Day 280 Gloucester Point, VA

We hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Today is Wednesday, December 28th and we arrived back in Gloucester Point last night after a hectic week visitng both daughters.  We left here Sunday, December 18th after church and drove to Bethesda where we spent a couple of days with our daughter Sherrie and then left on Wednesday for Dallas.  I was unsure if we were going to get on the flights standby because of the heavy Christmas loads but were lucky and made each one.  It was a little uncomfortable on the first segment because I had to sit in a center seat between two large men but at least we got there.

We had a great time in Dallas as our daughter and son-in-law took us to a local theater (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) and saw A Christmas Carol.  The cast was great and it was a nice play to see again during the holidays.  The next night we went to Fellowship Bible Church and participated in an unbelieveable service.  It was a huge church with large screens in every corner.  After church we took them to Pappadeaux and had an incredible dinner (we've never had a bad meal there).

The next day Mike took Brian to the new Cowboy Stadium and had a VIP tour and saw Emmitt Smith and Mel Renfro as well as several Cowboy cheerleaders.  They also had a tour of one of the suites which was for sale (Brian said he made an application for it).

We had to leave Christmas day as flights were full the rest of the week and made it back to DC without a problem.  We arrived in Bethesda at 6:30 in time to have Christmas dinner with Sherrie, Chris and Lauren.  We left Tuesday morning to drive back to Gloucester Point and the boat but I think everyone else had the same idea as I-95 was packed and it was raining! 

What a difference a day makes as today is bright and sunny even though it's still cold and windy.  We have a lot to accomplish before turning around and driving back to Bethesda to help Sherrie move back to San Antonio until Lauren graduates from Alamo Heights High School in 2013.  It's a huge sacrifice they're making for their daughter but we all do things for our kids.

We have a lot to accomplish before leaving again but in case I don't get back to the blog I'd like to wish everyone who follows it a Happy New Year!

Day 264 - Gloucester, VA

Today is Monday, December 12th and I cannot believe how fast Christmas is sneaking up on me!  Tomorrow I hit the shops.  We're still planning to go to Dallas for Christmas if we can get a flight since we go stand-by.  I've never tried to do that during the Christmas season so it may be stressful.  We were going to include a trip to San Antonio but have agreed to help our daughter Sherrie drive down there toward the end of January so we'll wait on that trip.

We've been staying busy here on the boat and going to Ft. Eustis to the gym, etc. but haven't done as much sightseeing as we intended because it's so cold here.  If the weather permits this Saturday, Mike wants to do the segway tour of Yorktown.  I've never been on one of those things but have always wanted to try it.  We'll see...

Day 252 - Back in Gloucester, VA

Today is Wednesday, November 30th and I am having a hard time believing tomorrow is December 1st.  Time seems to fly faster and faster.  We did go to Bethesda for Thanksgiving and had a very relaxing, enjoyable visit.  Of course we ate too much but had lots of leftovers and I have even made a pot of turkey rice soup since returning to the boat.  The girls and I went shopping on Black Friday and hit Tyson Corner Mall at 8:00 AM.  We got a front row parking spot and the mall wasn't crowded at all until later in the morning and we were able to pick up some amazing deals - 50% off everything in the store until noon, etc.  We had a great shopping day.

I celebrated my birthday while there which made it even better.  Chris took us to the Great Falls area which flows from the Potomac River and I didn't even know it existed.  Mike and I came to the conclusion that we wouldn't live there even if someone gave us a house.  We took Route 17 from Gloucester to Fredericksburg which was a lovely drive but then you pick up I-95 and the traffic is horrible!  After visiting the Falls we went to Georgetown and walked around and then went to Serendipity to have a bite to eat and have their famous frozen hot chocolate.  When we were in New York in August Lauren made sure we went there.

We've been back on the boat since Sunday and are falling back into a routine.  We've decided to go to Dallas for Christmas to visit our other daughter Kelly and maybe a short trip back to San Antonio for a visit.

Day 237 - Gloucester Point, VA

Today is Tuesday, November 15th and the leaves are beginning to fall everywhere.  They're still beautiful but it won't be long before they're bare and then it will reallly look like winter.  We're staying busy by doing work around the boat, on the computer, etc.  We've been going to the gym at Ft. Eustis which feels great since we both have gotten so out of shape on this relaxing cruise.  We're planning to see parts of Williamsburg tomorrow after my injection (my third and last).

Fortunately we had Direct TV installed here at our slip and have been able to watch my favorite "Dancing With The Stars", and Mike his endless football.

We'll be going to Bethesda for Thanksgiving and are looking forward to that.  Believe it or not, my daughter,  granddaughter and I will be hitting the shops early on black Friday!  That's something I swore I'd never do but oh well....

Day 231 - Gloucester, VA

Today is Wednesday, November 9th and I had my second injection this morning.  So far so good.  It seems like the pain is less which is a good thing.  I continue to be amazed at the beauty of the trees this fall.  This is one of the most beautiful places I've seen.  Being from Texas, I'm not used to the change of seasons like we're experiencing here.

Yesterday the weather was really nice so we decided to take the boat out for a cruise up the York River.  It was great to be out on the water again.  We removed the dinghy from the back of the boat and later in the afternoon we took it around the creek here and checked out the homes on the water.  When we were backing the boat into the covered slip, we were so nervous about hitting the sides that we both forgot about the antenna which needs to be lowered first and we broke it off.  That's a $100 - $150 mistake!

We've gotten to know the guy who has a little fishing rod shop right across from the boat and Mike plans to buy one of his custom made rods and start fishing off the boat and from the dinghy as we've been told the fish in the creek here are good to eat.

We continue staying busy doing little things around the boat and the marina. 

Day 225 - Gloucester, VA

Today is Thursday November 3rd and it continues to be chilly but it was also nice and sunny today.  My car was delivered on Monday and on Wednesday we drove to Williamsburg for me to have my first injection in my knee.  The doctor said results normally are seen after the 2nd or 3rd injection so we'll see.  We drove on the Colonial Parkway to Williamsburg and it was simply gorgeous with all the leaves turning colors!  I have to say that the scenery in this part of the country is spectacular.

Today we ran errands and then went to the Fort Eustis gym. Boy am I out of shape!  Seven months of mostly inactivity has taken its toll on me.  Of course the knee has prevented me from doing much but I used the eliptical machine and it seems to be ok.

We'll be going to Bethesda for Thanksgiving with Sherrie, Chris and Lauren and am looking foward to that.  We decided we need a GPS for the car if we're going to the Washington, D.C. area as we'll be totally lost if we don't.

Not much more going on with us since we're stationary here for the season.

Day 221 - Gloucester, VA

We're still here and will be all winter although many folks have left their boats winterized and are heading home to various parts of the country or continuing their cruise south. Many people spend the winter months in Florida or the Bahamas but we made the decision to remain here until the spring as we've already cruised through Florida.  The marina serves complimentary breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings but today was the last one of the season and we bid farewell to several couples leaving.  The weather for the last couple of days has been miserable - cold and wet!  However, today it's just COLD.  It would be a beautiful day otherwise.

We're located in a covered slip but the docks are not floating so we have to be sure our lines are loose to allow movement with the tides which are significant.  Yesterday and today the water has been so high that we had to improvise getting off the boat.  First Mike put a bucket out to step on and we went to breakfast.  When we returned, the bucket was missing - it floated away!  Today we used our folding steps but made sure we picked them up before walking away.  You have to be flexible when living aboard.

Today we're just hanging out as there's not much more to do without a car.  Hopefully mine will be delivered tomorrow as I've been getting cabin fever.  I have my first injection of euflexa in my knee this Wednesday and am praying it works as I'd sure like to get back into a regular workout routine. 

