Been out and about 4 weeks today...
9:30 A.M.- left the hotel and took a cab back to the marina....
9:45 A.m.- a tree was down near the path back to the walkway at the marina..lots of limbs down...think power was on all the time...got to the Gypsy Wind...looked ok to us...Ken took duct tape off and went in....looked great...no leaks that we could tell and nothing was wet or all mess us...some things slid around a little, but not bad...put the sails and canvas back on....put things away and Ken pumped out dinghy...must have had 4" to 6" of water in it...
3:00 PM walked to Dockside to eat lunch/dinner...had portabella mushroom w/crabcake and a sauce with caesar salad on the side...very yummy! Ken had 3 sliders with fruit..bbq,fried oyster, crab cake...his was yummy as well...these ladies at the table next to us ordered 2 doz crabs.steamed...they brought them out and dumped them on the table covered with brown paper...I asked if they could show me how it's done and they did....even offered me one....I declined as I want to do it tomorrow maybe and no need to get all messy for 1 little crab....haha! these gals were wonderful..
so this must have been 1/2 mi each way to the Dockside...so on the way back -instead of eating a delicious dessert there, we opted for ice cream...I got a smoothie, stawberry,raspberry and blueberry...a little healthier than oreo crunched up ice cream thang! Ken got..... we sat outside on a bench and ate. I did not finish mine..Ken just put it in the freezer....
After returning to the boat we loaded up the laundry and went to take care of it...only all washers were busy, so walked over to the lounge and watched the news for a few minutes and went and checked...one washer was free...so I started a load and had to wait for the lady to get her stuff out of the other 2 washers....and of course had to wait to dry them...no worries...just glad I have my own washer and dryer at home....and don't have to go thru this every week like in the good ole days.
Now back on the boat and doing little things..
Met Susie Marshall in the Laundry Room earlier today...I was cking it out for the number of quarters I would need...super nice...from Texas...She and her husband are like Ken and I...travelling around by boat from place to place....they have been out and about for 6 months....gave me ideas on Annapolis...getting a mooring...lots cheaper than a dock...so I called and am good to go for tomorrow...we hope to get there early afternoon...I hope Susie and I stay in touch...she is full of neat information and easy to talk to....they are on a 36 ft. trawler...beautiful boat...The Pearl...they will be heading up to our neck of the woods next summer I believe...hope we can hook up then...It is funny...we were both in Philadelphia at the same time and never ran into each other...
all in all a very nice day....
9:00 PM- I have a few pictures to upload and read a little then -lights out time...
Hope all weathered the storm...it sure got nasty in upstate New york and Vermont and New Jersey...lot of the places we visited....Catskill for one...oh my gosh...
Hope everyone out there is ok...my prayers now go out to you all!!!!
GYPSY WIND
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, Aug. 28,2011 Irene has left the building!
Well, we made it thru the worst of Irene.....not as much surge as thought, but wind has caused damage all around us, people without power,trees uprooted, lines down,etc.
Went down to 17th fl to eat breakfast....met "Treasure" who helped set up breakfast and kept things running smoothly...just a doll....she visited with us quite a while and was facinated with our trip and said she would follow our blog to make sure I didn't throw Ken overboard or that he didn't throw me over....she is a real "treasure" and was great meeting her....
We went back to our room and stayed there the entire day...caught up on news,and following Irene up the coast.....nasty Irene....
Could not get the web-cam....really bad connection at the hotel...
We went to bed early out of boredom......just glad the worst is over...no news from Nan, so think boat is ok.....
Went down to 17th fl to eat breakfast....met "Treasure" who helped set up breakfast and kept things running smoothly...just a doll....she visited with us quite a while and was facinated with our trip and said she would follow our blog to make sure I didn't throw Ken overboard or that he didn't throw me over....she is a real "treasure" and was great meeting her....
We went back to our room and stayed there the entire day...caught up on news,and following Irene up the coast.....nasty Irene....
Could not get the web-cam....really bad connection at the hotel...
We went to bed early out of boredom......just glad the worst is over...no news from Nan, so think boat is ok.....
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Aug. 27,2011 Hello Irene!
7:00 started stripping boat....took mainsail off, put below, tightened down all the hatches, took canvas off, tied dinghy, and retied boat...took objects off dressers and tables that may get flung around, packed suitcases...electronics and clothes.
9:00 finished most of it - went to take showers
10:00 back to boat..Ken took outboard motor and 2 cans of diesel fuel to shed at marina, they let us store them there.
watching activity around us...people taking things off their boats and doing things.
met our neighbor next to us in old houseboat...name is "Nan" gave us her card...she lives 2 blocks from the marina and would keep an eye on it...her friend Grant lives in Anapolis, MD and when we get there, he wants us to call him so he can show us around....sounds like a plan to me...
been trying to ck out the web cam at anchoragemarina.com...I can't pull it up to ck things out...I am having so many problems just signing on....I keep trying though..
2:15 PM leave the boat to go to hotel...the rains have already started and we need to get out of here...got drenched before we could get a cab and to the hotel...
Ck'd into the Radisson - nice place -
4:30 trying to upload pics...took me all night and only got part of Aug. 26th done...
I know nothing about these computer hookups,etc...kept telling me to restart router...what the heck is that....we are wireless and I don't know what is going on, but have many problems...
6:30 ate Hor'd'urves (sp) for supper....
back to our room -- watching tv for the first time since Aug. 1st and watching the news mostly and some old movies....
took a bath for the first time in a month as well...wait a minute that just doesn't sound right....I have been taking showers instead...really!
uploaded very few pics -
went to bed early - took sleeping aid...slept pretty good...I got up a few times and looked out the window...rain and wind, nothing exciting...thank goodness....I would never have gotten back to sleep!
that's it for now...more later....
9:00 finished most of it - went to take showers
10:00 back to boat..Ken took outboard motor and 2 cans of diesel fuel to shed at marina, they let us store them there.
watching activity around us...people taking things off their boats and doing things.
met our neighbor next to us in old houseboat...name is "Nan" gave us her card...she lives 2 blocks from the marina and would keep an eye on it...her friend Grant lives in Anapolis, MD and when we get there, he wants us to call him so he can show us around....sounds like a plan to me...
been trying to ck out the web cam at anchoragemarina.com...I can't pull it up to ck things out...I am having so many problems just signing on....I keep trying though..
2:15 PM leave the boat to go to hotel...the rains have already started and we need to get out of here...got drenched before we could get a cab and to the hotel...
Ck'd into the Radisson - nice place -
4:30 trying to upload pics...took me all night and only got part of Aug. 26th done...
I know nothing about these computer hookups,etc...kept telling me to restart router...what the heck is that....we are wireless and I don't know what is going on, but have many problems...
6:30 ate Hor'd'urves (sp) for supper....
back to our room -- watching tv for the first time since Aug. 1st and watching the news mostly and some old movies....
took a bath for the first time in a month as well...wait a minute that just doesn't sound right....I have been taking showers instead...really!
uploaded very few pics -
went to bed early - took sleeping aid...slept pretty good...I got up a few times and looked out the window...rain and wind, nothing exciting...thank goodness....I would never have gotten back to sleep!
that's it for now...more later....
Friday, August 26, 2011
Aug. 26, 2011 (Friday) Good Day!
10:00 Left the boat...walked down to the Korean War Memorial to catch a water taxi to Fort McHenry...never done that before...got there waited a while, then got in the water taxi, then he took us to another dock, chg'd to another taxi, that took us to the hub for the big water taxi ride....to Fort McHenry...the water taxi is run like an airport...you have the hub and then the little docks..etc. got thru all that and went into Fort McHenry..Baltimore, MD...If not familiar with the fort, it is where Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner and where in the war of 1812,Fort McHenry defened the newly formed American from the British attack....lot of history there...nice - worth the visit if you come to Baltimore..Many British ships came up the Chesapeake Bay into the Patapsco River headed to Baltimore to take it over, when the people at Fort Mchenry stopped them by firing back at the ships,etc...afte 24 hrs of bombardment, the fort finally raised the U.S. Flag...British were defeated....they showed us a little movie...really done well to explain all this....
Took water taxi back to Fells Point, ate lunch at Shuckers and watched the people (locals and bus. owners) filling sandbags for the upcoming storm....last time a hurricane came here was back in 2003 or 2004 (the kids weren't sure) but on the docks out here are 10-12 poles...the water surge went up 8 ft of these poles...swamped lots of houses, businesses ,etc...we are not sure about it on Sat. Nite or early Sunday, won't be here to watch it....but the locals are concerned...I heard one lady say they were pulling their boat out today...another say that they were buttoning theirs up and heading home to Pennsylvania....another to New Jersey...we have nowhere to go except downtown to a hotel....Ken will worry about his boat, I know he will...me too, but not like he will....we will strip the mainsail, the canvas and dbl/triple tie things down...about all we can do.
After lunch, we took another water taxi to Tide Point, then back to Canton (Korean War Memorial) then walked several blocks back to the marina...
3:15 back on the boat
5:00 woke up from a short nap....Ken said, guess who the Oriole's are playing tonight at Camden Yards....I guessed the "Yankee's - I'm so smart...so we decided to get a cab and ride uptown downtown, wherever it is and go to the game....so we walk out to the main road, flag down a cab...(Sule' from E. Africa...been here 4 yrs) talks pretty good English....picked us up in rush hour traffic....we got his number and after the Yankee's spanking by the Oriole's (12 - 5) we called him and he came and got us and took us back to the marina....we will use him to take us to the Hotel tomorrow....
Got back at 10:00 PM...left the game early as it was hard to watch sitting with all these stinkin Oriole fans all around us....you would be surprised of the yankee fans there....
All in all a great day....pics to follow...
Took water taxi back to Fells Point, ate lunch at Shuckers and watched the people (locals and bus. owners) filling sandbags for the upcoming storm....last time a hurricane came here was back in 2003 or 2004 (the kids weren't sure) but on the docks out here are 10-12 poles...the water surge went up 8 ft of these poles...swamped lots of houses, businesses ,etc...we are not sure about it on Sat. Nite or early Sunday, won't be here to watch it....but the locals are concerned...I heard one lady say they were pulling their boat out today...another say that they were buttoning theirs up and heading home to Pennsylvania....another to New Jersey...we have nowhere to go except downtown to a hotel....Ken will worry about his boat, I know he will...me too, but not like he will....we will strip the mainsail, the canvas and dbl/triple tie things down...about all we can do.
After lunch, we took another water taxi to Tide Point, then back to Canton (Korean War Memorial) then walked several blocks back to the marina...
3:15 back on the boat
5:00 woke up from a short nap....Ken said, guess who the Oriole's are playing tonight at Camden Yards....I guessed the "Yankee's - I'm so smart...so we decided to get a cab and ride uptown downtown, wherever it is and go to the game....so we walk out to the main road, flag down a cab...(Sule' from E. Africa...been here 4 yrs) talks pretty good English....picked us up in rush hour traffic....we got his number and after the Yankee's spanking by the Oriole's (12 - 5) we called him and he came and got us and took us back to the marina....we will use him to take us to the Hotel tomorrow....
Got back at 10:00 PM...left the game early as it was hard to watch sitting with all these stinkin Oriole fans all around us....you would be surprised of the yankee fans there....
All in all a great day....pics to follow...
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thurs. Aug. 25, 2011 Storm's abrewing !!
8:30 Showers
9:30 turned the boat around so we could get on/off better...
10:00 Filled water bottles with water....found a hotel for Sat/Sun -Radisson..
met Robert on the boat next to ours...he is from Lancaster, PA about 1 hr from here - he keeps his boat here....loves the area...gave us some ideas of places to eat here and in Annapolis-a marina that is good...call ahead to make reservation...
Guess we are at a good place here....inner harbor is not as nice as it use to be...crime is up, roaming gangs,etc. Robert had his boat there for 3 yrs, but now here last couple yrs...so much better....glad to know that.
11:00 Ken and I head out for a walk....walked around town...found a church -St. Casimir...now we won't be on the boat, have to find another one...for Mass...
Stopped at West Marine...get some things for the boat...t.v. crew came in wanted to interview the manager on what people were buying for the Hurricane...we were checking out, when they scanned us with the camera..over 1,000 slips in the 2 marina's right here....people buying more fenders and more dock lines to tie boats down better....maybe we should buy more stuff!
Ate Crab cake sandwiches for lunch...my husband complimented me, said he liked mine better....think he is fishing!
Stopped at the grocery store to get cookies,chocolate,etc. for the storm!
Walked back to the boat in the RAIN!!!!
Went back out around 5 PM....DEC trying to clean up oil spill in the water near the marina...the oil is not contained...we have some even to our boat....ugh!
So Lisa Esch sends me this email to check out McHuffey's Bar only 2 blocks away..
That's a long ways when you can't walk because you try to drink every different kind of beer in the bar....over 100 diff. in the house....more than 2500 diff. kinds have been sold since they opened...not sure when that was but Jay..sitting on a bar stool explained he has been drinking beers since 2003 and he now has had over 2130 diff. beers...the guy next to him has had over 800...they are assigned a personal I.D. number that keeps track of what they have drunk plus what they haven't had yet.on the computer....after 100 beers get your name on a plaque on the wall....after 300 beers, you get your name emblem on a bar stool...after 500 you get your own special Mug...these people were a lot of fun...Ken had 3 diff. beers...I like the Flying Dog Garde Dog one best!
We then walked around and to Portside for a quick sandwich, wings, salad...very good.
7:00 back to the boat just as it started raining again...we are now in for the evening.....
Tomorrow, we hope to do some sightseeing before we head to the Hotel on Sat.
Never a dull moment....hope all are well...we are super dooper!
9:30 turned the boat around so we could get on/off better...
10:00 Filled water bottles with water....found a hotel for Sat/Sun -Radisson..
met Robert on the boat next to ours...he is from Lancaster, PA about 1 hr from here - he keeps his boat here....loves the area...gave us some ideas of places to eat here and in Annapolis-a marina that is good...call ahead to make reservation...
Guess we are at a good place here....inner harbor is not as nice as it use to be...crime is up, roaming gangs,etc. Robert had his boat there for 3 yrs, but now here last couple yrs...so much better....glad to know that.
11:00 Ken and I head out for a walk....walked around town...found a church -St. Casimir...now we won't be on the boat, have to find another one...for Mass...
Stopped at West Marine...get some things for the boat...t.v. crew came in wanted to interview the manager on what people were buying for the Hurricane...we were checking out, when they scanned us with the camera..over 1,000 slips in the 2 marina's right here....people buying more fenders and more dock lines to tie boats down better....maybe we should buy more stuff!
Ate Crab cake sandwiches for lunch...my husband complimented me, said he liked mine better....think he is fishing!
Stopped at the grocery store to get cookies,chocolate,etc. for the storm!
Walked back to the boat in the RAIN!!!!
Went back out around 5 PM....DEC trying to clean up oil spill in the water near the marina...the oil is not contained...we have some even to our boat....ugh!
So Lisa Esch sends me this email to check out McHuffey's Bar only 2 blocks away..
That's a long ways when you can't walk because you try to drink every different kind of beer in the bar....over 100 diff. in the house....more than 2500 diff. kinds have been sold since they opened...not sure when that was but Jay..sitting on a bar stool explained he has been drinking beers since 2003 and he now has had over 2130 diff. beers...the guy next to him has had over 800...they are assigned a personal I.D. number that keeps track of what they have drunk plus what they haven't had yet.on the computer....after 100 beers get your name on a plaque on the wall....after 300 beers, you get your name emblem on a bar stool...after 500 you get your own special Mug...these people were a lot of fun...Ken had 3 diff. beers...I like the Flying Dog Garde Dog one best!
We then walked around and to Portside for a quick sandwich, wings, salad...very good.
7:00 back to the boat just as it started raining again...we are now in for the evening.....
Tomorrow, we hope to do some sightseeing before we head to the Hotel on Sat.
