Gosh, where has the time gone! The old saying that "time flies when you are having fun" is really true. It is hard to believe that it is already the first of April. We are currently anchored in Elizabeth Harbor in George Town. We need to renew our Visa's by April 5 so we decided to come to George Town since this is one of the Ports where that can be done. We also want to be here for the Family Island Regatta the week after Easter. Initially, we were only given 90 days and we will need at least another 30 to 40 days in order to be in the country legally. This seems to be the first year where cruisers have had difficulty with limits on the numbers of days given when checking in. We have been told many reasons for this and we're still not sure what the truth is. I keep reminding folks that this is the Bahamas. When in the Bahamas, you do as the Bahamians do as well as do what the Bahamians tell you to do! So, we will go to Immigrations on Monday and see if we can extend our stay a little while longer.
Our trip up North to visit the Cays that we missed back in January was extremely worthwhile. Our first stop from Sampson was Hawksbill Cay. Oh my!!!!!! What beauty!!!!! We took a mooring ball and spent the next 2 days exploring the many trails and pristine beaches of this beautiful area. Hawksbill is part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and is one of the most beautiful places we have been so far. They encourage cruisers to chose a mooring ball instead of anchoring so that the sea bed is protected.
The trails take you through the Loyalists ruins that dates back to the 1793 - 1830 era. This was so neat because you could actually see the doors and windows of these ancients homes. The Loyalists had fled the US to make a new home on this Island in the Bahamas after the Revolutionary War. They remained loyal to King George and had to leave their homes in order to start all over again. This is a part of the story that we did not hear about in our history classes. Our Revolutionary War is still referred to as the "Civil War" in Loyalist's history. I can only imagine how difficult it was to be forced from your home, your farm, your place of business and having to relocate in an area, while beautiful, is very rocky and difficult to grow crops. I stood among the ruins and you could almost feel their presence and their struggle in settling in a new land.
Our next stop was Highbourne Cay which is a private island with a marina that welcomes cruisers. Magic, Buck and I enjoyed walking the Island and walking on the beach where we found the oldest known coral dating back billions of years. The coral is called Stromagolites. Magic really enjoyed swimming off the beach with several children and a floating swim platform out about 100 yards from shore. He and Buck swam to the platform, climbed on it and watched as others enjoyed swimming, boating, or just relaxing in the sun. His best friends, Vic and GiGi, stopped by on their way to go snorkeling with a "greenie" for him. He was in "heaven" then! You notice I am not included on the platform. There is a reason for this. At the end of the beach/swimming area, there is a fish-cleaning station. As the fishermen clean their fish, they throw the parts they cut-off into the water and into the mouths of very hungry nurse sharks! Once Buck pointed them out to me, I was very content to stay right there on the beach in my chair and watch both the sharks and Buck and Magic from a far!
Upon leaving Highbourne in the early morning, we had the most pleasant surprise. We were able to sail all the way to Sampson Cay (which is about 35-40 miles). This was the longest time and the longest distance we were under sail only, that means no engine, this entire trip! We had 20 knot winds out of the Northeast. Buck is his happiest when he is trimming his sails! It was really an enjoyable day and trip south back to our favorite place in the Bahamas.
There have been many memorable days since we began our trip. But one of the most special is the day we took our dinghies to Compass Cay. What a neat, friendly place to visit, have a great hamburger, and visit with other cruisers. When I say friendly, I don't just mean the hosts and people who live and work on the Island, but the nurse sharks are friendly too! At high tide, they can be found swimming right on the dock where the dinghies are tied-up. Tucker, the owner, who is well-known throughout the Bahamas is a distingished, soft-spoken Bahamian who welcomes everyone to the Island as if they are returning "home". What a very, very nice man! He has made accessible by developing trails to the most interesting points which includes another one of the prettiest beaches I have ever seen. (I know I keep saying this, but it is really true!).
I don't think that I mentioned that during all of this we have been able to listen to the ACC Tournament and any of the NCAA Tournament games that we were interested in. Thanks to our good friend Paul, we now have satellite radio! We have even turned GiGi into a basketball fan! We are all pulling for VCU this weekend! Sorry to see that none of our beloved ACC Teams made it to the Final Four.
That is all for now.
Fair winds!
Vicki, Buck and Magic
Friday, April 1, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
A Special Opportunity
I want to share with you one of the most meaningful opportunities I have had since I retired from the school system. We were visiting Black Point which is the largest settlement(excluding Great Exuma) in the Exuma Cays. Black Point is a very friendly community welcoming all boaters with its array of essential services and provisions. On a previous visit, I had met with the Principal of the "All Age School". She very graciously offered Vic and myself a tour of the school. We were able to go into each class and meet some of the students and teachers. It didn't take long to realize that character education, respect, and manners were at the top of their mission. When we would enter a class, all the students would stand by their desks, with their green pants or skirts and yellow oxford cloth, button-down shirts, and say "Good morning,Visitors". Did I mention that they also had on ties?! The students looked so nice in their uniforms. We were so impressed and felt so welcome and special. Fortunately for me, I was able to actually work with some of the students for three mornings. Wow!!!! What an awesome opportunity! I immediately fell in love with 4 of the sweetest children who were so eager to read with me and to write about the stories. They worked so well together and seemed to be just as thrilled when one of their classmates responded correctly as they were when they did. What a treat! I guess the love for children and teaching will always be in my heart and soul!
Another special treat in Black Point is the Rockside Inn and Laundrymat and the very special Ida who manages it. I have never thought doing laundry was a treat, but in this particular setting and facility it definitely ranks really near the top as one of the highlights of our trip! Not only is the place spotless and cleaner than any laundrymat I have seen anywhere in the world, but the view is spectacular. Ida also offers the best haircut anywhere in the Exumas! And what a view! We have never had our haircut where I can sit outside and look over a Harbor filled with boats and the clearest water of all shades of blues you have could imagine. Ida - what a sweet, dear lady you are!!
Our next stop after Black Point was Bitter Guana. There have been so many gorgeous areas on our trip but none any prettier than this Cay. The white limestone rock formations are just spectacular! The Cay is a protected sanctuary for Igauans. These little prehistoric-looking animals will actually come down to the beach to greet you when you land your dinghy. Magic had to stay on the boat for this trip to shore since dogs are not allowed on the beach. We had a nice hike to the top of the rocks from which we could look in any direction and have a beautiful view. I think this was one of Buck's favorite places we have visited so far.
During the last couple of months, we have enjoyed hanging out in the Sampson Cay, Staniel Cay, Big Major, and Black Point areas. There is just so much to do and so many places to explore in the water and on land that we could literally spend another month or two and not see it all. However, we have been told there are other really beautiful Cays as well. So, we are planning to leave Sampson Cay on Sunday and head north for a couple of weeks. We will be visiting Norman's Cay, Shroud Cay, and Hawksbill Cay. I look forward to sharing these areas with you in future blogs. I'm not sure about Internet availability but will blog as soon as I can.
For now, that is all.
Fair winds!
Vicki, Buck, and Magic
Another special treat in Black Point is the Rockside Inn and Laundrymat and the very special Ida who manages it. I have never thought doing laundry was a treat, but in this particular setting and facility it definitely ranks really near the top as one of the highlights of our trip! Not only is the place spotless and cleaner than any laundrymat I have seen anywhere in the world, but the view is spectacular. Ida also offers the best haircut anywhere in the Exumas! And what a view! We have never had our haircut where I can sit outside and look over a Harbor filled with boats and the clearest water of all shades of blues you have could imagine. Ida - what a sweet, dear lady you are!!
Our next stop after Black Point was Bitter Guana. There have been so many gorgeous areas on our trip but none any prettier than this Cay. The white limestone rock formations are just spectacular! The Cay is a protected sanctuary for Igauans. These little prehistoric-looking animals will actually come down to the beach to greet you when you land your dinghy. Magic had to stay on the boat for this trip to shore since dogs are not allowed on the beach. We had a nice hike to the top of the rocks from which we could look in any direction and have a beautiful view. I think this was one of Buck's favorite places we have visited so far.
During the last couple of months, we have enjoyed hanging out in the Sampson Cay, Staniel Cay, Big Major, and Black Point areas. There is just so much to do and so many places to explore in the water and on land that we could literally spend another month or two and not see it all. However, we have been told there are other really beautiful Cays as well. So, we are planning to leave Sampson Cay on Sunday and head north for a couple of weeks. We will be visiting Norman's Cay, Shroud Cay, and Hawksbill Cay. I look forward to sharing these areas with you in future blogs. I'm not sure about Internet availability but will blog as soon as I can.
For now, that is all.
Fair winds!
Vicki, Buck, and Magic
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Magic
I have been so impressed with our Second Mate, Magic, this entire trip that I have decided to dedicate this writing to him. His behavior throughout the trip, tolerance of and adaptability to a totally different way of living have been just outstanding. He has been a joy to have on the boat and a real trooper during every aspect of the trip. I will begin with a story that I should have told a long time ago back in October when we first began this trip. I didn't tell it because I thought it might embarrass his papa, but I have since gotten Buck's permission to tell this cute but very true story!
At the start of our trip, we had high hopes that Magic would just figure out what the "fake green grass" on the starboard foredeck of the boat was for without too much instruction from us. There are many times on a long trip like this that it just isn't convenient to take a dog to shore because either there isn't a good place on shore or there just isn't enough time. So to help us all out, Mindy, our good friend and Magic's breeder, had provided us with this latest technology that all boaters with dogs should have on board. She had recommended that I introduce Magic to the "fake green grass" at home in our backyard and try to get him to use it. Then, hopefully, he would transfer this newly learned skill to the boat with a little instruction and reinforcement from me. That's how it is supposed to work anyway or so I learned in my teacher training! Well, needless to say, I just couldn't find the time to fit this in with all the preparations at home and on the boat that we were involved in to get ready for our departure. I guess I just thought he would get it through osmosis or something! I was assured by our Vet that if Magic had to go to the bathroom bad enough, he would go on the boat and hopefully would learn eventually to use the "fake green grass". Did I mention that the "fake green grass" came to us already "seasoned" by a liter of English Cocker Spaniel puppies, thanks to Mindy! So, we leave Matthews Point Marina and our first night's anchorage is in Cedar Creek, N.C. For those of you not familiar with the area, there really isn't a beach or grassy area to dingy your dog in for a potty break. So right off, we were going to see what he would, or in this case would not, do. That's right, Magic being the well-trained companion that he is held it all that day and all that night and into the next day. By lunch on our 2nd. day out, I was getting very concerned about my little "baby boy". I thought, you know, we have preached and reinforced with cookies and treats all bathroom events when done outside on land for "8" years and now we are expecting him just in one and 1/2 days to all of a sudden go; "Oh, yea, that's what they want me to do. They want me to use that fake green grass"! Well, it didn't look like it was going to happen. Buck tried to reassure me that Magic would be O.K. We just needed to wait him out. Magic would look at the shoreline as we traveled down the ICW toward Morehead City and look at us and then at the dingy hanging in the davits off the stern of the boat. It was as if he was saying; "Hey, I've got to go to the bathroom. Ya'll usually take me to shore in the dingy. Why aren't you doing so now"? This was so cute but sad at the same time. The longer he went without going the more worried and anxious I became. Finally, Buck called Dr. Heagren, our Vet. and had him talk with me. He again assured me we were not damaging Magic's bladder or kidneys or anything else. He reiterated that he would go when he just couldn't hold it any longer. So I sat back and tried to relax and enjoy the waterway. Finally, after about 18 hours, Magic would sneak to the bow of the boat, squat, and finally use the bathroom. Man were we relieved! Even though Buck would not admit it, he was getting a little nervous too. Although, he didn't go near the "fake grass", we still reinforced and praised him enthusiastically! Little did we know at the time that this wasn't the end to our problem. This went on for several weeks while traveling down the waterway. We would go into a marina or an anchorage that had a good place to take a dog for walking and going to the bathroom and he would be so happy. But, oh, when we got to the next night and the anchorage didn't provide that, it was like starting all over again. The one thing we knew was that if we could just stand it and wait him out, he would eventually go on the boat.
