What a day...a very long day!
We left NYC at 6:30 with a good forcast. We were expecting 2-3 foot waves, but fog...not expecting that. Leaving NYC harbor wasn't bad, we could see the Statue of Liberty, but not a good "photo opp" with the heavy fog. Out the channel we went, dodging the ferry's and we were on our way to Atlantic City.
As we got further out into the Atlantic Ocean, the fog got worse. Thank goodness for radar, that was the only thing that was telling us of any objects ahead. For most of the morning, we had less then a eighth of a mile visability, felt like we were in a white out snow storm.
After a couple hours, we were starting to get concerned with fuel and not sure if we would be able to make it to Atlantic City. Bob was in a gambling mood this morning with thoughts we could make it to Atlantice City, and the marina I choose closed the fuel dock at 5 pm the night before, so it was all my fault...isn't that always the case!
Well needless to say, we had to drop from 30 mph (.9 miles per gallon) to about 8 mph (2 miles per gallon) to make sure we could make it to Atlantic City....it took a couple extra hours, but we made it.
We got to Atlantic City at 12:00 and took 300 gallons of fuel at $2.89/gallon....yes we were a little low on fuel. As we left the gas dock, Mike was at the helm...you know what time it was...Young and the Restless, and we were headed to Norfolk, VA.
As we headed back out into the Atlantic, the fog was lifting, we could actually see what was in front of us. The wave's were still about 2 feet and things were going well. Captian Bly took over from Mike (no nickname yet) and asked us for the ocean forcast for Saturday. After much research and phone calls we decided it would be best to turn into the Deleware Bay at the Cape May Canal. We were going to go the "long" way to Norfolk because the ocean forcast for tonight and tomorrow was not looking that great.
At 2:15 we were pulling into the canal and realized that the tide was out....a little shallow to say the least. After a little bit of concern, we continued into the canal and made it safely into the Delaware River. I thought it would be a good time to make lunch, but I was wrong. At 3:30, after making a few sandwiches, I came up to find that the captain had decided to go back into the ocean and head to Ocean City, MD. The Atlantice was not bad when we jumped into Cape May just a half hour before, but the winds had picked up and as we were making our way back out, the waves were building and we were pounding. Bob was down below watching the NASCAR qualifiers and after a few hard "bumps" the crew decided at 4:10 we had enough and turned the boat around and headed back to the Delaware River...of course with Bob's OK, he was boucing off the seat down below.
We lost a little bit of time, having to double back, but it was the right decision. After getting up into the river, the waves calmed down and we were on our way to the Chesapeake Canal which will put us into the Chesapeake Bay and down to Norfork.
At 7:00 we pulled into the Summit North Marina on the canal. I thought I got this one right, they are a 24 hour marina, they charged only $2.00 per foot for dockage and they had a restaurant. Well, after pulling in and going right to the gas dock, I realized that I assumed to much with the open 24 hours. The gas dock closed at 6...and like NYC didn't open till 8 am. But it was getting dark and everyone was ready to stop for the night.
As Mike washed down the boat because of all the salt spray, I walked around the marina to find the office and check out the facilities. Rick was on sunset duty, it was another beautiful sunset with the full moon. When I got back to the boat, the guys were chatting and having a few cocktails. We went to dinner around 8 at the only restaurant close by.
It is now almost midnight and all 3 guys are down below trying to get the TV/recorder, and who knows what else to work. Not sure what is wrong, but it sounds like they are making progress. As for me I am exausted. We went a total of 245 miles for the day, and will get up in the morning and head to Norkolk, VA.
I hope to post pictures tomorrow. It is just really late and I am heading to bed. 5:00 comes early. Oh, and we chagned my nick name to Scout, the other just didn't fit, not sure if this one will either.
3 comments:
Kim, still sounds like you are the responsible adult. After you go through the Chesapeake Canal and reach the end of the penensula (Elk Neck State Park)on your starboard. Look back to the Northwest, at the mouth of the Susquanna River, you will see the little port of Havre de Grace, MD. That is where Les and I are staying for the next week or so.
We are enjoying your adventure!!
Message from Tom Currie:
Gi'day!
Yes I'm following their progress....once I sorted out that I should start at the bottom of the page and work up....well, we are upside down here you know. I'm intrigued with all those locks. I went through a few in my day.....Welland, St Lawrence Seaway, Panama, Kiel etc but this trip of theirs got lots of the things. I guess it keeps them on their toes. I agree about the fuel costs. No wonder so many boats only get used as weekend shacks and never leave the marina! Sing Sing prison brought back some memories of good old movies. Jimmy Cagney etc.
I'd like to send them a message but can't figure out how. Not into that Facebook lark.
It looks like they're really enjoying themselves. Good for them! We need more adventurers in this world. Tell 'em from me to head towards Panama, go through the big ditch, head south and give me a call when they hit Sydney. I'll come and pick them up. Oh yeah....they might need to take on some extra fuel. It be a looooooooooooooong way.
Cheers,
Tom.
PS: I am going to tell him how to post a comment.
Well, what great folks aboard the "Road Runner" from a new SeaRay friend, Frank, from Richmond, VA. at the Top Rack Marina.
Capt. Bob sure runs a tight ship... mate Mike was working hard cleaning and Rick covered the documenting of the trip, and Scout (Kim), well, kept the crew well feed and did shopping. At least well stocked with beer, cheese, and champagne for Kim and Mike's anniversary tonight...
Congratulations
Have a great cruise and I will follow the day to day blogs.
Best of Luck for calm seas!!!
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