Never a dull moment....hope all are well...we are super dooper!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Wed. Aug. 24, 2011 Baltimore, MD
8:30 AM- left Skipjack marina - good
- we had to go into the Sassafras River to get to Georgetown, MD to the skipjack marina and at the entrance to this river from the Chesapeake Bay is about severl hundred crab pots or traps....like going thru a mine field...never seen anything like it...we had to bob and weave around these things...didn't want to drag any or get tangled up in the prop...
We checked the weather and Baltimore has 8 mph winds, 2-3 ft. waves..not bad, wind and waves will build in Chesapeake as we go though...oh my...so we get going anyhow as we wanted to get to Baltimore to get tucked in from the storm...well the stinkin waves got bigger and bigger and bigger and the wind started blowing...up to 25 mph..we would come crashing down in the waves...hit so hard that the hatches would pop open a little and the water would come pouring in...got so much stuff wet...ok now...as we are at safe harbor...we had books go flying and papers and stuff....we had most things put away, but when we would hit, the stuff would bounce up and then go flying....we never got sick thru this yeah!
We finally turn to go into the Patapsco River towards Baltimore, as we turn to go in the wind dropped about 7 mph and the waves got smaller just before we entered the harbor....we docked at 4:10 PM at Anchorage marina...with help...tied it all down and then went across the street to eat supper...
7:45 PM...I am finishing up my posts...I will think of more as we go...just can't think right now...got to send pics out...way behind there....
Hope everyone stays safe in the upcoming stormy weather...we may ck into a hotel on Sat...don't want to be on this boat in that kind of weather...
Bye for now....
- we had to go into the Sassafras River to get to Georgetown, MD to the skipjack marina and at the entrance to this river from the Chesapeake Bay is about severl hundred crab pots or traps....like going thru a mine field...never seen anything like it...we had to bob and weave around these things...didn't want to drag any or get tangled up in the prop...
We checked the weather and Baltimore has 8 mph winds, 2-3 ft. waves..not bad, wind and waves will build in Chesapeake as we go though...oh my...so we get going anyhow as we wanted to get to Baltimore to get tucked in from the storm...well the stinkin waves got bigger and bigger and bigger and the wind started blowing...up to 25 mph..we would come crashing down in the waves...hit so hard that the hatches would pop open a little and the water would come pouring in...got so much stuff wet...ok now...as we are at safe harbor...we had books go flying and papers and stuff....we had most things put away, but when we would hit, the stuff would bounce up and then go flying....we never got sick thru this yeah!
We finally turn to go into the Patapsco River towards Baltimore, as we turn to go in the wind dropped about 7 mph and the waves got smaller just before we entered the harbor....we docked at 4:10 PM at Anchorage marina...with help...tied it all down and then went across the street to eat supper...
7:45 PM...I am finishing up my posts...I will think of more as we go...just can't think right now...got to send pics out...way behind there....
Hope everyone stays safe in the upcoming stormy weather...we may ck into a hotel on Sat...don't want to be on this boat in that kind of weather...
Bye for now....
Tue s. Aug. 23,2011 What Earthquake!!!
I'm behind on my posts as no internet service...
9:15 am - left the dock (64 degrees) cool night great sleeping...
Starting to hear about a storm brewing called "Irene" well good nite Irene, it's time to go....keeping an eye on her....
3:00 PM we dock at Skipjack Marina in Georgetown, MD...the guys helping us dock were all excited about this earthquake that had hit a little earlier..they were on the dock and it shook like crazy...didn't know what was going on...well we paid and went to our slip...needed to do laundry...really bad, wanted a nice restaurant and wifi...
#1- no wifi...that is irritating.....
#2- restaurant doesn't open until Thurs......that is just not right
#3- Cost me over $10 to do laundry and I brought back to the boat a load of wet towels as the stupid dryer ate my $1.75 and we had no quarters and people in office were gone for the day so there you go....stupid stupid
#4- so we are starving - ate granola bars for breakfast...was looking forward to going out to eat...so while we are doing laundry and cussing...Ken ordered Pizza to be delivered...got the pizza but only half of what he ordered...dang....this day is not a lot of fun yet!! we ate the pizza while doing laundry...as it took forever!
Well,we did have elec. so we plugged the fans in, played some cards, bed early around 8:30...very boring...nowhere to go..we are in the boonies again....
Tomorrow is another day....
9:15 am - left the dock (64 degrees) cool night great sleeping...
Starting to hear about a storm brewing called "Irene" well good nite Irene, it's time to go....keeping an eye on her....
3:00 PM we dock at Skipjack Marina in Georgetown, MD...the guys helping us dock were all excited about this earthquake that had hit a little earlier..they were on the dock and it shook like crazy...didn't know what was going on...well we paid and went to our slip...needed to do laundry...really bad, wanted a nice restaurant and wifi...
#1- no wifi...that is irritating.....
#2- restaurant doesn't open until Thurs......that is just not right
#3- Cost me over $10 to do laundry and I brought back to the boat a load of wet towels as the stupid dryer ate my $1.75 and we had no quarters and people in office were gone for the day so there you go....stupid stupid
#4- so we are starving - ate granola bars for breakfast...was looking forward to going out to eat...so while we are doing laundry and cussing...Ken ordered Pizza to be delivered...got the pizza but only half of what he ordered...dang....this day is not a lot of fun yet!! we ate the pizza while doing laundry...as it took forever!
Well,we did have elec. so we plugged the fans in, played some cards, bed early around 8:30...very boring...nowhere to go..we are in the boonies again....
Tomorrow is another day....
August 22,2011 Monday Bye Philadelphia
9:15 AM- left the dock in Philadelphia - we are now into our 3rd week out and about!
Sunny -80's
One thing I learned was that I would get an all day pass to see the sights.
another an all day pass on the Phlash -$5 -on and off 27 stops
Plan ahead the stops to do and timing is everything....
12:00 noon - made chicken salad sandwich for lunch...-very breezy...Ken tried to raise the jib...way overpowered the boat...I almost lost lunch...no not sick to my stomach...just almost hit the floor we got blown down hard....all ok...ken let the jib out and hauled it back in as i gave him the hairy eyeball!
2:15 PM- just entered C & D Canal heading to the Chesapeake
Big Waves, gusting wind to 21 mph... having all the fun I can stand.
Just passed a marina Summit North on the C & D just past the railroad bridge....
nothing there, no town, just boondocks...
we kept heading to Chesapeake City where there was a free dock...everybody else did to and they beat us there...no room...Ken did not want to anchor out so we started in towards the Chesapeake Bay,,,starting to get late...decided too far to find a place there so we turned back around and went back to the Summit North Marina 4 miles back...took us almost an hour to get there...
Got fuel, pump out, then went in to pay for a slip...met a guy named Don Law...lives in Delaware now, but has a house in Cape Vincent -big green one across from the marina where we keep our boat...has 4 apts. in it...wants to sell it to me...ok how much...$100,000 - let me think about it...out we go to dock and then to bed...tired motor scooters...long dang day. no wifi ugh!
Note: we motored 15 hrs on one tank of gas...took 9 gal....
more tomorrow...
Sunny -80's
One thing I learned was that I would get an all day pass to see the sights.
another an all day pass on the Phlash -$5 -on and off 27 stops
Plan ahead the stops to do and timing is everything....
12:00 noon - made chicken salad sandwich for lunch...-very breezy...Ken tried to raise the jib...way overpowered the boat...I almost lost lunch...no not sick to my stomach...just almost hit the floor we got blown down hard....all ok...ken let the jib out and hauled it back in as i gave him the hairy eyeball!
2:15 PM- just entered C & D Canal heading to the Chesapeake
Big Waves, gusting wind to 21 mph... having all the fun I can stand.
Just passed a marina Summit North on the C & D just past the railroad bridge....
nothing there, no town, just boondocks...
we kept heading to Chesapeake City where there was a free dock...everybody else did to and they beat us there...no room...Ken did not want to anchor out so we started in towards the Chesapeake Bay,,,starting to get late...decided too far to find a place there so we turned back around and went back to the Summit North Marina 4 miles back...took us almost an hour to get there...
Got fuel, pump out, then went in to pay for a slip...met a guy named Don Law...lives in Delaware now, but has a house in Cape Vincent -big green one across from the marina where we keep our boat...has 4 apts. in it...wants to sell it to me...ok how much...$100,000 - let me think about it...out we go to dock and then to bed...tired motor scooters...long dang day. no wifi ugh!
Note: we motored 15 hrs on one tank of gas...took 9 gal....
more tomorrow...
Sunday -Aug. 21,2011 Last Day Philadelphia
We finally got tickets to the Independence Hall, for 12:00 noon tour...It is free, but only so many allowed in per tour....it was excellent....lots of action there.
US first Congress and first Senate were there...was the Pennsylvania State House. now called Independence Hall, delegates met in the Assembly Room and created the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution..The U.S. Congress met in Congress hall from 1790 to 1800...
We walked all over the place and saw many sights...It was great...need more time for sure....We left and went to the D.Q. (DairyQueen) for refreshments then headed back to the marina where we went to the Seaport Museum, U.S.S. Olympia (ship behind where we were docked and the submarine there....then back to the boat just before "RAIN" again....made dinner onboard....to bed early tired.....
US first Congress and first Senate were there...was the Pennsylvania State House. now called Independence Hall, delegates met in the Assembly Room and created the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution..The U.S. Congress met in Congress hall from 1790 to 1800...
We walked all over the place and saw many sights...It was great...need more time for sure....We left and went to the D.Q. (DairyQueen) for refreshments then headed back to the marina where we went to the Seaport Museum, U.S.S. Olympia (ship behind where we were docked and the submarine there....then back to the boat just before "RAIN" again....made dinner onboard....to bed early tired.....
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sat. Aug. 20, 2011 Chubby Hubby!
9:45 AM - Left the boat..
10:00 AM- Caught the Phlash (Bus/trolley) to stop #18 Philadelphia Museum of Art where we took pictures at the "Rocky" statue and then walked up the famous steps...I would have had a heart attack if I had tried to run up those steps...The "Rocky Balboa" statue was donated to the museum after Rocky III by Sylvester Stalone.
We went inside the East side of the Museum and stood in line to see "Rembrant's "Faces of Christ". Learned how artists made prints...very interesting....it was a good exhibit,but I would like to have seen even more of his paintings.....Rembrandt was fasinated with the Passion of our Lord and did different events...raising of Lasurus, Last Supper print, Mary & Martha w/Jesus, different special events, but the most paintings, by him and his students were "Face of Christ"...We spent quite a lot of time there....
This museum has several large large buildings....we went thru quickly 3 of them... American Art, Asian Art, Romancing the West...cool paintings there, Fine Art and Domestic Interiors of Europe...Great Stair Hall Balcony...
I could not take pictures of Rembrandt Art, but I could in other areas of the museum...you will see in the pics I send out...this is one of those places you could spend the entire day there...we just didn't have the time...but worth the time we did spend there.
1:00 PM left the museum and took Phlash back to visitor's center to see if we could get tickets for Independence Hall ...no such luck they were out....dang tourists...
I think Philadelphia has more tourists than residents...esp. on the weekend....
We walked to a Park in town and then sat a while, went over to Washington Square, another park...unknown soldiers buried there... very nice park...people laying on blankets and just sitting on benches reading and walking and talking..very peaceful area...
So now it is about 2:30 or so and we start to walk over to Old St. Mary's for 4:30 Mass...we have plenty of time as I get my directions mixed up sometimes...there were two gardens over there by the church I wanted to visit before Mass.
We get to the church and the walk was long and hot....so we go to the back of the church, that's were the garden's are suppose to be...well there was a cemetary (St. Mary's) so there is one bench in the corner and I decide to go sit a while until the church opens up for Mass...I am sitting there, nice breeze, somewhat shaded and Ken is walking around looking at headstones,etc...Commodore John Barry is buried there..He was the father of the American Navy....I was just sitting there -said a couple little prayers and thought....St. Therese little flower..if you are watching over me and Ken send me a rose...well twenty min. or so go by and I start to look around...there are no flowers in this cemetary..some green bushes, etc...when I look to the right and sort of behind me and there are 2 lonely little rose bushes with one or two roses on each one...I took it as a sign...yippy!
So about 3:30 we go to the front of the church and go in....after a little while, no one was there but us...I take my camera out to take some pictures..shortly after lots of people come in and take pictures and leave...
4:30 PM Mass started...It was nice....always good to be with God!
After Mass we walked down the road a little ways looking for somewhere to have a sandwich or light supper...we go past a place called "The Monkey Bar" we go inside
order drinks,hamburgers...there were people there partying between a weding and the reception...they were having too much fun...so as the party people were leaving Ken said to this one guy...you all look like you are having too much fun! He said we are..I had my Syracuse shirt on...He said do you go to the "Cuse" I said no, he said kids, I said no..we just live by Syracuse...he said he was from Canastota,NY...we said- small world...he was a Sovalis or something like that...grad. in 1973...he left and shortly after we did..
Walking back to the boat stop at a little grocery store...ugh! got Tomato juice, lettece, Ben & Jerry's "Chubby Hubby" ice cream..$17 we got one more little thing, can't remember...ugh! but the Chubby Hubby was delicious....we shared the ice cream and another great day in Philadelphia...
7:00 PM at the boat - neighbors partying....later fireworks across at Camden, NJ we could see the
10:00 AM- Caught the Phlash (Bus/trolley) to stop #18 Philadelphia Museum of Art where we took pictures at the "Rocky" statue and then walked up the famous steps...I would have had a heart attack if I had tried to run up those steps...The "Rocky Balboa" statue was donated to the museum after Rocky III by Sylvester Stalone.
We went inside the East side of the Museum and stood in line to see "Rembrant's "Faces of Christ". Learned how artists made prints...very interesting....it was a good exhibit,but I would like to have seen even more of his paintings.....Rembrandt was fasinated with the Passion of our Lord and did different events...raising of Lasurus, Last Supper print, Mary & Martha w/Jesus, different special events, but the most paintings, by him and his students were "Face of Christ"...We spent quite a lot of time there....
This museum has several large large buildings....we went thru quickly 3 of them... American Art, Asian Art, Romancing the West...cool paintings there, Fine Art and Domestic Interiors of Europe...Great Stair Hall Balcony...
I could not take pictures of Rembrandt Art, but I could in other areas of the museum...you will see in the pics I send out...this is one of those places you could spend the entire day there...we just didn't have the time...but worth the time we did spend there.
1:00 PM left the museum and took Phlash back to visitor's center to see if we could get tickets for Independence Hall ...no such luck they were out....dang tourists...
I think Philadelphia has more tourists than residents...esp. on the weekend....
We walked to a Park in town and then sat a while, went over to Washington Square, another park...unknown soldiers buried there... very nice park...people laying on blankets and just sitting on benches reading and walking and talking..very peaceful area...
So now it is about 2:30 or so and we start to walk over to Old St. Mary's for 4:30 Mass...we have plenty of time as I get my directions mixed up sometimes...there were two gardens over there by the church I wanted to visit before Mass.
We get to the church and the walk was long and hot....so we go to the back of the church, that's were the garden's are suppose to be...well there was a cemetary (St. Mary's) so there is one bench in the corner and I decide to go sit a while until the church opens up for Mass...I am sitting there, nice breeze, somewhat shaded and Ken is walking around looking at headstones,etc...Commodore John Barry is buried there..He was the father of the American Navy....I was just sitting there -said a couple little prayers and thought....St. Therese little flower..if you are watching over me and Ken send me a rose...well twenty min. or so go by and I start to look around...there are no flowers in this cemetary..some green bushes, etc...when I look to the right and sort of behind me and there are 2 lonely little rose bushes with one or two roses on each one...I took it as a sign...yippy!
So about 3:30 we go to the front of the church and go in....after a little while, no one was there but us...I take my camera out to take some pictures..shortly after lots of people come in and take pictures and leave...
4:30 PM Mass started...It was nice....always good to be with God!
