Mike and Veronica setting the AGLCA flag on Day One!!!!
Eric Schmidt (left to right) Dock Hands And Capt. Stan Jones helping us off on day one - Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Day One, Charleston to Dewees Creek
Day one was an easy trip up the ICW to shake out the boat and brush up on our anchoring skills. A three hour motor took us to Dewees Creek, where we pulled off and anchored in about 15 feet of water. Amazing how such a beautiful spot can be so close to home and yet we never remember it's there.
Sunset on Dewees Creek
Week One - April 2, 2013
Left Dewees Creek in the morning headed for McClellenville for another anchorage. The weather started deteriorating, so we talked it over and decided to go straight on to Georgetown, SC. Good thing, as the forecast changed to overnight showers and winds 15 to 20 gusting to 30, to stay for at least two days. Had two days in Georgetown to troubleshoot an alternator problem and outlast the weather.
We headed out for Waca Wache Marina and an anchorage just around the corner from them, but once again the weather acted up. It was raining and 41 degrees, so we again changed plans and headed for Barefoot Marina in North Myrtle Beach, where we planned to stay for a few days to wrap up some business and have dinner with a good friend, Roger Berardinis and his son Tim, who were driving up to see us from Charleston, after competing in the Cooper River Bridge Run.
So, after stopping for fuel at Osprey Marina, we arrived at Barefoot Marina about five in the afternoon.
"And what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer".
No, not really. But just as good, we were not even tied to the dock, and the Loopers started coming out of the woodwork, er, adjacent boats. We got our first Loopers Welcome from Judy and Gene Koetitz on "La Que Se A", Rick and Betsy Johnson on "Rick 'n Roll", Rick and Margi Decatur on "Journey", and Bill and Joyce Craig on "Carried Away". What an awesome way to start the trip. We had so much fun talking, I missed the marina closing and had to wait til morning to sign in.
FUN WITH TIM & ROGER
Roger and Tim (father & son), found us about 5:00 on Saturday. They had a great run in Charleston, finishing the 10K in about 55 minutes. Food and drink followed, in the course of which my unpredictable Syracuse Orangemen fell to Tim's Michigan team. Oh well, there's always next year. Thought the team did a magnificent job getting to the final four.
So, after stopping for fuel at Osprey Marina, we arrived at Barefoot Marina about five in the afternoon.
"And what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer".
No, not really. But just as good, we were not even tied to the dock, and the Loopers started coming out of the woodwork, er, adjacent boats. We got our first Loopers Welcome from Judy and Gene Koetitz on "La Que Se A", Rick and Betsy Johnson on "Rick 'n Roll", Rick and Margi Decatur on "Journey", and Bill and Joyce Craig on "Carried Away". What an awesome way to start the trip. We had so much fun talking, I missed the marina closing and had to wait til morning to sign in.
FUN WITH TIM & ROGER
Roger and Tim (father & son), found us about 5:00 on Saturday. They had a great run in Charleston, finishing the 10K in about 55 minutes. Food and drink followed, in the course of which my unpredictable Syracuse Orangemen fell to Tim's Michigan team. Oh well, there's always next year. Thought the team did a magnificent job getting to the final four.
Tim, Roger and Veronica on board PB
Week Two - April 9, 2013
We left North Myrtle Beach about 9:45 am on Tuesday, and headed for Southport, NC. The weather Tuesday was nice, but Tuesday night and Wednesday morning promised lots of rain, so we spent two days in Southport. Had a little excitement coming into the marina when the starboard engine quit halfway into the slip, but the dock guys were really professionals and helped us tie up with no fuss at all.
After the rains came, we got to explore Southport and have lunch in a great little pizza place. Best Pizza I've had since leaving New York. The Dry Street Pub and Pizza Restaurant was clean and neat, and the gal who worked there gave us the lowdown on where to go and what to see. What she didn't tell us was that a film crew was in town shooting scenes for the new tv show "Under the Dome". When we tried walking down by the waterfront, they politely asked us to move along because we were in shot. Tried to convince them we were extras, but.....
