11/30/2008

NAHLA & OUR NEWEST GRANDAUGHTER JULIE EDEN BORN 10/9 FROM OUR TRIP TO CA IN OCTOBER

GEORGE & HARRISON 20 MONTHS

HARRISON

OMA & JULIE

OMA & JULIE

TIME OUT HEADING INTO THE FOG BANK

ANOTHER OF THSE SHRIMPERS

OUR FINEST MARINES ON MANUEVERS OFF CAMP LEJEUNE
ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL SUNSET

YET ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL SUNSET

WE DEPARTED EDENTON NC AS PLANNED ON 10/30 FOR THE ALLIGATOR RIVER. BUT THE WINDS WERE TWICE AS STRONG AS FORCASTED & FROM A DIRECTION THAT WAS ON OUR BEAM & REALLY ROCKED & ROLLED US. WE FINALLY MADE IT TO THE ALLIGATOR RIVER & ANCHORED OUT FOR THE NIGHT (NO ALLIGATORS).

WE ANCHORED OUT FOR THE NEXT 2 NIGHTS AT ADAMS CK & MILE HAMMOCK NC ( PART OF CAMP LEJEUNE, THE MARINE CAMP). FROM WE WENT THROUGH SNOWS CUT CONNECTING CAROLINA BEACH & THE CAPE FEAR RIVER TO SOUTHPORT. WE WERE GOING TO ANCHOR OUT BUT THE ANCHORAGE WAS FULL. PLAN B WE WENT TO ST JAMES PLANTATION MARINA & PAID FOR DOCKAGE.

THE FOLLOWING MORNING WE TRAVELED TO COQUINA HARBOR @ LITTLE RIVER SC, NEAR N MYRTLE BEACH. WE STAYED AT THE DOCK OF A MTOA FRIEND FRANK ERWIN WHO HAS NOT USING IT. WE STAYED FOR 4 NIGHTS & MEET UP WITH SOME OLD FRIENDS FROM THE BAHAMAS.

NEXT WE ANCHORED OUT FOR 2 NIGHTS AT MINIM CK & CHURCH CK ON OUR WAY TO CHUCK & CLARIAS HOME IN BEAUFORT SC. (PASSING BY & BUT NOT STOPPING AT GEORGETOWN & CHARLESTON) WHILE WE WERE ANCHORED AT CHURCH CK PART OF OUR ANCHOR LINE BECAME TANGLED IN OUR PROP. I HAD TO DIVE ON IT WITH MIRIAM ASKING HOW I FELT ABOUT DIVING WITH THE ALLIGATORS.

WITH THAT TAKEN CARE OF WE CRUISED TO CHUCK ANDCLARIAS WERE WE VISITED FOR 2 NIGHTS.CHUCK & CLARIA ARE FRIENDS WE MEET ON THE LOOP. THEY HAVE A GORGEOUS HOME WITH A DOCK ON DISTANT CK.

AFTER LEAVING CHUCK & CLARIAS WE MEET UP WITH STEVE & JEAN ABOARD SUNCAT @ BULL CK TO GET TOGETHER AND ANCHOR OUT FOR THE EVENING. WE HADN'T SEEN STEVE & JEAN SINCE CUMBERLAND IS. BACK IN MAY. BULL CK IS NEAR HILTON HEAD WHERE STEVE & JEAN HAD LEFT SUNCAT FOR THE SUMMER.

AFTER DEPARTING BULL CK IN THE MORNING WE WENT AND ANCHORED OUT ON THE VERNON RIVER AND THE FOLLOWING EVENING AT THE NORTH RIVER BEFORE GOING TO BRUNSWICK FOR FUEL AND DOCKAGE FOR 1 NIGHT ALONG WITH JIM & PEGGY ABOARD SANCTUARY. WE HADN'T BEEN WITH JIM & PEG SINCE SEPTEMBER ON THE WICOMICO CK IN MD.

AFTER DEPARTING BRUNSWICK WE WERE OFF TO EXPLORE THE ST. JOHNS RIVER IN FL FOR 2 WKS. WE STOPPED AT JACKSONVILLE LANDING FOR 2 NIGHTS & THEN WENT TO GREEN COVE SPRINGS. NOT MUCH IN GREEN COVE SPRINGS BUT WE STAYED 2 NIGHTS DUE TO HIGH WINDS. THE SECOND DAY THERE WE MEET OLD FRIENDS FROM THE BAHAMAS JONATHON & JUDY WHO HAD LEFT THEIR BOAT THERE FOR THE SUMMER & WERE JUST RETURNING TO CRUISE SOUTH FOR THE WINTER.

NEXT WAS THE PRETTY TOWN OF PALATKA. STAYED THERE 1 DAY EXPLORING THE TOWN. AFTER DEPARTING PALATKA WE ANCHORED OUT AT RIVER FOREST LOOP ( PLENTY OF WILD LIFE) & THEN OFF TO SANFORD AS FAR AS WE CAN GO SOUTH ON THE ST JOHNS. THAT EVENING WE MEET UP WITH OUR NIECE CINDY & HER FRIEND FOR DINNER @ A PIZZA RESTAURANT WHERE WE CAUGHT UP ON STUFF & HAD A GOOD TIME.

THE FOLLOWING MORNING WE STARTED TO HEAD BACK NORTH ON THE ST JOHNS RIVER , ANCHORING OUT AT MORRISON CK ( MORE GREAT WILD LIFE) , MURPHY CK,& THEN DOCKING AT THE OUTBACK CRAB SHACK ON 6 MILE CK FOR DINNER & THE NIGHT.