After Mass we walked down the road a little ways looking for somewhere to have a sandwich or light supper...we go past a place called "The Monkey Bar" we go inside
order drinks,hamburgers...there were people there partying between a weding and the reception...they were having too much fun...so as the party people were leaving Ken said to this one guy...you all look like you are having too much fun! He said we are..I had my Syracuse shirt on...He said do you go to the "Cuse" I said no, he said kids, I said no..we just live by Syracuse...he said he was from Canastota,NY...we said- small world...he was a Sovalis or something like that...grad. in 1973...he left and shortly after we did..
Walking back to the boat stop at a little grocery store...ugh! got Tomato juice, lettece, Ben & Jerry's "Chubby Hubby" ice cream..$17 we got one more little thing, can't remember...ugh! but the Chubby Hubby was delicious....we shared the ice cream and another great day in Philadelphia...
7:00 PM at the boat - neighbors partying....later fireworks across at Camden, NJ we could see the
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Friday- Aug. 19,2011 'Raindrops keep falling on my head"
10:00 AM..Left the boat -Rich (dockmaster) gave us a ride on golf cart to Market St.
about 1/2 mi at least....walked several blocks to Visitor's Center...got a map and info...good place to eat for breakfast...so we ended up at Mrs. K's a little hole in the wall cafe on Chestnut St. - good...then left there for the "Liberty Bell"...took us a few minutes to figure things out, but got there and stood in line about 15 min. before we went in...ck'd our bags..etc. like at the airport...
I was sort of disappointed at how small it was...in pictures and on t.v. the bell looked so much bigger....but we got to see it and that was great....
After that, we walked to the 2nd Bank of the United States that is now a Portrait Gallery of founding fathers and patriots....also according to something I read, the death mask of Geo.Washington was suppose to be on display...#1 I wanted to know what that was and #2 It hadn't been there for over 20 yrs....dang...I need to catch up to the real world....the death mask is a plaster of paris mold of the face after death...whoa nellie....wonder where it is....
We walked around many sites....and the heat getting to me....TIRED...so we started heading back to the boat, when we almost got to the marina, there was this trolley that the dockmaster told us about that for $2 we could ride it...27 stops - called "Phlash" so we get on and go for a ride....It took us the 2.5 miles to the Philadelphia Museum of Art that I did not want to walk to...so tomorrow, we will take the trolley there and get off...Found out Ken goes Free - Seasoned Citizen and I may get to as well...depends on the driver...dropped us back off at Penn's Landing where we got on 45 min.earlier....good deal!
Heading back to the boat, Richie introduced us to his wife Sandy on the boat next to ours...they keep it there free and stay on it weekends...she offered to take me to the grocery store Sat. morning..
6 PM- walked over to the Hyatt...weather is threatening AGAIN...had a drink and at 6:45 PM- Jeff Houle and family came by and took us to a wonderful restaurant Chart House for dinner...so delicious and wonderful evening visiting and catching up on things and talking about old times, of course...It absolutely poured and lightening all around while at dinner.....some raindrops fell on our heads as we walked back to the marina and to the Gypsy Wind...we visited a while longer....one of our most favorite times so far on this trip....A beautiful family ...we just love them!
Can't wait to do more tomorrow...we are thinking staying an extra day.....
about 1/2 mi at least....walked several blocks to Visitor's Center...got a map and info...good place to eat for breakfast...so we ended up at Mrs. K's a little hole in the wall cafe on Chestnut St. - good...then left there for the "Liberty Bell"...took us a few minutes to figure things out, but got there and stood in line about 15 min. before we went in...ck'd our bags..etc. like at the airport...
I was sort of disappointed at how small it was...in pictures and on t.v. the bell looked so much bigger....but we got to see it and that was great....
After that, we walked to the 2nd Bank of the United States that is now a Portrait Gallery of founding fathers and patriots....also according to something I read, the death mask of Geo.Washington was suppose to be on display...#1 I wanted to know what that was and #2 It hadn't been there for over 20 yrs....dang...I need to catch up to the real world....the death mask is a plaster of paris mold of the face after death...whoa nellie....wonder where it is....
We walked around many sites....and the heat getting to me....TIRED...so we started heading back to the boat, when we almost got to the marina, there was this trolley that the dockmaster told us about that for $2 we could ride it...27 stops - called "Phlash" so we get on and go for a ride....It took us the 2.5 miles to the Philadelphia Museum of Art that I did not want to walk to...so tomorrow, we will take the trolley there and get off...Found out Ken goes Free - Seasoned Citizen and I may get to as well...depends on the driver...dropped us back off at Penn's Landing where we got on 45 min.earlier....good deal!
Heading back to the boat, Richie introduced us to his wife Sandy on the boat next to ours...they keep it there free and stay on it weekends...she offered to take me to the grocery store Sat. morning..
6 PM- walked over to the Hyatt...weather is threatening AGAIN...had a drink and at 6:45 PM- Jeff Houle and family came by and took us to a wonderful restaurant Chart House for dinner...so delicious and wonderful evening visiting and catching up on things and talking about old times, of course...It absolutely poured and lightening all around while at dinner.....some raindrops fell on our heads as we walked back to the marina and to the Gypsy Wind...we visited a while longer....one of our most favorite times so far on this trip....A beautiful family ...we just love them!
Can't wait to do more tomorrow...we are thinking staying an extra day.....
Friday, August 19, 2011
Thurs. Aug. 18, 2011 Interesting Day!
6:45 a.m. woke up to rain...closing hatches
7;45 a.m. back from showers trying to get the internet to work...no good!
10:15 left the dock - nice turn around in a small area on the channel....no incident today...
10:30 a.m. heading out under high powerlines in the Delaware River when the Corps. of Eng. boat that came out at the same time, then left us in the dust (powerboat)was up ahead of us and heading back right at us....called "sailboat under power lines" I responded "this is the sailboat" he said" we are surveying" I thought ok, start asking questions...on no, not that kind of survey...surveying water, and probably what is below the water and could not alter his course....We told them we would stay out of their way...and we did and kept going...towards Philadelphia....5 hr ride away.
11:00 a.m. passed by Pea Patch Island that is a Del. state park now -Fort Delaware, Union Fortress dating back to 1859 is located on the island...It once housed Confederate prisoners of war...Orig. built to protect ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia....It is located at the mouth of the Delaware River as we head north to Philly... It is a granite and brick fortress and they have a Living history there.Costumed interpretors take you back in time to the summer of 1864 with hands on history if you want to help a blacksmith hammer out new parts for a cannon or work with a laundress....They have many artifacts from the Island's past....we didn't stop there this time...(by ferry only) but maybe on our return back down the river, if we stay at Delaware City Marina again, we will just take that ferry over...
12:10 PM just passed the Delaware Memorial Bridge, but not before the Capt. or Pilot on the large ship Johann something called us on the radio...Sailboat approaching the bridge, the johann is under it...to watch out and basically stay the heck out of the way....we were crossing to the red buoy to the right just to get out of their way....no worries.....
1:15 PM as we are still heading up the Delaware River, getting closer to freighter traffic, an orange coast guard runabout came buzzin down towards us, turned and came right up beside us...had the big guns on the front, but not aimed at us....said" we are security for that big tanker, to stay way to the right...yes sir...no problem...and they took off..
Big exciting day for us to get the heck off the water and stay out of the way...the commercial channel is not that big and these big boats need room, but we need to stay our of shallow waters, so constently keeping an eye on buoy's and boats....
2:15 PM just went past Philadelphia airport
2:55 PM great just great....lightening, thunder and the rains came again....I am so
trying to send this weather to the SOUTH! poured and poured..just prayed it would stop by the time we found a marina....by golly it did!
3:30 PM docked at Penn's Landing Marina in Philadelphia...great docking by Ken..the dockmaster helped (Jim) super guy...gave us all kinds of information,etc..and gave me a little welcome bag of sample hair and lotions...
5:00 PM First thing to do is have a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich...so after talking with several people and reading about it in a local magazine, we headed to "Jim's Steak" We got there at 5:25 PM..quite a walk...then waited in line 35 min. before we got our sandwiches...then we went to the back of the little place and up these stairs to some tables to eat....good, but not worth that kind of wait...
7:30 back at the boat after stopping and looking at a few historic sites on the way back...Old St. Mary's Church..est. 1763 and was first Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Diocese of Philadelphia..George Washington & John Adams and other members of the first continental congress attended Sunday Vespers there in 1774..
***Site of the First pulic religious commemoration of the Declaration of Independence.
Went by the 2nd Bank of the United States...charted to combat "debt" & inflationary pressures the U.S. Gov't faced from the War of 1812.. now houses a great portrait gallery of history painting of that time. We hope to go inside on Friday.
Went by the 1st Bank of the United States, a few blocks away ...It was Initially chartered in 1791 to combat "debt" the U.S. incurred from the war with Great Britain..bldg. was completed between 1797 - 1799...it was our country's original central bank....
We walked thru Vietnam War Memorial Park ..very nice and Independence Hall Park
Everything was closed for the day, so we just looked.
shortly after arriving at the marina...we had quite the lightening show, wind gusts, rain..glad we were safe in the harbor and not out in it....I hate these stinkin storms that follow me everywhere....good nite for now...more tomorrow.....
7;45 a.m. back from showers trying to get the internet to work...no good!
10:15 left the dock - nice turn around in a small area on the channel....no incident today...
10:30 a.m. heading out under high powerlines in the Delaware River when the Corps. of Eng. boat that came out at the same time, then left us in the dust (powerboat)was up ahead of us and heading back right at us....called "sailboat under power lines" I responded "this is the sailboat" he said" we are surveying" I thought ok, start asking questions...on no, not that kind of survey...surveying water, and probably what is below the water and could not alter his course....We told them we would stay out of their way...and we did and kept going...towards Philadelphia....5 hr ride away.
11:00 a.m. passed by Pea Patch Island that is a Del. state park now -Fort Delaware, Union Fortress dating back to 1859 is located on the island...It once housed Confederate prisoners of war...Orig. built to protect ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia....It is located at the mouth of the Delaware River as we head north to Philly... It is a granite and brick fortress and they have a Living history there.Costumed interpretors take you back in time to the summer of 1864 with hands on history if you want to help a blacksmith hammer out new parts for a cannon or work with a laundress....They have many artifacts from the Island's past....we didn't stop there this time...(by ferry only) but maybe on our return back down the river, if we stay at Delaware City Marina again, we will just take that ferry over...
12:10 PM just passed the Delaware Memorial Bridge, but not before the Capt. or Pilot on the large ship Johann something called us on the radio...Sailboat approaching the bridge, the johann is under it...to watch out and basically stay the heck out of the way....we were crossing to the red buoy to the right just to get out of their way....no worries.....
1:15 PM as we are still heading up the Delaware River, getting closer to freighter traffic, an orange coast guard runabout came buzzin down towards us, turned and came right up beside us...had the big guns on the front, but not aimed at us....said" we are security for that big tanker, to stay way to the right...yes sir...no problem...and they took off..
Big exciting day for us to get the heck off the water and stay out of the way...the commercial channel is not that big and these big boats need room, but we need to stay our of shallow waters, so constently keeping an eye on buoy's and boats....
2:15 PM just went past Philadelphia airport
2:55 PM great just great....lightening, thunder and the rains came again....I am so
trying to send this weather to the SOUTH! poured and poured..just prayed it would stop by the time we found a marina....by golly it did!
3:30 PM docked at Penn's Landing Marina in Philadelphia...great docking by Ken..the dockmaster helped (Jim) super guy...gave us all kinds of information,etc..and gave me a little welcome bag of sample hair and lotions...
5:00 PM First thing to do is have a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich...so after talking with several people and reading about it in a local magazine, we headed to "Jim's Steak" We got there at 5:25 PM..quite a walk...then waited in line 35 min. before we got our sandwiches...then we went to the back of the little place and up these stairs to some tables to eat....good, but not worth that kind of wait...
7:30 back at the boat after stopping and looking at a few historic sites on the way back...Old St. Mary's Church..est. 1763 and was first Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Diocese of Philadelphia..George Washington & John Adams and other members of the first continental congress attended Sunday Vespers there in 1774..
***Site of the First pulic religious commemoration of the Declaration of Independence.
Went by the 2nd Bank of the United States...charted to combat "debt" & inflationary pressures the U.S. Gov't faced from the War of 1812.. now houses a great portrait gallery of history painting of that time. We hope to go inside on Friday.
Went by the 1st Bank of the United States, a few blocks away ...It was Initially chartered in 1791 to combat "debt" the U.S. incurred from the war with Great Britain..bldg. was completed between 1797 - 1799...it was our country's original central bank....
We walked thru Vietnam War Memorial Park ..very nice and Independence Hall Park
Everything was closed for the day, so we just looked.
shortly after arriving at the marina...we had quite the lightening show, wind gusts, rain..glad we were safe in the harbor and not out in it....I hate these stinkin storms that follow me everywhere....good nite for now...more tomorrow.....
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Wed., Aug. 17,2011 Sunny side up!
6:55 Left the dock, well we tried to leave the dock...I had an incident...my line didn't come of the cleat when Ken headed out of the slip, so I let the rope off the boat and held onto the other end and dang if it didn't get caught in the cleat and Ken quickly said a bad word and put the boat in reverse....a man came running down the dock and I let my end go and he had the other end and undid the knot and threw the line on the boat....thank you sir, very much....near diaster....
So we head out just like the book says, 2 hrs after low tide so we can ride the tide coming in as we go up the Delaware Bay....we scrubbed a little and got going, sturring up mud,,,ugh! but got going and shortly after we were in deep water going out the jetty....very shallow in there....and shoals are everywhere...
We were out in hot hot sun for 10 hrs.....wearing us right out....so as we approach the C & D Canal, it's about 3:30 or 4 PM...still another couple of hours to go thru it or to try and find a spot before we go down the canal...no place to stop on the canal according to the charts..so after reading Skipper Bob,Waterways ICW,etc. we determined we would try to get into Delaware City Marina....2 miles north of the
C & D (Chesapeake & Delaware Canal) have to stay in the channel no wondering out or you will get stuck...so man o man, I am getting a strain in my neck looking for buoy's and markers,etc....green, red, white and red, green and red, flashing,all sorts of stuff...we did exactly like the charts read, and we went into the Delaware City Channel and stayed in the middle in 7 ft. of water to get to the marina....then we didn't know if we could stay there...tried calling them on the radio...got a gal..she said go to chan. 9 which I did and then could not reach her again..nor on ch. 16 the channel to reach people then you switch channels to talk...so we just showed up at quitting time..the lad docked us, then ck'd us in and went home...have to gas up tomorrow when they open at 9 am...that's about when we want to leave anyhow....we still want to try to get to Philadelphia......thunderstorms 40%...we will try...may have to duck in somewhere...worry about that later....
We would like to stay in Philly for 2 days....
After we docked...we hooked the fans up,etc....93 degrees in the boat.....I just want out and get some air...so we walk about 1 mile to "Crabby Dick's" for some supper and air-cond....It was good...pricey so we ate lite this time....crab cakes (2) $23.99...I don't think so...I had shimp of the day $5 for 1 lb. boiled w/cocktail sauce and a dinner salad..very goood! Ken had a fried crabbie balls po-boy and 6 raw clams on the half w/cocktail sauce...we had coupons for 2 crabbie balls each...very good told me I was a cheap date.. why thank you! walked back the mile to the boat...had cocktails...now Ken has gone to bed and I am about ready to go.
It's been one long day....good one though! just long! Good nite and sweet dreams...
So we head out just like the book says, 2 hrs after low tide so we can ride the tide coming in as we go up the Delaware Bay....we scrubbed a little and got going, sturring up mud,,,ugh! but got going and shortly after we were in deep water going out the jetty....very shallow in there....and shoals are everywhere...
