And The Winner Is------

October 31, 2012

We got underway at 8:30 this morning when the New Bern bridge opened.  It is hard to believe that so much of our country is devastated from Hurricane Sandy when we look at our horizon.  It is such a beautiful day.  The sky is blue, the sun is shining, the water is flat, the dolphins are jumping and our little convoy of three boats is traveling south.  It feels so good to be moving and have the storm behind us.  

Bob and Diedre arriving for dinner. 

Everyone is coming for dinner when we get to the marina.  I’m busy in the kitchen as we chug along.  Trying a new recipe so who knows what kind of chaos will occur. 

I had some time to read our Waterway Guide this morning and wanted to share a bit of useless information.  Outhouses were originally marked with a star for men and a crescent moon for women.  The cutouts were to allow light in and offer ventilation.  It didn’t take long for the men to realize that their outhouses were always dirty and the women’s were clean.  The men began using the women’s privies and before too long all of the outhouses had crescent moons on the door.  The tradition continues today.  Everyone uses the same bathroom and the women clean them!  

 

We just found out that Gotta Smile was chosen the best boat name by Jeppesen/C Maps.  We are now featured on their website.  No prize money or trophy – just the glory of winning.   

 

 

 

 

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!

 

               

Lucky Again - Hurricane Sandy In Our Path

October 24 - 30, 2012

We decided to stop in New Bern, North Carolina for one night. Brian had traveled here when he was with 3M and he wanted to show me some of the historic sights. So, on Wednesday the 24th we took a forty mile side trip up the Neuse River to New Bern. That was a very lucky decision!  Once we got settled and checked the weather we saw that Hurricane Sandy was on track to travel up the east coast. Even though Sandy wouldn't be up here until Sunday or Monday, we decided to wait it out while we were this far inland.  We also found out that when the winds reach 35 miles an hour, the bridges on the intracoastal are closed. If we had continued, we could have been stranded in areas without anchorages or marinas and unable to go further without a bridge opening. Once again -- we are sooooo very lucky!

New Bern - The birthplace of Pepsi----NOT Coke! 
Caleb Bradham created "Brad's Drink" in this pharmacy
in 1898.  I could only find a gas station on the outskirts
of town that sold Coke!

This super storm was combining hurricane strength with a full moon and high tides to compound her threat.  Wind from the storm was being felt 500 miles from the eye.  And, once on land Canadian storms combined with Sandy to provoke massive snowstorms.        

Carver County Courthouse
The First Provincial Congress was held in New Bern
in defiance of British orders in August 1774.

Tryon Palace
Reconstruction of the original colonial royal
governors' palace.

Thursday and Friday we enjoyed beautiful bright sunshine and temperatures in the upper 70's.  We walked all over town visiting shops, restaurants and historic sights.  Saturday the weather began to disintegrate.  The wind picked up and the rain was intermittent.  We were out and about in spite of the weather visiting the farmer's market (that was cancelled - only one farmer showed up) and having breakfast in a local gem.  Sunday was a misnomer -- the sun never came out.  Gray clouds, rain and stronger winds continued throughout the day with temperatures dropping into the low 40's.  We stayed on board   
all day only leaving to go to a friend's boat for dinner.  Monday the storm finally passed us and continued towards New York.  Our weather was a duplicate of Sunday's.  We did walk into town for breakfast with friends and had dinner on their boat.  The plan had originally been to leave on Monday, but the wind gusts were still up to 50 miles an hour.  Walking on the docks took full concentration as they continually shift from wind and wave action.  Tuesday morning the sun peeked out of the clouds and gave us hope of better weather.  Wednesday we will be heading south with the two other boats that are traveling with us.         

Washington stayed in this home for two nights on
his Southern Tour in April 1791.

This is the third hurricane or tropical storm that we have encountered on our travels.  With waves beyond the intracostal at 35 feet, we NEVER want to experience that kind of angry water face to face.  As I have said before -- better to be lucky than smart.  Thank God our luck is still holding. 

Thanks to all of our family and friends that called, emailed and texted to see that we were safe.    
           
Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!


Formal Gardens of flowers and vegetables.

  

An authentic turn-of-the-century hardware.
Mitchell Hardware is a landmark in town and a
favorite of Brian's week in New Bern.

The Sting Ray Cafe -- the best restaurant for
fresh seafood in town. 

A beautiful sight!  The first blue sky and sunshine
we have seen in days..... It only lasted a few minutes. 