We're going to dinner tonight at a great italian restaurant with a nice couple we met here at the marina.  She's the one from San Antonio.

Well, not much more that's new as we've been unable to get around but hopefully that will soon change.

Day 213 - Gloucester, VA

Today is Saturday, October 22nd and the weather is cloudy and chilly here in Virginia.  I think we brought Ireland weather back with us!Yesterday we rode our bikes and decided to go across Hwy. 17 where we've never been before.  We found a place now called Tyndales Park which is very historic as it was the site where Lord Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington and America gained its independence from Great Britain in the 1700s.  Also, it was here that civil war battles occurred in the 1850s.  There are numerous earthen mounds which were used as protection from the enemy and one in particular where they had mounted 12 cannons aimed across the York River.  This all occurred here at Gloucester Point.  Anyway, this area is really where our country began and we intend to see more whenever my car is delivered - hopefully next week.

The marina here is having their annual customer appreciation day today with an oyster roast which begins shortly so we intend to take part in that. We're keeping busy until the spring when we can continue our journey north.

Day 209 - Back home in Gloucester, VA

Today is Wednesday, October 19th and we're back on Queen Kathleen after a great two weeks in Ireland.  We left here on Saturday, October 2nd spending the night in NYC and then met our daughter, Sherrie, at the Newark airport for the trip to Ireland.  It was an overnight flight so jet lag was hitting all of us when we arrived which made it interesting when mike took the wheel of the rent car.  The wheel was on the right side and driving is done on the left side of the road.  Several times during the trip Sherrie yelled "Dad, get on the left side!"  Anyway, we arrived at the Shannon Airport and drove to Ennis where we spent two nights at the Woodstock Hotel.  We caught up on sleep and set out to see the Cliffs of Moher which were spectacular!  However, the wind was vicious and as Sherrie and I soon discovered, a hairdo in Ireland is impossible. We had dinner at the Bunratty Castle and saw a show including traditional Irish song and dance, a fun evening.

Mike's purpose in going to Ireland was to see the Clare Heritage Center and trace his roots although his Uncle Jack had previously done this.  It seems that his family came from County Clare and he wanted to see the area.  We learned about the severe potato famine which occurred in 1850 and caused the deaths of a million people and a million more immigrated to other countries including the U.S. which was 25% of their population.  Very interesting and sad.

We next went to the city of Galway for a couple of days and did a lot of shopping.  Most of our nights were spent in local B&Bs and eating local fare in pubs. After leaving Galway, we drove through the Connemara National Park area and came on a place called Kylemore Abbey & Gardens and decided to go see it.  Wow!!  It was incredible and I've never seen gardens such as these!  So glad we stopped. We went to the city of Kenmare and stayed at the Shelburne Lodge which was so lovely and had an incredible breakfast.  We drove part of the Ring of Kerry which is through a mountainous region and it was gorgeous but scary as the roads are so narrow and you meet tour buses everywhere as well as cattle and sheep on the road!  We went to the towns of Glengarriff and Bantry and visited the Bantry House built in 1750.

We went to the city of Cork which is huge!  We visited the infamous Cork City Gaol (jail) which was horrible but interesting.  They imprisoned people for such minor offenses it was unbelievable.  Also, in the 1820s and 1830s it housed prisoners bound for Australia on convict ships which was their method of getting rid of them.

While in Cork we had the most interesting experience of all - dinner in a traditional Irish household.  Mike and I had lunch with Father Murphy in San Antonio last year asking him for advice on what to see when we took this trip.  He mentioned that he had a brother in Cork and he would love to have us over for dinner.  Well, they did have us over in their home built in the 1700s and the meal was spectacular.  Jack and Joan Murphy own 4 acres outside of town and they grow all their own vegetables and Joan prepared an amazing dinner for us.  The food and conversation were so enjoyable.

On to Cobh (pronounced Cove) where we visited the Queenstown & Titanic Story.  Cobh was previously called Queenstown after a visit from the Queen but was changed back to Cobh.  Anyway, this is the exact location where the mass exodus occurred in the mid 1800s during the potato famine.  It's also the last stop the Titanic made before heading on it's ill-fated journey.

We visited the city of Waterford and went to the crystal factory which was closed down last year but then purchased by a New York investment firm so has reopened.  This city is the third oldest anywhere and was discovered in 914 by the Vikings. 

Our last city visited was Kilkenny where we went to the medieval Kilkenny castle built in the 12th century.  Everywhere you go in Ireland you find these old rock structures which have been there for centuries and are partially standing but they are left for all to see.

We left Shannon on Sunday morning, October 16th heading back to the U.S. and as many times and places we have traveled I'm always so grateful to return home.  The people of Ireland are wonderful.  They're courteous, considerate and friendly and I would highly recommend a visit.  Just be prepared for rain!!   

Day 187 Gloucester, VA

Today is Thursday, September 29th and we're excited about leaving Saturday morning for New York City and on to Ireland.  We'll be gone for two weeks and Mike has prepared a nice itinerary for us.

We rented a car on Saturday morning and once again it rained all week-end.  We left Sunday afternoon for Morehead City, NC for the doctors appointment on Monday morning.  It was a long drive - 5 1/2 hours each way.  I had the injection but don't think it's helping much so when I get back from Ireland, I'm going to see about having the series of 3 injections of something called euflexa and if that doesn't work, I'm facing the knee replacement.  I'm thinking about trying to get a local doctor for those injections.

As I mentioned before, we're planning on spending the winter months here in Virginia and I hear they get snow.  Most boating people head south for the winter to warmer weather but we've had hot weather since leaving Texas in March and are actually looking forward to cold weather.  There aren't many live aboards here in this marina so it'll be very quiet all winter.  I think having my car up here will really help. 

See you in two weeks......

Day 181 -Gloucester, VA

Today is Friday, September 23rd and it's been a very uneventful week.  This marina is very quiet and especially this time of year when things settle down and boating slacks off.  Wouldn't you know it but it rained heavily all day and it's expected all week-end into next week.  We're renting a car again to finish getting ready for our trip to Ireland next week-end.  We're leaving here Saturday morning, October 1st,  flying to New York and spending the night at the Marriott by the Newark airport.  Mike wants to see ground zero again and eat at Pelligrinos in Little Italy.  The flight to Shannon is Sunday night.

We're driving back to Moorehead City, N.C. on Sunday night for an early doctors appointment Monday morning.  I saw that doctor when we were at the Beaufort City Marina for my knee and Mike was so impressed with him that he thinks we should go all the way back for an injection.  I need a knee replacement but can't stand the thought of going through that right now.  I'm hoping an injection will get me through this trip without too much pain while walking.  Guess it was all those years of aerobics!

I think we're going to have my car transported here after we return from Ireland.  We had thought of flying home and driving back but think it would cost less just to have it transported.  We're currently checking into that.

No more news for today so will add something before leaving on the lst for 2 weeks.

Day 176 - Gloucester, VA

Today is Sunday and we've been back at York River Yacht Haven for about 5 days and think we made the best decision returning to this marina.   I even met a lady here from San Antonio.  She lived on Brightwood St. and attended Alamo Heights High School and UT.  Her aunt even lived on Blue Bonnet. It's such a small world!

The weather was great until yesterday when the heavens opened up and it's been raining off and on (mostly on) since then (wish I could send some of it to Texas!). I even went swimming Thursday afternoon.  Now it's chilly and damp. We had arranged for a rent car Friday afternoon and planned to do some sightseeing but the weather just didn't permit that so we ran errands and checked out Fort Eustes on the other side of Yorktown.  They have a gym we can use for free but we need a car for that.  We've been contemplating flying back to San Antonio in November and driving my car back but not sure about that yet.  A car would sure come in handy since we're going to be here so long.

