DAY 14 -- September 30, 2006
7:45 am -- After breakfast -- Captain Ed and MaryAnn board the Navigator without me. They cruise through the Queens Harbour Lagoon to the locks. I am waiting for them since I have come by land -- in a car.
David, our Harbor Master, suggests taking the Inland Waterway south exiting to the Atlantic Ocean at St. Augustine rather than north at Mayport.
8:35 am -- Navigator approaches the Beach Boulevard Bridge which is under construction. A collection of barges blocks the channel. After multiple radio calls Captain Ed successfully hails a tug boat captain who directs them through the construction site. Mary Ann describes their passage under the Beach Boulevard Bridge: ‘It was like threading a needle.”
10:10 am -- Navigator enters the Atlantic at St. Augustine -- David’s tip was a good one. Once on the open ocean Captain Ed is able ramp up to 25 knots in a SE direction with a quartering sea. Conditions are good.
2:05 pm -- Navigator is outside Cape Canaveral -- conditions are even better -- with a following sea -- one foot waves -- traveling speed at 28 knots.
6:47 pm -- Navigator makes the turn into the Inland Waterway through the Lake Worth Inlet -- fifteen minutes before sunset -- at mile marker 1017.
7:16 pm -- Navigator docks at North Palm Beach Marina -- slip number 85.
The trip from Harwichport, Cape Cod, Massachusetts is complete. The voyage has been successful, fun and safe.
Captain Ed and his “crack” crew all agree that this was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We know we are fortunate to have had the opportunity laugh as much as we did on this trip and to realize that even though we are getting older our original personalities ---- which brought us together in the first place -- are still intact.
Thanks to all our readers -- we hope you enjoyed the trip as much as we did!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
DAY THIRTEEN - September 29, 2009
8:52 am -- After fueling-- we leave Skidaway Island behind -- It takes a good thirty minutes to get to the Atlantic because of low water --- less than six feet in some areas -- Captain Ed is taking it very slow. The seas are calmer than yesterday.
12:13 pm -- Off the coast of Jekyll Island, GA -- we are cruising at 22 knots with a two foot following sea. The weather is sunny -- about 70 degrees -- a perfect day for a boat ride.
To keep ourselves busy -- we play a trivial pursuit type game that we made up from a book I bought at “Tuesday Morning” in Chesapeake.
1:45 pm -- We enter the St. John’s River -- passing Mayport Naval Air Station.
2:11 pm -- we enter the Inland Waterway at Mile Marker 740 -- next it is Beach Marina for fuel -- then to Queens Harbour and home.
3:36 pm -- we enter the lock system at Queens Harbour and cruise through the lagoon to my house -- everything looks so pretty.
Unloading my belongings is a challenge --- I guess that’s why I took the boat -- I didn’t want to pay all those airline luggage fees.
As we trudge up the walk with all my stuff -- we see a big “WELCOME HOME” sign on the porch and ballons blocking the door to the house. Inside -- are two pair of great big furry slippers. We assume all this frivolity is from Phil --- but when he is home later he tell us that only the slippers are from him.
Kerry -- I understand the rest was your doing --- thanks for the great surprise reception.
Spending the last couple of weeks with Mary and Ed has been so much fun -- an unforgettable experience -- but I am glad to be home.
Since the Navigator is going to North Palm Beach --- Mary Ann will be calling in the details of tomorrow’s voyage.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for one more day.
8:52 am -- After fueling-- we leave Skidaway Island behind -- It takes a good thirty minutes to get to the Atlantic because of low water --- less than six feet in some areas -- Captain Ed is taking it very slow. The seas are calmer than yesterday.
12:13 pm -- Off the coast of Jekyll Island, GA -- we are cruising at 22 knots with a two foot following sea. The weather is sunny -- about 70 degrees -- a perfect day for a boat ride.
To keep ourselves busy -- we play a trivial pursuit type game that we made up from a book I bought at “Tuesday Morning” in Chesapeake.
1:45 pm -- We enter the St. John’s River -- passing Mayport Naval Air Station.
2:11 pm -- we enter the Inland Waterway at Mile Marker 740 -- next it is Beach Marina for fuel -- then to Queens Harbour and home.
3:36 pm -- we enter the lock system at Queens Harbour and cruise through the lagoon to my house -- everything looks so pretty.
Unloading my belongings is a challenge --- I guess that’s why I took the boat -- I didn’t want to pay all those airline luggage fees.
As we trudge up the walk with all my stuff -- we see a big “WELCOME HOME” sign on the porch and ballons blocking the door to the house. Inside -- are two pair of great big furry slippers. We assume all this frivolity is from Phil --- but when he is home later he tell us that only the slippers are from him.
Kerry -- I understand the rest was your doing --- thanks for the great surprise reception.
Spending the last couple of weeks with Mary and Ed has been so much fun -- an unforgettable experience -- but I am glad to be home.
Since the Navigator is going to North Palm Beach --- Mary Ann will be calling in the details of tomorrow’s voyage.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for one more day.
Monday, September 28, 2009
DAY TWELVE -- September 28, 2009
7:21 am -- Wacca Wache Marina is calm and still this morning as the sun comes up -- we may be the only transient boat here.
