I got up early and finished washing the boat. Dora was up a little later and made French toast for breakfast. We gave Sailor a bath and set off for town on bicycles to visit some boat yards in the area and check out prices for winter storage for Seascape. We rode to the Deltaville Maritime Museum. It is a regional boat building museum. They had a restored 1924 Chesapeake Bay long-bottom buyboat and a 31 foot replica of John Smith’s shallop used to explore and map Chesapeake Bay in 1607-1608, plus many other models. etc.
When we got back I finished installating the circulation fan for the refrigerator and the freezer. We fixed crab cakes and plantains for dinner. Just as we started to eat, a severe thunderstorm blew in with much lightening, high winds and heavy rain. Lightening struck nearby numerous times. The worst of the storm was over in 20 minutes. Once everything settled down, we were able to finish dinner. We were glad we were at the dock instead of being anchored. We could have easily pulled anchor and blown ashore.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - Deltaville, VA
Pulled the anchor at Fishing Bay to dock at Fishing Bay Harbor Marina around 1030. Before docking we stopped at the pump out station at the marina to empty our holding tank. They put us on a long face dock that was perpendicular to shore with a narrow fairway between the dock and another perpendicular dock at an adjacent marina. It may be difficult getting away because it is too narrow to turn around and Seascape doesn’t back well. After we docked, secured the dock lines and connected electric cords, we used the marina’s bicycles to go to West Marine and the grocery store. It was a four mile ride and it was very hot. Dora was tired by the time we got back.
After lunch, Dora did laundry at the marina while I washed the boat and did other maintenance chores on the boat. I called NAPA and got them to deliver a new battery for the windless and installed it. It took Dora nearly four hours to wash the clothes because they had only one washer and none dryer. She was lucky because there was a captain’s lounge next to the laundry so she could stay cool and watch TV while she waited. By the time we finished our work it was 1800.
We cooked some wild caught salmon that we had purchased at a seafood market and some sweet plantains and then watched two episodes of West Wing and collapsed.
After lunch, Dora did laundry at the marina while I washed the boat and did other maintenance chores on the boat. I called NAPA and got them to deliver a new battery for the windless and installed it. It took Dora nearly four hours to wash the clothes because they had only one washer and none dryer. She was lucky because there was a captain’s lounge next to the laundry so she could stay cool and watch TV while she waited. By the time we finished our work it was 1800.
We cooked some wild caught salmon that we had purchased at a seafood market and some sweet plantains and then watched two episodes of West Wing and collapsed.
Tuesday, June 25, 2007 - Mobjack Bay to Fishing Bay off the Piankatank River near Deltaville, VA
We departed the East river at 0800. It was a hazy day with 10 knot wind out of the southwest in the morning. After we were out in the Chesapeake our cell phones started working after nearly a week without them. We called our family and friends to catch up on what had been happening.
We passed Wolf Trap Lighthouse on our port. It is a large red brick building built offshore on a shoal in 11 feet of water. We followed the western shore north and then turned west into the mouth of the Piankatank River and continued up the River to Fishing Bay near Deltaville, Virginia. Deltaville is on a narrow peninsula between the Piankatank and Rappahannock Rivers.
We anchored at the northern end of Fishing Bay in about 12 feet of water at 1300. There were only two sail boats anchored when we arrived. We ate lunch and took naps. About 1630 we motored over to Fishing Bay Harbor Marina to reserve a slip for Wednesday and walk Sailor. There are no public docks or shorelines where could walk him in the entire bay. The marina charges $3.00 to tie up a dinghy for a short time.
By evening there were 10 sailboats anchored around us. Dora slow cooked roast beef and vegetables for dinner. It was a nice night at anchor.
We passed Wolf Trap Lighthouse on our port. It is a large red brick building built offshore on a shoal in 11 feet of water. We followed the western shore north and then turned west into the mouth of the Piankatank River and continued up the River to Fishing Bay near Deltaville, Virginia. Deltaville is on a narrow peninsula between the Piankatank and Rappahannock Rivers.
We anchored at the northern end of Fishing Bay in about 12 feet of water at 1300. There were only two sail boats anchored when we arrived. We ate lunch and took naps. About 1630 we motored over to Fishing Bay Harbor Marina to reserve a slip for Wednesday and walk Sailor. There are no public docks or shorelines where could walk him in the entire bay. The marina charges $3.00 to tie up a dinghy for a short time.
By evening there were 10 sailboats anchored around us. Dora slow cooked roast beef and vegetables for dinner. It was a nice night at anchor.
Monday, June, 25, 2007 - East River off Mobjack Bay, VA
We were ready to leave the anchorage we had been in for four nights but the wind was blowing out of the southeast about 15 knots. We decided to stay another day rather than deal with rough seas in Chesapeake Bay.
I finished fabricating a mount for a 12 volt computer fan. When I figure out where to pick up 12 volt power, I plan to install it to draw hot air from behind the refrigerator and freezer so that these appliances won’t have to run as often or as long which, in turn, should reduce battery consumption. The fan only draws 0.5 amps.
A crab fisherman was checking one of his traps near our boat. I called out to him and asked if he would sell us a dozen crabs. He counted out 13 large crabs and wouldn’t accept any money for them no matter how much we protested. We immediately steamed the crabs and iced them down. Dora made Cole slaw and we picked the crabs for dinner on the aft deck.
I finished fabricating a mount for a 12 volt computer fan. When I figure out where to pick up 12 volt power, I plan to install it to draw hot air from behind the refrigerator and freezer so that these appliances won’t have to run as often or as long which, in turn, should reduce battery consumption. The fan only draws 0.5 amps.
A crab fisherman was checking one of his traps near our boat. I called out to him and asked if he would sell us a dozen crabs. He counted out 13 large crabs and wouldn’t accept any money for them no matter how much we protested. We immediately steamed the crabs and iced them down. Dora made Cole slaw and we picked the crabs for dinner on the aft deck.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007 - Anchored in East River off Mobjack Bay, VA
We said good bye to Al and Ann on Another Adventure. It is very likely that we will see them again on our travels. I finished my hatch project and got it installed. We packed and stored the 300 feet of anchor line that we had used early in our trip when I became frustrated with the way the chain and Delta anchor combination was performing.
