6/30/11 home again in Maine . Have been home for two weeks now. It has been so great seeing friends and beautiful Casco Bay. Some things are amazing. Just trun on the faucet- water. Hot showers every morning, laundry, just hop into the car and run to the graocery store. No walking 2 miles carrying groceries, laundry , water, or diesel,. Just flushing the toilet and not wondering - is the holding tank full and when can we next pump out?? Easy access to the internet, The LIB RARY/ Love the library!). But things I truly miss... the simplicity, being with nature, this is the first family dinner in a week.. I truly miss those times already. Music.... Hopefully we can find a way for these things to continue.
We left dear Sisu on the hard and for sale down in Deltaville, VA. She is a great vessel but more of a liveaboard . We then drove from VA to NY and visited family, then home. Uhaul and a rental car with all the "stuff"/ The drive, for me , was the hardest part of the whole 9 months! I had not driven a car in 8 months! They go so FAST!
We arrived home and were greeted by friends with dinner and they helped us with our boxes.Wonderful! It has been an adjustment- going from 100f in VA to 50 to 70 F here at home. So cold. And our allergies have been severe. Just call us sneezy! But Maine is absolutely beautiful. We have purchased a small boat to have on Casco Bay. Could not stand not to be on the water. Went for a terrific sail yesterday, and all seemed right with the world again.....
Andy and I will soon be employed full time again, by the end of the month..... the kids are finishing up their home schooling and seeing friends, Rachel is driving, and starting work as well. Eli and I have planted our vegetable garden....... so begins the life at home. May we take the lessons we have learned and carry them with us in our hearts and practice them in our lives.. simplicity, conservation, appreciating the beauty of nature, the power of friendship and family, the wonder of music, being open to new experiences and people, and to" pay it forward, "- help others when you can, just because you can, and recieve it when you need it, Sinplicity..... .The pictures are too hard to upload- more on Facebook....... Be well. We are blessed .
We left dear Sisu on the hard and for sale down in Deltaville, VA. She is a great vessel but more of a liveaboard . We then drove from VA to NY and visited family, then home. Uhaul and a rental car with all the "stuff"/ The drive, for me , was the hardest part of the whole 9 months! I had not driven a car in 8 months! They go so FAST!
We arrived home and were greeted by friends with dinner and they helped us with our boxes.Wonderful! It has been an adjustment- going from 100f in VA to 50 to 70 F here at home. So cold. And our allergies have been severe. Just call us sneezy! But Maine is absolutely beautiful. We have purchased a small boat to have on Casco Bay. Could not stand not to be on the water. Went for a terrific sail yesterday, and all seemed right with the world again.....
Andy and I will soon be employed full time again, by the end of the month..... the kids are finishing up their home schooling and seeing friends, Rachel is driving, and starting work as well. Eli and I have planted our vegetable garden....... so begins the life at home. May we take the lessons we have learned and carry them with us in our hearts and practice them in our lives.. simplicity, conservation, appreciating the beauty of nature, the power of friendship and family, the wonder of music, being open to new experiences and people, and to" pay it forward, "- help others when you can, just because you can, and recieve it when you need it, Sinplicity..... .The pictures are too hard to upload- more on Facebook....... Be well. We are blessed .
6/1/11 Quick update in Elizabeth City < NC for Rachel to take her SAT test Saturday. Here with other boating families. HOT 90F , hanging out in the library with air conditioning. Very hospitable city. Best to all, home in Maine in a few weeks.
Update 4/28/11 Happy Spring! We crossed over to the US in an overnight from Allen's Pensicola Cay in the Abacos to FT Pierce FLA on 4/22/11 in 26 hours. Jake has a funny story to tell of the crossing- but I will leave that to him.
We had such a wonderful trip- I was not ready to leave the Bahamas! It has been a culture shock for me- we are staying with Andy's dad for a week, which is great. However, after a few days of enjoying the abundant food,( especially fresh produce), hot showers,, TV,, internet, and the ability to just get into a car if you need to get somewhere, I have begun to miss the simplicity. I didn't realize how much we are bombarded in daily life in the US with noise, and images,and choices, etc. Our only outside influences on the boat in the Bahamas were the people around us or within VHF radio range, or occasional internet access. Though we were sadly out of touch' it was very peaceful.
