Position: N30º 46’.266 W081º 28’233
We are currently anchored in the Dungeness-Greyfield Channel
We wanted to go outside at Cumberland Sound but the wind has turned NE so we continued up the ICW. Claiborne Young’s Cruising Guide recommended this spot so we dropped the hook, lowered the dink and went ashore to tour the ruins of the Dungeness Mansion built in 1882 by Thomas Carnegie. It burned down in 1959 but the ruins are still spectacular. We hiked through the forest to the beach and saw many of the wild Cumberland Island horses. We took lots of photos, but can’t post them tonight as we’re using my cell as modem and it is SLOW! We’re planning to travel north on the ICW tomorrow through as much as Georgia as we can tolerate. It has just started to rain here. See all of you in a few weeks! We’ll post photos as soon as we have a fast internet connection.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
March 10 to 14, 2009 Updates - Leaving St. Augustine
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - A BAD Navigation Day and almost Jail Time!
We left Port Marina around 10 am figuring we had an easy day up to the anchorage near the Space Shuttle Launch. WRONG!!!! I did some laundry, hung it out on the rail, we went through the bascule bridge right by the marina and into the lock. The Waterway Guide claimed that there were line handlers at the lock but that wasn’t the case so I was hopping around quickly trying to set lines in the place to get through the lock. Then I was worried about the laundry hanging on the rail getting dirty in the lock so it was a busy time! After we came through the lock, there was an “intersection” and I (as the navigator) told Chris that we should turn “right” (north). HOWEVER….and this is a BIG however, we were to go straight another 6 or so miles before turning “right”. We actually turned up the Banana River, a NASA restricted area and also an area where NO motor vessels of any kind are allowed. We went up the river to the first bridge and we called, but there was no reply. Now, I knew that the marker numbers were not matching the marker numbers on my chart but I attributed that to us having an old chart. When we called the McAuliffe Bridge and told them we wanted an opening, we were informed that they couldn’t “see” us. Duh…..that’s because we weren’t in the Indian River, but instead the BANANA River. Once I realized our mistake (an hour too late), I also realized that we were in the restricted zone. We hightailed it back to unrestricted water, but as our luck would have it, we got stopped by a FL Law Enforcement boat. He informed us to drop the anchor which we then asked if we could do in deeper waters, we apologized over and over. He told us that being in that restricted area was a $132,500 fine, impoundment of the vessel, and 6 years imprisonment. OH LORDY!!!! About that time, a Fountain go fast boat with triple engines went speeding by us and the Officer ended up going after that boat. I told him that we were going to Harbourtown Canaveral on the Barge Canal so I figured he would meet us there later. He didn’t show….WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!! The ONLY cool thing about the day is that we had an EXCELLENT view of the shuttle sitting on the launch pad. Kind of is a scary thing though that we actually got as close as we did before getting stopped. Oh….and we saw our first wild pink flamingos!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - Space Shuttle Day
Position: N 28° .32’.437, W 080° .45’.164
We got to the anchorage about 1:15 pm along with a dozen or so other boats. We were SO excited. Our excitement was dashed when at 4:00 pm they announced that the launch was postponed until Sunday - BUMMER! By that time, the bridges were closed for the 5 pm traffic so we turned on a great XM radio station, grilled some burgers, drank some wine and just chilled in a beautiful spot.
Thursday, March 12, 2009 - Daytona Beach
We motored the 52 miles to Daytona Beach (boring) and treated ourselves to a Pizza at Stavros and walked around the downtown area a bit. The Halifax Marina was a very nice marina with great facilities.
Friday, March 13, 2009 - St. Augustine Anchorage
Position: N 29° .53’.758, W 081° .18’.549
We anchored in a TIGHT anchorage north of the Bridge of Lions and it was so foggy that visibility was only about 50 ft. It was not a restful night as we were afraid that since Long Gone swings so much at anchor, we may swing into another boat.
Saturday, March 14, 2009 - St. Augustine - Camanchee Cove Marina
We’re out of groceries so we took a slip at Camanchee Cove so that we could use their courtesy car. Chris and I went to Walmart and the liquor store (we were almost out of wine - horrors!). We were wowed by the prices and probably bought two of everything. In the Bahamas, the groceries were so expensive. Like a bag of Tyson frozen chicken breasts in the Bahamas was $32 (no lie) and at Walmart it was $8! Tom and Linda from Tomlin Too came over for the last time (sniff) as they are going to their home in Arizona and leaving their Hunter 450 in St. Augustine on the hard. We’ve been traveling with them for well over a week. We grilled some steaks, they brought some wonderful shrimp which we grilled and of course, drank some wine!