AFTER DEPARTING 6 MILE CK WE WENT BACK TO JACKSONVILLE LANDING FOR 2 NIGHTS & THANKSGIVING DINNER AT THE HYATT WITH JONATHON & JUDY ALONG WITH 6 OTHERS WHOM WE MEET THERE. THANKSGIVING DINNER WAS GREAT.ON FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING WE CRUISE THE ST JOHNS IN THE AFTERNOON AS FAR AS THE ICW,CATCHING THE STRONG CURRENT WITH US FOR A GOOD ASSIST.

THE FOLLOWING MORNING WE CRUISED SOUTH ON THE ICW TO ST AUGUSTINE WITH THE CURRENT WITH US AGAIN.WE WILL BE ANCHORED HERE IN ST AUGUSTINE FOR 2 NIGHTS BEFORE MOTORING ON TO PALM COAST WERE WE WILL LEAVE THE BOAT AT AN MTOA MEMBERS HOME & FLY HOME ON 12/3 FOR 5 WKS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. THATS ALL FOR NOW FOLKS!

10/29/08

JUST ANOTHER NEST
FAMILY REUNION SOFTBALL GROUP
AFTER THE CHRISTENING
OLIVIA'S FIRST DAY AT SOCCER
CANADIAN THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION @ BEACON MARINA SOLOMONS ISLAND MD




SINCE WE LAST WROTE ALOT HAS BEEN GOING ON.

WE TRAVELED DOWN THE POTOMAC FROM WASHINGTON DC ANCHORING AT THE TOBACCO RIVER THE FIRST NIGHT 7/21. THE SECOND DAY WE WERE HIT BY THUNDERSTORMS ON THE RIVER & DECIDED NOT TO ANCHOR OUT AT ST. MARY'S AS PLANNED BUT CALLED OLVERSONS MARINA TO SEE IF THEY HAD ROOM FOR US AGAIN.FRED SAID COME ON IN WE HAVE AN ADDITIONALLY 6 OR 7 MTOA BOATS COMING FOR 2 DAYS & TONIGHT WE ARE HAVING A POT LUCK & YOU DON'T NEED TO BRING ANYTHING! WHAT A GREAT TIME WITH THE OTHER CRUISERS & FRED SUPPLIED A LARGE HAM,BEER & BOOZE. HIS SON SUPPLIED CORN FROM HIS LARGE GARDEN, & A NEIGHBOR SUPPLIED FRESH TOMATOES FROM THEIR GARDEN. ALL THE REST OF THE CRUISERS BROUGHT SIDE DISHES. THE NEXT EVENING WE ALL WENT OUT TO DINNER TOGETHER FOR RIBS. FRED'S MARINA HAS A LARGE HEATED SWIMMING POOL & I LOVE TO SWIM. WE HAD A NEW INFLATABLE WAITING FOR US ON THE EASTERN SHORE OF THE CHESAPEAKE THAT WE WERE GOING TO RECEIVE IN A FEW DAYS & WE DIDN'T KNOW HOW WE WERE GOING TO GET RID OF OUR OLD INFLATABLE. FRED THOUGHT HIS GRAND KIDS WOULD LIKE IT TO ROW AROUND THE MARINA & OFFERED TO TAKE IT FOR THE 2 NIGHTS DOCKAGE-WORKS FOR ME.

ON 7/24 WE CROSSED THE CHESAPEAKE TO THE WICOMICO RV & UP THE WICOMICO CK. THERE ARE NO CHARTS OF THE WICOMICO CK SO OUR FRIENDS LEE & CAROL ON CAROL ANN PRINTED OUT A GOOGLE EARTH PHOTO & FILLED IT IN WITH THE BEST WAY TO CRUISE THE CK, IT WORKED WELL. THE MARINA IS ACROSS THE STREET FROM THEIR HOME.

CAROL & LEE WERE AWAY & RETURNED THE FOLLOWING DAY WITH REX & JAN WHOM WE CRUISED WITH ON THE GREAT LOOP. THEY VISITED FOR A FEW DAYS. THEY CAME ALL THE WAY FROM TULSA OK.

CAROL & LEE LOANED US THEIR LEXUS TO DRIVE BACK & FORTH TO OCEAN CITY TO ATTEND A FAMILY REUNION 7/30-8/1. WE HAD A GREAT TIME WITH ALOT OF MY COUSINS. THE SOFTBALL GAME WAS FUN & THE FIRST ONE I'VE PLAYED IN SINCE ABOUT 1980 OR SO. OUR DAUGHTER NAOMI & HER BOYFRIEND MARCUS DROVE DOWN ON FRI. MORNING 8/1 FOR THE LAST DAY & BIGGEST OF THE REUNION. THEY STAYED WITH US ON THE BOAT FOR 2 NIGHTS & THEN DROVE US HOME TO SHOREHAM.

WE SPENT 6 WKS AT HOME WITH THE KIDS & GRAND KIDS. IT WAS GOOD TO BE WITH THEM. WHILE HOME I HAD DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS THAT I HAD SCHEDULED & I GOT ALL OF THEM OUT OF THE WAY WITH A GOOD BILL OF HEALTH. OUR SON ED JUST HAD SURGERY & NEEDED HELP WITH HIS OIL DELIVERY BUSINESS, I WAS MORE THAN GLAD TO HELP HIM DAILY TILL WE DEPARTED 0N 9/15. ALL I HAD TO DO WAS PULL THE HOSE THAT HE WAS NOT ABLE TO DO. ALSO WE WERE ABLE TO ATTEND OUR GRANDDAUGHTER ALEXANDRA'S CHRISTENING & THE PARTY THAT FOLLOWED. WE WERE ALSO ABLE TO GO TO SOME OF OUR GRAND KIDS SPORTING EVENTS & OUR SON MATT'S LAST SOFTBALL GAME OF THE SEASON. UNFORTUNATELY THEY LOST, IT WAS THEIR FIRST LOST RUINING AN UN DEFEATED SEASON.

