tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62076638283241063852024-02-08T12:30:58.111-05:00Ninkasi AdventuresAccounts of Dick, Donna aboard Ninkasi, a 1988 Hunter 33.5' sailboat.Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.comBlogger221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-58285257715754288932014-06-22T15:48:00.000-04:002014-06-22T15:48:26.781-04:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">June 4, 2014</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We took it easy this
morning as we waited for the traffic restrictions to expire on bridges we will
encounter on the way to Portsmouth. We caught the 9AM lock through at the Great
Bridge Lock. It was a short run from there to the Steel Bridge where we had to
wait for the opening.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The wait at the Steel
Bridge was nothing compared to what we experienced next. We arrived at the
Gilmerton Bridge with 2 other sailboats only to find the #7 Norfolk &
Southern railway bridge in a half closed position and maintenance personnel
working on it. The Gilmerton Bridge operator suggested we contact N&S to
find out when they would open for river traffic. Attempts to contact N&S
via VHF were unsuccessful. After waiting almost a half hour, the Gilmerton
operator called on the radio and said the N&S would be opening shortly. It
took another twenty minutes before they raised the bridge to fully open. The
Gilmerton operator opened immediately and we proceeded onward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we were approaching the
Belt Line railroad bridge, we heard an announcement that it would be closing in
approximately 15 minutes. I pushed the throttle to the limit in hopes we could
beat the closing. We were almost to the bridge when I saw the large pulleys at
the top of the towers start to rotate. We could not make it safely, so we did a
quick 180 and idled back to sit and wait again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The bridge lowered and the
train appeared on the far shore. Instead of continuing on, the train stopped,
someone got out and proceeded to walk across the bridge with the train slowly
following. It seemed to take forever for the train to clear the bridge. A slow
lift of the bridge followed and we were allowed to proceed, but only a short
distance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next obstacle was an
inbound cargo ship which we cleared by staying way right which really upset the
Navy security boat at the ship yard. Clearing the ship yard, we then encountered
a Navy Riverine group of 3 boats practicing for a demonstration at the upcoming
Harborfest. Boy did those boats ever have the river churned up. Again we stayed
way right and got by them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The remaining quarter mile
to our marina was uneventful except for a quick stop to chat with John and do a
pumpout at the Portsmouth Boating Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No wind and no current
made docking easy as we entered our slip. Lines were made fast, shore power
connected and it was beer all around. We are home! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-56614126796469159582014-06-21T18:01:00.001-04:002014-06-21T18:08:24.342-04:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">June 3, 2014</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We got an early start this
morning even though we only plan on a thirty mile day. We departed the marina
with a little current assistance, but it only lasted until we entered the
Currituck Sound. We did manage some motor sailing which helped stabilize the
boat as we quartered into some 2 foot waves. Add lots of fetch and the shallows
of the Currituck and you get waves with a short period of 2 seconds and that
ain’t comfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Things became much calmer
as we reached the upper section of the North Landing River. We jockeyed our
speed to time the North Landing Bridge, Centerville Turnpike Bridge and the
Great Bridge Bridge. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After passing through the
Great Bridge bridge, we pulled over and stopped just before the Great Bridge Lock. We
called it a travel day and took the rest of the day off.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0kY6XnmBfA/U6YCMAVAQwI/AAAAAAAAC1k/nbfN5hZXf7M/s1600/2014-06-03+16.15.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0kY6XnmBfA/U6YCMAVAQwI/AAAAAAAAC1k/nbfN5hZXf7M/s1600/2014-06-03+16.15.27.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-bdi7sgc38/U6YCMOcOEhI/AAAAAAAAC1s/9rNVa9qrWTM/s1600/2014-06-03+16.16.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-bdi7sgc38/U6YCMOcOEhI/AAAAAAAAC1s/9rNVa9qrWTM/s1600/2014-06-03+16.16.55.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljmxfaJ8O7E/U6YCMWYYypI/AAAAAAAAC1o/AkCCIkHWUCQ/s1600/2014-06-03+16.17.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljmxfaJ8O7E/U6YCMWYYypI/AAAAAAAAC1o/AkCCIkHWUCQ/s1600/2014-06-03+16.17.33.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We’re almost home.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start: 0650<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stop: 1310<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance Traveled: 37
miles<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Avg Speed: 6.0 mph<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Max Speed: 7.7 mph <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Great Bridge,
Chesapeake, VA MM 12<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-82245405423211724832014-06-03T16:04:00.002-04:002014-06-03T16:07:40.248-04:00<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">June 2, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am awake early. The
winds are light and ENE. They are predicted to remain light, so all the
cruisers are eager to get moving. We grab some coffee and get underway.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Out on the ICW, we push onward
hoping the winds do not increase or switch back to the NE. If they do, it’s
going to be a long bumpy day. The wind did shift back to the NE after we were
about two-thirds across the Albemarle Sound. Thankfully, they remained light
and we were able to slip into the North River without any difficulties.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We contacted Midway Marina
and secured space on their face dock for the evening. We arrived shortly before
1PM and enjoyed the remainder of the day as downtime. Being Monday, Crabbie’s
Restaurant was closed so we had to rough-it and prepare our own dinner,
something we normally don’t do here.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s an interesting
sight from the Midway docks.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lHZkcHRqrwI/U44qRo3_48I/AAAAAAAAC0c/GeZvdXn0xmM/s1600/2014-06-02+14.04.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lHZkcHRqrwI/U44qRo3_48I/AAAAAAAAC0c/GeZvdXn0xmM/s1600/2014-06-02+14.04.46.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a short day, but we’re
getting closer to home.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start: 0700<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stop: 1246<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance Traveled: 35
miles<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Midway Marina,
Coinjock, NC MM 49<o:p></o:p></span></span>Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-20926880917102286962014-06-03T16:00:00.002-04:002014-06-03T16:00:59.816-04:00<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">June 1, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We got a late start from
Dowry. The plan was to cruise about thirty some miles and anchor at the south
end of the Alligator River. Today was not the day for plans to work out. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had one exciting event coming
through the Alligator-Pungo Canal. We sighted a pretty good sized black bear. He
was near the water’s edge when he spotted us. He turned and raced up the bank
and back in to some tall grass and trees. Boy could he move. Don’t think I
could out run one of these guys.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The wind never made the
forecasted shift so we had wind on the nose in the canal. Actually we had two
foot roller waves meeting us head on the last couple of miles in the canal.