Sunday, March 15, 2009 - Leaving St. Augustine
We’re leaving here as soon as Chris finishes changing the oil so if you don’t see an update for a few days, you’ll know that we are traveling and don’t have internet!
We left Port Marina around 10 am figuring we had an easy day up to the anchorage near the Space Shuttle Launch. WRONG!!!! I did some laundry, hung it out on the rail, we went through the bascule bridge right by the marina and into the lock. The Waterway Guide claimed that there were line handlers at the lock but that wasn’t the case so I was hopping around quickly trying to set lines in the place to get through the lock. Then I was worried about the laundry hanging on the rail getting dirty in the lock so it was a busy time! After we came through the lock, there was an “intersection” and I (as the navigator) told Chris that we should turn “right” (north). HOWEVER….and this is a BIG however, we were to go straight another 6 or so miles before turning “right”. We actually turned up the Banana River, a NASA restricted area and also an area where NO motor vessels of any kind are allowed. We went up the river to the first bridge and we called, but there was no reply. Now, I knew that the marker numbers were not matching the marker numbers on my chart but I attributed that to us having an old chart. When we called the McAuliffe Bridge and told them we wanted an opening, we were informed that they couldn’t “see” us. Duh…..that’s because we weren’t in the Indian River, but instead the BANANA River. Once I realized our mistake (an hour too late), I also realized that we were in the restricted zone. We hightailed it back to unrestricted water, but as our luck would have it, we got stopped by a FL Law Enforcement boat. He informed us to drop the anchor which we then asked if we could do in deeper waters, we apologized over and over. He told us that being in that restricted area was a $132,500 fine, impoundment of the vessel, and 6 years imprisonment. OH LORDY!!!! About that time, a Fountain go fast boat with triple engines went speeding by us and the Officer ended up going after that boat. I told him that we were going to Harbourtown Canaveral on the Barge Canal so I figured he would meet us there later. He didn’t show….WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!! The ONLY cool thing about the day is that we had an EXCELLENT view of the shuttle sitting on the launch pad. Kind of is a scary thing though that we actually got as close as we did before getting stopped. Oh….and we saw our first wild pink flamingos!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - Space Shuttle Day
Position: N 28° .32’.437, W 080° .45’.164
We got to the anchorage about 1:15 pm along with a dozen or so other boats. We were SO excited. Our excitement was dashed when at 4:00 pm they announced that the launch was postponed until Sunday - BUMMER! By that time, the bridges were closed for the 5 pm traffic so we turned on a great XM radio station, grilled some burgers, drank some wine and just chilled in a beautiful spot.
Thursday, March 12, 2009 - Daytona Beach
We motored the 52 miles to Daytona Beach (boring) and treated ourselves to a Pizza at Stavros and walked around the downtown area a bit. The Halifax Marina was a very nice marina with great facilities.
Friday, March 13, 2009 - St. Augustine Anchorage
Position: N 29° .53’.758, W 081° .18’.549
We anchored in a TIGHT anchorage north of the Bridge of Lions and it was so foggy that visibility was only about 50 ft. It was not a restful night as we were afraid that since Long Gone swings so much at anchor, we may swing into another boat.
Saturday, March 14, 2009 - St. Augustine - Camanchee Cove Marina
We’re out of groceries so we took a slip at Camanchee Cove so that we could use their courtesy car. Chris and I went to Walmart and the liquor store (we were almost out of wine - horrors!). We were wowed by the prices and probably bought two of everything. In the Bahamas, the groceries were so expensive. Like a bag of Tyson frozen chicken breasts in the Bahamas was $32 (no lie) and at Walmart it was $8! Tom and Linda from Tomlin Too came over for the last time (sniff) as they are going to their home in Arizona and leaving their Hunter 450 in St. Augustine on the hard. We’ve been traveling with them for well over a week. We grilled some steaks, they brought some wonderful shrimp which we grilled and of course, drank some wine!