We were out in hot hot sun for 10 hrs.....wearing us right out....so as we approach the C & D Canal, it's about 3:30 or 4 PM...still another couple of hours to go thru it or to try and find a spot before we go down the canal...no place to stop on the canal according to the charts..so after reading Skipper Bob,Waterways ICW,etc. we determined we would try to get into Delaware City Marina....2 miles north of the
C & D (Chesapeake & Delaware Canal) have to stay in the channel no wondering out or you will get stuck...so man o man, I am getting a strain in my neck looking for buoy's and markers,etc....green, red, white and red, green and red, flashing,all sorts of stuff...we did exactly like the charts read, and we went into the Delaware City Channel and stayed in the middle in 7 ft. of water to get to the marina....then we didn't know if we could stay there...tried calling them on the radio...got a gal..she said go to chan. 9 which I did and then could not reach her again..nor on ch. 16 the channel to reach people then you switch channels to talk...so we just showed up at quitting time..the lad docked us, then ck'd us in and went home...have to gas up tomorrow when they open at 9 am...that's about when we want to leave anyhow....we still want to try to get to Philadelphia......thunderstorms 40%...we will try...may have to duck in somewhere...worry about that later....
We would like to stay in Philly for 2 days....
After we docked...we hooked the fans up,etc....93 degrees in the boat.....I just want out and get some air...so we walk about 1 mile to "Crabby Dick's" for some supper and air-cond....It was good...pricey so we ate lite this time....crab cakes (2) $23.99...I don't think so...I had shimp of the day $5 for 1 lb. boiled w/cocktail sauce and a dinner salad..very goood! Ken had a fried crabbie balls po-boy and 6 raw clams on the half w/cocktail sauce...we had coupons for 2 crabbie balls each...very good told me I was a cheap date.. why thank you! walked back the mile to the boat...had cocktails...now Ken has gone to bed and I am about ready to go.
It's been one long day....good one though! just long! Good nite and sweet dreams...
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tues. Aug. 16,2011 at Cape May
Today has to be better than yesterday......
8:00 left the dock at Atlantic City
8:30 Finished gasing the boat and bought fowl weather gear....
9:00 Into the Atlantic...waves are nothing compared to yesterday 2-4 ft...sunny and 10 mph wind from the west nw...out a ways when Ken raised the jib (front sail) and it added almost 1 mph to our speed...so I go down and make sandwiches and when I come back up...I look straight behind Ken...holy cow...a huge black cloud....the winds started to pick up...Ken took the jib down...we are only about 1-1/2 hrs to Cape May at this point...I'm just praying to get docked safely before the storm ....
We turn into the Cape May Inlet and are about 1/2 mile to the dock when all hell breaks loose...we put our new raingear on and he puts the windshield up and side panels...not much good as we are pretty drenched....pulled up to the dock and 2 dockhands there to help us...tied up and immediately had to leave us to help other boats coming in.....nasty nasty...told the young fellas we can wait to gas,pump out until the rain stops...they left and ran to another dock to bring in a 70 ft. yacht...these lads were very busy...shortly after the rain quit....we did our things, then they moved us to a slip and helped us tie up for the night...I was drenched and just wanted a shower...so I go to get a shower and Ken works on the engine..sm leak..he fixed it...then I load up the dirty laundry...ugh! I was gone almost 3 hrs doing laundry....1 washer, 1 dryer....after that Ken and I walked over to a little Mexican Rest. across the street from the marina...good, but not great....
9:15 back to the boat...what a pretty little (big) marina...I took a couple pics at night, I was doing laundry until dark dang it....took a couple earlier...such a pretty area....love the houses, along the waterway....lots of old victorian homes,etc.
Well, another day safe and sound...I could stay here a few days, just can't afford it....we have to start anchoring out now and then to save some pennies.....we will now that we are about to enter the ICW Intracoastal waterways.....
Tomorrow, we hope to get to the mouth of the C & D Canal...then Thurs. head up the Delaware River to Philadelphia...weather permitting of course..
Be back when I can....love everyone's comments....
I tried to upload pics here and it wouldn't work for me for some reason...I will try again...
8:00 left the dock at Atlantic City
8:30 Finished gasing the boat and bought fowl weather gear....
9:00 Into the Atlantic...waves are nothing compared to yesterday 2-4 ft...sunny and 10 mph wind from the west nw...out a ways when Ken raised the jib (front sail) and it added almost 1 mph to our speed...so I go down and make sandwiches and when I come back up...I look straight behind Ken...holy cow...a huge black cloud....the winds started to pick up...Ken took the jib down...we are only about 1-1/2 hrs to Cape May at this point...I'm just praying to get docked safely before the storm ....
We turn into the Cape May Inlet and are about 1/2 mile to the dock when all hell breaks loose...we put our new raingear on and he puts the windshield up and side panels...not much good as we are pretty drenched....pulled up to the dock and 2 dockhands there to help us...tied up and immediately had to leave us to help other boats coming in.....nasty nasty...told the young fellas we can wait to gas,pump out until the rain stops...they left and ran to another dock to bring in a 70 ft. yacht...these lads were very busy...shortly after the rain quit....we did our things, then they moved us to a slip and helped us tie up for the night...I was drenched and just wanted a shower...so I go to get a shower and Ken works on the engine..sm leak..he fixed it...then I load up the dirty laundry...ugh! I was gone almost 3 hrs doing laundry....1 washer, 1 dryer....after that Ken and I walked over to a little Mexican Rest. across the street from the marina...good, but not great....
9:15 back to the boat...what a pretty little (big) marina...I took a couple pics at night, I was doing laundry until dark dang it....took a couple earlier...such a pretty area....love the houses, along the waterway....lots of old victorian homes,etc.
Well, another day safe and sound...I could stay here a few days, just can't afford it....we have to start anchoring out now and then to save some pennies.....we will now that we are about to enter the ICW Intracoastal waterways.....
Tomorrow, we hope to get to the mouth of the C & D Canal...then Thurs. head up the Delaware River to Philadelphia...weather permitting of course..
Be back when I can....love everyone's comments....
I tried to upload pics here and it wouldn't work for me for some reason...I will try again...
Monday, August 15, 2011
Aug. 15, 2011 Chicken!
Weather not looking real good, but maybe we will give it a try....
we listened to the weather radio and I was getting a littl gun shy...I said, well if the waves are bad we can always come back in....scattered thundershowers....maybe miss us...maybe not...
9:00 we untie and leave the dock...go out into the Atlantic...oh my...those waves are a tad bit bigger than I like...Ken is at the helm and he is ok...i told him - no naps no bathroom breaks, no nothing as I was not going to take the helm....now the sky we thought was north of us was south of us heading to us. we get out past the second buoy and he says, now is the time to tell me if you want to go back...I just stared at him...he says "your eyes tell me you are not happy out here" so he just turns the boat around and heads back to the marina...we do not get there before the rains came....pouring down....got rain jacket, but no rain pants...we both got soaked but we docked the boat, just the two of us and no one got hurt....we settled down and I got on the computer, cause I have a couple hours left...Ken took a nap...
We now have power and we are staying one more day....tomorrow forecast looks a lot better than today's...we should have a west wind....5-10 knots....2-4 ft. waves....that is much better..we will plot our course later, but think we will bypass Cape May (weather permitting) and go to next nearest marina we can find.....we will see....we may just have to stop at Cape May...long haul to Delaware River......stinkin air show is going on..I have to go watch.
12:45..i'm going outside...sun is back out...
we listened to the weather radio and I was getting a littl gun shy...I said, well if the waves are bad we can always come back in....scattered thundershowers....maybe miss us...maybe not...
9:00 we untie and leave the dock...go out into the Atlantic...oh my...those waves are a tad bit bigger than I like...Ken is at the helm and he is ok...i told him - no naps no bathroom breaks, no nothing as I was not going to take the helm....now the sky we thought was north of us was south of us heading to us. we get out past the second buoy and he says, now is the time to tell me if you want to go back...I just stared at him...he says "your eyes tell me you are not happy out here" so he just turns the boat around and heads back to the marina...we do not get there before the rains came....pouring down....got rain jacket, but no rain pants...we both got soaked but we docked the boat, just the two of us and no one got hurt....we settled down and I got on the computer, cause I have a couple hours left...Ken took a nap...
We now have power and we are staying one more day....tomorrow forecast looks a lot better than today's...we should have a west wind....5-10 knots....2-4 ft. waves....that is much better..we will plot our course later, but think we will bypass Cape May (weather permitting) and go to next nearest marina we can find.....we will see....we may just have to stop at Cape May...long haul to Delaware River......stinkin air show is going on..I have to go watch.
12:45..i'm going outside...sun is back out...
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011-Life is a game, roll with it!
Life is a game...roll with it was on a T-shirt in the casino...
9:00 AM- walk out to the casino to get a taxi....get in and asked the cabbie to take us to Brigatine, to St. Thomas Catholic Churc....we get going, $19 + tip..cost us $23..half way there the cabbie says "why arn't you going to a Catholic church in Atlantic City?" we say...because we didn't think there was one in Atlantic City, cause our Garmin only had St. Thomas show up....he said there are 3 in Atlantic City as least....we said "shooot"...tried to ask a consierge (sp) last night, could not find one in the Nugget....found one after Mass in Harrah's..duh! so he gets on his phone and google'd it and came up with 3 churches within a couple miles of the casino...great just great....so he dropped us off and we went inside..what a pretty church..Our priest was from Africa and had a thick accent, but did a lovely homily and the choir was really great...so I tooks some pictures after Mass...one of the stained windows was the Blessed Mother....Mary, Queen of the Sea...very pretty and at the base ofthe window were starfish ....neat....so then after Mass, we walked several blocks, came to a Hotel, went inside and the gal called a cab for us....took us to Harrah's...we ate breakfast, then I got a card - no free money...so I didn't play...we walked back to Nugget...Ken was trying to find the ballgame on a t.v., me, I was looking for games to play...I walked by a blackjack table that was calling me...$1 table with .25 for the house -ea hand...so when the gal was dealing, I was winning...4 or 5 hands..then they changed dealers and you guessed it my luck changed...I kept looking over my shoulder to see if Ken was waiting out front for me, I never saw him...so I kept playing..the gal came by and I ordered a Margarita...so now I am down $9...I decide to quit...I waited for my drink..then cashed out...Ken was is a seat behind me about 6 ft.. watching me play..After my drink, we walked downstairs to get an ice cream cone...back to the boat...and yes,
paid my $12.99 so I could blog and upload some pics....been a good day just the same....
I learned today: Ask your cabbie for local establishments, before you tell them to take you to another town and have it cost you twice as much....
5:15 PM- ken has just fixed the light overhead the table and also did some oil filter work...we need a new filter...think we will get it in Cape May...will try to get there tomorrow if the wind and rain settle down....
We will eat supper on the boat, play some cards and go to bed...tomorrow is another day......
9:00 AM- walk out to the casino to get a taxi....get in and asked the cabbie to take us to Brigatine, to St. Thomas Catholic Churc....we get going, $19 + tip..cost us $23..half way there the cabbie says "why arn't you going to a Catholic church in Atlantic City?" we say...because we didn't think there was one in Atlantic City, cause our Garmin only had St. Thomas show up....he said there are 3 in Atlantic City as least....we said "shooot"...tried to ask a consierge (sp) last night, could not find one in the Nugget....found one after Mass in Harrah's..duh! so he gets on his phone and google'd it and came up with 3 churches within a couple miles of the casino...great just great....so he dropped us off and we went inside..what a pretty church..Our priest was from Africa and had a thick accent, but did a lovely homily and the choir was really great...so I tooks some pictures after Mass...one of the stained windows was the Blessed Mother....Mary, Queen of the Sea...very pretty and at the base ofthe window were starfish ....neat....so then after Mass, we walked several blocks, came to a Hotel, went inside and the gal called a cab for us....took us to Harrah's...we ate breakfast, then I got a card - no free money...so I didn't play...we walked back to Nugget...Ken was trying to find the ballgame on a t.v., me, I was looking for games to play...I walked by a blackjack table that was calling me...$1 table with .25 for the house -ea hand...so when the gal was dealing, I was winning...4 or 5 hands..then they changed dealers and you guessed it my luck changed...I kept looking over my shoulder to see if Ken was waiting out front for me, I never saw him...so I kept playing..the gal came by and I ordered a Margarita...so now I am down $9...I decide to quit...I waited for my drink..then cashed out...Ken was is a seat behind me about 6 ft.. watching me play..After my drink, we walked downstairs to get an ice cream cone...back to the boat...and yes,
paid my $12.99 so I could blog and upload some pics....been a good day just the same....
I learned today: Ask your cabbie for local establishments, before you tell them to take you to another town and have it cost you twice as much....
5:15 PM- ken has just fixed the light overhead the table and also did some oil filter work...we need a new filter...think we will get it in Cape May...will try to get there tomorrow if the wind and rain settle down....
We will eat supper on the boat, play some cards and go to bed...tomorrow is another day......
Sat. Aug. 14, 2011 -On the Road again...
Well it was a rough night sleeping with the whistles,trains, yes trains, boats coming in late and rocking the boat and then the boat rubbing against the posts it was tied to as the tides go up and down.... and the party boat that went by at 11:40PM with loud music and whooping and hollering..and singing...wish I was on that boat!
We were docked right next to the gas pumps so they opened up at 4:30 a.m. for the fishermen...so we finally crawled out of bed just about 6:00 a.m. got all things done and left the dock at 6:45 a.m.
Mike the owner of the marina was terrific...he got all sorts of help to get us out of the slip and on our way...very windy and strong current...Ken had to get out and point into the wind or else the wind would have taken us in another direction....not much room for error here...as we were leaving, so were about 20 fishing boats...yep we rocked all the way out into the Atlantic.
ken and I were just chit chatting when he called me his "Spice Girl"...of course that was a complement...we were talking about cajun food and spices....oh, so you were thinking something else, shame on you..hahaha!
The weather from Manasquan to Atlantic City was pretty mello until about 7 miles out.
We had some clouds building and from no waves to 2-4 ft waves and we had no idea where the entrance to the marina was...so earlier I made reservations by phone to Farley State Marina...largest marina in Atlantic City....$3/ft..ugh..but have to dock somewhere and plenty of water there...told the guy we were just a couple miles out...told me to call when we got in front of the Coast Guard Bldg...ok...so I did that...other boats trying to find a slip, no luck...booked up...of course it was a weekend...so they tell me H-58 and someone would be on the dock to help us in...the guy told us to dock, stern in...ok...So we get to the slip...big powerboat next to us..the wind takes the boat and we almost hit him...the kid on the dock can't hold our boat..they needed more than one person...so people come from other boats to help..except the guy on the boat we almost hit was pissed...said something about sailboats and sailors....idiot...I know I need to be nicer...anyhow...we finally got docked with loads of excitement and we thanked the power squadron of the Coast Guard that was having their annual party on the dock we were on...nice guys -couple helped us....another big thank you for helping us....
It's the Golden Nugget's marina (trump owned)
almost 90 degrees according to the huge thermostat on the back of the guy's boat across from us...
We settled down, ck'd in at the desk...asked about wifi $12.99 to hook up...no thanks..I had to pay enough for the slip not gonna pay for the wifi...
Back to the boat, ate homemade chicken caesar salad...very good...had a couple drinks,
Before bed, found a Catholic Church in Brigatine, NJ 4.5 miles away....have to take a cab...too far to try and walk...got the Mass times...go to 9:30 am. tomorrow...
so out to the Golden Nugget to try some luck....
Got my card, won $5 to put on my card credit...so went out to cops and donuts penny machine and put the card in...dang...machine wouldn't work...said "service" so I took my card and went to another machine and it said I did not have $5 credit..now I am a little disturbed, so back to the desk where I signed up...the gal there said -it still shows $5 here, go try another machine....so I did and I ended up walking out with $9 of their money...I never put a penny in of my money....this is fun!
Don't know how I will spend it all.....so excited...
Ken watched ballgame in the bar...he spent more than I won, silly guy....
We then headed back to the boat tired and ready for a good nights sleep....It was raining and the partying that was going on when we left was all over...darn, I was ready to meet my neighbors....esp. the guy next to us....haha!
We settled in, ken kissed me good night--I can't go to bed until I say my prayers and win one game of solitare....
more tomorrow...this is starting to be fun now!
