See my website, www.captainjohngray.com for tips and lessons about operating and maintaining this Ranger 27. Soon, this entire page from this website will be moved to there.
These Are The Adventures And Trips That TRILOGY Has Taken:
These are in chronological order and are all on this page. Just keep scrolling down. Over 36 months, we cruised for 180 days, covering 4,000 miles with 500 hours of engine use. The latest adventure is at the end.
St. Petersburg to Titusville: A Winter Cruise In South Florida On Both Coasts
A Summer Trip Of the New York State and the Historic Canal Systems of Canada: The Figure 8 Loop Adventure
What is Millie doing? She rises with the sunrise and if there is not enough food in her bowl, she will be buggy in bed. By mid-morning, she looks for a place that is dark and close to hide and sleep. Twice, we could not find her and discovered that she can get into some tight places and loves the "deep cave". Late afternoon, she is active and has laid out in the cockpit and cautiously ventures off the boat but stays within 20 feet of the boat. Mid-evening, she is sound asleep on the table or on a bench seat.
BUFFALO, NEW YORK AND NIAGARA FALLS
Monday, July 2 would be packed with local land travel. Due to a failure to communicate and remember details, my passport and an envelope of cash was left in the truck that was now stored in Geneva. We could work around the cash but the passport was a necessity. The day started with an Uber ride to the Enterprise Car Rental and we got a better taste of Buffalo on the downward spiral. The business district was deteriorating and the employees were a good fit for it. Buffalo is a poor city and pendulum of deterioration may not have stopped with high crime, rotten streets, horrible winter weather, and decades of missteps in urban development. The momentum of creating hope of a bright future is not felt.
Six hours was used to get to the truck, retrieve what was needed and return. The drive was good and seeing the country from the highway was a great complement to seeing it from the water. Thunderstorms appeared without warning, strengthened, unleashed lightning and downpours and them moved on or evaporated. The rent-a-car provided the opportunity to drive to Niagara Falls. This was a destination that was not planned for and came after hearing from Gary and Colleen and Rich about the experience. We opted out of the $20 parking lot and headed for the state park.
On the American side, Niagara Falls is a New York State Park and receives 10 million visitors a year with most of them coming June, July and August that happens to coincide with the highest water levels. The park has a history of heavy development and even attempts of manipulation by humans that included tunneling, blasting and even stopping the falls. We wondered why this national treasure that is shared with Canada was not added to the National Park System. The vendors run the park; from the fleet of Maid Of The Mist boats that efficiently takes hundreds of people per hour into the throat of the falls, to the trolley system, the bored elevator operators, and the hardened cashiers. Millions of people coming from throughout the world will do that.
But, we enjoyed the majesty and sheer power of the falls, the ever-present rainbows, and just witnessing the amazing and unmatchable power of nature’s forces. The time and the effort spent was well rewarded. A provisioning stop was made on the way back to the boat. Dinner was in the cockpit with roasted chicken from the store, bottled beer and vegies. Millie left the boat four times as a sign of her impatience with being kept aboard all day.
Monday, July 2 would be packed with local land travel. Due to a failure to communicate and remember details, my passport and an envelope of cash was left in the truck that was now stored in Geneva. We could work around the cash but the passport was a necessity. The day started with an Uber ride to the Enterprise Car Rental and we got a better taste of Buffalo on the downward spiral. The business district was deteriorating and the employees were a good fit for it. Buffalo is a poor city and pendulum of deterioration may not have stopped with high crime, rotten streets, horrible winter weather, and decades of missteps in urban development. The momentum of creating hope of a bright future is not felt.
Six hours was used to get to the truck, retrieve what was needed and return. The drive was good and seeing the country from the highway was a great complement to seeing it from the water. Thunderstorms appeared without warning, strengthened, unleashed lightning and downpours and them moved on or evaporated. The rent-a-car provided the opportunity to drive to Niagara Falls. This was a destination that was not planned for and came after hearing from Gary and Colleen and Rich about the experience. We opted out of the $20 parking lot and headed for the state park.
On the American side, Niagara Falls is a New York State Park and receives 10 million visitors a year with most of them coming June, July and August that happens to coincide with the highest water levels. The park has a history of heavy development and even attempts of manipulation by humans that included tunneling, blasting and even stopping the falls. We wondered why this national treasure that is shared with Canada was not added to the National Park System. The vendors run the park; from the fleet of Maid Of The Mist boats that efficiently takes hundreds of people per hour into the throat of the falls, to the trolley system, the bored elevator operators, and the hardened cashiers. Millions of people coming from throughout the world will do that.
But, we enjoyed the majesty and sheer power of the falls, the ever-present rainbows, and just witnessing the amazing and unmatchable power of nature’s forces. The time and the effort spent was well rewarded. A provisioning stop was made on the way back to the boat. Dinner was in the cockpit with roasted chicken from the store, bottled beer and vegies. Millie left the boat four times as a sign of her impatience with being kept aboard all day.
Sunday, July 22 and the beginning of the St. Lawrence Seaway. At the St. Anne’s de Bellevue lock, the Ottawa River ends and the St. Lawrence Seaway begins but the navigational aids would switch at the main shipping channel. During the night the breeze rose and the open hatch above the V-berth sucked in the cold air. At 0530 hours, the sun was up and the current conditions were an 11 MPH breeze from the east and this would continue through noon. The decision was made to go and to proceed at Trilogy’s “slogging” speed where the bow would be pushed up to go over the wind waves, the speed would be 10 MPH and fuel efficiency would be sacrificed for a better ride.
Trilogypulled away from the dock at 0615 hours and when it was clear of the protection of land, the 2-foot wind waves were on the bow and about 2 seconds a part. The slogging speed of 3100 RPM’s worked very well and for the next 90 minutes the engine burned 4.5 gallons an hour at 10 MPH and the ride was very comfortable with some spray hitting the cabin.
This route would require that both of us had to pay attention. While driving the boat, I kept the chartplotter on the close-up view to avoid shoals and simply drove from marker to marker as the tug plowed through the wind waves. Laurie used the Navonics chart on the IPad to watch the bigger view and to make sure all the right turns were made because the route would go south, then east, then south and finally north and there were junctions at each turn.
Trilogyturned into the Canal De La Riva Sud that is the main shipping channel to Montreal and bypasses the original rapids by using two huge commercial locks. Soon, we were following a freighter and at 0830 hours stopped at the small boat dock at Lock 1 – St. Catherine - and waited for the freighter to lock through. Three other pleasure boats joined Trilogyand we all locked through at 1000 hours. The fee for the lock was $30 and the vending machine was out of order. We paid cash and learned that paying on-line through PayPal provides a $5 discount. Now, short of Canadian cash, the next lock payment at St. Lambert was made on-line.
The occasional drizzle turned to a steady rain and would last the rest of the morning and into the afternoon.
All of us motored together the 10 miles between these two huge commercial locks and arrived at 1115 hours. We had caught up with the freighter and would wait for it to lock through. Laurie called the lockmaster on the phone provided at the small boat dock and learned that the next locking for us would be at 2 PM. The time went by with reading, writing and watching. Trilogy locked through at about 2:30 PM with the same three boats as before.
Where the canal meets the St. Lawrence, the current was raging at about 7 knots and Trilogyhad to power up to fast cruising to power through it at 8 MPH. The distance to the Montreal Yacht Club was only about two miles but the trip was entertaining. The location is in the heart of the historic port district. The tug was backed into a short slip and within an hour, docktails were served and two loads of laundry were being done. The evening was closed with reading and posting reviews on Active Captain.
Trilogypulled away from the dock at 0615 hours and when it was clear of the protection of land, the 2-foot wind waves were on the bow and about 2 seconds a part. The slogging speed of 3100 RPM’s worked very well and for the next 90 minutes the engine burned 4.5 gallons an hour at 10 MPH and the ride was very comfortable with some spray hitting the cabin.
This route would require that both of us had to pay attention. While driving the boat, I kept the chartplotter on the close-up view to avoid shoals and simply drove from marker to marker as the tug plowed through the wind waves. Laurie used the Navonics chart on the IPad to watch the bigger view and to make sure all the right turns were made because the route would go south, then east, then south and finally north and there were junctions at each turn.
Trilogyturned into the Canal De La Riva Sud that is the main shipping channel to Montreal and bypasses the original rapids by using two huge commercial locks. Soon, we were following a freighter and at 0830 hours stopped at the small boat dock at Lock 1 – St. Catherine - and waited for the freighter to lock through. Three other pleasure boats joined Trilogyand we all locked through at 1000 hours. The fee for the lock was $30 and the vending machine was out of order. We paid cash and learned that paying on-line through PayPal provides a $5 discount. Now, short of Canadian cash, the next lock payment at St. Lambert was made on-line.
The occasional drizzle turned to a steady rain and would last the rest of the morning and into the afternoon.
All of us motored together the 10 miles between these two huge commercial locks and arrived at 1115 hours. We had caught up with the freighter and would wait for it to lock through. Laurie called the lockmaster on the phone provided at the small boat dock and learned that the next locking for us would be at 2 PM. The time went by with reading, writing and watching. Trilogy locked through at about 2:30 PM with the same three boats as before.
Where the canal meets the St. Lawrence, the current was raging at about 7 knots and Trilogyhad to power up to fast cruising to power through it at 8 MPH. The distance to the Montreal Yacht Club was only about two miles but the trip was entertaining. The location is in the heart of the historic port district. The tug was backed into a short slip and within an hour, docktails were served and two loads of laundry were being done. The evening was closed with reading and posting reviews on Active Captain.
The Chesapeake Bay In May
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Trip Summary: 16 cruising days, 320 miles, 7 nights at anchor, 39 engine hours, average cost per day of cruising - $92, average speed 8.2 MPH, fuel use - 3.15 MPG or 2.6 gallons per hour. The trip started in Solomons, MD and was a counter-clockwise circle up the eastern shore, crossed to Baltimore, then Annapolis and back to Solomons. The road trip was 9,200 miles from Seattle and back, lasting a total of 14 days.
The cruising was cut short due to the heat. In early June, the temperatures were 95 to 100 degrees. Also the Chesapeake is not friendly to smaller boats like Trilogy, There is a reason why 80% of the boats are bigger sailboats and the rest are big go-fast powerboats. |
THE BOAT TRIP BEGINS
Tuesday, May 14
The plans to cruise to Charleston was changed when the spring weather was too hot. Chesapeake Bay was chosen because it was close, was cooler and the trip we did through it while doing the Great Loop was fairly brief.
Though the sky looked like rain all day, only the constant fresh breeze was the reminder that today was not a boating day. 5 hours of work brought the hull back to its deep blue with a mirror finish. Trilogy was launched into the Patuxent River under the State Highway 4 Bridge in the middle of the afternoon. The steady 15-knot wind from the west would not be a challenge to get into the nearby Calvert Marina. The engine came to life easily, was smooth and held its temperature. 20 minutes after the launch, we were tied to the fixed dock though backing up with a heavy crosswind was a challenge.
By dinner time, most of the boat was completely set up except all the surfaces above the waterline needed to be cleaned, the new dinghy was not inflated and the bikes had not found their home on Trilogy’s roof. Met a nice couple on a sailboat when a bit of help was offered during their docking. The higher winds and tough sea conditions had taken a toll on the crew and they were exhausted and were grateful for the help. After they had showered and eaten we became better acquainted. They are recently retired and live near Richmond, Virginia. Their kindness, openness and sincerity were the highlights of this day.
We had nice seafood dinner in town to celebrate the day’s accomplishments. The weather forecast had changed with the winds becoming light on Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 15
The night had a slight chill that made us use the Webasto furnace at a setting of 65 degrees. By 0800 hours and under clear blue skies, the temperature was nice. After breakfast, the morning was spent cleaning the inside and outside of the cabin. We had decided to equip Trilogy with a dingy because more anchoring was hoped for and there were places to explore. The dingy was purchased from Newport Vessels and came in a convenient box that we brought with us. The new dinghy project started after lunch and took the whole afternoon getting the new fabric to stretch and fit. The temperature reached nearly 80 degrees and that made the project more tedious. Lots of conversation about options on how to store it while inflated. Decided to use the strategy evolve as lessons were learned. To start, the dinghy will be towed while underway and during close quarters it will be side-tied to the swim step. Over several days adjustments would be made and a better strategy would be found.
Over docktails, the next day’s destination was determined after looking at several weather sites. Little Choptank River is on the eastern shore, about 30 nautical miles away and has a host of anchoring options. Also, the settings on the various weather apps were all moved to measure the wind in knots to be consistent with NOAA weather. Afterwards, the dinghy was lowered from the fixed docks into the water and taken for a practice and inaugural run. The rowing was acceptable. Yes, the oars are short, the small keel formed by the air floor only does a fair job of tracking but the increased freeboard (the height above the water) caused by the 19” tubes was great.
Tuesday, May 14
The plans to cruise to Charleston was changed when the spring weather was too hot. Chesapeake Bay was chosen because it was close, was cooler and the trip we did through it while doing the Great Loop was fairly brief.
Though the sky looked like rain all day, only the constant fresh breeze was the reminder that today was not a boating day. 5 hours of work brought the hull back to its deep blue with a mirror finish. Trilogy was launched into the Patuxent River under the State Highway 4 Bridge in the middle of the afternoon. The steady 15-knot wind from the west would not be a challenge to get into the nearby Calvert Marina. The engine came to life easily, was smooth and held its temperature. 20 minutes after the launch, we were tied to the fixed dock though backing up with a heavy crosswind was a challenge.