WE RENTED A ONE WAY HERTZ CAR & DROVE BACK TO THE BOAT ON 9/15. THEN I WORKED FOR DAYS PAINTING THE BOTTOM WITH A COUPLE OF COATS & WAXING THE HULL WHILE IT WAS OUT OF THE WATER. WHILE THE BOAT WAS OUT OF THE WATER LEE & CAROL HAD US STAYING WITH THEM AT THEIR BEAUTIFUL HOME.

FRIDAY EVENING WE ATTENDED A WINE TASTING AT THE VINEYARD JUST DOWN THE ROAD FROM THEIR HOME WITH A GREAT DINNER INCLUDED. SATURDAY THE BOAT WAS PUT BACK IN THE WATER AT HIGH TIDE & SUNDAY WE DEPARTED EARLY ALONG WITH CAROL ANN TO GO TO CAMBRIDGE FOR A MTOA RENDEZVOUS.

THE RENDEZVOUS LASTED A WEEK WITH MANY INTERESTING TOPICS OF DISCUSSION EVERY DAY. THE DOCKS AT THE MARINA WERE EXCELLENT & THE MEALS THEY HAD CATERED WERE REALLY GOOD. THERE WERE 87 BOATS SIGNED UP BUT A FEW COULDN'T MAKE IT WHEN THE WIND PICKED UP THE DAY BEFORE THE OFFICIAL START. THERE WERE WELL OVER 200 ATTENDANTS, SOME COMING BY CAR & STAYING IN HOTELS.

THE RENDEZVOUS ENDED ON SUNDAY 9/28 WITH A BIG BLOODY MARY BRUNCH. SOME OF THE BOATS DEPARTED TOGETHER FOR A CRUISE TO NOWHERE. WE WAITED TILL THE NEXT DAY WHEN THE WEATHER WAS BETTER & THEN DEPARTED & CAUGHT UP WITH THEM ON PLAINDEALING CK, WHERE WE ALL HAD HAPPY HOUR TOGETHER . WE DEPARTED IN THE AM TO CROSS THE CHESAPEAKE TO THE WESTERN SHORE & ANCHORED IN THE RHODE RIVER, WHITEHALL CK, & AT GIBSON ISLAND ON THE MAGOTHY RV. OF COURSE HAVING HAPPY HOUR ON A DIFFERENT BOAT EACH EVENING. ON SATURDAY 10/4 WE ALL WENT OUR SEPARATE WAYS.

WE ARRIVED AT SOLOMONS ISLAND, COMFORT INN BEACON MARINA(OUR 3RD TIME STOPPING HERE)THAT AFTERNOON. SOME OF OUR CRUISING FRIENDS ARE HERE OTHERS WILL BE ARRIVING SOON. WE HAVE ALL MADE PLANS TO GET TOGETHER AGAIN THE BEGINNING OF THIS WEEK TO SEE EACH OTHER. SOME WE HAVEN'T SEEN IN OVER A YEAR. GYPSEY TIME, LAMBCHOP (BOTH CANADIAN BOATS), SUE Z Q, KAOS,CAROL ANN, WONDERLAND & SOME OTHERS THAT WE ARE MEETING FOR THE FIRST TIME ALONG WITH EXPLORER THAT DROVE THEIR CAR & STAYED IN THE INN & MASCOT THAT FLEW IN FROM MA & WAS ALSO GOING TO THE ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW. ON OCT 9TH WE CELEBRATED MY BIRTHDAY WITH A CAKE IN THE COMMON AREA OF THE COMFORT INN (MY SECOND BIRTHDAY IN SOLOMONS ISLAND BUT THE ONLY ONE WITH FRIENDS).WE CELEBRATED A CANADIAN THANKSGIVING ON SUNDAY ( THE RESTAURANT ON SITE, THE CAPTAINS TABLE WAS GOOD ENOUGH TO COOK OUR TURKEY'S IN THEIR BIG OVENS) WITH OVER 30 CRUISERS ATTENDING.ON MONDAY THE 13TH WE ALL WENT OUT TO DINNER AT BOMMERANGS A RIBS AND CRABS PLACE (VERY GOOD), TUESDAY WE HAD A POT LUCK. FROM WED. - SUN. THE BOATERS WERE LEAVING ALL HEADING SOUTH. WE INSTEAD FLEW OUT TO NOVATO CA (BY SAN FRANCISCO) TO SEE OUR NEW GRANDDAUGHTER JULIA EDEN GRAFER BORN TO OUR SON GEORGE & HIS WIFE NAHLA ON HER DUE DATE OCT THE 9TH MY BIRTHDAY. WE STAYED UNTIL TUESDAY & FLEW BACK TO BALTIMORE AIRPORT.WED. WAS SPENT GETTING THE BOAT READY TO TRAVEL & THUR WE WERE ON OUR WAY.

THE CHESAPEAKE WASN'T AS KIND TO US THIS TIME AROUND. THE WINDS WERE BLOWING AT 20 KNOTS & THE BOAT WAS ROLLING. WE STAYED AT ANCHOR THAT NIGHT IN JACKSON CK DELTAVILLE WITH ALOT OF OTHER BOATS. THE FOLLOWING DAY WE ALL HEADED BACK OUT INTO THE CHESAPEAKE AGAIN FOR MORE OF THE SAME, 20 KNOT WINDS & ROLLING. WE MADE IT TO GREAT BRIDGE VA ON A FREE DOCK JUST SOUTH OF THE GREAT BRIDGE LOCK.

