20091128 St. Augustine FL
The trip down from Jacksonville, FL was warmer than the past few days. We did not have to wear our foul weather jackets to keep warm. We saw a few dolphins as we passed, but hundreds of pelicans lined the banks of the waterway on the lee side, protected from the wind. The ICW markers and miles passed leisurely as we progressed south. There are mile after mile of incredible homes on the ICW. Just opposite of Cabbage Swamp, 10,000+ square foot homes, most in Spanish Modern style line the waterway. Cathy enjoyed taking a break from her navigational duties to focus the binoculars on these homes.
We arrived in St. Augustine at the Camachee Cove Harbor Marina, ~ a mile from the historic district. As we signed into the marina, we learned that there is an arts and crafts fair tomorrow in the historic area. We plan to rise early, get a ride over, then take the St. Augustine Trolley tour, followed by walking to areas of interest.
20091129 Touring St. Augustine, FL
As planned, we arose, called the “Red Train” Touring Company, which re-routed a van to pick us up at the marina, delivering us at the depot. We purchased tickets and played tourist, making mental notes of places to re-visit later in the day.
St. Augustine has an interesting history; Spanish, English, industrialist winter playground, modern renaissance. We enjoyed the tour and then returned to the visitor center, where the St. Augustine Arts & Craft Guild was sponsoring a festival. Cat toured the hundred tents with jewelry, paintings, pottery, metalwork, etc. I enjoyed the sunshine on a bench.
Next we boarded the Red Train again and traveled to the San Sebastian Winery, tasted and purchased a red, white and port to take with us on our voyage. Back on the train, we toured back to old town for lunch at a Cuban restaurant, then shopping on St. George Street, as we wandered back toward the visitors center and our ride back to the harbor.
Cat gathered dirty clothes for washing and I worked on the electrical issues in one of the AC circuits on the boat. She got the clothes clean. I have not yet solved the AC problem….
We will leave tomorrow as soon as possible, but he Lions Gate bridge does not have an opening before 10:30am. W hope to make that opening, allowing us to continue our journey south.
All is well,
Jim & Cathy
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Palm Cove Marina, Jacksonville, FL
Palm Cove Marina, Jacksonville, FL 20091127
The trip down from St. Mary’s was uneventful, except for
some scary shallow water in the ICW channel.
On the way, I contemplated accomplishments and opportunities
to improve;
1) I have been very happy with my 25# Delta
anchor & 150’ of 3/8” chain. Easy to
set, holds like a death grip and easy to retrieve. Cat has become adept at handling the boat as I
haul in the heavy chain. We have found
that slow, consistent and thoughtful movements are best.
2) The
wind generator spins constantly, charging the second battery bank. It is relatively quiet and works well. I did not, however, create a way to get the
power from batteries 3&4 powered by the wind generator to batteries
1&2, used to start the engine and for house power. I have jury rigged something, but will do a
more permanent solution when possible.
3) The
composting head has worked well.
Manufactured under the “Nature’s Calling” brand, separates the solid and
liquid wastes. I empty the liquids
overboard every other day or so. The
solids are collected and with an external handle, are agitated after each use
and each morning and evening. No holding
tanks or pump outs. Very little
odor. Think of us each day “Stirring the
Stuff” as we proceed south.
4) The
Britta Filter Pitcher removes all traces of metallic taste from the tank water
supply. I cannot tell the difference
between bottled water and filtered water.
We use this for tea, oatmeal, washing dishes, etc. Works great.
5) Foul
weather jackets are used every day, all day.
With a fleece underneath, these keep the wind away and us warm and dry.
6) 5
mile wifi – This little piece of technical magic is great. Even in locations with poor wifi connections,
I can run the antenna up the flag halyard and pull in 15 or more networks. I get increased transfer speeds when surfing
the web.
7) Walter’s
Dodger and bimini are just superb. Well
made and good looking. The block the
wind and spray to keep us more comfortable.
Well done Walter.
8) More
to come…
Unusual definitions aboard “Angel”:
1) Hot Bath = take 2 washcloths to the head. Wet each with 2-3 pumps of fresh water and
squeeze to remove excess. Place
washcloths onto propane heater chimney and allow to warm. You must keep your wits about you. If you become distracted and overheat your
washcloths, when you apply them to body parts, it is as if you have those areas
steam cleaned.