By dinner time, most of the boat was completely set up except all the surfaces above the waterline needed to be cleaned, the new dinghy was not inflated and the bikes had not found their home on Trilogy’s roof. Met a nice couple on a sailboat when a bit of help was offered during their docking. The higher winds and tough sea conditions had taken a toll on the crew and they were exhausted and were grateful for the help. After they had showered and eaten we became better acquainted. They are recently retired and live near Richmond, Virginia. Their kindness, openness and sincerity were the highlights of this day.
We had nice seafood dinner in town to celebrate the day’s accomplishments. The weather forecast had changed with the winds becoming light on Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 15
The night had a slight chill that made us use the Webasto furnace at a setting of 65 degrees. By 0800 hours and under clear blue skies, the temperature was nice. After breakfast, the morning was spent cleaning the inside and outside of the cabin. We had decided to equip Trilogy with a dingy because more anchoring was hoped for and there were places to explore. The dingy was purchased from Newport Vessels and came in a convenient box that we brought with us. The new dinghy project started after lunch and took the whole afternoon getting the new fabric to stretch and fit. The temperature reached nearly 80 degrees and that made the project more tedious. Lots of conversation about options on how to store it while inflated. Decided to use the strategy evolve as lessons were learned. To start, the dinghy will be towed while underway and during close quarters it will be side-tied to the swim step. Over several days adjustments would be made and a better strategy would be found.
Over docktails, the next day’s destination was determined after looking at several weather sites. Little Choptank River is on the eastern shore, about 30 nautical miles away and has a host of anchoring options. Also, the settings on the various weather apps were all moved to measure the wind in knots to be consistent with NOAA weather. Afterwards, the dinghy was lowered from the fixed docks into the water and taken for a practice and inaugural run. The rowing was acceptable. Yes, the oars are short, the small keel formed by the air floor only does a fair job of tracking but the increased freeboard (the height above the water) caused by the 19” tubes was great.
Thursday, May 16
Our cat Millie came on this trip and is an early morning girl who rises with the sunrise and wakes up hungry. She lies on my chest and just purrs, not as a true sign of affection but as a gentle alarm clock with a need to eat. The early morning clear sky was covered by dark clouds and by breakfast a very light rain started to fall and an hour later it was gone. The couple in the sailboat said their good-byes and they headed to St. Michael’s, a 50-mile journey that would take them 10 hours because their boat would motor along at 5 knots on this day of light to no wind.
The Chesapeake Bay is truly sailboat country with 80% of the boats at the marinas being driven by sail. A normal day has 10 knots of wind, which varies in speed throughout the day and varied in direction as the days passed by. There is no elevation around the bay caused by hills and mountains. The flatness allows any wind to pour across the bay unabated. The land only provides protection of fetch-created waves. The day’s forecast was for light winds from the northwest. After topping off the 100 gallon fuel tank that would give us a range of 240 miles plus a reserve, Trilogy turned into the main bay with the eastern shore about 20 miles a way.
Laurie experimented with the placement of the dinghy being towed. At the low cruising speed of 7 knots or 8 miles per hour, the inflatable tracked fine in the stern wake. Not so at the fast cruising speed and the dinghy nearly slid off the high stern wake that would have caused it to flip over at 15 miles per hour. Trilogy was backed off its cleansing rpm’s of 3800 to 3900 to a slower speed of 3600 rpm’s. The alternative of letting out more tow line was not acceptable.
The boat traffic was light as we rediscovered the joy of cruising on Trilogy. The tug is tenderer than our Kadey Krogen 39, meaning that it rocks more and crashes through the smaller waves, but the fun factor is still there. The channel markers were followed to the Little Choptank River, avoiding the long shoals that extend out from the land. The deepest water on the river was about 30 feet. The Hudson River was chosen because it had more choices in protection from a rising southerly wind. 30 miles later, the Rocna Anchor was dropped in 4 feet and easily set and it kept the tug secured while the light duty snubber line kept the chain quiet in the cabin.
Mid-afternoon was spent reading, working on genealogy research and wondering why the Garmin radar was not being recognized by the chartplotter. This problem solving would last well past this trip.. The dinghy project expanded into a better towing bridle from the boat and the discovery that it could be easily tilted up and against the stainless rails on the swim step. Dinner was seasoned chicken drumsticks and asparagus on the BBQ. A movie was watched on the laptop with the sound coming through the tug’s sound system.
Our cat Millie came on this trip and is an early morning girl who rises with the sunrise and wakes up hungry. She lies on my chest and just purrs, not as a true sign of affection but as a gentle alarm clock with a need to eat. The early morning clear sky was covered by dark clouds and by breakfast a very light rain started to fall and an hour later it was gone. The couple in the sailboat said their good-byes and they headed to St. Michael’s, a 50-mile journey that would take them 10 hours because their boat would motor along at 5 knots on this day of light to no wind.
The Chesapeake Bay is truly sailboat country with 80% of the boats at the marinas being driven by sail. A normal day has 10 knots of wind, which varies in speed throughout the day and varied in direction as the days passed by. There is no elevation around the bay caused by hills and mountains. The flatness allows any wind to pour across the bay unabated. The land only provides protection of fetch-created waves. The day’s forecast was for light winds from the northwest. After topping off the 100 gallon fuel tank that would give us a range of 240 miles plus a reserve, Trilogy turned into the main bay with the eastern shore about 20 miles a way.
Laurie experimented with the placement of the dinghy being towed. At the low cruising speed of 7 knots or 8 miles per hour, the inflatable tracked fine in the stern wake. Not so at the fast cruising speed and the dinghy nearly slid off the high stern wake that would have caused it to flip over at 15 miles per hour. Trilogy was backed off its cleansing rpm’s of 3800 to 3900 to a slower speed of 3600 rpm’s. The alternative of letting out more tow line was not acceptable.
The boat traffic was light as we rediscovered the joy of cruising on Trilogy. The tug is tenderer than our Kadey Krogen 39, meaning that it rocks more and crashes through the smaller waves, but the fun factor is still there. The channel markers were followed to the Little Choptank River, avoiding the long shoals that extend out from the land. The deepest water on the river was about 30 feet. The Hudson River was chosen because it had more choices in protection from a rising southerly wind. 30 miles later, the Rocna Anchor was dropped in 4 feet and easily set and it kept the tug secured while the light duty snubber line kept the chain quiet in the cabin.
Mid-afternoon was spent reading, working on genealogy research and wondering why the Garmin radar was not being recognized by the chartplotter. This problem solving would last well past this trip.. The dinghy project expanded into a better towing bridle from the boat and the discovery that it could be easily tilted up and against the stainless rails on the swim step. Dinner was seasoned chicken drumsticks and asparagus on the BBQ. A movie was watched on the laptop with the sound coming through the tug’s sound system.
Friday, May 17
The southerly wind was steady at about 10-13 knots all day. The dinghy being tilted up and tied to the stainless rails on the swim step became the best option but the swells that came over the swim step would lift the tubes.. The solution was found underway by using the side tie lines to pull up the dingy up and off of the swimstep by a few inches. At the fast cruising speed, the dinghy was rock solid and Trilogy was back doing 15 miles an hour for 10 minutes of every hour to keep the turbo healthy.
Out of the Little Choptank River, Trilogy was in a following sea for an hour and as we turned to the east and up the Choptank River, the tug had to be angled or quartered across the 2 foot waves until the land mass did the job of keeping the waves from building by interrupting the fetch. The tug snaked through the S-turns marked by the red and green buoys until just before the Highway 50 Bridge, a turn was made into the Cambridge Municipal Marina at 1230 hours. The very helpful and pleasant harbormaster had directed us to the slip via radio and was waiting to catch our lines as the tug was backed into the fixed-dock slip.
The marina had a very large number of empty slips and this was also a characteristic of this small town. Though Cambridge had a number of beautiful homes and brick streets, this once bustling town of 50 years ago was a shadow of its former self. The downtown was nice and quaint but faded into empty buildings after 4 blocks. A fishing industry had collapsed, a major employer had shut down, a massive fire and racial tension decades earlier had set the city back, and a Walmart had closed nearly all the small retail shops.
There are good people doing good things. The welcoming attitude by the harbormaster was no accident, there are very good restaurants to choose from, and the Harriet Tubman museum, a tribute to a slave who escaped and was part of the Underground Railroad, is on the verge of being something bigger.
The roar of practicing boats for the hydro plane racing was the foretelling that this would be a noisy week in Cambridge.
We walked, had a beer at Snappers to enjoy the air conditioning, saw the free dock with a looper boat from Florida, and returned later to have an incredible Italian dinner Carmela’s Cucina on Academy Street.
The southerly wind was steady at about 10-13 knots all day. The dinghy being tilted up and tied to the stainless rails on the swim step became the best option but the swells that came over the swim step would lift the tubes.. The solution was found underway by using the side tie lines to pull up the dingy up and off of the swimstep by a few inches. At the fast cruising speed, the dinghy was rock solid and Trilogy was back doing 15 miles an hour for 10 minutes of every hour to keep the turbo healthy.
Out of the Little Choptank River, Trilogy was in a following sea for an hour and as we turned to the east and up the Choptank River, the tug had to be angled or quartered across the 2 foot waves until the land mass did the job of keeping the waves from building by interrupting the fetch. The tug snaked through the S-turns marked by the red and green buoys until just before the Highway 50 Bridge, a turn was made into the Cambridge Municipal Marina at 1230 hours. The very helpful and pleasant harbormaster had directed us to the slip via radio and was waiting to catch our lines as the tug was backed into the fixed-dock slip.
The marina had a very large number of empty slips and this was also a characteristic of this small town. Though Cambridge had a number of beautiful homes and brick streets, this once bustling town of 50 years ago was a shadow of its former self. The downtown was nice and quaint but faded into empty buildings after 4 blocks. A fishing industry had collapsed, a major employer had shut down, a massive fire and racial tension decades earlier had set the city back, and a Walmart had closed nearly all the small retail shops.
There are good people doing good things. The welcoming attitude by the harbormaster was no accident, there are very good restaurants to choose from, and the Harriet Tubman museum, a tribute to a slave who escaped and was part of the Underground Railroad, is on the verge of being something bigger.
The roar of practicing boats for the hydro plane racing was the foretelling that this would be a noisy week in Cambridge.
We walked, had a beer at Snappers to enjoy the air conditioning, saw the free dock with a looper boat from Florida, and returned later to have an incredible Italian dinner Carmela’s Cucina on Academy Street.
Saturday, May 18
Under clear skies and pleasant temperatures, Trilogy was filled with water and we headed out after breakfast for an 18 mile run to Oxford that is on the main Choptank River. The water was smooth and the cruising was fun and easy. The free dock is for three hours of moorage and is shared with the small vehicle ferry. Our notion was to enjoy the free dock and then anchor in the river for the evening. Though there are marinas and space was plentiful, but the cost per foot was $2 and more. That rate might be right in the busier months but in this shoulder season, the message was clear, “we really do not want your business.”
For the first time since last summer, the folding bikes were set up and air was added to all four flat tires. At the head of the dock was a bike rental business that was doing very slowly and he had the time to talk about Oxford and what to see. His advice was followed and we quickly remembered how bikes make the experience of exploring so much more fun. Down streets, to vistas of the shore, and past marinas until we came upon an art show at the community center. Completely unexpected and we were to pay the small entry fee, the art under the big tent and in the large three rooms with the artists present was very enjoyable. This is why we do not plan out a cruise: the joy of finding the unexpected and living in the moment, rather than the schedule just works for us.
The high-end Hinkley Boat Yard was found and several finished boats were admired from their dock. The sales people did not bother us because they knew from our appearance and demeanor that we did not have enough cash to consider their products. Good sales people are good at assessing customers. The Scottish Ice Creamery was next and as we waited in the long line, there was the sound of small explosion of air from our bikes. Laurie’s front tire had exploded. Apparently, running the tires at maximum air pressure on hot pavement will destroy the tire. This did not affect the enjoyment of the ice cream. Oxford is only about 4 blocks long and the walk back to the boat was easy.
The crew of the ferry had changed and the new Captain like to use a lot power and this caused Trilogy to bang against the fenders and strain her lines. We needed to leave and because St. Michaels was only an hour away, we opted to leave Oxford and anchor at the “backdoor” of St. Michael’s on Santa Domingo Creek.
Arriving at about 5PM and covering a total 28 miles for the day, Trilogy eased past three looper boats, including the one that was seen in Cambridge, and two sailboats to anchor in the shallower water that was closer to town. The river bottoms are deceptive in depth. The digital number may be 4 feet, but the sonar display was 6 feet meaning there was 2 feet of grass and silt and that plays into where to anchor and also how much scope to let out. The loopers that we saw in Oxford came by in their dinghy because Trilogy flies the gold burgee of the AGLCA that signifies we had completed the Great Loop. Steve and Janice invited us over to their boat on the following day. After dinner, a movie was watched and during the night, we were awakened by the lightning, thunder and periods of heavy rain.
Under clear skies and pleasant temperatures, Trilogy was filled with water and we headed out after breakfast for an 18 mile run to Oxford that is on the main Choptank River. The water was smooth and the cruising was fun and easy. The free dock is for three hours of moorage and is shared with the small vehicle ferry. Our notion was to enjoy the free dock and then anchor in the river for the evening. Though there are marinas and space was plentiful, but the cost per foot was $2 and more. That rate might be right in the busier months but in this shoulder season, the message was clear, “we really do not want your business.”