We went to Mathews at high tide to make some telephone calls and buy ice and three gallons of gasoline for the Yamaha outboard. Dora baked chicken and we had squash and potatoes purchased at the farmers market on Saturday.
We went to Mathews at high tide to make some telephone calls and buy ice and three gallons of gasoline for the Yamaha outboard. Dora baked chicken and we had squash and potatoes purchased at the farmers market on Saturday.
Saturday, June 23, 2007 - Anchored in East River off Mobjack Bay, VA
It was another fine day. We went through our usual routine in the morning. I started a project to build a hatch in the forward bilge. When Huckins installed the thruster , they had to cut an access in the flooring under our bunk to reach the forward side of the thruster tube to glass it in. They made a half-ass attempt at making a hatch but when I stood on it , it fell through. When I finish with it , it will be sturdy, probably more than it needs to be.
The friends we made during our transect of the Dismal Swamp, Joel and Gail Mars, on a 35 foot Island Packet, had anchored north of us before we realized they were in the East River. They motored up in their dinghy and surprised me as I worked on the hatch. They had been visiting other anchorages and just happened to find themselves in the same place we had anchored.
We made plans to go to town in our dinghies in time for the town’s Saturday, farmers market. We knew that if we left too early we would have problems with water depths in the creek, but we also wanted to make the market. It turned out that we did leave too early and as a result we had to push and poll our way to town and it took so long we almost missed the market. Dora bought some vegetables and some gifts and we bought a framed picture at the animal rescue gift store. I’, not sure how we are going to get it to Texas.
We had cab sandwiches with Joel and Gail at a nice restaurant. By the time we headed back to the boats, the tide was up and it was an easy ride. Joel and Gail invited us over for cocktails at 1700. Another couple, Ann and Al, anchored nearby came also. They have a custom 42 foot cruiser with the lines of a lobster boat.
The friends we made during our transect of the Dismal Swamp, Joel and Gail Mars, on a 35 foot Island Packet, had anchored north of us before we realized they were in the East River. They motored up in their dinghy and surprised me as I worked on the hatch. They had been visiting other anchorages and just happened to find themselves in the same place we had anchored.
We made plans to go to town in our dinghies in time for the town’s Saturday, farmers market. We knew that if we left too early we would have problems with water depths in the creek, but we also wanted to make the market. It turned out that we did leave too early and as a result we had to push and poll our way to town and it took so long we almost missed the market. Dora bought some vegetables and some gifts and we bought a framed picture at the animal rescue gift store. I’, not sure how we are going to get it to Texas.
We had cab sandwiches with Joel and Gail at a nice restaurant. By the time we headed back to the boats, the tide was up and it was an easy ride. Joel and Gail invited us over for cocktails at 1700. Another couple, Ann and Al, anchored nearby came also. They have a custom 42 foot cruiser with the lines of a lobster boat.
Friday, June 22, 2007 - Anchored in East River off Mobjack Bay, VA
It was a restful night. After breakfast we took Sailor to shore at a rural launch ramp less than a quarter mile from where we were anchored. We walked up the narrow road past some expensive homes. A black lab and a Scottie came running out to greet us. We were worried about Sailor being ugly but he knew better than to take on two dogs.
We worked around the boat until 1300 until the tide had risen above mean tide before going to town. Because the tide was still rising, we had several hours we could spend in town without worrying about being stranded. We walked around town for a while then bought some things at the hardware store for my hatch project and stocked up on groceries. We bought some refreshing milkshakes at an old drug store that had been converted into a restaurant, complete with a soda fountain.
We have no cell phone reception at all. All of a sudden my phone beeped and indicated that I had four new voice messages, but of course I couldn’t listen to them. That worried me a little so we went back to town and I called my sister Susie to make sure everything was OK in Corpus Christi, Texas. Everything was fine.
I think that Friday evening was the most pleasant of the whole trip, so far. It was calm and cool enough to need a long sleeve shirt. We sat out on the front deck to watch the sunset until dark.
We worked around the boat until 1300 until the tide had risen above mean tide before going to town. Because the tide was still rising, we had several hours we could spend in town without worrying about being stranded. We walked around town for a while then bought some things at the hardware store for my hatch project and stocked up on groceries. We bought some refreshing milkshakes at an old drug store that had been converted into a restaurant, complete with a soda fountain.
We have no cell phone reception at all. All of a sudden my phone beeped and indicated that I had four new voice messages, but of course I couldn’t listen to them. That worried me a little so we went back to town and I called my sister Susie to make sure everything was OK in Corpus Christi, Texas. Everything was fine.
I think that Friday evening was the most pleasant of the whole trip, so far. It was calm and cool enough to need a long sleeve shirt. We sat out on the front deck to watch the sunset until dark.
Thursday, June 21, 2007 - Hampton River to East River off Mobjack Bay, VA
We pulled away from the Hampton Marina at 0800 and stopped at Blue Water Yachting Center to take on 150 gallons of diesel at $2,.54/gallon ($380.80). We were on our way.
After leaving the James River and were out in Chesapeake Bay, we passed up the York River and headed for Mobjack Bay. The wind was blowing from the north about 15 Knots from the north causing short, choppy waves mixed with occasional swells. We were lucky we were heading north-northeast, taking the waves on our forward quarter.
Once in Mobjack Bay we decided to go north up the East River, which is the smallest river flowing into Mobjack Bay. We proceed up the East River to Put In Creek and anchored in 12 feet of water.
Later we took the dinghy up the creek all the way to the village of Mathews. By the time we reached Mathews the creek was barely wide or deep enough for the dinghy. The tide was falling so we knew that we didn’t have much time to spend in town. Dora went to a quaint little drug store to try to fill her prescription. They were very helpful, unlike Eckerd’s in Hampton. Mathews is a nice town with nice people. We planned to go back the next day on an incoming tide so we can spend more time shopping and looking around. Just before sunset we went for a dinghy ride.