WE DIDN'T GET TO THE DOCK TILL ABOUT 6PM AFTER FUELING UP WITH 266 GALLONS OF DIESEL. I CALLED MY SISTER NORA IN NEWPORT NEWS ABOUT 40 MILES AWAY TO COME SAY HELLO, WE DECIDED TO MAKE THAT VISIT THE FOLLOWING AFTERNOON. WE WERE GOING TO STAY AN EXTRA DAY DUE TO EVEN HIGHER WINDS FORECAST. I PUT THE DAY TO GOOD USE CHANGING ALL 6 OF OUR FUEL FILTERS.

NORA CAME ABOUT 3PM & WE CAUGHT UP ON WHATS HAPPENING, WENT TO SEE HER HUSBAND RICH AT THE CRACKER BARREL HE MANAGES IN THE NEXT TOWN OVER & WENT OUT TO DINNER AT A NEARBY MEXICAN RESTAURANT.

THE FOLLOWING DAY WE DEPARTED & HEADED SOUTH ON THE ICW PAST COINJOCK & THE NORTH RV TO BROAD CK FOR THE NIGHT OF ANCHORING. A NICE WELL PROTECTED ANCHORAGE, ONLY ONE OTHER BOAT IN THE CK WITH US BUT AT LEAST 10 OTHERS ANCHORED JUST OUTSIDE THE CK IN THE RV WHERE IT IS NOT AS PROTECTED.

ON THE MOVE AGAIN AT SUNRISE UP THE ALBEMARLE SOUND TO THE SMALL TOWN OF EDENTON VA. THEY BILL THEMSELVES AS THE SOUTHS PRETTIEST TOWN. AND YES IT IS VERY PRETTY & BOATER FRIENDLY WITH FREE TOWN DOCKS TO ATTRACT TRANSIENT BOATERS & A VAN FOR FREE TRANSPORTATION TO THE GROCERYSTORE OR LAUNDRY, ETC. EDENTON WAS THE COLONIAL CAPITAL OF NC & MANY OF THE HOMES PREDATE THE AMERICAN REVOLOTION.

WE HAVE BEEN HERE 3 DAYS WITH ALOT OF WIND & SMALL CRAFT & GALE WARNINGS. TOMORROW IS SUPPOSED TO BE BETTER AND WE WILL BE ON OUR WAY SOUTHWARD.

THATS ALL FOR NOW FOLKS

7/21/08

THE FAMOUS SEAFOOD MARKET IN DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON DC NEXT TO OUR MARINA
THE WORLD WAR TWO MEMORIAL
JEFFERSON MEMORIAL
F D R MEMORIAL
WASHINGTON MEMORIAL IN THE BACKGROUND WITH OUR LOOPER FRIENDS L TO R
REX & JAN FROM OK, LEE & CAROL FROM MD, ALICE & PHIL FROM IL
LINCOLN MEMORIAL
LINCOLN
GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC MEMORIAL ALEXANDRIA VA
CB"S MEMORIAL ARLINGTON VA
WILLIAMSBURG VA
ON THE YORK RIVER
STAINED GLASS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON
FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL WITH THE CAPITAL BLDG IN THE BACKGROUND
ONE OF THE MANY FLOATS AT THE 4TH OF JULY PARADE WASHINGTON DC


WE HAVE BEEN DOCKED IN WASHINGTON DC FOR THE LAST MONTH. OUR NATIONS CAPITAL HAS SO MUCH TO SEE. OUR DAYS WERE FILLED WITH SIGHTSEEING. THE SO MANY SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM BLDGS., THE CAPITAL BLDG.,WITH THE SENATE & HOUSE OF REP., THE SUPREME COURT, THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, THE "MINT", THE WASHINGTON , LINCOLN, JEFFERSON, FDR, WW2, VIETNAM, KOREA, THE NAVY MEMORIALS, THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES (MIRIAM DID RESEARCH AT THE ARCHIVES & THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS), GEORGE TOWN, THE NATIONAL CATHEDRAL, ALEXANDRIA VA, ARLINGTON CEMETERY & THE CHANGING OF THE GUARDS, & MUCH, MUCH, MORE.

OUR PLANS WERE TO MEET FRIENDS HERE IN DC. ALICE & PHIL (WONDERLAND), CAROL & LEE (CAROLANN), REX & JAN (GRAND START) FLEW IN FROM OK, ALSO JIM & PEG ALONG WITH THEIR GRANDSON NICK WERE THERE ON THEIR BOAT. WE ALL HAD A GREAT TIME TOGETHER AFTER NOT SEEING SOME SINCE LAST FALL. MY SISTER NORA DROVE UP FOR THE 4TH OF JULY FESTIVITIES AND FIREWORKS.

WHEN WE FIRST ARRIVED WE LEFT THE BOAT IN WASHINGTON MARINA & DROVE HOME FOR OUR SON JOSH'S WEDDING TO DANI. WE STAYED A WEEK AT HOME BEFORE RETURNING. IT WAS SO GOOD TO BE WITH THE KIDS & GRAND KIDS FOR A WHILE. EVEN OUR SON GEORGE & HIS WIFE NAHLA & SON HARRISON WERE HOME FOR THE WEDDING WHOM WE HADN'T SEEN FOR OVER A YEAR.

WHEN WE LAST UPDATED OUR BLOG WE WERE JUST LEAVING WASHINGTON NC HEADED FOR BATH. BATH WAS A NICE LITTLE TOWN IN NC THE OLDEST IN THE STATE. THEY HAD ONE FREE STATE DOCK WHICH WE USED FOR OUR ONE NIGHT STAY.