For the first time since last summer, the folding bikes were set up and air was added to all four flat tires. At the head of the dock was a bike rental business that was doing very slowly and he had the time to talk about Oxford and what to see. His advice was followed and we quickly remembered how bikes make the experience of exploring so much more fun. Down streets, to vistas of the shore, and past marinas until we came upon an art show at the community center. Completely unexpected and we were to pay the small entry fee, the art under the big tent and in the large three rooms with the artists present was very enjoyable. This is why we do not plan out a cruise: the joy of finding the unexpected and living in the moment, rather than the schedule just works for us.
The high-end Hinkley Boat Yard was found and several finished boats were admired from their dock. The sales people did not bother us because they knew from our appearance and demeanor that we did not have enough cash to consider their products. Good sales people are good at assessing customers. The Scottish Ice Creamery was next and as we waited in the long line, there was the sound of small explosion of air from our bikes. Laurie’s front tire had exploded. Apparently, running the tires at maximum air pressure on hot pavement will destroy the tire. This did not affect the enjoyment of the ice cream. Oxford is only about 4 blocks long and the walk back to the boat was easy.
The crew of the ferry had changed and the new Captain like to use a lot power and this caused Trilogy to bang against the fenders and strain her lines. We needed to leave and because St. Michaels was only an hour away, we opted to leave Oxford and anchor at the “backdoor” of St. Michael’s on Santa Domingo Creek.
Arriving at about 5PM and covering a total 28 miles for the day, Trilogy eased past three looper boats, including the one that was seen in Cambridge, and two sailboats to anchor in the shallower water that was closer to town. The river bottoms are deceptive in depth. The digital number may be 4 feet, but the sonar display was 6 feet meaning there was 2 feet of grass and silt and that plays into where to anchor and also how much scope to let out. The loopers that we saw in Oxford came by in their dinghy because Trilogy flies the gold burgee of the AGLCA that signifies we had completed the Great Loop. Steve and Janice invited us over to their boat on the following day. After dinner, a movie was watched and during the night, we were awakened by the lightning, thunder and periods of heavy rain.
Sunday, May 19
The night was warm and still and the light covers on the bed sometimes seemed to warm. Millie was up again at 0515 hours with the sun but we put her off for a couple of hours, though it is hard to ignore a cat who lays on your chest inches from your face and purrs.
The intention was to attend a church service and the church’s website said that the service started at 1015 hours. The dinghy was rowed about 400 yards to the dinghy dock that was next to the boats used by waterman and would be the longest row yet and the mild southern breeze would be a challenge. The trip was accomplished in 15 minutes and we set out to walk the ½ mile to the church. Spring in St, Michael’s was spectacular with gardens in full bloom. The neighborhood from the water to the Main Street was a showcase of the pride of ownership of the landscaping and the buildings.
Arriving with time to spare, there was a new sign on the moveable letter sign but with letters missing, the message was obscure. The front doors to the church were locked and a note said that the service happened at 0900 hours at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Three other people arrived as we did. Churches have an evolved communication system and all of the components of the system needs to be adjusted when there is a change. Everywhere, there are examples of weak leadership and management. Their weakness was not about their good intentions or effort, it is about the lack of execution by not paying attention to the details and not understanding the impacts.
Using this setback has an opportunity to enjoy the Maritime Museum, we did the short walk in the rising heat. About three hours was spent at this growing facility that is evolving in its message, quality of exhibits and experiences. Some take-aways: The Chesapeake Bay was an abundant of resources: timber, birdlife, oysters and crabs. In 200 years, man had nearly decimated all of it. Trees were cut to grow tobacco and later corn, ducks were massacred at every opportunity including night while siting in the water with huge punk guns, crabs and oyster stocks were fought over and poached until there were no winners.
The heat had drained us but we walked the mile to the bike store to replace the blown tire on Laurie’s bike. On the way back, a beer was enjoyed at the Eastern Shore Brewery. The wind was up for the row back and after arriving back at Trilogy, we knew that rowing to Steve and Janice’s boat for docktails was not going to happen. An arrangement was made via the radio for Steve to get us in their dinghy.
Steve and Janice have been full-time nomads for 11 years, cruising the Caribbean for 6 years in a sailboat, full time life in a motorhome and now their third year of doing the Great Loop in a 32 foot Island Gypsy. Steve is quiet with an aura of strength and confidence. Janice is the talker, forceful yet nice. Trisha and Jamie joined us. They had started the Great Loop a few weeks before from St. Augustine in a Meridian 40 foot power yacht and are planning to do the trip in about a year. Finally, with the sun going down, Jamie and Trish took us back to Trilogy where we had a light dinner.
The night was warm and still and the light covers on the bed sometimes seemed to warm. Millie was up again at 0515 hours with the sun but we put her off for a couple of hours, though it is hard to ignore a cat who lays on your chest inches from your face and purrs.
The intention was to attend a church service and the church’s website said that the service started at 1015 hours. The dinghy was rowed about 400 yards to the dinghy dock that was next to the boats used by waterman and would be the longest row yet and the mild southern breeze would be a challenge. The trip was accomplished in 15 minutes and we set out to walk the ½ mile to the church. Spring in St, Michael’s was spectacular with gardens in full bloom. The neighborhood from the water to the Main Street was a showcase of the pride of ownership of the landscaping and the buildings.
Arriving with time to spare, there was a new sign on the moveable letter sign but with letters missing, the message was obscure. The front doors to the church were locked and a note said that the service happened at 0900 hours at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Three other people arrived as we did. Churches have an evolved communication system and all of the components of the system needs to be adjusted when there is a change. Everywhere, there are examples of weak leadership and management. Their weakness was not about their good intentions or effort, it is about the lack of execution by not paying attention to the details and not understanding the impacts.
Using this setback has an opportunity to enjoy the Maritime Museum, we did the short walk in the rising heat. About three hours was spent at this growing facility that is evolving in its message, quality of exhibits and experiences. Some take-aways: The Chesapeake Bay was an abundant of resources: timber, birdlife, oysters and crabs. In 200 years, man had nearly decimated all of it. Trees were cut to grow tobacco and later corn, ducks were massacred at every opportunity including night while siting in the water with huge punk guns, crabs and oyster stocks were fought over and poached until there were no winners.
The heat had drained us but we walked the mile to the bike store to replace the blown tire on Laurie’s bike. On the way back, a beer was enjoyed at the Eastern Shore Brewery. The wind was up for the row back and after arriving back at Trilogy, we knew that rowing to Steve and Janice’s boat for docktails was not going to happen. An arrangement was made via the radio for Steve to get us in their dinghy.
Steve and Janice have been full-time nomads for 11 years, cruising the Caribbean for 6 years in a sailboat, full time life in a motorhome and now their third year of doing the Great Loop in a 32 foot Island Gypsy. Steve is quiet with an aura of strength and confidence. Janice is the talker, forceful yet nice. Trisha and Jamie joined us. They had started the Great Loop a few weeks before from St. Augustine in a Meridian 40 foot power yacht and are planning to do the trip in about a year. Finally, with the sun going down, Jamie and Trish took us back to Trilogy where we had a light dinner.
Monday, May 20
Clear blue skies with a steady 11-knot wind from the south greeted Trilogy. The battery monitor showed nearly 50% of the amps was used, which is the maximum allowed. This was the first time that Trilogy had spent two full days at anchor with only a minimum of time of cruising between - not enough time to charge the batteries. The motor was run for about 45 minutes to raise the amp level to 60% before the demands of the anchor windlass and the inverter would be made on the alternator. Trilogy pulled away at 0815 hours.
Past Hambleton Island and the watermen working their lines, Broad Creek Bay had white caps from the southwest wind and the fetch from the length of the bay. Trilogy rose to its planing position and skidded through at 14 knots around the buoys, out of the bay and the sweeping turn to head for Knapp Narrows on Tilghman Island. A large sailboat was ahead of us and another behind. The bridge drawer opened the draw bridge for us as we idled past the empty docks and the work boats back from their morning run.
Turning to the north and continuing between Poplar Island and Tilghman Island, the massive restoration project on Poplar Island to use dredge spoils and bring back a remote island was underway with huge cranes, tugs, barges and heavy equipment on the island. Trilogy went nearly full circle around the island and seeing only a handful of boats before turning before the front door of St. Michael’s and entered the Wye River system. There were three good anchorages and we settled on Divided Creek, passing three sailboats and two looper boats to drip the anchor near the head of the bay at 1300 hours and covering 36 miles.
Over the afternoon, the loopers came by in their kayaks or dingy and we exchanged pleasantries and a short story but they did not offer their names or their boater cards. Usually this is the sign of beginning loopers, ones that have not experienced the hospitality of this group. The dinghy took us to shore and we walked the empty campsite for groups, past a large corn field and Laurie saw a fox in the bushes. The joke was that it was not confirmed because I did not see it.
With the radar still not working, I took it down, checked the connections and opened it up to look for anything obviously wrong. Nothing. An online chat with Garmin Support said the network cable was either bad or the $1,000 unit could be serviced for $750. A new network cable was ordered from the West Marine at nearby Kent Island for pickup. By late afternoon the wind intensified from the south, dropped, changed direction and a small storm cell went by us and spilled a few drops.
The night was cool and comfortable and Laurie had a telephonic meeting that lasted past midnight.
Tuesday, May 21
The wind was following the predictions, coming from the northwest, in the mid-teens and gusting to the low 20’s. The anchorage was much quieter but it was a stay-in-port day.
The house battery was down to 68% but more importantly the laptops were down to less than 33% and the hot water was gone from yesterday’s showers. Running the engine for anhour with the inverter charging the laptops brought all the systems back to normal levels.
This was a quiet day of cleaning, buffing and polishing. Gelcoat and stainless was gleaming, and windows were clear. Provisioning would need to happen soon with bread, milk and coffee all gone. Tomorrow is suppose to be an ideal day with no wind, flat water and temperatures in the 70’s. We met the owners of a Kadey Krogen 42 who had started the Great Loop a few weeks earlier.
Clear blue skies with a steady 11-knot wind from the south greeted Trilogy. The battery monitor showed nearly 50% of the amps was used, which is the maximum allowed. This was the first time that Trilogy had spent two full days at anchor with only a minimum of time of cruising between - not enough time to charge the batteries. The motor was run for about 45 minutes to raise the amp level to 60% before the demands of the anchor windlass and the inverter would be made on the alternator. Trilogy pulled away at 0815 hours.
Past Hambleton Island and the watermen working their lines, Broad Creek Bay had white caps from the southwest wind and the fetch from the length of the bay. Trilogy rose to its planing position and skidded through at 14 knots around the buoys, out of the bay and the sweeping turn to head for Knapp Narrows on Tilghman Island. A large sailboat was ahead of us and another behind. The bridge drawer opened the draw bridge for us as we idled past the empty docks and the work boats back from their morning run.
Turning to the north and continuing between Poplar Island and Tilghman Island, the massive restoration project on Poplar Island to use dredge spoils and bring back a remote island was underway with huge cranes, tugs, barges and heavy equipment on the island. Trilogy went nearly full circle around the island and seeing only a handful of boats before turning before the front door of St. Michael’s and entered the Wye River system. There were three good anchorages and we settled on Divided Creek, passing three sailboats and two looper boats to drip the anchor near the head of the bay at 1300 hours and covering 36 miles.
Over the afternoon, the loopers came by in their kayaks or dingy and we exchanged pleasantries and a short story but they did not offer their names or their boater cards. Usually this is the sign of beginning loopers, ones that have not experienced the hospitality of this group. The dinghy took us to shore and we walked the empty campsite for groups, past a large corn field and Laurie saw a fox in the bushes. The joke was that it was not confirmed because I did not see it.
With the radar still not working, I took it down, checked the connections and opened it up to look for anything obviously wrong. Nothing. An online chat with Garmin Support said the network cable was either bad or the $1,000 unit could be serviced for $750. A new network cable was ordered from the West Marine at nearby Kent Island for pickup. By late afternoon the wind intensified from the south, dropped, changed direction and a small storm cell went by us and spilled a few drops.
The night was cool and comfortable and Laurie had a telephonic meeting that lasted past midnight.
Tuesday, May 21
The wind was following the predictions, coming from the northwest, in the mid-teens and gusting to the low 20’s. The anchorage was much quieter but it was a stay-in-port day.
The house battery was down to 68% but more importantly the laptops were down to less than 33% and the hot water was gone from yesterday’s showers. Running the engine for anhour with the inverter charging the laptops brought all the systems back to normal levels.
This was a quiet day of cleaning, buffing and polishing. Gelcoat and stainless was gleaming, and windows were clear. Provisioning would need to happen soon with bread, milk and coffee all gone. Tomorrow is suppose to be an ideal day with no wind, flat water and temperatures in the 70’s. We met the owners of a Kadey Krogen 42 who had started the Great Loop a few weeks earlier.
Wednesday through Friday, May 22-23
We were up two hours after sunrise and found that Trilogy was the only boat left in Dividing Creek. All the loopers were headed for Annapolis to enjoy the pre-holiday festivities that included practice by the Navy’s Blue Angels for the annual graduation of the Naval Academy. The house battery level was 83% which was a surprise. The anchor chain was really muddy but came up easily and Trilogy has underway by 0830 hours.