This is such a historic area and there are markers everywhere indicting a revolutionary war or civil war battlefield, etc.  Most of the counties and towns have an English name such as Gloucester (pronounced Glou-ster), King William County, King and Queen County, Middlesex County, New Kent County and so on.

Today we went to church and then to the little town of Saluda where Sargeant Major Lonnie Martin who looked after the late Virginia Puller gave a talk about his experiences.  She was the wife of Lt. Gen. Chesty Puller - the most decorated marine ever and the hero of all marines.  Mike loved it.  We then went to Christ Church and the cemetery to see their graves.  Now it's Sunday night football so I guess I'll retire to my room and read.....

Day 171 - Back in Gloucester, VA

Today is Tuesday, September 13th and we are back in the York River Yacht Haven to stay for the next 5-6 months as we can't go any farther north until the spring.  Weather permitting, we'll explore the east coast of the Chesapeake Bay this winter.

We left last Friday and went to Deltaville which took us about 6 hours cruising and were there until this morning.  After several days there, we had pretty much decided that's where we would stay and then we moved into a permanent slip which is a covered slip.  Unfortunately, it has a metal roof and we could not pick up any TV, stereo, computer, or phone.  As Mike wants a covered slip for the winter months, the decision was made to return to York River.  And so here we are in a covered slip with a wooden roof that allows signals to come through so we can use everything. The cruise back was very uneventful and smooth - light winds and temperatures that weren't too hot.  After watching the weather tonight, it looks like we're going to have a big change on Thursday night with a cold front dropping temps down to the sixties for a couple of days.

While at Deltaville, we took bike rides down beautiful roads and saw wild turkeys crossing the road along with lots of beautiful deer.  We thought that area was much prettier than it is here but there is more to offer in this location, even though it's not that much.

We're renting a car this week-end and will explore the neighboring towns such as Yorktown, Williamsburg and Jamestown.

Day 165 - Gloucester, VA

Today is Wednesday, September 7th and we are currently at the York River Yacht Haven on the York River having arrived Monday afternoon about 2:30 just ahead of a huge storm!  We had just tied up and carried everything below when it hit.  I would have hated to have been out in the open water in the middle of that storm.
I think storms are predicted every afternoon this week.  In fact there was another severe storm last night and Mike said we needed to get off the boat quickly because there was a tornado warning.  Well, we darted off and ran through the rain to the marina office/restaurant where we waited it out.

We were able to borrow the loaner car and do some grocery shopping but it was at least 5 miles away and a little expensive also.

We have been looking at this marina as a possible site to winter over in the boat and use as a base of operations.  It's a nice place but there isn't much around here.  We're leaving in the morning to check out a couple more marinas a little farther north near Deltaville.  Hopefully, we'll get out of here before another storm hits.

We need to be settled within the next several weeks as we're planning a trip to Ireland around October 3rd.  Most everybody knows I used to work for Continental Airlines (which is now United) and therefore fly standby.  So when I say October 3rd, that could change by a day or two or even as much as a week.  I never know until the time comes.  Ireland is a popular place for tourists but I understand the weather starts to change around the middle of October and the days get shorter.  Stay tuned.

Day 161 - Norfolk

Today is Saturday, September 3rd and we're still here in Waterside Marina in Norfolk having arrived Wednesday afternoon.  We went to the Nauticus Museum and the Battleship Wisconsin yesterday and spent most of the afternoon there as it was so interesting.  I didn't realize that ship was commissioned in 1944 and used in WWII, Korean War and the Gulf War.

The marina is situated next to a great park but in the evenings they have either live entertainment or piped in music which can get quite loud at times but at least they stop at a decent hour.

We had gone across the channel Thursday morning for the pumpout and Mike decided to take a little cruise down the channel to see what was here.  We turned around and were on our way back when we noticed a submarine being towed by two tugboats.  All of a sudden this little coast guard boat speeds up toward us and through the loud speaker said we needed to be 500 yards away from the sub.  We were on the edge of the channel and had nowhere to move so there was not much we could do.  In the meantime I'm taking pictures because it was such an unusual sight and they yelled at me "NO PICTURES!"  Here we are U.S. citizens minding our own business and these are little 19 or 20 year old kids manning a machine gun on the front of their boat screaming at us.  It was very frustrating!

Needless to say, we've had a lot of adventures on this trip.  We're leaving Monday morning for the York River near Yorktown, VA to check out several marinas to keep the boat for the winter months so we can make side trips through the Chesapeake Bay but use the one marina as a base.

Day 159 - Norfolk, VA

Today is Thursday, September 1st and it was a whirlwind trip yesterday getting here to the Waterside Marina in Norfolk.  We had been sitting around in that dark boatshed for days waiting for news that the lock was going to open and decided to have the men at the boatyard move the boat behind us so that in the event we could go, we would be ready.  Our intention was to have time to get a pumpout before leaving and to be in the position to go when we found out we could.  Then as they were moving the boat behind us, we were told the lock was going to open only for a short window of time and if we wanted to go, we'd better take advantage and get out of there.

Usually before departing there are a number of items to check off the list but we didn't have time to do anything!  We headed for the bridge opening and then into the lock with about 6 other boats.  Mike forgot to turn on the bow thruster and I didn't do a checklist of items in the cabin.  He was able to run down and turn on the thruster but I forgot the vase of flowers and when we arrived, of course they had overturned with water everywhere.

It was a stressful day and the short trip to Norfolk reminded me of the industrial Texas and Louisiana stretch of the intracoastal - heavy industry and barge traffic.  Fortunately it was only 12 miles and we arrived safely.  Today we need to go to the marina across the canal for a pumpout as the one here was damaged by Hurricane Irene.  Sightseeing is on the agenda as well.  This is the same marina where the rendezvous was held in May so we've been here before however, the marina was full then of boats heading north to Canada.  This time the marina is almost empty.  We started our journey at a different time than most people doing the Great Loop as usually it's a one year trip.  Our intent was to take two years so I guess we'll catch up next spring. 

We're going to spend the winter months at a marina in the Chesapeake somewhere and take short side trips rather than turn around and go back to Florida which has been recommended to us.  I have no desire to do that and neither does Mike so we'll just stay up here and see the sights in the winter months.  Our daughter Sherrie lives in Bethesda so since it's so close I'm sure we'll plan several trips there as well as other trips around the area.  At least we'll have no more long days of 8-10 hours on the water for a long time.

Day 156 - Chesapeake, VA

Today is Monday, August 29th, and we returned to the boat yesterday afternoon to find no damage!  However, the water level was really high and we had to walk through about 6 inches of water in order to get to the walkway to the boat. Then the boat had risen so high that we had to climb aboard via the swim platform in the back.  The top of the boat came very close to hitting the roof of this boatshed.  The water level is starting to go down now fortunately.

We spent 2 nights at the Marriott TownePlace Suites and Saturday we experienced the full impact of the hurricane as it poured constantly all day and the wind was very strong.  Of course we stayed in the room all day watching the news.  We ventured outside once or twice to the covered porch but it was too bad to stay out more than a couple of minutes.  On Sunday morning we took a walk around the hotel and saw a number of trees down as well as part of the roof torn off the Red Roof Inn next door.  It could have been a lot worse but it had downgraded to a category l.