Our last few weeks in the Bahamas were amazing. We visited the foundry and artists residence in Little Harbor, saw the lighthouse and charming village in Hopetown, and enjoyed time at a marina with our friends at a pool( even did a reading of a Shakespeare play). In Green Turtle, we befriended a local', Donny, who took us fishing in his go- fast boat and for a ride in his golfcart. Finally, we once again experienced the magic at a local cay, where a couple of former cruisers' Bill and Leslie" live.. They have amazing gardens there, with hydroponics, and solar power- not to mention the wandering chickens. It is amazing what they have managed to grow there. The most amazing thing is that they welcome people into their lives and this creates magic. They have a sign " Tresspassers Welcome".. When I commented on their hospitality,, Bill said that it is amazing what happens when you open your lives to people, and fortunate that he lives in a place where they can do this. They are " caretakers of the magic" of this place. Like our last visit, we seemed to arrive just as festivities were planned for music. At the full moon party on the beach, there was saxaphone music,( of course),, a bonfire, a young couple singing duets with a guitar, and someone even taught the boys how to play the sAw. Truly special.
We had such a wonderful trip- I was not ready to leave the Bahamas! It has been a culture shock for me- we are staying with Andy's dad for a week, which is great. However, after a few days of enjoying the abundant food,( especially fresh produce), hot showers,, TV,, internet, and the ability to just get into a car if you need to get somewhere, I have begun to miss the simplicity. I didn't realize how much we are bombarded in daily life in the US with noise, and images,and choices, etc. Our only outside influences on the boat in the Bahamas were the people around us or within VHF radio range, or occasional internet access. Though we were sadly out of touch' it was very peaceful.
Our last few weeks in the Bahamas were amazing. We visited the foundry and artists residence in Little Harbor, saw the lighthouse and charming village in Hopetown, and enjoyed time at a marina with our friends at a pool( even did a reading of a Shakespeare play). In Green Turtle, we befriended a local', Donny, who took us fishing in his go- fast boat and for a ride in his golfcart. Finally, we once again experienced the magic at a local cay, where a couple of former cruisers' Bill and Leslie" live.. They have amazing gardens there, with hydroponics, and solar power- not to mention the wandering chickens. It is amazing what they have managed to grow there. The most amazing thing is that they welcome people into their lives and this creates magic. They have a sign " Tresspassers Welcome".. When I commented on their hospitality,, Bill said that it is amazing what happens when you open your lives to people, and fortunate that he lives in a place where they can do this. They are " caretakers of the magic" of this place. Like our last visit, we seemed to arrive just as festivities were planned for music. At the full moon party on the beach, there was saxaphone music,( of course),, a bonfire, a young couple singing duets with a guitar, and someone even taught the boys how to play the sAw. Truly special.
Hermitage, Cat Island- full moon in background Update 4-11-11 in Hopetown, Abaco with its famous lighthouse. See updates under Jake, Eli and " living on a boat" Explored caves in Rock Sound , Eleuthra,, hitchhiked to Gregory Town and Surfer's Beach from Hatchet Bay, Eleuthra, the kids attended High School ( all except Eli) In Rock Sound. We attended a school program in Spanish Wells,and marveled at the huge fishing fleet- probably to rival Gloucester, MA . We traveled to Little Harbor Abaco and toured the Foundry there, and looked at the beautiful artwork of Randolf Johnston,. Here in Hopetown, we toured the famous lighthouse-still run on kerosene, by hand, and watched it at night. We also toured the quaint streets and the museum of Abaco History today. Andy has caught several fish of late ( spear fishing and on Bahamaian rig off boat), and every day breaks open fresh coconut for us. . We are traveling with good friends and the kids read aloud from Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream for the past few nights.. Boatschooling is a challenge, but we are working hard. We take vocab words with us on our hikes!! We should be back in the stats within the next few weeks, and I will try and put more pictures up. Happy Spring!