When we exited the canal, it was immediately apparent that we were not going to
use any of the several anchorages there. Anchoring meant we would have endured
a miserable night on the hook so we continued up the Alligator River toward the
marina just on the north side of the bridge. Phone service is almost non-existent
in the area so we waited until we were almost there to contact the marina.
Fortunately, they had space for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we arrived, we met
several other cruisers who had been at Dowry Creek the night before. We decided
to do a group dinner at the little restaurant there. We dined and Miss Wanda
(owner) stopped by to say hello and chat with us. The food was good, the
company excellent and a good time was had by all.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We retired for the evening
with cool temperatures, the wind still out of the NE, a forecast for light ENE winds
in the morning. Hope the forecasters are better than the ones we had today.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start: 0800<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stop: 1600 <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance Traveled: 58
miles<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Avg Speed 7.2 mph<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Alligator River
Marina, NC, MM 81<o:p></o:p></span></span>Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-57974038335005418342014-05-31T22:25:00.003-04:002014-05-31T22:28:01.662-04:00<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">May 31, 2014 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We’re
up early and already the northerly breeze is kicking up. Not what we want since
we are traveling the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers today. Northerly winds make for a
lumpy ride. The humidity and temperature is low and I am again wearing a
sweatshirt and shorts.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
get to do some motor sailing and it helps our overall speed. As the morning
wears on, the winds increase, waves build and our discomfort increases. As we
reach the turning mark and enter the Bay River our sailing ends for a while. As
the Bay River narrows and becomes enclosed by riverside forests, the waters
calm until we cross the Pamlico River. It’s a bumpy ride across.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
reach the Pungo River and are near our destination, Dowry Creek Marina. We are
running low on diesel in our main tank and I have emptied the jerry cans a
couple of days ago. We arrive as the winds peak for the day. Cross winds at the
fuel dock…fun, fun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
dock portside to and are immediately pinned to the dock. We refuel, fill the
jerry cans, and after four attempts manage to perform a pumpout. Then with the
help of the staff, we were able to get away from the dock and move to a slip,
again fighting a very strong cross wind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
have just enough time to square away the boat before the usual Dowry Creek
Happy Hour. There were about twenty boaters present and we had a thoroughly
enjoyable experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Later
we showered and retired to the boat for a restful evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start: 0700<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stop: 1530 <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance Traveled: 56
miles<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Dowry Creek
Marina, Belhaven, NC, MM 131<o:p></o:p></span></span>Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-15435310901332546062014-05-31T22:23:00.004-04:002014-05-31T22:30:36.586-04:00<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">May 30, 2014 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
were up early and I contacted the Marine Range Control to make sure the ICW was
not going to be closed due to live fire exercises. Assured there were no
scheduled closures, we weighed anchor and was the second boat out of the
anchorage. We passed through the Onslow Beach Bridge, the range and headed on
toward Swansboro.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
weather turned cloudy, gray and much cooler. I even pulled out a sweatshirt and
put it on. Later as light sprinkles set in, the sweatshirt felt even better
under a light slicker.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
had planned to stop in Morehead City, but our early arrival caused us to
revisit that decision. We decided to save the expense of a marina and continued
on toward an anchorage in Cedar Creek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
bucked a strong tidal current in Core Creek which really slowed our progress.
Despite this, we arrived at the Cedar Creek anchorage around 1645. A houseboat
and a trawler were already anchored. Later two more sailboats and another
trawler joined the group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
do have a new problem though. The mast head anchor light has decided to stop
working. We will use the backup low hanging unit to make it home. No sense
climbing the mast if we are just a few days from home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start: 0715<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stop: 1645 <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance Traveled: 59
miles<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Avg Speed: 6.2 mph<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Max Speed: 8.7 mph<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Cedar Creek, NC,
MM 187<o:p></o:p></span></span>Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-50668364557480347802014-05-31T22:21:00.003-04:002014-05-31T22:31:26.186-04:00<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">May 29, 2014 <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
were up early and caught the first scheduled opening of the Wrightsville
Bridge. We were able to ride the tide and made good time. Otherwise, the day
was a typical ICW day. Leave early, run hard, drop the hook and call it a day.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
arrived at Mile Hammock Bay and were the first boat there. That was unusual.