We'd like to leave tomorrow but found out that the locks right next to the Great Bridge have electrical damage caused by the hurricane and they don't know when they will be fixed.  Great Bridge is right outside this marina and to head north we have to go through it and then the locks.  We've decided to go to Norfolk which is only 12 miles away and spend a couple of days there before venturing into the Chesapeake Bay.  Hopefully, we can leave soon.  We rode our bikes to the grocery store today and picked up a few items we could fit into our backpacks so we're prepared to leave.

Day 153 - Chesapeake, VA

After talking with the manager of the marina boatyard, we made the decision to leave the boat and check into a hotel.  We're at the Marriott TownePlace Suites for the week-end and feel good about our decision.  We spent the afternoon here and then decided to get a cab over to the local mall and then walked across the street to the Olive Garden for dinner.  It's 8:00 PM and so far so good.  Nothing has happened yet but we're hunkered down here for the duration.  The hotel has given everyone a list of what to expect in the event it's really bad.  I'll be sure to update the blog after it's all over.  Today is our 45th wedding anniversary - what a way to celebrate!

Day 152 - Atlantic Yacht Basin

Watching all the boats coming in today has been amazing - all sizes and types.  We heard today that the Navy has removed all the big ships out of Norfolk which is 12 miles north of us.  We've been able to attach a little cable we bought at Wal-Mart and have been able to get a number of channels so we can keep up with the hurricane tracking information.  We haven't decided whether or not we're staying with the boat and will make that decision tomorrow but after talking with a number of people here at the marina, they have been through this before and think we'll be safe if we stay on board.  I have to say I'm a little scared because I've never been through anything like this before.  I need to get to the store and stock up on wine!!

This is a very historic area and if possible, I'd like to get out and explore.  We're in the town of Chesapeake but also it's the area referred to as Great Bridge.  There was a major Revolutionary War battle here and it actually was such a significant battle that it was the end of the war.  Hopefully, we'll be able to do some sightseeing after this is all over.

Day 151 Atlantic Yacht Basin -Chesapeake, VA

We left Alligator River Marina and decided to go all the way to Atlantic Yacht Basin to be sure and get a space to hang out until the hurricane is over.  Apparently everyone else has the same idea because they told us they were expecting about 60 more boats in the next day or so.  It was a long day but we arrived about 6:30 PM and they put us in a covered shed with 3 boats in front of us and room for another 2 behind us.  It's like a 3 sided shed so we feel pretty safe here.  Unfortunately we can't get any TV or radio so it's just the two of us.  We have a few days before this storm arrives so we'll ride our bikes around the area and check it out but I think it's going to be pretty boring.  I could never keep our boat here permanently because I'm already claustrophobic!  If it appears to be unsafe to stay here, we'll get out and find a place to stay.

I just learned that the hurricane is headed for Norfolk and that's just 12 miles from here so we may have to rethink staying on the boat.  At least we have a couple of days to figure it out.  More later......

Days 149-150 Dowry Creek Marina to Alligator River Marina

Mike was able to repair the engine which saved us time as well as money.  I keep telling him that I can now refer to him as "Mr. Fix-It" as he's getting pretty good as repairs.  My dad was so good as repairing anything that Mike asked me if he could now be called Keith.  I told him unfortunately he has a long way to go before that happens.

We were able to leave Dowry Creek Marina near Belhaven, N.C. and arrive here at a very small place called Alligator Creek Marina.  We passed through a wildlife refuge today where there are actually bears as well as alligators.  It felt as if we were the only people on earth today as we never even saw another boat.  It was so isolated.   We just found out about the hurricane yesterday so we are quickly heading north to get to the Atlantic Yacht Basin in Virginia where we plan to hunker down and ride out the storm.  We expect to get there on Thursday so should have plenty of time to prepare.  Hopefully it won't be too bad.  We didn't even know about the earthquake in the Washington DC area and of course didn't feel anything being on the water.  What's happening with the weather?

Days 146-148 Oriental NC to Belhaven NC

We left Beaufort on Friday morning and timed it so we only had to wait about 15 minutes for the lift bridge to open.  We had a short but enjoyable cruise to Oriental, NC hoping to tie up to the free dock but there was already a boat there and not enough room for us.  Right next to the free dock was the Oriental Inn and Marina which is quite small but very nice so that's where we stayed.  The people there were very accommodating and happy to have us so we enjoyed an afternoon swim and visiting with the people on the neighboring boat.  It appeared to be where all the shrimp boats come in as there were quite a few there.

We left Oriental heading north to the town of Belhaven traveling through the Neuse River which was very wide and calm.  Actually it was very calm and we saw few other boats throughout the day.  We approached Belhaven and tried to contact the marina which looked totally out of business.  The town is so small that I wonder if you can even call it a town.  After hitting bottom and almost getting stuck, we got out of there and headed to a marina a little farther away called Dowry Creek Marina which is where we are today.  We've had a little overheating issue with the engine so Mike is trying to fix it himself but we may have to stay here until we can get a mechanic to look at it.  This place is very isolated but they have a pool so I may take a swim later today.  Hopefully, we won't be here too long.

Day 145 - Beaufort, NC

We left Carolina Beach Tuesday morning heading for Beaufort, NC (pronounced Bo-fort) and had to pass through Camp LeJeune, a USMC base where Mike did advanced training after he finished basic school back in 1968.  Fortunately they weren't doing live fire exercises because it would have delayed us for hours.  The scenery along the route was really beautiful.  There was a swing bridge opening only on the hour and as we were approaching, we saw another boat waiting.  As we got closer we saw it was some nice people we had met at Harborwalk Marina in Myrtle Beach last week.  We agreed to meet up here at Beaufort and we enjoyed a great dinner with them on Tuesday night.

This is a neat little town that is quite old and very interesting to walk through.  The marina is right on the boardwalk with lots of activity.  The only issue we've had is the singer at the restaurant right outside our door.  He has been singing until midnight and it's been impossible to sleep.  Also, the neighboring island is Carrot Island and today we saw the wild horses near the shore.  We're leaving tomorrow morning heading for Oriental, NC which is only about 25 miles. 

Day 141 - Carolina Beach, N.C.

We arrived here in Carolina Beach yesterday and decided to stay over an extra day and rest up as well as ride bikes through the town.  Also, since it's Sunday, there will be more boats on the water.  This is definitely a beach community and reminded us a lot of Port Aransas, Texas.

We were on our way to this marina yesterday when Mike saw a guy on the dock waving at him.  He thought he was being friendly and waved back.  All of a sudden, he came over the radio with "this is a no wake zone!  Please slow down!".  Well, Mike immediately slowed down as he hadn't seen the sign and was getting ready to apologize via the radio when he came on again and said "trawler trash".  We were pretty shocked but it's been a joke that we're not trailer trash but trawler trash.  Oh well......

We plan to leave tomorrow and head about 50 miles north.

Day 139 - Georgetown, SC to Myrtle Beach

We left Charleston, SC on Wednesday morning heading for Georgetown and it was a rather long day.  We thought we had a muffler problem and ended up staying over 2 nights and fortunately everything ended up OK.  Georgetown is a really cute city with a historic district right by the waterfront and I rode my bike along Front Street checking out some of the little shops.  I discovered the Kudzu Bakery and got some great bread and dessert items.  Mike and I had dinner at the Rice Paddy Restaurant which was excellent.

We left this morning and after a 6/12 hour cruise arrived at a marina near Myrtle Beach ahead of a storm. It was an interesting journey today as we encountered several swing bridges which open on request and they have to stop all traffic on both sides.  Some of the scenery along the waterway was just beautiful and the closer we got the Myrtle Beach, the more activity we saw.  This is definitely a vacation town and we encountered numerous jet skis all around us.  We'll be leaving in the morning heading north.