By the 3rd. week of the trip, I must admit that Magic's mom and dad were getting a little worried that he just wasn't going to get it. His papa kept telling him that he was going to be sent home to Durham by bus if he didn't get it by the time we got to Charleston. I told Magic not to worry that his Aunt Alice would come for him!
One night we were in a beautiful anchorage in South Carolina. We were the only boat there. It was just very private with no houses around the creek. I don't remember how long it had been since Magic had used the bathroom, but I'm thinking it was about 20some hours. I just knew that in a day or two I was going to have to call Aunt Alice and see if she could meet us in Charleston to pick-up my boy. While sitting in the cockpit enjoying the beautiful view, Buck had a brainstorm. He said, "Magic come with me". So the two of them walked up to the "fake grass" and Buck proceeded to use the bathroom off the side of the boat with Magic watching him. The next thing I know Magic looks out at the water and back up to his papa and then hikes his leg and uses the bathroom right there on the grass. This is a true story! Now some of you may say this was just coincidence, but I tend to believe otherwise. I was there and saw it with my own two eyes. I just know that from that point on Magic got it and realized that the "fake grass" was his bathroom area and he was a good boy and got special treats when he used it. We were so relieved! He finally got it! But in the process, we seem to have created a "monster"! He will now got to the "fake grass" 5 or 6 times a day and then run back to the main salon and demand a treat by barking and looking at the treat jar! He doesn't stop barking until he gets his treat. He also seems to enjoy watching Buck wash down that side of the boat each time too!
We have always thought Magic to be quite the communicator. Even as a puppy, he would bark to go outside, go to where he eats and bark to let us know it is time for the next meal, and bark while looking up at the treat/cookie jar. However, his communication skills have become even more evident on this trip. I just described one example in one of the preceding paragraphs when I wrote about his going to the bathroom and immediately running to the main salon and asking for a cookie. He will also bark to ask permission to go from the main salon up the steps to the cockpit and will do the same when he wants to come back down the steps. He will bark, look at either Buck or myself and wait until we say "O.K" before ascending or descending the steps. It is so cute!
One of the best examples of his communication happened for the first time a couple of weeks ago. As most of you know, we have been traveling with our good friends on GiGi's Island, GiGi and Vic. They had periodically treated Magic with one of his favorite treats, a "greenie". Well GiGi had gone home to visit her brand new grandchildren, the Triplets! Vic was on GiGi's Island doing some computer work. Buck and I were down below straightening up our boat and realized that Magic wasn't with us nor was he in the cockpit. He was on the bow of the boat - all the way out on the bowsprit where the anchors hang. He was looking longingly toward GiGi's Island and whining. He would not come back to the cockpit nor would he pay any attention to us. He just kept looking and whining toward the Island. Buck got on the VHF radio and called Vic. He told Vic that Magic really wanted to see him and was doing everything he could to get his attention. As Vic put it, Magic was calling for "room service"! He wanted a "greenie". So what did Uncle Vic do? He got in his dinghy with a "greenie" in his pocket and delivered the treat to Magic. It was just awesome! I have never seen Magic so excited. Since then, Magic has frequently gone to the same spot looking and whining toward the Island in hopes that his Uncle Vic or his Aunt GiGi will respond with a treat for him.
There were times at the beginning when I wondered if bringing Magic along was the right thing to do.
However, he has been a true joy and a wonderful companion to both of us.
That's all for now!
Fair Winds,
Vicki, Buck, and Magic
At the start of our trip, we had high hopes that Magic would just figure out what the "fake green grass" on the starboard foredeck of the boat was for without too much instruction from us. There are many times on a long trip like this that it just isn't convenient to take a dog to shore because either there isn't a good place on shore or there just isn't enough time. So to help us all out, Mindy, our good friend and Magic's breeder, had provided us with this latest technology that all boaters with dogs should have on board. She had recommended that I introduce Magic to the "fake green grass" at home in our backyard and try to get him to use it. Then, hopefully, he would transfer this newly learned skill to the boat with a little instruction and reinforcement from me. That's how it is supposed to work anyway or so I learned in my teacher training! Well, needless to say, I just couldn't find the time to fit this in with all the preparations at home and on the boat that we were involved in to get ready for our departure. I guess I just thought he would get it through osmosis or something! I was assured by our Vet that if Magic had to go to the bathroom bad enough, he would go on the boat and hopefully would learn eventually to use the "fake green grass". Did I mention that the "fake green grass" came to us already "seasoned" by a liter of English Cocker Spaniel puppies, thanks to Mindy! So, we leave Matthews Point Marina and our first night's anchorage is in Cedar Creek, N.C. For those of you not familiar with the area, there really isn't a beach or grassy area to dingy your dog in for a potty break. So right off, we were going to see what he would, or in this case would not, do. That's right, Magic being the well-trained companion that he is held it all that day and all that night and into the next day. By lunch on our 2nd. day out, I was getting very concerned about my little "baby boy". I thought, you know, we have preached and reinforced with cookies and treats all bathroom events when done outside on land for "8" years and now we are expecting him just in one and 1/2 days to all of a sudden go; "Oh, yea, that's what they want me to do. They want me to use that fake green grass"! Well, it didn't look like it was going to happen. Buck tried to reassure me that Magic would be O.K. We just needed to wait him out. Magic would look at the shoreline as we traveled down the ICW toward Morehead City and look at us and then at the dingy hanging in the davits off the stern of the boat. It was as if he was saying; "Hey, I've got to go to the bathroom. Ya'll usually take me to shore in the dingy. Why aren't you doing so now"? This was so cute but sad at the same time. The longer he went without going the more worried and anxious I became. Finally, Buck called Dr. Heagren, our Vet. and had him talk with me. He again assured me we were not damaging Magic's bladder or kidneys or anything else. He reiterated that he would go when he just couldn't hold it any longer. So I sat back and tried to relax and enjoy the waterway. Finally, after about 18 hours, Magic would sneak to the bow of the boat, squat, and finally use the bathroom. Man were we relieved! Even though Buck would not admit it, he was getting a little nervous too. Although, he didn't go near the "fake grass", we still reinforced and praised him enthusiastically! Little did we know at the time that this wasn't the end to our problem. This went on for several weeks while traveling down the waterway. We would go into a marina or an anchorage that had a good place to take a dog for walking and going to the bathroom and he would be so happy. But, oh, when we got to the next night and the anchorage didn't provide that, it was like starting all over again. The one thing we knew was that if we could just stand it and wait him out, he would eventually go on the boat.
By the 3rd. week of the trip, I must admit that Magic's mom and dad were getting a little worried that he just wasn't going to get it. His papa kept telling him that he was going to be sent home to Durham by bus if he didn't get it by the time we got to Charleston. I told Magic not to worry that his Aunt Alice would come for him!
One night we were in a beautiful anchorage in South Carolina. We were the only boat there. It was just very private with no houses around the creek. I don't remember how long it had been since Magic had used the bathroom, but I'm thinking it was about 20some hours. I just knew that in a day or two I was going to have to call Aunt Alice and see if she could meet us in Charleston to pick-up my boy. While sitting in the cockpit enjoying the beautiful view, Buck had a brainstorm. He said, "Magic come with me". So the two of them walked up to the "fake grass" and Buck proceeded to use the bathroom off the side of the boat with Magic watching him. The next thing I know Magic looks out at the water and back up to his papa and then hikes his leg and uses the bathroom right there on the grass. This is a true story! Now some of you may say this was just coincidence, but I tend to believe otherwise. I was there and saw it with my own two eyes. I just know that from that point on Magic got it and realized that the "fake grass" was his bathroom area and he was a good boy and got special treats when he used it. We were so relieved! He finally got it! But in the process, we seem to have created a "monster"! He will now got to the "fake grass" 5 or 6 times a day and then run back to the main salon and demand a treat by barking and looking at the treat jar! He doesn't stop barking until he gets his treat. He also seems to enjoy watching Buck wash down that side of the boat each time too!
We have always thought Magic to be quite the communicator. Even as a puppy, he would bark to go outside, go to where he eats and bark to let us know it is time for the next meal, and bark while looking up at the treat/cookie jar. However, his communication skills have become even more evident on this trip. I just described one example in one of the preceding paragraphs when I wrote about his going to the bathroom and immediately running to the main salon and asking for a cookie. He will also bark to ask permission to go from the main salon up the steps to the cockpit and will do the same when he wants to come back down the steps. He will bark, look at either Buck or myself and wait until we say "O.K" before ascending or descending the steps. It is so cute!
One of the best examples of his communication happened for the first time a couple of weeks ago. As most of you know, we have been traveling with our good friends on GiGi's Island, GiGi and Vic. They had periodically treated Magic with one of his favorite treats, a "greenie". Well GiGi had gone home to visit her brand new grandchildren, the Triplets! Vic was on GiGi's Island doing some computer work. Buck and I were down below straightening up our boat and realized that Magic wasn't with us nor was he in the cockpit. He was on the bow of the boat - all the way out on the bowsprit where the anchors hang. He was looking longingly toward GiGi's Island and whining. He would not come back to the cockpit nor would he pay any attention to us. He just kept looking and whining toward the Island. Buck got on the VHF radio and called Vic. He told Vic that Magic really wanted to see him and was doing everything he could to get his attention. As Vic put it, Magic was calling for "room service"! He wanted a "greenie". So what did Uncle Vic do? He got in his dinghy with a "greenie" in his pocket and delivered the treat to Magic. It was just awesome! I have never seen Magic so excited. Since then, Magic has frequently gone to the same spot looking and whining toward the Island in hopes that his Uncle Vic or his Aunt GiGi will respond with a treat for him.
There were times at the beginning when I wondered if bringing Magic along was the right thing to do.
However, he has been a true joy and a wonderful companion to both of us.
That's all for now!
Fair Winds,
Vicki, Buck, and Magic
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
P.S.
I have been trying to upload photographs on my blog for the last couple of hours and the internet connection just will not allow me to do so. I will try later. When technology doesn't work over here in the Bahamas, they tell you to leave the computer, go outside and enjoy the view, come back when you are finished and your page is more than likely open. So I am going to follow their advice!
Vicki
Vicki
Cruising the Central Exumas
Allan's Cay to Emerald Rock at Waderick Wells - Wednesday, January 12
Emerald Rock to Sampson Cay - Saturday, January 15
Sampson Cay to Staniel Cay - Monday, January 24
Staniel Cay to Big Majors Spot - Tuesday, January 25
Big Majors Spot to Cambridge Cay - Wednesday, January 26
Cambridge Cay to Sampson Cay - Saturday, January 29
Sampson Cay to Blackpoint Settlement - Tuesday, February 1
Blackpoint Settlement to Sampson Cay - Thursday, February 3
Since January 11, we have spent our time cruising the Central Exumas. These places are actually very close together in that during this time we have traveled less than 100 miles. There is just so much to do at each place and so many people to meet and customs to share. One could literally stay at one location for days even months and still not be bored or lack any number of fun things to do and see! Often times our stay in one location may be cut short because of weather. There are certain anchorages that offer more protection than others depending on the direction and speed of the wind. That is why checking the weather forecast every day and sometimes several times a day is a very important part of our day as a cruiser. It is important to check for the week ahead and then recheck every morning to see if and how it has changed. We make our travel plans accordingly.
We picked-up a mooring ball at Emerald Rock in Waderick Wells after one night at Allan Cays on January 12. This began a 3 day visit where we explored the many trails this area is known for. These trails are as advertised very rugged with rocky cliffs that overlook pristine beaches. These beaches, as well as most of the ones I have seen so far, have the whitest sand I have ever seen. From the top of one of these cliffs, you have a spectacular panoramic view of the clearest, most beautiful water anywhere. The water is amazing with its many shades of blues and greens - from light to aqua to medium to dark.