3/23/11 Update- Hello all and sorry for the lack of contact. We are in Rock Sound, Eleuthra- arriving here today. We spent over a month in Georgetown, Great Exuma. We had a surprisingly fabulous time and the kids were very happy. Andy became known as " the Sax Man " and played with a band- including a " gig" at a club and jam sessions with friends and others almost every other night. The kids were invloved in many activities, and Rachel sang at some jam sessions and even did a solo at Beach Church ( nondenominational). . We were all in a play/ operatta written by our dear friend Mr. Chris on Maggie M, and Rach and Jake also sang at the Variety show. There were boat races ( big and small), a pet parade ( which Jake entered as himself very funny), and many learning experiences as well.We did yoga on the beach together., went swimming and surfing, campfires on the beach,and spent many evenings playing music with good friends. ( Adanaco, Maggie M, etc) The kids made good friends. We are most priviledged for this time with our kids, and the natural beauty around us. It is indeed special to spend time with your teenagers. We have worked through many kinks together and have come to appreciate them and to watch them grow into their own individual selves.( Not to say that it is always easy :)- for them or us- but definitely worthwhile. Eli has grown leaps and bounds, and it is so sweet to have the time with him as well.
. We had a wonderful time at Cat Island, walking to the Hermitage and watching the sunset and the moon rise over the hill. We are still with our friends on White Seal ( from Vermont) and plan to explore the cave here tomorrow. Sorry that I cannot post any pictures. Happy spring to you all- I am out of time.
. We had a wonderful time at Cat Island, walking to the Hermitage and watching the sunset and the moon rise over the hill. We are still with our friends on White Seal ( from Vermont) and plan to explore the cave here tomorrow. Sorry that I cannot post any pictures. Happy spring to you all- I am out of time.
2/3/11 Sorry cannot upload pictures- internet connection too slow. We are in Little Farmer's Cay, Exuma for the 5 F festival- class C Bahamian sloop races, then back 10 miles north to Black Point for Andy to play at the Superbowl Party at Lorraine's Cafe Sunday. ( We may get there Saturday to help out with a kids church picnic- depending on weather.) We love Black Point. It is a true Island community( settlement as they are called here.) The people are so warm and welcoming. The Rachel, Jake, and I volunteered several days at an after school reading program at the school and got to know many of the kids. Then they would walk up the hill to the basketball court and play until dark with all the local kids. Terrific! Eli really enjoyed the chance to play basketball and meet kids his age. The woman ( Lily)at Adderly's grocery is so friendly, and of course Lorraine and her mom.We enjoyed talking with the ladies under the tree plaiting straw to send to Nassau for baskets. ( Of course- Andy makes them laugh!) Finally the BEST laundrymat in all of the Bahamas- possibly anywhere- Ida's Rock Tide Inn. 10 machines, sparkling clean, fair price - but best of all, the view from the back porch is like a postcard with the beautiful water, and kissed with a gentle breeze. We are so fortunate.Love to all. Chris update 2/1/11 see bottom of the page for pictures from Nassau. Have had a wonderful month in the Bahamas. , Most of which in the Exuma Land and Sea Park- beautiful, no supplies, no water, no trash disposal, no fishing. It was incredible. We had great snorkeling in Rocky Dundas with caves with stalagmites, hikes to the top of weather worn cliffs with crashing waves and beautiful water. -even a rainbow. Have gotten creative with our provisions ( How to make corned beef tasty??)and baking bread every other day. Getting used to the beans, rice and cabbage diet.( Jake is growing leaps and bounds and is almost as tall as me. We have even have gotten used to our salt water baths! Did our first real laundry this month yesterday . CLEAN SHEETS! We met up with good friends on the Maggie M ( Felicity in Maine) and had several musical evenings.Must run now as this is a cafe computer- but will post pictures when I can. Alll the best- Chris and crew : 12/26/10 GREETINGS ALL FROM THE BEAUTIFUL BAHAMAS! We arrived Christmas Day here in Bimini after a reasonably good crossing with 4 to 6 foot seas, some 8 foot swells, but with long intervals. The water here is that unbelievable indigo/ turquois color and Eli saw a manta ray as we arrived. We are here with 3 other kid boats- Curiosity, Eau Lire, and White Seal. We are learning some French as Eau Lire is from Montreal. We arrived just in time- as a strong front passed through last night with 40 to 57 knot winds. The winds will be high through Monday so we will stay put until then- then head to Nassau. We have had a dinner of fresh Wahoo- cooked to perfection by Andy and shared with other boats, and fresh coconut ( from the tree and split by hand by Andy). A true Bahamian feast. Prior to this-We have had several lovely full moon overnights in including the trip to Miami. This affords Andy and myself time with each of the kids and time to talk about the " big things" in life. Priceless. We also woke to watch the full moon lunar eclipse. We had a lovely pre- Christmas dinner aboard Curiosity, and Santa made a quick stop with candy aboard the good vessel Sisu. ( We think he comes in through the hatch). Hope to post pictures soon. Happy New Year!