Sailboaters are usually the late arrivals. Trawlers and motor yachts typically
get a late start, pass everybody and arrive at the destination first. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
were later joined by 2 more sailboats and 3 trawlers. We all experienced a calm
night as the marines were not conducting maneuvers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start: 0700<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stop: 1530 <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance Traveled: 39
miles<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Mile Hammock
Bay, NC, MM 244<o:p></o:p></span></span>Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-9798747272600691112014-05-28T18:36:00.000-04:002014-05-28T18:36:41.216-04:00<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 28, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Boy, what a night.
Thunderstorms were all around us on the radar. They finally reached us a little
after midnight. There was a lot of heavy rain coming. Thankfully, the
temperature dropped before the rain arrived otherwise it would have been
miserable inside the boat. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I awoke when the rain
started and closed everything up tight. Then I did my usual check for leaks.
Satisfied we were ok for the moment; I lay back down and tried to sleep but it
was a while in coming. Then about 0230 hrs, a second thunderstorm and rain hit
us. This one was more violent and the rains were heavier. More lost sleep!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At 0500 I was awakened by
thunder again. This cell seemed to be moving off shore. I’m awake now so it’s
make the coffee and get ready to be underway. We need to leave Southport by
0700 so we can ride the tide/current up the Cape Fear River, through Snow’s Cut
and over to Carolina Beach. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We don’t plan to travel
far as more violent weather is expected anytime from midday to mid-afternoon.
There is a fishing tournament going on up at Wrightsville Beach and the marinas
are full so we will probably anchor near there. Actually, there aren’t many
anchorages between Southport and Morehead City, a distance of over a hundred
miles. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We get underway and are
really moving at 8+ mph or more running up the river. We reach Carolina Beach
and continue on towards Wrightsville following two other sailboats. I call just
to see if any slips are available and what do you know, Dockside Marina’s fuel
dock is shut down and they say we can tie up there for the night. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iV94FM23b3U/U4ZkB32JcsI/AAAAAAAACzw/NNHddIEgknY/s1600/P1020596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iV94FM23b3U/U4ZkB32JcsI/AAAAAAAACzw/NNHddIEgknY/s1600/P1020596.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrive about 1030 hrs
and tie up to the fuel dock. Their pumps are bagged over and a sign says “No Fuel”.
Couldn’t get a straight answer about the fuel, but the situation is good for
us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwaaR-H5-rY/U4Zj4u2r4fI/AAAAAAAACzg/Bx8ewO-6dks/s1600/P1020594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwaaR-H5-rY/U4Zj4u2r4fI/AAAAAAAACzg/Bx8ewO-6dks/s1600/P1020594.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A little after noon, we
decided to have lunch at the Dockside Restaurant. We split some BBQ, have a
couple of brews and Donna discovers they have Banana Pudding, so we split a
desert too. Naturally, after all that, it’s time for a short nap back on the
boat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy3qRWVsVRU/U4ZkLuPESEI/AAAAAAAACz4/ncDmTDq8D1E/s1600/P1020597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy3qRWVsVRU/U4ZkLuPESEI/AAAAAAAACz4/ncDmTDq8D1E/s1600/P1020597.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We spend the rest of the
afternoon reading, washing the boat and planning tomorrow’s travels. Oh, BTW,
those violent midday storms never materialized. The evening storms look very
promising though.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start: 0710<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stop: 1030 <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance Traveled: 27
miles<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Avg Speed: 7.1 mph<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Max Speed: 10.3 mph<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Dockside Marina,
Wrightsville Beach, NC, MM 283<o:p></o:p></span></span>Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-8895541299829931522014-05-27T23:05:00.001-04:002014-05-27T23:07:34.921-04:00<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 27, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The plan is to reach
Southport, NC today. There are a couple of trouble spots we have to negotiate,
but they were dredged over the winter and reports say these spots are still in
good shape. Donna is still under the weather, but she is improving.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We get underway and are
immediately presented with two swing bridges that are slow to open. The second
bridge operator insists on delaying the opening for over twenty minutes to
allow a slow moving vessel a couple of miles back to reach the bridge. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We move on toward the
Little River inlet. Here we depart SC and enter NC. We also pick up some wind
which allows us to motor sail. We are running hard against the current and the
motor sailing helps keep our speed up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrive at Shallotte
Inlet just before low tide and pass through with no problems other than white knuckles
and a death grip on the wheel and throttle lever. A few miles later we arrive
at Lockwood’s Folly Inlet and endure the same kind of passage. Breathing a
great sigh, we move on toward Southport. The wind increases steadily and by the
time we get there it’s blowing 15-17 and gusting to 23 mph. Docking is a
zig-zag course through the marina to get to our assigned slip. Thankfully, there
are two dock hands there to grab our lines and get us secured to the dock.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Showers and dinner make
both of us feel better. Tomorrow is questionable as there is a weather change
coming. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start: 0800<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stop: 1510<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance Traveled: 44
miles<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Avg Speed: 6.3 mph<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Max Speed: 9.2 mph<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Southport
Marina, Southport, NC, MM 309<o:p></o:p></span></span>Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-25710012853733091882014-05-27T23:03:00.002-04:002014-05-27T23:09:02.776-04:00<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 26, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We’re up before daybreak
again. This could turn into a habit. We want to catch the last bit of incoming
tide and ride the current up the Waccamaw River to Myrtle Beach. We find plenty
of water, depth wise, in the Esterville-Minim cut. We catch a good boost when
we enter Winyah Bay and head toward Georgetown. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we pass Georgetown,
cruisers who have overnighted there are heading for the mouth of the Waccamaw.