2) Port
and Starboard = As with her hands and feet, Cat has a hard time with Port and
Starboard or Left or Right. She has
learned that Port is the “Red” side and Starboard is the “Green” Side of the
boat. We steer to red or green to adjust
coarse.
We will be heading out early to get to St.
Augustine for a long visit to see the city.
Jim & Cathy
Friday, November 27, 2009
Transit to & Thanksgiving in St. Mary's GA
Transit from Jekyll Island, GA to St. Mary’s, GA 20091124
After fueling in Jekyll Island, we again headed south in the “ditch”. Since it is only ~25 miles from Jekyll Island to St. Mary’s, we anticipated an easy journey and early arrival. All went well until where the crooked river comes into the ICW. The engine just quit. We anchored and discovered the fuel filter clogged. A quick replacement, then the battery was dead. The fuses on the charging circuits to both the house and starting batteries were blown. Again replacements and a jump start from the backup battery had us moving and charging again. These mishaps delayed our arrival about an hour.
After traveling from end to end of Cumberland Island on the ICW, we turned west into the St. Mary’s river and followed it 2 miles to the town. Coming around the final bend, mast sprouted from every nook along the riverfront. We anchored, but decided we were too close to other boats, so hoisted the delta anchor and chain, moving 100 yards east, in a little deeper water for clearance. In 25 feet of water (low tide); I let out 135 feet of chain and backed down hard to set the anchor. We have been securely anchored since, again swinging with the tides.
We launched the 10’ ridged-inflatable-bottom (RIB) dinghy from the foredeck, using the spinnaker halyard and winch, dropping it’s 125#’s easily over the lifelines and walking it port to starboard. I removed the 15 hp Yamaha engine from its stern rail mount, moving it in short hops to the starboard rail, then attaching a block and tackle, eased it into position onto the dinghy’s stern. Addition of the removable seat, lifejackets and gas tank; plus 2 pulls on the starter cord, and we were ready for town. Cathy and I jumped in, then, motored to the dinghy dock, joining the other 25 or so hard and inflatable dinks already there.
Seagle’s Saloon @ Riverview Hotel hosted a reception and all brought snacks, with the bar providing adult beverages. We left after an 1½ hours for dinner, then motored back in the dark for an early bedtime. The wind blew and the rains came overnight, with sprinkles only by morning. I pumped out the dink, then we left to meet the van for a shopping run, returning for a town tour and hot lunch.
We keep meeting the most interesting people. Couples from Ontario, Annapolis, Detroit, Portland (Me), etc. cross our paths in the van for shopping, in the city tour cart and most importantly at “Sundowners”. All have suggestions for marinas, places to visit; especially, small islands in the Bahamas. The Sundowners are very interesting. About ½ hour before they begin, you hear first one, then another and another dinghy motor rev up. Looking back from the dinghy dock, the flotilla of inflatables converge from all point in the harbor, literally >100 boats fill each space at the dock 3 deep. Late arrivals clamber over the bobbing donut of others boats to tie up. Each boat brings a precious cargo of food to contribute to the gala, usually dips and appetizers. As the outside bar fills with dishes, more goodies come in through the gate of Seagle’s Saloon and make their way to the tables of the patio.
Last evening, the town provided an oyster roast. The surging throng of cruisers crush against the food bar, pulsing and moving slowly like locusts down the buffet, sampling ALL dishes, leaving crumbs, and used toothpicks in their wake. A new plate of food arrives and like a lighthouse beacon, draws the attention of the hungry crowd. Soon a circle of predators develops around the unprotected sustenance, and it is ceremoniously consumed. It appears that raving about how good everything tastes justifies gluttony at these events. All the great food is washed down by copious amounts of beer and mixed drinks from Cindy the barmaid.
Cindy is something special. She is five feet tall, 250 pounds, wearing tank tops and short bib overalls. Visible are an assortment of tattoos, on her chest, shoulders, back, arms…consisting of barbed wire wraps, geometric patterns, stars…She rules over the bar with an iron hand and foul mouth. She waits on whoever she wants in whatever order by her whim. She is the female version of Seinfeld’s “Soup Nazi”. It was great fun to observe her interactions.
