Headed South Again

[edwardc]

Well, after over two weeks of delays due to rain, a hurricane, an ailing mother, and general disorganization, we're finally off on our second trip south! Only got in about 27 nm yesterday, but we've left the dock! Spent the night anchored on the Rhode River.

Our plan today is to make 40 nm to Solomon's Island, and anchor off of Spring Cove marina.

Our general plan is:
ICW to Florida
Okeechobee waterway to Gulf Coast
Gulf Coast to Key West
Key West to Marathon to Key Largo
Key Largo to Bimini, Bahamas
Bimini to New Provedence to Eluthera
Eluthera to The Abacos
Abacos back to Florida
Up the ICW back to the Chesapeake

All, of course, subject to change.

I'll be posting here when I can, but most of my writing will be on my blog:

https://sv-dolce-vita.blogspot.com

[lat 64]

Here's wishing you both a safe journey and fun times.

Russ

[roadnsky]

Hey Ed-
I'm gonna be sailing over to the Abacos in early December.
Maybe we can hook up?

[Boat]

safe travels, looking forward to reading about it

[edwardc]

Thanks for all the well wishes.

We're currently off of the mouth of the Potomac, headed south at 4-5 kts under jib only with winds NNW at 12 kts and 1-2 ft following seas. Earlier in the morning, the wind was at 25 with 3-4 ft seas and we were doing 6 kts on a reefed jib!

Our destination tonight is the Wicomico River.

[sdemore]

I envy all of you! My farthest sail is within 5 miles of my marina. I'm trying to gain enough fortitude to plan a spring trip down the Chesapeake, up the Atlantic, into the Delaware bay, and back down the Chesapeake to home trip. Not sure I trust myself for a 5 or 6 day trip like that.

[sastanley]

Steve, We tend to use our boat very local also. Just remember that you are ON THE BOAT. It doesn't matter whether you are putzing around the harbor 100 yards from the marina, or sailing to Key West.

[edwardc]

Steve,

Do the Delmarva trip. It's what we did to work our way up from purely Bay sailing.

We're currently at anchor off the Wicomico in VA, just south of the Potomac. Heading out shortly for Salt Ponds, just outside of Hampton , VA.

[sdemore]

I'll be following your journeys!

[edwardc]

Update

Since I've posted last, we've been at:

Sandy Point on the Wicomico (anchored)
Salt Ponds (marina, waiting out weather)
Portsmouth free dock (south basin)
Dismal Canal Visitors center
Alligator River (anchored)
Belhaven (anchored)

Tomorrow we plan to be in Oriental and stay for an extra day to get some stuff done.

[Administrator]

Wise decisions and great progress!

Bill

[edwardc]

After Oriental, we went to Swansboro. Couldn't get into Dudleys because it's become so silted up we kept running aground! Ended up tying up to the remains of the town dock. Building destroyed, but floating docks mostly survived.

From there, we had a long day to Wrightsville Beach. Beautiful anchorage there with room for lots of boats. Then to Calabash Creek (just before Myrtle Beach), and then spent two days at Osprey Marina (just after Myrtle Beach).

Osprey is a great place! Great rates, great service, and plenty of depth. A real gem.

Today was a short day to Georgetown, SC, where we caught a little of the "Taste of Georgetown Festival. Georgetown seems to have escaped fairly undamaged by Florence and Michael.

Expect to be in Charleston in two more days. Was considering going outside there again, but it doesn't look like there will be a good weather window for that for a while, so we'll keep on pressing on inside.

A4 is purring along, consuming a pretty dependable gallon an hour.

[sastanley]

Ed, thanks for the updates...have been following your blog when I am bogged down at work. I can read it there, but cannot post comments (IT security crap), but we are following you along and living vicariously!

[edwardc]

The blog's a few days behind. We're currently anchored behind Cumberland Island, GA, just north of the Florida line. Weather is crappy. 60s, over cast, drizzle, 15 kt wind. We're going to hang here a day until it improves.

[Marian Claire]

Can think of worse places to be hung up for a few days. Miles of untouched beaches, the whole gambit of barrier island flora. Color me green.
Enjoy.
Dan S/V Marian Claire