NEXT IT WAS ANCHORING OUT ON THE ALLIGATOR RIVER & THEN ANCHORING AT BUCK ISLAND ON OUR WAY TO PORTSMOUTH. WE STOPPED FOR TWO NIGHTS AT GREAT BRIDGE VA, WHERE THERE IS FREE DOCKING BEFORE ARRIVING AT PORTSMOUTH. ON THE WAY TO BUCK ISLAND I SPOTTED A SAIL BOAT OUT OF THE CHANNEL. I DIDN'T THINK IT LOOKED LIKE A GOOD PLACE TO ANCHOR &. IT WASN'T. HE WASN'T ANCHORED ,HE WENT AGROUND. AS WE APPROACHED HIM HE YELLED FOR HELP. I TOLD HIM TO GET ON THE RADIO SO I COULD COMMUNICATE WITH HIM MY INTENTIONS. I DIDN'T WANT TO GET TOO CLOSE TOO HIM IN FEAR OF US GOING AGROUND, SO I TOLD HIM I WOULD GO BY HIM AS FAST AS I COULD AND SEND HIM A BIG WAVE OF WATER TO ROCK HIM FREE IN ORDER FOR HIM TO BACK OFF THE SAND BAR. IT WORKED ON THE SECOND TRY. IT WAS GOOD WE COULD HELP, HE WAS A LONG WAYS FROM ANYTHING.

AT PORTSMOUTH WE STAYED AT OCEAN MARINA FOR TWO NIGHTS SO WE COULD ENJOY THE NORFOLK FESTIVAL BEING HELD ACROSS THE RIVER. WE FERRIED BACK AND FORTH AS NEEDED. MY SISTER NORA CAME FROM NEWPORT NEWS VA TO STAY WITH US WHILE WE WERE THERE FOR THE FESTIVAL & HAD A GOOD TIME. THE FIRE WORKS THEY HAD ON (2 BARGES SETTING THEM OFF) SAT. NIGHT WERE THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN.

AFTER THE FESTIVITIES WE CRUISED UP THE CHESAPEAKE TO THE YORK RIVER & ANCHORED OUT & USED OUR DINGHY TO TRAVEL BACK & FORTH TO SHORE. WE VISITED THE YORKTOWN BATTLEFIELD, JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, & COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG ON THREE DIFFERENT DAYS. THEY HAVE COMPLIMENTARY BUS SERVICE TO ALL THESE LOCATIONS FROM THE YORKTOWN DOCKS.

FOLLOWING YORKTOWN WE ANCHORED ON THE GREAT WICOMICO RIVER FOR A NIGHT (BIG THUNDERSTORM @ DUSK) & THEN WE STAYED AT OLVERSONS MARINA ON THE YEOCOMICO RIVER FOR FOUR NIGHTS AND RELAXED BY THEIR HEATED SWIMMING POOL. WE HAD "MEET" FREDDY OLVERSON ON THE MARINE RADIO THE PREVIOUS YEAR WHILE IN NC & HE INVITED US TO COME BY AND SEE HIM WHEN WE WERE IN THE AREA. WE HAD A NICE TIME WITH FREDDY AND HIS LOVELY WIFE CASS OVER DINNER AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT THEY TOOK US TO FOR ALL THE RIBS YOU COULD EAT.

NEXT WE ANCHORED OUT AT MATTAWOMAN CK FOR THE NIGHT BEFORE GOING ON TO MT. VERNON, GEORGE WASHINGTON'S PLANTATION. THEY HAVE A DOCK THERE ON THE POTOMAC RIVER THAT WE TIED UP TO IN ORDER SEE THE PLANTATION GROUNDS & BUILDINGS & OF COURSE GEORGE'S HOME. AFTER OUR VISIT WE WENT BACK OUT IN THE POTOMAC AND ANCHORED FOR THE NIGHT BEFORE PROCEEDING UP THE POTOMAC RIVER TO WASHINGTON DC.

WE ARE NOW HEADED BACK DOWN THE POTOMAC TO THE CHESAPEAKE TO CROSS TO THE EASTERN SHORE. WE WILL ATTEND A FAMILY REUNION IN OCEAN CITY & THEN LEAVE OUR BOAT DOCKED THERE WHILE WE GO HOME FOR THE REST OF THE SUMMER TO BE WITH OUR FAMILY.

NEXT UPDATE IN THE FALL HEADING SOUTH.

6/1/2008

LIGHTHOUSE AT NONAME HARBOR FL
HOARDS OF BOATS @ PEANUT IS. FL, N. PALM BEACH WHERE WE COMPLETED OUR GREAT LOOP. THERE WERE SO MANY BOATS WE HAD A HARD TIME SEEING THE WATER THROUGH THEM. DID THEY ALL COME OUT TO CONGRATULATE US?
THERE WAS A GREAT FIRE BURNING AS WE WENT THROUGH THE SMOKE ON OUR WAY TO NEW SMYNA BEACH FL.


LAMB CHOP, SUE SEA Q 4, TIME OUT, & SUNCAT MOORED UP TOGETHER AT CUMBERLAND IS. GA

US ALONG WITH LARRY & SUE (SUE SEA Q 4), STEVE & GENE (SUNCAT), & TIM & JAN (LAMB CHOP) AT THE BEACH AT CUMBERLAND IS. GA.

WHEN WE LAST UPDATED OUR BLOG WE WERE AT MARATHON FL ENJOYING THE POOL.

FROM THERE WE ANCHORED OUT FOR THE NIGHT AT RODRIQUEZ KEY BY JOHN PENNECAMP UNDERWATER PARK BEFORE MOTORING ON TO NONAME HARBOR IN BISCAYNE BAY, WHERE WE STAYED TWO NIGHTS AT THERE PARK.

