Day 29 of The Trip Home

We anchored in Cape May last night.  Our intention was to head towards Atlantic City on Tuesday.  However, we heard from our friends that we met on the way south.  We really wanted to meet up with D & H but they were about a week behind us.  They were heading home as well.  We didn't mind our delays too much since it gave us a better chance of seeing them again.  They were gaining on us and it so happened that they were going to be in our area,  We stayed put and they anchored beside us.  They came over on their tender and we spent a great afternoon with them.

We were so happy to see them and visit with them.  

Tomorrow we will head for Atlantic City.  We hope for calm waters so our trip will be favourable.

Day 28 of The Trip Home

Wow, we have had two days in a row of favorable seas.  That is so wonderful.  I had the pleasure of doing laundry today before we headed for Cape May.  We are fueled up, pumped out and water topped off.  

It was a pleasant day on the water.  We saw quite a few dolphins.  These dolphins were a very light tan color.  They seem to usually jump in pairs.

We only had to travel 3 hours today.  At least now we are in familiar territory having been through here on our way down.  We are hoping for calm waters tomorrow.  We will have about a 5-6 hour day tomorrow and hope to make it to Atlantic City.  We will anchor out again tomorrow evening.

Day 23, 24, 25, 26, & 27

We were stuck in Chincoteague for a total of eight days.  We spent Friday night at the dock in Chincoteague to provision a little.  When looking at the weather there wasn't any good travel days for another week.  We decided to leave on Saturday regardless of the weather conditions.  We knew we had to get going. 

Well, Saturday was one h--ll of a day.  The seas were very rough and we were pounded all day.  We  have mostly everything secure on the boat but we really didn't think we would have to secure our couch.

We made it to Ocean City.  We had never experienced the tidal currents getting into the Marina.  We had intended to anchor out but were to tired to fight with an anchorage so we stayed in the Marina.

On Sunday we headed to Cape May.  We planned to go only half way because the seas were showing the same kind of day as Saturday.  We figured we could do three hours.  Once we headed out although the seas were rough they were not as bad as Saturday.  We stopped in Indian River to fuel up and even though the seas weren't too bad we decided to stay for the night.  Indian River Marina is a State operated Marina.  They obviously have the needed money because the Marina is beautiful and well kept.  They also offered the cheapest fuel in the area and a very reasonable slip fee.  Delaware has not State Sales Tax.  That was a bonus.

Tomorrow we will head to Cape May.  We will have another short day and that is very welcomed.

Day 20, 21 & 22 of The Trip Home

Well here we are again, stopped because of weather.  We went into the Chincoteague dock Saturday and Sunday night.  We left for Ocean City on Monday morning.  After about two hours the waters were so rough that we turned back to Chincoteague.  Brian has been looking at the weather constantly to find a window opening enough to get us to Cape May.  It looks like the earliest will be Friday.

We anchored out in Chincoteague and will go into the dock to provision some.  We have had some rough nights but gratefully last night was beautiful and calm.

I will blog again when we get moving unless something really interesting comes along.

We miss our friends and family at home and the great people we met in New Bern and along the way.

Day 18 & 19 of The Trip Home

As usual the winds have been amazingly strong.  The first time we dropped anchor we knew the anchor wasn't setting.  So Brian pulled the anchor up and we were attached to a metal cage.  Once we got rid of that we were able to set our anchor.  We had one rough night and one peaceful night at anchor.  However, when we raised the anchor in the morning this is what we found.

Now that is a strong wind.

On Friday we ventured into the town docks at Chincoteague.  It is a small town that is built on tourism.  The town dock is located beside a park where there are lots of picnic tables, BBQ pits, and the famous welcoming chair - LOVE.

We have a nice slip on the town dock.  Brian took a few pictures of our location.  We could easily stay here a few days....but....it all depends on the weather.

That's our boat

We ventured around the town, looked in a great bookstore, trading company store and grocery store.  We were hoping to leave on Monday given what looked like a good weather window.  However we will have to play it day by day as the weather changes that quickly.

Little miss Cora is never far from Brian.  She likes to cuddle up to him.