Trilogy’s engine acted up like it did the summer before with a fluctuation of RPM’s followed by an engine alarm indicating the “Main Throttle Sensor.” The alarm was cancelled and the engine ran smoothly through Prospect Bay. A stop was needed at the Kent Narrows to pickup a new Garmin network cable for the radar at West Marine. Looking at options on the satellite view of map, the boat ramp was a good possibility for a stop. But, keeping our eyes and mind open for opportunities, the Waterman’s marina for commercial craft was only half full and docking at the end was an easy bike ride to West Marine and back.
Continuing on into the Chester River, Trilogy took us the 25 miles past scenic farm land to Chestertown, arriving at 1:30PM after traveling 41 miles. This is the county seat for Kent County, home to Washington College, a 1,600 student liberal arts college, and 5,000 residents. The downtown is very cute and the marina is so new that it is unfinished. Laurie did a provisioning run to the nearby food co-op store while I tried to fix the radar with a new network cable – no luck.
We did a late afternoon bike ride to the Post Office to send mail and the Dollar Store for more supplies. Dinner was out at the new 98 Cannon restaurant that is next to the marina and the food was very good. The next day was clear and windy and thunderstorms would come in the afternoon. The bikes took us on the Rails to Trails bike path to the newer part of Chestertown for rope, berries and beer. The ride back was through the beautiful campus of Washington College. More conversations with locals who keep their boats in the marina helped us understand and appreciate this area.
Friday was going to be a travel day, but the winds would fight us all the way. We opted to do the trip to Baltimore in one longer day and to spend today in Chestertown. The whole morning was spent doing the initial planning for our Cruising In Smaller Boats Seminar while Laurie worked her list of emails and inventories. After lunch, the radar came down again with a renewed effort to find the simple problem like a corroded connection or broken wire but to no avail.
Memorial Day weekend is one of the two celebratory weekends in Chesterfield. There are races, parades, a re-enactment of throwing bales of tea overboard and games. We enjoyed food from a food truck while a band was warming up.
We were up two hours after sunrise and found that Trilogy was the only boat left in Dividing Creek. All the loopers were headed for Annapolis to enjoy the pre-holiday festivities that included practice by the Navy’s Blue Angels for the annual graduation of the Naval Academy. The house battery level was 83% which was a surprise. The anchor chain was really muddy but came up easily and Trilogy has underway by 0830 hours.
Trilogy’s engine acted up like it did the summer before with a fluctuation of RPM’s followed by an engine alarm indicating the “Main Throttle Sensor.” The alarm was cancelled and the engine ran smoothly through Prospect Bay. A stop was needed at the Kent Narrows to pickup a new Garmin network cable for the radar at West Marine. Looking at options on the satellite view of map, the boat ramp was a good possibility for a stop. But, keeping our eyes and mind open for opportunities, the Waterman’s marina for commercial craft was only half full and docking at the end was an easy bike ride to West Marine and back.
Continuing on into the Chester River, Trilogy took us the 25 miles past scenic farm land to Chestertown, arriving at 1:30PM after traveling 41 miles. This is the county seat for Kent County, home to Washington College, a 1,600 student liberal arts college, and 5,000 residents. The downtown is very cute and the marina is so new that it is unfinished. Laurie did a provisioning run to the nearby food co-op store while I tried to fix the radar with a new network cable – no luck.
We did a late afternoon bike ride to the Post Office to send mail and the Dollar Store for more supplies. Dinner was out at the new 98 Cannon restaurant that is next to the marina and the food was very good. The next day was clear and windy and thunderstorms would come in the afternoon. The bikes took us on the Rails to Trails bike path to the newer part of Chestertown for rope, berries and beer. The ride back was through the beautiful campus of Washington College. More conversations with locals who keep their boats in the marina helped us understand and appreciate this area.
Friday was going to be a travel day, but the winds would fight us all the way. We opted to do the trip to Baltimore in one longer day and to spend today in Chestertown. The whole morning was spent doing the initial planning for our Cruising In Smaller Boats Seminar while Laurie worked her list of emails and inventories. After lunch, the radar came down again with a renewed effort to find the simple problem like a corroded connection or broken wire but to no avail.
Memorial Day weekend is one of the two celebratory weekends in Chesterfield. There are races, parades, a re-enactment of throwing bales of tea overboard and games. We enjoyed food from a food truck while a band was warming up.
Saturday, May 25
The forecast was for light and variable winds all day and most of that happened, but it is Chesapeake Bay where people say just wait an hour and the weather will change. Chestertown was coming alive for the Saturday activities with the foot races starting a park nearby. We had a genuine emergency with the breaking of the French press coffee press. Trilogy pulled away from its slip at 0800 hours and started heading down the Chester River. The rising ocean tide overwhelmed the river’s current and the tug fought a 1- knot current for most of the way.
Again, the Yanmar engine’s RPM’s started to fluctuate and soon the expected engine alarm went off. The engine was stopped and the alarm reset. With the engine re-started, it only took a few minutes for the annoying behavior to repeat itself. Last summer’s speculation was that fuel was the cause. The marina a Long Cove was open and selling diesel, so Trilogy did a fast cruise, took the detour off the main route river channel and took on 54 gallons. While at the pump, we had a conversation with a woman owner of a Nordic 32 about Trilogy and the trips that it had made. She was clearly looking for a change and an adventure. After filling up, the problem engine behavior went away.
At the mouth of the Chester River is the channel through the Kent Narrows. A long line of go-fast big power boats were either through the narrow channel and coming up on plane or were southbound at top speed and about to drop to 6 knots. This combination made the whole river awash with wakes coming from all directions. Trilogy stretched out her legs to get to the body of Chesapeake Bay and then followed the shipping channel markers to the outer line of Baltimore’s harbor.
Near the huge Francis Scott Key highway bridge, the wind was on Trilogy’s stern at 14 knots and made a nice ride in the following sea. Baltimore’s harbor is nearly 10 miles long with multiple branches on each side. Nearly every linear foot of this massive harbor is developed for a purpose. At the last fork, Trilogy turned north into the inner harbor that is predominately a host of private marinas that is shared with several huge navy ships. Reservations had been made for the Inner Harbor Marina and we were not surprised at the record breaking rate of $3 per foot. The efficient marina employee was waiting for Trilogy and we waved him off to do other tasks because we are quit adept at docking, lines and power cords. The large marina was not half full. The employee said that business was off by 25% from the previous year.
The marina is in the middle of downtown Baltimore with many tour boats, water taxis, and rented boats. The wide promenade on the edge was choked with people, scooters and bicycles. This was intense, urban boating at its finest with sirens, police helicopter, horns, music and the constant talk and laughter from those on the docks and the promenade. The bikes took us about a mile on the promenade and we encountered probably 5,000 people of all ages, races and economic category.
A French press was found at a nearby Starbucks and we returned to the tug for showers and dinner just before 8PM. There was a commotion on the promenade because the police helicopter circled overhead us for over an hour and the police boat and several ambulances were across the bay. The weather forecast called for thunderstorms and the radar showed a band coming from the west, but they evaporated before reaching us.
The forecast was for light and variable winds all day and most of that happened, but it is Chesapeake Bay where people say just wait an hour and the weather will change. Chestertown was coming alive for the Saturday activities with the foot races starting a park nearby. We had a genuine emergency with the breaking of the French press coffee press. Trilogy pulled away from its slip at 0800 hours and started heading down the Chester River. The rising ocean tide overwhelmed the river’s current and the tug fought a 1- knot current for most of the way.
Again, the Yanmar engine’s RPM’s started to fluctuate and soon the expected engine alarm went off. The engine was stopped and the alarm reset. With the engine re-started, it only took a few minutes for the annoying behavior to repeat itself. Last summer’s speculation was that fuel was the cause. The marina a Long Cove was open and selling diesel, so Trilogy did a fast cruise, took the detour off the main route river channel and took on 54 gallons. While at the pump, we had a conversation with a woman owner of a Nordic 32 about Trilogy and the trips that it had made. She was clearly looking for a change and an adventure. After filling up, the problem engine behavior went away.
At the mouth of the Chester River is the channel through the Kent Narrows. A long line of go-fast big power boats were either through the narrow channel and coming up on plane or were southbound at top speed and about to drop to 6 knots. This combination made the whole river awash with wakes coming from all directions. Trilogy stretched out her legs to get to the body of Chesapeake Bay and then followed the shipping channel markers to the outer line of Baltimore’s harbor.
Near the huge Francis Scott Key highway bridge, the wind was on Trilogy’s stern at 14 knots and made a nice ride in the following sea. Baltimore’s harbor is nearly 10 miles long with multiple branches on each side. Nearly every linear foot of this massive harbor is developed for a purpose. At the last fork, Trilogy turned north into the inner harbor that is predominately a host of private marinas that is shared with several huge navy ships. Reservations had been made for the Inner Harbor Marina and we were not surprised at the record breaking rate of $3 per foot. The efficient marina employee was waiting for Trilogy and we waved him off to do other tasks because we are quit adept at docking, lines and power cords. The large marina was not half full. The employee said that business was off by 25% from the previous year.
The marina is in the middle of downtown Baltimore with many tour boats, water taxis, and rented boats. The wide promenade on the edge was choked with people, scooters and bicycles. This was intense, urban boating at its finest with sirens, police helicopter, horns, music and the constant talk and laughter from those on the docks and the promenade. The bikes took us about a mile on the promenade and we encountered probably 5,000 people of all ages, races and economic category.
A French press was found at a nearby Starbucks and we returned to the tug for showers and dinner just before 8PM. There was a commotion on the promenade because the police helicopter circled overhead us for over an hour and the police boat and several ambulances were across the bay. The weather forecast called for thunderstorms and the radar showed a band coming from the west, but they evaporated before reaching us.
Sunday, May 26
The bikes were put to good use today as we started the day by riding to the downtown Episcopal Church and enjoyed a great choir while the security staff watched our bicycles that were locked across the street. Then, we rode out to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine riding by new condos on the shore, industrial and aging commercial areas, and finally row houses. The afternoon was spent at the site as thunderstorms would threaten by not impact us. Nearly every time a National Park Service site is visited, we are impressed with the design of the story being told and walk away with learning something new.
Our mistake was not to bring food or drink with us and the park did not provide any services in that regard. A stop at a neighborhood coffee shop and sharing space with college students working on assignments provided a re-charge. We had an earlier dinner in the bar of the nice restaurant that was in the same building as the marina office.
The bikes were put to good use today as we started the day by riding to the downtown Episcopal Church and enjoyed a great choir while the security staff watched our bicycles that were locked across the street. Then, we rode out to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine riding by new condos on the shore, industrial and aging commercial areas, and finally row houses. The afternoon was spent at the site as thunderstorms would threaten by not impact us. Nearly every time a National Park Service site is visited, we are impressed with the design of the story being told and walk away with learning something new.
Our mistake was not to bring food or drink with us and the park did not provide any services in that regard. A stop at a neighborhood coffee shop and sharing space with college students working on assignments provided a re-charge. We had an earlier dinner in the bar of the nice restaurant that was in the same building as the marina office.
Monday, May 27
A Memorial Day with a morning temperature of 80 degrees and 60% humidity. Trilogy pulled away from the slip at about 0830 hours. Then, the smallest thing can shut down the plan: The screw that holds Laurie’s glasses together came out. We idled and drifted around in the bay while the screw was found and many attempts to thread it back. Finally, success!
Southeast bound past Fort McHenry and out the Brewerton Channel, under the Key Bridge with a mild wind behind us. Had to dodge firewood and small logs that had entered Chesapeake from the heavy downpour but nothing unusual after being on Puget Sound. The engine had a repeat of the “Main Throttle” sensor error and we let the alarm blink at us for the rest of the day. The tug stayed out of the main shipping channel and in 14 feet of water. The water would have been flat but the constant wakes from the many go-fast power boat would cause some lumpiness.
Under the huge Bay Bridge and turning into Annapolis and Spa Creek that is between the Naval Academy and East Bay, the tug was taken under the highway bridge, past mooring fields and anchored in 11 feet water. We had traveled 33 miles in 4 hours. There are short dinghy docks at the foot of nearly every street in Annapolis and we tied to the foot of Conduit Street. The afternoon was enjoyed walking through the neighborhoods of wall-to-wall colonial style houses with no yards and the business district that was doing a good holiday business.
Back at the tug in the highest heat of the day, 91 degrees, we sat on the swim step and cooled our feet and legs as a constant stream of boats were touring the bay to look at boats and the homes on the shore. Steaks were BBQ on the grill as the evening cooled.
Tuesday, May 28
Sunrise brought a calm and muggy morning. A drizzle turned into a full-strength thunder and lightning storm for an hour that dumped 5 gallons of water into the dinghy. After breakfast, the search was on to find service for the Garmin radar. The local Annapolis repair shop was booked out for 5 weeks. A search for a Yanmar engine service to assess and repair the fluctuating RPM’s showed a local shop was two weeks out from looking at it. The decision was made to have all of these fixed in Florida before the start of the next trip.
The dinghy took us to shore and we walked the short distance to the Naval Academy. Inquiries were made about my grandfather Lloyd Gray who graduated in 1913 and they only confirm it and said there were no other records but referred us to the Alumni House. The well stock gift shop was the source of a doorknocker for the island cabin. The walk around the beautiful campus was seen in a different light as I was piecing together Lloyd’s life and those who came before him. The amazing chapel was toured with a school group and Lloyd attended services here. 90 minutes was spent at the Naval History Museum where the good volunteer recommended The Alley as a good lunch location. The stairs led under the building and the inside was something out of a television set: dark wood paneling, plush carpet, high booths for privacy, classy arrangement and wonderful food.