Sunday, March 15, 2009 - Leaving St. Augustine
We’re leaving here as soon as Chris finishes changing the oil so if you don’t see an update for a few days, you’ll know that we are traveling and don’t have internet!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
March 6 to March 9 Updates - Sorry no internet until now!!!!!
The beach at Powell Cay on the Sea of Abaco
The coral banks at Manjack Cay
Friday, March 6 - Powell Cay Anchorage
Position: N 26° .53’.999, W 077° .29’.051
We sailed the mere 10.5 nm to the Powell Cay Anchorage where secluded beautiful white beaches were waiting. Oh…we caught our very first FISH!!!! We were SO excited. Thanks to Joe and Roxy who brought us the lucky lure and fishing pole! We were trolling along using a yellow skirted lure and a 2 ft. long Ceral (spelling?) Mackeral caught the line and Chris reeled him in. We weren’t sure exactly what he was so we took him over to Tomlin Too who helped Chris clean him and later we all got together for some Chili and Cornbread on the Long Gone with the fish for appetizers. Tom dredged him in flour, salt and pepper and fried him up and he was DELICIOUS!!!
Saturday, March 7 - Great Sale Anchorage
Position: N 26° .58’.713, W 078° .12’.912
It was 42.8 nm from Powell Cay to Great Sale. We had anchored here before on the way to Marsh Harbour so we knew the holding was excellent. Tomlin Too, a Hunter 450 traveled the southern route and we went over the top as we had on the previous trip. We arrived basically at the same time and another couple from Boat Harbour, Toucan II was also in the anchorage. Linda again cooked us a wonderful meal of lasagna, I brought the salad, Toucan brought the appetizers and much wine was consumed and stories swapped.
Sunday, March 8 to Monday, March 9 - The Crossing
We left Great Sale about 10 am in ROLLING and confused seas and no wind. Yuck. Fortunately about midnight the seas calmed a bit and the wind picked up a bit. Then we hit the Gulf Stream and that definitely changed our outlook. We were making 9.9 kts in only 7 kts of wind. WOW! What a ride. We are currently in Cape Canaveral at Cape Marina, right off the barge canal and about 6 miles from the ocean. Chris and I were actually here about 10 years ago because the Royal Caribbean Ship, Majesty of the Seas is directly across the canal from us. Lots of boating activity around here so it’s kind of rolling in the slip, but it was great to have a long hot shower after 5 days of anchoring out and worrying about running out of water. NEXT time we will definitely have a water maker!
We called Customs upon arrival and our presence was required at the Homeland Security Office so we started the 2 mile trek and were offered a ride by a commercial fisherman who was sitting in the marina parking lot. It was much appreciated because we are really TIRED. These all night sails are not good for sleeping but with the full moon last night, it was really gorgeous! I think Chris got in about ½ hr and me about the same. The auto pilot gave up the ghost AGAIN last night so it was hand steering all the way over. Yuck!!! Originally we had planned to go into Ft. Pierce Inlet but we were making such great time with the stream’s push that we would have arrived in Ft. Pierce before daybreak so decided to alter course and come in here. There’s a space shuttle launch (we are SO lucky) that Chris is dying to see so we’ll leave the marina tomorrow and go find a suitable viewing spot for watching. It’s a night launch and should be spectacular!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
March 5, 2009 - Still in Manjack!
The winds have been fierce and we thought it prudent to stay anchored in this protected anchorage (with internet!). We had a WONDERFUL dinner last night aboard Tomlin Too with Linda and Tom. We're hoping that the winds calm a bit today and we'll be on the way to Powell Cay. It's our intention to stay there a night, go to Great Sale and then do the big overnight crossing from Great Sale to Ft. Pierce Inlet, but.....as you know all is weather dependent. We'll keep you posted when we can!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
March 3, 2009- Manjack Cay Anchorage
Manjack Bay Anchorage
Position: N26º 48’.595 W077º 21’849
We are currently anchored in Manjack Cay, north of Green Turtle Cay. Winds were forecasted to be from the NE tonight, but instead they are from the west and we are bouncing and surfing in the anchorage. There is one house here on Crab Cay with an open router so we have internet! Who would have thought. We tried our hand at fishing today for the first time but nary a nibble. The passage through the Whale Cay today was bouncy but thankfully non-eventful. We followed Tomlin Too from Marsh Harbour to here and are planning to stay put for another day to explore the beautiful beaches here. We were treated to a magnificent sunset tonight and the crew from Tomlin Too came over to enjoy 5:00 pm happy hour aboard Long Gone.