I guess she needs to make sure he won't get away without her

Day 16 & 17 of The Trip Home

We left later today because Brian took the time to changed the Bilge Blower and the remaining zincs on the engines.  We headed for an anchorage, hoping it would be a good anchorage.  Not so, the indicated depths of the water was inaccurate and we got caught in shallow water.  Yup, we touched bottom.  We were at mid tide at this point and had to wait until high tide to get off.  That happened around four in the morning.  The winds were unbelievable.

If you haven't travelled the North Atlantic in the spring you really don't know what winds are.  We left and headed for Chincoteague around 10:20.  The seas were quite cooperative most of the day.  The warm weather apparently is the contributor to the winds in the evening.  We anchored just outside of town.  The wind came up again as we expected but fortunately not anywhere near as bad as the night before.

The weather for the next two days is not going to cooperate.  There is a small craft warning out for the next two days.  We will stay in Chincoteague until the weather cooperates.

Day 12, 13, 14 & 15 of The Trip Hom

On Saturday we didn't move because of the very old story of bad weather.  BUT... on Sunday we were on the move again.  We basically did two days in one.  The weather was great, the seas were calm and we took advantage and had a longer day.

We were in the North Carolina cut which becomes the Virginia cut.  It's a lot like the Dismal Swamp only deeper, wider and lots more traffic.  We stopped in Coinjock and did some laundry and filled our water tank.  They have a great restaurant there so we stayed and had lunch.

Navy Base in Norfolk

Carnival Legend in Norfolk

On Monday we had great weather again.  We were in the Virginia cut heading for Norfolk.  There is a story about how to pronounce "Norfolk".  We were told several times the proper way to pronounce it.  It wasn't until a fellow boater called on the radio and said, "Here's how to remember how to pronounce it."  "We don't smoke, cuss nonf-ck." Yes, they pronounce it Norf--k.

We stopped at a free dock in Great Bridge.  There was a group of seniors having a picnic.  So nice to see.  An older gentleman came up to the boat to meet us.  He is 81 years old but looks great.  He loved to talk.  We stopped in Great Bridge to provision.  He graciously offered to drive Brian to the pet store and the grocery store.  He pushed the shopping cart while Brian filled it.  Because he is a veteran we got his discount at the grocery store.  We exchanged information with him.  Al it was our pleasure and blessing to have met you.

We had a very rough night anchored out.  Within a few minutes a storm blew in.  The winds were so strong it moved our boat 500 feet in a matter of minutes.  Our anchor was holding good but wow it was quite a storm.  My morning we were knocking on the Naval Base door and they don't like that.  We high tailed it back to our anchorage and fortunately the anchor held.

On Tuesday we picked up a package we had shipped to a Marina.  We wanted to fuel up so we back tracked slightly and went into 37 North at Fort Monroe.  While fueling I spied a very interesting boat.  It was called Flamingo Obsession.  We gave the man fueling our boat one of our boat cards and he promised to give it to the owners of Flamingo Obsession.  I was trilled.  I am not the only one obsessed with flamingos.

We headed out from Norfolk towards Cape May.  As soon as we entered the North Atlantic Ocean the waves and winds were very rough.  We only went a short distance and turned around and anchored at 37 North of Fort Monroe.  After a night of little sleep and lots of concern we didn't want to face a day of rough water.

Tomorrow we will head for Cape May.  Well, if all goes well.....but it is always water and wind dependent.

Day 9, 10 & 11 of the Trip Home

Well, here we are still in our anchorage.  The wind has been unbelievable and the waves are full of white caps.  So, here we are at Friday and we haven't moved yet.  We hope to move tomorrow, please say a little prayer for us.  We would like to me in Norfolk on Sunday. 

Brian has kept busy by working on the boat.  He is working on the shower in the Master Stateroom.  It is a major project.  He has also done lots of smaller projects.

I have been cross stitching.  I am doing one that is absolutely beautiful.  It is such a joy to do.  I am doing this cross stitch for my Bestie.  It makes cross stitching so much more fun when you have someone in mind that you want to give it to.

I hope I can bring better news tomorrow night.

Day 8 of the Trip Home

Well day 8 proved to be very relaxing.  We didn't move again because of weather.  We might have to stay put a few days.  We will wait for our window of opportunity before we move again.

We did work around the boat, well Brian did, I cross stitched in the afternoon.  So relaxing.

I will keep you all posted when we are able to travel again.

