Thursday, May 29, 2008

Lottsburg, Va Olverson's Marina






Alan kayaked on the Yeocomico this morning then we cruised on over to Olverson's marina where the boat will be for a week. We have rented a farmhouse at Olverson's for a week to spend some time with family. The farmhouse overlooks the marina and the river with our boat within sight of house.

Drum Cove-Lottsburg, Va

What a peaceful night we had. We cruised across the Potomac to the Yeocomico River where we will be for a week. We cruised around the Yeocomico and decided to drop the hook in Drum Cove another protected anchorage. This was a beautiful area for kayaking and we were 2 days early before we take possession of the rental house for the week. Mom and Zack are on their way up from Florida and will also arrive a day early. We will go into the marina a day early at Olverson's  Marina in Lottsburg.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

St Mary's River






HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!
We left Crisfield early in the morning to beat the weather across the CHesapeake today. We decided that when we come out the Pokomoke Sound to cut through Smith Island this time by way of Crisfield. There are three villages on Smith Island and all are only assessable by boat. We took the route to Tylertown and then the channel out the Chesapeake. This channel is used by locals and it was definitely a nail biter. Thank God we only draw about 2ft. The winds had already picked up and there was alot of shoaling. We bounced off the bottom a couple of times, but no damage to prop. We both let out a deep sigh when we were in deeper water. We wanted adventure, but not quite like that. Alan was ready to drop the anchor if we went aground, which would not have been very pleasant with a 2-3 foot beam sea. We finally got across the Chesake and it began to get a little calmer the closer to land we got. We headed up the Potamac which was not too bad because of the direction the wind was coming. We cruised up the St. Mary's River for a while then dropped the hook in a protected little cove for the night. Peaceful place and Alan went exploring on the kayak. 

Happy Birthday Rosie

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Snow Hill, Md on Pokomoke RIver

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIE!!!!
We tied up to the city docks at Snow HIll. It was memorial day so there was not anything open in the small town. We walked around a bit then went back to boat and chilled out. It was a nice setup, but unfortunately it was the young peoples hangout that night under the pavilion. They did finally disburse around 11pm. My sons would be proud that I didn't call the police or raise a stink. I just googled graduation and found out that Snow Hill's graduation was this Wednesday and I chalked it up to seniors venting. We also found out the next day that a young man locally had been killed on a motorcycle. I did ask the tourism office if it was a regular hangout for them? The Chief of Police came down to see us later that afternoon and we spent about 4 5minutes  talking about boats, kids and etc. He even offered to take us to the store. We told him thanks, but I was good on supplies. We are staying another night because a cold front is coming through and it will be very windy. So far all is quite here except for the wind. We will head back to Pokomoke CIty tomorrow and wait out the wind for our next stop to Crisfield.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Pokomoke City, Md

Connie and Tom Harris

31 cents a gallon.. was it that long ago?
Pokomoke City welcome sign. 






Tangier Island Crab houses

We cruised to Tangier Island today and then on to Pokomoke City, Md. We took the Pokomoke River (26miles) to Pokomoke City and tied up to free dock with electric and water. We met a very nice couple from Deltaville whose name were Connie and Tom Harris. Tom is a retired chemistry professor at Vanderbilt. They were cruising around on their sailboat , but their mast wouldn't clear the next bridge so they didn't go to Snow Hill. Tomorrow, we are going to cruise on up to Snow Hill, Md where there is a free dock and state park. This is suppose to be kayaking territory. We are expecting wind and possible storm in the next two days as a cold front moves through so we are going to enjoying the river some. 




Saturday, May 24, 2008

Reedville, Va 2 days


Restaurant in Reedville Waiting on  Blue crabs Soaking in the sun and beauty


Linda Blogging Surrounded by pink and white Mountain Laurel


Early am crab fisherman, scoop, dump and get another one.


We cruised to Reedville on the Great Wicomico River. Found a perfect anchorage spot in Horn Creek. It is like a little hurricane hole and beautiful. We anchored for the night and had the best sleep so far. Very quiet that we didn't even hear the crab fisherman scooting around this morning. We liked this place so much that we decided we were going to stay another night here.We cruised around and went to a marina to fuel up. While there we watched this young lady preparing softshells from the tanks to prepare for meals. They had a little restaurant there and were about to be open for lunch. Well, we decided to stay for a bite and am glad we did. Alan had a blue-crab sandwich and I had a crab cake sandwich. This was the freshest crab we have had yet. The waitress was telling us that tonight was the all you can eat seafood night. ell we will see, but right now our stomachs need to be pumped.
We cruised back to anchorage and now ALan is fishing and I am blogging. Nap time will soon be coming.


Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Deltaville, Va 2 days


We cruised into Deltaville and stayed at Deltaville Marina on the Piankatank River. We really enjoyed this place so much that we decided to stay two nights. THe marina had bicycles that you could ride and so we did. We rode into town and stopped at West Marine, dollar general and the grocery store. We saw a farm with fresh strawberries and stop too buy some. They were so good that we went back the next day and bought two more pints. We went to the local seafood market and bought fresh stripe bass and shrimp to grill. Boy was it good. This small town has so much charm to it and the people very friendly. THe second day we were walking into town because all the bikes were out and half way in a very nice lady stopped and gave us a ride to the store. Boy, you don't see that very much. 