After the rains came, we got to explore Southport and have lunch in a great little pizza place. Best Pizza I've had since leaving New York. The Dry Street Pub and Pizza Restaurant was clean and neat, and the gal who worked there gave us the lowdown on where to go and what to see. What she didn't tell us was that a film crew was in town shooting scenes for the new tv show "Under the Dome". When we tried walking down by the waterfront, they politely asked us to move along because we were in shot. Tried to convince them we were extras, but.....
Leaving Southport Marina
Carolina Beach at Snow's Cut
Well, on the way at 8:30 Thursday morning. We headed North for Wrightsville beach. After another beautiful day of cruising, the weather man had his way with us again. Two days of bad weather in the forecast, so we stayed at Wrightsville Beach to let it pass. It poured and poured.
That brings up another kudo for Mallory. Don't know if you are following us, Mal, but if you are, the boats been dry as can be. Great Job!!!
Dinner in Wrightsville Friday night, and on our way again on Saturday to Mile Hammock Bay at Camp Lejeune.
That brings up another kudo for Mallory. Don't know if you are following us, Mal, but if you are, the boats been dry as can be. Great Job!!!
Dinner in Wrightsville Friday night, and on our way again on Saturday to Mile Hammock Bay at Camp Lejeune.
Osprey at Topsail Beach NC
ICW Pink House Near Sea Haven Beach
Arrived at Mile Hammock Bay near Camp Lejeune at 3:00 Saturday afternoon. We had the anchorage to ourselves till about 4:30, and then folks started to trickle in. By dusk there were seven of us at anchor.
We heard from the folks who put in after us. They were just finishing the loop and heading home. Never did get their names, but they were on a neat little trawler named "Dovie" home ported in Asheville, NC. The next morning we awoke to still waters and a little fog, but with the sun coming on strong.
We heard from the folks who put in after us. They were just finishing the loop and heading home. Never did get their names, but they were on a neat little trawler named "Dovie" home ported in Asheville, NC. The next morning we awoke to still waters and a little fog, but with the sun coming on strong.
Mile Hammock Bay at Sunrise
We wound up staying at Mile Hammock bay for two days just to enjoy the scenery and the peace and quiet. The Marine Corps exercises there, and I understand it can be quite exciting when they are having maneuvers, but all we saw of them was a group of a dozen or so who must have been on a hike and came down to the bay to rest for a bit. We also saw a number of Marine Corps Osprey aircraft during our two day
We left Mile Hammock bay Monday morning, 4-15, about 8:30 am bound for Morehead City, NC, arriving at 2:15 in the afternoon. We stayed over at Morehead City Yacht Basin for two days to get groceries and other provisions. For $10.00, we got the use of a fairly new minivan for two hours. Monday evening we walked about a mile down to Raps Restaurant for a beer and a burger. Great little neighborhood bar with lots of NC sports memorabilia.
We left Mile Hammock bay Monday morning, 4-15, about 8:30 am bound for Morehead City, NC, arriving at 2:15 in the afternoon. We stayed over at Morehead City Yacht Basin for two days to get groceries and other provisions. For $10.00, we got the use of a fairly new minivan for two hours. Monday evening we walked about a mile down to Raps Restaurant for a beer and a burger. Great little neighborhood bar with lots of NC sports memorabilia.
Week Three - April 16, 2013
Another day in Morehead City, NC, found us doing a little maintenance and housekeeping chores. Met a really nice couple from Vermont, Bob & Nancy Anderson on "Puffin", and went to dinner with them at Floyds Restaurant. Floyds is an institution in Morehead city, and I'm told that people stop at the Yacht Basin just to go there for dinner. Dinner was pretty good, but we broke our new rule about desert, and boy, was it worth the calories.
Wednesday, 4-17, saw us leave Morehead City for Oriental, NC, about 9:00 in the morning. Oriental is a little bitty town, seven tenths of a mike across, that sits about three miles off the intracoastal. We stayed at the Oriental Marina & Inn, and docked right in front of the Tiki Bar. As luck would have it, it was Ladies night, and the food was free and the place was crowded with locals and boaters alike.