Day 7 of the Trip Home

What a wonderful day yesterday.  The sun was shining, there was no wind, the waters were calm and we made good headway.  It would be nice if we had this for a few days.  We were in the Virginia cut so there was absolutely nothing to see but vacant land.  Still it was a great day.

We will have a short day on Tuesday which is always nice.

Day 5 and 6 of the Trip Home

Well, Day 5 was exciting.  We didn't move.  Weather kept us at anchor.  We are beginning to think we will have more trouble on our way home than we did on our way to New Bern.  We heard from fellow boaters, D & H, that we met on our way to New Bern.  They are on their trip home North as well.  We are hoping to meet up with  them if we have a little bit of luck.

Day 6, Ahhhh we are finally moving.  The waters seemed fairly good when we started out but got progressively worse as the day wore on.  Fortunately our destination was Manteo on the Outer Banks.  Although the water was rough it seemed to be the wind causing most of the problem.  We made it to the free dock at the Manteo Marina.  No power or water but we are tied up and hoping for a good night.

Along the way we have seen several Pacific Pelicans.  These bird are very beautiful.  Well I think so anyway.  Yellow and red heads and dull grey bodies.

I will say we have seen a few.......okay a few hundred sea gulls.  Not quite as pretty as the pelicans.

We expect to be moving tomorrow if the weather holds.  

Day 4 of Trip Home

We left Oriental around 9:00 am.  The weather looked good.  The seas were calm and not very much  wind.  We cruised all day, knowing we were going to put in a long day.  About a half hour from our destination we ran into some high winds and rough waters.  Fortunately we were close to our destination of  Broad Creek.

Along the way, near Nebraska, NC, we saw a very high tower.  The Capstar Radio Tower is 600 meters high (1,968').  Not the highest in the US but just shy of 100' less than the highest.  The tower seemed to go right into the clouds.  I didn't get a picture because we were too far off shore.

We finally anchored about 5:30pm and were glad to get stopped.

Day 3 of Trip Home

What an exciting day today.  We went into the Oriental Marina and added fuel to the Starboard tank.  Then we docked on their free dock.  Brian took Cora for a walk, we went to the Marine store, and then we had an ice cream cone.  Yummy.

We ended up anchored out for the day again because of weather.  The next few days look pretty good for weather so we hope to make some headway.  We are heading for the Outer Banks for Sunday.  The owner of the Foxy Boutique and her staff are going to spend Sunday afternoon with us on the boat.  Should be fun.

We are missing C & J from New Bern, we really enjoyed their company.  We heard from D & H who we met on our way down to New Bern.  They are heading north as well.  We are really hoping our paths will cross at some point.  Our thoughts are still with our New Bern friends missing them.

As you can see, Cora had a very stressful day.  Poor girl.

Day 2 of Trip Home

 Oh my, what a peaceful day.  We didn't move an inch.  Day two brought high winds and rough water.  Needless to say we stayed put.  We may have to stay another day because the weather doesn't look much better for tomorrow. 

First, I want you all to know it took a little practice using my 7 in 1 oven.  It works great but you do have to choose between bake, air fry, toast, etc.  So, I have done a pizza on air fry but on bake temperature.  This is what it looked like.

It may not look very appetizing but I want you all to know the taste was not comprised.  Should this happen to any of you "don't throw it away".  

Day 1 of Trip Home

 Ahhh, finally we are back on the water only this time heading home.  We missed home a lot, missed our family and friends.  We met some great people while we were here and we will miss them as well.

We left around 9:30 this morning.  We had enough time to pump out before catching the 10:00 am opening of the bridge.  The first thing we needed to do was to fuel up.  We headed to Northwest Creek Marina where we enjoyed the company of Jess, the dock hand.  We did not plan on travelling very far today and planned to stop in Oriental.  (I'm not sure if it is the same Oriental as in the Monopoly Game).  

We stopped and anchored to have lunch.  It is always more enjoyable when we stop rather than eat when we are under power.  We anchored near the Sound of Freedom Golf Course.  A very beautiful course.

We arrived in Oriental just after 4:30 and anchored for the night.  I have several things I need to get organized this evening for easier travelling.

Cora quickly went back to her routine while travelling.  Now, doesn't she look comfortable?

Hopefully this will be an "uneventful" trip and we will be home sometime in May.