11/15/15

We have arrived. My wonderful grandchildren all know that Nana does not get up until after 7am. Well as you will see from this beautiful picture IE left Deltaville into the sunrise - which was 6.44am to be exact. Now what Nana figured out was that the seas are calmer then which makes for an easier ride. Celebrations tonite as we snuggle down at mile 8.8 on the ICW at Top Rack Marina. IE came through Norfolk VA at precisely 10.30am. Passing Swells Point where the piers of Naval Station Norfolk are known as "long grey line", I thought of my nephew Branden. Coming into the mouth of the Elizabeth River toward Mile Marker Zero of the ICW. Where is the champagne!!! Later the skipper said. After 6 hours we decided to pack it in for today. Our goal will be to get to Coinjock tomorrow  which means we will be in NC. We may even get a little further but will need adjusting to the bridges, locks and of course a slower speed. IE has visited RI,CT,NY,NJ,DE,MD,and VA. Nana has booked her flight for Saturday 21st and can't wait to catchup with her little ones. The first picture speaks for itself. The second picture is the Nauticus with the World War 11 battleship Wisconsin. Maybe on our way back we will visit.

11/14/15

Layday today at Deltaville Marina at Jackson Creek. The prettiest crescent moon last night after sunset with the perfect sky. The Stars were amazing due to the lack of artificial light. A cold but sunny day. Plan to wash down IE, take advantage of the free bikes and enjoy a day of rest! Early start tomorrow so we will reach the ICW which is very exciting. A cleaner looking skipper today! Donal will be happy to know we are taking great care of his boat. Today Nana discovered what those sticks are that are strategically placed all along the coast line. While visiting the wonderful Maritime Museum and park that has some terrific sculpture , Nana read all about Oyster tonging. I will attack a picture. We had the perfect lay day. 

11/13/15

Friday the 13th and Day 12 of The Journey. Well today the Skipper took a very big risk when we left Readville early to catch the two hour window of calm weather- Nana had made it very clear she would abandon ship if there was a repeat of yesterday. The risk paid off - NanDad is always right!!!! We arrived into Deltaville at 9.15 am in perfect time. This is a beautiful spot although a little unsettling coming into the creek with the beach within 10 yards of the boat. Took another 160 gals of diesel - IE is a thirsty girl! A very friendly stopover with the use of a courtesy car- no we did not forget how to drive! The photo will show the skipper doing what little boys love to do - play with dirt. The other will show a whole new idea for our Vespa's - don't forget to zoom in. Because today is the day to tease the Skipper while stocking up at the local grocery store he thought he would be a step ahead of Nana and decided to buy all the water and put in the courtesy car. When we got back to the Marina there was no water to be found. Oh boy somebody is in for a surprise. If we had not already won the pot trophy ( BWSC) that's one for Wally. Tomorrow we may try to get to the ICW- we will see.

11/12/15

Everyday is the beginning of a new journey. Enjoy the ride and boy did we enjoy the ride today! The forecast was quite accurate and if the intention was to see how IE and Nana would handle the conditions then the Skipper must be very pleased. The short video attached will give you a good idea! Leaving Solomons Island early we arrived into Readville about 41nm at 1pm. IE had to slow down for the last three hours due to a complication with the dingy. No more will be said. Now we are tucked into a very secluded area where they have a large fishing industry and omega oil factory. Very poor reception so not sure if the log will get posted. Naturally the water is now like a lake. We are in Cockrill Creek VA and only 55nm from the entrance to the ICW. The restaurant is called Leadbellies where they serve liver and onions and frogs legs. I opted for the bean soup and purchased the most delicious pound cake made by the chief and right out of oven. Boy did Nana enjoy her tea that night!  Unable to send the video so this might give you an idea!

11/11/15

Nana had a very creative day today. The chart that you will see after the blog has a dime on each port that IE docked. This is so Emma and Tigran can have an idea of where we went- and the adults also!A lovely trip to the Solomons Island today. A slip at the SIYC followed by a personal invite to their crab cake dinner by their vice commadore John Simpson. A truly charming island that we walked in a half hour. Five years ago I put the Solomons Island in my scrap book for our eventual trip to the ICW and here we are. We will aim for Gwynn's Island tomorrow. The picture on the bottom is IE leaving Annapolis with a Catamaran riding our wake. Annapolis is a lovely town and we had the perfect breakfast at the Iron Rooster. I think we might rendevous with Sue & Dave Patton in Norfolk on Friday ( BWSC) - weather and seas permitting. 

11/1O/15

A very rainy and partial foggy day but we arrived onto Annapolis at around 1pm. Much concentration was needed to track the buoys despite charts, iPads, iPhones and of course GPS. Depite the fog , the foliage was beautiful and Nana spotted a lovely horse farm and winery right at the edge of the Elk Neck and Bohemia River. Arriving into Annapolis in the fog meant we could barely see the Chesapeake Bay bridge and after fueling we had a little confusion regarding our slip but the Skipper made a swift adjustment and IE accommodated nicely! Not sure what tomorrow will bring. The weather may indicate a lay day so It would be nice if the rain stopped.

11/09/14

A very successful full day coming through first the canal at Cape May, then up the Delaware Bay and into the C&D Canal. A total of approximately 58 NM in about five hours. IE handled it extremely well and Nana had breakfast, practiced her chorus songs and kept an eye at all times on navigation. Lots of Tug Boats, working vessels, and barges along the way. The skipper was very busy concentrating. We are now safely tied up at the town dock in Chesapeake City which is an adorable little place. Our plan is to head to Annapolis tomorrow.