quick update 12/09/10 Greetings from Vero Beach, Fla. Boat is in Vero while we are having a wonderful visit with Andy's dad. The kids are so excited to see Grandpa! Andy cooked one of his famous turkey dinners this evening. It is still cold ( 40's at night) but should be warming up soon. It is nice to be in an apartment!
We are making preparations to head for the Bahamas in a few weeks. It will be harder to communicate then. We are not sure if we will make it any further south than the Bahamas. I am still hoping to make it perhaps to the DR,or Puerto Rico, but time will tell. Glad for this opportunity to spend time as a family, and the skills and challenges and experiences we have had together.We have also changed our plans and now hope to be home mid August 2011, so the kids can start school. They do not want to start mid year- and we have to respect those wishes.
On Tuesday this past week,we spent a great day at the Vero Beach Bookstore ( cold outside) they have great nooks and reading spaces, used books and trains and building sets for kids - reminded me of the old Bookland in Brunswick which I still miss. Eli played while Rachel and Jake read and I searched out great books. It was very relaxing( and warm).We then went to the beach and took a nice walk. Jake was tempted by the waves despite the cold ( crazy Mainer), but wouldn't go in alone and I wouldn't let Eli go. Rach and I had a great talk and walk and found all these cool little pieces of polished shell for Rachel to make jewelry. She made a great pair of earrings as a present recently, and has made a bunch of rope bracelets. ( Jake has made the rope bracelets also.) It was a great day despite the cold- at least it was sunny. It was like a brisk fall day in Maine.
Vero has a free shuttle bus which we rode around town, did shopping, and met some interesting folks. You never know who you will meet on a bus! I spoke with a Norwegian couple, older, who winter in Vero. I also met an older African American woman, all dressed in gleaming white, white dress and shall and white cap like a yarmulke. I do not know or ask why she was dressed this way- still curious.
On the trip to Vero, it was interesting to pass by some of the places where we stayed the past trip- like the spoil island where we spent a week with our friends on kid boats waiting for a shuttle launch. This trip, we could see the shuttle pad and shuttle off in the distance as we passed by Cape Canaveral. ( Long stretches of flat, shallow water with ICW dredged canal in between- can see for many miles). We are back in mangrove country and have seen many dolphins. Have not seen any manatees yet- except in the distance. I think it is very cold for them.
Best Wishes to all for Happy Holidays
12/3/10 Happy Holidays! Greetings from New Smyrna Beach FLA after 5 great days in St Augustine visiting friends ( the Piggots) and seeing the sights including the Alligator Farm, The Lighthouse, Ripley's Beleive it or not, the Spanish Quarter, the Oldest wooden Schoolhouse, and my personal favorite, the Whetstone Chocolate Factory ( with samples!). Jim also arranged for us to view a real archeology dig and speak with the city's archeologist.- a real treat and learning experience for our budding archeologist and shark tooth hunter ELI.
Enjoying time with the family and friends, old and new. Have met other families on boats, from Ireland, Washington state and Vermont.
Sorry it takes a great deal of time to upload pictures- have tried to download a few. Missing all at home The Admiral
Enjoying time with the family and friends, old and new. Have met other families on boats, from Ireland, Washington state and Vermont.
Sorry it takes a great deal of time to upload pictures- have tried to download a few. Missing all at home The Admiral
Quick Update 11/28/10 Happy Thanksgiving! We are in Fernandina Beach FLA. We spent Thanksgiving in St Mary's Georgia with about 125 other boats and a nice and homey 300+ people for dinner. Chris and Divya joined us for dinner with the cruisers and it was fabulous. Evening ended with music on SISU featuring Chris on guitar, Divya singing and me on sax. Friday had some serious cross currents and winds causing most boats to dance and several to drag including SISU. No big deal, just a bunch of quick jumping on deck by the crew. Had a birthday party for Divya Friday night before heading out to the boat for a rocking night due to the strong cold front passing through. Spent today at the Clinch Fort at the mouth of the Fernandina Harbor. Wonderful Civil War fort with a period corporal that was extremely informative. We all loved it and then went searching for sharks teeth on the beach. Tomorrow we head back down the ditch to hopefully make it to St. Augustine before the next frontal system due Tuesday night.