At times when the water is calm and as slick as glass, it acts like a mirror showing your reflection as you look into it. It is absolutely beautiful!!! One can even see the shadow of the boat! Buck continues to marvel at being able to see the anchor embedded into the sandy bottom of the anchorage. Waderick Wells is part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park which is a Bahamian National Park that was established to preserve and maintain a "delicate ecological balance between native species". Their motto is: "Take nothing but photographs...leave nothing but footprints".
After getting lots of exercise, we left our mooring on Saturday and headed south to Sampson Cay. What I didn't know at the time and have come to find out since, Sampson would become my home away from home! We absolutely love it here which probably seems obvious to you all when you see how many times we keep coming back to either the anchorage or the marina. Its draw is the people who work here and live here. It doesn't hurt that that the island is beautiful and serene offering many walking trails that end in gorgeous beaches with that same pure white sand and spectacular water as well as nice grassy areas that are beautifully landscaped with gazebos that offer respite from a day in the sun and water. As you might guess, Magic loves Sampson for all the reasons we do. Upon our first visit on land we noticed the "pet stations" that always seem to be filled with bags! He/we knew immediately that he was welcomed.
We have spent a lot of time snorkeling and swimming the different reefs and beaches. The sea life is just as spectacular as the land life! I have become quite enamored with the friendly, harmless nurse sharks that live near the docks at Sampson. They are really beautiful and seem to live for the moment the fishermen come in with their catch. They lay in wait hoping that while cleaning the catch for the day someone will drop the leftovers overboard so they can have a taste.
As I have shared before, one of the neatest parts of cruising is when you pull into an anchorage and you recognize a boat that you have met along your travels. This happens again and again. We really enjoyed catching up with our new friends, Bob and Penny on Pretty Penny and Rita-Kay and Clay on Carleigh while at Sampson. We have actually spent time with them on two separate visits to Sampson. The marina at Sampson offers great protection from a strong west wind so that has become our destination when a strong west is predicted. We have enjoyed sharing lots of laughs, good food, and cruising experiences while hiding from some weather fronts. The food in the Marina restaurant is some of the best we have had in the Bahamas! Heck, several meals have been as good as any we have eaten even in the finest restaurants in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area.
We left Sampson on January 24 to go to Staniel Cay to wait for our friend, Paul, to arrive from the US. We were really looking forward to his visit! We spent 4 days in Cambridge Cay snorkeling, playing on the beaches and just relaxing and reading. Cambridge is part of the Land and Sea Park and is far enough away that even our Bahamian phones and internet services were not available. It was kind of nice but after 4 days I think we were all ready for connecting with the outside world. Again, back home to Sampson for a couple of days to catch up on Internet and family and friends back home. We were also excited about eating a meal or two out.
Our next stop was Blackpoint Settlement. This is a place that is more developed than our previous stops. It has Ida's Beauty Shop where you get your haircut sitting outside overlooking the harbor. She also has the cleanest, nicest laundry mat I have seen anywhere! You can't go to Blackpoint without stopping in at Lorraine's cafe (internet too) for a nice, slow, relaxing lunch while catching up on internet. But the place I was most anxious to visit was the school that I had heard so much about. So on Thursday morning, my friend Vic, who is one of the best photographers I know and I put on our best pair of shorts and went to meet with Ms. McKenzie, the Principal. What a neat experience!!! I was so impressed with her, with the teachers and the students. The school houses first - ninth grade. They have 44 students with grades 1-3 in one class, 4-6 in one class, and 7-9 in one class. For my teacher friends, can you imagine the differentiation that goes on when having first, second and third graders in one class!!! Students leave home for their 10-12th. grades and attend school in Nassau. They live with extended family while there. The students were so well-behaved and polite. The school vision incorporates a strong emphasis on character education and it was evident by student behavior. I will be going back in the next week or two to do some volunteering in the classroom. The school welcomes cruisers and readily puts them to work - listening to children read, help them with their writing and math. I may work with one student that I met. So needless to say, I am very excited about that and am anxiously awaiting the time when we go back to Blackpoint.
That is all for now.
Fair winds to all!
Vicki, Buck, and Magic
Emerald Rock to Sampson Cay - Saturday, January 15
Sampson Cay to Staniel Cay - Monday, January 24
Staniel Cay to Big Majors Spot - Tuesday, January 25
Big Majors Spot to Cambridge Cay - Wednesday, January 26
Cambridge Cay to Sampson Cay - Saturday, January 29
Sampson Cay to Blackpoint Settlement - Tuesday, February 1
Blackpoint Settlement to Sampson Cay - Thursday, February 3
Since January 11, we have spent our time cruising the Central Exumas. These places are actually very close together in that during this time we have traveled less than 100 miles. There is just so much to do at each place and so many people to meet and customs to share. One could literally stay at one location for days even months and still not be bored or lack any number of fun things to do and see! Often times our stay in one location may be cut short because of weather. There are certain anchorages that offer more protection than others depending on the direction and speed of the wind. That is why checking the weather forecast every day and sometimes several times a day is a very important part of our day as a cruiser. It is important to check for the week ahead and then recheck every morning to see if and how it has changed. We make our travel plans accordingly.
We picked-up a mooring ball at Emerald Rock in Waderick Wells after one night at Allan Cays on January 12. This began a 3 day visit where we explored the many trails this area is known for. These trails are as advertised very rugged with rocky cliffs that overlook pristine beaches. These beaches, as well as most of the ones I have seen so far, have the whitest sand I have ever seen. From the top of one of these cliffs, you have a spectacular panoramic view of the clearest, most beautiful water anywhere. The water is amazing with its many shades of blues and greens - from light to aqua to medium to dark.
At times when the water is calm and as slick as glass, it acts like a mirror showing your reflection as you look into it. It is absolutely beautiful!!! One can even see the shadow of the boat! Buck continues to marvel at being able to see the anchor embedded into the sandy bottom of the anchorage. Waderick Wells is part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park which is a Bahamian National Park that was established to preserve and maintain a "delicate ecological balance between native species". Their motto is: "Take nothing but photographs...leave nothing but footprints".
After getting lots of exercise, we left our mooring on Saturday and headed south to Sampson Cay. What I didn't know at the time and have come to find out since, Sampson would become my home away from home! We absolutely love it here which probably seems obvious to you all when you see how many times we keep coming back to either the anchorage or the marina. Its draw is the people who work here and live here. It doesn't hurt that that the island is beautiful and serene offering many walking trails that end in gorgeous beaches with that same pure white sand and spectacular water as well as nice grassy areas that are beautifully landscaped with gazebos that offer respite from a day in the sun and water. As you might guess, Magic loves Sampson for all the reasons we do. Upon our first visit on land we noticed the "pet stations" that always seem to be filled with bags! He/we knew immediately that he was welcomed.
We have spent a lot of time snorkeling and swimming the different reefs and beaches. The sea life is just as spectacular as the land life! I have become quite enamored with the friendly, harmless nurse sharks that live near the docks at Sampson. They are really beautiful and seem to live for the moment the fishermen come in with their catch. They lay in wait hoping that while cleaning the catch for the day someone will drop the leftovers overboard so they can have a taste.
As I have shared before, one of the neatest parts of cruising is when you pull into an anchorage and you recognize a boat that you have met along your travels. This happens again and again. We really enjoyed catching up with our new friends, Bob and Penny on Pretty Penny and Rita-Kay and Clay on Carleigh while at Sampson. We have actually spent time with them on two separate visits to Sampson. The marina at Sampson offers great protection from a strong west wind so that has become our destination when a strong west is predicted. We have enjoyed sharing lots of laughs, good food, and cruising experiences while hiding from some weather fronts. The food in the Marina restaurant is some of the best we have had in the Bahamas! Heck, several meals have been as good as any we have eaten even in the finest restaurants in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area.
We left Sampson on January 24 to go to Staniel Cay to wait for our friend, Paul, to arrive from the US. We were really looking forward to his visit! We spent 4 days in Cambridge Cay snorkeling, playing on the beaches and just relaxing and reading. Cambridge is part of the Land and Sea Park and is far enough away that even our Bahamian phones and internet services were not available. It was kind of nice but after 4 days I think we were all ready for connecting with the outside world. Again, back home to Sampson for a couple of days to catch up on Internet and family and friends back home. We were also excited about eating a meal or two out.
Our next stop was Blackpoint Settlement. This is a place that is more developed than our previous stops. It has Ida's Beauty Shop where you get your haircut sitting outside overlooking the harbor. She also has the cleanest, nicest laundry mat I have seen anywhere! You can't go to Blackpoint without stopping in at Lorraine's cafe (internet too) for a nice, slow, relaxing lunch while catching up on internet. But the place I was most anxious to visit was the school that I had heard so much about. So on Thursday morning, my friend Vic, who is one of the best photographers I know and I put on our best pair of shorts and went to meet with Ms. McKenzie, the Principal. What a neat experience!!! I was so impressed with her, with the teachers and the students. The school houses first - ninth grade. They have 44 students with grades 1-3 in one class, 4-6 in one class, and 7-9 in one class. For my teacher friends, can you imagine the differentiation that goes on when having first, second and third graders in one class!!! Students leave home for their 10-12th. grades and attend school in Nassau. They live with extended family while there. The students were so well-behaved and polite. The school vision incorporates a strong emphasis on character education and it was evident by student behavior. I will be going back in the next week or two to do some volunteering in the classroom. The school welcomes cruisers and readily puts them to work - listening to children read, help them with their writing and math. I may work with one student that I met. So needless to say, I am very excited about that and am anxiously awaiting the time when we go back to Blackpoint.
That is all for now.
Fair winds to all!
Vicki, Buck, and Magic
Friday, January 14, 2011
Final Leg of our Journey South in the US
Vero Beach to Lake Worth - Tuesday 12/28/10
Lake Worth to Ft. Lauderdale - Friday 12/31/10
Ft. Lauderdale to Nassau, Bahamas - Tuesday to Wednesday 1/4-5/2011
We are finally in the Bahamas! Actually, we are finally in the Exumas working our way down the Exuma Chain of Islands. What beauty all around us! I have never seen water so beautiful and clear except in Bequia a Caribbean Island in the Grenadines. Let me back up and share with you our trip from Vero Beach to Ft. Lauderdale and then our crossing to Nassau.
After many days in Vero(Velcro) Beach and spending a nice Christmas there, we dropped our mooring ball on a bright, crisp, cold Tuesday morning to begin our trip to Ft. Lauderdale. We said goodbye to our new friends, Ann, and her puppy, Lucy on Bees Knees. It was nice for us to be moving again. We anchored that evening in a beautiful anchorage in Hobe sound. It was a really nice evening even though still a little chilly. We noticed on the way to the anchorage a pillar of smoke rising over the horizon and couldn't imagine what was causing it. When we got our anchor down, the smoke seemed to be all around us with still no idea as to what was the cause. The direction of the wind kept the smell and smoke from bothering us until the next morning when it changed. We woke to being engulfed in the smoke, smell and all! It was really uncomfortable but as we pulled our anchor it seemed to be lifting somewhat. We were later to find out that it was a pretty massive wild fire that damaged about half a golf course and many other acres of land between Vero and West Palm Beach. Luckily, none was hurt.
On to our next stop, Lake Worth. It didn't take much for me to talk the captain into going into a Marina for a night or two. After being on the mooring ball and at anchor for more than a month, the boat needed a good bath as well as a good drying out down below. Oh, the condensation really builds up from being on the water and the really cold nights with temperatures in the 20's! So we all welcomed the shore power which meant we could run the heat and humidifier for a night or two. Our friend, Ann, had suggested Old Port Cove Marina at Lake Worth as a great place to tie up and enjoy the more modern conveniences, such as electricity and stepping onto the dock rather than crawling off the stern of the boat into the dinghy. The old knees would certainly enjoy the break. Magic was also happy to be able to lie on the bow of the boat while garnering all the attention from folks walking down the docks, Ann was right. This was a great marina with the nicest people working and living there.
