAAAbk/0HlfFWKzSF4/s1600/j+b+on+beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWfN_2ncNbE/TaBVVGa0sNI/AAAAAAAAAbk/0HlfFWKzSF4/s320/j+b+on+beach.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_eygKhZysQ/TaBVfYHhUGI/AAAAAAAAAbo/Og-7-1N2LIg/s1600/crescent+beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_eygKhZysQ/TaBVfYHhUGI/AAAAAAAAAbo/Og-7-1N2LIg/s320/crescent+beach.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> One of our favorite beaches<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The tour continued to the other end of the island and we checked out Bluff House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived close to five o’clock and asked about drinks and dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, CCYC South was always ready to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a great waitress who had just moved there two weeks before from Florida and she made their signature drink with seven different kinds of rum in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pete and Betty tried multiple drinks and both agreed they were the best rum drinks we had ever had! We did order dinner and it was great overlooking the White Sound Bay while we ate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was getting close to sunset and we had to rush back to the marina to return the golf carts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a great tour - thanks Dan and Martha for having given us another magnificent day!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VbvRmf3VXE/TaBVij7dW3I/AAAAAAAAAbs/EzEIBviGIvA/s1600/group+dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VbvRmf3VXE/TaBVij7dW3I/AAAAAAAAAbs/EzEIBviGIvA/s320/group+dinner.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Enjoying drinks and dinner on the veranda of Bluff House <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956645187228008802.post-53407534202603276182011-04-08T10:17:00.001-04:002011-09-08T11:20:32.393-04:00April 7, 2011 Hope Town to Fisher’s Bay on Great Guana Cay<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Recovering from the previous night’s affair was a little slow but we went to shore to enjoy a golf cart ride to Tahiti Beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jay had rented a golf cart for 24 hours and they investigated the island on Wednesday afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kathy and Pete took us that morning to show us the country side of Elbow Cay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came across some great views and ended our ride on Tahiti Beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tahiti Beach is located in splendid isolation at the far end of Elbow Cay with sparkling waters and powdery white/pink sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was accessible only by foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below was a sign we found at the tip of the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I18K9Wdd8Jw/TZ8XiJLwWtI/AAAAAAAAAa0/vW1dLYAULkQ/s1600/sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I18K9Wdd8Jw/TZ8XiJLwWtI/AAAAAAAAAa0/vW1dLYAULkQ/s320/sign.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0kjx22fOQ4/TZ8XmslThfI/AAAAAAAAAa4/p2h0G59_g-U/s1600/group+in+front+of+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0kjx22fOQ4/TZ8XmslThfI/AAAAAAAAAa4/p2h0G59_g-U/s320/group+in+front+of+sign.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> Pete, Kathy and John in front of the bar sign which is on the bottom of a downed tree. </span></span></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WuEvPD53OZ8/TZ8Xo6GLRQI/AAAAAAAAAbA/Puk4XJOBTHw/s1600/b+in+water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WuEvPD53OZ8/TZ8Xo6GLRQI/AAAAAAAAAbA/Puk4XJOBTHw/s320/b+in+water.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> Betty enjoying the warm weather and water life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pWXiKasILc/TZ8XvRgFs2I/AAAAAAAAAbI/cI-PDaGuIVA/s1600/looking+out+at+ocean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pWXiKasILc/TZ8XvRgFs2I/AAAAAAAAAbI/cI-PDaGuIVA/s320/looking+out+at+ocean.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Looking out at the ocean from Tahiti Beach<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEXeMm-Nq-0/TZ8Xn0PWRMI/AAAAAAAAAa8/NeOK_dowXnA/s1600/big+hse+on+ocean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEXeMm-Nq-0/TZ8Xn0PWRMI/AAAAAAAAAa8/NeOK_dowXnA/s320/big+hse+on+ocean.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Scene on Elbow Cay! Huge home on the ocean!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zJ7aYpk3adc/TZ8YkVfwVfI/AAAAAAAAAbM/Lat-QzSZSLc/s1600/scene+on+elbow+cay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zJ7aYpk3adc/TZ8YkVfwVfI/AAAAAAAAAbM/Lat-QzSZSLc/s320/scene+on+elbow+cay.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Scene along the way on Elbow Cay</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was time to head back to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andiamo</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pekabu</i> to head north to Great Guana Cay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brunelle</i> was heading back to Marsh Harbour for Pegg and Jay to return home, and <em>Brunelle</em> would meet up with us on Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had light winds so we just motored the 11 miles and anchored in Fisher’s Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were some quaint and colorful homes on the hillside of our anchorage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoyed a beautiful sunset.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9_JHt6bzV4/TZ8Y1UwO3CI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/r8C-LRxEr60/s1600/great+guana+anch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9_JHt6bzV4/TZ8Y1UwO3CI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/r8C-LRxEr60/s320/great+guana+anch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scene from our anchorage at Fisher's Bay on Great Guana Cay </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>~~John and Betty~~http://www.blogger.com/profile/04192515047115060272noreply@blogger.com0