WEDNESDAY - After Irene passed, we were just plain tired. This marina’s peacefulness and fun times with Randy and Barb have been most welcome. Irene passed but boat chores continue. Yesterday we washed it, inside and out. I also washed clothes and shopped
A real treat on Monday was Randy and Barb taking us to the new MarineCorpMuseum nearby. It was SPECTACULAR, with exhibits specific to each war and a complete history of the U.S. Marines since the Revolutionary War.
This morning Louis and Ollie had a long walk on the lovely nature path nearby while Mike worked on the autopilot. This afternoon is more small chores.
Friday we’ll motor 45 miles to WashingtonD.C. to an anchorage near the City Marina, within walking distance to everything. After staying 2 or 3 days, we’ll head for the Chesapeake and Baltimore.
SATURDAY- Up early to finish clearing the decks and checking tie downs. Irene brought steady rain by late morning. We all went to Barb and Randy’s boat, “Lazy Dolphin”, to follow Irene on their Direct TV and watch the CarolinaCoast endure her full fury. Returned to Sea Dream for a nap, lulled by the rain. By the wind began gusting to 35 mph; the high tide was only 3 feet higher than before, no real surge. The water lilies in the canal were mostly under water but no threat to us; ducks paddled the stream. As evening progresses, Irene is tracking Eastward toward new lands and we’re relieved to have missed the storms fury.
It’ll rain hard all night but still….. “Good Night Irene.”
Note: Due to Irene’s unpredictability, several friends’ boats in Rhode Island, Maine and on the Chesapeake are now very much in jeopardy.
Canvas off and final tie down.
Saturday morning before the storm. Sea Dream is on far left middle.
Saturday evening with higher water. Sea Dream on far left with yellow dinghy.
FRIDAY- 6:30 AM departure into a foggy Potomac River but within minutes it cleared and we continued up river toward safer grounds. The Potomac was glassy smooth and the weather was beautiful, with no sign of the coming maelstrom. At 4:00PM we arrived at the newly built Aquia Yacht Club Marina. The floating docks are attached to heavy steel posts over 12 feet tall and it’s very well protected. Randy and Barb helped tie our lines; I was SO glad to see them and finally be here. Mike and I worked on securing Sea Dream’s lines, stripping the canvas and other things to make her safe. We’ll finish early tomorrow, make a final check, then head to Barb and Randy’s house, next door, to wait out Irene. Tonight we’re still aboard Sea Dream. Irene will begin showing herself sometime after noon and we’ll be ready. The surge is predicted to be 4 to 6 feet and winds from 35 to 55 mph with 3"-5" of rain. Barb invited us to their boat for a delicious dinner tonight. Nice to be with friends. Looking forward to a good night’s sleep in the calm before the storm.
THURSDAY- To continue moving North and West, we left Norfolk before dawn. The Navy also sent 16 more warships out to sea because they’ll be safer at sea while Irene passes. Their chatter dominated the radio as we left. Literally everyone is fleeing Irene. Our final plan is to move more Westward, up the Potomac River to a small five mile long creek with a private marina in Stafford, Virginia. Randy & Barb Semper, fellow GH owners, secured us a slip and invited us to stay with them at their home next door to the marina during the storm. They’re super nice people and were the first to visit us on Sea Dream when we commissioned her two years ago. Barbara gifted us a “house-warming” roll of toilet paper, but that’s another story. Tonight we’re anchored off the Potomac in a nice cove under heavy weather. Severe early evening thunderstorms prevented us from going further. We’ll begin early again tomorrow and make the marina by mid-afternoon. Our personal version of Irene is expected very late Saturday night. We hope the water surge will be minimal but max winds could be 50-75 mph at the marina. It’s well protected. We will prepare our best then see what comes.