After leaving the James River and were out in Chesapeake Bay, we passed up the York River and headed for Mobjack Bay. The wind was blowing from the north about 15 Knots from the north causing short, choppy waves mixed with occasional swells. We were lucky we were heading north-northeast, taking the waves on our forward quarter.
Once in Mobjack Bay we decided to go north up the East River, which is the smallest river flowing into Mobjack Bay. We proceed up the East River to Put In Creek and anchored in 12 feet of water.
Later we took the dinghy up the creek all the way to the village of Mathews. By the time we reached Mathews the creek was barely wide or deep enough for the dinghy. The tide was falling so we knew that we didn’t have much time to spend in town. Dora went to a quaint little drug store to try to fill her prescription. They were very helpful, unlike Eckerd’s in Hampton. Mathews is a nice town with nice people. We planned to go back the next day on an incoming tide so we can spend more time shopping and looking around. Just before sunset we went for a dinghy ride.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007 - Jamestown to Hampton, VA
We had the anchor up by 0800 and were underway at 10 mph, taking advantage of the outgoing tide. It took us less than an hour to take Sailor to shore, lift the dinghy and engine and pull anchor. It was a very calm, hazy day. With the haze it would have been hard to navigate without Coastal Explorer, the navigation program run on our laptop. At Jamestown we were approximately 35 miles up the James River.
We arrived at the Hampton Public Piers Marina on the Hampton River about 1230. Hampton is located on the north shore of the James River across from Norfolk Virginia. The docks were OK but the finger piers were short for Seascape’s high bow. We had to climb down from the forward deck to the finger pier. Docking stern first would have been better but backing her in is not worth the trouble.
After lunch we borrowed bicycles from the marina and went to the grocery store. It was about three miles round trip but bicycles made it easy compared to walking. I worked on the computer for a while and then rinsed the boat.
We went for a walk looking for a good seafood restaurant but couldn’t find one. We ended up eating Thai food.
We arrived at the Hampton Public Piers Marina on the Hampton River about 1230. Hampton is located on the north shore of the James River across from Norfolk Virginia. The docks were OK but the finger piers were short for Seascape’s high bow. We had to climb down from the forward deck to the finger pier. Docking stern first would have been better but backing her in is not worth the trouble.
After lunch we borrowed bicycles from the marina and went to the grocery store. It was about three miles round trip but bicycles made it easy compared to walking. I worked on the computer for a while and then rinsed the boat.
We went for a walk looking for a good seafood restaurant but couldn’t find one. We ended up eating Thai food.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007 - Anchored in the James River near Jamestown, VA
We took Sailor to shore at a small park north of the ferry landing. After breakfast we left Sailor on the boat and took the dinghy to the small marina on Powtahan Creek. From there we walked about one and one half miles to Colonial National Historic Park managed by the National Park Service. Archeological work is ongoing at the original settlement site. The artifacts they have excavated are amazing. They have already cataloged thousands, some are in good condition.
It was a hot walk back to the dinghy. We didn’t have lunch until nearly 1500. We took it easy in the afternoon and went for a swim after taking sailor to shore.
It was a hot walk back to the dinghy. We didn’t have lunch until nearly 1500. We took it easy in the afternoon and went for a swim after taking sailor to shore.
Sunday, June 17, 2007 - Pagan River to Jamestown, VA
Because of the shallow section of the Pagan River we encountered the day before, we planned to leave at near high tide, which wasn’t until 1200. We slept until after 0800 since there wasn’t any rush to get ready to leave. We took sailor to shore and then had a leisurely breakfast..
We departed at 1130 and had adequate water going out the river. After reaching the James River we turned northwest and headed for Jamestown which is about 20 miles upstream. Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the New World. We anchored north of the ferry landing that carries cars from Jamestown to Scotland on the opposite shore.
We didn’t go to shore until late afternoon and just to take Sailor to do his business. We took the dinghy under two small bridges over Pawhatan Creek on the back side of Jamestown Island and landed at a small marina that was already closed for the day.
Where we anchored in the James River was out in the open, about 300 yards from shore. Luckily it was calm. We were still rocked by the ferries coming and going every 20 minutes. Overall, we had a pleasant night at anchor.
We departed at 1130 and had adequate water going out the river. After reaching the James River we turned northwest and headed for Jamestown which is about 20 miles upstream. Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the New World. We anchored north of the ferry landing that carries cars from Jamestown to Scotland on the opposite shore.
We didn’t go to shore until late afternoon and just to take Sailor to do his business. We took the dinghy under two small bridges over Pawhatan Creek on the back side of Jamestown Island and landed at a small marina that was already closed for the day.
Where we anchored in the James River was out in the open, about 300 yards from shore. Luckily it was calm. We were still rocked by the ferries coming and going every 20 minutes. Overall, we had a pleasant night at anchor.
Saturday, June 16, 2007 - Chesapeake Yachts to the Pagan River, VA
Troy with Wildcat Propellers delivered the repaired prop at 0900. He said it was getting thin and I should start looking for a replacement. I had the prop back in place by 1030 and we were underway by 1130.
The trip up the Elizabeth River was interesting. Large ships lined both banks. There were at least three aircraft carriers as well as numerous other naval vessels. We turned up the James River at Hampton Roads and motored up river about 15 miles to the Pagan River. The Pagan River enters the James from the east. We wound up the Pagan with water depths ranging from 4.9 feet to 35 feet. One stretch of about one half mile never had more than 5.3 feet. It was an anxious few minutes since Seascape draws five feet. We plan to leave near high tide.
We anchored near the town of Smithfield, famous for Smithfield Hams. The cruising guide was a little misleading because it indicated that we could anchor across from the town and that there was a public dinghy dock. Neither was true. We anchored about a mile from town in a curve in the river. We ended up tying the dinghy at a marina near town and walking to the town.
The town was OK but not worth the trouble getting there. However, we had a beautiful day cruising and it was a calm, cool evening.