Overnight was very special. We returned to Angel and went to sleep early. I arose around 2am to check the anchor, but before rising I lay quietly and noticed there was NO sound. The tide was slack, calm winds, and we lay absolutely still in the harbor. Holding my breath between Cathy’s rhythmic breathing, I strained to hear any sound and there were NONE. No bedclothes rustling, no sailcloth crinkling no wavelets lapping again the boat. I stirred and check the systems; bilge, anchor, cockpit, dinghy and batteries. All was OK. I sat for a few minutes in the cockpit, cold but satisfied with the situation.
Today is Thanksgiving…We are missing family, but will call all later today.
Thanksgiving in St. Mary’s GA
Thanksgiving in St. Mary’s is a jam packed day. Yesterday p.m., we created our contribution to the Thanksgiving feast, Rum Balls (5 dozen). We slept late, washed up and put on better clothes, then jumped in the dink and headed to the dock around 11am. We stopped by the hotel, dropped our coats & boat business cards to reserve seating, placed our dish of Rum Balls on the desert table and walked around town, calling family.
The crowd kept coming, filling the dinghy dock and then the hotel and spilling into the street. At 1pm, the line formed outside with plates in hand. More than 100 people formed the que down the block. Once inside, two parallel 10 foot long tables were filled to overflowing with all types of cuisine. Dressings (sage, cornbread, etc.), cranberry sauces, potatoes (whipped, boiled and salad), veggies (green beans, corn, butterbeans, squash, etc.), and of course 4 types of hams and turkeys roasted to perfection. There was a separate table of breads and the desert table had pies (pumpkin, pecan & banana cream), cakes (chocolate, pound, cranberry, etc.), cookies, and whipped cream. Like us, most tables brought their own bottle of wine to complement the feast.
People ate, talked, rested and ate again. No one went away hungry.
Afterwards, the crowd thinned and most headed back to their boats for a nap.
There was a dance with live band in the park from 5:30pm-9:30pm.
Overnight, the wind built to 25 knots and I slept poorly, getting up frequently to see about the anchor.
On Friday Morning, we arose, loaded the dinghy & motor, heading south once again toward Jacksonville.
Jim & Cathy
Monday, November 23, 2009
Transit to & Visit to Jekyll Island GA
20091122 Transit from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina to Jekyll Island, Georgia
“Angel” received 18 gallons of fuel and a new Intercoastal Waterway map book in Hilton Head Harbortown Yacht Basin. Our old map had many wrong marker numbers and locations. So under a sunny sky and with weak winds, shoved off from Harbortown headed south along the intercoastal waterway. “Angel” has the easy motion of a full keeled craft, with minor rolling and pitching as we made our way, green markers to the port and red markers to the starboard. We watched the GPS and depth sounder regularly as we motor-sailed southward. We passed countless birds diving and feeding in the calm waters. Pelicans were most amusing, gliding along inches from the water, then pitching skyward; followed by sudden dive for prey and crash into the water. In the afternoon, dolphins became our escorts, swimming in pods of 3 or 4 individuals in larger estuaries, sometimes breaching right next to the cockpit, but gone before our camera could react.
We proceeded southward from ~10am to 4:30pm, when we identified an anchorage in Red Bird Creek, about 40 miles south of Hilton Head. We motored up the creek past two other cruisers and anchored in ~10 feet of water with plenty of scope. A simple dinner of Spamburgers and canned corn, washed down with hot lemon tea, completed our work day. Sundown was at 5:50pm, so we put on a movie and watched “The Fifth Element” with Bruce Willis, but we were both tired and missed important parts of it.
Turning in, we planned an early departure. As this was our first night “on the hook”, I awoke several times and went outside to check that the anchor had not dragged. In the middle of the night, I sat in the cockpit for a few minutes and watched the crescent moon and stars, brighter without the light pollution of the city. In the morning, a simple breakfast; then as we emerged from below, we found our world fogged in. It seems that the weather front contained some clouds without the will or ability to fly. We decided to wait for better visibility before proceeding. The fog lifted somewhat and we left around 10:15am.
Retracing our track from Red Bird Creek to the intercoastal, we again headed south, green and red markers fell behind us and Cathy checked them off as we passed, confirming each number through the binoculars and calling out the numbers aloud. We both met northbound and fell in behind southbound waterway traffic along the way. Barges with earth moving equipment or cranes, cabin cruisers and occasionally a sailboat passed us going north.