This river is probably some of the most enjoyable part of our entire journey.
Being it is Memorial Day, there is lots of boats full of fishermen, jet skis
and people out joy riding.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We make good time and
decide to pass by the oxbow we anchored in on the trip south. Instead we headed
for that crown jewel of rip-off outlet stores, Barefoot Landing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It appears Donna needs a shopping fix. We
arrive in mid-afternoon in just enough time for Donna to have a little shopping
time and for me to do a little catch-up work around the boat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start: 0610<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stop: 1435<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance Traveled: 62
miles<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Avg Speed: 6.8 mph<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Max Speed: 8.9 mph<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Barefoot
Landing, Myrtle Beach, SC, MM 353<o:p></o:p></span></span>Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-73497721881275254662014-05-27T07:21:00.001-04:002014-05-28T18:52:30.806-04:00<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 25, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We’re up before daybreak.
Coffee gets the system pumping as we prepare to jump on the current and depart.
As usual, with no audience, we perform flawlessly. As we enter the channel, we
watch the sun rising from behind the aircraft carrier over at Patriot’s Point.
What a sight!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are just ahead of the high
tide cycle so we pass through several trouble spots with plenty of water
beneath us. On we go, passing the Ben Sawyer Bridge and out into the Cape
Romain marshlands. Don't know if you can see it, but that's an eagle sitting on the shore. Double click the photo to enlarge it.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEXM4TRGz8c/U4ZnEJr6xPI/AAAAAAAAC0E/LHMobfONJ6M/s1600/PICT0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEXM4TRGz8c/U4ZnEJr6xPI/AAAAAAAAC0E/LHMobfONJ6M/s1600/PICT0077.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We pass through the McClellanville area “shallows” without
even one bump. Nice of the CG and ACOE to let us know there is a shoal here. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLCI8LgxLbw/U4ZnlgjEH8I/AAAAAAAAC0Q/JQ0iT6nMNkc/s1600/PICT0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLCI8LgxLbw/U4ZnlgjEH8I/AAAAAAAAC0Q/JQ0iT6nMNkc/s1600/PICT0080.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We can’t make it to
Georgetown without running the Esterville-Minim cut at low water so we decide
to anchor in Minim Creek. We are boat number two in the creek. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rose Anna</i>, a Shucker, is a familiar
sight from Stuart. We’re in good company. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Location:
Minim Creek, near Georgetown, SC, MM 415<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Start:
0615<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Stop:
1530<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Avg
Speed: 5.5 mph<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Max
Speed: 8.4 mph<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Distance
Traveled: 52.7 miles<o:p></o:p></span>Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-27561219153211488662014-05-27T07:18:00.003-04:002014-05-27T23:09:39.932-04:00<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 23-24, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We played tourists for a
couple of days. Most importantly, we celebrated our 39th Wedding Anniversary. <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Unfortunately, Donna has
contracted some kind of bug. She’s congested and has a horrible cough.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Location: Charleston
Maritime Center, Charleston, SC, MM 465<o:p></o:p></span>Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-38077653473920955552014-05-27T07:17:00.001-04:002014-05-27T07:24:25.832-04:00<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 22, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today is the day. Our parts
are in and the technician is supposed to be here at nine so Donna heads off on
a shopping, site seeing tour. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nine o’clock means
sometime before noon hopefully and it’s about 1015 when the technician arrives.
He has the shiny new parts already assembled, but, OH NO…one part is wrong! We
have the end mount exhaust elbow and he has brought the side mount type. A quick
call to the office and the correct part is on order…be here tomorrow. Just
dandy!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The technician, his name
is Chris, a nice young fellow, proceeds to remove the defective exhaust successfully. No broken bolts…YEA! He departs, taking the both exhaust assemblies
with him. I’m thinking maybe he will try to salvage the old exhaust elbow. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two hours later I get a
call from the Bill, the service manager. They have found the new part we need
on one of their service trucks and Chris is being sent back to finish the job.
Being a suspicious type, I’m thinking they salvaged my old exhaust elbow, blasted
it, painted it and are going to “sell” it back to me as a new part. Happily, I
am proven wrong. Chris arrives with both the new and old exhaust assemblies, hands
me the old, and then proceeds to install the new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has great difficulty installing the new
exhaust hose, but finally gets it secured. The engine is cranked and it runs
much quieter. We have water flow and no leaks…Woohoo! Chris is the man! Thank
you Chris and Bill at the Charleston Boat Yard!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Donna returns with lots of
bags, fortunately, they are groceries. We celebrate the engine success and
decide to take advantage of the marina’s weekly rate, and essentially stay the
next two days for free.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Location: Charleston
Maritime Center, Charleston, SC, MM 465 <o:p></o:p></span>Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-70831265740996395312014-05-21T21:53:00.001-04:002014-05-22T07:08:50.909-04:00<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 21, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We slept in a little, did
the coffee routine, took showers and I did a little blog update. We watched a
Carnival Cruise pull into the dock a little down the waterfront. It came by the
entrance to the marina really close.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Donna wanted to go down to
Market Street so we decided to visit Fleet Landing for lunch and then shop the
shops nearby. Lunch was so-so. Typical fern bar type food with a view of the
river. Ho-hum!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tTGPo0hr40/U31XrEfl-qI/AAAAAAAACzQ/Z76QWxAcvS8/s1600/2014-05-21+13.18.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tTGPo0hr40/U31XrEfl-qI/AAAAAAAACzQ/Z76QWxAcvS8/s1600/2014-05-21+13.18.21.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shopping the old market
buildings was also Ho-Hum! There were some unique items, but most were just
more made in China stuff. All of it hugely overpriced.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The afternoon had really
heated up and neither of us was up for a long walk back, so we boarded the free
trolley back to the visitor’s center. It seemed like lots of folks had the same
idea. At the center we changed trolleys and headed back to the Maritime marina.