Wednesday, 4-17, saw us leave Morehead City for Oriental, NC, about 9:00 in the morning. Oriental is a little bitty town, seven tenths of a mike across, that sits about three miles off the intracoastal. We stayed at the Oriental Marina & Inn, and docked right in front of the Tiki Bar. As luck would have it, it was Ladies night, and the food was free and the place was crowded with locals and boaters alike.
Pazza Bella in front of the Tiki Bar
Since the name of the town is Oriental, there are numerous references to stylized dragons all over. There is even a wooden Dragon in the salt water marsh across from the marina.
Oriental's Dragon
We pulled out early on Thursday the 18th, bound for Dowry Creek Marina on the Pungo River, in Belhaven, NC. We were expecting some nasty weather, and we were not disappointed. We needed the weather to calm down for a day so we could navigate the Alligator River and across Albermarle Sound. The Alligator River swing bridge shuts down at 29 knots of wind, and the Coast Guard broadcast had it shut down on Friday the 19th, so another two day weather delay. But, the good with the bad, the folks at Dowry Creek Marina were just great. Mary, the owner, met us with a smile and bunch of cats, and had a happy hour (byob) at 5:30 every evening. A few minutes after we arrived, "Puddle Duck" came in, and we all helped her tie up. By then, the weather was pretty nasty. We wound up staying with Puddle Duck through the Alligator River and Albermarle sound and into our next stop.
Saturday morning, 4-20, looked like it would be our only shot at making the run up the Alligator and across Albermarle Sound for at least another five days, so we decided t risk it. We pulled out at 6:45 am. Since we were the first one in when we arrived, we were bow in and had a pretty large Nordhaven Tug behind us. Mary told me not to try turning in the little basin or we would run aground. "You need to back out around the Nordhaven." Oookay.
Well, that went really well, and we headed for the Alligator. the first 20 miles were in a protected canal, and things went pretty well. when we hit the Alligator, wind and seas picked up and things got interesting. We heard from Captain Patti Moore on Puddle Duck (they passed us in the canal), that it was rough ahead but not too bad, and the bridge was still operating. Patti and PD's owners, Ken and Jean Harry, were weathering it fine, so we decided to push on. When we cleared the Alligator Swing Bridge, we heard from PD again. They were out in the Albermarle Sound and had to slow down quite a bit to take the seas. Having made the decision, we did the same, and crossed the sound.
The first 10 miles were pretty rough, and I was really proud of Veronica. She doesn't handle rough seas very well, but this time she sat there and actually looked like she was enjoying the ride. We took so many seas over the bow in that first 10 miles, that when I went out on the bow to set us up for docking, I found a handful of little bait fish that had washed up on deck. I guess we had a better trip than they did.
So, Saturday afternoon found us in the little town of Coinjock (Indian for Mulberry), North Carolina, waiting for another break in the weather. We had dinner at the surprisingly good restaurant at the Marina with Patti, Ken and Jean, and have now settled in till at least Tuesday
Saturday morning, 4-20, looked like it would be our only shot at making the run up the Alligator and across Albermarle Sound for at least another five days, so we decided t risk it. We pulled out at 6:45 am. Since we were the first one in when we arrived, we were bow in and had a pretty large Nordhaven Tug behind us. Mary told me not to try turning in the little basin or we would run aground. "You need to back out around the Nordhaven." Oookay.
Well, that went really well, and we headed for the Alligator. the first 20 miles were in a protected canal, and things went pretty well. when we hit the Alligator, wind and seas picked up and things got interesting. We heard from Captain Patti Moore on Puddle Duck (they passed us in the canal), that it was rough ahead but not too bad, and the bridge was still operating. Patti and PD's owners, Ken and Jean Harry, were weathering it fine, so we decided to push on. When we cleared the Alligator Swing Bridge, we heard from PD again. They were out in the Albermarle Sound and had to slow down quite a bit to take the seas. Having made the decision, we did the same, and crossed the sound.