Update 11/8/10 Underway again, and thankful to the good people of Deltaville Yacht Sales, and Marine Electronics of Hartfield ( Kevin), along with all of Andy's hard work. Also, the insurance folks, parts suppliers, etc...
We are in the Dismal Swamp at the North Carolina Visitors Center. It is more beautiful than it sounds. It is a canal cut through cypress swamps, and beautiful fall foliage. We will download pictures when we can. The only downside is that it is cold. 33F last night. no heat in the boat aside from a small propane heater that we put on for an hour or so. I have on everything I own ( a shirt, 2 turtlenecks, a sweater, 2 sweatshirts, 2 fleece, and a Jacket- attractive- I look like I gained 20 lbs!) We had a brisk sail down from Deltaville to Old Point comfort, gusting to 25 , but from the right direction ( N/NW). It was quite rolly. We were glad to get into Old Point Comfort ( across from Norfolk). Beautiful sunset. Amazing passing by the big destroyers in Norfolk.
More Excitement: Our trip through Norfolk was delayed. A foolish Catamaran tried to beat the railroad bridge that was closing and his mast snapped in half. The bridge had to make an emergency stop halfway, the Coast Guard and Police boats came, and we were left circling in 28 Knot winds for an hour and a half. The train was delayed as well. Never dull.
We had a nice night on the dock at the Deep Creek Lock, by the playground, and left our new name , as is the custom, on the lock wall. Once again , we walked for groceries and had a treat at the local Hardees.
This morning our passage was delayed by an hour in the canal, by a dredge pipe that was across the canal, and we had to wait for someone to come and remove it. We had to anchor to prevent from catching our mast in the trees or grounding in the shallow water.
The nice ladies at the NC Visitors Center made up for this, on their free dock. Rach and Jake took a bike ride on their loaner bikes through the trails here in the Wildlife Park , and Andy and Eli are digging for Shark's teeth and fossils in a site for that.
I am off to explore the trails. Best to all. The Admiral
The First Two Weeks
Greetings all! We have had a rough start these first two weeks, but most things worth doing require great effort. Unlike the peaceful summer cruises of the past, we have been trying to make distance before the cold weather hits. We started out Sept 22nd after saying goodbye loading up and trying to find places for all our stuff, setting out in a brief rainstorm for Chebeague Island. We were to become friends with our foulies( foul weather gear) these first few weeks. We had a lovely walk on the beach at Chebeaugue and even saw a mother deer with her two babies by the water. We had a toast to the journey to come and set off at dawn the next morning to the most brilliant sunrise. The entire sky was pink and orange. The second day was peaceful, with the sighting of a whale and many porpoises. We landed at the Isle of Shoals,off the coast of New Hampshire, tired after many weeks of preparation and not much sleep. The islands are magnificent in their desolate and windswept beauty.We had a lovely hike around Smuttynose Island on the large granite rocks there, being careful to avoid the abundant poison ivy. We met a cruising couple who had been " around the Horn" from Seattle and to Patagonia and other such exotic places. We were enthralled by their adventures,even as we were humbled by them.
The next day as we set out early for Gloucester Ma, by way of the Annasquam river, we were hit with such rough seas that the forward head ( toilet) came off its mount. Thankfully, no contents were spilled! Eli had to stay below and was a real trooper, and the other two kids distinguished themselves as worthy crew and helmsmen.
The Annasquam River is beautiful,with its marshes and floating houses, though shallow, narrow, winding, and a bit tricky. We were met with out first opening bridges, and passing under bridges. We made Jake look up as we could not-it always seems that the mast will not pass through safely.
We spent that day and the next in Gloucester due to high winds. This is one of our favorite stops, with a funky cobblestone downtown and working harbor. It is amazing to see the big fishing boats go out to sea. The kids indulged in a real chocolate chip cannolli, their first ever, and even shared with me. Delicious.