The weather looks great for the remainder of the week (quite unusual) so we may cross over Saturday or Sunday into the States. If it’s cold, we’ll stay in FL, if it’s mild, we’ll start the trek back to NC. We miss you!!!!
Position: N26º 48’.595 W077º 21’849
We are currently anchored in Manjack Cay, north of Green Turtle Cay. Winds were forecasted to be from the NE tonight, but instead they are from the west and we are bouncing and surfing in the anchorage. There is one house here on Crab Cay with an open router so we have internet! Who would have thought. We tried our hand at fishing today for the first time but nary a nibble. The passage through the Whale Cay today was bouncy but thankfully non-eventful. We followed Tomlin Too from Marsh Harbour to here and are planning to stay put for another day to explore the beautiful beaches here. We were treated to a magnificent sunset tonight and the crew from Tomlin Too came over to enjoy 5:00 pm happy hour aboard Long Gone.
The weather looks great for the remainder of the week (quite unusual) so we may cross over Saturday or Sunday into the States. If it’s cold, we’ll stay in FL, if it’s mild, we’ll start the trek back to NC. We miss you!!!!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Long Gone leaving Marsh Harbour March 3, 2009
We'll be out of range for a few days, but when we can, we'll update the blog to tell you all where we are. The weather looks favorable (although right on the nose, of course) to make the passage north. Stay tuned and stay warm!!!!!!!!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Feb. 28 - Trip to Hopetown Fair
The "Ambition" crew - Cindy and Merrill
The Hopetown Burial Society!
One of the colorful homes on Elbow Cay
The beach at Hopetown and notice the doggy! This was right before he came up the path and jumped up on us with sandy, dirty and wet paws!
The Sea of Abaco was finally calm enough for us to dinghy over to Hopetown on Elbow Cay. Their Fire & Rescue Department was having a fair to raise money for new equipment. There were hamburgers, hotdogs, a silent auction and even a demonstration by the US Coast Guard! It was weird to hear the Coastie’s helicopter because you just don’t see or hear those at all here in the Bahamas! We walked around Hopetown looking at all the beautiful houses there - it’s just so colorful! Every time I find a house that I think is my favorite, another more colorful one pops up around the corner.
Last night we said our goodbyes to Merrill and Cindy aboard ‘Ambition’, a Beneteau 411. They are leaving later today to go down to the Exumas (although the weather is crappy today so they may be delayed). We all tried to convince the Long Gone captain to follow along, but we’re trying to get back to the States in time for him to fly to OH for Easter break to see the girls. Our plan is to leave on Tuesday morning with another Hunter (a 450) named Tomlin II. They too would like to leisurely sail north taking in the sights that they missed on the way south. Our tentative plan is to go to Treasure Cay first, perhaps over to Great Guana, onto Manjack, Spanish Cay, Great Sale and then onto West End to wait for a window to cross the Gulf Stream. After that it will depend on weather - we can choose West Palm or if the Stream is really pushing us, we may try for Ft. Pierce or even points further north. It’s just hard to plan with cold fronts coming down every 3 days or so.
As we were saying goodbye to Cindy and Merrill, Lew and Teresa came into town from Norfolk. They are on 'Enchantment' - the Cabo Rico motor sailor that we were with for about 4-5 days coming south. It was great to see them again and the plan is for them to follow along to Treasure and Great Guana before coming back here to Boat Harbour. They will leave their boat here until May and then take her back to Norfolk. Because of the comings and goings, we thought that was reason enough for a party aboard Long Gone so Chris threw on a pork tenderloin and some chicken and the girls and I cooked green beans and mashed potatoes and kept the wine flowing. We definitely won the prize last night for the most bottles consumed in this marina!
It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to the Bahamas as we’ve just had such a wonderful time. The water here is unbelievably blue and even though we’ve had cold fronts one after the other (and the locals declare this the coldest winter ever), it has been great. We’ve learned a LOT on this trip! It’s even harder to say goodbye to the great folks we’ve met along the way, but we’re still keeping in touch with the cruisers that we’ve met on the way to the Chesapeake so good friends truly never lose touch. We're also looking forward to being back in New Bern and hanging out with all of our friends at home whom we've really missed! Wish all of you could have come too!
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