An eyeglass shop on Main Street brought the longterm solution to Laurie’s glasses. We were back on the boat by 2:30 PM and decided to move on to another anchorage. The weather alert told us about minor flooding due to the storm that came through this morning and this was illustrated in the higher water at the Bascule Bridge over Spa Creek. Trilogy easily got under it the day before. Today, we needed to wait for the scheduled bridge opening.
Leaving Spa Creek and the protection of land, the winds were 16 miles per hour from the east and across Chesapeake Bay bringing 2 to 3 foot waves with white caps. We opted to turn into Back Creek and explored this long river that was choked with boats at marinas and private docks. We saw at least 500 sailboats before dropping the anchor in an elbow, in 10 feet of water and simply followed a row of mooring balls. Trilogy had to be at least 75 feet from any dock and that was accomplished on the first try.
The evening was warm and sultry.
A Memorial Day with a morning temperature of 80 degrees and 60% humidity. Trilogy pulled away from the slip at about 0830 hours. Then, the smallest thing can shut down the plan: The screw that holds Laurie’s glasses together came out. We idled and drifted around in the bay while the screw was found and many attempts to thread it back. Finally, success!
Southeast bound past Fort McHenry and out the Brewerton Channel, under the Key Bridge with a mild wind behind us. Had to dodge firewood and small logs that had entered Chesapeake from the heavy downpour but nothing unusual after being on Puget Sound. The engine had a repeat of the “Main Throttle” sensor error and we let the alarm blink at us for the rest of the day. The tug stayed out of the main shipping channel and in 14 feet of water. The water would have been flat but the constant wakes from the many go-fast power boat would cause some lumpiness.
Under the huge Bay Bridge and turning into Annapolis and Spa Creek that is between the Naval Academy and East Bay, the tug was taken under the highway bridge, past mooring fields and anchored in 11 feet water. We had traveled 33 miles in 4 hours. There are short dinghy docks at the foot of nearly every street in Annapolis and we tied to the foot of Conduit Street. The afternoon was enjoyed walking through the neighborhoods of wall-to-wall colonial style houses with no yards and the business district that was doing a good holiday business.
Back at the tug in the highest heat of the day, 91 degrees, we sat on the swim step and cooled our feet and legs as a constant stream of boats were touring the bay to look at boats and the homes on the shore. Steaks were BBQ on the grill as the evening cooled.
Tuesday, May 28
Sunrise brought a calm and muggy morning. A drizzle turned into a full-strength thunder and lightning storm for an hour that dumped 5 gallons of water into the dinghy. After breakfast, the search was on to find service for the Garmin radar. The local Annapolis repair shop was booked out for 5 weeks. A search for a Yanmar engine service to assess and repair the fluctuating RPM’s showed a local shop was two weeks out from looking at it. The decision was made to have all of these fixed in Florida before the start of the next trip.
The dinghy took us to shore and we walked the short distance to the Naval Academy. Inquiries were made about my grandfather Lloyd Gray who graduated in 1913 and they only confirm it and said there were no other records but referred us to the Alumni House. The well stock gift shop was the source of a doorknocker for the island cabin. The walk around the beautiful campus was seen in a different light as I was piecing together Lloyd’s life and those who came before him. The amazing chapel was toured with a school group and Lloyd attended services here. 90 minutes was spent at the Naval History Museum where the good volunteer recommended The Alley as a good lunch location. The stairs led under the building and the inside was something out of a television set: dark wood paneling, plush carpet, high booths for privacy, classy arrangement and wonderful food.
An eyeglass shop on Main Street brought the longterm solution to Laurie’s glasses. We were back on the boat by 2:30 PM and decided to move on to another anchorage. The weather alert told us about minor flooding due to the storm that came through this morning and this was illustrated in the higher water at the Bascule Bridge over Spa Creek. Trilogy easily got under it the day before. Today, we needed to wait for the scheduled bridge opening.
Leaving Spa Creek and the protection of land, the winds were 16 miles per hour from the east and across Chesapeake Bay bringing 2 to 3 foot waves with white caps. We opted to turn into Back Creek and explored this long river that was choked with boats at marinas and private docks. We saw at least 500 sailboats before dropping the anchor in an elbow, in 10 feet of water and simply followed a row of mooring balls. Trilogy had to be at least 75 feet from any dock and that was accomplished on the first try.
The evening was warm and sultry.
Wednesday, May 29
Though we had another week that could be spent on the Chesapeake, the combination of heat and the number of no travel days caused the trip to end. Sometimes we are not ready for the trip to end, but this one was over with time left over. The day was a perfect travel day with calm winds, flat water, clear skies and the temperature was 80 degrees when the anchor was pulled at 0730 hours. The first hour was a pleasant slow cruising speed until the Coast Guard broadcasted a weather advisory for late afternoon with severe thunderstorms and a possible isolated tornado. We needed to get Trilogy off the water and the opportunity presented itself at the Solomon’s.
The 50 miles was very comfortably covered at 14 knots or 16 miles per hour Trilogy arrived at about 1130 hours. The owner of the Calvert Marina would not take money for having the truck and trailer on his lot nor the three hours needed to prep the tug for putting it on its trailer.
By 1400 hours, the dinghy and bikes were in their respective bags in the back of the truck and a grocery store run and a parts run was done at West Marine. Laurie took the truck and trailer to the boat launch while Millie and I brought the tug over. A brisk wind on the tug’s stern did most of the work to get it gently on the trailer and engine did the rest. 90 minutes later, the lines and fenders were stowed, the canvas was folded into its bag, the tower was done, straps were tightened and the galley was stored.
Trip Summary: 16 days, 7 towns, 321 miles, 7 nights at anchor, 39 engine hours, 8.2 miles per hour, 3.15 miles per gallon, 2.6 gallons per hour, and spent $92 a day for fuel, food and marinas.
Though we had another week that could be spent on the Chesapeake, the combination of heat and the number of no travel days caused the trip to end. Sometimes we are not ready for the trip to end, but this one was over with time left over. The day was a perfect travel day with calm winds, flat water, clear skies and the temperature was 80 degrees when the anchor was pulled at 0730 hours. The first hour was a pleasant slow cruising speed until the Coast Guard broadcasted a weather advisory for late afternoon with severe thunderstorms and a possible isolated tornado. We needed to get Trilogy off the water and the opportunity presented itself at the Solomon’s.
The 50 miles was very comfortably covered at 14 knots or 16 miles per hour Trilogy arrived at about 1130 hours. The owner of the Calvert Marina would not take money for having the truck and trailer on his lot nor the three hours needed to prep the tug for putting it on its trailer.
By 1400 hours, the dinghy and bikes were in their respective bags in the back of the truck and a grocery store run and a parts run was done at West Marine. Laurie took the truck and trailer to the boat launch while Millie and I brought the tug over. A brisk wind on the tug’s stern did most of the work to get it gently on the trailer and engine did the rest. 90 minutes later, the lines and fenders were stowed, the canvas was folded into its bag, the tower was done, straps were tightened and the galley was stored.
Trip Summary: 16 days, 7 towns, 321 miles, 7 nights at anchor, 39 engine hours, 8.2 miles per hour, 3.15 miles per gallon, 2.6 gallons per hour, and spent $92 a day for fuel, food and marinas.
ROAD TRIP BACK TO WASHINGTON STATE
The same day at 1630 hours, we were back in the same private campground that used two weeks before and was 30 minutes from the boat launch. The temperature was still 92 degrees and we opted to shop for the bigger portable air conditioner unit. The one we got last summer was simply not adequate and it was taken back home for another life in milder climates. The tug and trailer was dropped and the destination was Lowe’s and take-out dinner. Back at the campground, Laurie did massive loads of laundry while I altered the vent connections to make the new unit work. By the time Laurie was back, the new AC unit had dropped the inside temperature and the humidity. The new placement of the AC unit in the tug’s work station area required some changes to the coat hooks and how to secure it while traveling. All of that was accomplished because we had the tools and the supplies.
Two days later, Trilogy was back at the RV storage yard in Brunswick, Georgia, covered, plugged-in with active and passive dehumidification working. A promise was made to come back with fixes for the issues and to take her our in cooler temperatures.
A week later we were back in Everett, WA after driving through 4 National Park Service areas and seeing friends along the way.
Two days later, Trilogy was back at the RV storage yard in Brunswick, Georgia, covered, plugged-in with active and passive dehumidification working. A promise was made to come back with fixes for the issues and to take her our in cooler temperatures.
A week later we were back in Everett, WA after driving through 4 National Park Service areas and seeing friends along the way.
Winter Cruising In The Southeast: The West Coast Of Florida and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from Brunswick, GA to Southport, NC
Summary: 24 days and 5,000 miles of road trip follwed by 36 days of boating over 600 miles and running the engine for 76 hours. Five nights were spent at anchor. The cost per day of cruising was just shy of $100. We spent more time at a handful of marinas than any other trip for a variety of reasons.
Road Trip
With our 21 foot Escape trailer in tow, we left the Pacific Northwest in mid-January a day ahead of a snow storm. We left the storm behind us when we arrived in Redding, California two days later. This would the first time of combining a road trip with camping with a boat trip. The notion was to see friends and family while exploring new places as we headed to Brunswick, Georgia. The route went south to Claremont, California to see sister Peggy, then to Gilbert, Arizona to see our good friend Joyce, on through Texas with a stop to see cousin Cindy & Bob and finish in Brunswick, Georgia. The Escape trailer was exchanged for Trilogy. The road trip part of the adventure lasted 24 days that included spending about 4 days exploring Big Bend National Park in west Texas that was on the Rio Grande River.
With our 21 foot Escape trailer in tow, we left the Pacific Northwest in mid-January a day ahead of a snow storm. We left the storm behind us when we arrived in Redding, California two days later. This would the first time of combining a road trip with camping with a boat trip. The notion was to see friends and family while exploring new places as we headed to Brunswick, Georgia. The route went south to Claremont, California to see sister Peggy, then to Gilbert, Arizona to see our good friend Joyce, on through Texas with a stop to see cousin Cindy & Bob and finish in Brunswick, Georgia. The Escape trailer was exchanged for Trilogy. The road trip part of the adventure lasted 24 days that included spending about 4 days exploring Big Bend National Park in west Texas that was on the Rio Grande River.
Appointments And Repairs
Trilogy needed professional service to solve the flucuating RPM's that happened on the last trip. The right Yanmar service provider was needed because Trilogy's engine is a BMW block that is electronically controlled and we learned that many service centers had not seen or worked on this engine. This was the busy season in Florida and an appointment was necessary. The service center in St. Augustine looked at the engine and finally said that they could not work on it but referred us to the Yanmar-owned business that provides parts and technical support to the service centers. Mastry Engine Services in St. Petersburg does not typically work with boat owners but they agreed to work on Trilogy mainy because the boat could be brought to them. We were impressed with and were appreciative of Dean, the shop forman and Charlie, the technician who did the work. The issue with the engine was not the software but two connections in the electronic harness that were lose and one had water in it that was the result of poor installation. Charlie found the seawater pump was leaking and again because of how the engine was installed, the removal and install had to be done in the blind. This part of the adventure lasted about a week and we were blessed to be able to stay with cousin Ken and Betsey in Sarasota.
Trilogy needed professional service to solve the flucuating RPM's that happened on the last trip. The right Yanmar service provider was needed because Trilogy's engine is a BMW block that is electronically controlled and we learned that many service centers had not seen or worked on this engine. This was the busy season in Florida and an appointment was necessary. The service center in St. Augustine looked at the engine and finally said that they could not work on it but referred us to the Yanmar-owned business that provides parts and technical support to the service centers. Mastry Engine Services in St. Petersburg does not typically work with boat owners but they agreed to work on Trilogy mainy because the boat could be brought to them. We were impressed with and were appreciative of Dean, the shop forman and Charlie, the technician who did the work. The issue with the engine was not the software but two connections in the electronic harness that were lose and one had water in it that was the result of poor installation. Charlie found the seawater pump was leaking and again because of how the engine was installed, the removal and install had to be done in the blind. This part of the adventure lasted about a week and we were blessed to be able to stay with cousin Ken and Betsey in Sarasota.
Rendezvous Of Tug Owners
An approaching weather front caused our plans to change. Instead of boating to the Burnt Store Marina on Charlotte Harbor that is near Punta Gorda, Trilogy was trailered there and launched in their marina a couple of days before the annual rendezvous. Laurie found a suitable and affortable RV storage yard in Punta Gorda, "Huge RV Storage." and another tug owner pointed us to a local driver who could shuttle us back to the tug. We would spend nearly a week at the rendezvous. Half of the owners of the 30 boats we had met before. Longtime friendships were revisited with seeing Mike and Jess on Illusions and Rich and Cheryl on Roam. Some of the people who were new to us had read this website and the other sites and knew much about our adventures. We received gracious and kind words because this website was helpful to them.