Again, waterfowl and water creatures accompanied and entertained us. After another 40 miles or so, we found refuge in Tea Kettle Creek, anchoring in 15 feet of water. The wind had freshened dramatically, perhaps to 20 knots, and while anchoring, I lost control of the anchor chain, allowing more than 120 feet of 3/8” chain to escape from the locker. My wrist was scrapped a little by the event, and my fingers really tingled from vibrating along the chain as I tried to slow its run; but in hindsight, this was a good thing. During the night, our wind generator hummed and “Angel” swung back and forth on the anchor, but with each inspection during the night, all was well and the anchor held. I tried to secure mainsail, genoa and spinnaker halyards, but my efforts were unsuccessful. All night, they took turns slapping the mast, each with a different pitch and in turn reminded us the wind outside. Our motion inside was gentle, but disturbing in that we had no point of reference outside the portholes. Just salt marsh grass on two sides along the creek. Our view from the v-berth changed from creek to marsh to creek, but the wider view from the cockpit demonstrated our position just a pendulum swing, pivoting back-and-forth on the anchor chain.
Up early, we headed out of Tea Kettle creek this morning, again headed south; really more southeast. This is fortunate, since we had a north east wind, which pushed us along at 6.8 knots vs the usual 5.1 without an assist or 4.7 with the wind on our nose. Both days, Cathy used the binoculars to conduct an aquatic real estate guide of mansions & shacks along the waterway. Some are VERY impressive, with mega yachts out back, sport runabouts for fun tied up the swimming platforms along the waterway and tributaries.
As we traversed St. Simon’s Sound and made the turn at the north end of Jekyll Island, a strong rainstorm hit. We both commented how glad we were to have purchased foul weather gear just prior to our departure. The rain came down heavily, but did not impede our journey. We only had to slow to allow larger and faster shrimp boats to cross our path to get into their home ports. Taking Jekyll Creek along the western edge of Jekyll Island, we called ahead to reserve a slip and upon arrival around 1:30pm, wedged our way along the face dock, starboard side to, just inches from our dock mates. Short work was made to get “Angel” in order. Cathy concentrated on the interior, stripping the bed and getting the dirty clothes together. I secured the anchor chain, washed clean of creek mud by the rainstorm and re-stowed it into the chair locker though the hawse pipe. Arranging cushions to dry and hanging our jackets to air, we retrieved a dock cart, loaded in the laundry, towels and fresh clothes; and headed for the showers. Conveniently, attached to facilities was a restaurant, where we snacked and watched Sunday NFL football games after freshening ourselves, while the clothes were washed.
A short nap preceded dinner at Latitude 31, a local favorite eating spot. The dockhand gave us a ride to the restaurant, where we shared the most delicious crab bisque, spinach salad w/ hot bacon dressing and fresh seafood crepes’. We asked our waitress if there was a taxi service to get us back to the marina, but unfortunately there is not; so (unsolicited) she asked the kitchen staff, then the other patrons, if anyone could provide us a ride. We were introduced to Sharon and George, who are retired and living on Jekyll Island for 6 months. They were at the next table, and offered to provide transportation the 1.2 miles back to “Angel”. We must now pass this kindness forward at our earliest convenience.
Comedy at the Captain’s Expense
During our stay in Tea Kettle Creek, I awoke periodically during the night to check the anchor status. On these status checks, I would light the Force 10 Propane Heater, installed just before departure in Charleston. This trusted friend came from my old sailboat and lay unused in the garage since 1992. While a tight fit, the heater was hung on the door of the locker opposite the composting head. In Tea Kettle Creek, I arose, lit the heater; then checked the anchor from the cockpit. Returning, I made use of the head, and turning around, was closing the lid, when a gust of wind rolled the boat slightly. I stepped back and swear that I heard the sound of bacon hitting a red hot skillet. I realized quickly that this was my right buttock contacting the now red hot heater! Grabbing a towel, I bit down hard to fight the pain. I have not checked yet, but I think I have a permanent reminder of the trip…specifically the words “Force 10 Propane Heater” burned in mirror image on my right flank.