We were docked right next to the gas pumps so they opened up at 4:30 a.m. for the fishermen...so we finally crawled out of bed just about 6:00 a.m. got all things done and left the dock at 6:45 a.m.
Mike the owner of the marina was terrific...he got all sorts of help to get us out of the slip and on our way...very windy and strong current...Ken had to get out and point into the wind or else the wind would have taken us in another direction....not much room for error here...as we were leaving, so were about 20 fishing boats...yep we rocked all the way out into the Atlantic.
ken and I were just chit chatting when he called me his "Spice Girl"...of course that was a complement...we were talking about cajun food and spices....oh, so you were thinking something else, shame on you..hahaha!
The weather from Manasquan to Atlantic City was pretty mello until about 7 miles out.
We had some clouds building and from no waves to 2-4 ft waves and we had no idea where the entrance to the marina was...so earlier I made reservations by phone to Farley State Marina...largest marina in Atlantic City....$3/ft..ugh..but have to dock somewhere and plenty of water there...told the guy we were just a couple miles out...told me to call when we got in front of the Coast Guard Bldg...ok...so I did that...other boats trying to find a slip, no luck...booked up...of course it was a weekend...so they tell me H-58 and someone would be on the dock to help us in...the guy told us to dock, stern in...ok...So we get to the slip...big powerboat next to us..the wind takes the boat and we almost hit him...the kid on the dock can't hold our boat..they needed more than one person...so people come from other boats to help..except the guy on the boat we almost hit was pissed...said something about sailboats and sailors....idiot...I know I need to be nicer...anyhow...we finally got docked with loads of excitement and we thanked the power squadron of the Coast Guard that was having their annual party on the dock we were on...nice guys -couple helped us....another big thank you for helping us....
It's the Golden Nugget's marina (trump owned)
almost 90 degrees according to the huge thermostat on the back of the guy's boat across from us...
We settled down, ck'd in at the desk...asked about wifi $12.99 to hook up...no thanks..I had to pay enough for the slip not gonna pay for the wifi...
Back to the boat, ate homemade chicken caesar salad...very good...had a couple drinks,
Before bed, found a Catholic Church in Brigatine, NJ 4.5 miles away....have to take a cab...too far to try and walk...got the Mass times...go to 9:30 am. tomorrow...
so out to the Golden Nugget to try some luck....
Got my card, won $5 to put on my card credit...so went out to cops and donuts penny machine and put the card in...dang...machine wouldn't work...said "service" so I took my card and went to another machine and it said I did not have $5 credit..now I am a little disturbed, so back to the desk where I signed up...the gal there said -it still shows $5 here, go try another machine....so I did and I ended up walking out with $9 of their money...I never put a penny in of my money....this is fun!
Don't know how I will spend it all.....so excited...
Ken watched ballgame in the bar...he spent more than I won, silly guy....
We then headed back to the boat tired and ready for a good nights sleep....It was raining and the partying that was going on when we left was all over...darn, I was ready to meet my neighbors....esp. the guy next to us....haha!
We settled in, ken kissed me good night--I can't go to bed until I say my prayers and win one game of solitare....
more tomorrow...this is starting to be fun now!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Friday Aug. 12, 2011 Jersey shore!
6:15 AM up and movin and groovin- beautiful day cool morning..going to 80's
6:30 AM- Ken took the motor off the dinghy and put it back on the boat...scary job!
7:00 AM- left the mooring
7:20 AM- straight ahead, all kinds of people looking like they are walking on water..some kind of race going on...all on surf boards or something that looks like surfboards and they are paddling towards us....we move over to the other side of the River to give them room...had to be a couple hundred in this race...have no idea which one or what the cause...but interesting to watch them....
Corps of Engineers vessel came by and was picking up large pcs of wood,etc floating in the River...can cause real damage to boats....had a crane or lift that they use.
9:15 AM- just went under the Verrazano Bridge - heading to Sandy Hook, NJ... strange
breakwall and entry into anchorage....sailboats on moorings, water taxi taking people to their boats,etc...we follow the markers into the gas pump dock...got gas @ $3.70/gal. only needed 6 1/2 gal...got some ice and we were going to stay there for the night and get an early start tomorrow to go down the Jersey Shoreline....but wether is starting to be a factor....thunder storms for late Sat. and Sunday and into Monday....see how far we can get...there are only 3 places to tuck into betwee Sandy Hook and Cape May, NJ...we chose Manasquan Inlet...we actually ck'd this area out last Fall...very shallow....so we go in between large rock jetty's..small channel.It's around 4 PM and lots of fishing boats are headed in and we have no idea where we are going...nothing on the charts to help us...so as we are going in the water gets shallower and shallower...4 ft at one point...so Ken does a u-turn and we start heading out the way we came in...now Atlantic City is another 10 hr ride for us,that would be an overnite ride and the wind has picked up and I had a bad feeling about it...so I get on the radio (ch 16) and say this is the Gypsy Wind in the Manasquan Inlet looking for a slip or place to stay for the night....a guy gets on and says come to the yacht club straight ahead before the train bridge...so now Ken does another u-turn back in and we go slow and see a dock with a gas pump, I said Ken head over there...so he does and the current and wind is horrible....we get into the dock...the marina owner put us in the slip next to the pump.etc..so they finally get us tied up and we just say "Thank you Lord" can't do this trip without you...that's for sure...so now we are again by RR tracks and everytime they lift that stinkin drawbridge, they have a whistle that sounds like one of those old whistle toys used for New Years...such a funny whistle, but you know what it is for...to lower the bridge to let the train go by....great, just great...more train noise, the water is slapping against the boat, but hopefully it will rock me to sleep in a few minutes....we hope to get an early start tomorrow to at least get to Atlantic City.....before the storm hits....
After our showers we walked to a restaurant down the street "Sand Bar" had an outside bar, we ate at and it was neat overlooking the harbor and boats,etc...had the best huge shrimp cocktail that I have had in a long time...Ken and I shared it...there goes that train....we had fish and chips and seafood platter....good, but I like the ones at home better...there goes that whistle again..holy cow...gonna be a rough night at this point...almost 10PM and rocking and rolling and noisy,,,but we are safe and that's what matters...
hope all are well and be back soon!
6:30 AM- Ken took the motor off the dinghy and put it back on the boat...scary job!
7:00 AM- left the mooring
7:20 AM- straight ahead, all kinds of people looking like they are walking on water..some kind of race going on...all on surf boards or something that looks like surfboards and they are paddling towards us....we move over to the other side of the River to give them room...had to be a couple hundred in this race...have no idea which one or what the cause...but interesting to watch them....
Corps of Engineers vessel came by and was picking up large pcs of wood,etc floating in the River...can cause real damage to boats....had a crane or lift that they use.
9:15 AM- just went under the Verrazano Bridge - heading to Sandy Hook, NJ... strange
breakwall and entry into anchorage....sailboats on moorings, water taxi taking people to their boats,etc...we follow the markers into the gas pump dock...got gas @ $3.70/gal. only needed 6 1/2 gal...got some ice and we were going to stay there for the night and get an early start tomorrow to go down the Jersey Shoreline....but wether is starting to be a factor....thunder storms for late Sat. and Sunday and into Monday....see how far we can get...there are only 3 places to tuck into betwee Sandy Hook and Cape May, NJ...we chose Manasquan Inlet...we actually ck'd this area out last Fall...very shallow....so we go in between large rock jetty's..small channel.It's around 4 PM and lots of fishing boats are headed in and we have no idea where we are going...nothing on the charts to help us...so as we are going in the water gets shallower and shallower...4 ft at one point...so Ken does a u-turn and we start heading out the way we came in...now Atlantic City is another 10 hr ride for us,that would be an overnite ride and the wind has picked up and I had a bad feeling about it...so I get on the radio (ch 16) and say this is the Gypsy Wind in the Manasquan Inlet looking for a slip or place to stay for the night....a guy gets on and says come to the yacht club straight ahead before the train bridge...so now Ken does another u-turn back in and we go slow and see a dock with a gas pump, I said Ken head over there...so he does and the current and wind is horrible....we get into the dock...the marina owner put us in the slip next to the pump.etc..so they finally get us tied up and we just say "Thank you Lord" can't do this trip without you...that's for sure...so now we are again by RR tracks and everytime they lift that stinkin drawbridge, they have a whistle that sounds like one of those old whistle toys used for New Years...such a funny whistle, but you know what it is for...to lower the bridge to let the train go by....great, just great...more train noise, the water is slapping against the boat, but hopefully it will rock me to sleep in a few minutes....we hope to get an early start tomorrow to at least get to Atlantic City.....before the storm hits....
After our showers we walked to a restaurant down the street "Sand Bar" had an outside bar, we ate at and it was neat overlooking the harbor and boats,etc...had the best huge shrimp cocktail that I have had in a long time...Ken and I shared it...there goes that train....we had fish and chips and seafood platter....good, but I like the ones at home better...there goes that whistle again..holy cow...gonna be a rough night at this point...almost 10PM and rocking and rolling and noisy,,,but we are safe and that's what matters...
hope all are well and be back soon!
Aug. 11, 2011 YA YA SISTERHOOD!
My sweet sister made Ken and I breakfast before going back to the boat...she made me make my own egg as I am affectionately called "The Egg Snob" So I made a mess of things...didn't have my special egg pan...I don't like the edges to be brown...so after breakfast, T & I went grocery shopping...then we loaded up and went to the marina....
1:45 PM- we unhooked from the mooring, left the dinghy tied to the ball, then went out for a wonderful ride past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island,etc. and down the business district and past the new building that is being built where the twin towers fell on 9/11...dang, I hate getting old...can't remember the new name of that building....wish my tour guide sister was here..she knows all about it..we raised our glasses to toast Lady Liberty, but could not anchor there...police patrolling it and ferry boats and tour boats all over the place....beautiful day and nice ride...
On our way back to the marina, we are looking at the skyline and taking pictures when all of a sudden behind us we hear "HONK, HONK, HONK"...We look back and directly behind us about 200-ft or so a big ole barge being pushed by a tugboat was coming up on us fast. Ken turned a 45 quickly...no worries...we got out of the way...I think those tug people snuck up on us on purpose to scare the ba-jeepers out of us....Of course that is one of my jobs to let Ken know if anything is behind us...
4:00 PM we got to the mooring....ate a nice lunch...visited then loaded T & P up in the dinghy and Ken took them to shore...about 6:30...didn't want to leave in the middle of rush hour...
Sunny & in the 80's just beautiful day!
ya ya sisterhood...love my little sis!
1:45 PM- we unhooked from the mooring, left the dinghy tied to the ball, then went out for a wonderful ride past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island,etc. and down the business district and past the new building that is being built where the twin towers fell on 9/11...dang, I hate getting old...can't remember the new name of that building....wish my tour guide sister was here..she knows all about it..we raised our glasses to toast Lady Liberty, but could not anchor there...police patrolling it and ferry boats and tour boats all over the place....beautiful day and nice ride...
On our way back to the marina, we are looking at the skyline and taking pictures when all of a sudden behind us we hear "HONK, HONK, HONK"...We look back and directly behind us about 200-ft or so a big ole barge being pushed by a tugboat was coming up on us fast. Ken turned a 45 quickly...no worries...we got out of the way...I think those tug people snuck up on us on purpose to scare the ba-jeepers out of us....Of course that is one of my jobs to let Ken know if anything is behind us...
4:00 PM we got to the mooring....ate a nice lunch...visited then loaded T & P up in the dinghy and Ken took them to shore...about 6:30...didn't want to leave in the middle of rush hour...
Sunny & in the 80's just beautiful day!
ya ya sisterhood...love my little sis!
Aug. 10, 2011 Theeeee YANKEE'S Winnnnn1
Beautiful morning at the Tarrytown Marina...
We were up at 6:30 a.m. anxious to get going actually.
Ken got the water out of the dinghy...I uploaded some pictures.
Marina does not open until 9:00 so we showered and then gassed up and turned in our key to get onto the docks..got some ice and we left at 9:05 a.m. kinda late start, but had to wait on marina people....what the heck are those power boaters doing up so early....thought they were late risers...anyhow they were rocking us all over the place...
NEW RULE:
everytime one of us goes below, we have to kill a fly before we can go back out...
10:30 AM - going thru Yonkers New York
11:15 AM - just went under the George Washington Bridge
11:55 AM - moored at the W. 79th St Basin. (the water current is 2.96 mph going past the boat) called Theresa & Pete to let them know we were at the 79th St Basin...on their way to come get us....some people on a boat and in a dinghy are filming something...we found out it is a movie "The Comedy" did not recognize anyone!
1:30 PM - They picked us up...at a rotunda area...no parking down by the marina...ugh! we had our dirty clothes and overnite bag...
2:30 PM- Back to Theresa and Peter's...we ate Greek lamb and chicken with lemon potatoes,ff,salad,pita bread...delicious,just delicious...
4:00 PM - left for the New Yankee Stadium...walked to a bus stop, then to the subway...Ken's first subway ride...got to the stadium by 5:30...went and stood in line to get tickets for this day's game...(hat day) we waited and waited...line not moving...staff guy said...they sold out all the seats for a while, will release more later...so then this other line across the way gets moving, so we go over to that line and finally get to the counter and the guy says...only tickets left are $225.00 each....eee gads...you have got to be kidding me....we walked out of there....a bit irritated...my sister called earlier and there were 1000 tickets left....well not when we got there....Pete was upset, we went all that way and no ticket,etc...well Theresa talked to another staffer and said they would be releasing some senior citizen $5 tickets in a while so we got in that line...don't you know this guy says to me....you are in the wrong line...this one is for seniors...I said -well I'm a senior...he said :no way-...how old are you...I said "64"...he said "damn you look good for 64" well, heck that made my day...I didn't care if we didn't even get in...hahaha..actually I did care. only problem with the $5 tickets you never knew where you would sit...could be on 4th level or wherever they had seats available...so we got to the counter...gave them $20 for 4 tickets...we got right at the 1st base line foul pole....we had really good seats...4th row....one homerun by Granderson hit 8 rows behind me...dang and I had my catchin hands ready too...the Yanks won 9 to 3 - against the LA Angels...great game, great time...had my hotdog and beer.
I had 3 sips of the beer and gave the rest to Ken....this really made our day....
There is something to say about the smells of a baseball game, from the popcorn to hotdogs,just everything..
Got home at midnight and my sister finished my laundry and I went to bed around 12:30 am.....yep, t i r e d!!!
On the subway ride home, this nice guy offered me his seat,so I sat down and we started a conversation going...come to find out he married a gal from Louisiana...been married 15 yrs and she is the love of his life...so neat....he gave me and my sister his bus.card ..he is the Consumer Affairs Coordinator for Colgate-Palmolive Company.....wants me to call him next time we are in town...nice young man..he and his friend were at the game also.
almost everyone on the subway that late at night was going home from the game....
It was just fun!
Theresa and Pete are so good to us! love my sister and brother-in-law
We were up at 6:30 a.m. anxious to get going actually.
Ken got the water out of the dinghy...I uploaded some pictures.
Marina does not open until 9:00 so we showered and then gassed up and turned in our key to get onto the docks..got some ice and we left at 9:05 a.m. kinda late start, but had to wait on marina people....what the heck are those power boaters doing up so early....thought they were late risers...anyhow they were rocking us all over the place...
NEW RULE:
everytime one of us goes below, we have to kill a fly before we can go back out...
10:30 AM - going thru Yonkers New York
11:15 AM - just went under the George Washington Bridge
11:55 AM - moored at the W. 79th St Basin. (the water current is 2.96 mph going past the boat) called Theresa & Pete to let them know we were at the 79th St Basin...on their way to come get us....some people on a boat and in a dinghy are filming something...we found out it is a movie "The Comedy" did not recognize anyone!
1:30 PM - They picked us up...at a rotunda area...no parking down by the marina...ugh! we had our dirty clothes and overnite bag...