Day 136 Charleston

Today is Tuesday, August 9th, and I returned from New York City Sunday night.  What a trip!   Sherrie and I came up with a word we used over and over again - overwhelming!  The city is a great place to visit but we were ready to leave after 5 days.  Lauren on the other hand loved each and every moment and is ready to move there.  She's actually considering attending FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) for her 4 years of college but it's a little early to make a decision like that.

Sherrie had rented a small (or should I say tiny) apartment on 14th St. which was a 3rd floor walkup and after climbing those stairs several times a day as well as all the subway stairs, we estimated that we had climbed about 1,000 steps in the 5 days.  We started to feel like regular New Yorkers.  .  I even got yelled at on the subway by a woman whose daughter I fell against while trying to sit down because the train lurched forward.  I was speechless.

While Lauren was in class, we toured the city by the on-off bus and got to see things we would have missed on foot.  The tour guide was great and gave us many tidbits of information.  We got off and toured the ground zero sight and saw the new building going up and then took the Staten Island Ferry around the Statue of Liberty and saw the beautiful New York skyline from the water.  Mike and I will be cruising through there next year.

Of course there was plenty of shopping and eating - our favorite place is Little Italy.  Once Lauren was out of class, it was off to the boutiques and sample sales she had heard about.  This grandmother was worn out! 

The day of our departure, Lauren went with a friend and her mom to the Museum of Modern Art to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit but unfortunately the line was 31/2 - 4 hours long and she wasn't able to see it.  He was a designer who committed suicide last year.  Mike just read that it was the most popular exhibit they have ever had.

Now it's back to reality and we're leaving Charleston tomorrow morning.  Our first stop will be Georgetown, SC about 65 miles north.

Day 125 - Charleston

Today is the 125th day since leaving Rockport, Texas and we're still in Charleston and will be for more than another week.  We returned here from Dallas on Sunday, July 24th and after unpacking and repacking, we rented a car and drove back to Dataw Island for their 3 day-2 night "Discover Dataw" package so we could explore the area more in depth as a possible place to retire.  We both still love it as it is such a beautiful spot as well as very friendly.  Unfortunately, this has presented itself at a very inopportune time for us so it'll be interesting to see what happens.

Dallas was great as we got to spend time with our daughter Kelly, her husband Brian and our new granddog, Lucious - a miniature long haired dachsund who is precious!  They live at a high rise called AZURE on the 18th floor and even though I wouldn't like living that high up, it's pretty spectacular!

I'll be leaving Charleston again tomorrow morning for Washington, D.C. where I'm meeting my daughter Sherrie and granddaughter Lauren where we'll take the train to New York City and spend 5 days.  As I mentioned before, Lauren will be attending the Fashion Institute of Technology for a 4 day workshop.  Mike is batching it and hopes to catch up on a few repair items.  After I return from New York, we'll be heading north.

Days 100-117 - Charleston, S.C.

Sundeck with Mr. Pelican in background

We left Dataw Island and are currently in the Charleston City Marina and will be there until about August 9th or 10th.  We had the opportunity to see Fort Sumter which is where the first shot of the civil war occurred.  There is so much history in this part of the country and we hope to see more of it before leaving.

We left Charleston on July 8th for San Antonio as Mike had several business meetings and we scheduled all of our doctor and dentist appointments as well as hosting a dinner for all of our original wedding party.  We've been doing this every five years for the last 20 years and most are still around.  Unfortunately one of our good friends passed away this year.  It will be very interesting to see who is still here in 5 years which will be our 50th anniversary!

We left San Antonio yesterday, July 20th and flew to Dallas to visit our youngest daughter Kelly for several days and then it's back to Charleston.  I plan to fly to Washington, D.C. on the 30th to join my oldest daughter Sherrie and granddaughter Lauren on a trip to New York City.  Lauren is going to attend a 5 day workshop at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Sherrie and I will enjoy shopping and seeing the sights.

Finally after all of that, we plan to head north.  Stay tuned for details.  I've been told that I haven't been adding to the blog enough so I'll try to remedy that situation.

Days 94-99 Beaufort, S.C. to Charleston

                 HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY TO EVERYONE!

We ended up staying in Beaufort until Friday because of boat repairs but were able to get out and tour the city which is very picturesque as well as historic.  As I said before, we had lived there about 40 years ago and drove by the house where we lived and not much has changed.  We also did some bike riding and while trying to cross a busy road, I started to fall and came down hard on my left foot which did some damage to my knee.  This knee has been an ongoing problem for quite a while and I ended up going to the ER and fortunately only had contusions and lots of arthritis.  We're going back to San Antonio on July 8th for some business meetings and a dinner which we're hosting for our original wedding party and I will see an orthopedic doctor then.

We left Beaufort on Saturday morning and went over to Dataw Island which was a short cruise of about 2 hours.  Mike had arranged for us to have a tour of the island and the facilities as he's read much about it as a retirement place.  We fell in love with it as well as one of the homes we saw.  It's a little too early to make a decision like that but it's something to think about.

We spent the night at Dataw and left early Sunday morning for Charleston arriving about 2:00 and were both exhausted from the heat.  Today we spent cleaning the boat and plan to watch the fireworks tonight as they're going to be seen from Ft. Sumter as well as the Citadel.  Tomorrow and Wednesday we'll go sightseeing and then start getting ready to go to San Antonio.

Days 88-94 - St. Augustine to Beaufort, S.C.

Beautiful peacock at Fountain of Youth

Drinking from the Fountain of Youth - See any difference?

We hated to leave St. Augustine because it's such a great city to visit but the time came and we departed heading north.  The last several stops have been uneventful including one marina that was listed on the Active Captain website as "rustic".  Mike said if you've ever seen the old movie with Burt Reynolds called "Deliverance", that's what it looked like.  We arrived at the Port Royal Marina near Beaufort, S.C. yesterday, June 28th and were anticipating using the loaner car and driving around the area for awhile today but have unexpectedly discovered a water leak that needed attention.  Mike has been working on this all day and the ordered part won't be in until Friday so we'll be here for several days.  I guess we'll begin our sightseeing tomorrow.  We were stationed here in 1970-71 when Mike was in the USMC just home from Vietnam and we hated it then.  He was a lowly lst Lt. and we had no money to enjoy the area and were homesick.  Also the bugs were awful.  We returned about 5 years ago and fell in love with it so we're anxious to get out and explore.

This marina is about 2 miles from the city of Beaufort but we decided to stay here vs. the city marina due to the critiques we read from others who have stayed there.
Beaufort was the city where several movies were filmed, such as "The Great Santini", "Forrest Gump", "The Big Chill" and "The Prince of Tides" where the final scene of the movie was filmed at the bridge right next to this marina.

Stay tuned...more to come.

Days 77-87 Cape Canaveal to St. Augustine

We spent 3 great days in Orlando with our daughter, son-in-law and granddaugter at Disney World and were totally worn out by the time we left.  That is one active place!  Also, the weather here in Florida is hotter than Texas if that's possible. 

After leaving Cape Canaveral, we headed to New Smyrna Beach for one night and decided to go bike riding to the Publix grocery store which was quite a distance.  About half way there we noticed the clouds were getting very dark and once inside the store, the storm hit.  We had to stay there for about an hour until it let up enough for us to ride back to the boat.  Once we got back, it took the rest of the night to clean up the mess from the storm.  We hadn't protected anything and it was all soaked.

We left the next morning and headed to St. Augustine which was a very long day but we didn't want to make an additional stop along the way.  This will be our third night here and we've really enjoyed seeing this city which is the oldest city in America founded in 1565.  The first morning we were here I went to mass  with Mike at the local Catholic Church which is the oldest church in America.  Today we walked through the narrow streets of this old colonial city trying to absorb the history of this area which is quite interesting.  Mr. Henry Flagler left his mark here as well as in the keys.  We bought tickets on the red trolly train and rode around the city getting off and on as we saw things that caught our attention. 