Hoisted anchor early to continue North. Irene took small Eastward turns with every 3 hour update until late this afternoon when she made a subtle but ominous Westward wobble. Cruising the Virginia Cut to Norfolk was exciting and kept us busy. In one stretch, we had five bascule, or “swing”, bridges irregularly spaced with a LOT of big boat commercial traffic. Timing the bridges is critical; some open on the half hour and others on the hour (only) with no openings at all during roadway rush hours. We even ran our first lock (an easy one). Approaching the Chesapeake, we decided to make more preparation before venturing into this huge, well traveled (but new to us) body of water. Ocean Marina Yacht Center here in Portsmouth sits at the mouth of the river so we’ll start here at dawn tomorrow. We plan a Friday arrival in Baltimore, where we’ve reserved a slip at Baltimore City Marina at Lighthouse Point. Unless Irene fails to turn Eastward there should be less wind there and hopefully, little storm surge. We also have friends there. Irene is scheduled to hit Norfolk very early Sunday morning. It’s a category 3 hurricane and incredibly powerful. If Irene fails to swing more Eastward by tomorrow midday, we’ll go up the Potomac River instead.
TUESDAY-What a day! Irene continues to follow us as we flee her path. She’s predicted to hit Virginia Beach near the Chesapeake at Sunday as a category 3 hurricane. Our plans are still evolving as her path develops. Our emergency planning was really hindered today by huge cell phone and internet dead zones.
We’re hurrying as far north as possible with tentative plans to haul Sea Dream on Thursday. We’re praying that Irene takes another Eastward swing. A category 3 storm would be devastating. Made about 112 miles today.
MONDAY- all hands on deck! This morning we fueled at Dudley’s Marina in Swansboro. Capt. Mike ordered crew (me & Louie) to put fenders and lines to starboard for a smooth docking in narrow channel and very shallow water.
Fueling 653 gallons of diesel took one and a half hours so Louis and I took a walk. He met a white dock poodle from France, named Rusty; they had a great time dancing and prancing together.
Finishing at Dudley’s, we headed northward. About six hours later, approaching Oriental under stormy skies, we chose to anchor in the South River, across from Oriental and just off the NeuseRiver. It’s a lovely spot with lots of swing room and, best of all, we have the whole bay to ourselves!
SUNDAY- We hauled anchor early for the hourly opening of the WrightsvilleSwingBridge. It’s 19’ high but Sea Dream needs at least 21’. There were 3 more low bridges to come, two opening on the hour and one every 30 minutes. Trying to time bridge openings and waiting for them is tedious but at least the waterway was less congested today. We even motored through CampLejeune without a waterway closure for “target practice”.
Swansboro appeared at , a perfect time to anchor in the small harbor. We’re all alone and the wind is blowing a steady 20 mph so swinging the dinghy down isn’t advisable.
Louis is sitting in his bed letting the wind blow his ears back. He could almost fly!
SATURDAY- Left our Calabash Creek anchorage for the Little River Outlet around , making a quick entrance to the ocean. We chose going offshore to miss the crazy summer, fast boat, yahoo traffic! At one point we had kayaks, small fast boats, a sun fish sail boat and swimmers in the ICW while looking for an anchoring spot. The last days of summer and everyone’s on the water! Our offshore un was 30 miles, entering the ICW again at CapeFear. Anchored in WrightsvilleBeach. I made dinner and even baked cookies.
Louis says he wants to go to land tomorrow for sure, in Swansboro, NC.
THURSDAY- Made an early trip to Piggly Wiggly for fresh fruits and veggies, just over one mile away. With our boat bags and back packs, the iPhone plotted the way. Watermelon, oranges, peaches, lettuce and a gallon can of boiled peanuts were some of the purchases. Thank goodness their courtesy van brought us back to the dock.
Louis greeted us on arrival, knowing his walk was next.
The day ended with a little rain shower and moving the anchor; all was well.
Piggly Wiggly!
Boiled Peanuts by the gallon.
Fishing boats in Georgetown.