2:30 PM- Back to Theresa and Peter's...we ate Greek lamb and chicken with lemon potatoes,ff,salad,pita bread...delicious,just delicious...
4:00 PM - left for the New Yankee Stadium...walked to a bus stop, then to the subway...Ken's first subway ride...got to the stadium by 5:30...went and stood in line to get tickets for this day's game...(hat day) we waited and waited...line not moving...staff guy said...they sold out all the seats for a while, will release more later...so then this other line across the way gets moving, so we go over to that line and finally get to the counter and the guy says...only tickets left are $225.00 each....eee gads...you have got to be kidding me....we walked out of there....a bit irritated...my sister called earlier and there were 1000 tickets left....well not when we got there....Pete was upset, we went all that way and no ticket,etc...well Theresa talked to another staffer and said they would be releasing some senior citizen $5 tickets in a while so we got in that line...don't you know this guy says to me....you are in the wrong line...this one is for seniors...I said -well I'm a senior...he said :no way-...how old are you...I said "64"...he said "damn you look good for 64" well, heck that made my day...I didn't care if we didn't even get in...hahaha..actually I did care. only problem with the $5 tickets you never knew where you would sit...could be on 4th level or wherever they had seats available...so we got to the counter...gave them $20 for 4 tickets...we got right at the 1st base line foul pole....we had really good seats...4th row....one homerun by Granderson hit 8 rows behind me...dang and I had my catchin hands ready too...the Yanks won 9 to 3 - against the LA Angels...great game, great time...had my hotdog and beer.
I had 3 sips of the beer and gave the rest to Ken....this really made our day....
There is something to say about the smells of a baseball game, from the popcorn to hotdogs,just everything..
Got home at midnight and my sister finished my laundry and I went to bed around 12:30 am.....yep, t i r e d!!!
On the subway ride home, this nice guy offered me his seat,so I sat down and we started a conversation going...come to find out he married a gal from Louisiana...been married 15 yrs and she is the love of his life...so neat....he gave me and my sister his bus.card ..he is the Consumer Affairs Coordinator for Colgate-Palmolive Company.....wants me to call him next time we are in town...nice young man..he and his friend were at the game also.
almost everyone on the subway that late at night was going home from the game....
It was just fun!
Theresa and Pete are so good to us! love my sister and brother-in-law
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tues. Aug. 9,2011 And the rains came!!!!
Great night sleeping....woke up every single time a train went by and blew it's whistle.... 6-7 times during the night,,,only good thing was just about every time I had to go to the-never mind---
Got up at 7 am to FOG...and we don't go anywhere when it is foggy! Safety First!
Ken started washing the outside of the boat...I did a little inside work after I got some things checked out on the computer -like the WEATHER! It shows T-showers all day in Poughkeepsie....well we won't be in Poughkeepsie all day..
9:00 AM Left the dock
10:00AM -Newburgh, NY
- a ship passed us that had on it "Dangerous Cargo" ship was called Sichem Falcon...I have to look it up to ck it out....
Theresa called - to see how far we thought we would get today...depending on weather Tarrytown, NY
11:15 AM - Just passed by West Point, NY -huge complex...on the roof of one of the buildings was painted in large letters.....Beat
Airforce
I have pictures to put on email...if anyone does not get the pics on email, it may be because I do not have an email address for you...send it to me at marylhsmith@msn.com and I will add you to the list.
Directly across from West Point is Constitution Island...only get there by tour boat..
12:10 PM just went under Bear Mountain Bridge....tunnels thru the cliffs or mountains for cars,etc..to go thru...
12:45 PM-Now this was a first for us...a protest boat just outside the Indian Point Nuclear Plant....2 police boats near the entrance of the plant...interesting....
13:40 PM- And the rains came and kept coming...ugh! and we have to dock the boat in the rain....slippery...where are the grand-kids when you need them!
14:00 Pm-Just passed by "Sing Sing" prison...wonder if they give tours.....
15:00 PM- Just north of the Tappan Zee Bridge is Tarrytown Marina...it is pouring down ..got in and the dock hands had us go to a dock where you have to walk 1/4 mile to just ck in...and no one there to help dock us....well we are old pros...well I am half right ...we put the fenders out...I got the bow line, Ken did the stern line and we docked this baby like we had done it before and no one got hurt..most important..Ken then walked to the office to ck us in....too far to walk to use the restroom or anything, esp. in the pouring rain...
Thank you God for another safe day at sea!
My lips are so chapped and my face is burning from the sun and wind...I need a little time off from the weather anyhow...
Chicken Salad sandwiches and 3 bean salad for supper...it was yummy!
Got .50/ft discount on our overnite by using Boat US...33.5 x $2.50 instead of $3/ft.
WE looked for the free docks but couldn't find them...We have traveled approx. 246 miles so far.....
Very foggy out and the traffic on the Tappan Zee is almost at a standstill....Glad we are not on the Bridge.
Oh, I learned not to stay at a marina that had trains go by...guess what....yep...more trains...just no other marina's in the near vacinity..
Dang!
Got up at 7 am to FOG...and we don't go anywhere when it is foggy! Safety First!
Ken started washing the outside of the boat...I did a little inside work after I got some things checked out on the computer -like the WEATHER! It shows T-showers all day in Poughkeepsie....well we won't be in Poughkeepsie all day..
9:00 AM Left the dock
10:00AM -Newburgh, NY
- a ship passed us that had on it "Dangerous Cargo" ship was called Sichem Falcon...I have to look it up to ck it out....
Theresa called - to see how far we thought we would get today...depending on weather Tarrytown, NY
11:15 AM - Just passed by West Point, NY -huge complex...on the roof of one of the buildings was painted in large letters.....Beat
Airforce
I have pictures to put on email...if anyone does not get the pics on email, it may be because I do not have an email address for you...send it to me at marylhsmith@msn.com and I will add you to the list.
Directly across from West Point is Constitution Island...only get there by tour boat..
12:10 PM just went under Bear Mountain Bridge....tunnels thru the cliffs or mountains for cars,etc..to go thru...
12:45 PM-Now this was a first for us...a protest boat just outside the Indian Point Nuclear Plant....2 police boats near the entrance of the plant...interesting....
13:40 PM- And the rains came and kept coming...ugh! and we have to dock the boat in the rain....slippery...where are the grand-kids when you need them!
14:00 Pm-Just passed by "Sing Sing" prison...wonder if they give tours.....
15:00 PM- Just north of the Tappan Zee Bridge is Tarrytown Marina...it is pouring down ..got in and the dock hands had us go to a dock where you have to walk 1/4 mile to just ck in...and no one there to help dock us....well we are old pros...well I am half right ...we put the fenders out...I got the bow line, Ken did the stern line and we docked this baby like we had done it before and no one got hurt..most important..Ken then walked to the office to ck us in....too far to walk to use the restroom or anything, esp. in the pouring rain...
Thank you God for another safe day at sea!
My lips are so chapped and my face is burning from the sun and wind...I need a little time off from the weather anyhow...
Chicken Salad sandwiches and 3 bean salad for supper...it was yummy!
Got .50/ft discount on our overnite by using Boat US...33.5 x $2.50 instead of $3/ft.
WE looked for the free docks but couldn't find them...We have traveled approx. 246 miles so far.....
Very foggy out and the traffic on the Tappan Zee is almost at a standstill....Glad we are not on the Bridge.
Oh, I learned not to stay at a marina that had trains go by...guess what....yep...more trains...just no other marina's in the near vacinity..
Dang!
Monday, Aug. 8, 2011
Another Hazy, hot and humid day...
Showered and waiting for mechanic to ck the engine....
I've learned a couple things on this trip:
1) don't wait for locals to tell you what is happening in their community-ask!
you could miss some great things going on...
2) when someone offers you a ride to town....take it! it could be longer than
you think...
3) don't cut your own hair!
My sister (Theresa) called checking in on us...she is in Rhode Island at the family
summer home....waiting for our call to say we are in NYC...She and her husband are
picking us up when we get there..to stay overnite with them and possibly go to a yankee game...all in the timing...then they will come back to marina with us and go
for a boat ride....
9:35 AM-Mike, owner of marina came by to check our engine...etc...Ken and he discussed it...I have no clue...I just want it to start...It did, we are ok that the
engine is good...not sure about the starter...for now ok...good news, I think!
10:45 AM-left the dock, oops got to go back to dock, forgot the ice!
We stepped the mast, pumped out, gassed up, put water in the tank...life is good!
saw a couple deer along the river's edge...
1:05 PM just went under the Kingston/Rhinecliff Bridge
1:30 PM we were watching that big black cloud catch up with us...pouring rain...
getting foggy out with the rain and all...watching for boats coming at us...
not many on the water....God please send your angels down here to guide us!
2:00 PM- the rain stopped
3:25 PM- Poughkeepsie Bridge
4:30 PM- docked for the night at West Shore Marina- Marlboro, NY
5:40 PM- Glad we docked when we did..huge thunderstorm rolled thru...lightening all around us...I watched one bolt go right to the water about a mile or 2 away. scared the ba-jeepers out of me...I went below...not interested in watching it anymore...the hail came..this all went on for about 1/2 hr....then calmed down....
Ken resting his back for a little while
Ate leftovers for supper and I finally got online so I can post.
what I learned today: Don't dock at a marina that has a railroad crossing right there...very noisy, very very noisy!
Another thing...notice many boats around, no people...it could be a sign if you are the only ones spending the night in a gated marina.......just sayin!
The boat is rocking and rolling, time for bed! That's all folks!
Showered and waiting for mechanic to ck the engine....
I've learned a couple things on this trip:
1) don't wait for locals to tell you what is happening in their community-ask!
you could miss some great things going on...
2) when someone offers you a ride to town....take it! it could be longer than
you think...
3) don't cut your own hair!
My sister (Theresa) called checking in on us...she is in Rhode Island at the family
summer home....waiting for our call to say we are in NYC...She and her husband are
picking us up when we get there..to stay overnite with them and possibly go to a yankee game...all in the timing...then they will come back to marina with us and go
for a boat ride....
9:35 AM-Mike, owner of marina came by to check our engine...etc...Ken and he discussed it...I have no clue...I just want it to start...It did, we are ok that the
engine is good...not sure about the starter...for now ok...good news, I think!
10:45 AM-left the dock, oops got to go back to dock, forgot the ice!
We stepped the mast, pumped out, gassed up, put water in the tank...life is good!
saw a couple deer along the river's edge...
1:05 PM just went under the Kingston/Rhinecliff Bridge
1:30 PM we were watching that big black cloud catch up with us...pouring rain...
getting foggy out with the rain and all...watching for boats coming at us...
not many on the water....God please send your angels down here to guide us!
2:00 PM- the rain stopped
3:25 PM- Poughkeepsie Bridge
4:30 PM- docked for the night at West Shore Marina- Marlboro, NY
5:40 PM- Glad we docked when we did..huge thunderstorm rolled thru...lightening all around us...I watched one bolt go right to the water about a mile or 2 away. scared the ba-jeepers out of me...I went below...not interested in watching it anymore...the hail came..this all went on for about 1/2 hr....then calmed down....
Ken resting his back for a little while
Ate leftovers for supper and I finally got online so I can post.
what I learned today: Don't dock at a marina that has a railroad crossing right there...very noisy, very very noisy!
Another thing...notice many boats around, no people...it could be a sign if you are the only ones spending the night in a gated marina.......just sayin!
The boat is rocking and rolling, time for bed! That's all folks!
Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011
Another very hot day...88 degrees with 86% humidity
Ken got the boom on....now we can put the sails on
I did laundry...Costs $1.50 to wash and over $2.00 to dry...after drying the first load...I was putting the clothes on top of the dryer to fold as there were no counters or space to fold, I lost a sock behind the dryer...dang! so I told Ken next time he went over to the Men's room to look behind the dryer and see if he could get the sock I lost....
So I'm outside sitting on a bench by the water watching the activity when from behind me a fishing line comes over my head with a sock dangling off the hook...Ken is a very creative guy!
We finished what we were doing and walked about 1/4 mile to the Park where the "Wacky Raft Race" was going on -set our chairs up...there was a DJ playing really good music in the middle of the park and around the sides were tents where people were selling their homemade crafts etc....also a little food stand where you could get food and drink...
The winner was the same ones that have won the past 8 years....Jason Jenkins- young man that helped us with our boat, came in 3rd...he actually had 2 entries...I got a picture of him coming in 3rd, but not the one that came in almost last...called chutes and ladders...had a ladder on the raft and a slide...it was the best as far as I could see...they had the most fun...when they got to shore, they all started sliding down the ladder..really cute...of course no picture of that as my stinkin battery went dead....all in all, fun afternoon..
Ken talking to mechanice to ck the battery situation tomorrow morning.
It was so hot I decided to take a swim off the back of the boat in the Catskill Creek.
I got my floaty and just floated around and played for about 1/2 hour..felt good.
Ken took a littl nap..
We dined on board with chili dogs....did a few more chores...trouble signing on the computer so gave up...
all in all a good day...God continues to bless us...what an oportunity for us!
Ken got the boom on....now we can put the sails on
I did laundry...Costs $1.50 to wash and over $2.00 to dry...after drying the first load...I was putting the clothes on top of the dryer to fold as there were no counters or space to fold, I lost a sock behind the dryer...dang! so I told Ken next time he went over to the Men's room to look behind the dryer and see if he could get the sock I lost....
So I'm outside sitting on a bench by the water watching the activity when from behind me a fishing line comes over my head with a sock dangling off the hook...Ken is a very creative guy!
We finished what we were doing and walked about 1/4 mile to the Park where the "Wacky Raft Race" was going on -set our chairs up...there was a DJ playing really good music in the middle of the park and around the sides were tents where people were selling their homemade crafts etc....also a little food stand where you could get food and drink...
The winner was the same ones that have won the past 8 years....Jason Jenkins- young man that helped us with our boat, came in 3rd...he actually had 2 entries...I got a picture of him coming in 3rd, but not the one that came in almost last...called chutes and ladders...had a ladder on the raft and a slide...it was the best as far as I could see...they had the most fun...when they got to shore, they all started sliding down the ladder..really cute...of course no picture of that as my stinkin battery went dead....all in all, fun afternoon..
Ken talking to mechanice to ck the battery situation tomorrow morning.
It was so hot I decided to take a swim off the back of the boat in the Catskill Creek.
I got my floaty and just floated around and played for about 1/2 hour..felt good.
Ken took a littl nap..
We dined on board with chili dogs....did a few more chores...trouble signing on the computer so gave up...
all in all a good day...God continues to bless us...what an oportunity for us!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Aug. 6,2011 - Which way do we go Doc!
6:15 AM - up and getting boat ready to step mast
8:30 AM - waiting for crane operator
9:30 AM - Jack here to run the crane- Jason,Frank young dockhands to help also...
cute college guys working for the summer....
11:00AM - Mast stepped -moved us over to a slip- oops, what's that you say...the
engine is hard to start again....don't like the sound of that...finally
got it started...moved to the slip- more work to do.
Asked for a mechanic to stop over when he could to help us with the starting of the Gypsy Wind.....didn't happen...may have to wait until Monday....rats!
2:00 PM - Ken and I showering -to get ready to walk 1 mi (up hill) to St. Patricks
Catholic...I tried to ck on computer what time Mass was...kept kicking me
off...did get a phone #..so I called...Mass at 4:30 on Sat. and 8:45 on Sun
so we get the garmin out to get the location -how to get there...ok good to
go..
3:30 PM - Headed to St. Patrick's....got part of the way and not sure we were headed
in the right direction...raining of course.....stopped and ask a guy on the
porch where St. Patrick's was...he said to the end of the street, make a
right and go to the top of that hill....had to stop and rest a few times
stretch our backs out...too old for climbing hills. Got to St. Patrick's-
The doors were locked...notice on the door said "Sat. 4:30 - Sun.8:45 am
Masses at St. Patrick's 2nd & 4th weekend of the month...in Athens,NY on
1st & 3rd weekends...you have to be kidding me...well, at least it was down
hill going back....we walked a ways down and figured, we are in town, might
as well eat...so we stop at this Thai Rest...I have never had Thai food
before...decided, it was air-conditioned and we needed the cool air...so in
we go.