Part of the time at the rendezvous was in conversation with other tug owners, some time was attending scheduled events, and some time was spent repairing and clearning Trilogy after her months in storage. Every trip has their repairs and this one was no different. The Garmin radar was repaired in Everett with a new data patch cord, the failed automatic float switch in the shower pump box was removed and replaced with a manual switch, the solar panel controller was fixed by cleaning the data contacts with alchohol, and the folding bikes were repaired with the replacement of the tires and tubes. The inoperable stern thruster was assessed as a failure of the electronic control box and a replacement was ordered that would be installed a week later.
An approaching weather front caused our plans to change. Instead of boating to the Burnt Store Marina on Charlotte Harbor that is near Punta Gorda, Trilogy was trailered there and launched in their marina a couple of days before the annual rendezvous. Laurie found a suitable and affortable RV storage yard in Punta Gorda, "Huge RV Storage." and another tug owner pointed us to a local driver who could shuttle us back to the tug. We would spend nearly a week at the rendezvous. Half of the owners of the 30 boats we had met before. Longtime friendships were revisited with seeing Mike and Jess on Illusions and Rich and Cheryl on Roam. Some of the people who were new to us had read this website and the other sites and knew much about our adventures. We received gracious and kind words because this website was helpful to them.
Part of the time at the rendezvous was in conversation with other tug owners, some time was attending scheduled events, and some time was spent repairing and clearning Trilogy after her months in storage. Every trip has their repairs and this one was no different. The Garmin radar was repaired in Everett with a new data patch cord, the failed automatic float switch in the shower pump box was removed and replaced with a manual switch, the solar panel controller was fixed by cleaning the data contacts with alchohol, and the folding bikes were repaired with the replacement of the tires and tubes. The inoperable stern thruster was assessed as a failure of the electronic control box and a replacement was ordered that would be installed a week later.
Cruising Florida's Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) On The West Coast.
The rendezvous ended and we joined about 10 boats who cruised to Cayo Costa State Park, anchored out, and enjoyed the beach on the Gulf of Mexico. The next destination was Fort Myers to see long time friends Joe and Connie who live aboard Chesapeake, a Krogen 36 foot Manatee. This part of the cruise was very intense with many boats on the ICW and many caused huge wakes that needed to be appropriately handled or these could be damaging. We had another first on this trip: a minor medical issue that required a trip to a walk-in clinic for an exam and perscription. The symptoms and the treatment would cause a longer stay in Fort Myers. The time was well used to change Trilogy's oil. Joe and Connie were gracious and kind in providing transportation for our needs. The Edison Light Parade was held and the parade and fireworks were great. The folding bikes took us on a nice trip to the Ford/Edison Museum and estate.
The rendezvous ended and we joined about 10 boats who cruised to Cayo Costa State Park, anchored out, and enjoyed the beach on the Gulf of Mexico. The next destination was Fort Myers to see long time friends Joe and Connie who live aboard Chesapeake, a Krogen 36 foot Manatee. This part of the cruise was very intense with many boats on the ICW and many caused huge wakes that needed to be appropriately handled or these could be damaging. We had another first on this trip: a minor medical issue that required a trip to a walk-in clinic for an exam and perscription. The symptoms and the treatment would cause a longer stay in Fort Myers. The time was well used to change Trilogy's oil. Joe and Connie were gracious and kind in providing transportation for our needs. The Edison Light Parade was held and the parade and fireworks were great. The folding bikes took us on a nice trip to the Ford/Edison Museum and estate.
A Mechanical Faiilure & Getting Towed
After leaving Fort Myers, the ICW was followed past Boca Grande Pass when a loud screeching sound came from the engine. Seconds later, an alarm signaled that the engine was overheating and the temperature was 243 degrees when normal is about 190 degrees. The tug was put in idle and moved out of the busy ICW where the anchor was dropped in 5 feet of water. A look inside the engine compartment showed a mangled engine belt. The belt that drives only the seawater pump had failed and walked off the pulleys. Without the tools, parts or knowledge of how to do the repair and being very concerned about the possibility of damage to the muffler and the exhaust hoses, a tow was needed.
We have been BoatUS members for a longtime. Opening their app on the iPhone revealed the big button "Send A Tow." Shortly after pushing it, the central dispatch center called and after answering a few questions, a text was received that a tow was coming from Port Charlotte. The tow would arrive two hours later and during that time Laurie was calling marinas in the area to arrange for dockage and service. We were turned away by several marinas but the Gasparilla Marina Service Department said they would try to move some boats and try to squeeze Trilogy into their full calendar of repairs and service. During this time, I had connected with the "Ranger Network" of owners and when Trilogy arrived at sunset at the Gasparilla Marina, another tug owner, Doug, was waiting on the dock to help. He would later provide much needed transportation. The $1,000 tow bill was covered by BoatUS.
Two nights without power were spent at the marina while rennovtions and upgrands were happening around us. Typically, a belt of about the right size will work. Not so for "stretch belts" that are used when there are not mechanical means to get a belt tight. This belt had to an exact fit. The nearest replacement belt was at Mastry Engine Services and rather than wait for two days to get the work done, our truck was used to get to St. Petersburg and bring the new belts back. The mechanic was good but he had not seen this engine before and was not aware that a non-traditional "stretch" belt was used. Lessons learned: the seawater pump belt had simply worn out and should have been replaced at 250 hours because this was the original belt, know what spares are carried - I later found a spare belt in the tug's deep storage area, and have the right tools and learn how to do these kind of simple repairs.
After leaving Fort Myers, the ICW was followed past Boca Grande Pass when a loud screeching sound came from the engine. Seconds later, an alarm signaled that the engine was overheating and the temperature was 243 degrees when normal is about 190 degrees. The tug was put in idle and moved out of the busy ICW where the anchor was dropped in 5 feet of water. A look inside the engine compartment showed a mangled engine belt. The belt that drives only the seawater pump had failed and walked off the pulleys. Without the tools, parts or knowledge of how to do the repair and being very concerned about the possibility of damage to the muffler and the exhaust hoses, a tow was needed.
We have been BoatUS members for a longtime. Opening their app on the iPhone revealed the big button "Send A Tow." Shortly after pushing it, the central dispatch center called and after answering a few questions, a text was received that a tow was coming from Port Charlotte. The tow would arrive two hours later and during that time Laurie was calling marinas in the area to arrange for dockage and service. We were turned away by several marinas but the Gasparilla Marina Service Department said they would try to move some boats and try to squeeze Trilogy into their full calendar of repairs and service. During this time, I had connected with the "Ranger Network" of owners and when Trilogy arrived at sunset at the Gasparilla Marina, another tug owner, Doug, was waiting on the dock to help. He would later provide much needed transportation. The $1,000 tow bill was covered by BoatUS.
Two nights without power were spent at the marina while rennovtions and upgrands were happening around us. Typically, a belt of about the right size will work. Not so for "stretch belts" that are used when there are not mechanical means to get a belt tight. This belt had to an exact fit. The nearest replacement belt was at Mastry Engine Services and rather than wait for two days to get the work done, our truck was used to get to St. Petersburg and bring the new belts back. The mechanic was good but he had not seen this engine before and was not aware that a non-traditional "stretch" belt was used. Lessons learned: the seawater pump belt had simply worn out and should have been replaced at 250 hours because this was the original belt, know what spares are carried - I later found a spare belt in the tug's deep storage area, and have the right tools and learn how to do these kind of simple repairs.
Cruise northward to Dunedin, FL
The same day the repairs were completed and the truck was returned to the storage yard, we left to head north. While putting away the shore power cord, a higher priority repair was needed: the grounding plug on cord's end that went into the dock power pedestal broke off. The part was found at a West Marine Store. The first few hours after an engine repair there was unspoken anxiety with the questions: Will the engine work reliability? Is the belt going to come off again? Are there other problems that are unknown but will reveal themselves while cruising? All of that was felt as Trilogy headed north on the ICW and none of the concerns materialized. There was a scheduled event at a specific time and place that had to be met: Laurie was going to fly to Seattle for four days to see her mother, family and had some appointments. Dunedin was selected as the place for me to stay on the boat because it was close enough to the Tampa airport, was an interesting small town and the rates were better than Sarasota, Clearwater or St. Petersburg.
The first night after Garparilla was at an anchorage in Little Sarasota Bay that was behind Robert's Island. Trilogy had flawlessly taken us 40 miles in five hours. We had stayed there before and it was just off the ICW but quiet and protected. The next day was a long day of 66 miles with the destination being Caladesi Island State Park that was opposite Dunedin and was on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and the ICW. We arrived at the park's marina at 1500 hours and found only three other boats in a marina that could probably handle 70 boats. The first order of business was to repair the shore power cord by cutting off the broken plug and replacing it with a new one. This was mid-week and a cold front was coming within hours that would bring wind, rain andt keep most boats in port for a day or two.
The cold wind and rain came during the night and the diesel heater was needed in the morning. The wind was as steady 20 MPH with gusts into the 30's. Bundled up, we walked the beach and the long nature trail because it was out of the wind. The wind and sea conditions caused the passenger ferry service to be cancelled. The park was enjoyed dispite the windy weather. Guessing that the dinghy would not be needed, it was deflated and stowed in two bags, one on the roof and the other on top of the propane box that was on the swim step.
The same day the repairs were completed and the truck was returned to the storage yard, we left to head north. While putting away the shore power cord, a higher priority repair was needed: the grounding plug on cord's end that went into the dock power pedestal broke off. The part was found at a West Marine Store. The first few hours after an engine repair there was unspoken anxiety with the questions: Will the engine work reliability? Is the belt going to come off again? Are there other problems that are unknown but will reveal themselves while cruising? All of that was felt as Trilogy headed north on the ICW and none of the concerns materialized. There was a scheduled event at a specific time and place that had to be met: Laurie was going to fly to Seattle for four days to see her mother, family and had some appointments. Dunedin was selected as the place for me to stay on the boat because it was close enough to the Tampa airport, was an interesting small town and the rates were better than Sarasota, Clearwater or St. Petersburg.
The first night after Garparilla was at an anchorage in Little Sarasota Bay that was behind Robert's Island. Trilogy had flawlessly taken us 40 miles in five hours. We had stayed there before and it was just off the ICW but quiet and protected. The next day was a long day of 66 miles with the destination being Caladesi Island State Park that was opposite Dunedin and was on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and the ICW. We arrived at the park's marina at 1500 hours and found only three other boats in a marina that could probably handle 70 boats. The first order of business was to repair the shore power cord by cutting off the broken plug and replacing it with a new one. This was mid-week and a cold front was coming within hours that would bring wind, rain andt keep most boats in port for a day or two.
The cold wind and rain came during the night and the diesel heater was needed in the morning. The wind was as steady 20 MPH with gusts into the 30's. Bundled up, we walked the beach and the long nature trail because it was out of the wind. The wind and sea conditions caused the passenger ferry service to be cancelled. The park was enjoyed dispite the windy weather. Guessing that the dinghy would not be needed, it was deflated and stowed in two bags, one on the roof and the other on top of the propane box that was on the swim step.
The next day, the wind had eased but it was still strong. Ferry service had resumed and the employees could get to work on the park's boat. Trilogy left on th rising tide in the late morning for the 6 mile and one hour trip to Dunedin City Marina. The last 15 minutes was waves slamming against th hull and spray over the cabin until the tug was behind the protective breakwater. Trilogy would spend 5 days in a 50 foot slip and between a 45 foot sailboat and 60 foot Hattaras yacht was home to young family but the yacht was effective wind break.
Early on Sunday morning, the Uber driver picked up Laurie at 0530 hours. Later, I did the five minute walk to the Episcopal Church and enjoyed their service. Laundry was done by biking a mile to the laundromat. Life is simpler on a bike, not owning appliances but also the circumstances takes you to people not normally met. In this instance, the laundromat was a place for the working poor to do the essential business of living while enjoying the laundromat's free WiFi. The bike trail took me back through the crowds and the craft beer businesses to put things away and to throughly clean Trilogy. Monday was shopping day with a 2.5 mile ride to the Publix Store after looking at two other options that were closer. After all was put away, the afternoon was touring the Dunedin community to get a flavor of the lifestyle of the people. Tuesday was spent removing, repairing and installing the stern thruster. A job of patience, physical agility and stamina of having you head down deep into the lowest bowels of the tug, The repair worked fine until the next day when the thruster stopped working. I was fine with it not working, because it is rarely if ever used. Wednesday was another laundry day to finish what was started but also to wash to the occasional things. The rain came swiftly and was very hard all afternoon. A Lyft driver took me to the Enterprise Rental where a new Ram truck was rented for 24 hours. Laurie returned from Seattle that evening.
We had decided that boating in this part of Florida was not as interesting as the ICW in Georgia and the Carolinas. Also, the weather fronts would keep us limited for a few days. We decided to pull the tug and launch it Brunswick, Georgia and go north on the ICW until the weather stop us or it felt it was time to end this trip.
Early on Sunday morning, the Uber driver picked up Laurie at 0530 hours. Later, I did the five minute walk to the Episcopal Church and enjoyed their service. Laundry was done by biking a mile to the laundromat. Life is simpler on a bike, not owning appliances but also the circumstances takes you to people not normally met. In this instance, the laundromat was a place for the working poor to do the essential business of living while enjoying the laundromat's free WiFi. The bike trail took me back through the crowds and the craft beer businesses to put things away and to throughly clean Trilogy. Monday was shopping day with a 2.5 mile ride to the Publix Store after looking at two other options that were closer. After all was put away, the afternoon was touring the Dunedin community to get a flavor of the lifestyle of the people. Tuesday was spent removing, repairing and installing the stern thruster. A job of patience, physical agility and stamina of having you head down deep into the lowest bowels of the tug, The repair worked fine until the next day when the thruster stopped working. I was fine with it not working, because it is rarely if ever used. Wednesday was another laundry day to finish what was started but also to wash to the occasional things. The rain came swiftly and was very hard all afternoon. A Lyft driver took me to the Enterprise Rental where a new Ram truck was rented for 24 hours. Laurie returned from Seattle that evening.