The trip up the Elizabeth River was interesting. Large ships lined both banks. There were at least three aircraft carriers as well as numerous other naval vessels. We turned up the James River at Hampton Roads and motored up river about 15 miles to the Pagan River. The Pagan River enters the James from the east. We wound up the Pagan with water depths ranging from 4.9 feet to 35 feet. One stretch of about one half mile never had more than 5.3 feet. It was an anxious few minutes since Seascape draws five feet. We plan to leave near high tide.
We anchored near the town of Smithfield, famous for Smithfield Hams. The cruising guide was a little misleading because it indicated that we could anchor across from the town and that there was a public dinghy dock. Neither was true. We anchored about a mile from town in a curve in the river. We ended up tying the dinghy at a marina near town and walking to the town.
The town was OK but not worth the trouble getting there. However, we had a beautiful day cruising and it was a calm, cool evening.
Friday, June 15, 2007 - Chesapeake Virginia at Boat Yard
Tony Fraga, our friend and neighbor at Ortega River Yacht Club came for a visit on his way to New York by car. He took us to Portsmouth, VA to inspect two marinas where he may move his boat. We had lunch in Portsmouth’s historic old town. On the way back to the boat we stopped at a small shopping center to do our laundry and buy a few groceries. Tony stayed for dinner on the boat but went to a motel for the night. The propeller service called an said that he wouldn’t finish the prop until late and would deliver it Saturday morning.
Deep Creek Lock on the Dismal Swamp Canal to Chesapeake Yachts in Virginia
We were up early to make the 0830 lockage at the north end of the Dismal Swamp Canal. We only had to go three miles north of the lock to reach Chesapeake Yachts Ship Yard. The yard had a long face dock that we eased up to and were secured by 1030. The yard was huge, it was nearly a quarter mile walk to the office. Kim, at the office, said that they had already called the prop service. Troy Erb, owner of Wildcat Propellers picked up the damaged prop about 1430. He said he thought he could complete the job by Friday afternoon. I changed the Lehman’s injection pump oil (3420 hours).
We cooked pork chops, carrots, rice and gravy for dinner. It was a fine meal.
We cooked pork chops, carrots, rice and gravy for dinner. It was a fine meal.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Wednesday, June13, 2007 - Dismal Swamp Welcome Station to Deep Creek Lock, VA
We pulled away from the welcome center dock at 0745. It was an overcast, chilly morning. We crossed the North Carolina/Virginia line after about three miles. Water depths in the canal ranged from six to nine feet most of the way. That is pretty shallow considering Seascape draws five feet. We felt her hit something on the bottom several times with no apparent problems. About 10 miles north of the welcome center, we felt a heavy thud that shook the boat. We kept motoring but I felt a new vibration. When I increased RPM the vibration intensified.
We went on to the north lock about eight miles away and tied up to a concrete face dock for boats to tie to while waiting for the bridge and lock to open. After we had secured the boat, I dove under Seascape to see want the damage was. I couldn’t see because the water was stained dark brown by the tannic acid from the bark of the juniper, gum and cypress trees. But I could feel a curl on the edge of one of the blades about the size of my hand. The prop is 24 inches in diameter and weighs nearly 60 pounds so it takes a pretty solid object to bend it. We probably hit a sunken log that wedged between the propeller and the hull.
I called around and found a small repair yard a few miles north of the lock that will let us dock and pull the prop. I have all the necessary tools and have done it before. The prop repair service will pick the prop up at the boat yard and return it. The only problem is it might take three to four days. At least it won’t cost too much for us to stay at the boat yard, they don’t have any power.
There was an auto parts store and a grocery across the street from where we tied up. I bought some motor oil and disposed of the used oil we had accumulated. Dora went to the grocery and bought a few things. We cooked hamburgers for lunch.
A boat that we knew from Elizabeth City and the welcome center rafted with us on the sea wall.
We went on to the north lock about eight miles away and tied up to a concrete face dock for boats to tie to while waiting for the bridge and lock to open. After we had secured the boat, I dove under Seascape to see want the damage was. I couldn’t see because the water was stained dark brown by the tannic acid from the bark of the juniper, gum and cypress trees. But I could feel a curl on the edge of one of the blades about the size of my hand. The prop is 24 inches in diameter and weighs nearly 60 pounds so it takes a pretty solid object to bend it. We probably hit a sunken log that wedged between the propeller and the hull.
I called around and found a small repair yard a few miles north of the lock that will let us dock and pull the prop. I have all the necessary tools and have done it before. The prop repair service will pick the prop up at the boat yard and return it. The only problem is it might take three to four days. At least it won’t cost too much for us to stay at the boat yard, they don’t have any power.
There was an auto parts store and a grocery across the street from where we tied up. I bought some motor oil and disposed of the used oil we had accumulated. Dora went to the grocery and bought a few things. We cooked hamburgers for lunch.
A boat that we knew from Elizabeth City and the welcome center rafted with us on the sea wall.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - Elizabeth City to Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Station, NC
We were up at 0630, made coffee, loaded the outboard and dinghy topside, and raised the anchor in time to make the 0830 opening of the Elizabeth City bascule bridge. Just made it to the South Mills lock at the southern end of the Dismal Swamp Canal for the 1100 opening. Locking through was easy although it took nearly an hour. The lock tender flooded the lock with fresh water from the Dismal Swamp and raised Seascape and two other boats eight feet to the water level of the canal. All three boats tied up at the face dock at the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center located on US Highway 17, approximately 18 miles north of Elizabeth City and three miles south of the NC/VA line, at about 1200.
About 1500, four more boats arrived that were heading south on the canal. The first three boats used all the space in the dock so the four additional boats rafted to the ones that were there. Breakin’ Wind rafted next to us. It’s home port was Dallas, Texas. Dora baked a chicken, corn and squash and we ate on the aft deck. The four late boats invited us over for a glass of wine later. It was fun visiting with everyone.