7:43 am -- after breakfast and a look at the weather forecast we’re off. The Inland Waterway is indescribable this morning -- wide with forest rising out of the water on either side -- blue skies --- about sixty degrees -- all by ourselves.
Oops -- we’ve come across a lone sailboat tooling along under power not sail. We think it is a boat that was anchored at the inlet outside the marina last night. It is not unusual for sailboats to drop anchor in a number of inlets carved out just for this purpose along the waterway.
8:50 am -- we are passing the 400 mile marker and about to go out to the open seas -- let’s see how far south we go today.
2:13 pm -- the open seas are treacherous -- the bouncing around is even annoying Captain Ed. The winds are coming directly at us from the southwest.
At one point I suggested a bathroom break --- meaning that Captain Ed reduces speed so we can go below and use the facilities. The seas were so bad that I just could not continue down the ladder. I said, “Nevermind, I’ll hold it”. Well -- Captain Ed would hear none of that, he said “Pat, keep going you are now committed”. Finally I got up the nerve to continue --- it was not easy.
4:43 pm -- we dock at Delegal Creek Marina on Skidaway Island, Georgia. It was a little confusing to get in but now that we are here -- it is great.
Mary and Ed have friends that live here -- Tom and Jan Schendorf.
7:02 pm -- Jan arrives to take us to her house for a drink and then to their club for dinner. We have a nice boat visit waiting for Ed to finish his chores. Skidaway Island looks just like what one would expect of the deep south -- low hanging trees and homes that blend into the landscape. There are 4500 homes on the island -- a small city. We arrive at the Schendorf’s -- meet Tom and have a glass of wine.
8:06 pm -- at the club our dinner is great and the company superb. Back at the dock the Navigator is lit up like a beacon -- we are happy to see it.
Tomorrow we expect to make Jacksonville -- Hallelujah!
7:21 am -- Wacca Wache Marina is calm and still this morning as the sun comes up -- we may be the only transient boat here.
7:43 am -- after breakfast and a look at the weather forecast we’re off. The Inland Waterway is indescribable this morning -- wide with forest rising out of the water on either side -- blue skies --- about sixty degrees -- all by ourselves.
Oops -- we’ve come across a lone sailboat tooling along under power not sail. We think it is a boat that was anchored at the inlet outside the marina last night. It is not unusual for sailboats to drop anchor in a number of inlets carved out just for this purpose along the waterway.
8:50 am -- we are passing the 400 mile marker and about to go out to the open seas -- let’s see how far south we go today.
2:13 pm -- the open seas are treacherous -- the bouncing around is even annoying Captain Ed. The winds are coming directly at us from the southwest.
At one point I suggested a bathroom break --- meaning that Captain Ed reduces speed so we can go below and use the facilities. The seas were so bad that I just could not continue down the ladder. I said, “Nevermind, I’ll hold it”. Well -- Captain Ed would hear none of that, he said “Pat, keep going you are now committed”. Finally I got up the nerve to continue --- it was not easy.
4:43 pm -- we dock at Delegal Creek Marina on Skidaway Island, Georgia. It was a little confusing to get in but now that we are here -- it is great.
Mary and Ed have friends that live here -- Tom and Jan Schendorf.
7:02 pm -- Jan arrives to take us to her house for a drink and then to their club for dinner. We have a nice boat visit waiting for Ed to finish his chores. Skidaway Island looks just like what one would expect of the deep south -- low hanging trees and homes that blend into the landscape. There are 4500 homes on the island -- a small city. We arrive at the Schendorf’s -- meet Tom and have a glass of wine.
8:06 pm -- at the club our dinner is great and the company superb. Back at the dock the Navigator is lit up like a beacon -- we are happy to see it.
Tomorrow we expect to make Jacksonville -- Hallelujah!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
DAY ELEVEN -- September 27, 2009
9:21 am -- the Navigator pulls away from Wrightsville Marina with a marine weather forecast which includes thunderstorms and water spouts. It seems prudent to stay inside and weigh our options mid-day.
11:13 am -- We pass mile marker 300 on the Inland Waterway -- just for perspective -- Coinjock is mile marker 50. We travel along the Cape Fear River off the coast of North Carolina. The weather is great -- partly cloudy with no rain and limited winds.
1:40 pm -- we are at mile marker 337.9 traveling on the Little River approaching the Sunset Highway Bridge -- a pontoon bridge with scheduled openings on the hour. The South Carolina border is three miles away. It is slow going today --- but a great ride along the inland waterway. Mary and I are enjoying this -- we admire and/or criticize all the homes along the way -- we can stand up -- we can go below -- the bouncing around is at a minimum.
The problem is that we cannot go very fast -- Captain Ed must slow down when smaller boats are approaching Signs reading “You are Responsible for Your Wake” are posted everywhere. We encounter -- on a couple of occasions -- small boats pulling people (usually kids) on great big inner tubes. They circle us so they can ride our wake. It is nerve racking for us because you never know when one of these kids is going to fall off the tube. Another annoyance are the abundance of jet skis on the water ways -- a real menace -- as they also play with Navigator’s wake
5:11 pm -- we arrive at Wacca Wache Marina -- about 60 miles north of Charleston, SC. It is a lovely place -- the restaurant is called Hannah Bananas and there is an entertainer tonight known as: The Beach Cowboy (Jason Parchert).