Andy and I set out in the dark that Sunday morning at 5:30 am. The harbor is well lit, and we followed the fishing boats out, but had to watch carefully for the ever present lobster pots. Catching a lobster pot on the prop would be a very bad thing.
The morning was beautiful as the sun rose and we passed by the Boston Skyline all day.We had another whale sighting. The seas were calm as we motored that morning, so much so that the kids were doing exercises on the back deck. The winds picked up south of Boston and we had a lively three hour sail. Nice to turn the motor off!
We arrived around 2 pm at the Cape Cod Canal to ride the tide through at 10 knots. Eli drove the boat ( on Andy's lap) under the Sagamore Bridge. We still had the tide with us as we entered Buzzards Bay, so we miscalculated and headed for CuttyHunk Island.
As we approached evening, the winds and seas picked up so that it was difficult to hold the helm. Rachel distinguished herself again as helmswoman. The seas and winds built further so that only Andy was able to hold the helm and was having difficulty holding course. Waves were broaching into the stern. I was truly afraid, and prayers were certainly said. It was hard to pick out the entrance to Cuttyhunk, a narrow channel amidst rocks at the very end of Buzzards Bay. Fortunately, we arrived just at dusk and the kids were able to grab a mooring against 25 knot winds. The wind howled all night long, so much so that we could hear the ropes creaking and pulling, afraid they would break any moment. Andy had put on a second line, but still no one slept.
The next morning we headed for Newport amidst the fog, too tired to go further in the seas. We spent the next week in Newport due to weather. We toured the historical sites and took a trolley ride to view the famous mansions. I took the opportunity to take a bus to visit my mom, and we had a lovely visit.
The Next three weeks:
We finally left Newport the next morning, after a night of howling winds, some reaching 40 knots. We set out under motor, had begun putting up sail, and just as we passed Beavertail Point, smoke came pouring out of the engine compartment. We shut everything down, including GPS, and Rachel quickly took helm under sail, I watched the paper charts, as Andy and Jake went below . It was some wires that caught fire and we were quickly extinguished, and Andy tried to find the cause of the fire. The winds were building and we were headed out to open ocean, so I suggested we turn around and return to Newport. The captain heeded my advice, we sailed into Newport as far as the Fort and got a tow into the main harbor ( past the giant cruise ships, racing 12 meters and various boats under sail on this glorious sunny Saturday).
We spent the day fixing the wires, and thankfully set out and reached Old Lyme Marina, on the Connecticut River, that Sunday. Sadly, the next morning I received news that my dear mother had passed away. It was a shock - I will be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to visit her just a few days before.
We spent that day ( 10/04/10) making arrangements, many thanks to the wonderful folks at Old Lyme Marina, and prepared to bring the boat to a location where we could leave it that weekend to rent a car to go home for the funeral.
The next day, amidst fog and drizzle, we aimed for Port Washington, or something on the Connecticut side, and as we crossed the Long Island Sound near Middle Ground, got hit again with rough seas, and thick fog. We could not see either shore. It was so rough I slid across the cockpit twice, and knocked out the GPS once, so that we had some tense moments. It is hard to describe the feeling- big seas, cold, fog so that you cannot see anything, it is easy to lose your sense of where you are and which direction to go. The instruments tell you- but it is an odd feeling. We aimed for Port Jeff and made it safely, but tired, grabbed a mooring and took a rest. Jake and Eli went and explored Sand Cove and the dunes there, and had a great time. I watched some local kids racing Opti's near our boat, and took a nap in the sun that had now appeared. It was a glorious sunset.
The following day we left early, aiming for Port Washington, but had such favorable wind and tide that we made it before noon, on this beautiful sunny day. We decided to make the run through Hell's Gate, just making it at the tail end of the favorable tide. We watched the water carefully for the numerous floating logs and debris in the swirling current. We reached 10 knots! It is always a thrill, although a bit nerve racking, to pass by the City, the UN, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We reached Staten Island that evening, and left our boat there with a very friendly local Yacht Club. We took the Ferry into the City the next day visiting Wall Street, the Stock Exchange, Federal Hall, and Ground Zero. The next day we rented a car and headed to Massachusetts for my mother's services, visiting family, and visiting New York cousins on the way back. It was good to see family, and share many fond memories of my mom.