4:15 PM We ordered with help of the waitress...Ken got a coke and I got Sweetened Thai ice tea....then Ken ordered appetizer "Pla doog foo" interesting...it was crunchy catfish tossed with shallot,cilantro,scallion and crushed peanuts...and was
actually very tasty...I had a tossed salad with homemade peanut dressing....very good. Then for our meal, Ken got "Pla Lad pring" Fried fillet of catfish topped with
ground pork,onion,scallion and bell pepper w/jasmine rice..I ordered "Pad Thai" stir fried rice noodles w/egg,peanut,bean sprout and scallions with chicken... all was good. my tea tasted almost like a coke float or tea float, frothy and creamy...
5:45 PM at the boat-Ken laid down to rest his back for a little while
Bill Hill, a friend of ours from Rochester called to check on us and catch up on things...It rained most of the evening....we kicked back put a movie on and ate popcorn..then to bed...dog tired!
8:30 AM - waiting for crane operator
9:30 AM - Jack here to run the crane- Jason,Frank young dockhands to help also...
cute college guys working for the summer....
11:00AM - Mast stepped -moved us over to a slip- oops, what's that you say...the
engine is hard to start again....don't like the sound of that...finally
got it started...moved to the slip- more work to do.
Asked for a mechanic to stop over when he could to help us with the starting of the Gypsy Wind.....didn't happen...may have to wait until Monday....rats!
2:00 PM - Ken and I showering -to get ready to walk 1 mi (up hill) to St. Patricks
Catholic...I tried to ck on computer what time Mass was...kept kicking me
off...did get a phone #..so I called...Mass at 4:30 on Sat. and 8:45 on Sun
so we get the garmin out to get the location -how to get there...ok good to
go..
3:30 PM - Headed to St. Patrick's....got part of the way and not sure we were headed
in the right direction...raining of course.....stopped and ask a guy on the
porch where St. Patrick's was...he said to the end of the street, make a
right and go to the top of that hill....had to stop and rest a few times
stretch our backs out...too old for climbing hills. Got to St. Patrick's-
The doors were locked...notice on the door said "Sat. 4:30 - Sun.8:45 am
Masses at St. Patrick's 2nd & 4th weekend of the month...in Athens,NY on
1st & 3rd weekends...you have to be kidding me...well, at least it was down
hill going back....we walked a ways down and figured, we are in town, might
as well eat...so we stop at this Thai Rest...I have never had Thai food
before...decided, it was air-conditioned and we needed the cool air...so in
we go.
4:15 PM We ordered with help of the waitress...Ken got a coke and I got Sweetened Thai ice tea....then Ken ordered appetizer "Pla doog foo" interesting...it was crunchy catfish tossed with shallot,cilantro,scallion and crushed peanuts...and was
actually very tasty...I had a tossed salad with homemade peanut dressing....very good. Then for our meal, Ken got "Pla Lad pring" Fried fillet of catfish topped with
ground pork,onion,scallion and bell pepper w/jasmine rice..I ordered "Pad Thai" stir fried rice noodles w/egg,peanut,bean sprout and scallions with chicken... all was good. my tea tasted almost like a coke float or tea float, frothy and creamy...
5:45 PM at the boat-Ken laid down to rest his back for a little while
Bill Hill, a friend of ours from Rochester called to check on us and catch up on things...It rained most of the evening....we kicked back put a movie on and ate popcorn..then to bed...dog tired!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Aug. 5, 2011 Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight
Waterford is a nice little town...87 degrees inside the boat when we went to bed...took a while to get to sleep...almost snuck into the neighbors pool, about 200 ftaway from where we were docked..Ken told me he would not bail me out of jail...I almost threw him overboard..that would have cooled us down...
7:52 AM Left the dock heading to the Hudson River about 1 mile away
8:15 AM Our very last lock.The lock in Troy is a Federal lock different than NYS Canal locks...slow,slow slow.....no ropes hanging down to help hold onto...we both hung on the same cable..
We now have to work with the Tides coming in and going out and the best times to go,etc...interesting..
10:00 AM- gas in Albany Yacht Club...8.9 gal. $41.19
-ooops, boat won't start..dang, I hate when that happens...the attendant went and got his battery charger..got it going, but I wasn't leaving until we knew what the problem was and fixed it....cable loose connection and Ken changed the way he charged the batteries while the boat was running...combo of things...ok...we can go now.
10:30 we head out - Big Bad Wakes from stinkin big power boats flying by us..we really hit a couple wakes hard...good thing the mast was tied down as good as it was..the attendant warned us of bad wakes, said 2 sailboats had lost their masts this year...ugh! they could slow their boats down a little when they go by and then speed back up...one kind boater warned us of 2 boats travelling together behind him that were throwing out big wakes....and they did...idiots...I know I must be kinder...
12:30 PM Eating good ripe tomato sandwhiches and enjoying the view...
We went thru Albany, kinda busy there, but not bad...pics to follow as soon as I get a good connection and have the time to post.
2:39 PM docked at Riverview Marina...yeah! all is well...hot and tired...took our
showers after doing little chores..then walked 1 mile into town for supper...Ate at LaConca D Oro an upper class Italian Rest..weren't sure they would let us in...they did and it was great..started off with drinks, great italian bread/garlic butter..yum yum..then we had clams casino..to die for, wonderful salads...then our main course...wow..Ken had Liguinni w/white clam sauce, huge clams in it...I had the veal marsala supreme and by golly it was SUPREME!...we both took home leftovers and Ken also brought back a yummy dessert...It was suppose to be Raspberry Choc. truffle.
It was a huge looking bon bon filled with cream and raspberries thick delicious choc. bon bon...we would recommend this rest. to anyone going to Catskill, NY.
After supper and the long walk back, I got the computer out and could not sign on..so doing it this am Aug.6th...but a couple guys that were on a 42 ft sailboat heading to Mobile, Al stopped to talk with us for about 45 min...great guys with good info.....they are real sailors...3 of them taking this boat down - they will sail from Sandy Hook, NJ to Cape May, NJ....we will eventually go from Sandy Hook to Atlantic City, NJ as I don't like sailing at night...read my first post...
Painted cats are everywhere in the town of Catskill...I took pics and will post when I can...I know I have to post from day one, but posting pics is not easy and I don't always have a connection when I need one...Anyhow these cats were painted by many locals and will be auctioned off in Sept. for the Heart Association...some really neat ones...also cats running around all over the place...
That's all folks, to return soon.
feeral lock, not NYS lock...slow, slow, slow,slow
no ropes hanging down to help us...Ken and I both tied off to one cable..boat
kept floating out...windy...duh! -locked thru ok -yippy
10:00 AM- stopped at Albany Yacht club I think it was for fuel...went to start the
boat....naaaa...no go...so the attendant got his charger and came down and
jumped us...now I'm thinking..I do not want to go anywhere until we get this
battery issue straightened out...apparently loose connection...fixed...charged and off we go..
12:30 PM-eating really good tomato sandwhiches on the Hudson River
2:39 PM- docked at Riverview Marina in Catskill, NY not much there, but we are tied up and have power...the view is very pretty...got things all settled...
showered then walked to town for supper...1 mile each way...did not realize how far it was...should have ck'd before we left...met some friendly guys working on their boat and one offered to take us....we appreciated it, but thought the walk would be good after sitting on a boat all day..only thing, we didn't account for the heat...
WE ate at a great Italian Restaurant...worth every penny ..called LaConca D Oro...We started with drinks and best stinkin bread and butter ever...think we were hungry..then Ken ordered Clams Casino...man o man...delicious...then salads came that were really yummy and our main meal...Ken had Linguinni w/white clam sauce and I had Veal Marsala Supreme...both were good, but mine was Supreme...made with Marsala, Brandy in cream sauce..we both took home leftovers..plus a dessert to go..
worth the walk for sure...had to stop a few times to rest...both our backs were killing us...Catskill has all these painted cats everywhere on the street..I took pics and will add as soon as I can...they are auctioning them off Sept. 25 for heart health related cause...
Got back to the boat at 7:30- both of us medicated up and by 9 PM to bed not as hot as when we first got back...Very good day...starting to have some fun until we step the mast, then my nerves will kick in again.....later gators....
7:52 AM Left the dock heading to the Hudson River about 1 mile away
8:15 AM Our very last lock.The lock in Troy is a Federal lock different than NYS Canal locks...slow,slow slow.....no ropes hanging down to help hold onto...we both hung on the same cable..
We now have to work with the Tides coming in and going out and the best times to go,etc...interesting..
10:00 AM- gas in Albany Yacht Club...8.9 gal. $41.19
-ooops, boat won't start..dang, I hate when that happens...the attendant went and got his battery charger..got it going, but I wasn't leaving until we knew what the problem was and fixed it....cable loose connection and Ken changed the way he charged the batteries while the boat was running...combo of things...ok...we can go now.
10:30 we head out - Big Bad Wakes from stinkin big power boats flying by us..we really hit a couple wakes hard...good thing the mast was tied down as good as it was..the attendant warned us of bad wakes, said 2 sailboats had lost their masts this year...ugh! they could slow their boats down a little when they go by and then speed back up...one kind boater warned us of 2 boats travelling together behind him that were throwing out big wakes....and they did...idiots...I know I must be kinder...
12:30 PM Eating good ripe tomato sandwhiches and enjoying the view...
We went thru Albany, kinda busy there, but not bad...pics to follow as soon as I get a good connection and have the time to post.
2:39 PM docked at Riverview Marina...yeah! all is well...hot and tired...took our
showers after doing little chores..then walked 1 mile into town for supper...Ate at LaConca D Oro an upper class Italian Rest..weren't sure they would let us in...they did and it was great..started off with drinks, great italian bread/garlic butter..yum yum..then we had clams casino..to die for, wonderful salads...then our main course...wow..Ken had Liguinni w/white clam sauce, huge clams in it...I had the veal marsala supreme and by golly it was SUPREME!...we both took home leftovers and Ken also brought back a yummy dessert...It was suppose to be Raspberry Choc. truffle.
It was a huge looking bon bon filled with cream and raspberries thick delicious choc. bon bon...we would recommend this rest. to anyone going to Catskill, NY.
After supper and the long walk back, I got the computer out and could not sign on..so doing it this am Aug.6th...but a couple guys that were on a 42 ft sailboat heading to Mobile, Al stopped to talk with us for about 45 min...great guys with good info.....they are real sailors...3 of them taking this boat down - they will sail from Sandy Hook, NJ to Cape May, NJ....we will eventually go from Sandy Hook to Atlantic City, NJ as I don't like sailing at night...read my first post...
Painted cats are everywhere in the town of Catskill...I took pics and will post when I can...I know I have to post from day one, but posting pics is not easy and I don't always have a connection when I need one...Anyhow these cats were painted by many locals and will be auctioned off in Sept. for the Heart Association...some really neat ones...also cats running around all over the place...
That's all folks, to return soon.
feeral lock, not NYS lock...slow, slow, slow,slow
no ropes hanging down to help us...Ken and I both tied off to one cable..boat
kept floating out...windy...duh! -locked thru ok -yippy
10:00 AM- stopped at Albany Yacht club I think it was for fuel...went to start the
boat....naaaa...no go...so the attendant got his charger and came down and
jumped us...now I'm thinking..I do not want to go anywhere until we get this
battery issue straightened out...apparently loose connection...fixed...charged and off we go..
12:30 PM-eating really good tomato sandwhiches on the Hudson River
2:39 PM- docked at Riverview Marina in Catskill, NY not much there, but we are tied up and have power...the view is very pretty...got things all settled...
showered then walked to town for supper...1 mile each way...did not realize how far it was...should have ck'd before we left...met some friendly guys working on their boat and one offered to take us....we appreciated it, but thought the walk would be good after sitting on a boat all day..only thing, we didn't account for the heat...
WE ate at a great Italian Restaurant...worth every penny ..called LaConca D Oro...We started with drinks and best stinkin bread and butter ever...think we were hungry..then Ken ordered Clams Casino...man o man...delicious...then salads came that were really yummy and our main meal...Ken had Linguinni w/white clam sauce and I had Veal Marsala Supreme...both were good, but mine was Supreme...made with Marsala, Brandy in cream sauce..we both took home leftovers..plus a dessert to go..
worth the walk for sure...had to stop a few times to rest...both our backs were killing us...Catskill has all these painted cats everywhere on the street..I took pics and will add as soon as I can...they are auctioning them off Sept. 25 for heart health related cause...
Got back to the boat at 7:30- both of us medicated up and by 9 PM to bed not as hot as when we first got back...Very good day...starting to have some fun until we step the mast, then my nerves will kick in again.....later gators....
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Aug.4,2011 Raindrops keep falling on my head
Rained most of the night...got up, still raining, went back to bed...slept really well..I think we were tired..long couple of days...
Rain stopped...so after showers, we shoved off at 10:15 AM...70 degrees, humid..cloudy..
Lock #8 - thru 10:47 AM
Lock #7 - thru 12:37
NYS Thruway Authority called...Ken talked with them about the incident....Ken gave him all the info..they were going to check out the area and put a "danger buoy" there
to warn other mariners....I think it is called "Mary stopped here"
Lock #6 - thru 2:15 the beginning of 5 locks called the "Flight" as like a flight of stairs...all right close together and each one drops 33.5 ft or more..
Lock #5 - thru 2:56 PM
Lock #4 - thru 3:15
Lock #3 - thru 3:36
Lock #2 - thru 4:10 our last lock on NYS Canal System (liked the lockmaster, Chris)
very friendly...suggested Angry Penguin for supper...ok then
4:15 Docked for the night Waterford Harbor, FREE docks,power,baths..yippy!
6:30 Back to the boat after the Angry Pelican...we had onion rings and nachos..good
supper, huh...too full to eat a sandwich....appetizers work
Met Norman Mason from the 36 ft boat "Peggy Sue" he saw on the back of our boat that
we were from Cape Vincent,NY...they had stopped there and loved Cape Vincent...he is
from Norfolk, VA and gave us wonderful tips on anchorages along the way to VA..said
when we get to Norfolk to call him, has a car for our use and a discount at the Norfolk Yacht Club..he is a member...he is traveling with another gentleman David West on a cat. they were great...he gave us his card...dang I knew I should have had some bus.cards made up for the Gypsy Wind...oh well, like Scarlet would say.."I can't think about that today, I'll think about it tomorrow" Ken and I are enjoying the down time..Life is Good!
Rain stopped...so after showers, we shoved off at 10:15 AM...70 degrees, humid..cloudy..
Lock #8 - thru 10:47 AM
Lock #7 - thru 12:37
NYS Thruway Authority called...Ken talked with them about the incident....Ken gave him all the info..they were going to check out the area and put a "danger buoy" there
to warn other mariners....I think it is called "Mary stopped here"
Lock #6 - thru 2:15 the beginning of 5 locks called the "Flight" as like a flight of stairs...all right close together and each one drops 33.5 ft or more..
Lock #5 - thru 2:56 PM
Lock #4 - thru 3:15
Lock #3 - thru 3:36
Lock #2 - thru 4:10 our last lock on NYS Canal System (liked the lockmaster, Chris)
very friendly...suggested Angry Penguin for supper...ok then
4:15 Docked for the night Waterford Harbor, FREE docks,power,baths..yippy!