 

New Bern was the colonial capital of North Carolina
and for a short time the state capital.  It was first 
settled in 1710 by Swiss and German immigrants.
164 beautiful homes, stores and churches in the
downtown area date back to the early
eighteenth century.



 

                           

Heading South -- At Last

October 17 - 22, 2012

Frequently we are asked why we don’t have a plan or some kind of a schedule.  Well, to put it simply -- every time we try to schedule a bit of our life – life changes.  ‘Our plan’ had been to leave Solomon’s Island when the Krogen Rendezvous ended on October 7^th.  Instead we pulled away from the dock on the 17^th.  The main reason for the delay was my broken rib.  But, the weather, wind direction, current and wave height all control our travel decisions.  This time of the year the shortened daylight hours are an additional factor.  Compounding those conditions is coordinating schedules with friends.

 

Bonnie and Jon had been at The Tides Inn Marina in Irvington, Virginia for most of the month.  We had made arrangements two previous times to meet them there only to have something interfere.   Now that the stripper pole is installed and I’m off pain pills we can get under way.  Bonnie had a physical on the 16^th, the doctors said they needed a little more information before they would give her an all clear.  We woke up on the 17th and decided to leave immediately.  We wanted to wait out the doctor’s decision with them.  By the time we arrived, they had talked to both of her doctors and the consensus was – “come back in a year – you are good to go”!  Great news!  

 

Brian and Jon left the marina on the 19^th at 7 AM to deliver Jon’s car to Charleston and drive back in a rental.  That’s a 1000 mile road trip in one day.  They arrived back at the boats at 2 AM.  Bonnie and I had the day to enjoy the resort, do a little shopping and walk for miles and miles (at least it felt like miles and miles).  Strange as it sounds – that was the first day that Brian and I were apart for a full day since we left Minnesota over a year ago.  Wow, that is a lot of togetherness---

 

Saturday morning we did some last minute prep and got under way.  It was a perfect Fall day.  The water was flat; the sun was shining; only a whisper of wind and the boat was purring.  How many days like this can we possibly have?  The weatherman predicts a full week of beautiful mid 70’s days.  Just once maybe he will be right!  As we prepared to drop anchor for the night, we got a call from Jon that their windless was not working.  (The windless is the mechanism that lowers and raises the anchor chain.)  We decided that they should ‘raft’ with us. (Tie to our boat and we both swing off one anchor.)  Well, as long as we are connected, we might as well have dinner together.  I prepared a quick main course and dessert while Bonnie made a salad and heated bread.  The guys worked on the windless and got it working.



Walkie talkies are used to talk between boats
when  underway.  We forgot to give one to Jon before
we left the marina.  Safely passed in a plastic bag 
and fishing net.  Communication can commence.    



    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday morning the engines were running as the sun came up.  The Chesapeake was slapping our port side with 3 - 4 foot waves for the first three hours.  Just as I was thinking that I should have taken my new sea sick pills, we turned and the waves were hitting our stern.  A much more comfortable ride.  We arrived at the Atlantic Yacht Basin in Chesapeake, Virginia in time to take on 500 gallons of diesel and tie up for the night.  Meanwhile, Bonnie and Jon’s water pump quit working.  Not a problem: connect to marina water for the night and order a new pump at 7:30 Monday morning.  The pump was delivered by 11 and we were heading south on the intercoastal by noon. 

Brunch on Bon Voyage as we wait for parts to arrive.

 

Rafted for the night

Monday night brought continued maintenance.  We rafted in a quiet North Carolina bay.  Jon installed his pump and Brian worked on our generator.  One thing that is reinforced daily – to live this life you better have a mechanic on board or your trip is going to have a lot of interruptions waiting for repairs and parts.  Bonnie and I combined efforts for a dinner that we inhaled just before the third Presidential debate. 

Dueling hoses clean the anchor chain!

 

Tube Dude can't keep from smiling about 
another beautiful morning!

 

 

Gotta smile – we’re lovin the ride! 