While walking the docks and enjoying the mild temperatures, I noticed a boat named "Lady Anne" from High Point, my hometown. It was a large motor vessel, at least 75 feet if not bigger. It became my mission to find out who owned it and if I possibly new them from my younger years. While taking Magic for a walk, I noticed a guy loading a truck with a NC licence plate. I walked up to him and introduced myself. His name was Warren Winchester from none other than Minnesott Beach right across the Neuse river from Matthews Point. It is really a small world. As we continued to talk, I learned that he was the Captain for Lady Anne. I told him I was from High Point and had seen the boat. He said, "well the owners are from High Point. They are the Vann Yorks". I could not believe it! They were my across the street neighbors when I lived on Brighton Avenue with mother and my step father. We continued talking about cruising and crossing to the Bahamas. He has been cruising the Islands since l986 and willingly shared his experiences with us. WOW! What a neat and unexpected happening. You truly never know who you will meet on the way!
After a thoroughly enjoyable stay at Old Port Cove, we continued our journey to Ft. Lauderdale on New Year's Eve. What is interesting, exciting, and a little daunting about this stretch of the waterway are the 28 bridges. the often narrow concrete-lined waterway and the heavy boat traffic, especially on Holidays and weekends. Did I mention that this was New Year's Eve and a Friday too?! Oh, well! It was a beautiful and warm day on the water so we just sat back and prepared to enjoy the ride. What was to follow was awesome, somewhat tedious and a little nerve wracking at times. To say it was crowded with lots of boat traffic is an understatement. However, Buck and I both commented that it could have been worse! We really had only one snag along the way. That happened at the Hillsboro Bridge around
4:30 in the afternoon. The bridge tender, bless his heart, lost control of the traffic and literally could not stop the cars going across the bridge. It was bumper to bumper with cars across the bridge and even with his red lights flashing they wouldn't stop. Eventually with a lot of "assistance" and many unkind words from some of the boaters around us and with his supervisor stepping in to help, the police were called in to stop the traffic so the bridge could open and thus alleviating the boat jam on the ICW
What can I say about Ft. Lauderdale is that I have never in my whole life seen so many big, mega houses and yachts! Over the next couple of days, we saw homes and yachts owned by famous athletes, Hollywood Stars, and other big-time billionaire business owners and corporations. It was truly spectacular. Something you want to see once in your life! Just like navigating the bridges, that was a great experience once!!! One home was a 28,000 square foot home with 2 people living in it. I'm sure they could go for days, maybe even weeks, and never see each other.
We anchored in Middle River with Vic and GiGi. We would wait for our weather window to cross to the Bahamas. Our good friend, Galen was coming on Monday to cross with us. We are really looking forward to having him on board with us and thank his family for allowing him to come to cross with us!
I talked briefly about our crossing on Tuesday and Wednesday, 1/4and 1/5/2011 in my last short post. I will say again that it was just spectacular being in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, especially during the night! There really is nothing in my life that I can compare it to. I stayed on alert the whole 28 hours looking at every thing in sight and listening to every sound! We arrived in Nassau Harbor to a glorious blue sky with warm temperatures. Checking in with Customs went pretty quickly and we were ready to clean-up, both the boat and us, and head to dinner before making it an early evening. I don't think the 3 adults on the Victoria Gaye got much sleep during the crossing. However, I can't say the same for Magic. He seemed to sleep just fine with his life jacket on. He acted as if he were on his pillow at home in front of the fire. Crossing the ocean for the first time did not seem to phase him in the least!
We used our stay in Nassau to do any last minute provisioning since we had a very nice City Market right across the street from our Marina. Buck and I both were pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness of the city and the kindness of its people - at least those we came in contact with. We also enjoyed meeting and having dinner with William and Frances on Yacht Alexia. They are from London which made for a very interesting evening of sharing stories of our past boating experiences.
Another addition to our increasingly long list of "its a small world" happened when we met Bob and Vicki Edelkamp on the S/V First Look. Vic and GiGi had met them on a previous trip to the Bahamas. First Look is an Offshore 40. Upon seeing the boat, we recognized it immediately. We knew her when she lived on the Pamlico River in North Carolina. Her owner was George Parrish and her name at the time was Wahoo. During the late 1980's and early 1990's, Buck raced with George on the Wahoo as well as against her during our racing days in Bath, N.C. Again, what a small, small world. It was really neat to sit in the cockpit with our friends Vic and GiGi and now our new friends, Bob and Vicki, and just relive those days and those long ago friends on the Wahoo! Sharing these memories was such a special, special evening for both Buck and I!
We left Nassau Harbor Marina at 9:00 on Tuesday, January 11 for the Exumas. I can't tell you how long we have dreamed of this day! When we arrived at Allan's Cay, it was like "we finally made it"!!! All the hard work and efforts over the last 30 years were definitely worth it. To see the look on Buck's face was just priceless! To punctuate the arrival, we were to be treated to the most glorious sunset I think either of us have ever seen! What a journey thus far and to think that in many ways it is just beginning. Vic keeps saying we haven't seen anything yet as far as the beauty of the different Islands in the Exuma Chain.
I apologize that this post is so long but internet accessibility can be very limited so I will post when I can get it. It can be slow so posting pictures may or may not be a possibility.
Until next time,
Fair winds!
Vicki, Buck and Magic
Lake Worth to Ft. Lauderdale - Friday 12/31/10
Ft. Lauderdale to Nassau, Bahamas - Tuesday to Wednesday 1/4-5/2011
We are finally in the Bahamas! Actually, we are finally in the Exumas working our way down the Exuma Chain of Islands. What beauty all around us! I have never seen water so beautiful and clear except in Bequia a Caribbean Island in the Grenadines. Let me back up and share with you our trip from Vero Beach to Ft. Lauderdale and then our crossing to Nassau.
After many days in Vero(Velcro) Beach and spending a nice Christmas there, we dropped our mooring ball on a bright, crisp, cold Tuesday morning to begin our trip to Ft. Lauderdale. We said goodbye to our new friends, Ann, and her puppy, Lucy on Bees Knees. It was nice for us to be moving again. We anchored that evening in a beautiful anchorage in Hobe sound. It was a really nice evening even though still a little chilly. We noticed on the way to the anchorage a pillar of smoke rising over the horizon and couldn't imagine what was causing it. When we got our anchor down, the smoke seemed to be all around us with still no idea as to what was the cause. The direction of the wind kept the smell and smoke from bothering us until the next morning when it changed. We woke to being engulfed in the smoke, smell and all! It was really uncomfortable but as we pulled our anchor it seemed to be lifting somewhat. We were later to find out that it was a pretty massive wild fire that damaged about half a golf course and many other acres of land between Vero and West Palm Beach. Luckily, none was hurt.
On to our next stop, Lake Worth. It didn't take much for me to talk the captain into going into a Marina for a night or two. After being on the mooring ball and at anchor for more than a month, the boat needed a good bath as well as a good drying out down below. Oh, the condensation really builds up from being on the water and the really cold nights with temperatures in the 20's! So we all welcomed the shore power which meant we could run the heat and humidifier for a night or two. Our friend, Ann, had suggested Old Port Cove Marina at Lake Worth as a great place to tie up and enjoy the more modern conveniences, such as electricity and stepping onto the dock rather than crawling off the stern of the boat into the dinghy. The old knees would certainly enjoy the break. Magic was also happy to be able to lie on the bow of the boat while garnering all the attention from folks walking down the docks, Ann was right. This was a great marina with the nicest people working and living there.
While walking the docks and enjoying the mild temperatures, I noticed a boat named "Lady Anne" from High Point, my hometown. It was a large motor vessel, at least 75 feet if not bigger. It became my mission to find out who owned it and if I possibly new them from my younger years. While taking Magic for a walk, I noticed a guy loading a truck with a NC licence plate. I walked up to him and introduced myself. His name was Warren Winchester from none other than Minnesott Beach right across the Neuse river from Matthews Point. It is really a small world. As we continued to talk, I learned that he was the Captain for Lady Anne. I told him I was from High Point and had seen the boat. He said, "well the owners are from High Point. They are the Vann Yorks". I could not believe it! They were my across the street neighbors when I lived on Brighton Avenue with mother and my step father. We continued talking about cruising and crossing to the Bahamas. He has been cruising the Islands since l986 and willingly shared his experiences with us. WOW! What a neat and unexpected happening. You truly never know who you will meet on the way!
After a thoroughly enjoyable stay at Old Port Cove, we continued our journey to Ft. Lauderdale on New Year's Eve. What is interesting, exciting, and a little daunting about this stretch of the waterway are the 28 bridges. the often narrow concrete-lined waterway and the heavy boat traffic, especially on Holidays and weekends. Did I mention that this was New Year's Eve and a Friday too?! Oh, well! It was a beautiful and warm day on the water so we just sat back and prepared to enjoy the ride. What was to follow was awesome, somewhat tedious and a little nerve wracking at times. To say it was crowded with lots of boat traffic is an understatement. However, Buck and I both commented that it could have been worse! We really had only one snag along the way. That happened at the Hillsboro Bridge around
4:30 in the afternoon. The bridge tender, bless his heart, lost control of the traffic and literally could not stop the cars going across the bridge. It was bumper to bumper with cars across the bridge and even with his red lights flashing they wouldn't stop. Eventually with a lot of "assistance" and many unkind words from some of the boaters around us and with his supervisor stepping in to help, the police were called in to stop the traffic so the bridge could open and thus alleviating the boat jam on the ICW
What can I say about Ft. Lauderdale is that I have never in my whole life seen so many big, mega houses and yachts! Over the next couple of days, we saw homes and yachts owned by famous athletes, Hollywood Stars, and other big-time billionaire business owners and corporations. It was truly spectacular. Something you want to see once in your life! Just like navigating the bridges, that was a great experience once!!! One home was a 28,000 square foot home with 2 people living in it. I'm sure they could go for days, maybe even weeks, and never see each other.
We anchored in Middle River with Vic and GiGi. We would wait for our weather window to cross to the Bahamas. Our good friend, Galen was coming on Monday to cross with us. We are really looking forward to having him on board with us and thank his family for allowing him to come to cross with us!
I talked briefly about our crossing on Tuesday and Wednesday, 1/4and 1/5/2011 in my last short post. I will say again that it was just spectacular being in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, especially during the night! There really is nothing in my life that I can compare it to. I stayed on alert the whole 28 hours looking at every thing in sight and listening to every sound! We arrived in Nassau Harbor to a glorious blue sky with warm temperatures. Checking in with Customs went pretty quickly and we were ready to clean-up, both the boat and us, and head to dinner before making it an early evening. I don't think the 3 adults on the Victoria Gaye got much sleep during the crossing. However, I can't say the same for Magic. He seemed to sleep just fine with his life jacket on. He acted as if he were on his pillow at home in front of the fire. Crossing the ocean for the first time did not seem to phase him in the least!
We used our stay in Nassau to do any last minute provisioning since we had a very nice City Market right across the street from our Marina. Buck and I both were pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness of the city and the kindness of its people - at least those we came in contact with. We also enjoyed meeting and having dinner with William and Frances on Yacht Alexia. They are from London which made for a very interesting evening of sharing stories of our past boating experiences.
Another addition to our increasingly long list of "its a small world" happened when we met Bob and Vicki Edelkamp on the S/V First Look. Vic and GiGi had met them on a previous trip to the Bahamas. First Look is an Offshore 40. Upon seeing the boat, we recognized it immediately. We knew her when she lived on the Pamlico River in North Carolina. Her owner was George Parrish and her name at the time was Wahoo. During the late 1980's and early 1990's, Buck raced with George on the Wahoo as well as against her during our racing days in Bath, N.C. Again, what a small, small world. It was really neat to sit in the cockpit with our friends Vic and GiGi and now our new friends, Bob and Vicki, and just relive those days and those long ago friends on the Wahoo! Sharing these memories was such a special, special evening for both Buck and I!