About 1500, four more boats arrived that were heading south on the canal. The first three boats used all the space in the dock so the four additional boats rafted to the ones that were there. Breakin’ Wind rafted next to us. It’s home port was Dallas, Texas. Dora baked a chicken, corn and squash and we ate on the aft deck. The four late boats invited us over for a glass of wine later. It was fun visiting with everyone.
Monday, June 11, 2007 - Anchored near Elizabeth City, NC
On our morning trip to town we had coffee at Muddy Waters Coffee shop and used their wireless internet to publish some more additions to our trip blog. We had lunch at a bakery and deli adjacent to the waterfront. They made excellent sandwiches. We went back to the boat to drop Sailor off so we could split up and get our shopping done more efficiently. Dora went to a small grocery store a few blocks from the waterfront while I hiked about three miles to the post office to pick up a package I had shipped there general delivery. I meet her at the grocery store and we carried several bags of groceries plus my package and the laptop computer back to the dinghy dock and then on to the boat. We had a pleasant evening watching several episodes of West Wing on DVD.
Sunday, June 10, 2007 - Anchored out from Elizabeth City, NC
We went to Elizabeth City in the dingy about 0900 and walked around for a couple of hours. On our walk we bought two gallons of Rotella motor oil which was all they had. We had to be back to Seascape before 1200 or we couldn’t go back until the races were over at 1700. It tool me a couple of hours in the afternoon to bring our blog up to date
Monday, June 11, 2007
Saturday, June 9, 2001 - South Lake to Elizabeth City, NC
Tim came over in their dinghy to pick us up for breakfast on their boat. We had a great breakfast of omelets, bacon, watermelon and coffee cake. Tim ran Sailor and me to shore and then back to Love and Cheer to pick up Dora and then on to our boat. We pulled anchors about 0930 and Dave followed us out of South Lake since we had the best navigation program. At Albemarle Sound, we went north to Elizabeth City and they turned east for Manteo, NC.
It was pretty choppy crossing the sound but we were headed into the waves so rolling wasn’t a problem. It was calmer the 15 miles up the Pasquotank River to Elizabeth City. We arrived around 1400. They were having speed boat races in the River near down town and had blocked the entire River, including the ICW, to boat traffic. We anchored and waited until 1700 when the races were over to go to town in the dinghy. The free slips appeared to be too narrow for Seascape’s 15 foot beam so we decided to stay at anchor and dinghy to town while we were there. We walked around for a while and bought some ice and headed back to the boat. We watched television for a while because reception was pretty good and went to bed early.
It was pretty choppy crossing the sound but we were headed into the waves so rolling wasn’t a problem. It was calmer the 15 miles up the Pasquotank River to Elizabeth City. We arrived around 1400. They were having speed boat races in the River near down town and had blocked the entire River, including the ICW, to boat traffic. We anchored and waited until 1700 when the races were over to go to town in the dinghy. The free slips appeared to be too narrow for Seascape’s 15 foot beam so we decided to stay at anchor and dinghy to town while we were there. We walked around for a while and bought some ice and headed back to the boat. We watched television for a while because reception was pretty good and went to bed early.
Friday, June 8, 2007 - Little River to South Lake, NC
After reviewing the chart for the Outer Banks Thursday night when we got back from Tim’s house, we decided to only cruise as far as South Lake off the Alligator River with our friends on Dave and Helen’s boat Love and Cheer and then head north to Elizabeth City. The entire Outer Banks area is very shallow with very few places to anchor a boat like Seascape that needs five feet of water. Love and Cheer only draws three and one half feet so they would have many more options where they could go and anchor without us.
We got up early and took Sailor to shore and then loaded the outboard and dinghy topside in preparation to leave. Dave, Helen, Fay, Jack, Annie, and Tim arrived in their 44 foot catamaran at 0800 and rafted with us while we all had breakfast on Seascape. We were underway by 0900.
No sooner had we left when Love and Cheer picked up a crab trap line on one of her seadrives and Tim had to dive under the boat and untangle the line. The rest of the trip was uneventful. It became so calm that Dave lowered his sails and motored most of the way. I anchored Seascape in South Lake about 1500 and Dave rafted Love and Cheer alongside. We swam and had cocktails and Tim and Helen tried fishing. Later in the afternoon the wind picked up and I was afraid that we might pull anchor with two boats on one anchor. So Dave and his crew cast off the lines and went a short distance away and anchored.
The whole crew came over to Seascape for dinner. Dora had baked a picnic ham, I cooked plantains and they brought salad, bread and another cake for Annie’s birthday since she missed the Thursday night party. It was a good meal with great friends.
We got up early and took Sailor to shore and then loaded the outboard and dinghy topside in preparation to leave. Dave, Helen, Fay, Jack, Annie, and Tim arrived in their 44 foot catamaran at 0800 and rafted with us while we all had breakfast on Seascape. We were underway by 0900.
No sooner had we left when Love and Cheer picked up a crab trap line on one of her seadrives and Tim had to dive under the boat and untangle the line. The rest of the trip was uneventful. It became so calm that Dave lowered his sails and motored most of the way. I anchored Seascape in South Lake about 1500 and Dave rafted Love and Cheer alongside. We swam and had cocktails and Tim and Helen tried fishing. Later in the afternoon the wind picked up and I was afraid that we might pull anchor with two boats on one anchor. So Dave and his crew cast off the lines and went a short distance away and anchored.
The whole crew came over to Seascape for dinner. Dora had baked a picnic ham, I cooked plantains and they brought salad, bread and another cake for Annie’s birthday since she missed the Thursday night party. It was a good meal with great friends.
Thursday, June 7, 2007 - Edenton to Little River, NC
We departed Edenton at 0815. Munther helped us with our lines. The wind was blowing harder than I was hoping for but it was a fairly comfortable ride. Bare Foot passed us about 0930 and we waved good bye. We had to dodge crab trap buoys all the way. There must be hundreds of thousands of traps in Albemarle Sound and it’s tributaries.