 

 

Recuperating In Solomons

October 8 - 13, 2012

Monday morning I overslept.  I woke up at 9:50 and immediately checked my phone for messages.  Kristi and Dick were expected to join us that day.  However, a time hadn’t been established – not until I checked messages….  Ok, they expect to arrive at 11:00!  Yikes, jump out of bed.  Can’t jump out of bed—my rib hurts too much.  Ease slowly out of bed, shower, dress, hair and make-up, straighten the boat and plan a quick lunch.  Ready!  Several messages later – they will be a little later than 11.  Now I can sit down, take some deep breaths and look relaxed.  When Kristi and Dick did arrive, we immediately started catching up on what we’ve been emailing the last seven months.  You know how that goes – you begin a conversation and before that topic is completed you jump to something else.  A couple of hours later you realize that not one topic has been completely discussed!  Dinner at Stoney’s, one of America’s 50 Best Seafood Dives.  Tuesday morning they were on the road continuing their trip from Minnesota to Florida.  Fun time, especially since I won the Farkel tournament! 

Tuesday, one of our neighbors, Cindy, found out that her boat had to be out of the water for a couple of days.  Her husband was in Clearwater, Florida for the week.  We invited her to stay with us until the boat was “splashed”.    She stayed with us for two nights.  Dinner for six here on Thursday night.  And, the eight Krogen owners that are still here came for cocktails on Saturday night.      

 

Wednesday, Brian got cool new glasses and I went for a follow up doctor’s appointment (only way to get additional pain pills).  Since my rib is beginning to feel better, I’m noticing other injuries from the fall.  My left ankle is very swollen and tender.  X-rays show that it is just sprained – nothing broken or torn!!!  Good news: the doctor says everything is healing and sixty pain pills are mine. 

 

Scotty arrived with his team to install the new railing.  In an attempt to make me feel better about being a complete putz, he has named it a stripper pole.  I told him that he needs to add the proper lighting that will minimize my wrinkles and sagging parts.  Maybe that means no lights – total darkness.  I know – too much information!  They did a great job designing and fabricating a railing that will assist us on both staircases.  Thanks, Guys, I don’t want to ever tumble out of the pilot house again.  

So, this is what a week of recovery looks like on Gotta Smile.  Nothing that interesting, but it’s a good life, full of interesting people.  Pinch me -- how did we get so lucky!                

  

Gotta smile – we’re lovin the ride!      

Greetings From The Padded Cell

September 29 – October 7, 2012

We arrived at Calvert Marina on Solomons Island thinking we would spend a night, explore the Patuxent River and then return to the marina for the Rendezvous.  Well, we docked, met some of the other Krogen owners and decided to stay!  We’re easy…be friendly, invite us to a couple of parties and we’re yours! 

Sunday morning we got a call from Didi and Peter.  They live in Charlottesville, Virginia and were driving in this direction.  We originally met them on their boat when we brought ‘Finally’ to Florida to sell it -- 2009.  Luckily, we had rented a car for that week-end.  Off to Annapolis for a late lunch and great conversation.  Isn’t it fun to have friends that you pick up with like you saw them yesterday -- even if it’s been seven months?

At first glance it looks like a horrible accident.



On Monday Krogens of all shapes and sizes were arriving.  It was amazing to see the guys manage the docking.  48 foot and larger were on one dock with the 39 and 44’s on another.  Swim platforms were placed against the dock and the bows looked like they were woven together.  Tuesday we registered and Wednesday the activities got under way.  Meals, classes and discussion groups were available for four days from the 7:30 breakfast until dinner and conversation were completed.  Brian was pleased that I took a class called Man Over Board (how to save someone that falls off the boat).  Thirteen years ago at a Trawlerfest I took a burial at sea class……opps!  I think he just read too much into it.  The rendezvous was lots of fun.  We got some great ideas about ways to improve our boat and met a lot of really nice people. 

Now, you can see the system -- beautiful organization!

Cocktails on the dock

Dinner in the tent.

I did have one unpleasant incident during the rendezvous.  Once again, I fell out of the pilot house.  This time I only fell into the galley/salon level.  However, I hit my chest on the edge of the buffet and broke a rib.  I have had lots of surgery and painful procedures, but I don’t think anything hurt as much as this.  Nothing can help it mend.  Take deep breathes regularly and don’t get too far away from the pain killers.  To try and prevent future tumbles, Hottie Scotty is installing what he lovingly calls ‘the stripper pole’.  Pictures to follow…..  We are also having assists put on the swim platform to make it easier to get in and out of the dingy.  Brian thought about putting padding on all of the floors and hard edges and then renaming the boat “Padded Cell”.  Everyone is having lots of fun suggesting ways to preserve my body and prolong my boating days.  We will probably stay here another week to give my rib a little more time to heal. 

 Gotta smile – we’re lovin the ride!