THE FOLLOWING DAY WE CRUISED UP THE NEW RIVER TO FT. LAUDERDALE TO SEE THE SIGHTS AND WE VISITED & HAD DINNER A FEW TIMES WITH MY FRIEND RED & HIS WIFE ANN.

AFTER LEAVING FT. LAUDERDALE WE HEADED NORTH TO LAKE WORTH , N. PALM BEACH WHERE WE OFFICIALLY COMPLETED THE GREAT LOOP, (HAVING ALREADY CRUISED THE WATERS FROM HERE TO HOME ALREADY LAST YEAR).

WE HAVE TRAVELED OVER 8000 MILES, THROUGH 17 STATES , 2 FOREIGN COUNTRIES, 3 GREAT LAKES, THE GULF OF MEXICO, AND SO MANY RIVERS, LOCKS, & BENEATH A ZILLION BRIDGES. ALL IN ABOUT 21 MONTHS.

AFTER A NIGHT IN LAKE WORTH WE MOTORED ON TO THE MANATEE POCKET TO ANCHOR OUT PROTECTED THERE FROM THE HIGH WINDS OF THE NIGHT. AFTER A PEACEFUL NIGHT WE WENT ON TO FT PIERCE & ANCHORED AGAIN. WE TOOK OUR INFLATABLE DINK TO SHORE WHERE WE HAD LUNCH WITH OUR FRIEND BOB (CATCH ME IF YOU CAN). IT WAS NICE TO SEE BOB AGAIN. WE HADN'T BEEN TOGETHER SINCE CLEARWATER FL LAST DECEMBER.

NEXT WE WENT TO VERO BEACH FL TO MOOR FOR 4 NIGHTS AND AWAIT SOME MINOR PARTS WE ORDERED FOR TIME OUT. WHILE THERE WE HAD A NICE LUNCH WITH OUR NIECE CINDY, SHE LIVES IN ORLANDO & DROVE OVER TO SEE US. AFTER RECEIVING AND INSTALL A NEW FUEL INJECTOR LINE & A PART FOR OUR ICE CUBE MAKER WE CONTINUED ON TO COCOA BEACH ANCHORAGE & THEN TO ROCKHOUSE CK ANCHORAGE (NEW SMYNA).

PALM COAST WAS OUR NEXT STOP, WHERE WE DOCKED OUTSIDE KEN & ROSES HOME. THEY HAD SENT OUT AN EMAIL INVITING ANY LOOPERS COMING BY TO STAY AT THERE DOCK WHILE PASSING THROUGH. AFTER GETTING TO KNOW THEM WE ALL WENT OUT TO DINNER TOGETHER FOR SOME ALL YOU CAN EAT RIBS. THEY ARE GREAT FOLKS.

IN THE MORNING WE WENT NORTH TO ST AUGUSTINE & ANCHORED OUT. WE HAD HEARD SALTY DAWG ON THE RADIO THE DAY BEFORE & AGREED TO MEET THEM THERE. WE ALL WENT TO A BAR/RESTAURANT FOR HAPPY HOUR & HAD STEAMED OYSTERS ( I HAD TO SHUCK THEM MY SELF & SLIPPED THE KNIFE INTO THE PALM OF MY HAND. GOOD THING OYSTER KNIVES ARE NOT SHARP, ONLY A LITTLE BLOOD), PEEL & EAT SHRIMP,& WINGS.

THE FOLLOWING DAY WE WENT ON TO JACKSONVILLE LANDING IN DOWNTOWN JACKSONVILLE. WE MET DOUG ( HAPPY CLAMS) THERE FOR DINNER ON FRIDAY. HE LIVES WITH LESLIE IN GAINSVILLE BUT KEEPS HAPPY CLAMS IN JACKSONVILLE. LESLIE WAS AWAY FROM TOWN TO BE WITH HER SICK MOTHER.

WE DEPARTED JACKSONVILLE A DAY EARLY DUE TO A HIGH WINDS FORECAST. WE ARRIVED AT FERDANDINA BEACH & DOCKED THERE 3 DAYS TO WAIT OUT THE WINDS.

AFTER THE WIND CALMED WE WENT UP THE ST. MARY'S RV TO ST . MARY GA , A QUAINT OLD TOWN I HAD WANTED TO SEE. WE DOCKED THERE 1 NIGHT & THEN WENT ON TO CUMBERLAND IS. TO RENDEZVOUS WITH SUNCAT, SUE SEA Q 4 , LAMB CHOP, SALTY DAWG & AMARSE( HAPPY HOUR WAS ON TIME OUT ). WE HADN'T SEEN AMARSE SINCE MARSH HARBOR IN THE ABACOS LAST YEAR. WE STAYED IN CUMBERLAND FOR 2 NIGHTS & THEN WENT TO BRUNSWICK GA TO SPEND A FEW DAYS WITH JUDY & FRED FROM AMARSE & TO TAKE ON SOME FUEL BEFORE IT GOES UP IN PRICE AGAIN.

THEN IT WAS ON TO KILKENNY CK TO ANCHOR OUT & SKULL CK MARINA THE FOLLOWING DAY TO BE PROTECTED FROM THE FORECASTED SEVERE STORMS. SALTY DAWG WAS THERE & WE ORDERED PIZZA TO BE DELIVERED. SALTY DAWG IS LEAVING THEIR BOAT THEIR FOR A FEW MONTHS WHILE THEY GO HOME TO MO FOR A VISIT.