REFLECTIONS
With the world passing at 5 knots, there is plenty of time for contemplating people, places and events. During the Hilton Head to Jekyll Island transit, I thought long and hard about my Dad, who passed away August 14, 2009. In 1944, he joined the US Navy at age 18 and after basic training, went to Ft. Pierce, Florida and received training as a Higgs Boat pilot. Higgs Boats are landing craft used to deliver Marines and supplies to beaches during assault invasions. These pilots were prime targets from enemy shore batteries, since killing them disabled an entire platoon of Marines. After landing craft training, he and other pilots/mechanics rafted 8 craft together, then headed north along the same Intercoastal Waterway we are traveling; delivering the vessels in approximately two weeks to Norfolk, Virginia. There drove one and towed the rest until mechanical difficulties required shifting to another landing craft. They re-shuffled the group and continued on, daylight only up the “ditch”. In Norfolk, they loaded the landing craft onto transports and headed through the Panama Canal to the Pacific theatre for the invasion of Japan.
Fortunately, as the flotilla assembled in the Philippines, the atomic bombs were dropped over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending the war. My father was redirected & assigned to the security forces in Shanghai, China.
Monday, November 22, 2009, we explore Jekyll Island
Hot lemon tea started the day, it is comfortable inside “Angel”, but a little cool outside. The high today is 63, but with an ocean breeze, it chills quickly. I checked out a complementary bike from the Jekyll Harbor Marina. “Complementary” in this case defines an old one speed coaster with low tire pressure. Biking is definitely the way to see the island. I toured the historic area, then proceeded to the IGA to get some supplies, including fresh fruit & ginger snaps to supplement our afternoon tea. Back to the marina, I picked up Cathy and learned she had not ridden a bicycle in ….. well a long time. Hers was just as vintage and in as good repair as mine. We took them up to the bike path and headed toward the historic tours museum, arriving at 11:05am, just missing the 11am tour. Locking up the bikes, we walked around the historic area, Cathy shopping, while I waited outside. It was a pleasant, uneventful 2 hours that allow us to tour the Jekyll Island Hotel and grounds. We got back to the tour center for the 1pm guide. We loaded the train with 5 passengers and when tour guide, Phyllis arrived; she briskly had us disembark and get into a stretch golf cart. She has lived on the island for many years and gave a great tour, taking us not only along beside, but also into many of the cottages. She also gave us access to a cottage containing bronze and plaster sculptures, normally not on the tour.
Her final gift to us was the recommendation to go to Red Bug Pizza for a late lunch, where the Greek Salad and Pizza really hit the spot. Again, we were the only patrons. Overall, a great day.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Harbortown Yacht Basin - Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head, South Carolina – Harbortown Yacht Basin
20091119
We departed Charleston Tuesday, a little late, missing the high tide; due to final preparations securing all belongings for the trip off shore. Motoring down the Ashley River. Rounding Ft. Sumter into the main shipping channel, “Angel” performed well with an easy motion of a full keel sailboat.
After passing the green buoy #13, we set the tiller hard to port and headed on the plotted course 240 degrees, south east. With a following wind and confused seas from the approaching weather front, sailing downwind with only the 150% genoa, the waves would turn the boat briefly backwinding the sail. This required adjust the tiller to again fill the sail. After a few hours of this, the wind rose from 10 to 25 knots with 5-6 foot waves; I adjusted course to 215 degrees to more follow the waves and easier sailing.
Around midnight, we hove-to for 4 hours to sleep, slowing our progress from 7 knots in the fresh wind to ~1 knot. I slept in the cockpit on a rope bag, Cathy leaned against the bulkhead hiding from the spray. At 4am our battery died from too much drain from navigation lights, depth sounder/speed/GPS instruments and cabin lights. We were able to continue by keeping shore lights on our starboard stern. With sunrise, the seas calmed and we sailed on.
Wednesday, 10am, we passed Fripp Island close by on starboard; continuing down the coast. Around noon, we called Harbortown Yacht Basin, requesting a slip for the night. Little did we know that it would take us another 6 hours to arrive. As we passed down the length of Hilton Head Island, we were joined by numerous dolphin and sea birds. We watched with amusement as the pelicans dove and crashed as they gathered prey. Our chart was out dated and we passed by Hilton Head to Tybee Roads harbor entrance, then down Calibogue Sound and turned into Harbortown Yacht Basin, selecting a slip on an empty dock, since the staff had departed for the evening.
Leaving a note, then going upstairs for dinner at the Quarterdeck Restaurant, where we were the only patrons, even at 7pm. They will close for the season next week. We then returned to the “Angel” sleeping without stirring until morning. We were awakened by a small dog, delighted with his master’s success fishing from the bank. Shortly, thereafter; HYB staff arrived with a morning newspaper and offered help for moving to another deeper slip for tonight.