We arrived at the mouth of Deep Creek in Little River at 1300. We tried to set the Danforth anchor but it wouldn’t catch so we retrieved it and lowered the Delta and 120 feet of chain which held fine.
We took the dinghy to Tim’s house around 1700. Tim showed me how to TIG weld and let me try it myself. Dave and Helen and their friends, Fay and Jack (Annie’s parents), arrived at 1900. Tim, with the help of his neighbors, Betty and George, cooked hamburgers and fried potatoes for dinner. We celebrated Fay’s recent retirement from teaching and Annie’s 27th birthday with a cake even though Annie wasn’t there because she had to work.
We went cautiously back to the boat around 2200. We had forgotten to turn on the anchor light and for a few minutes we couldn’t find Seascape. It was rather disconcerting but Dora finally saw the boats silhouette off in the distance. The wind came up in the night and I didn’t sleep very well, worried about the anchor holding.
We arrived at the mouth of Deep Creek in Little River at 1300. We tried to set the Danforth anchor but it wouldn’t catch so we retrieved it and lowered the Delta and 120 feet of chain which held fine.
We took the dinghy to Tim’s house around 1700. Tim showed me how to TIG weld and let me try it myself. Dave and Helen and their friends, Fay and Jack (Annie’s parents), arrived at 1900. Tim, with the help of his neighbors, Betty and George, cooked hamburgers and fried potatoes for dinner. We celebrated Fay’s recent retirement from teaching and Annie’s 27th birthday with a cake even though Annie wasn’t there because she had to work.
We went cautiously back to the boat around 2200. We had forgotten to turn on the anchor light and for a few minutes we couldn’t find Seascape. It was rather disconcerting but Dora finally saw the boats silhouette off in the distance. The wind came up in the night and I didn’t sleep very well, worried about the anchor holding.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007 - Edenton Town Docks
Jan, Munther, Rebecca, Dora and I went for a trolley tour of the Edenton’s historic district at 1000. The hour long tour was informative and well narrated. After the tour we had lunch on Bare Foot and then Munther and I worked on his bow thruster. The problem turned out to be a loose connector from the joy stick. Later in the afternoon we launched their dinghy from their submersible hydraulic swim platform using a remote control. Munther, Rebecca, and I went for a dinghy ride up the creek located east of the marina. It was a beautiful, cypress lined creek with no development once we were past town. Dora and Jan went shopping.
We invited our friends over for dinner but before we ate all of us, four adults, an eight year old, and two dogs, went for a ride in the dinghy up the same creek. It was so calm, the water looked like a mirror reflecting the cypress trees and it was cool with no insects.
Dora made roast beef with potatoes and carrots for dinner and our friends brought wine, bread and seeded watermelon.
We invited our friends over for dinner but before we ate all of us, four adults, an eight year old, and two dogs, went for a ride in the dinghy up the same creek. It was so calm, the water looked like a mirror reflecting the cypress trees and it was cool with no insects.
Dora made roast beef with potatoes and carrots for dinner and our friends brought wine, bread and seeded watermelon.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007 - Edenton Town Docks
It was windy all night. Seascape rocked even inside the breakwater. We slept in for a change.
The dockmaster took us to the grocery and the laundry and dropped us off. Dora shopped while I took care of the laundry. We got back to the marina about noon. I spent the afternoon on the computer and we took a nap.
A 42 foot SeaRay came in and had trouble getting it into the slip next to us because of the wind. He finally got it into the short, narrow slip. After they got the boat secured, we met the couple, Munther and Jan and their eight year old daughter, Rebecca. They had a young dog that looked just like Tim and Gail’s dog Chino except it was red. Munther said that the reason he had a difficult time docking was because his bow thruster had stopped working the day before. I offered to help him trouble shoot the thruster.
We went to dinner with them at Waterman’s Restaurant. The meal was less than impressive and was over priced. After dinner we walked a good distance to a Dairy Queen for ice cream. It was a fun evening overall.
The dockmaster took us to the grocery and the laundry and dropped us off. Dora shopped while I took care of the laundry. We got back to the marina about noon. I spent the afternoon on the computer and we took a nap.
A 42 foot SeaRay came in and had trouble getting it into the slip next to us because of the wind. He finally got it into the short, narrow slip. After they got the boat secured, we met the couple, Munther and Jan and their eight year old daughter, Rebecca. They had a young dog that looked just like Tim and Gail’s dog Chino except it was red. Munther said that the reason he had a difficult time docking was because his bow thruster had stopped working the day before. I offered to help him trouble shoot the thruster.
We went to dinner with them at Waterman’s Restaurant. The meal was less than impressive and was over priced. After dinner we walked a good distance to a Dairy Queen for ice cream. It was a fun evening overall.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Monday, June 4, 2007 - Hertford to Edenton, NC
We were up early to try to reach Edenton before the wind picked up too much. We took Sailor to shore, lifted tie outboard and dinghy topside, and pulled two anchors by 0830. When we first called the bridge tender in Hertford, he asked us to hold up because the bridge was broken. He called back a few minutes later and said he had called his boss and had gotten the OK to open the bridge swing for us and said we should “bring it on.”
Sunday afternoon. the wind forecast for Monday was 10-15 from the southwest. During the night the wind speed increased and by Monday morning it was blowing 20-30 mph from the southwest. The run up the Perquimans River was choppy but comfortable but when we got to Albemarle Sound it was getting rough. We had to go south to clear a large restricted area that we were told belongs to the CIA. The south course put the wind off our starboard beam which caused Seascape to roll uncomfortably. We finally could turn to the SW into the wind which improved the ride but we were pounding into the closely spaced waves. We found that we had a better ride at a slower speed so we reduced engine rpm to 1500 or about 6.5 mph.
After we had been running about three hours the Coast Guard announced an alert that the bridge at Hertford was closed to boat traffic because of mechanical problems. We were lucky that the bridge tender let us through because we were nearly out of fresh water and the holding tank was almost full.