We left Nassau Harbor Marina at 9:00 on Tuesday, January 11 for the Exumas. I can't tell you how long we have dreamed of this day! When we arrived at Allan's Cay, it was like "we finally made it"!!! All the hard work and efforts over the last 30 years were definitely worth it. To see the look on Buck's face was just priceless! To punctuate the arrival, we were to be treated to the most glorious sunset I think either of us have ever seen! What a journey thus far and to think that in many ways it is just beginning. Vic keeps saying we haven't seen anything yet as far as the beauty of the different Islands in the Exuma Chain.
I apologize that this post is so long but internet accessibility can be very limited so I will post when I can get it. It can be slow so posting pictures may or may not be a possibility.
Until next time,
Fair winds!
Vicki, Buck and Magic
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Finally Here and Happy New Year!
Yes, we are finally in the Bahamas! I have been trying to enter a post for several days now but one of the things we have been dealing with in entering a new country is connecting with their internet service. Even though we are in Nassau until 9:00 this morning, we have not been able to get on internet on our boat. Thus, I have been walking to Starbucks, only across the street, buying a cup of coffee, and receiving an hour of internet usage. Hard life but someone has to do it!!! The crossing last Tuesday was a little rough with 6ft. swells that none of our weather reports predicted. It did settle down and we ended with a beautiful crossing. The sunrise Wednesday morning was as beautiful as I have ever seen. There is really something to say about being in the middle of the ocean. You are truly one with nature! I thought I may be a little nervous since this was my first overnight experience in the ocean, but I felt very comfortable with the boat, the Captain(of course), and the crew! Galen was great crew and we really did appreciate him being there to experience this with us! Magic really loved having another person on board! Speaking of Magic, he has been awesome and really been a trooper! I think he really likes this life and has just adapted so well. That's what English Cockers do!
This is going to be short because I don't want the others waiting for me. I will post again as soon as I can get internet down the way. I have so much to share about our final days in the US and our stay in Nassau. Have taken some good photos too that I will share.
So for now, we are off to Allen's Cay for snorkeling and then on down the Exuma chain!
Until next time -
Fair winds!
Vicki, Buck, and Magic
This is going to be short because I don't want the others waiting for me. I will post again as soon as I can get internet down the way. I have so much to share about our final days in the US and our stay in Nassau. Have taken some good photos too that I will share.
So for now, we are off to Allen's Cay for snorkeling and then on down the Exuma chain!
Until next time -
Fair winds!
Vicki, Buck, and Magic
Friday, December 24, 2010
Still - Vero Beach
Well! We can truly say we now know why everyone calls this "Velcro Beach"! It sorta just grabs you and holds on forever. When we arrived three weeks ago yesterday, we had no idea we would spend Christmas here. But in all honesty, I cannot think of a better, prettier spot to be anchored/moored in than right here! The reason we are still here is that I have had to have some emergency dental work done as most of you already know. In many respects, I am very lucky because my dental problems started here rather than somewhere in the Bahamas. But, I bet there is even good dental care over there too! After a temporary crown, root canal, and then the permanent crown, I am finally over the hump.
I have spent some time contemplating this Holiday Season and what it would be like to spend it on our boat, away from home and our two precious girls, Lucy and Sally, and away from our family and friends. I must admit that in many respects we miss being home enjoying sharing the Christmas Season with our many loved ones. With that being said, I must share that my next thoughts were about the many blessings we have to be grateful for and the new friends we are meeting along our journey! I just wanted to share with you all a few of these folks.
First, I was really fortunate to find a Dental Office where everyone in the practice treated us so respectfully and professionally. Dr. Overlease and Romona, his Assistant, were especially kind and competent! They went out of there way to accommodate my needs. When totally dependent on such things as the dinghy working, being able to find a space to tie-up at the dinghy dock, and being on time for the GoLine(Vero's free public transportation bus), it can sometimes be a little more complicated when making appointments. These folks were so accommodating and considerate about this. They treated us as if we had been coming to them for 20 years! So, to all of you at Coast Dental, Buck and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Secondly, I marvel at what a small world this really is and how you never know who you might meet and what role they might play in your life. Let me elaborate. When coming into the harbor three weeks ago, we noticed a boat that was already moored named "Bees Knees". Interestingly enough, we had seen this boat in Ocracoke last summer when we were there for the Music Festival. Its hailing port is Beaufort, N.C. I have learned in cruising that the showers and laundry facilities provide great places to get acquainted with your fellow boaters! Interestingly enough that is where I met Ann, the captain and owner, of "Bees Knees". I had just finished my shower when I started a conversation with a gal about crusing with dogs. I am always looking for folks who are traveling with their 4-legged children so that we can share our intimate stories as well as seek advice. Come to find out, Ann lived aboard "Bees Knees". After further talk, we discovered that we have many friends in common back in N.C. even though she if from Ohio originally. Neil, at Morehead City Yacht Basin, who is a good friend of ours, actually helped her find the boat. She also was at Matthews Point Marina, our marina where we keep our boat, during some of the past hurricanes participating in the hurricane drills. She knows Jet who is the owner of our marina. Somehow we missed meeting her. Little did I know when talking with Ann in the shower what a true angel she would end up being for us. We were cooking one night and all of a sudden, the stove went out. We had used up our first tank of propane. Well, lucky for us, we have a 2nd. tank so we could continue cooking our meal. The next day we started to investigage where and how we could get the tank filled. We learned that Florida has a law that you cannot transport propane on any public transportation - that meant no bus, no Klub Kar(one of the local cabs). What were we going to do? The walk to the propane store is at least 5-6 miles if not longer. Needless to say carrying a filled 10 lb. tank would not be comfortable. Guess who offered us her car so that we could get our propane and any other needs we might have? You guessed it - Ann! Oh, but Ann wasn't finished. On Wednesday of this week, Buck was sitting in the cockpit working on the hand-held GPS and happened to notice that one side of the dinghy was sinking into the water. Yuk!!! That can only mean a hole in the rubber dinghy or some other type or leak somewhere. For those of you who are not boaters, our transportation to land begins with our dinghy carrying us from the boat to our designated area. So to say our dinghy is important and necessary is a true understatement! After getting to shore, removing the engine, lifting the dinghy onto the grassy area, and using a bucket of soapy water, we were able to find the teeny tiny hole about the size of a pin head. What is good about traveling with a competent Captian is his ability to fix things. Thus, Buck was able to patch the hole. That is the good news. The bad news was the dinghy would be out of the water for 24 hours. Oh no! How will we get to and from the boat? My appointment for my permanent crown is scheduled on Thursday and Magic has an appointment with the Vets to get his Health Certificate for the Bahamas . And Christmas Eve is Friday and these places will be closed. I bet you cannot guess who stepped in and helped us out again? You guessed it - Ann, our new friend and guardian angel! Not only did she loan us her van again, she graciously ferried us to and from shore in her dinghy. Ann, you will never know how much we appreciate you and your overwhelming kindness!! We wish you and Lucy (her Springer puppy) the Merriest Christmas ever and a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year! We look forward to eating with you tomorrow at the Cruisers' Potluck Christmas Lunch.
So you see - the spirit of Christmas is wherever you are because it is found in people who are performing kind, considerate acts on a regular basis and are doing it because they care! My wish for each of you this Christmas Season is that you have these people in your life too. My hope for myself is that I carry the spirit of Christmas today and throughout the new year.
We want our family and friends to know that we will keep you in our hearts and prayers today and every day throughout 2011! May God Bless you and your families!
Fair winds and until next time,
Vicki, Buck, and Magic
Saturday, December 11, 2010
St. Mary's, Georgia to Vero Beach, Florida
I have written in my previous blogs about the many beautiful places we have visited, the magical anchorages we have enjoyed with their majestic sunrises and sunsets, their abundance of wildlife both on land and in the water, and the many hours spent in methodically meandering down the winding, lazy and comforting ICW with its many creeks and man made cuts. It seems that each new anchorage and each new stretch of the ICW brings with it equally beautiful places as the ones before it. Words seem so inadequate to describe the sheer beauty St. Mary's and Cumberland Island. Each place we visit brings with it many nice, friendly people that are there to help in anyway they can. This was especially true for us in St. Mary's. As I said in the previous post, we motored into our anchorage at St. Mary' (on November 15) to find our friends, Dan and Cheryl, whom we had met last summer in Orcacoke. It was great to get reaquainted with Dan since Cheryl was in New England visiting with her family. We were sitting in our cockpit enjoying a cup of coffee when a dinghy motored over to us with the couple from Lawanda on it. They came to welcome us to St. Mary's and to see if we needed anything. They had a house and car in St. Mary's and offered to take us to the grocery store or anywhere we needed to go. One thing we have learned is never pass up the offer to go to the grocery store, especially when someone has a car. So we gratefully accepted. We found St. Mary's to be a very friendly and welcoming town to boaters. They have an annual Thanksgiving Feast that the town sponsors for all boaters anchored in the harbor. We would have loved to have stayed for that, but we felt we needed to continue south since Thanksgiving was still a week away. But before we do that, we took a must-see visit to Cumberland Island. Many of our friends had told us this was a place we didn't want to miss and we found they were right! Wow!!! What a beautiful island with its serenity, its well-maintained and natural vegetation, and its abundant wildlife. It was remarkable to see the wild turkeys and the wild (or supposedly wild) horses grazing in the grass. Then there were the armadillos scurrying around and then hiding under the brush when they would hear our feet walking down the dirt path. The buildings that have been there for centuries were breathtaking and huge even in their ruins. The remains of the Dungeness mansion was something to behold! Standing there in the sunlight and quiet, you could almost feel the presence of those who lived there so many years ago. It was really an awesome experience. I am not sure these few pictures do it justice. It was obvious the the horses looked forward to the tourists who come to visit their home because they would approach with caution waiting for a treat or snack of some kind! We had been asked by the Park Service folks not to feed them so, of course, being the rule followers that we are, we complied with their request. By the behavior of the horses, it was pretty clear that others had not.
One of the many things I have loved about this trip is the many reminders of the men and women who have committed themselves to keeping our country and its people safe. We passed by the Kings Bay Submarine Base in Cumberland Sound. What an impressive complex! When traveling from our anchorage in St. Mary's to our mooring ball in Fernandina Beach, Florida, the Coast Guard alerted all Mariners that a submarine would be leaving the base and heading out to sea. What a sight to see! We were able to just see the black, silhouette of the submarine skimming the top of the ocean headed out the inlet there at Fernandina Beach. It literally took my breath away. We should be so grateful to live in this country of ours and at that moment it was never more clear to me as just how grateful and thankful I am!
We spent two days in Fernandina and really enjoyed the Historic District. We even got to see the NC State/Georgetown basketball game in one of the sports bars. The bartender just smiled at me when I asked him if he would mind turning one of the TV's to ESPNU and I explained who I wanted to see! Then it was on to Palm Coast where we were going to spend Thanksgiving and meet up with our friends, Vic and GiGi on GiGi's Island. We were really looking forward to that!
On the way to Palm Coast, we passed St. Augustine but didn't have time to stop. Maybe next time. While in the South Amelia River, we enjoyed the many dolphins splashing and having fun. There were several that came right up beside the boat while we were motoring and would come up out of the water and look at me. I would talk to them and they would look at me, make a sound, go under and come back up. I would talk with them again and they would do the same thing. This went on for about 10 minutes. Buck's comment was that I could be in the middle of the River and still find someone to talk to!