I once read the definition of Sailboat Cruising is performing boat repairs in exotic places. This is true for us. A trip to West Marine for electrical bits and pieces followed by some cursing as I folded to reach our AC shorepower.
Showered, fresh clothes and a seafood platter completed our day.
We will depart tomorrow for the intercoastal waterway south towards St. Mary’s, Georgia for Thanksgiving.
Take Care,
Cathy and Jim
20091119
We departed Charleston Tuesday, a little late, missing the high tide; due to final preparations securing all belongings for the trip off shore. Motoring down the Ashley River. Rounding Ft. Sumter into the main shipping channel, “Angel” performed well with an easy motion of a full keel sailboat.
After passing the green buoy #13, we set the tiller hard to port and headed on the plotted course 240 degrees, south east. With a following wind and confused seas from the approaching weather front, sailing downwind with only the 150% genoa, the waves would turn the boat briefly backwinding the sail. This required adjust the tiller to again fill the sail. After a few hours of this, the wind rose from 10 to 25 knots with 5-6 foot waves; I adjusted course to 215 degrees to more follow the waves and easier sailing.
Around midnight, we hove-to for 4 hours to sleep, slowing our progress from 7 knots in the fresh wind to ~1 knot. I slept in the cockpit on a rope bag, Cathy leaned against the bulkhead hiding from the spray. At 4am our battery died from too much drain from navigation lights, depth sounder/speed/GPS instruments and cabin lights. We were able to continue by keeping shore lights on our starboard stern. With sunrise, the seas calmed and we sailed on.
Wednesday, 10am, we passed Fripp Island close by on starboard; continuing down the coast. Around noon, we called Harbortown Yacht Basin, requesting a slip for the night. Little did we know that it would take us another 6 hours to arrive. As we passed down the length of Hilton Head Island, we were joined by numerous dolphin and sea birds. We watched with amusement as the pelicans dove and crashed as they gathered prey. Our chart was out dated and we passed by Hilton Head to Tybee Roads harbor entrance, then down Calibogue Sound and turned into Harbortown Yacht Basin, selecting a slip on an empty dock, since the staff had departed for the evening.
Leaving a note, then going upstairs for dinner at the Quarterdeck Restaurant, where we were the only patrons, even at 7pm. They will close for the season next week. We then returned to the “Angel” sleeping without stirring until morning. We were awakened by a small dog, delighted with his master’s success fishing from the bank. Shortly, thereafter; HYB staff arrived with a morning newspaper and offered help for moving to another deeper slip for tonight.
I once read the definition of Sailboat Cruising is performing boat repairs in exotic places. This is true for us. A trip to West Marine for electrical bits and pieces followed by some cursing as I folded to reach our AC shorepower.
Showered, fresh clothes and a seafood platter completed our day.
We will depart tomorrow for the intercoastal waterway south towards St. Mary’s, Georgia for Thanksgiving.
Take Care,
Cathy and Jim
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Day of Departure 20091117
Day of Departure 20091117
With a new set of clothes for the “Angel”, courtesy of Walter Spalviero (Canvas Master 843-478-7310), Cathy and I are detailing and preparing for departure. Both of us are excited and nervous about setting off, leaving friends and family for adventures over the horizon.
Walter was gracious and generous with his time to create a cover for the stern, providing shade for the lazarette, where the refrigeration unit struggles with direct sun. He then added a fold down combination cover & window for the companionway. In addition, Walter created a navigation instrument canvas roll. He then created a map pocket for the ceiling of the salon. The rails for the companionway hatch leaked regularly. I removed, re-bedded the rails and installed through bolts to snug them down securely. Threaded connectors were then added with addition bolts and teak slats to create a ceiling shelf. Walter’s map pocket is secured to the bolts and holds both maps and heavier map kits. The matching mainsail cover, bimini and dodger will serve us well as we travel.