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Mobjack Bay, Va

We anchored in Put In Creek in Mobjack Bay. Another blow came through, but the worst of it was south of us. In fact, where we had been the day before. We had a very peaceful night there and few residential homes We practically had the creek to ourselves. 

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Grafton. Va.

Cruising on ICW through Norfolk, Va. 

Dare Marina and lighthouse 

We left Coinjock around 7am trying to catch the 9am locking. Before we left we met Foster Folsom from Charleston, S.C. HE is retired from the Dept of Natural Resources and enjoys the outdoors. He was helping transport a sailboat to Warwick, R.I. and he was admiring Alan's kayak and the name of our boat. He just recently bought a old farmhouse in Nova Scotia and looking forward to his summers there. He is about our age and trading time for money . Our philosophy is about the same as his enjoy life now , because you never know what is around the corner for you. 
We actually made all the bridges and lock without much delay today. We cruised by the naval ships and at one time I guess I was drifting a little too close for their comfort because ALan saw a guy up on deck with his m16 and looking at us through his binoculars. Needless to say I quickly adjusted my course. We went by here with the Linnea Jo about 27 years ago and cruised right under an aircraft carrier. Boy, it really shows you how times have changed . As we started cruising on the Cheasapeake we were headed to an anchorage in the Poquoson River. It was another rough day in the water. The wind had increased to 25 knots. We made it to the river and fueled up at Dare Marina. We cruised to a creek and dropped the hook, but it wouldn't hold. We happened to turn on the weather radio and heard a hazzard warning for weather. We went back to Dare marina and got a slip for the night. 

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Coinjock N.C.

We made it across the albemarle sound, but it was very rough the last few miles. We left Beaufort around 6:15 am trying to get across before the winds picked up and traveled 150nm. At one point we ducked into Broad creek looking for a safe haven and found this really nice marina. River dunes which is only about 2 years old has got to be one of the nicest marinas I have seen yet. We fueled up and J.C. Cappelmann the Harbor manager gave us a tour of the main building. The wood inside of the dining area and the whole-place was incredible. It was reclaimed heart pine , chestnut and oak  wood that was used inside and was wishing I had my camera on me.  Anyway, check it out for yourselves at www.Riverdunes.com

After the wind shifted a little we poked our nose out and headed across the waters. We arrived in Coinjock and needed to take on some fuel so we stopped at Midway Marina and decided to stay the night there. We were both tired and ready for a good hot shower. This place was so laid back that I felt like I was  at home. The only restaurant next to them "Crabbies" was where we ate. I was too tired to cook that night and lLan knew it.  This place was the BEST food I have eaten on this trip. I had fried clams and I mean they were fresh, not frozen. The crab soup I wanted the recipe for, but failed to ask. Alan had the stuff flounder and he said it was real good. They have really got something going on at Crabbie's. Before dinner we met Kathie and Harold from Georgian Bay Canada. They are in the progress of  doing the "great loop" also. We enjoyed the talk and cocktail that Harold graciously served after a white knuckle day in the water. We also saw tied up behind us was "dire strait" who we had met in Beaufort formally, but had played boat tag with before Beaufort ,N.C.
After a full stomach and shower we collapsed for the night . 


Friday, May 16, 2008

Beaufort N.C. 2 days

Dodging mortar fire through Camp Lejune on the ICW.  :)  The lights would be flashing on sign if there was real action.

Swansboro N.C.

The mast of just one of the huge sailboats near us. 


We arrived at Beaufort N.C. (pronouced BOFORT) and met up with Nancy and Henry. Chilled out at the boat dock restaurant and traded stories. It rained during the night and is very windy today. Nancy and Henry headed out towards Belhaven and we are staying another night. We have to go up the Neuse River and across the Pamlico Sound , which can be rough so we are going to try and time it. After taking a long walk and having breakfast this morning Alan went kayaking  in the James creek nearby. 

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Surf City, N.C.




Surf City was great. We heard about the marina there from Henry on Sno- Dog. What a great little spot. The ocean was just about a block from us and Alan  had to go catch a few waves. Trying to relive his youth only to find out  he isn't 20 anymore , but could still tackle the waves. This little seafood market was right by the marina.  Tomorrow we leave  Surf City and head for Beaufort N.C. 

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Anchorage-Thoroughfare Creek






We left Beaufort, S.C. at 6:45am this morning. Weather was good and waters sometimes a little chop. We stopped in Georgetown for fuel and we walked through the town and had lunch at the Front Street Deli downtown on the water. We arrived at the anchorage around 3:30pm. It is really a nice anchorage and before long we had company. Guess we aren't the only ones that thought so. Tomorrow we keep moving to stay ahead of next front that is coming.