As we turned north to head toward Edenton we were broadside to the seas and started rolling enough to throw a bottle of merlot out of a closed cabinet and it shattered on the deck, It was quiet a mess and we were still rolling although not as violently . We finally pulled into the Edenton Marina basin at 1400. The first thing we did after the dock lines were in place was to take the rugs out on the dock and scrub them to take out the wine stain.
The Edenton Docks Marina lets boaters dock free for 48 hours each month. Since we were there in May we were allowed two free nights again in June. We talked about going out for dinner but we were both too tired so we ate on the boat and went to bed.
Sunday afternoon. the wind forecast for Monday was 10-15 from the southwest. During the night the wind speed increased and by Monday morning it was blowing 20-30 mph from the southwest. The run up the Perquimans River was choppy but comfortable but when we got to Albemarle Sound it was getting rough. We had to go south to clear a large restricted area that we were told belongs to the CIA. The south course put the wind off our starboard beam which caused Seascape to roll uncomfortably. We finally could turn to the SW into the wind which improved the ride but we were pounding into the closely spaced waves. We found that we had a better ride at a slower speed so we reduced engine rpm to 1500 or about 6.5 mph.
After we had been running about three hours the Coast Guard announced an alert that the bridge at Hertford was closed to boat traffic because of mechanical problems. We were lucky that the bridge tender let us through because we were nearly out of fresh water and the holding tank was almost full.
As we turned north to head toward Edenton we were broadside to the seas and started rolling enough to throw a bottle of merlot out of a closed cabinet and it shattered on the deck, It was quiet a mess and we were still rolling although not as violently . We finally pulled into the Edenton Marina basin at 1400. The first thing we did after the dock lines were in place was to take the rugs out on the dock and scrub them to take out the wine stain.
The Edenton Docks Marina lets boaters dock free for 48 hours each month. Since we were there in May we were allowed two free nights again in June. We talked about going out for dinner but we were both too tired so we ate on the boat and went to bed.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Sunday, June 3, 2007 - Anchored near Hertford, NC
The effects of tropical storm Barry arrived at 2200 last night. It rained steadily all night, heavy at times but mostly light. Te wind gusted periodically from the south but it was a comfortable night for the most part. We awoke to overcast skies and light rain. We got on our foul weather gear and took Sailor for a quick trip to shore. We spent the rest of the day doing a number of small chores and reading. All day the weather alternated between sunshine and showers. The rain stopped in the late afternoon.
This is the 11 night in a row that we have been anchored out. We are starting to run low on fresh water.
This is the 11 night in a row that we have been anchored out. We are starting to run low on fresh water.
Saturday, June 2, 2007 - Anchored near Hertford, NC
We got up early and went for a ride up the Perquimans River for five or six miles in the dinghy. It is a very pretty an undisturbed river with lots of cypress. Soon after we got back Kent, who we met yesterday, came up in his boat and invited is to have sausage for breakfast with him and his wife, Teresa, at their house. They were a very friendly couple that were fun to visit with. The grilled sausage was outstanding. They offered Dora the use of their cell phone to call her mother and check on her father.
We went to town after lunch to make some more calls and get some ice cream at drug store’s old fashion soda fountain. We made reservations at Edenton Harbor Marina for Monday and Tuesday so that we could take on water, pump out the holding tank, buy groceries for next weeks trip to the Outer Banks, and wash clothes at the Laundromat.
We went to town after lunch to make some more calls and get some ice cream at drug store’s old fashion soda fountain. We made reservations at Edenton Harbor Marina for Monday and Tuesday so that we could take on water, pump out the holding tank, buy groceries for next weeks trip to the Outer Banks, and wash clothes at the Laundromat.
Friday, June 1, 2007 - Anchored near Hertford, NC
Dora found a tick attached to her back during the night. I removed it all with tweezers but there is always concern regarding Lyme’s disease.
On our morning trip to shore, Dora made some calls from a pay phone downtown while I went to the library to use the internet. Dora found out from her sister that her father had been falling and had injured himself. Our trip may be on hold if Dora has to go to Corpus Christi, Texas to help with him.
Soon after we got back we noticed a ski boat with two men and four little boys trying to paddle their boat toward town. We went over in the dinghy to see if they needed any help. Their engine had overheated and wouldn’t start. We towed the boat back to the Hertford launch ramp. It took over 30 minutes to go one half mile because it is difficult to tow a large ski boat straight with a 11 foot inflatable.
I washed part of the blind mosquitoes stains off the aft deck area as well as the table and chairs and everything else stored there. Later we bathed in the river. Before sunset we went for a ride in the dinghy and a boat waved us down to say hello. We talked for a while and invited Kent, Laurie, and Tony to ride over to see Seascape. Kent owns a nice home on the river just north of where are anchored.
We only had to run the generator for about two hours to recharge the batteries after 21 hours on the inverter.
On our morning trip to shore, Dora made some calls from a pay phone downtown while I went to the library to use the internet. Dora found out from her sister that her father had been falling and had injured himself. Our trip may be on hold if Dora has to go to Corpus Christi, Texas to help with him.
Soon after we got back we noticed a ski boat with two men and four little boys trying to paddle their boat toward town. We went over in the dinghy to see if they needed any help. Their engine had overheated and wouldn’t start. We towed the boat back to the Hertford launch ramp. It took over 30 minutes to go one half mile because it is difficult to tow a large ski boat straight with a 11 foot inflatable.
I washed part of the blind mosquitoes stains off the aft deck area as well as the table and chairs and everything else stored there. Later we bathed in the river. Before sunset we went for a ride in the dinghy and a boat waved us down to say hello. We talked for a while and invited Kent, Laurie, and Tony to ride over to see Seascape. Kent owns a nice home on the river just north of where are anchored.
We only had to run the generator for about two hours to recharge the batteries after 21 hours on the inverter.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007 - Anchored near Hertford, NC
We went to shore around 0900 to go to the library to order a new raw water pump for the generator on line. I found one for $320.00 from pumpagents.com. It is supposed to be delivered to Tim’s house within five working days which is about the time we plan to leave for the Outer Banks.