The first 10 miles were pretty rough, and I was really proud of Veronica. She doesn't handle rough seas very well, but this time she sat there and actually looked like she was enjoying the ride. We took so many seas over the bow in that first 10 miles, that when I went out on the bow to set us up for docking, I found a handful of little bait fish that had washed up on deck. I guess we had a better trip than they did.
So, Saturday afternoon found us in the little town of Coinjock (Indian for Mulberry), North Carolina, waiting for another break in the weather. We had dinner at the surprisingly good restaurant at the Marina with Patti, Ken and Jean, and have now settled in till at least Tuesday
Mike, Veronica, Patti, Jean, Ken & Puddle Duck
At Coinjock Marina
Well, Coinjock is a pretty little place by the side of the waterway, but there is not a durn thing to do there except go to the bar/restaurant, or look at the bad weather and try to figure a weather window to get across Currituck Sound!
After 3 days of poring over weather reports and forecasts, all we had accomplished was several really nice dinners with the crew from Puddle Duck, and a fervent hope that we could leave Wednesday morning(4-24-13). I think Veronica and I finished all the unread books on our Kindles.
After 3 days of poring over weather reports and forecasts, all we had accomplished was several really nice dinners with the crew from Puddle Duck, and a fervent hope that we could leave Wednesday morning(4-24-13). I think Veronica and I finished all the unread books on our Kindles.
Week Four - April 23, 2013
Wednesday morning rolled around, and in spite of the lingering fog, we pulled out of the marina at 6:45 am, with only two hardy sail boats ahead of us. The Currituck sound was one foot waves, and forecast to stay that way till around
noon, with small craft warnings going back up at 4:00 pm.
The Currituck Sound channel is one of the narrowest I've seen, with places where the depth only held to the center 120
feet. Not much room for passing, but we managed to come through unscathed, as did Puddle Duck (they passed us five miles into the crossing), and all of the other boats making the trip. We made the mouth of the North Landing River about 9:00 am, and from there is was smooth motoring all the way up to the Great Bridge/Chesapeake VA area, where we arrived at about 10:30 am. And here is where we encountered more problems.
I had called ahead to the Atlantic Yacht Basin, inquiring about having some items repaired on the boat. She had developed some disturbing oil and diesel leaks, a buzz in the radios so bad that no one could understand me, and a disconcerting tendency of the starboard engine to stall as we were docking. Not a big deal, except that the start buttons on the bridge for both engines did not seem to work. So, first things first, they had a local electric/electronics tech come down to the boat to check it out.
This guy (Todd Ayers from Ayers Electronics) was a whiz. After ten minutes with the radios, he told me that the inverter was causing all the problems, and that he honestly could do nothing short of replacing the inverter to stop the buzz. The solution, he said, was "don't run the inverter when underway"! Sounded good to me (pardon the pun).
Problem two, engine start buttons. After spending two minutes under the dash, I heard a click, and Todd told me to go below and turn the key on. As soon as I did, he fired the engines from the bridge. Turns out that type of switch has a habit of coming apart just enough so that it won't make contact when you push it. All he did was to push the switches back together and they worked fine. Talk about feeling like a dummy. I had been looking at those switchsd for three weeks and could not figure it out. Oh well!
Problem three, I still could not figure out the Alternator situation. Todd explained that the starboard alternator was the lead alternator, and the port one was the slave. When the starboard alternator was running, there was no need for the port one to put out juice. He had me start the port engine by itself, and sure enough, the alternator came on line at full voltage and started charging the batteries.
Electric/electronics issues all solved!!! In 45 minutes!!!
Thursday saw us start the engine work. Tim, our ace mechanic from AYB, had the fuel leak in the generator fixed in a flash. The oil leaks were another story. Both valve cover gaskets, both oil dipstick tubes, and the starboard engine crankshaft main seal were leaking. Also, fuel was leaking on the starboard engine injector pump. And to top it off, the port engine was running about 20 degrees too cool, and would not come to proper operating temperature. Soooo......
Order Parts!!