We made a stop at the Fountain of Youth and of course I had to partake in a cup of the water to see if it would make a difference (ha ha).  That area was inhabited by the Timucuan indians for a thousand years before Pedro Menendez founded his first colony in 1565 and Ponce de Leon discovered the water that he believed was a fountain of youth.  We really enjoyed this tour.

Tomorrow we plan to tour the beautiful building which is now the Flagler College but was a gorgeous hotel build by Mr. Flagler and it contains the most extensive collection of Tiffany glass windows anywhere.  We will probably leave here on Thursday morning heading north.

Days 73-77 Ft. Lauderdale to Cape Canaveral

We left Ft. Lauderdale on Monday morning and went to Palm Beach and stayed at the Palm Beach City Marina.  The smallest slip available was 50 feet and we were parked next to a 100 ft. yacht called Sea Filly.  Our boat was the smallest in this marina.  We decided to bike ride around the area and discovered Worth Ave. which is the Rodeo Drive of Palm Beach.  As I mentioned previously, it's the off season and most of the locals are gone for the summer.  All the shops had closed at 4:00 and even if they were open, there's no way I would have gone into one.  Mike and I know the country is in a recession but we have come to the conclusion that anyone who has money is in this part of the country.  It's amazing!

We left Palm Beach the next morning and stopped overnight at an anchorage area near Jensen Beach.  This wasn't very protected and we bounced around a bit overnight.  We left early and had a short day to Vero Beach where we tied up to a mooring ball at the Vero Beach City Marina.  This is a very well protected, deep water marina right off the ICW.  We explored by dinghy and then walked about 1 1/2 miles to the beach and had a nice lunch/early dinner at Waldos which is on the beach by the Driftwood Hotel.  This hotel is located right next door to the Casa De Esta which is owned by Gloria Estefan.

Today was a long day as we left early and arrived here at the Harbortown Canaveral Marina off the Canaveral Barge Canal on Merritt Island.  It's a little isolated and out of the way but we're renting a car on Sunday and driving to Orlando where we're meeting up with our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter for a few days at Disney World.  Even though it's been rather hot here in Florida, we've been blessed with good cruising weather.  Sure hope it continues.

Days 67-72 Islamorada to Ft. Lauderdale

We dinghyed to shore at Islamorada and enjoyed a great dinner overlooking the beautiful clear water and left the following morning for Boca Chita Key.  As we were entering the key through the narrow markers, a couple of very fast small boats passed us and proceeded around the island.  They were followed by a Dade County officer with his light on going very fast.  He was followed by a coast guard boat going the same way.  We knew something was up but weren't  sure what and asked around when we got ashore but nobody knew anything.

We decided to go snorkeling and after returning to the boat all those boats started coming into the little harbor which is all there is at Boca Chita.  Our curiosity got the best of us so we walked over and talked with one of the officers.  It seems that there was a small boat off the reef and one of their divers went missing.  He was spear fishing and had quite few large dead fish with him so it's amazing a shark didn't find him.  They were able to recover him and it all ended up on a good note.  The officer said it usually ends up the other way so it was a good day.

We left Boca Chita early and cruised through Biscayne Bay to Miami and followed the intercoastal waterway through the most amazing condominiums I've ever seen.  We arrived at Ft. Lauderdale late afternoon and have been in the Las Olas Marina since then.  Since it's off season, the prices are way down which is a good thing for us.  We've enjoyed seeing the beautiful beaches and all the energy and activity since there is an incredible amount of young people
here.  Our plans are to leave tomorrow and continue heading north.

Days 64-66 Ft. Myers to Islamorada

Welcome back - We ended up spending several more days in Ft. Myers due to the fact that we had paid in advance for a month as they would not rent for a week at a time.  As it was, we left before our month was up.  Today is Wednesday, June lst and we left Monday morning about 10:15.  Since it was Memorial Day we should have waited another day.  We got onto the boat freeway again and I have never seen so much boat traffic in my life!!  At many points you have to go at idle speed because it's so narrow and shallow and it took a lot longer than we anticipated.

 The first night we made it to Marco Island and anchored in Factory Bay which was very nice although once again we had a little trouble finding the way in.  Fortunately, we asked a sailor for help and he led us all the way to the Bay. The second day I could have done without.  The wind had picked up and since we were several miles offshore, the ride was very rough.  Then after cruising about 9 hours, we came to the Little Shark River in the Everglades.  While approaching we noticed a huge fire on shore and were concerned that it would prevent us from entering the river to anchor however,  we were able to get inside and the anchorage was beautiful.  Once inside, it reminded us of parts of the intercoastal in Alabama.  Skipper Bob warns you of the mosquitoes and let me tell you - IT'S TRUE!!  They come out in force at dusk!  We stayed inside  with the windows open (screened) and enjoyed a very quiet night except for the many Everglades sounds.  (I was glad I was inside).

Entry to Gulf

Fire on Shore near Shark River

Anchored on Little Shark River in Everglades

Beautiful Water in Keys

"Boat Freeway" out of Ft. Myers

This morning we left quite early at 6:30 and arrived at Islamorada at 2:30.  This was a much better day as we were closer to land and the water is just gorgeous.  You have to pay strict attention to the charts and GPS because there are lots of extremely shallow areas.  But we made it and are getting ready to dinghy to shore for dinner and walk around the area.  This is part of the upper keys and it's really beautiful.  Tomorrow we start heading up the east coast of Florida.

Days 53-60 Norfolk, San Antonio, Ft. Myers

Well, after an enjoyable 5 days in Norfolk at the AGLCA Rendezvous, we detoured back to San Antonio for a week for a couple doctor's appointments, hair appointments, etc. and spent time with family and friends.  We arrived back on the boat last night and have spent the day unpacking, cleaning up and grocery shopping.  After one more day of preparations, we will be on our way again and since we're unable to cross Lake Okeechobee due to the depth of the water, it's out to the gulf and down around the tip of Florida.  We anticipate 3-4 nights before going around and starting up the eastern side.  More later in the week.

Days 44-52 - Ft. Myers & Norfolk

Today is Tuesday, May 17th and we have been in Norfolk, VA attending the rendezvous of the America's Great Loop Cruisers Association since Friday, the 13th.  It's been a very informative seminar and we have met a lot of great people here, some who are in the process of cruising as we are, some who have already completed the loop and some just beginning to plan.  

Our original intent was to leave Ft. Myers, go through Lake Okeechobee and leave the boat in Stuart on the east coast of  Florida.  The plans changed after talking with the lockmaster who told us the water was too shallow for our  boat to get through.  Therefore, Mike had to spend time getting the correct information we need to go around the tip of the state.  Thus, we left the boat in Ft. Myers to attend this seminar.  Now it seems we'll be getting back to the boat later than anticipated since we're heading back to San Antonio for a medical appointment.  Once that is taken care of, we'll be going back to the boat to pick up where we left off.  I probably won't be adding anything to the blog until we get back so stay tuned.....

Days 42-43 - Venice, FL to Ft. Myers

We left Crow's Nest Marina about 6:45 AM as we knew we'd have a long day ahead of us.  It  was a good day - lots of beautiful scenery but HEAVY boat traffic coming into Ft. Myers.  It was like a freeway for boats - unbelievable!  The only incident we had was when someone called us on the VHF and said our anchor had fallen!  Right in the middle of that boat freeway.  Mike handed the wheel  to me and he ran down to watch as I brought it up with the windlass and also tried to keep us from hitting anyone which was a feat.  We had a lot of rude boaters pass us during the day without slowing down causing the boat to toss around everywhere and we think that's what caused the anchor to jar loose.  Mike said that happened to him in the gulf because the boat was being pounded by waves.  Anyway, that behind us, we headed for the Ft. Myers Municipal Marina and arrived about 4:00.