Palm Coast Marina was a great place to spend Thanksgiving! We were there from Tuesday before Thanksgiving to the Tuesday after. It was a really great week! Palm Coast is another beautiful and friendly community. We enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving meal on our boat with turkey and all the trimmings! We were at a Marina so we had cable and were able to see all the ballgames we cared to. We met our new friends, Bob and Penny on Pretty Penny and enjoyed getting to know them over several dinners together. They are good friends of Vic and GiGi from previous trips to the Islands. Vic and GiGi returned from visiting family on Saturday night and we immediately began planning the next leg of our trip. We would more than likely be buddy boating until and when we cross to the Bahamas.
While traveling from Palm Coast to Vero Beach, we passed another awe-inspiring landmark if our country - Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. We could see the launch pad from our cockpit where so many space shuttles have been launched. Another one of those goose bump moments!
Now we are in Vero Beach or Velcro Beach as many mariners call it. Another boater friendly community where the "Go-Line" (city bus transportation) will take you wherever you need to go for just a donation and "Klub Kar" (city cab service) will take us and Magic anywhere for a nominal fee. We are loving it here as we are literally tied up with Vic and GiGi on a mooring ball. We are in walking distance to the beach and Ocean Drive with as many shops as there are boats in the harbor! This town is certainly a "shopper's paradise"! We will be here a little longer than originally thought due to some dental problems I developed in the last day or two. I am in need of a crown - yuk! But the good news is I found a really nice Dentist and we started the process yesterday. They are rushing the permanent crown and I should have it on the 21st. the day the Lab closes and the day before the Dentist closes for the holidays. If it had to happen, I feel very fortunate that it happened now and here.
As the Holidays approach, Buck and I remember with fondness the many memories we share with many of you and can only wish that you and your family will have a very Happy Holiday Season filled with all the joys, promises, and blessings the Christmas season brings!
Merry Christmas! Love to all! Fair winds to all!
Vicki, Buck, and Magic
One of the many things I have loved about this trip is the many reminders of the men and women who have committed themselves to keeping our country and its people safe. We passed by the Kings Bay Submarine Base in Cumberland Sound. What an impressive complex! When traveling from our anchorage in St. Mary's to our mooring ball in Fernandina Beach, Florida, the Coast Guard alerted all Mariners that a submarine would be leaving the base and heading out to sea. What a sight to see! We were able to just see the black, silhouette of the submarine skimming the top of the ocean headed out the inlet there at Fernandina Beach. It literally took my breath away. We should be so grateful to live in this country of ours and at that moment it was never more clear to me as just how grateful and thankful I am!
We spent two days in Fernandina and really enjoyed the Historic District. We even got to see the NC State/Georgetown basketball game in one of the sports bars. The bartender just smiled at me when I asked him if he would mind turning one of the TV's to ESPNU and I explained who I wanted to see! Then it was on to Palm Coast where we were going to spend Thanksgiving and meet up with our friends, Vic and GiGi on GiGi's Island. We were really looking forward to that!
On the way to Palm Coast, we passed St. Augustine but didn't have time to stop. Maybe next time. While in the South Amelia River, we enjoyed the many dolphins splashing and having fun. There were several that came right up beside the boat while we were motoring and would come up out of the water and look at me. I would talk to them and they would look at me, make a sound, go under and come back up. I would talk with them again and they would do the same thing. This went on for about 10 minutes. Buck's comment was that I could be in the middle of the River and still find someone to talk to!
Palm Coast Marina was a great place to spend Thanksgiving! We were there from Tuesday before Thanksgiving to the Tuesday after. It was a really great week! Palm Coast is another beautiful and friendly community. We enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving meal on our boat with turkey and all the trimmings! We were at a Marina so we had cable and were able to see all the ballgames we cared to. We met our new friends, Bob and Penny on Pretty Penny and enjoyed getting to know them over several dinners together. They are good friends of Vic and GiGi from previous trips to the Islands. Vic and GiGi returned from visiting family on Saturday night and we immediately began planning the next leg of our trip. We would more than likely be buddy boating until and when we cross to the Bahamas.
While traveling from Palm Coast to Vero Beach, we passed another awe-inspiring landmark if our country - Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. We could see the launch pad from our cockpit where so many space shuttles have been launched. Another one of those goose bump moments!
Now we are in Vero Beach or Velcro Beach as many mariners call it. Another boater friendly community where the "Go-Line" (city bus transportation) will take you wherever you need to go for just a donation and "Klub Kar" (city cab service) will take us and Magic anywhere for a nominal fee. We are loving it here as we are literally tied up with Vic and GiGi on a mooring ball. We are in walking distance to the beach and Ocean Drive with as many shops as there are boats in the harbor! This town is certainly a "shopper's paradise"! We will be here a little longer than originally thought due to some dental problems I developed in the last day or two. I am in need of a crown - yuk! But the good news is I found a really nice Dentist and we started the process yesterday. They are rushing the permanent crown and I should have it on the 21st. the day the Lab closes and the day before the Dentist closes for the holidays. If it had to happen, I feel very fortunate that it happened now and here.
As the Holidays approach, Buck and I remember with fondness the many memories we share with many of you and can only wish that you and your family will have a very Happy Holiday Season filled with all the joys, promises, and blessings the Christmas season brings!
Merry Christmas! Love to all! Fair winds to all!
Vicki, Buck, and Magic
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Beaufort, SC - Jekyll Island - St. Mary's
As we meander down the waterway, I continue to be pleasantly amazed at how beautiful the South Carolina and Georgia waterways are. So much of the Georgia coastline remains undeveloped and natural. There are National Wildlife Refuges and State Parks galore. As the sun begins to set, the marshes are just gorgeous with the many shades of red, gold and orange. The horizon is lined with huge, ancient, tall Pines and Palmetto trees nestled closely underneath with the marsh grass swaying in the light breeze. The wildlife is just incredible. I think we have seen every type of bird and waterfowl there is. You can hear them communicating with each other by the many sounds they make. During our travels since Charleston, we have really begun to see more dolphins swimming and frolicking in the water. It is not unusual for them to swim right up to and along side the boat. When they come up for air, it almost seems that they look you right in the eye as if they are welcoming you into their home. They are such beautiful and graceful swimmers!
We left Charleston on Sunday morning, November 7 for Tom Point Creek. The weather was sunny but cold! Again, we were so grateful for the full enclosures because we were able to enjoy the trip in shirtsleeves protected from the north wind. The cockpit truly becomes a solarium with the sun beating down on the canvas warming the inside quite nicely. Once at anchorage, it was time to enjoy a cold beer for the captain, a club soda for me, and a greenie for Magic while enjoying the scenery and sunset. Once the sun sets, we quickly close the boat to keep as much of the sun's heat in as possible. This was really the coldest night so far, except for the nights in Charleston. But that was O.K. because we were at a Marina and had heat! This was not the case in Tom Point Creek. I will say that even though it was cold we stayed warm enough with our cozy fleece pants and sweatshirts. Of course, I was wearing my fur-lined bedroom slippers which kept my feet very toasty and comfortable! When Buck commented about me and my slippers, I reminded him what a very good, elderly friend of ours used to say: "Well, a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do"! That''s my motto!
We spent two really beautiful days in Beaufort, S.C. We took advantage of the warming temperatures and strolled the streets of this historic, southern town where the townsfolk seemed to welcome boaters. We enjoyed a horse drawn carriage tour of the town where our guide pointed out the history behind many of the old southern homes that have been there since before the Civil War. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Beaufort. The Waterfront Park is a place that Magic really enjoyed visiting with its beautifully manicured lawn and numerous gardens filled with Southern sub-tropical plants. The town is very pet-friendly as evidenced by their many pet-waste stations. I have to say that Beaufort ranks right near the top as one of my most favorite places we have been so far. I am sure that before we are finished with our trip, I will have many favorite places!
When you think an anchorage just can't be any prettier that the last one, you come to the next one and it just simply takes your breath away! That's what happened to us when we reached, first, the New River and, then, the Buckhead Creek anchorages. We are now in Georgia. From our anchorage in New River, you could see the Savannah skyline and the high rise bridge. It was just an awesome view. Then the next night, in Buckhead Creek, we found ourselves in a quiet, isolated area where you could look for miles and miles and not see anything but wildlife, marsh, tall Pines and Palmetto trees. I think this is Buck's favorite place so far. He just stood on the foredeck of the boat enjoying a cold beverage and looking out over the mass of beauty. We had just received some sad news that morning so we both were feeling a little sad and melancholy. His Uncle Smoke, his mother's younger brother, had been in declining health during the last couple of years. Buck's cousin, Mendy, called to say that he had passed away during the night. Even though we were in a position that we couldn't physically be in
North Carolina with the family, they were certainly in our hearts and thoughts in Buckhead Creek.
Our next stop was Jekyll Island. I have heard about Jekyll Island all my life, but have never had the opportunity of visiting before. We decided to pull into the Jekyll Harbor Marina for several reasons. Friends had told us they had complimentary bikes you could use to tour the island and we also needed some fuel. So we spent the afternoon and the next day really enjoying the hospitality of yet another beautiful area on our journey south. On Sunday, we rode all over the island stopping first at several shops in the historic district. I really enjoyed looking around while Buck patiently hung around. I rewarded him with a nice lunch overlooking the Ocean at Blackbeard's.
We left Jekyll Island yesterday morning and arrived at our current anchorage yesterday about mid-afternoon. We are anchored in the harbor of St. Mary's, Ga. We are in the St. Mary's River and depending on which way the wind is blowing and the boat swings, we are either in Georgia or Florida. No kidding! The Georgia/Florida line runs down the middle of the river. We can actually see Fernandina Beach skyline in one direction and in the other, the beautiful town of St. Mary's. We are just hanging on the boat today monitoring the low pressure that is here bringing increasing winds and possibly some storms. We are continually amazed at how the current, tides, and wind all interact together and ultimately affect the boat and its position. We plan to stay here a couple of days and enjoy the town and its people. Again, we've been told by friends how boat-friendly these folks are. We understand that they host a large, pot-luck Thanksgiving feast for all to enjoy. Wish we could stay for that - but Florida is calling our name where we plan on catching up with our friends, Vic and Gigi on Gigi's Island.
I can only reiterate how much we have enjoyed our journey through the winding "S" curves through Georgia. Everyone needs to do it at least once.
In closing, one of the most interesting and amazing things about cruising is the people you meet and how you can totally by chance run into them again along the way. As we motored around the harbor looking for the right spot to set the anchor, we suddenly came upon "Curieuse", an Island Packet 32 belonging to Dan and Sharon whom we met in Orcacoke at the Music Festival last summer! I wonder what the odds are of this happening! Sharon has gone to visit her family in New England but Dan came over in his dinghy to have a beer and we "gammed" until dark! For you non-boaters, a gam is a meeting at sea where people gather on each other's boats to catch-up on the news!
Until next time - fair winds!
Vicki, Buck and Magic
We left Charleston on Sunday morning, November 7 for Tom Point Creek. The weather was sunny but cold! Again, we were so grateful for the full enclosures because we were able to enjoy the trip in shirtsleeves protected from the north wind. The cockpit truly becomes a solarium with the sun beating down on the canvas warming the inside quite nicely. Once at anchorage, it was time to enjoy a cold beer for the captain, a club soda for me, and a greenie for Magic while enjoying the scenery and sunset. Once the sun sets, we quickly close the boat to keep as much of the sun's heat in as possible. This was really the coldest night so far, except for the nights in Charleston. But that was O.K. because we were at a Marina and had heat! This was not the case in Tom Point Creek. I will say that even though it was cold we stayed warm enough with our cozy fleece pants and sweatshirts. Of course, I was wearing my fur-lined bedroom slippers which kept my feet very toasty and comfortable! When Buck commented about me and my slippers, I reminded him what a very good, elderly friend of ours used to say: "Well, a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do"! That''s my motto!