At present, weather permitting, our general schedule is proposed to be:
20091116 Leave Charleston, SC offshore to St. Mary’s Georgia
20091119 Arrive St. Mary’s, GA - Stay ~1 week through Thanksgiving
20091127 Depart St. Mary’s GA – Head south via Intercoastal Waterway toward Ft. Lauderdale
20091201 Arrive Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Wait for good weather to cross Gulf Stream
20091203 Cross Gulf Stream overnight, arrive West End, Grand Bahamas – Check in Customs
20091205 Sail North and East to Marsh Harbor, Green Turtle Cay, Abacos, Bahamas
Stay through Cathy’s Birthday on 12/8
20091215 Explore more Cays south, Arrive and explore Eleuthera Bahamas
20091225 Head South and spend Christmas in Cat Island Cay
20091231 Explore Exumas Bahamas and celebrate New Year’s in Georgetown, Exumas Bahamas
20100104 Celebrate Jim’s birthday on “private island” somewhere in Exumas, Begin looking for weather window to sail North
20100110 Start Sailing up the “Tongue of the Ocean”, bear right past Bimini and sail due north in Gulf Stream
20100115 Arrive Charleston, South Carolina
Follow our adventures at the following links.
http://angelvoyage.blogspot.com/
20091116 Leave Charleston, SC offshore to St. Mary’s Georgia
20091119 Arrive St. Mary’s, GA - Stay ~1 week through Thanksgiving
20091127 Depart St. Mary’s GA – Head south via Intercoastal Waterway toward Ft. Lauderdale
20091201 Arrive Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Wait for good weather to cross Gulf Stream
20091203 Cross Gulf Stream overnight, arrive West End, Grand Bahamas – Check in Customs
20091205 Sail North and East to Marsh Harbor, Green Turtle Cay, Abacos, Bahamas
Stay through Cathy’s Birthday on 12/8
20091215 Explore more Cays south, Arrive and explore Eleuthera Bahamas
20091225 Head South and spend Christmas in Cat Island Cay
20091231 Explore Exumas Bahamas and celebrate New Year’s in Georgetown, Exumas Bahamas
20100104 Celebrate Jim’s birthday on “private island” somewhere in Exumas, Begin looking for weather window to sail North
20100110 Start Sailing up the “Tongue of the Ocean”, bear right past Bimini and sail due north in Gulf Stream
20100115 Arrive Charleston, South Carolina
Follow our adventures at the following links.
http://angelvoyage.blogspot.com/
Please forward to anyone that I missed.
More Later…
Forward as you wish.
Jim
More Later…
Forward as you wish.
Jim
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Rain Delays New Clothes for the Old Girl
For greater protection from rain, wind and sun; I have ordered a new dodger and bimini for Dark Hair Angel. The dodger is a canvas covering with windshields that fits over the companionway to deflect sea spray and wind while underway. The bimini is a shade covering fitted on a folding/pivoting frame over the cockpit to keep off rain and sun. While the frames for both have been installed, local rain has prevented final installation. Stay tuned.
I also ordered a new sail cover in matching Sunbrella fabric to complete her new ensemble. I will post pictures after delivery.
This week is filled with checking systems and "fixin' what's broke". Monday, I spent 6 hours folded into the starboard lazarette (cockpit locker) replacing the engine's temperature gauge, connecting the ground wire for the wind generator to the boat ground and securing the wiring from the stern to the fuse panels away from chafe points. The bilge "ate" my 11/32 socket driver and a wire nut. Tuesday, I could hardly get out of bed from aches and pains.
I load the last of the kitchen goods today and continue securing all for sea.
Take care,
J
I also ordered a new sail cover in matching Sunbrella fabric to complete her new ensemble. I will post pictures after delivery.
This week is filled with checking systems and "fixin' what's broke". Monday, I spent 6 hours folded into the starboard lazarette (cockpit locker) replacing the engine's temperature gauge, connecting the ground wire for the wind generator to the boat ground and securing the wiring from the stern to the fuse panels away from chafe points. The bilge "ate" my 11/32 socket driver and a wire nut. Tuesday, I could hardly get out of bed from aches and pains.
I load the last of the kitchen goods today and continue securing all for sea.
Take care,
J
Friday, November 6, 2009
Last Day At Work

I am completing my final day at work until January. This will be my longest time away from a job since...starting working in high school in 1969!
I will miss my work family at Environmental Monitoring Systems (ems). Without exception, my work family has been supportive, informative, friendly, helpful and professional during my tenure at ems. Throughout my work experience at P&G, Henkel Corporation, Armor All Products, and MUSC; no other group of individuals deserves success and happiness more. My greatest flaw is not presenting each of these individuals with the complements they deserve each day. (Pardon the slightly dated picture.)
If you want leave me a message at jim@esssales.net; I will reply upon my return.
Jim
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