The following three days were long, though the weather calm, reaching first Barnegut Bay, then Cape May, then up the Delaware Bay, through the C and D Canal and into the Chesapeake at last. We left Cape May in the dark, as I was convinced we had swung and would be grounded once the tide went out. I had spent the night sleeping in the cockpit, concerned, so my judgment was clouded. It was difficult to discern the different lights but Andy did well, the seas were so rough and it was pitch black, so at first we just headed out to sea until dawn. It was very frightening for me in the dark with the black waves rolling at us. The seas were so rough, we found a crab on our back deck later that day!. Fortunately, things calmed down as we reached the upper bay and we had a lovely day. We reached the Bohemia River that night and the kids even went for a quick, but cold swim. The next day we headed in the rain for the Sassafras River, Sailing Associates( Great folks) and spent the next three days there waiting out weather ( high winds). We had several lovely walks into Galena, and looked into the many antique shops there. We also caught up on sleep, showers, schoolwork and laundry. We then sailed to one of our favorite spots, Swan Creek, near Rock Hall, MD. We slept amid the peaceful marshes and hundreds of Canada Geese heading south. The kids practiced guitar, Andy took a row, and all was well with the world.
The next day was calm, we headed up the Severn River, near Annapolis, and Eli drove for half an hour. We had a lovely visit with our cruising friends, Doug and Charlotte. Doug graciously drove us to the Metro and we had a fabulous day in Washington D.C
( 10-19-10). we went to visit Maine Senator Olympia Snowe's office and were treated to a private tour of the Capitol by her intern, Josh, from Portland. It was great! We even rode on the Congressional subway train. The Capitol rotunda was amazing. To me, the most wonderful thing was to see the actual Senate and House Chambers. What an education for all of us! We also visited the Smithsonian Air and Space, and Natural History museum, and took a walk down the mall to the Washington Monument, overlooking the Lincoln and WWII memorials, and the White House. We could walk no more, and so we headed back, tired but happy.
After Annapolis we aimed for Solomon's Island for Jake's birthday, but had to duck into Hartge's on the West River. We had a peaceful day and took a walk in this lovely town. We made some of Jake's requested bacon for his birthday, which I had never done, so burned a few, setting off the smoke alarms in the boat. Thankfully, we had bought 2 lbs of bacon ( Thanks Charlotte!). We made it to the Solomon's the next day and Jake woke up to birthday balloons hung over his bed, along with some birthday gifts and treats and signs. We ate birthday pizza in the Solomon's , and made a brownie cake. We stayed there the next day and were able to attend the 40th Birthday of the Calvert Museum and spent a few hours building wooden model boats and trying to sail them. It was cool. The lighthouse there is amazing- and the cake and ice cream were great .
After the Solomon's we made a long run to Antipoison Creek, off Fleet's Bay , Just before the Rappahanock River. We spent the next four days there due to weather. It was very peaceful and beautiful, with the fall colors starting. We met a wonderful Captain Robbins, an older man who had worked on menhaden boats, done some crabbing, and now runs a little marina there in the creek ( depths too shallow for us). We were delighted by his stories and hospitality. We also took a longer than expected walk ( ? 6 miles) trying to get to Windmill Point the next day. We finally gave up when we heard there was another 6 miles to go. The crew was ready to mutiny, but we hitchhiked and a nice mom and son gave us a ride the last few miles. We had another wonderful day on the creek, went swimming, washed hair (always a treat), schoolwork, and a great dinghy ride. The night was not so much fun as tornado watches hit our area. I had just gone to bed after watching a thunderstorm pass when I awoke screaming to a really loud thunderclap and instantaneous lightning strike. All ok, we checked the thru hulls to make sure we were not taking on water. Thankfully, no. Many of our electronics were knocked out though. We sat up most of the night assessing damages. Eli was still asleep so we woke him to make sure he was ok. He was fine, just blissfully asleep.
