Today is Monday, March 26th, one year to the day since we left Rockport, Tx and began the trip of a lifetime. It's been quite an adventure so far and I hear the best is yet to come.
Unfortunately we may have some engine problems and will know the diagnosis either tomorrow or Wednesday. When Mike started to change the engine oil, he said the oil was milky white which indicated the presence of water in the oil. After consulting the boat yard here in the marina, the oil cooler has been removed and we are PRAYING that will be the problem. If not, we may have bigger problems. Mike is also replacing all 6 batteries ($$$$). As my daughter said, this boat is a money pit.
The weather warms up then cools down. It's expected to be in the mid 30's tonight. However, spring has sprung according to all the GORGEOUS trees and shrubs here in Virginia. I thought it was beautiful in the fall, but this is spectacular.
We're getting itchy feet to begin cruising again but won't go until everything is ready here on the boat. Also, we need to get the car back to San Antonio and might end up driving it back ourselves. After leaving here, we're thinking about going up the Chesapeake Bay visiting towns on the western shore as well as some on the eastern shore winding up in Baltimore where we'll leave the boat and fly to Norfolk for the spring rendezvous of America's Great Loop Cruisers Association May 7-10.
We've been studying charts and guidebooks and especially those pertaining to Canada and hope to learn what we need to know at the rendezvous. There are rules about what you can and cannot take into the country and you need to purchase a canal pass before entering. We had a dinner last Friday night here at the marina for 4 couples doing the Great Loop and it was very fun and informing.
Hopefully the next post will say that we have had good news from the boat yard!!
Beginning in the Spring of 2011, this is a story of a journey in our 36' Heritage East Trawler as we cruise The Great Loop, a circumnavigation of Eastern North America, along the shoreline of the United States and Canada - truly a trip of a lifetime.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Day 360 Gloucester Point
Today is Saturday, March 17th - ST. PADDIE'S DAY! Mike has never forgiven me for giving birth on the 16th 4 hours before St. Patricks day. Our daughter turned 43 yesterday. Hard to believe!!! We'd better get this trip over before we get too old!
Anyway, I'm back on board as of Wednesday and happy to be here. I had a great time in San Antonio with the family and getting things done there but it was time to come back to Mike so we can start getting ready for the onward journey. As I mentioned before, we think it'll be around the first of April or so. I stayed in S.A. an extra couple of days so I could join my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter on a ziplining trip in Wimberly. That's something I've always wanted to try and it was great fun!! The only thing difficult about it was climbing the hills with my bad knee but I made it and was glad I did!
The weather is gradually warming up here and looking beautiful. They've started their weekly breakfasts here at the marina so we enjoyed that this morning and today Mike is doing engine maintenance so I think I'll finish a beading project. Tonight is dinner with the group in the activities room.
Our grandson Marshall is returning to the U.S. from Okinawa around April lst and since we haven't seen him in two years, we need to figure out where we'll meet up with him. I know he's checking in at Camp LeJeune and then heading to S.A. to visit with his mom, sister and grandparents and also to buy a car. Then he'll be going back to Maryland to visit with his dad before reporting back to Camp LeJeune. Sherrie was talking with him on ichat while I was in S.A. and I must admit he looks great!! The marines have really whipped him into shape. Can't wait to see him!!
Anyway, I'm back on board as of Wednesday and happy to be here. I had a great time in San Antonio with the family and getting things done there but it was time to come back to Mike so we can start getting ready for the onward journey. As I mentioned before, we think it'll be around the first of April or so. I stayed in S.A. an extra couple of days so I could join my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter on a ziplining trip in Wimberly. That's something I've always wanted to try and it was great fun!! The only thing difficult about it was climbing the hills with my bad knee but I made it and was glad I did!
The weather is gradually warming up here and looking beautiful. They've started their weekly breakfasts here at the marina so we enjoyed that this morning and today Mike is doing engine maintenance so I think I'll finish a beading project. Tonight is dinner with the group in the activities room.
Our grandson Marshall is returning to the U.S. from Okinawa around April lst and since we haven't seen him in two years, we need to figure out where we'll meet up with him. I know he's checking in at Camp LeJeune and then heading to S.A. to visit with his mom, sister and grandparents and also to buy a car. Then he'll be going back to Maryland to visit with his dad before reporting back to Camp LeJeune. Sherrie was talking with him on ichat while I was in S.A. and I must admit he looks great!! The marines have really whipped him into shape. Can't wait to see him!!
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