Back at the marina, we find new boaters have arrived and we now have neighbors
again. We exchange a few pleasantries as they head out to tour the town. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back on the boat, we relax
and then take a nap. It’s a rough life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Location: Charleston
Maritime Center, Charleston, SC, MM 465<u1:p></u1:p> <o:p></o:p></span>Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-61926972165422516132014-05-21T21:41:00.000-04:002014-05-22T07:16:33.560-04:00<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">May
20, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I’m up early. I make coffee
and try to prepare myself mentally for the task of troubleshooting that
infernal engine noise. But, the daily chores have to be done first. Empty the
trash, fill the water tank, wash down the deck, etc., etc. Then it’s back to
the engine problem. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">A thorough visual check reveals nothing except a light
layer of soot all over everything in the engine compartment. I have two
thoughts, a belt or belts wearing excessively or an exhaust leak. I pretty much
eliminated the belts yesterday so I start examining the exhaust system. It’s
very hard to see in the back of the compartment so I remove the companionway steps,
the portside access panel and the starboard side firewall next to the fridge.
This allows more light in and gives me better access to the exhaust components.
More inspection reveals a soot buildup and a possible leak where the wet hose attaches to
the mixing elbow. To confirm this I start the engine. Sure enough the noise is back
and I detect hissing and air movement where the infamous Yanmar coupling joins
the exhaust elbow to the mixing elbow. I think we have our problem and it won’t
be an easy or cheap fix.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb15zZxrYPU/U31XrGv68rI/AAAAAAAACzE/6_K0z5M6o0E/s1600/2014-05-20+13.31.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb15zZxrYPU/U31XrGv68rI/AAAAAAAACzE/6_K0z5M6o0E/s1600/2014-05-20+13.31.52.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkmVlejBdrs/U31XrD95uVI/AAAAAAAACzM/zu__qkTCmls/s1600/2014-05-20+13.36.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkmVlejBdrs/U31XrD95uVI/AAAAAAAACzM/zu__qkTCmls/s1600/2014-05-20+13.36.47.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I bring out the repair and
parts manuals and the computer for an internet parts search. I find it will
take two to three days to get the five parts shipped, about $500 for the parts,
express shipping costs plus my labor to fix the problem and that’s if there are no complications. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">A call to the local Yanmar
service group reveals they would also need to order two of the parts and they
could have a Yanmar technician here on Thursday. They estimate the job will be
finished in a couple of hours. I take the safe way out and employ the service
group. A quick cleanup and Donna and I are back to playing tourist for the
afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Donna has a set of brilliant
ideas to get my mind off the engine situation. A mid-afternoon lunch at our
favorite pizza place downtown, find a post office or mail box, and continue our
walking tour of Charleston. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Mellow Mushroom’s House Pizza
and brews are a hit. Being mid-afternoon, we almost have the place to
ourselves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music is great and we
leave stuffed and mellowed out. LOL! The second quest, a mail box, is a lofty
goal. Have you tried to find a blue mail box on a street corner lately? We
walked and walked and walked, searching in vain for a blue USPS drop box. Damn
smart phones were absolutely no help. We finally gave up, boarded a free
trolley and headed back toward the marina. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Near the marina, Donna
announces we need to visit the Harris Teeter and stock up on some items that go
off sale today. I start to object, but then learn beer is one of the items. We
leave the trolley, and right there on the corner is a blue mailbox. Go figure. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s a two block walk to
Harris Teeter, but then it’s about 4-5 blocks to the marina. Those two cases of
beer sure got heavy before we made it back to the boat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Turn on the TV, fall
asleep, wake up and turn off TV. A long day is finally over. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Location: Charleston
Maritime Center, Charleston, SC, MM 465<u1:p></u1:p> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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</div>
Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-76904234611182218662014-05-21T11:24:00.003-04:002014-05-21T21:45:58.012-04:00<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 19, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charleston is one of Donna’s favorite places to visit.
The town is still great, but this marina facility is not going to make it to my
list of favorites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong,
it seems to have a lot of pluses, but it does have one big drawback. The marina
has about 20 transient slips, a cordial and courteous staff, fuel and pumpout
facilities and rates lower than the marinas on the Ashley River side. It is also
within walking distance to a grocery, hardware store, restaurants and the
historic district. So what’s the drawback? Wake/wave action in the basin/slips.