We had decided that boating in this part of Florida was not as interesting as the ICW in Georgia and the Carolinas. Also, the weather fronts would keep us limited for a few days. We decided to pull the tug and launch it Brunswick, Georgia and go north on the ICW until the weather stop us or it felt it was time to end this trip.
Brunswick, Georgia and Starting The Atlantic ICW.
Thursday, we drove the 100 miles to pickup the truck and trailer near Punta Gorda and drove back to return the rental car. Trilogy was prepped for a road trip and slid on its trailer at the Dunedin City Marina boat ramp. Laurie, the harbormaster was quite helpful during our stay and was doubtful that the ramp was big enough or deep enough for the tug. At a low tide and using a boat hook, the length and depth of the ramp was investigated and found to be adequate. The tug went right on the trailer and the truck easily pulled both the trailer and the tug into the parking lot.
An hour later, we were negotiating the traffic backup through Dunedin and headed north on I-75. Laurie used the "RV Parky" app to find the Walmart Store in Starke, Florida for overnight parking. At 8PM and 150 miles later, the store manager gave consent to have Trilogy in their lot for the night and we sleft the night in the tug.
The next day, we arrived in Brunswick, Georgia at about 11 AM and first went to the boat launch at Blythe Island Regional Park. The ramp was big and deep but there were two factors that caused us to look elsewhere: First, there was a very strong cross wind, one that blew across the ramp. Second, the high tide caused the floating dock to be another 100 feet away. Getting the boat to the floating dock without hitting the steel piers or walking the boat down ramp would be difficult. A local boater told us about the ramp under the Lanier Bridge and recommended it. That ramp was our next stop and it was perfectly adequate and closer to the Brunswick Landing Marina where we had reservations for two nights. The tug was floated off and secured to the dock. On the way to dropping off the truck and trailer at the same storage where our Escape Trailer was, a stop to fill Trilogy's propane tanks was made. Done at the storage lot with truck and trailer secured, an Uber driver took us back to Trilogy. An hour later, Trilogy was in her slip at the Brunswick Landing Marina. To do the same trip by boat from Dunedin to Brunswick would have taken about 14 days depending on weather.
Thursday, we drove the 100 miles to pickup the truck and trailer near Punta Gorda and drove back to return the rental car. Trilogy was prepped for a road trip and slid on its trailer at the Dunedin City Marina boat ramp. Laurie, the harbormaster was quite helpful during our stay and was doubtful that the ramp was big enough or deep enough for the tug. At a low tide and using a boat hook, the length and depth of the ramp was investigated and found to be adequate. The tug went right on the trailer and the truck easily pulled both the trailer and the tug into the parking lot.
An hour later, we were negotiating the traffic backup through Dunedin and headed north on I-75. Laurie used the "RV Parky" app to find the Walmart Store in Starke, Florida for overnight parking. At 8PM and 150 miles later, the store manager gave consent to have Trilogy in their lot for the night and we sleft the night in the tug.
The next day, we arrived in Brunswick, Georgia at about 11 AM and first went to the boat launch at Blythe Island Regional Park. The ramp was big and deep but there were two factors that caused us to look elsewhere: First, there was a very strong cross wind, one that blew across the ramp. Second, the high tide caused the floating dock to be another 100 feet away. Getting the boat to the floating dock without hitting the steel piers or walking the boat down ramp would be difficult. A local boater told us about the ramp under the Lanier Bridge and recommended it. That ramp was our next stop and it was perfectly adequate and closer to the Brunswick Landing Marina where we had reservations for two nights. The tug was floated off and secured to the dock. On the way to dropping off the truck and trailer at the same storage where our Escape Trailer was, a stop to fill Trilogy's propane tanks was made. Done at the storage lot with truck and trailer secured, an Uber driver took us back to Trilogy. An hour later, Trilogy was in her slip at the Brunswick Landing Marina. To do the same trip by boat from Dunedin to Brunswick would have taken about 14 days depending on weather.
The overturned freighter, a car carrier with 4,000 new cars still inside in Brunswick River.
A Two Day Cruise to Savannah, Georgia
A windy cold front kept us in Brunswick for two days and when the winds had eased, the water was calm and flat. During our stay, the bikes took as through the historic district of Brunswick. Leaving on Sunday and wanting to get moving, near the mouth of the Brunswick River and where the ICW turns to the north, crews were working on cutting and removing the huge car carrier that had overturned the previous October. Trilogy would travel one of its longest mileage for this trip of 68 miles in the scenic low country of Georgia. Only a handful of boats were seen all day. The weather was perfect for us with highs in the mid 60's.
The cruising was interesting with wide arching curves, tight S-turns, and the channel did a few Z-turns. At some forks in the river, the path of the ICW was not readily apparent and we enjoyed looking at both the iPad that was running Navionics and the chartplotter running a Garmin chip to discern the right path. This was not hard or challenging, but would be if the boat was running 25 knots. As the day progressed, Laurie identified three possible anchorages using information for the Waterway Guide, the chart and the reviews in Active Captain. The anchorage on the westside of St. Catherines Island in Wahlburg Creek was selected. The two knot current made the anchor set quickly and securing. The night was quiet and calm without boats, noise, or wind under a cloudy sky.
A windy cold front kept us in Brunswick for two days and when the winds had eased, the water was calm and flat. During our stay, the bikes took as through the historic district of Brunswick. Leaving on Sunday and wanting to get moving, near the mouth of the Brunswick River and where the ICW turns to the north, crews were working on cutting and removing the huge car carrier that had overturned the previous October. Trilogy would travel one of its longest mileage for this trip of 68 miles in the scenic low country of Georgia. Only a handful of boats were seen all day. The weather was perfect for us with highs in the mid 60's.
The cruising was interesting with wide arching curves, tight S-turns, and the channel did a few Z-turns. At some forks in the river, the path of the ICW was not readily apparent and we enjoyed looking at both the iPad that was running Navionics and the chartplotter running a Garmin chip to discern the right path. This was not hard or challenging, but would be if the boat was running 25 knots. As the day progressed, Laurie identified three possible anchorages using information for the Waterway Guide, the chart and the reviews in Active Captain. The anchorage on the westside of St. Catherines Island in Wahlburg Creek was selected. The two knot current made the anchor set quickly and securing. The night was quiet and calm without boats, noise, or wind under a cloudy sky.
The next day, the 31 miles to the Isle Of Hope Marina that was near Savannah was done before lunch. The marina office was technically closed by Kimberly, the office manager, answeredd the phone and provided instructions on where to the dock. The marina had space and was storing a number of boats as evidenced by the multiple and repeative lines and the window coverings. We were the only transient boaters and was given access to the courtesy car for the remainder of the day. This more than compensated for the $2 a foot charge for daily moorage. Errands at West Marine, Northern Tool and Publix Market was done. Dinner was BBQ take-out for the Sandfly BBQ and the best Brunswick Stew on this trip. The no-see-ums were out in force when the winds eased below 6 MPH and the salon was our safe haven for the night.
Tuesday would be a full day of exploring Savannah. Kimberly let us have the car until 3PM. With the folding bikes in the trunk and the back seat, the car was parked at the downtown visitor center for a tour on the Hop On, Hop Off bus. The guide was great and we had the big picture of the historic district, the people and the community. After the 90 minute tour, the bikes provided the great means to see the houses and the up close and personal and we covered many blocks without being exhausted afterwards. Savannah is one of my favorite cities and I was not disappointed.
Tuesday would be a full day of exploring Savannah. Kimberly let us have the car until 3PM. With the folding bikes in the trunk and the back seat, the car was parked at the downtown visitor center for a tour on the Hop On, Hop Off bus. The guide was great and we had the big picture of the historic district, the people and the community. After the 90 minute tour, the bikes provided the great means to see the houses and the up close and personal and we covered many blocks without being exhausted afterwards. Savannah is one of my favorite cities and I was not disappointed.
Beaufort, South Carolina - Halfway between Savannah And Charleston
The first Wednesday on March and the winds would be still to a fresh breeze. This would be a 55 mile long cruising day of light to heavy rain with low clouds that brought down the visibility to sometimes less than a mile. But, it was never unsafe and it was anticipated and enjoyed. We rarely use the wipers on Trilogy. Instead, two applications of Rainex is applied to the front windows about every three weeks and this causes the water to just sheet off the glass.
The ICW does not go through the heart of Savannah, it just skirts the edges. Just before encountering the Savannah River with its possibility of commercial traffic, a Coast Guard patrol boat came around a turn in front of us, slowed as it passed then then did a U-turn to stop and board the tug. We were not concerned. In 35 years of boating this would be about the 9th time we had been boarded. The two officer boarding crew were professional, polite, and explained. Laurie did all the talking while I kept the tug on its course and idling speed. In 15 minutes the Coast Guard officers were satisfied as we had all the equipment and procedures required.
Crossing the Savannah River and Georgia is left behind. In this part of South Carolina, the ICW is either a dug ditch or in a wide river or bay. We were in the lunar cycle of high-high tides and very low lows which made the current stronger. In the open water, the winds from the southwest would times push us and sometimes made the chop stand up when it was opposing the current. During these places of open water and chop, Trilogy would zip through at 12 knots or 14 MPH.
After passing the Marine Corps base at Parris Island, the region around Beaufort has three marinas. Port Royal and the Downtown Marina are close to downtowns but were passed because they are mostly unprotected from the storm that was coming and the wakes in the river. Lady Island Marina was chosen because it is protected and though it is a mile from Beaufort and it offers a courtesy car. Again, we were the only transient boat in the marina and Mary, the harbormaster, was generous with the courtesy car. Trilogy stayed three nights in Beaufort because the weather stayed longer than forecasted. Beaufort, Port Royal, Lady's Island and St. Helena Island were all driven and explored. A provisioning run was done. The marina has a wonderful boater's lounge that is well stocked with books and a place to have conversations. We met a young couple who were very new to boating, had acquired a 30 foot, partially completed catamaran with a small outboard and were boating from Virginia to Key West. Their innocense and risk-taking was appreciated. They were partially funding the trip with revenue from a Youtube channel with their lessons, mistakes and challenges.
The weather window for Trilogy is smaller than our trawler Tribute and the sustained winds of 15 MPH creates an uncomfortable ride in the Ranger 27. On the third day, the winds rose to 35 MPH and moved from the north to pin Trilogy against the dock. All the fenders were moved to the port side.
The first Wednesday on March and the winds would be still to a fresh breeze. This would be a 55 mile long cruising day of light to heavy rain with low clouds that brought down the visibility to sometimes less than a mile. But, it was never unsafe and it was anticipated and enjoyed. We rarely use the wipers on Trilogy. Instead, two applications of Rainex is applied to the front windows about every three weeks and this causes the water to just sheet off the glass.
The ICW does not go through the heart of Savannah, it just skirts the edges. Just before encountering the Savannah River with its possibility of commercial traffic, a Coast Guard patrol boat came around a turn in front of us, slowed as it passed then then did a U-turn to stop and board the tug. We were not concerned. In 35 years of boating this would be about the 9th time we had been boarded. The two officer boarding crew were professional, polite, and explained. Laurie did all the talking while I kept the tug on its course and idling speed. In 15 minutes the Coast Guard officers were satisfied as we had all the equipment and procedures required.
Crossing the Savannah River and Georgia is left behind. In this part of South Carolina, the ICW is either a dug ditch or in a wide river or bay. We were in the lunar cycle of high-high tides and very low lows which made the current stronger. In the open water, the winds from the southwest would times push us and sometimes made the chop stand up when it was opposing the current. During these places of open water and chop, Trilogy would zip through at 12 knots or 14 MPH.
After passing the Marine Corps base at Parris Island, the region around Beaufort has three marinas. Port Royal and the Downtown Marina are close to downtowns but were passed because they are mostly unprotected from the storm that was coming and the wakes in the river. Lady Island Marina was chosen because it is protected and though it is a mile from Beaufort and it offers a courtesy car. Again, we were the only transient boat in the marina and Mary, the harbormaster, was generous with the courtesy car. Trilogy stayed three nights in Beaufort because the weather stayed longer than forecasted. Beaufort, Port Royal, Lady's Island and St. Helena Island were all driven and explored. A provisioning run was done. The marina has a wonderful boater's lounge that is well stocked with books and a place to have conversations. We met a young couple who were very new to boating, had acquired a 30 foot, partially completed catamaran with a small outboard and were boating from Virginia to Key West. Their innocense and risk-taking was appreciated. They were partially funding the trip with revenue from a Youtube channel with their lessons, mistakes and challenges.
The weather window for Trilogy is smaller than our trawler Tribute and the sustained winds of 15 MPH creates an uncomfortable ride in the Ranger 27. On the third day, the winds rose to 35 MPH and moved from the north to pin Trilogy against the dock. All the fenders were moved to the port side.