Moving Northward
FRIDAY- Took Louis for a morning walk and back to Sea Dream to stow the dinghy and make ready to sail (cruise) leaving at . Cruised the Cypress swamp behind Pawley’s Island, reaching Calabash Creek at the North Carolina state line at . We progressed 65 miles today and plan another 65 or so tomorrow.
WEDNESDAY- Lowered the dinghy for the very short trip to the dock. Louis was glad to be on shore, sniffing endlessly and watering the tree trunks.
Georgetown is supported by tourism now but in the 1700’s it was a major seaport, exporting rice and indigo. Before the Civil War, over one half of the world’s rice came from South Carolina! Many famous people visited here including George Washington and Lafayette. Michelle Obama’s distant ancestors were rice plantation slaves nearby. Georgetown has houses from revolutionary times, plantation times and very few newer. For such a small town it’s full of history.
Had dinner at a local waterside tavern and then walked around enjoying the golden light of evening.
Tomorrow we’ll hike to a grocery store for fresh fruit.
MONDAY & TUESDAY- Couldn’t leave without a last dinner at the Hominy Grill. Just look at those shrimp & grits! Staying one extra day also made time for those last minute boat chores.
Tuesday at , with full water tanks and our garbage emptied, we eased Sea Dream from her slip and enjoyed a good view of the Charleston skyline. Saw more traffic and passed a barge on the ICW. The day was long but this stretch is fairly straight. No low bridges, either.
We anchored in Georgetown at amid a chorus of boat dogs barking Louis a greeting. Today logged 65 miles.
Made dinner to a setting sun. Tomorrow we’ll take the dinghy into town with Louis.
SATURDAY - The Civil War came to life as we visited FortSumter and the South CarolinaMuseum. How lucky to be born during modern times!
After a delicious bakery lunch, we walked Broad Street, window shopping and peeking into secret gardens between the houses. We wanted to do more but the day was ending, with a bus to catch.At precisely, bus #201 arrived on East Bay Street and carried us near the marina. We’ll definitely visit Charleston again.
SUNDAY- No sightseeing today. Mike biked in the heat several miles to West Marine for a few small items. He even brought home a gallon of milk and a dozen eggs (all unbroken!). That little 20” folding bike, with its “kamikaze” steering, takes practice to ride safely. I’m washing and cleaning, readying for departure on Tuesday. Louie’s helping, as always, playing with everything. The heat brought numerous afternoon thunderstorms, so typical of the area this time of year. The evening is cool now…. what a joy.
FRIDAY- History is everywhere on Charleston streets. The old buildings and sights, are enchanting, from the hidden gardens to the many grand old churches and houses. With so many sites to see, we’ve used many modes of transportation, too. We’ve ridden carriages, buses (85 cents for seniors), trolleys (free) and taxis. We’ve walked endlessly, toured The Nathaniel Russell House, The Slave Market Museum, and shopped the famous downtown market. There’s not a bad place to eat in town, either. Tomorrow will be one last day of sight seeing. Back to the guide book, making plans.
WEDNESDAY- Hauled anchor at for the short run into Charleston. The current slacked around and Capt. Mike maneuvered a very nice docking, stern to into our slip. Afternoon heat and a thunderstorm kept us inside until about 5:00 P.M. Sunset brought a cool breeze and we stepped out for a little taste of Charleston, walking about a mile to the Hominy Grill for shrimp, grits and buttermilk pie. Delicious authentic Southern food.
Afterward, we strolled the neighborhood looking at old Charleston style houses with side porches.
Today was just a taste; tomorrow we’ll have a full day of sightseeing.
TUESDAY- Charleston can have a 2.5 knot current at our destination, Ashley Marina. Docking is difficult enough but that current makes it impossible. We were told “only dock at slack tide” so, we’ve anchored for the night near Elliots Cut on the StonoRiver, about 5 miles from Charleston. We’ll dock tomorrow morning at slack tide. Our day went well but was a full 8 hour run, covering 65 miles. The breezes freshening for another thunderstorm this evening. Won’t go ashore.