0ne good decision came from the generator pump problem. We decided to discontinue use of the freezer since we were mostly using it for making ice and we can buy ice nearly anywhere we are anchored or docked. That one change will significantly reduce the amount of time we need to run the generator to charge the batteries that run the freezer through the alternator. That will save fuel as well as wear and tear on the generator. We turned off the freezer Wednesday night and the battery bank still had a good charge after 10 hours using the inverter. The refrigerator was the only thing using battery power.
When we got back from town, I installed a new fuel pump on the GCF fuel polishing system. The old pump had stopped pumping earlier on this trip after nearly three years of continuous running. I had ordered a new pump on line and had it sent to Dave Smith’s house. He brought it to Tim’s house a couple of days ago. For a boat project, it proved to be pretty easy.
We went for a swim and bathed on the swim platform in the afternoon. The water was cool and clear except for the tannic acid making it tea colored. We rinsed with water from our tank. On Sailor’s walk, we bought some ice at a small convenience store downtown.
0ne good decision came from the generator pump problem. We decided to discontinue use of the freezer since we were mostly using it for making ice and we can buy ice nearly anywhere we are anchored or docked. That one change will significantly reduce the amount of time we need to run the generator to charge the batteries that run the freezer through the alternator. That will save fuel as well as wear and tear on the generator. We turned off the freezer Wednesday night and the battery bank still had a good charge after 10 hours using the inverter. The refrigerator was the only thing using battery power.
When we got back from town, I installed a new fuel pump on the GCF fuel polishing system. The old pump had stopped pumping earlier on this trip after nearly three years of continuous running. I had ordered a new pump on line and had it sent to Dave Smith’s house. He brought it to Tim’s house a couple of days ago. For a boat project, it proved to be pretty easy.
We went for a swim and bathed on the swim platform in the afternoon. The water was cool and clear except for the tannic acid making it tea colored. We rinsed with water from our tank. On Sailor’s walk, we bought some ice at a small convenience store downtown.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - Anchored near Hertford, NC
This is a fine anchorage, well protected from wind, scenic, and near to a dog walk and town. After our trip to shore, we did some chores and I continued to strip the old varnish from the door and hand holds on the starboard side. We attracted some more blind mosquitoes during the night. It seemed a waste of time to try to wash away the stains that they leave behind until they are all gone even though we would like to clean the boat.
Since it was about time to change the oil in the generator (every 100 hours of running), I decided to do it after lunch. Tim Smith was coming over for dinner so I should have had plenty of time. Well, like every project on a boat, it turned out to be much more than I has planned for. The oil change went fine, but while I was doing it I noticed a slow drip coming from the generator, somewhere. It turned out it was coming from the seal on the generator’s raw water pump. Even that shouldn’t have been a problem because we had a rebuilt pump as a spare. The trouble was that the impeller in the spare pump had hardened, taking on a permanent curved shape. When I tried to remove the impeller I wouldn’t come off no matter what I did. I even used a utility knife to cut the rubber blades off the hub so I would have something to grip with the pliers. By then it was 1600 and time to pick Tim up at the town dock.
Tim had a great idea on how to remove the impeller, the use of heat. We went to the old hardware store that was a couple of blocks away and bought a propane torch. After heating the remaining hub with the torch and some more tugging and hammering the impeller came off. Finally, we got the generator running again around 1800, more than six hours after I started the minor project.
Dora made some tasty fajitas for dinner and I got Tim back to the dock just before dark. It was a beautiful clear evening with a nearly full moon.
Since it was about time to change the oil in the generator (every 100 hours of running), I decided to do it after lunch. Tim Smith was coming over for dinner so I should have had plenty of time. Well, like every project on a boat, it turned out to be much more than I has planned for. The oil change went fine, but while I was doing it I noticed a slow drip coming from the generator, somewhere. It turned out it was coming from the seal on the generator’s raw water pump. Even that shouldn’t have been a problem because we had a rebuilt pump as a spare. The trouble was that the impeller in the spare pump had hardened, taking on a permanent curved shape. When I tried to remove the impeller I wouldn’t come off no matter what I did. I even used a utility knife to cut the rubber blades off the hub so I would have something to grip with the pliers. By then it was 1600 and time to pick Tim up at the town dock.
Tim had a great idea on how to remove the impeller, the use of heat. We went to the old hardware store that was a couple of blocks away and bought a propane torch. After heating the remaining hub with the torch and some more tugging and hammering the impeller came off. Finally, we got the generator running again around 1800, more than six hours after I started the minor project.
Dora made some tasty fajitas for dinner and I got Tim back to the dock just before dark. It was a beautiful clear evening with a nearly full moon.
tuesday, May 29, 2007 - Anchored in Perquimans River near Hertford, NC
We had a wonderful surprise when we got up. The blind mosquitoes were gone. Those insects controlled our activities for the past four days. We couldn't open the door after dark because dozens of those pests would come inside no matter how fast we closed it. Even during the day we were swarmed by them on the aft deck. We had to be careful not to breathe them in. It will take a whole day to wash all of the green stains off the boat.
We called Tim Smith from a pay phone and found out that Tim’s mom and dad, Helen and Dave, had driven down from Maryland. He offered to pick us up and take us back to his house. He meet us at the town dock at 1100. We visited and had lunch and I helped Tim work on his Dad’s dinghy outboard.
On the way back we stopped at Food Lion in Hertford and bought supplies for a few days. We were back on the boat by 1800. We found the house batteries depleted and the inverter alarm sounding. We had to run the generator for over five hours to bring the batteries back to nearly full charge.
We called Tim Smith from a pay phone and found out that Tim’s mom and dad, Helen and Dave, had driven down from Maryland. He offered to pick us up and take us back to his house. He meet us at the town dock at 1100. We visited and had lunch and I helped Tim work on his Dad’s dinghy outboard.
On the way back we stopped at Food Lion in Hertford and bought supplies for a few days. We were back on the boat by 1800. We found the house batteries depleted and the inverter alarm sounding. We had to run the generator for over five hours to bring the batteries back to nearly full charge.
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