Charleston, South Carolina
We had considered doing this 70 mile trip in two days but the anchorage options were few. The decision was made to leave at sunrise, have breakfast while underway and do this trip in one eight hour day. The wind was a fresh breeze all day and the route was active because of the narrowness of the rivers, bays and creeks that had long docks across the shallow water. The ICW opened up and as we went through Elliot's Cut, the opposing current of 5 knots forced us to power through the cut. Under the huge Highway 171 bridge and past the great boat ramp that was underneath it, the ICW paused at the massive Charleston Harbor. The historic city fills a whole peninsula. On the south side is the Mega-Yacht marina that we had previously stayed at and wanted a better experience. The Charleston Maritime Center on the north side of the peninsula was chosen and they had plenty of room.
We arrived at 3PM and took on 68 gallons of diesel. The marina is not well protected from boat wakes and for the next two days, the tug would occasionally get bounced and the lines were sometimes strained. The folding bikes were extensively used to take us to church on the following day when Daylight Savings Time started. These also were used to explore the markets, the wide walk that rims the peninsula and to ride nearly every street in the historic district. Charleston is one of our top cities to explore and enjoy and though it was full-blown spring, there were blooming plants.
We had considered doing this 70 mile trip in two days but the anchorage options were few. The decision was made to leave at sunrise, have breakfast while underway and do this trip in one eight hour day. The wind was a fresh breeze all day and the route was active because of the narrowness of the rivers, bays and creeks that had long docks across the shallow water. The ICW opened up and as we went through Elliot's Cut, the opposing current of 5 knots forced us to power through the cut. Under the huge Highway 171 bridge and past the great boat ramp that was underneath it, the ICW paused at the massive Charleston Harbor. The historic city fills a whole peninsula. On the south side is the Mega-Yacht marina that we had previously stayed at and wanted a better experience. The Charleston Maritime Center on the north side of the peninsula was chosen and they had plenty of room.
We arrived at 3PM and took on 68 gallons of diesel. The marina is not well protected from boat wakes and for the next two days, the tug would occasionally get bounced and the lines were sometimes strained. The folding bikes were extensively used to take us to church on the following day when Daylight Savings Time started. These also were used to explore the markets, the wide walk that rims the peninsula and to ride nearly every street in the historic district. Charleston is one of our top cities to explore and enjoy and though it was full-blown spring, there were blooming plants.
Georgetown to Southport, North Carolina
On the second Monday in March, Trilogy travelled 65 miles. There would be long straight stretches of channel and sections of a narrow ditch, sections of marshes that are seven miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The ICW goes through the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and followed the boundary of a national forest. Along some straight stretches were homes on both sides of the channel and one section had very high-end multiple story mansions on one side and modest single and two structures on the other side. What was the difference? Roads. The modest homes were built on an island. The tidal changes caused strong currents that would be a factor all day. Depending on which side of the outlet to the ocean, Trilogy would either receive a nice push of one to two knots or would fight the current. The fast cruising speed was used more than any other day on this trip because of the current and the fewer docks in this part of South Carolina.
Trilogy arrived at the Harbor Walk Marina in the middle of the afternoon and tied to the face dock. The bay and all the marinas were very quiet. The quaint downtown was walked and most of the businesses were closed because of the day of the week or later hour. Pork chops were grilled on the BBQ and sunset was enjoyed until the no-see-ums came as the air became still.
On the second Monday in March, Trilogy travelled 65 miles. There would be long straight stretches of channel and sections of a narrow ditch, sections of marshes that are seven miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The ICW goes through the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and followed the boundary of a national forest. Along some straight stretches were homes on both sides of the channel and one section had very high-end multiple story mansions on one side and modest single and two structures on the other side. What was the difference? Roads. The modest homes were built on an island. The tidal changes caused strong currents that would be a factor all day. Depending on which side of the outlet to the ocean, Trilogy would either receive a nice push of one to two knots or would fight the current. The fast cruising speed was used more than any other day on this trip because of the current and the fewer docks in this part of South Carolina.
Trilogy arrived at the Harbor Walk Marina in the middle of the afternoon and tied to the face dock. The bay and all the marinas were very quiet. The quaint downtown was walked and most of the businesses were closed because of the day of the week or later hour. Pork chops were grilled on the BBQ and sunset was enjoyed until the no-see-ums came as the air became still.
The next day was cool with a morning temperature in the high 50's. The cruising had two distinct parts in the topography and impact of human development. The morning was cruising the Waccamawa River and the tidal currents had Trilogy "Going With God" all day, being pushed along at an additional 1 to 2 miles per hour. Unlike yesterday where the fast cruising speed was extensively used, Trilogy cruised at 9 MPH for nearly the whole day. For 30 miles, the majesty and beauty of the Cypress Swamp was inspiring and we enjoyed the pelicans, ospreys and bald eagles. If there are birds, there is food to eat, a place to raise their young, and materials to build a home. The male ospreys had started building their nests and when completed, they would stand on the edge probably hoping to persuade a female to be his mate. The nest was the selling point for the relationship.
The river swayed from side to side with many tributaries and oxbows. There was a smattering of small communities and small marinas. The river and the shoreline was quiet and Trilogy was often alone going through the Cypress trees. This was late winter or early spring in the southeast and the though the trees were bare, there were buds and some foliage coming in the understory of the forest.
The river swayed from side to side with many tributaries and oxbows. There was a smattering of small communities and small marinas. The river and the shoreline was quiet and Trilogy was often alone going through the Cypress trees. This was late winter or early spring in the southeast and the though the trees were bare, there were buds and some foliage coming in the understory of the forest.
The afternoon was the po;ar opposite. Passing an invisible line, the forest was clear cut, the bank was reinforced with either sheet steel or layers of rock and the the swamp was filled with dirt to add two more feet of earth. The newer buildings were built on 12 foot high pilings or a concrete foundation. This was the outskirts of Myrtle Beach and during the next 30 miles, the intensity of the development with bigger homes, docks, bridges, blocks of four story condos, towering hotels and high-end marinas filled with huge yachts. This is a ditch that is lined with homes and docks and was generally straight. A few oncoming boats were encountered.
There is a five mile stretch called the "Rock Pile" that can be particulary hazardous for boaters. The channel was cut through layers of rock and under the water, the channel is set of shelves of rock. Boats need to stay in the center and oncoming traffic can force boats toward the rock ledges. On this day, there were no boats and the "Rock Pile" was easily transited at 8 MPH.
There is a five mile stretch called the "Rock Pile" that can be particulary hazardous for boaters. The channel was cut through layers of rock and under the water, the channel is set of shelves of rock. Boats need to stay in the center and oncoming traffic can force boats toward the rock ledges. On this day, there were no boats and the "Rock Pile" was easily transited at 8 MPH.
Laurie found an anchorage at the border of North and South Carolina, and up the Little River a short distance. Mistakes most often happen at the end of day when fatigue is unknowingly affecting the crew. Leaving the ICW, we went around the two red aids to navigation at the lowest tide and immediately lost nearly all depth and Trilogy had only inches of water under her keel. We had forgotten the adage, "Red, right, returning to home." Meaning, when returning to port, keep the red markers on your right. Trilogy's shallow draft of 25" kept the mistake from any consequences.
The anchor was dropped in 5 feet of water that would rise by another 5 feet and the 3 knot current set the Rocna anchor swiftly. With the current, the rising tide and wind gusts forecasted at 25 MPH, extra line was paid out. In the last hour of light, chicken burgers were grilled and we were appreciative of the sportfishing boats that slowed down as they headed to port.
Looking at the wind, current and the information about Wilmington, the decision was made to pull Trilogy in Southport. The time and effort to battle the Cape Fear River was best summed up in the phrase, "The juice is not worth the squeeze." This is how we cruise, continually assessing the information and adapting accordingly. The notion is to load the tug on its trailer and take it back to Seattle for some short trips and to sell her because the reasons that we bought this boat was being fulfilled.
The anchor was dropped in 5 feet of water that would rise by another 5 feet and the 3 knot current set the Rocna anchor swiftly. With the current, the rising tide and wind gusts forecasted at 25 MPH, extra line was paid out. In the last hour of light, chicken burgers were grilled and we were appreciative of the sportfishing boats that slowed down as they headed to port.
Looking at the wind, current and the information about Wilmington, the decision was made to pull Trilogy in Southport. The time and effort to battle the Cape Fear River was best summed up in the phrase, "The juice is not worth the squeeze." This is how we cruise, continually assessing the information and adapting accordingly. The notion is to load the tug on its trailer and take it back to Seattle for some short trips and to sell her because the reasons that we bought this boat was being fulfilled.
Southport, North Carolina and The End Of the Boat Trip
The 30 miles to the Southport Marina was easy and smooth and we tied to the opposite side of the fuel dock at about noon. The marina was quiet on this Wednesday in mid-March. Trilogy had traveled 598 miles, on 76 engine hours, averaging 7.8 Miles Per Hour or 6.7 knots, and achieving 3.6 miles per gallon and using 2.2 gallons per hour. Our boating costs, not including repairs, was $93 a day.
The second half of the day was making arrangements for the following day: a rental car to get the truck and trailer in Brunswick, GA, servicing the bearings on the boat trailer, and getting the oil and filter changed on the truck. The bikes were set up and we cycled around the historic part of the town near the waterfront and watched the boats battle the fierce currents and the Coast Guard train in their cutter. We had dinner with Bob and Gail who were next to us at the Tug Rendezvous in Florida because they live nearby. We also made the decision to change our plans and leave Trilogy in Brunswick and to take our travel trailer back to Seattle. The coronavirus had adjusted our plans. There was little reason to drive home immediately and the trailer was more comfortable to self-quarantine, if necessary, and to be separate from other people.
The next day was driving a total of 700 miles as the rental car took us the 350 miles to Brunswick, GA and then we returned with the truck and trailer to Southport, SC. Getting back to the tug at 10:30PM and Millie was glad to see us.
By noon on Friday, the trailer was serviced, the truck had fresh oil, a wash and was fueled and Laurie had prepped the interior. The tide was nearly at its highest when Trilogy was floated onto its trailer. The ramp and dock at the Southport Marina is very good. 90 minutes later, the canvas off and packed, the tower down, lines and fenders stored, and the galley was clear and packed away. We pulled away from Southport in the middle of the afternoon, drove three hours and waited on I-95 in gridlock due to an accident. We arrived at the KOA campground at Santee Lakes, South Carolina at 8PM. They made us their last pizza for the night and delivered it to the tug in its campsite. Veggie pizza and beer never tasted so good.
The 30 miles to the Southport Marina was easy and smooth and we tied to the opposite side of the fuel dock at about noon. The marina was quiet on this Wednesday in mid-March. Trilogy had traveled 598 miles, on 76 engine hours, averaging 7.8 Miles Per Hour or 6.7 knots, and achieving 3.6 miles per gallon and using 2.2 gallons per hour. Our boating costs, not including repairs, was $93 a day.
The second half of the day was making arrangements for the following day: a rental car to get the truck and trailer in Brunswick, GA, servicing the bearings on the boat trailer, and getting the oil and filter changed on the truck. The bikes were set up and we cycled around the historic part of the town near the waterfront and watched the boats battle the fierce currents and the Coast Guard train in their cutter. We had dinner with Bob and Gail who were next to us at the Tug Rendezvous in Florida because they live nearby. We also made the decision to change our plans and leave Trilogy in Brunswick and to take our travel trailer back to Seattle. The coronavirus had adjusted our plans. There was little reason to drive home immediately and the trailer was more comfortable to self-quarantine, if necessary, and to be separate from other people.
The next day was driving a total of 700 miles as the rental car took us the 350 miles to Brunswick, GA and then we returned with the truck and trailer to Southport, SC. Getting back to the tug at 10:30PM and Millie was glad to see us.
By noon on Friday, the trailer was serviced, the truck had fresh oil, a wash and was fueled and Laurie had prepped the interior. The tide was nearly at its highest when Trilogy was floated onto its trailer. The ramp and dock at the Southport Marina is very good. 90 minutes later, the canvas off and packed, the tower down, lines and fenders stored, and the galley was clear and packed away. We pulled away from Southport in the middle of the afternoon, drove three hours and waited on I-95 in gridlock due to an accident. We arrived at the KOA campground at Santee Lakes, South Carolina at 8PM. They made us their last pizza for the night and delivered it to the tug in its campsite. Veggie pizza and beer never tasted so good.
Road Trip, Coronavirus Separation & Heading Back To Pacific Northwest
The first half of Saturday was driving to Exit 29 Storage in Brunswick and unloading the tug, packing the trailer, and putting Trilogy to bed for at least several months. Maybe the next trip will be to Lake Superior and then take the boat to Washington State. Leaving at mid-afternoon, Laurie found a RV park in Statesboro, GA that was 90 minutes away. The next two days was at Paul and Stacy's home in Athens, GA enjoying their friendship and hospitality. The fervor over the virus was building with grocery stores packed with shoppers and concerns about what businesses and services would be open and watching the count of cases and deaths.
The first half of Saturday was driving to Exit 29 Storage in Brunswick and unloading the tug, packing the trailer, and putting Trilogy to bed for at least several months. Maybe the next trip will be to Lake Superior and then take the boat to Washington State. Leaving at mid-afternoon, Laurie found a RV park in Statesboro, GA that was 90 minutes away. The next two days was at Paul and Stacy's home in Athens, GA enjoying their friendship and hospitality. The fervor over the virus was building with grocery stores packed with shoppers and concerns about what businesses and services would be open and watching the count of cases and deaths.