BEAUFORT SC WAS OUR NEXT STOP AT THE HOME OF CHUCK & CLAIRA. THEY HAVE DOCKS ON THE DISTANT IS. CK. WE STAYED THERE 2 DAYS AND ENJOYED THEIR COMPANY OVER DINNERS. WE HADN'T SEEN CHUCK & CLAIRA SINCE CARRABELL FL IN DEC.

ANCHORED OUT FOR 2 NIGHTS AFTER THAT IN THE STONO RV & THE THOROUGH FARE CK. BEFORE STOPPING IN MYRTLE BEACH SC @ THE DOCK OF FRANK ERWIN. FRANK IS AWAY AND A MEMBER OF THE MTOA ( MARINE TRAWLERS OWNERS ASSOC.) WHO EMAILED MEMBERS THAT HIS DOCK WAS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE PASSING THRU. WHILE WE WERE THERE WE HAD DINNER WITH LINDA & FRED (LINDA G ) WHO WE HADN'T SEEN SINCE THE ABACOS ALONG WITH DON & JOE WHOM WE MET IN THE ABACOS & ALSO FLO- ANN & HER HUSBAND MARK WHO ARE PORT CAPTAINS FOR THE MTOA. A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL.

WE MOVED ON TO SOUTHPORT NC THE FOLLOWING DAY AND STAY AT A FREE DOCK OWNED BY THE PROVISION RESTAURANT. WE HAD A FINE MEAL & MEET SOME WONDERFUL PEOPLE ON THE OUTSIDE DECK AT THE SAME TIME.

WITH STORMS IN THE AREA WE ANCHORED OUT AT MILE HAMMOCK BAY , WHICH IS PART OF CAMP LEJEUNE. IT WASN'T THAT BAD AFTER ALL.

MOREHEAD CITY NC HAS A RESTAURANT CALLED THE SANITARY RESTAURANT WITH A FREE DOCK FOR ITS CUSTOMERS. WE HAD A GREAT MEAL THERE & ENJOYED THE DOCK. THE RESTAURANT GOT ITS NAME IN THE THIRTIES WHEN PEOPLE WE SKEPTICAL ABOUT EATING OUT FOR SANITARY REASONS.

THE FOLLOWING DAY WE ANCHORED AT CAMPBELL CK & THEN WENT UP THE PAMLICO RV. TO WASHINGTON NC (THE FIRST TOWN IN THE US TO BE NAMED AFTER GEORGE WASHINGTON) , A VERY OLD TOWN THAT IS BOATER FRIENDLY WITH COURTESY DOCKS FOR YOUR USE. WE ARE STAYING HERE FOR 2 NIGHTS & THEN WE WILL GO TO BATH NC ALSO ON THE PAMLICO RV. ( THE OLDEST TOWN IN NC).

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS TILL OUR NEXT UPDATE.

april 18 2008

IT BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE OUR LAST POSTING. THE PHOTOS YOU SEE ARE FROM KEY WEST WHERE WE WERE A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO.

SINCE WE DEPARTED THE DOG RIVER IN MOBILE ON 11/27 WE HAVE BEEN TO PENSACOLA , FORT WALTON BEACH, PANAMA CITY, APALACHICOLA, & CARABELLE ( THE RED NECK RIVIERA , A WOMAN SMOKING A CIGAR IN THE BAR THERE TOLD ME). ALL THESE TOWNS ARE ON THE NORTH PART OF THE FL PANHANDLE. WHILE I WAS AT CARABELLE WE BOUGHT A 40 LB BAG OF OYSTERS & A 10 LB BAG OF SHRIMP & COOKED THEM UP ON THE MARINA GRILL FOR ABOUT 20 PEOPLE THAT WERE CRUISING WITH US. NEEDLESS TO SAY WE HAD A GOOD HAPPY HOUR OR HOURS.

FORM THERE WE MOTORED DOWN THE WEST COAST OF FL STOPPING AT STEINHATTCHE, ANCHORING OUT AT THE CRYSTAL RIVER, AND STAYING A FEW DAYS AT TARPON SPRINGS WITH ALL THE GREEKS. FROM THERE WE CRUISED TO THE CLEARWATER YACHT CLUB AND SPENT A FEW DAYS WITH OUR FRIENDS LEE & CAROL WHO ARE ALSO DOING THE LOOP. THEN WE WERE ARE OUR WAY TO PALMETTO TO VISIT WITH OUR FRIENDS JOE & DOT, WHOM WE MEET IN JOLIET IL WHILE THEY WERE DOING THE LOOP.

WHEN WE FIRST GOT TO PALMETTO WE ANCHORED OUTSIDE THEIR HOME FOR A FEW DAYS USING OUR DINK TO GO TO THEIR DOCK TO VISIT. OUR PLAN WAS TO GO TO FORT MEYERS TO CATCH A PLANE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. BUT IN ORDER TO DO THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO CUT OUR STAY SHORT WITH JOE & DOT. JOE SUGGESTED WE CHANGE OUR PLANS & LEAVE OUR BOAT IN A MARINA NEAR HIM & FLY HOME FROM TAMPA. WELL THAT'S WHAT WE DID. THIS GAVE US MORE TIME ENJOYING THEIR COMPANY.

WE FLEW HOME ON 12/19 FOR WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS A 3 WK STAY. WELL CRUISERS ALWAYS SAY OUR PLANS ARE WRITTEN IN THE SAND AT LOW TIDE. THE DOCTOR FOUND A CANCER GROWTH IN MY BLADDER & WITH SURGERY, CHEMO & ALL WE DIDN'T LEAVE LONG ISLAND TILL 3/25. I AM DOING FINE & WILL HAVE ANOTHER CHECKUP IN LATE JUNE. I EVEN GOT USE TO THE COLD WINTER AFTER A WHILE. ON A POSITIVE NOTE OUR GRAND DAUGHTER ALEXANDRA WAS BORN ON MARCH 11 TO THE PROUD PARENTS OF OUR SON MATT & HIS WIFE LIZ WHILE WE WERE HOME.