Here we sit now for this week anyway, with the kind folks at Deltaville Yachting Center. Our GPS still works, but no depth , radar, etc, so we were guided in by Boat US. Our boat is on the hard and we will spend the week seeing if it can be repaired and if we can afford to be underway again. We took the 2 folding bikes off, and will take a bike ride,and have moved most of our stuff off and will stay in a local motel. We plan to attend the Halloween Party at the Deltaville Marine Museum on Saturday and have met some wonderful folks.WE have experienced so much kindness- it restores your faith in humanity. We are grateful to be together, to be ok, and for the many experiences we have had so far, both good and bad. ( character building- right?:) The Admiral ( Chris)
From the Captain: The name has changed but the characters remain the same:
Hello my friends
So the repairs are almost complete aside from any MORE unforeseen issues we should be back in the water tomorrow and again underway on Saturday,
We have decided that a vessel name change is in order based on the lack of good fortune we have experienced so far on this trip.
In honor of Chris' Finnish heritage ,her mom,and the meaning of the word, we have decided to rename our Whitby 42 SISU. SISU (see'-soo) is a unique Finnish concept that cannot be fully translated. One definition is: special strength and stubborn determination to continue and overcome in the moment of adversity. It's a combination of stamina, courage, and obstinacy held in reserve for hard times. SISU is considered to be at the same level with Zen Koans, "kanssa; se taytyy kokea." which means, "One Must Experience It."
Based on this definition and another which highlights perseverance it would seem pretty fitting of a name change,
As you all probably know, a vessel DENAMING and RENAMING is not to be taken lightly. We have already removed all reference to the former name on the boat, thrown a coin with the old name etched on it into the ocean, spilled rum east to west, and invoked neptune to remove the old name from his ledger. Today we will put the new name on her and cover it with bunting before performing the naming ceremony which includes neptune again and all four of the wind gods and another bottle of libation.
Some of you might question why someone of science like myself would take these measures, and would ask "why not just change the name and get on with it?"
Well to be quite honest, I have learned that science only describes what is known and not what is unknown. After a pretty significant number of miles under my keel (both personal and on a boat) I realize that there is so much more that I do not know than the small amount that I know and it is wise to take from history and from those that I follow. So if my fore-bearers deemed that honoring the sea and the wind in a ceremony was of utmost importance before going to sea, this seems pretty logical to me if only to remind me of that which is unknown and to be respectful of the powers that exist on the water.
Love to all and hopefully SISU has a long and wonderful life
Andy
Hello my friends
So the repairs are almost complete aside from any MORE unforeseen issues we should be back in the water tomorrow and again underway on Saturday,
We have decided that a vessel name change is in order based on the lack of good fortune we have experienced so far on this trip.
In honor of Chris' Finnish heritage ,her mom,and the meaning of the word, we have decided to rename our Whitby 42 SISU. SISU (see'-soo) is a unique Finnish concept that cannot be fully translated. One definition is: special strength and stubborn determination to continue and overcome in the moment of adversity. It's a combination of stamina, courage, and obstinacy held in reserve for hard times. SISU is considered to be at the same level with Zen Koans, "kanssa; se taytyy kokea." which means, "One Must Experience It."
Based on this definition and another which highlights perseverance it would seem pretty fitting of a name change,
As you all probably know, a vessel DENAMING and RENAMING is not to be taken lightly. We have already removed all reference to the former name on the boat, thrown a coin with the old name etched on it into the ocean, spilled rum east to west, and invoked neptune to remove the old name from his ledger. Today we will put the new name on her and cover it with bunting before performing the naming ceremony which includes neptune again and all four of the wind gods and another bottle of libation.
Some of you might question why someone of science like myself would take these measures, and would ask "why not just change the name and get on with it?"
Well to be quite honest, I have learned that science only describes what is known and not what is unknown. After a pretty significant number of miles under my keel (both personal and on a boat) I realize that there is so much more that I do not know than the small amount that I know and it is wise to take from history and from those that I follow. So if my fore-bearers deemed that honoring the sea and the wind in a ceremony was of utmost importance before going to sea, this seems pretty logical to me if only to remind me of that which is unknown and to be respectful of the powers that exist on the water.
Love to all and hopefully SISU has a long and wonderful life
Andy
Spent a lovely Christmas with the amazing people on Curiousity. Then a fabulous New Years watching Junkanoo with our friends aboard White Seal. Right now we are in Nassau and leaving tomorrow but, it has been a BLAST!!! Check out the new pictures! Love the Bahamas, miss everyone.