We spent two really beautiful days in Beaufort, S.C. We took advantage of the warming temperatures and strolled the streets of this historic, southern town where the townsfolk seemed to welcome boaters. We enjoyed a horse drawn carriage tour of the town where our guide pointed out the history behind many of the old southern homes that have been there since before the Civil War. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Beaufort. The Waterfront Park is a place that Magic really enjoyed visiting with its beautifully manicured lawn and numerous gardens filled with Southern sub-tropical plants. The town is very pet-friendly as evidenced by their many pet-waste stations. I have to say that Beaufort ranks right near the top as one of my most favorite places we have been so far. I am sure that before we are finished with our trip, I will have many favorite places!
When you think an anchorage just can't be any prettier that the last one, you come to the next one and it just simply takes your breath away! That's what happened to us when we reached, first, the New River and, then, the Buckhead Creek anchorages. We are now in Georgia. From our anchorage in New River, you could see the Savannah skyline and the high rise bridge. It was just an awesome view. Then the next night, in Buckhead Creek, we found ourselves in a quiet, isolated area where you could look for miles and miles and not see anything but wildlife, marsh, tall Pines and Palmetto trees. I think this is Buck's favorite place so far. He just stood on the foredeck of the boat enjoying a cold beverage and looking out over the mass of beauty. We had just received some sad news that morning so we both were feeling a little sad and melancholy. His Uncle Smoke, his mother's younger brother, had been in declining health during the last couple of years. Buck's cousin, Mendy, called to say that he had passed away during the night. Even though we were in a position that we couldn't physically be in
North Carolina with the family, they were certainly in our hearts and thoughts in Buckhead Creek.
Our next stop was Jekyll Island. I have heard about Jekyll Island all my life, but have never had the opportunity of visiting before. We decided to pull into the Jekyll Harbor Marina for several reasons. Friends had told us they had complimentary bikes you could use to tour the island and we also needed some fuel. So we spent the afternoon and the next day really enjoying the hospitality of yet another beautiful area on our journey south. On Sunday, we rode all over the island stopping first at several shops in the historic district. I really enjoyed looking around while Buck patiently hung around. I rewarded him with a nice lunch overlooking the Ocean at Blackbeard's.
We left Jekyll Island yesterday morning and arrived at our current anchorage yesterday about mid-afternoon. We are anchored in the harbor of St. Mary's, Ga. We are in the St. Mary's River and depending on which way the wind is blowing and the boat swings, we are either in Georgia or Florida. No kidding! The Georgia/Florida line runs down the middle of the river. We can actually see Fernandina Beach skyline in one direction and in the other, the beautiful town of St. Mary's. We are just hanging on the boat today monitoring the low pressure that is here bringing increasing winds and possibly some storms. We are continually amazed at how the current, tides, and wind all interact together and ultimately affect the boat and its position. We plan to stay here a couple of days and enjoy the town and its people. Again, we've been told by friends how boat-friendly these folks are. We understand that they host a large, pot-luck Thanksgiving feast for all to enjoy. Wish we could stay for that - but Florida is calling our name where we plan on catching up with our friends, Vic and Gigi on Gigi's Island.
I can only reiterate how much we have enjoyed our journey through the winding "S" curves through Georgia. Everyone needs to do it at least once.
In closing, one of the most interesting and amazing things about cruising is the people you meet and how you can totally by chance run into them again along the way. As we motored around the harbor looking for the right spot to set the anchor, we suddenly came upon "Curieuse", an Island Packet 32 belonging to Dan and Sharon whom we met in Orcacoke at the Music Festival last summer! I wonder what the odds are of this happening! Sharon has gone to visit her family in New England but Dan came over in his dinghy to have a beer and we "gammed" until dark! For you non-boaters, a gam is a meeting at sea where people gather on each other's boats to catch-up on the news!
Until next time - fair winds!
Vicki, Buck and Magic
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Cruising the Waterway
We have really enjoyed cruising south on the waterway. There is a lot of difference in the North Carolina and South Carolina waterways. The North Carolina waterway is very developed with houses of all shapes, sizes and colors. There are many man-made channels that have been dug out so that houses and small docks could be built on either side. Our waterway seems almost overdeveloped as compared to parts of the South Carolina low country. We left Southport on Saturday, October 30 with beautiful skies and cool temperatures. Like most mornings we began the day in sweatshirts and a jacket and then later on were able to change into shorts and short sleeve shirts. What is there not to love about North Carolina fall weather! We never seemed to be alone on the water. There is always a boat coming up behind you that may be faster and want to pass or you may meet a boat going the opposite direction that you need to respect and give them room to pass. There are "rules of the road" for boaters and it is interesting to see how the other boats respect them. One of the things I like the most is to see all the local folks fishing in their respective home waters. They are usually very friendly to us and don't seem to mind the fact that we are just passing through their waters. I am sure this time of year they are used to the constant interruption from the transients.
The first night we anchored in Calabash Creek right across the waterway from the Little River Inlet. It was a really nice anchorage with one other boat, Viking Star, coming in to stay the night with us. We would later see Viking Star anchored in Charleston. What is really neat about cruising is meeting new people and following them down the waterway or hearing them converse over the VHF radio as the week progresses. You may not get to know everyone on the boats but you begin to know the boat names which makes you feel you do know the folks on them, especially when you hear them frequently over the radio. You become somewhat invested in hoping they reach their destinations safely.
On Sunday we were off early to our next stop - an anchorage on the Waccamaw River. We knew this would be an especially meaningful day. Buck grew up at Lake Waccamaw right outside of Wilmington. Lake Waccamaw is the beginning of the Waccamaw River so he felt like he had returned to his roots.
We anchored in an oxbow right off the river with absolutely beautiful moss hanging from the trees and little frogs sunning themselves exposed logs. The Waccamaw is very swamp-like but so serene and quiet in there that I almost forgot about all the alligators I have seen in Lake Waccamaw when visiting Buck's family during summer family reunions. I was convinced I would see one in this anchorage and even cautioned Magic to be really careful while walking around on the deck. Much to my delight, we didn't see the first alligator or snake!!
I wish I had the words to describe what it is like to start the day with a steaming cup of coffee, fog coming off the water just meeting the rising sun, and so quiet you can almost hear yourself breathe. It is just the most beautiful and peaceful time of the day. It must be what is meant by being "one with nature". We have had many of these mornings during our short journey thus far.
The next two anchorages were equally as beautiful but the terrain was very marshy. It seemed as if you could see for miles and miles from the bow of the boat. You really didn't see a lot of development, especially close to the waterway because of the marshlands. You would have to really look to see the houses built way back in the marshes. We spent Monday night anchored in South Santee Creek and Tuesday night in Dewees Creek. We knew the weather was predicted to change and certainly felt low pressure that was hovering just over the horizon off the coast. We woke up Wednesday to clouds with a cold north wind that made it feel much colder than it actually was. We were so grateful for our full enclosures because we were so very toasty and comfortable for our short trip to Charleston. Thank you, Rick!!!!
What can one say about Charleston but that it continues to be a gorgeous southern town filled with rich tradition and history. It is certainly a mariners town and the City Marina could not have been more accommodating. Even though anchoring in different magnificent places each night, marina life can be fun too. It is a time to replenish the boat, the supplies, and ourselves. It is also time to have heat since we are plugged into shore power. That is why we decided to be wimps today and stay one more night in Charleston since tonight is going to be the coldest night yet. We have thoroughly loved walking around the battery, through the historical section, and down the water front. I loved, you notice I said "I", walking through and just browsing the elegant and upscale shops on King, East Bay and Meeting Streets. My favorite, though, was The Market with each vendor and their handmade wares they display so proudly! Charleston has been surprisingly busy and alive with all kinds of people - students, families, other boaters, etc. There was even a Waterway Cruiser that docked here at the City Marina on Friday. But, remarkably there seems to be plenty of room for all of us!
Time to close for now since Buck just came down below and asked "what are we doing for supper?". We will leave in the morning to continue our way south toward Beaufort, S.C.
The first night we anchored in Calabash Creek right across the waterway from the Little River Inlet. It was a really nice anchorage with one other boat, Viking Star, coming in to stay the night with us. We would later see Viking Star anchored in Charleston. What is really neat about cruising is meeting new people and following them down the waterway or hearing them converse over the VHF radio as the week progresses. You may not get to know everyone on the boats but you begin to know the boat names which makes you feel you do know the folks on them, especially when you hear them frequently over the radio. You become somewhat invested in hoping they reach their destinations safely.
On Sunday we were off early to our next stop - an anchorage on the Waccamaw River. We knew this would be an especially meaningful day. Buck grew up at Lake Waccamaw right outside of Wilmington. Lake Waccamaw is the beginning of the Waccamaw River so he felt like he had returned to his roots.
We anchored in an oxbow right off the river with absolutely beautiful moss hanging from the trees and little frogs sunning themselves exposed logs. The Waccamaw is very swamp-like but so serene and quiet in there that I almost forgot about all the alligators I have seen in Lake Waccamaw when visiting Buck's family during summer family reunions. I was convinced I would see one in this anchorage and even cautioned Magic to be really careful while walking around on the deck. Much to my delight, we didn't see the first alligator or snake!!
I wish I had the words to describe what it is like to start the day with a steaming cup of coffee, fog coming off the water just meeting the rising sun, and so quiet you can almost hear yourself breathe. It is just the most beautiful and peaceful time of the day. It must be what is meant by being "one with nature". We have had many of these mornings during our short journey thus far.
The next two anchorages were equally as beautiful but the terrain was very marshy. It seemed as if you could see for miles and miles from the bow of the boat. You really didn't see a lot of development, especially close to the waterway because of the marshlands. You would have to really look to see the houses built way back in the marshes. We spent Monday night anchored in South Santee Creek and Tuesday night in Dewees Creek. We knew the weather was predicted to change and certainly felt low pressure that was hovering just over the horizon off the coast. We woke up Wednesday to clouds with a cold north wind that made it feel much colder than it actually was. We were so grateful for our full enclosures because we were so very toasty and comfortable for our short trip to Charleston. Thank you, Rick!!!!
What can one say about Charleston but that it continues to be a gorgeous southern town filled with rich tradition and history. It is certainly a mariners town and the City Marina could not have been more accommodating. Even though anchoring in different magnificent places each night, marina life can be fun too. It is a time to replenish the boat, the supplies, and ourselves. It is also time to have heat since we are plugged into shore power. That is why we decided to be wimps today and stay one more night in Charleston since tonight is going to be the coldest night yet. We have thoroughly loved walking around the battery, through the historical section, and down the water front. I loved, you notice I said "I", walking through and just browsing the elegant and upscale shops on King, East Bay and Meeting Streets. My favorite, though, was The Market with each vendor and their handmade wares they display so proudly! Charleston has been surprisingly busy and alive with all kinds of people - students, families, other boaters, etc. There was even a Waterway Cruiser that docked here at the City Marina on Friday. But, remarkably there seems to be plenty of room for all of us!
Time to close for now since Buck just came down below and asked "what are we doing for supper?". We will leave in the morning to continue our way south toward Beaufort, S.C.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Oops!
As you can see I'm still learning how to import pictures. There are some at the end of our day today but they aren't where they should be. It's getting late and you know sailors - early to bed! My very good friend, Alice, reminded that she showed me how to do pictures this summer, but I can't remember. Oh well, maybe next time they will be with the corresponding post!
Another Beautiful Day!
What a beautiful day today has been! After a week of August like weather, it was really nice to wake up to crisp autumn air and a crystal clear blue sky that makes North Carolina so special this time of year. I am sure that over the next several months I will see many beautiful places and people.
We left Wrightsville Beach on Thursday morning after staying 3 days longer than originally planned. We really enjoyed visiting with friends and family! We did run into a few minor boat issues that we wanted to address before we left the area since we had access to a car from both Pierce (Buck's cousin) and Hollis (Buck's close childhood friend). Thank you Pierce, Bill, Hollis, and Carol. We love you!