It’s constant and at times violent! Combine a NE wind, lots of fetch on the
river and ferry wakes and you could get seasick right in your slip. Sleep restfully at night? Only in the wee hours of the morning. Work on the
engine this morning? FUGEDABOUTIT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ0X6-aN7eQ/U31WIKf7foI/AAAAAAAACyc/RIjNsRrksAE/s1600/P1020545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ0X6-aN7eQ/U31WIKf7foI/AAAAAAAACyc/RIjNsRrksAE/s1600/P1020545.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That said and thinking things would quiet down in the evening;
we decided to go sightseeing instead of looking at the engine. We did our
version of a walking tour of the city including historic sites, churches,
graveyards, the retail shops and restaurants along Market St, King St, Meeting
Street and the Harris Teeter market near the marina.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BtnVXD6yJ6c/U31WftDD9HI/AAAAAAAACy4/X_QajIfBmVE/s1600/P1020549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BtnVXD6yJ6c/U31WftDD9HI/AAAAAAAACy4/X_QajIfBmVE/s1600/P1020549.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Av8WD0DY7U4/U31WfmPLWaI/AAAAAAAACyw/mLmrMe1sjvU/s1600/P1020567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Av8WD0DY7U4/U31WfmPLWaI/AAAAAAAACyw/mLmrMe1sjvU/s1600/P1020567.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIbuHziFyIQ/U31Wfio_xVI/AAAAAAAACy0/O8j6ndz9k0o/s1600/P1020569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIbuHziFyIQ/U31Wfio_xVI/AAAAAAAACy0/O8j6ndz9k0o/s1600/P1020569.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back at the boat after a long day of sightseeing and shopping, I tackled the engine. I
removed all the belts and started the engine. The darn noise was still there.
Now the noise seemed to be coming from the recesses of the dark backside of the
engine compartment. Enough work for me today. To quote the oft used phrase, “Tomorrow
is another day”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Charleston Maritime Center, Charleston, SC, MM
465<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-48287813964503722012014-05-21T10:37:00.006-04:002014-05-21T10:37:58.153-04:00
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 18, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a quiet uneventful evening and awoke to another
cool morning and winds out of the NE. We delay departure to allow the water to
rise a bit and then head toward Charleston.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We reach the point where we are running against the tide coming
in Stono River and our progress slows a bit. The current in Elliott’s Cut is
horrific and our speed is cut to 1.9 mph. Somehow, we manage to arrive in time
for the scheduled Wappoo Creek Bridge opening. It was only a short distance
from there to the Ashley River and Charleston’s waterfront. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lots of cruisers have told us we should stay at the
Charleston Maritime Center which is about five miles further on the Cooper
River side of Charleston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have reservations
and dock around 1230. Tomorrow I will see if I can find out what is making that
infernal noise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Started: 0830<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stopped: 1230<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance traveled: 23 miles<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Avg Speed 5.7 mph<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Charleston Maritime Center, Charleston, SC, MM
465<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-57195981925981605472014-05-21T10:36:00.000-04:002014-05-21T10:36:00.226-04:00
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 17, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We delayed departure from Beaufort to get some assist
from the incoming tide and also to arrive at the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff at high
tide. This trouble spot is a two part man-made cut with the southerly section
being prone to shoaling. Our arrival and passage were pretty much uneventful.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, we are experiencing, again, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>some strange noise from the engine. It sounds sort
of like a dry old belt rubbing against the sheave. I cannot seem to isolate the
noise and elect to continue on toward Charleston and investigate it there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We keep pushing northward trying to get as close to
Charleston as possible. We pass through the Dawho River and experience
extremely low water near White Point. Another eight miles beyond, we decide to
stop in an old familiar anchorage, Church Creek. We find a trawler already
anchored in our favorite spot and a private mooring ball in our second favorite
spot. So, we anchor closer to the mouth of the creek. This means experiencing
more current and wakes from ICW traffic. The anchor goes down, sets nicely and
we settle in for the evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Started: 0930<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stopped: 1800<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance traveled: 48 miles<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Avg Speed 5.6 mph<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Anchored Church’s Creek, Beaufort, SC, MM 488<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-2628182460282440372014-05-16T22:32:00.001-04:002014-05-16T22:43:36.299-04:00<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 16, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t know why, but I’m up early this AM. It could be the
cold air. The temperature plummeted to 54F. It wasn’t any warmer in the boat as
we went to bed with all the ports and hatches open. I decided to take another hot
shower and then get the boat ready for departure. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the shower, I return to the boat, make coffee,
start prepping the boat and wait for the Krispy Kreme doughnuts to arrive. They
plunked down on the deck a little before 0700. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Donna is awake now and we share coffee and the
“freebie” doughnuts. Freebies are a big hit with snowbirds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">About 0800 we are ready to shove off. I had setup extra
fenders and a long spring line in preparation to back away from the pier,
around two boats behind us and out of the marina. When we released the stern
line, the boat started swinging away from the pier due to some strange current swirling
about the floating dock. I jumped aboard and took advantage of the situation. Who
wants to spring-off the dock if you don’t have too? We executed the departure
flawlessly. Text book even. No damage to the boat, the dock, or other boats.
Film at 11.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back in the ICW, the current has us moving way to fast.