6:30 Back to the boat after the Angry Pelican...we had onion rings and nachos..good
supper, huh...too full to eat a sandwich....appetizers work
Met Norman Mason from the 36 ft boat "Peggy Sue" he saw on the back of our boat that
we were from Cape Vincent,NY...they had stopped there and loved Cape Vincent...he is
from Norfolk, VA and gave us wonderful tips on anchorages along the way to VA..said
when we get to Norfolk to call him, has a car for our use and a discount at the Norfolk Yacht Club..he is a member...he is traveling with another gentleman David West on a cat. they were great...he gave us his card...dang I knew I should have had some bus.cards made up for the Gypsy Wind...oh well, like Scarlet would say.."I can't think about that today, I'll think about it tomorrow" Ken and I are enjoying the down time..Life is Good!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Aug. 3rd, 2011- One Day at a time
Beautiful cool morning...I actually had to put a blanket on me last night. Nice little marina...the guy that runs it is 77 yrs old and has been there 17 yrs.Last
night, he offered to take us to a nearby Italian Restaurant,then after dinner one of the staff would take us back to the marina...we gracefully declined...had a rough 24 hours -tired, hot..just wanted a shower to eat and go to bed...nice little area.
8:25 AM- Left the dock @ St. Johnsville..
9:12 AM- Locked thru Lock #15
10:10 AM- Locked thru Lock #14
11:25 AM- Locked thru Lock #13
1:00 PM- Locked thru Lock #12
2:00 PM- Locked thru Lock #11
3:00 PM- Locked thru Lock #10-Amsterdam, NY -starting to see houses along the canal
again...businesses and lots of trains beside the canal (Mohawk River)
4:00 PM- Locked thru Lock #9-nice easy lock, heading towards Arrowhead Marina a
few miles down the river...
4:52 PM- docked at marina--just 5 min. before getting there the rains came....
- very small marina...has RV Park also...clean restrooms...Wendy & husband
- bought the marina in Jan. 2006...June 28, 2006 the dam upriver gates broke
flooded the area, they were underwater for quite a while...had to evacuate
boats, campers,everything...she showed us pictures..unbelievable..They
closed the canal at that lock until Labor Day...can't remember if Lock 10
- anyhow, they are all good now...very friendly people!
6:00 PM- Ate supper on board again......what's up with that...we need to find a
marina near a town so Ken can take me out to eat...It's his turn to cook.
I really am starting to have fun....Thing 1 & Thing 2...signing out!
night, he offered to take us to a nearby Italian Restaurant,then after dinner one of the staff would take us back to the marina...we gracefully declined...had a rough 24 hours -tired, hot..just wanted a shower to eat and go to bed...nice little area.
8:25 AM- Left the dock @ St. Johnsville..
9:12 AM- Locked thru Lock #15
10:10 AM- Locked thru Lock #14
11:25 AM- Locked thru Lock #13
1:00 PM- Locked thru Lock #12
2:00 PM- Locked thru Lock #11
3:00 PM- Locked thru Lock #10-Amsterdam, NY -starting to see houses along the canal
again...businesses and lots of trains beside the canal (Mohawk River)
4:00 PM- Locked thru Lock #9-nice easy lock, heading towards Arrowhead Marina a
few miles down the river...
4:52 PM- docked at marina--just 5 min. before getting there the rains came....
- very small marina...has RV Park also...clean restrooms...Wendy & husband
- bought the marina in Jan. 2006...June 28, 2006 the dam upriver gates broke
flooded the area, they were underwater for quite a while...had to evacuate
boats, campers,everything...she showed us pictures..unbelievable..They
closed the canal at that lock until Labor Day...can't remember if Lock 10
- anyhow, they are all good now...very friendly people!
6:00 PM- Ate supper on board again......what's up with that...we need to find a
marina near a town so Ken can take me out to eat...It's his turn to cook.
I really am starting to have fun....Thing 1 & Thing 2...signing out!
Aug. 2nd- Are we having fun yet!
Well here we go again...Grand-daughter Megan's 13th Birthday..we love you Meg.
5:15 AM- both of us are awake and checking out the situation in daylight..
Straight ahead is a red marker...I would have run over it if I had kept
going...dang..then there was a small barge like thing in front of us
that if we had hit it, it sure would have ended our trip...so I'm
thinking...God works in mysterious ways..he just saved us from some
real damage and possible injury...
7:00 AM- I called Marcy Marina, just a little ways ahead to see if they could
help..got answer machine...left a message for them to call me...
7:30 AM- called them again..still answer machine....we never threw an anchor out
or anything last night...we were that sure we were not going anywhere.
I check the chart...I should have done this first....we were on top of a
submerged pile according to the chart...dang!
8:30 AM- we are sitting on the boat when I say...just start the boat up and see
if you can back off...the boat seemed to move just a little when we were
sitting there, so Ken started the boat up, put it in reverse and I'll be
dad-gummed..it backed right up...Oh, Yes I thanked God over and over and
over...He stopped me from real harm, then didn't get me any help so that
saved us $$$...then He taught me to check the stupid charts out as we go
not after...duh! He was telling me, that if I was going to play in the
Big Water, I better be more alert and pay ATTENTION..so now I am doing
a much better job at navigating...
8:35 AM- Boat US called to see about getting us some help...told her, we just got
unstuck...so there you go...
8:45 AM- Locked thru Lock #20- called Bob Houle to go to the house and get some
of Ken's meds he forgot...what would we do without him!
10:00 AM- Bob drops off the medicine and we head towards Ilion, NY
11:32 AM- Lock #19- very breezy, but not bad..we locked thru ok
2:26 PM- Lock #18- whoa nellie, very windy...going towards the lock, spillway on
the left of the lock...short distance to the gate, not open so we had to
wait for the gate to open and the wind is nasty...Ken trys to turn the
boat around to go back out into the canal to circle until we can get
thru when a gust of wind blows the boat towards the spillway several ft.
drop off with lots of large rocks under the water...eeek! I yelled -
Ken popped it in reverse and backed up almost to the wall and the wind
is having too much fun with us...time to call on God again...and our
guardian angels....man I am a mess..at the wall was a NYS thruway barge
and tugboat, right at the entrance so we couldn't tie up and we couldn't
get out without turning around like a k turn in a car...just no room...I
have to say, Ken did a fantastic job handling the boat and the situation
- even so as we finally got inside the lock, the lock master had to help
us get the boat and lines situated so we could lock thru...If you have
never locked thru a lock, it can be an adventure in itself...
Lock #17- another nasty windy & wet lock..water pouring in on us from
the walls inside the lock.
4:35 PM- Lock #16 -no problems, nice lock thru
4:55 PM- Docked at St. Johnsville Municipal Marina for the night..very trying
couple of days..Ken says " Are we having fun yet?!!" I said sure, as
soon as you make me another drink!!!!!!
5:15 AM- both of us are awake and checking out the situation in daylight..
Straight ahead is a red marker...I would have run over it if I had kept
going...dang..then there was a small barge like thing in front of us
that if we had hit it, it sure would have ended our trip...so I'm
thinking...God works in mysterious ways..he just saved us from some
real damage and possible injury...
7:00 AM- I called Marcy Marina, just a little ways ahead to see if they could
help..got answer machine...left a message for them to call me...
7:30 AM- called them again..still answer machine....we never threw an anchor out
or anything last night...we were that sure we were not going anywhere.
I check the chart...I should have done this first....we were on top of a
submerged pile according to the chart...dang!
8:30 AM- we are sitting on the boat when I say...just start the boat up and see
if you can back off...the boat seemed to move just a little when we were
sitting there, so Ken started the boat up, put it in reverse and I'll be
dad-gummed..it backed right up...Oh, Yes I thanked God over and over and
over...He stopped me from real harm, then didn't get me any help so that
saved us $$$...then He taught me to check the stupid charts out as we go
not after...duh! He was telling me, that if I was going to play in the
Big Water, I better be more alert and pay ATTENTION..so now I am doing
a much better job at navigating...
8:35 AM- Boat US called to see about getting us some help...told her, we just got
unstuck...so there you go...
8:45 AM- Locked thru Lock #20- called Bob Houle to go to the house and get some
of Ken's meds he forgot...what would we do without him!
10:00 AM- Bob drops off the medicine and we head towards Ilion, NY
11:32 AM- Lock #19- very breezy, but not bad..we locked thru ok
2:26 PM- Lock #18- whoa nellie, very windy...going towards the lock, spillway on
the left of the lock...short distance to the gate, not open so we had to
wait for the gate to open and the wind is nasty...Ken trys to turn the
boat around to go back out into the canal to circle until we can get
thru when a gust of wind blows the boat towards the spillway several ft.
drop off with lots of large rocks under the water...eeek! I yelled -
Ken popped it in reverse and backed up almost to the wall and the wind
is having too much fun with us...time to call on God again...and our
guardian angels....man I am a mess..at the wall was a NYS thruway barge
and tugboat, right at the entrance so we couldn't tie up and we couldn't
get out without turning around like a k turn in a car...just no room...I
have to say, Ken did a fantastic job handling the boat and the situation
- even so as we finally got inside the lock, the lock master had to help
us get the boat and lines situated so we could lock thru...If you have
never locked thru a lock, it can be an adventure in itself...
Lock #17- another nasty windy & wet lock..water pouring in on us from
the walls inside the lock.
4:35 PM- Lock #16 -no problems, nice lock thru
4:55 PM- Docked at St. Johnsville Municipal Marina for the night..very trying
couple of days..Ken says " Are we having fun yet?!!" I said sure, as
soon as you make me another drink!!!!!!
Aug. 1,2011 And the Adventure Begins
Our day was a busy one...
9:47 Left Holmes Marina -went over to Sylvan Beach Canal area to finish loading things. Bob Houle walked over to help us...Judy came by at noon and we said our
good-byes..
12:30 PM- Joyce (Ken's sister) came by and took us to lunch...she left at 2 PM
after hugs & kisses good-bye..
2:30 PM- Grand-kids came by for a short boat ride..Kim and I took my car to a Park
in Rome, NY...along the canal...then back to the boat where the kids were
getting anxious and hungry...fed them, then all boarded and we took off.
5:15 PM- Left the dock and headed East..towards our first lock #23-then a while
later, we went thru Locks#22/21 and finally got to Rome where we dropped
the little buggers off...(Kim,Megan,Andrew and Marco) Steven couldn't
make it -he had to work..
7:40 PM- After getting hugs & kisses, we said good-bye to kids..we decided to try
to get to the Marcy Lock to spend the night as safer area,etc. so after
going a while, it is starting to get pretty dark...we only have about 1/2
mile to the lock..Ken went below and got 2 large flashlights..I was at the
helm...I decided I would go more towards the middle of the canal and it
would be safer so as not to get too close to shore and get hung up on trees
that had fallen and other floaties near shore...when THUMP! I went hard a-
ground and it stopped the Gypsy Wind on the spot..The boat hit so hard the
stern (back) of the boat raised way up out of the water....scared the _____
out of me..Ken kept his cool and never yelled at me...He laughed at me..I
was not in the mood to be laughed at -especially as we were stuck and
could not even rock the boat 1"...we tried and tried...no luck..He laughed
at my going aground at the start of this trip as he went aground at the end
of the trip last year...still not in the mood to join in his laughter.
9:00 PM- I bought the towing insurance with BoatUS...so I dialed the 800#..guy on
other end got all our info plus our location on the GPS...he said, we had
no one in the area that could help us...he had to find a local tow service
and have them come out (we would have to pay,then send the bill in to get
reimbursed)..great just great...at least between $200 to $800 min...we had
no choice, yes find someone...he said he would call back.
9:25 PM- No callback so I called them back...got a gal this time..she said we don't
have anything in the computer on you...so of course, I had to give her all
the info again N 43 deg, 09.498 min, W 75 deg. 18.725 min.-you know all the
info...It's dark, the mosquitos are biting and we are stinkin stuck and hot
So Ann Marie says, I will call you right back...fine...so a few minutes
later, she did call back...we had a 3way...with the NYS Troopers...they
could not help..need to transfer us to the Thruway Authority...fine...got
them on the phone...could not help us...wanted us to call the local 911
I said what...call 911...the Thruway people had called them and they were
waiting for my call...so I hung up and called 911..got a very nice officer
that said he could make a few phone calls, but thought noone tonight....I
said...we were ok, and would try in the morning....so I hung up...fixed our
bunk...Ken slept there...I slept in the salon, cooler...no fans, nothing
to cool us or the situation down....I was just praying I didn't damage the
boat...I was not ready for the trip to end...only been going 4 hrs....
10:52 PM-we were sitting there..neither one of us was tired enough to go to sleep
when flood lights were coming thru the window...I thought yeah,we got help.
Wrong...it was the nice Sheriff on shore on the bike path -he yelled over
for our cell#..then he called us...wanted to make sure we weren't taking on
water and that we were safe...yep, all was well...said he would go make
some calls and see if he could help....we said thank you, and away he went.
12:00 AM-We finally decide we were not going to get help until morning, so we go to
bed. Actually slept a couple of hours.....
9:47 Left Holmes Marina -went over to Sylvan Beach Canal area to finish loading things. Bob Houle walked over to help us...Judy came by at noon and we said our
good-byes..
12:30 PM- Joyce (Ken's sister) came by and took us to lunch...she left at 2 PM
after hugs & kisses good-bye..
2:30 PM- Grand-kids came by for a short boat ride..Kim and I took my car to a Park
in Rome, NY...along the canal...then back to the boat where the kids were
getting anxious and hungry...fed them, then all boarded and we took off.
5:15 PM- Left the dock and headed East..towards our first lock #23-then a while
later, we went thru Locks#22/21 and finally got to Rome where we dropped
the little buggers off...(Kim,Megan,Andrew and Marco) Steven couldn't
make it -he had to work..
7:40 PM- After getting hugs & kisses, we said good-bye to kids..we decided to try
to get to the Marcy Lock to spend the night as safer area,etc. so after
going a while, it is starting to get pretty dark...we only have about 1/2
mile to the lock..Ken went below and got 2 large flashlights..I was at the
helm...I decided I would go more towards the middle of the canal and it
would be safer so as not to get too close to shore and get hung up on trees
that had fallen and other floaties near shore...when THUMP! I went hard a-
ground and it stopped the Gypsy Wind on the spot..The boat hit so hard the
stern (back) of the boat raised way up out of the water....scared the _____
out of me..Ken kept his cool and never yelled at me...He laughed at me..I
was not in the mood to be laughed at -especially as we were stuck and
could not even rock the boat 1"...we tried and tried...no luck..He laughed
at my going aground at the start of this trip as he went aground at the end
of the trip last year...still not in the mood to join in his laughter.
9:00 PM- I bought the towing insurance with BoatUS...so I dialed the 800#..guy on
other end got all our info plus our location on the GPS...he said, we had
no one in the area that could help us...he had to find a local tow service
and have them come out (we would have to pay,then send the bill in to get
reimbursed)..great just great...at least between $200 to $800 min...we had
no choice, yes find someone...he said he would call back.
9:25 PM- No callback so I called them back...got a gal this time..she said we don't
have anything in the computer on you...so of course, I had to give her all
the info again N 43 deg, 09.498 min, W 75 deg. 18.725 min.-you know all the
info...It's dark, the mosquitos are biting and we are stinkin stuck and hot
So Ann Marie says, I will call you right back...fine...so a few minutes
later, she did call back...we had a 3way...with the NYS Troopers...they
could not help..need to transfer us to the Thruway Authority...fine...got
them on the phone...could not help us...wanted us to call the local 911
I said what...call 911...the Thruway people had called them and they were
waiting for my call...so I hung up and called 911..got a very nice officer
that said he could make a few phone calls, but thought noone tonight....I
said...we were ok, and would try in the morning....so I hung up...fixed our
bunk...Ken slept there...I slept in the salon, cooler...no fans, nothing
to cool us or the situation down....I was just praying I didn't damage the
boat...I was not ready for the trip to end...only been going 4 hrs....
10:52 PM-we were sitting there..neither one of us was tired enough to go to sleep
when flood lights were coming thru the window...I thought yeah,we got help.
Wrong...it was the nice Sheriff on shore on the bike path -he yelled over
for our cell#..then he called us...wanted to make sure we weren't taking on
water and that we were safe...yep, all was well...said he would go make
some calls and see if he could help....we said thank you, and away he went.
12:00 AM-We finally decide we were not going to get help until morning, so we go to
bed. Actually slept a couple of hours.....
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