We are learning that being on a boat everyday is different from just weekend live-a-boards. The systems are running all the time as opposed to just on weekends and this is different for us and for the boat. But we are becoming more comfortable and confidant as each day passes. Storms and wind also kept us at anchor for an additional day. So we just enjoyed our time there and reminded each other that we started this trip saying we were going to take our time and enjoy every minute of it. We plan to do just that!
We arrived in Southport yesterday on Thursday afternoon and absolutely love it here! We came into Southport Marina and have really enjoyed visiting this lovely Southern town with its beautiful homes, quaint streets, and many, many beautiful boats. But the most memorable part of this town is its people! We have walked throughout the town and met some of the friendliest people anywhere. Early this morning with a 2nd. cup of coffee, we got off the boat to take Magic to shore. As we were walking down the dock admiring our surrounding environment, we heard "good morning". "Be careful walking up that ramp. The tide is unusually low this morning". He was exactly right. The incline on the ramp was very high. We proceeded to talk and this very nice man introduced himself to us. His name is Robert and he has a house and a boat here on the water. We stood there and talked for a while sharing stories about our childhood visits to this beautiful town by the sea. Before he left, he made sure we knew he was available if we needed anything while in Southport. After exchanging boat cards, he made sure we knew how to find him. We have felt welcomed and appreciated everywhere we have gone. This is my first visit to Southport as an adult and I can guarantee you it will not be my last. The memories of today will stay close to my heart.
Tomorrow we are continuing our journey south and will probably be anchoring in Calabash then to the Waccamaw River and then onto Charleston.
Happy Halloween to All!
Fair Winds!
Vicki, Buck, & Magic
We left Wrightsville Beach on Thursday morning after staying 3 days longer than originally planned. We really enjoyed visiting with friends and family! We did run into a few minor boat issues that we wanted to address before we left the area since we had access to a car from both Pierce (Buck's cousin) and Hollis (Buck's close childhood friend). Thank you Pierce, Bill, Hollis, and Carol. We love you!
We are learning that being on a boat everyday is different from just weekend live-a-boards. The systems are running all the time as opposed to just on weekends and this is different for us and for the boat. But we are becoming more comfortable and confidant as each day passes. Storms and wind also kept us at anchor for an additional day. So we just enjoyed our time there and reminded each other that we started this trip saying we were going to take our time and enjoy every minute of it. We plan to do just that!
We arrived in Southport yesterday on Thursday afternoon and absolutely love it here! We came into Southport Marina and have really enjoyed visiting this lovely Southern town with its beautiful homes, quaint streets, and many, many beautiful boats. But the most memorable part of this town is its people! We have walked throughout the town and met some of the friendliest people anywhere. Early this morning with a 2nd. cup of coffee, we got off the boat to take Magic to shore. As we were walking down the dock admiring our surrounding environment, we heard "good morning". "Be careful walking up that ramp. The tide is unusually low this morning". He was exactly right. The incline on the ramp was very high. We proceeded to talk and this very nice man introduced himself to us. His name is Robert and he has a house and a boat here on the water. We stood there and talked for a while sharing stories about our childhood visits to this beautiful town by the sea. Before he left, he made sure we knew he was available if we needed anything while in Southport. After exchanging boat cards, he made sure we knew how to find him. We have felt welcomed and appreciated everywhere we have gone. This is my first visit to Southport as an adult and I can guarantee you it will not be my last. The memories of today will stay close to my heart.
Tomorrow we are continuing our journey south and will probably be anchoring in Calabash then to the Waccamaw River and then onto Charleston.
Happy Halloween to All!
Fair Winds!
Vicki, Buck, & Magic
Monday, October 25, 2010
No Disappointments!
Monday, October 25, 2010.
Thus far, there have been no disappointments in our trip. Traveling the ICW from Morehead City to Wrightsville Beach has been beautiful with spectacular weather, gorgeous sunrises, and a magnificent full moon! The captain and crew have settled in to a comfortable routine enjoying the sights along the waterway. After our first night in Cedar Creek and waking up to a morning of early fog so deep that we could only see a couple of 100 feet ahead, we pulled up the anchor and headed to Swansboro. The trip was fairly uneventful except that we had the wind on our nose and the tide running against us. The tide is new for us since there really isn't any in the Neuse River. But we motored along enjoying the old and new houses along the way. We decided to spend the night at Casper's Marina in Swansboro and we were not disappointed! The people working the marina are native to the Swansboro area and couldn't have been any nicer. We enjoyed a quiet dinner on the boat and then a nice walk through town. It was a beautiful night with just a little crispness in the air and that beautiful full moon I mentioned earlier rising just above the horizon. With the brightness of the moon, we didn't even need the new lanterns for the cockpit that we had purchased. There are parts of Swansboro that are pretty much as we remembered it, but other areas certainly show the growth and development that all the coastal areas of N.C. have experienced. There were new more elegant stores and high-end resturants on the waterfront but a few of the old standby's, such as the coffee shop and the tourist shops. Lucky for Buck, it was evening and the shops were closed! But, I'm not sure we can put anything else on the boat until we eat some of the food we have stored on board.
As I mentioned, we have settled into a nice routine. Living on a boat is very different from living on land with all the modern day conveniences such as a car, groceries stores, etc. close by. Conservation is the word that most often comes to mind when I think about my day. As some of you know, I have been called the "Water Czar" since our trip to Ocracoke last summer. Now, Buck (lovingly I hope) is calling me the "trash czar", "power(battery) worrier", and the "food hoader". But so far the boat is doing great and we seem to have everything we need and want.
After leaving Swansboro last Friday morning, we headed to Wrightsville Beach to spend the weekend anchored in Banks Channel. We have family and friends who live in nearby Wilmington that we enjoyed visiting with over the weekend. We are in walking distance from some great restaurants, the beach and Roberts grocery that has been here for years! One of the newest, most interesting things we have seen in Banks Channel is a big commercial vessel converted to a pleasure craft with a Honda CRX car on the foredeck. Another new thing that we had not seen before is paddle boarding. I guess that is what you call it. It is like a great big surf board where you stand upright and paddle with a long paddle. It looks very uncomfortable and takes a lot of effort. But all the young folks seem to be doing it. It looks like way too much effort and work for this old crew! Magic loves leaning over the side of the boat looking at all the activity. After checking with the weather last night and this morning, we elected to stay over another day. There is a front coming in from the west early afternoon which is supposed to bring severe thunderstorms and wind. Oops! It just started raining earlier than expected. Good decision! When we do leave here, we plan to go to Southport to visit the town for a day. Our good friend Vic has said this is a must for us especially since Buck is so fond of Robert Rourk and his books. Robert's grandfather lived there and I believe we can tour the house as it is a Bed and Breakfast Inn. I've been told there are great antique shops as well as other shops to occupy my time as well.
So for today, it is a day to get caught up with boat chores, do some reading and relaxing, and just enjoy the gentle sway of the boat as it turns with the wind and tide. Hopefully, it will stay gentle!!!
Until next time!
Fair Winds!
Vicki, Buck & Magic
Thus far, there have been no disappointments in our trip. Traveling the ICW from Morehead City to Wrightsville Beach has been beautiful with spectacular weather, gorgeous sunrises, and a magnificent full moon! The captain and crew have settled in to a comfortable routine enjoying the sights along the waterway. After our first night in Cedar Creek and waking up to a morning of early fog so deep that we could only see a couple of 100 feet ahead, we pulled up the anchor and headed to Swansboro. The trip was fairly uneventful except that we had the wind on our nose and the tide running against us. The tide is new for us since there really isn't any in the Neuse River. But we motored along enjoying the old and new houses along the way. We decided to spend the night at Casper's Marina in Swansboro and we were not disappointed! The people working the marina are native to the Swansboro area and couldn't have been any nicer. We enjoyed a quiet dinner on the boat and then a nice walk through town. It was a beautiful night with just a little crispness in the air and that beautiful full moon I mentioned earlier rising just above the horizon. With the brightness of the moon, we didn't even need the new lanterns for the cockpit that we had purchased. There are parts of Swansboro that are pretty much as we remembered it, but other areas certainly show the growth and development that all the coastal areas of N.C. have experienced. There were new more elegant stores and high-end resturants on the waterfront but a few of the old standby's, such as the coffee shop and the tourist shops. Lucky for Buck, it was evening and the shops were closed! But, I'm not sure we can put anything else on the boat until we eat some of the food we have stored on board.
As I mentioned, we have settled into a nice routine. Living on a boat is very different from living on land with all the modern day conveniences such as a car, groceries stores, etc. close by. Conservation is the word that most often comes to mind when I think about my day. As some of you know, I have been called the "Water Czar" since our trip to Ocracoke last summer. Now, Buck (lovingly I hope) is calling me the "trash czar", "power(battery) worrier", and the "food hoader". But so far the boat is doing great and we seem to have everything we need and want.
After leaving Swansboro last Friday morning, we headed to Wrightsville Beach to spend the weekend anchored in Banks Channel. We have family and friends who live in nearby Wilmington that we enjoyed visiting with over the weekend. We are in walking distance from some great restaurants, the beach and Roberts grocery that has been here for years! One of the newest, most interesting things we have seen in Banks Channel is a big commercial vessel converted to a pleasure craft with a Honda CRX car on the foredeck. Another new thing that we had not seen before is paddle boarding. I guess that is what you call it. It is like a great big surf board where you stand upright and paddle with a long paddle. It looks very uncomfortable and takes a lot of effort. But all the young folks seem to be doing it. It looks like way too much effort and work for this old crew! Magic loves leaning over the side of the boat looking at all the activity. After checking with the weather last night and this morning, we elected to stay over another day. There is a front coming in from the west early afternoon which is supposed to bring severe thunderstorms and wind. Oops! It just started raining earlier than expected. Good decision! When we do leave here, we plan to go to Southport to visit the town for a day. Our good friend Vic has said this is a must for us especially since Buck is so fond of Robert Rourk and his books. Robert's grandfather lived there and I believe we can tour the house as it is a Bed and Breakfast Inn. I've been told there are great antique shops as well as other shops to occupy my time as well.
So for today, it is a day to get caught up with boat chores, do some reading and relaxing, and just enjoy the gentle sway of the boat as it turns with the wind and tide. Hopefully, it will stay gentle!!!
Until next time!
Fair Winds!
Vicki, Buck & Magic
Monday, October 18, 2010
Bon Voyage
The time is finally here, we hope! Most of you who know us know that we have dreamed of this day for as long as we have been together. Our life-long goal has been to head south on the boat of our dreams in October. We just never realized that this dream might really become reality. Well, after months and months of preparation on the boat and at home in Durham too, we are finally ready to begin our journey. It is a gorgeous day at the Point with a light west wind and beautiful October blue skies. It is warm enough to wear shorts and sleeveless shirts, but quickly gets chilly when the sun sets in the evening. Perfect sailing weather or motoring weather which will probably be the case while traveling on the ICW! We hope to cut the dock lines first thing in the morning and begin this adventure. If all goes well and as planned, we will not be back at the Point until June. Our cruise will include Buck and Vicki and our precious little Magic. As Buck likes to say, our three dogs (Magic, Lucy, and Sally) drew straws and Magic lost. That is how he got to come. Lucy and Sally will be staying at our house in Durham with our good friend, Charlotte. We are so lucky that she loves dogs and is willing to stay with them while we travel. One dog is a challenge on a boat for any length of time, but 8 months - just think how 3 would be!!!! Yikes! But we do love them and will miss them terribly.
I hope to use this blog as a way to share this wonderful experience with our family and friends. We invite you to come along with us and hope you enjoy every minute!
Fair winds!
Vicki, Buck, & Magic
I hope to use this blog as a way to share this wonderful experience with our family and friends. We invite you to come along with us and hope you enjoy every minute!
Fair winds!
Vicki, Buck, & Magic
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Robert Ruark House
Captain Thompson's House
Our Southport Friend, Robert, on his boat