We went to church this morning and rode our bikes about 4 miles to West Marine.   The ride was along this beautiful street lined with large palm trees planted by Thomas Edison who had his winter home here as did Henry Ford.  Since it's Mother's Day, I was given the go ahead to shop a little and really enjoyed it since I am the super shopper and haven't had my fix lately.  We rode back and stopped at CVS to fill a couple prescriptions and decided to buy a few staples and looked like the Beverly Hillbillies riding back with bags everywhere.

We had intended to leave this evening toward the first lock across Lake Okeechobee but we were told here that we'd better call the lockmaster.  We're very disappointed because he told us we'd better go  around  because the water is just too shallow.  This is going to set us back 4-5 days because we were hoping to be in Stuart to leave the boat while we fly to Norfolk to attend the AGLCA Rendezvous May 14-18.  Not sure what is going to happen.  Stay tuned......

This guy was on the post right by our boat

Mike shot this in the gulf

Days 39 - 40 - Venice, FL

It's a rainy Friday and we're sitting here on the boat while the new inverter is being installed and hoping the Lake Okeechobee is filling up with this rain.  Otherwise, we will have to go around the tip of Florida adding days to our trip.

Yesterday after the mechanic came to the boat, we used the bikes here at the marina and rode into the old city of Venice which is quite charming.  While riding we saw an old entrance to what used to be an ArmyAir Base probably from WWII.  The mechanic just told me that this used to be the winter home of the Ringling Bros.  We walked the main street into a few shops and I bought a beautiful mermaid figurine sitting on a large shell.  I have the perfect spot for her on the boat.  We think we rode about 4-5 miles. 

This is a popular spot and the restaurant is crowded for lunch and dinner.  We had dinner last night in the lower level called the Tavern and it was very good.

I'm still trying to figure out how to get my photos to load and so there are a few I was able to load out of sequence but that's better than nothing.

Hopefully, we'll be able to leave tomorrow morning for Ft. Myers and we'll need to leave early as it's going to be a long day.

Manual bridge opening on way to Venice

Trying to sweep off the "love bugs"

My wonderful pelicans

Still in Tarpon Springs

Days 36-38 - Tarpon Springs to Venice, FL

We stayed an extra day in Tarpon Springs and rode bikes to the post office and grocery store and beyond.  It appeared to us that it's a very poor city.  We left the marina early and decided to go farther than Sarasota in order to get to Ft.Myers in 2 days.  Traveling through this portion of the intercoastal waterway was very beautiful - the water was gorgeous and the homes spectacular, however there were many sections that were very narrow as well as confusing.  We came close to running aground a couple of times and had to watch the markers very carefully. 

We stayed Tuesday night in the bayou near the Vinoy Hotel and intended to dinghy ashore but ended up staying on board as Mike had to take care of some business.  We ate dinner and sat in the flybridge looking at the beautiful lights of the city all around us.  We were getting ready to hop into bed and heard a loud boom.  There was smoke coming out of the compartment housing the inverter and it looked like our boat was on fire!  Fortunately, that wasn't the case but we did lose the inverter.

Yesterday we left about 8:00 AM and headed to Venice, FL and are currently at the Crows Nest Marina which is very close to the Venice Inlet from the Gulf of Mexico and because of that, it was extremely difficult getting into a slip.  We had a mechanic on board this morning and we've ordered a new inverter which will be installed tomorrow so this afternoon we're using the marina bikes and checking out the small town.  It's beautiful here and I want to check out the beach later.  It looks like we'll be here another day and night and then head to Ft. Myers and from there hopefully across Lake Okeechobee if the water levels are high enough.  If not, unfortunately we'll have to go around Florida which adds another 206 miles.  Stay tuned......

Days 34-35 Tarpon Springs

Well, I had the rental car company pick me up at the marina after watching Mike and Captain Butch Farless pass through the cut from the intercoastal into the gulf.  I started wondering if I had made a mistake after talking with Butch because he was telling me how beautiful it is out there with all the stars, etc.  Anyway, I felt kind of lonely on the drive down to Tarpon Springs but stopped for lunch along the way and also found this little used bookstore where I discovered several books by my new favorite author - Lee Child.  Yea!  I have already finished 2 of his books in the last couple of weeks and have gotten into the Jack Reacher mysteries.

I left about 12:15 and got into Tarpon Springs about 7:00 so it was a long afternoon.  I had a reservation at the Hampton Inn & Suites and was thrilled that I could watch the entire wedding from start to finish.  Also, the next morning I found a TJ Maxx store close by so I browsed through it.  I can't buy much because there's no place to store anything!

Mike and Butch told me to expect them about noon and I started worrying as time went on and I hadn't heard anything.  Finally Mike called me about 3:30 and told me they would be in the marina between 4:30 and 5:00 so I headed over there.  They pulled in at 5:00 and they were two tired and beat up guys.  Apparently the wind picked up at 3:00 AM and it became miserable for the rest of the night and day.  The waves picked up also from 1-2 feet, went 2-3 feet and finally were 5-6 feet with the boat slamming down after each large wave.  Mike had no sleep or food the entire time (about 30 hours) and I was so thankful that I made the choice not to go!

Today we had a friend and his family visit us here at the marina and we walked to a Greek restaurant for lunch and since this is the famous sponge dock area, we browsed through all the little shops.  Steve is the guy that Mike crossed the gulf with in his sailboat about 10 years ago.  He married his wife Deb who has a daughter now 14 and they had 2 additional children so it was an active afternoon.

We leave tomorrow morning for St. Petersburg

Days 27-29 - Pensacola Naval Air Station

We left Orange Beach Friday morning about 9:30 AM and were able to get out of that marina and into the intercoastal without a problem but we were holding our breath.  It started to get very pretty along the way and I've taken some photos of some of the colorful beach houses we saw at the Alabama/Florida state line which I'm trying to attach without success yet.  It only took about 5 hours to get here at the Pensacola Naval Air Station and we arrived early afternoon without incident.  We rode our bikes (Dahon Mariner folding bikes which have gotten a lot of attention so far along the way) down to the NEX (Navy Exchange) and walked around.  We inquired about the Naval Air Museum and were given wrong directions and tried to find it and it was getting later and later.  It got dark and we don't have lights or reflective vests and we asked several people how to get back to the marina and were given wrong directions 3 times!  Finally a police officer stopped beside us and told us we needed to have the reflective vests, etc.  We told him our story and he was able to correctly guide us back to the marina.  I think we rode about 5-6 miles in the dark. 

Saturday morning after cleaning the boat and showers, we got correct directions and went to the Naval Air Museum and went on a guided tour.  It was very interesting and we took a photo of the airplane George Bush was in when it landed on the USS Abraham Lincoln in 2003.

Mike discovered the Marine Obstacle Course and decided to try it since he said he was the champion back in his early days in the Marines.  He ran it but admitted it was pretty difficult but then how many 67 year olds do you think can do it?

Today is Easter Sunday and we went to the church on base, came back to the boat and then rode down to the movie theater to see The Adjustment Bureau.  We just got back and plan to leave tomorrow morning for Fort Walton Beach.