New crank seal, two new dip stick tubes, two new valve cover gaskets, new thermostat, and last but not least, a special tool for the delivery valve holder on the injector pump.
Well the parts came mid day Friday (4-26-13), and work began.
As we sit now, Generator is fully functional. Port Engine is fully functional. Starboard engine should be completed tomorrow, 4-29-13. The only remaining problem is the fuel leak.
Turns out there is no wrench available for the delivery valve holder. We spoke to several injector pump shops in the area, and no one had one. Don't know how we are going to solve that one, but I am going to get with Brian Smith at American Diesel (the Ford-Lehman gurus) tomorrow to see if they have any suggestions. I spent the better part of a day researching this on the net, and could not figure a fix. But, THERES GOTTA BE A WAY!!!
noon, with small craft warnings going back up at 4:00 pm.
The Currituck Sound channel is one of the narrowest I've seen, with places where the depth only held to the center 120
feet. Not much room for passing, but we managed to come through unscathed, as did Puddle Duck (they passed us five miles into the crossing), and all of the other boats making the trip. We made the mouth of the North Landing River about 9:00 am, and from there is was smooth motoring all the way up to the Great Bridge/Chesapeake VA area, where we arrived at about 10:30 am. And here is where we encountered more problems.
I had called ahead to the Atlantic Yacht Basin, inquiring about having some items repaired on the boat. She had developed some disturbing oil and diesel leaks, a buzz in the radios so bad that no one could understand me, and a disconcerting tendency of the starboard engine to stall as we were docking. Not a big deal, except that the start buttons on the bridge for both engines did not seem to work. So, first things first, they had a local electric/electronics tech come down to the boat to check it out.
This guy (Todd Ayers from Ayers Electronics) was a whiz. After ten minutes with the radios, he told me that the inverter was causing all the problems, and that he honestly could do nothing short of replacing the inverter to stop the buzz. The solution, he said, was "don't run the inverter when underway"! Sounded good to me (pardon the pun).
Problem two, engine start buttons. After spending two minutes under the dash, I heard a click, and Todd told me to go below and turn the key on. As soon as I did, he fired the engines from the bridge. Turns out that type of switch has a habit of coming apart just enough so that it won't make contact when you push it. All he did was to push the switches back together and they worked fine. Talk about feeling like a dummy. I had been looking at those switchsd for three weeks and could not figure it out. Oh well!
Problem three, I still could not figure out the Alternator situation. Todd explained that the starboard alternator was the lead alternator, and the port one was the slave. When the starboard alternator was running, there was no need for the port one to put out juice. He had me start the port engine by itself, and sure enough, the alternator came on line at full voltage and started charging the batteries.
Electric/electronics issues all solved!!! In 45 minutes!!!
Thursday saw us start the engine work. Tim, our ace mechanic from AYB, had the fuel leak in the generator fixed in a flash. The oil leaks were another story. Both valve cover gaskets, both oil dipstick tubes, and the starboard engine crankshaft main seal were leaking. Also, fuel was leaking on the starboard engine injector pump. And to top it off, the port engine was running about 20 degrees too cool, and would not come to proper operating temperature. Soooo......
Order Parts!!
New crank seal, two new dip stick tubes, two new valve cover gaskets, new thermostat, and last but not least, a special tool for the delivery valve holder on the injector pump.
Well the parts came mid day Friday (4-26-13), and work began.
As we sit now, Generator is fully functional. Port Engine is fully functional. Starboard engine should be completed tomorrow, 4-29-13. The only remaining problem is the fuel leak.
Turns out there is no wrench available for the delivery valve holder. We spoke to several injector pump shops in the area, and no one had one. Don't know how we are going to solve that one, but I am going to get with Brian Smith at American Diesel (the Ford-Lehman gurus) tomorrow to see if they have any suggestions. I spent the better part of a day researching this on the net, and could not figure a fix. But, THERES GOTTA BE A WAY!!!
Early Morning View Down the Albermarle and Chesapeake Canal from the Atlantic Yacht Basin Docks
Still at Great Bridge VA. - More to Come