We will arrive at Causton Bluff Bridge before its restricted period ends. We do
a long loop back toward the marina to kill time and then proceed back to clear
the bridge at 0900. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We reach the Savannah River and cross over in to South
Carolina. Two states down, two more before we reach Virginia. We enter and pass
through troublesome Fields Cut at high tide and continue on past Daufuskie
Island. Brisk and gusty NW winds give us a chance to motor-sail as we enter
Calibogue Sound. In fact, we had to reef the jib down and there were some gusts
that showed us we needed to reef a little more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The wind was giving us thoughts of stopping in Hilton Head,
but we really wanted to make it to Beaufort. So, we continued on out into an
angry Port Royal Sound. It didn’t take long to cross the sound, but it was a
bumpy and wet ride. When we reached the Beaufort River it was a long haul
northward past Paris Island before we reached calmer waters. Our goal was to
reach Lady’s Island Marina. Unfortunately, we were going to be late for the 1600
opening of the Ladies Island Swing Bridge. That meant we would have to wait 2
hours for the next opening. Not wanting to wait, we contacted the Downtown
Marina at Beaufort and were able to get a mooring for the evening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8w8WBv9ix4/U3bImyshdPI/AAAAAAAACxw/kO1kYsgtos4/s1600/2014-05-16+19.20.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8w8WBv9ix4/U3bImyshdPI/AAAAAAAACxw/kO1kYsgtos4/s1600/2014-05-16+19.20.57.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECB1NaaP0ZA/U3bIlDqUVZI/AAAAAAAACxs/gYAcUHrpy5g/s1600/2014-05-16+19.20.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECB1NaaP0ZA/U3bIlDqUVZI/AAAAAAAACxs/gYAcUHrpy5g/s1600/2014-05-16+19.20.43.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrived at the mooring field, secured a ball, lowered
the dinghy, went ashore and registered. Since we were already ashore, we
decided to find a restaurant and have dinner. The lady in the marina office
recommended we try Emily’s. So off we went, on foot, to find dinner. Turned out
Emily’s was only about 2-1/2 blocks away. We split a huge 14oz steak and it was
great. Teamed up with a salad, steamed broccoli, roasted potatoes, hot yeast
rolls and a couple of brews and we were stuffed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RbOmHlMf16A/U3bItwT0xHI/AAAAAAAACyA/AXXHvI4THHA/s1600/2014-05-16+19.23.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RbOmHlMf16A/U3bItwT0xHI/AAAAAAAACyA/AXXHvI4THHA/s1600/2014-05-16+19.23.21.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After dinner, we walked, window shopped the historic
district and then headed back to the marina for a quick dinghy ride back to our
floating home. All-in-all a very enjoyable day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xk9EQW0UVW8/U3bImO-B8lI/AAAAAAAACx0/5gFZTMGJcAI/s1600/2014-05-16+19.23.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xk9EQW0UVW8/U3bImO-B8lI/AAAAAAAACx0/5gFZTMGJcAI/s1600/2014-05-16+19.23.01.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Started: 0815<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stopped: 1630<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance traveled: 41 miles<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: A mooring at Downtown Marina, Beaufort, SC, MM
536<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-16079954018770772722014-05-15T17:55:00.000-04:002014-05-15T17:55:07.639-04:00
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 15, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The anticipated overnight rains waited until early this
morning. They even delayed the delivery of the “free” Krispy Kreme doughnuts
given to overnight boaters. I already had one cup of coffee before they
arrived. The rains increased throughout the morning, giving me cause to
appreciate our decision to remain in port today. Despite the bimini, the helm seat
isn’t a dry location with rain and winds from astern.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We took showers again this AM, enjoying the marina’s
ample supply of hot water and high water pressure. Invigorating, some of the
best showers I’ve experienced on the ICWW. Later we did our laundry and cleaned
up the boat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s now about 1730, the rain appears to have ended and
the skies are beginning to show little blue patches. The cooler temperatures
and northerly breezes are sure to follow soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Almost forgot to mention this. Some very friendly cruisers
from Hampton, VA., which we met in Stuart, pulled into the slip next to us.