WHEN WE ARRIVED BACK IN PALMETTO WE STAYED ABOUT A WEEK WITH OUR FRIENDS JOE & DOT AGAIN. ALL DURING OUR STAYS JOE HAS GIVEN US HIS HUMMER TO USE ALL WE WANT. HOW NICE IS THAT?

FINALLY WE WERE ON THE WATERWAYS AGAIN CRUISING SOUTH. WE STOPPED AT VENICE, FT MEYERS BEACH (WITH THE SPRING BREAKERS), NAPLES ,WERE WE VISITED WITH MY FRIEND RICHIE, & ANCHORED OUT IN THE EVERGLADES @ THE LITTLE SHARK RIVER WITH THE CROCS & GATORS ON OUR WAY TO KEY WEST.

WE STAYED IN KEY WEST FOR A FEW DAYS. WITH HIGH NORTH WIND FORECAST WE MOVED ON TO MARATHON & A PROTECTED DOCK SLIP FOR A WEEKS STAY. THAT'S WHERE WE ARE NOW ENJOYING THE POOL AT THE CORAL LAGOON RESORT.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW FOLKS. WE WILL BE HEADING OUT AGAIN SUNDAY MORNING TO CONTINUE THE ADVENTURE.

NOV. 26 2007

THESE PHOTOS ALL DIDN'T COME OUT IN ORDER OF OUR TRAVELS
THE PHOTO ABOVE IS A PADDLE WHEELER GOING UP THE TN. RIVER
THE PHOTO BELOW IS FROM A SHIRT WE BOUGHT AT A BENEFIT CONCERT
THIS IS THE BRIDGE THE CONCERT WAS PERFORMED ON
OUR BOATS WERE DOCKED DIRECTLY BELOW THE BRIDGE
VINCE GILL & MUSICIANS
JOE, DOT MIRIAM WITH VINCE GILL
GRAND OL OPREY
DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE
PADDLE WHEELER ON THE TENN. RIVER

MIRIAM & VINCE GILL
COUNTRY SINGER ( WHO LIVES IN GREENPORT , LONG ISLAND, NY)
THESE BIRDS SWAM EVERY NIGHT OVER NEW ORLEANS
THE FRENCH QUARTER
JACKSON SQUARE IN THE FRENCH QUARTER
A BEAUTIFUL SUNSET
SHIPS IN MOBILE BAY
COMING INTO MOBILE
A FOUNTAIN AT MAISON DUPUY THE HOTEL WE STAYED AT IN THE FRENCH QUARTER OF NEW ORLEANS
MIRIAM ON BOURBON ST
A WATERFALL AT OVERLOOK MOUNTAIN CHATTANOOGA TN
FAIRYTALE DISPLAY AT ROCK CITY CHATTANOOGA
WHITE BLUFFS ON THE TOMBIGBEE RIVER
SUNRISE ON THE RIVER
ANCHORING ALONG THE RIVER
MOON MODULE AT HUNTSVILLE TN SPACE MUSEUM
A VIEW OF THE TN RIVER FROM LOOKOUT MT
ANOTHER VIEW WHERE YOU CAN SEE TO 7 STATES
ONE OF THE TIGHT PASSAGES AT ROCK CITY
OUR FRIEND LYNN ON THE BRIDGE AT ROCK CITY
VIEW OF OUR BOAT TIME OUT WITH THE TREES CHANGING AT JOE WHEELER PARK IN ROGERSVILLE TN
THE POOL AT THE PARK
WE HAD COMPANY DROP IN FOR A QUICK VISIT & A BITE TO EAT
AND OFF THEY GO
PHOTO FROM THE SPACE MUSEUM
TWO MURALS FROM AT LEAST 50 ALONG THE TN RIVER AT

EARLY MORNING MIST ON THE RIVER
CANONS AT SHILOH PARK AND MONUMENTS

AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE PHOTOS WE HAVE BEEN BUSY. WE TRAVELED UP THE CUMBERLAND RIVER TO SEE NASHVILLE , WITH THE GRAND OL OPREY,THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME & ALL THE HONKY TONK BARS.

WE WENT UP THE TENNESSEE RIVER TO JOE WHEELER PARK FOR AN AMERICAS GREAT LOOP CRUISES ASSOC. RENDEZVOUS. WHILE THERE MIRIAM FLEW HOME TO BE WITH THE FAMILY FOR A TWO WEEK STAY. I STAYED WITH THE SHIP AND OTHERS AT THE PARK MARINA & VISITED CHATTANOOGA BY AUTO. ALSO HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO DO MAINTENANCE ITEMS ON THE BOAT.

FROM THERE WE TURNED AROUND TO HEAD FOR THE GULF OF MEXICO , GOING DOWN THE TOMBIGBEE WATERWAY. WE ARE THERE NOW ( IN MOBILE) AFTER GOING THROUGH ANOTHER 14 LOCKS, NUMEROUS ANCHORAGES & MARINAS.

WE HAD THANKSGIVING ON THE DOCKS WITH THE OTHER LOOPER'S. THE DOG RIVER MARINA GAVE US A SMOKED TURKEY & THE REST OF US ADDED TO IT FOR A GREAT FEAST.

NOW WE ARE WAITING FOR THE WINDS TO DIE DOWN & THE RAIN TO STOP SO WE CAN CONTINUE TO PENSACOLA ON THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE.

THATS IT FOR NOW.