MONDAY- Another overheated day in Beaufort, S.C., in shared misery with the entire East Coast. Task one was to stay cool. After lunch we braved our way to town hoping our mail had arrived a day early. The post office hike was just three blocks. Guess what? Post Offices have great A.C. and dogs are allowed in the outer lobby! Louis and I waited while Mike inquired about our mail. Unbelievably, it had all arrived; we lingered awhile savoring the cool. Next stop was our favorite ice cream store with shaded tables in an arcade walkway where we enjoyed yummy tomato pie. A lazy walk at the park for Louis’ grass time and then back to Sea Dream. Just hoisted the dinghy into its cradle. We’ll leave tomorrow morning for Charleston. Watch our Spot.
SATURDAY- A most welcome call at from the City Marina announced that our A.C. water pump had arrived. We’d only waited two very hot days. Yay!! After dinghying ashore, collecting it and giving Louis a special grass stop we hurried back. By Mike was hot (literally) into the pump replacement. The temperature outside climbed with each passing minute. Two hours later, glorious cool air was flowing from the vents, making us thankful for small miracles. We spent the remainder of the day aboard, basking in coolness.Later in the afternoon, we napped as a thunderstorm rolled through. Tacos and a wonderful classic movie (Roman Holiday) ended our day.
Arriving in Beaufort, S.C., Thursday at , we anchored near the City Marina. All seemed well until. . . we tried the A.C. but….. no A.C.!! It was 96 degrees and 122 heat index (in the salon!) and no wind. While troubleshooting the problem, a fresh breeze came up and that was good until we heard thunder and the sky really opened up. Torrents of rain struck like bullets driven by wind gusts of 42 mph. The good news is the anchor held and the day cooled a little but the bad news is we still don’t have A.C.
It was a hideously hot night in South Carolina.
Today we ordered a new pump motor and Mike will repair the A.C. tomorrow (Saturday).
Louis made an appointment at the doggy spa for a hair cut while Mike and I migrated from store to store trying to stay cool in their A.C.
Dinghied back to Sea Dream and napped in the heat. There’s a light breeze now but it’s still 89 and extremely humid inside. We’re literally sweating gallons!
We will be in Beaufort until Wednesday waiting for mail.
After much preparation, we departed at on Tuesday. Paul Graham helped us with our lines and Sue waved us off. Louis settled into his bed ready for the voyage, like a pro.
We motored out St.SimonsSound, well past the offshore three mile limit, and emptied the holding tank. The ocean was like glass with no wind, an excellent day for a blue water cruise. We had planned to travel the Intra Coastal Waterway but, with such calm seas, we stayed offshore, returning at Doboy Sound. The breeze was nice and there were no bugs!
We saw many dolphin pods swimming, several fishing boats and one helicopter and coast guard boat practicing maneuvers.
After 39 miles, we anchored at in the DuplinRiver behind Sapelo Island, Georgia.
See our route by clicking on Sea Dream's picture and view our FindMeSPOT. It's tracking our trip every day.
Louis in his seat ready to go. Notice big ship out window.
Fishing boat we followed into Doboy Sound.
Marsh at Sapelo Island.
The Hottest Day Yet!
Wednesday
No internet connection last night so we'll send two days in one.
We left DuplinRiver at in the beginnings of the hottest day yet (heat index of 108). Heat advisories were posted. Stayed in the I.C.W. and enjoyed the marshes, birds and dolphin. There were a lot of pesky biting flies that we swatted all day. Louis hates the both the flies and the fly swatter.
We tried to stay cool with fans and ice water but did little good. An two minute afternoon rain shower cooled us some but then it steamed up again. Didn’t see but one boat all day, could it have been the heat?
Anchored just south of Savannah in Herb Creek at After this long hot day, we closed the boat up and turned on the generator and AC. Cool at last after 57 more miles!