They are experiencing some drive line problems on their trawler, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Luna Azul. </i>They are now scheduled to be
hauled out for repairs tomorrow. Tough luck, but they could not have picked a
better place for repairs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Thunderbolt Marina, Thunderbolt, Ga. MM 583<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-86076360279228360952014-05-15T17:52:00.001-04:002014-05-15T17:52:15.305-04:00
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 14, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you blog readers are getting tired of this time, tide
routine, believe me I’m sure tired of experiencing it and writing about it. We
have time for coffee and some breakfast before departing this AM. High tide at
Hell Gate is 0855 and we transit the area right on time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A missing marker in the middle of the run
adds to our angst, but we make it through ok. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The weather news is calling for thunder storms, lots of
rain and increased wind this evening and all day Thursday. Add in my sleepless
night before and we have the recipe for a short day and the security of a
marina for the evening.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> We motor on for either Isle of Hope or Thunderbolt. It
seems too early to stop as we approach Isle of Hope so we contact Thunderbolt
for reservations and are confirmed. The winds pick up as we approach the marina
just as predicted. Docking is a little tricky as we approach the fuel dock but
we perform well. After refilling jerry cans and then pumping out the waste
tank, we undock and relocate to a more desirable inside slip. Again we perform
well in the wind and current. We must be living right today.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We do quick showers, have a little lunch and then I abandon
Donna for a much needed nap. Donna roamed the internet on her Kindle while I
slept in the v-berth. A couple of hours later, we reversed roles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Based on the expected weather, we elected to stay a
second night. An evening of scattered rain showers and lousy TV finished off
the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Started: 0815<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stopped: 1230<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance traveled: 24 miles<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Thunderbolt Marina, Thunderbolt, Ga. MM 583<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-7522037125905519912014-05-15T17:48:00.004-04:002014-05-15T17:48:53.765-04:00
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 13, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another beautiful morning greets us. We’re not
complaining, but it has been quite some time since we have had threatening
weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We know t</span>he luck will end soon.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s destination is somewhere close to Georgia’s third
trouble spot, Hell Gate. Again, boat speed, tidal currents and timing means we
will have to anchor south of the spot and wait to pass through at high tide
tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a couple of creeks
near Hell Gate and we chose Redbird Creek.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The trip to Redbird was typical of the Georgia ICWW. We
arrived at dead low tide and anchored in 8 feet of water. At the next high tide
we had 17 feet of water under the boat. I increased the anchor scope, monitored
our position for a while and then retired for the evening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shortly after midnight, the anchor alarm went off. A
quick check of the chart plotter confirmed we were moving ever so slowly. I
increased scope again, and then a second time before the anchor held. The water
was screaming by the boat at an incredible rate. I kept checking our position
on the hour and the anchor held fine even when the tide shifted from low to
incoming high. It was a long night with little sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Started: 0745<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stopped: 1620<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance traveled: 45 miles<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Redbird Creek, Ga. MM 607<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-58891336035115108262014-05-15T17:45:00.000-04:002014-07-13T16:17:24.369-04:00<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 12, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were fortunate to have the rising tide in Jekyll Creek
this AM. We planned to wait until almost top of the tide so we could transit
Jekyll Creek safely. However, we got underway later than planned. After a hot,
sweaty night we both wanted showers. Then I decided to fill a jerry can with
diesel even though I really did not need to. That was a disaster…a newbie with
his trawler was ahead of me at the single pump. He kept adding “a little more”
over and over. It was 0830 when I finally got my measly 5 gallons back to the
boat and got moving.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a beautiful day on the water except for adverse
currents. The tide timing sets us up to be approaching the second of Georgia’s skinny
water trifecta at low tide, the infamous Little Mud River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To time passage with the high tide, we stop
and anchor a couple of hours in Buttermilk Sound. We resume the trip and shortly
find a boater aground near the south entrance to the trouble spot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The boater rejected assistance, choosing instead to wait
on the still rising water. We passed through Little Mud with no problems and
continued on to our anchorage for the night in Back River. We were joined by
two large power boats in the anchorage. Except for the passing of a couple of
shrimp trawlers, the evening was uneventful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Started: 0830<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stopped: 1730<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance traveled: 35 miles<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Location: Back River, Ga. MM 651</span>Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-45035210008892717962014-05-11T14:09:00.001-04:002014-05-15T17:45:53.476-04:00<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">May 11, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Mother’s day to our mothers, Mary and Beryl. We are
thinking of you. Sorry we are not there with you today. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today we were up early, enjoyed coffee on the boat and
decided to get started on our island visit. We took the marina bikes to tour
the island. We thought we would first find a place and have a nice breakfast/brunch.
Good luck, unless you can afford the luxury of the Jekyll Club or want to choke
on the grub served by the hotel chain restaurants on the island. After riding
halfway around the island we gave up and stopped at Mackintosh’s Grill at the Jekyll
Island Golf Club. By this time they had quit serving breakfast so it was
sandwiches and fries. We got lots of exercise, but no breakfast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We then continued out bike tour by visiting other points
of interest, reading about the history of the island and taking pictures. By midafternoon,
we were pooped and headed back to the marina. Riding the bikes actually helped us
keep cool. <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At
the marina it was too buggy to sit on the little porch so we headed to the
boat. </span>Back on board, it was HOT! There was little or no breeze and lots of
humidity. Thank goodness for shore power and the three small fans we have
aboard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Right now, it’s time for a little book reading or maybe a
nap. Later it will be cooler and we’ll prep the boat to continue the journey
home tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Jekyll Island, Ga<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207663828324106385.post-79027753512749925042014-05-11T09:04:00.002-04:002014-05-11T09:07:23.210-04:00<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">May 10, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The tides will help/hurt us today. We start out
riding the tide south to get back to the ICW and then fight it until it slacks
and then ride it northward through Cumberland Dividings, etc.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s a partly sunny day with strong SSE wind. We motor on
without sailing because of the twisting nature of the rivers and creeks. We
venture out into St Andrews Sound heading for the turning mark that is fixed in
all snowbirder’s memory. Things were lumpy, but not really bad and we picked up
a current boost as we turned toward Jekyll Island. As we rounded the southern point of
Jekyll, the waters calmed. From there it was a short cruise to Jekyll
Harbor Marina where we plan to spend a couple of nights. Tomorrow we will go
ashore and tour the island.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start: 1015<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stop: 1500<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Location: Jekyll Island, Ga<o:p></o:p></span><br />
D<span style="font-family: Calibri;">istance Traveled: 32 miles<o:p></o:p></span>Dick & Donna Litchfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01167880713836632486noreply@blogger.com0