Baby kangaroo named Tilly visiting Naval Air Museum

Beautiful beach entering Florida

President Bush landed on aircraft carrier

Abraham Lincoln in this plane

Pensacola Naval Air Station



Days 30-33 - Pensacola to Panama City

We left Pensacola Naval Air Station Monday morning on our way towards Panama City.  We stopped at Fort Walton Beach at the city park free dock which has water and a pump out but no electricity.  We were able to walk to a restaurant and the Publix supermarket and get to bed early as we knew we would have a long day on Wednesday.  It took us almost 9 hours to get to Panama City and even though it was a quiet, uneventful trip, it was LONG.  We were anxious to get here because once again, we were anticipating bad weather.  By the time we got here the winds had really kicked up and we were glad to tie up to the dock  because they got up to about 40 knots!

The Great Loop Cruisers Association has what they call harbor hosts at various marinas and we had no sooner got settled when Carl and Greg (his wife) Vernon knocked on the door.  They were so nice to offer their assistance with whatever we needed.  Carl drove Mike on an errand yesterday and we had them aboard for wine later in the evening.  They invited us to dinner tonight with them and another couple.  I'm really looking forward to it because we're going to have Mexican food and I haven't had that since leaving Texas.

I have made the decision not to cross the gulf with Mike so we have hired a captain to go with him and I believe they will be leaving tomorrow.  I'll rent a car and drive to Tarpon Springs meeting them there.  I just feel more comfortable doing it that way even though many other wives have no problem with it.

Days 23-25 Orange Beach, Alabama

Lab on a kayak!

John and Mike McMahon

Condos in Orange Beach

We' ve  been in Orange Beach Marina since Friday and were able to beat the front that moved through that evening.  They weren't able to begin work on the holding tank until Monday and finished up Tuesday.   Mike's cousin John McMahon who lives in Mobile was able to drive to the marina Monday night and have dinner with us.  We hadn't seen him in quite a few years so it was nice to see him again.

Today is Wednesday and we decided to stay until tomorrow morning.  While Mike was working with the mechanic, I used the courtesy car to run some errands and do laundry.  Orange Beach is definitely a beach community and it reminds me of South Padre Island in Texas.  They do have an amazing bike riding path that runs through a swampy area and today we were able to see a mother alligator and two babies.  Unfortunately, I didn't have the camera with me but it was a pretty amazing sight.  Since we had such a difficult time getting into this marina, we took the dinghy and went out on a trial run so we don't make mistakes leaving and running aground again. I had to take a photo of the lab on the kayak.  It was too funny.  The weather has been so beautiful but today we feel the first sign of coming heat and humidity.  Tomorrow we head to Pensacola.

Days 20, 21 & 22 - Dauphine Island to Orange Beach

We spent a rather restless night anchored off Dauphine Island and got up very early to head for Orange Beach ahead of another front coming in.  Once we crossed Mobile Bay everything settled down and we enjoyed the scenery along each side of the intercoastal canal.  We passed Lulu's Restaurant which is owned by Jimmy Buffet's sister.  Getting into Orange Beach Marina was one of the most difficult things we have encountered yet!  It was very confusing and we hit the bottom twice but were able to get off.  We called the marina and nobody could guide us in.  Finally, we were able to talk to the dockmaster and he was able to help us and after arriving everything was great.  The people here are very accommodating and go out of their way to assist you in any way they can.  They even have a courtesy car which we used yesterday to go grocery shopping and church this morning.  Today is Mike's birthday and we went to Tacky Jack's for lunch and rode bikes for a couple of hours.  This is really a beautiful area with white sandy beaches.  We're having some work done on the boat tomorrow and will probably be heading for Pensacola Tuesday or Wednesday.

Days 19 and 20 - Rabbit Island to Ocean Springs and Dauphin Island

We left Rabbit Island and arrived at Ocean Springs, Mississippi about 4:00 PM.  It's not much of a marina as it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina but we rode our bikes to the main street of the old town and it is very charming and quaint.  We ran into two people who saw us docking and one was a tugboat captain who gave us a little inforomation about the town.  It was established in the late 1600's and has numerous fresh water springs - thus the name Ocean Springs.  This morning we took a long walk along the beach and through the neighborhood and you could still see damaged homes and evidence of where homes used to be before the hurricane.  We even saw one destroyed house with the letters FEMA and numbers sprayed on in black paint.  This morning before we left an elderly gentleman stopped by to talk with us.  It seems he was a boater for many years and was very familiar with our plans.  He gave us some advice and visited with us for about an hour.

We traveled all day through Mississippi Sound and are currently anchored off Dauphine Island.  It was quite a rough crossing and we are still rocking and rolling.  As thunderstorms are predicted for tomorrow afternoon, we plan to leave very early in the morning head for Orange Beach where we're scheduled to have some work done on the boat.

OOOPS - error by Capt Mike who inadvertently erased Kathy's pictures.

Days 18 and 19 - Seabrook Marine to Rabbit Island

Beauiful balcony in French Quarter

Jackson Square

On waterfront after long day

We ended up staying an additional night at Seabrook Marine due to a front blowing through with strong winds.  We left lateTuesday morning and headed to Rabbit Island which was a relatively short day, arriving about 4:00 in the afternoon.  This anchorage was well protected and actually very pretty but there was a train track right next to us and the trains rolled through all night making sleeping conditions very undesirable.  We woke up this morning and are headed towards Biloxi, Mississippi and Ocean Springs Marina.

Days 14 - 16 Relaxing in New Orleans

We finally arrived at Seabrook Marine on the Industrial Canal in New Orleans and were happy to leave the locks and bridges behind!  We had our new refrigerator waiting here for us and the first morning it was installed.  How great to empty out the cooler and live like normal people again!  After spending $35 to have a cab take us to a restaurant and then pick us up again, we decided to rent a car which was great because we ran a lot of errands and then went to St. Louis Cathedral to church and enjoyed the rest of the day in and around the French Quarter.  After breakfast we went to the WWII Museum for a couple of hours which was very interesting. 

The music festival was in full swing by then  and the place was packed!  We enjoyed listening to all the different groups playing, did some shopping, ate breakfast and then an early dinner and just relaxed.  Tomorrow morning it's off to Rabbit Island. 

Days 13 and 14 - Lake Salvador to Seabrook Marine - New Orleans

We woke up early in anticipation of what was ahead - THE HARVEY LOCK and THE INDUSTRIAL LOCK.  I was on pins and needles as I have never been through a lock and although I have read quite a bit about it, it's different doing it yourself.   We were both very quiet on the way and then we entered the Harvey Canal.  I've never seen so much industry in my life.  The barge traffic and all the work going on as you enter the Canal is unbelievable!  We finally got to the entrance of the lock and had to wait a considerable amount of time.  A tug called Mr. Cass called us and said we could tie up to him while we waited.  I've attached a photo of the huge ship exiting the lock.  They were very helpful and explained everything to expect and as a result we followed Mr. Cass through the Harvey Lock and all the way to the Industrial Canal when we were once again on our own.  Once we entered the Mississippi River we had to avoid hugh logs and debris floating all around us but it was also exciting to see the City of New Orleans.  We hit almost 10 1/2 knots going down the river.  After entering the Industrial Lock, it was more stress going through lift bridges and railroad bridges.  Needless to say, we were thrilled when we arrived at the marina.

Huge ship exiting Harvey Lock

Scenery along waterway

Man on jet ski in intercoastal

Mr. Cass

Harvey Lock - Too cute!

St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square

Bye-bye old fridge

Mike actually cleaning

Today we had a new refrigerator installed and were able to go grocery shopping again!  We arrived here at a good time as there is a big music festival going on in the French Quarter all week-end so of course we have to go.  Our next stop is Rabbit Island and we should be heading out Monday morning.