After Navigator has been fueled and docked -- Mary and I take showers while Captain Ed gives the boat a thorough washing -- it must have taken him at least ninety minutes. So Mary and I decide to have a drink at Hannah Bananas.
The Beach Cowboy is most entertaining and it is fun to watch the local patrons -- there is a conch blowing contest -- we decline to participate but enjoy being spectators.
From our table on the patio we have a view of the setting sun. Eddie finally joins us, insisting that we order another drink -- before he goes back to the boat to cook our dinner.
After a great meal -- we have a crew meeting to discuss tomorrow’s options. Destination possibilities are Charleston if we must travel inside -- Hilton Head if the weather allows us to go on the open ocean.
We getting closer!
9:21 am -- the Navigator pulls away from Wrightsville Marina with a marine weather forecast which includes thunderstorms and water spouts. It seems prudent to stay inside and weigh our options mid-day.
11:13 am -- We pass mile marker 300 on the Inland Waterway -- just for perspective -- Coinjock is mile marker 50. We travel along the Cape Fear River off the coast of North Carolina. The weather is great -- partly cloudy with no rain and limited winds.
1:40 pm -- we are at mile marker 337.9 traveling on the Little River approaching the Sunset Highway Bridge -- a pontoon bridge with scheduled openings on the hour. The South Carolina border is three miles away. It is slow going today --- but a great ride along the inland waterway. Mary and I are enjoying this -- we admire and/or criticize all the homes along the way -- we can stand up -- we can go below -- the bouncing around is at a minimum.
The problem is that we cannot go very fast -- Captain Ed must slow down when smaller boats are approaching Signs reading “You are Responsible for Your Wake” are posted everywhere. We encounter -- on a couple of occasions -- small boats pulling people (usually kids) on great big inner tubes. They circle us so they can ride our wake. It is nerve racking for us because you never know when one of these kids is going to fall off the tube. Another annoyance are the abundance of jet skis on the water ways -- a real menace -- as they also play with Navigator’s wake
5:11 pm -- we arrive at Wacca Wache Marina -- about 60 miles north of Charleston, SC. It is a lovely place -- the restaurant is called Hannah Bananas and there is an entertainer tonight known as: The Beach Cowboy (Jason Parchert).
After Navigator has been fueled and docked -- Mary and I take showers while Captain Ed gives the boat a thorough washing -- it must have taken him at least ninety minutes. So Mary and I decide to have a drink at Hannah Bananas.
The Beach Cowboy is most entertaining and it is fun to watch the local patrons -- there is a conch blowing contest -- we decline to participate but enjoy being spectators.
From our table on the patio we have a view of the setting sun. Eddie finally joins us, insisting that we order another drink -- before he goes back to the boat to cook our dinner.
After a great meal -- we have a crew meeting to discuss tomorrow’s options. Destination possibilities are Charleston if we must travel inside -- Hilton Head if the weather allows us to go on the open ocean.
We getting closer!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
DAY TEN -- September 26, 2009
7:01 am -- The Navigator pulls away from Coinjock, NC -- weather looks pretty good -- overcast with light winds.
10:23 am -- half way through the Pamlico Sound -- it is choppy with two foot waves -- shortly we head back into the inland waterway along the Neuse River to Beaufort, NC.
12:08 pm -- as our trek on the Neuse River ends we enter Adams Creek expecting to be in Beaufort before 1:00 pm. We have decided to stay for the night since the forecast is rain and high winds later today.
1:49 pm -- we have made such good time that we going to Wrightsville Beach since tomorrow the winds will not be so friendly -- today there is a following sea.
3:24 pm -- an hour outside Wrightsville Beach -- the seas are none too friendly -- waves are eight feet high --- we feel like we are on a roller coaster running sideways. Traveling eight miles off shore -- we make the turn into Wrightsville Beach in twenty-four miles.
5:11 pm -- the Navigator makes the turn into the Masonboro Inlet during a heavy rain storm -- the ride has been “white knuckle” for the last few hours. We dock in the nick of time -- the rain is now torrential. The Cap says I should now know what rough seas are.
My cousin, Pam and her husband, Larry, are coming at 7:00 pm and Mary’s niece, Mallory works at the Blue Wave -- the crab cake restaurant at the dock. It has been worth the effort to make Wrightsville Beach.
We tidy up the boat -- make our shopping list -- put together an hors d’oeuvres tray -- and are ready to entertain.
6:52 pm -- Pam and Larry arrive as the rain is taking a break and Mallory comes over for a quick visit. We give tours of the Navigator and have a nice chat before going to the Blue Water for dinner.
8: 45 pm -- we have just had one of the best dinners -- the ultimate in crab cakes (no stuffing at all) and -- a shared dessert to die for. Mallory pops over from her station periodically and we give her Kieran’s (Pam’s daughter) contact information -- they’re about the same age and hopefully Kieran can provide tips about living in the area.
8:52 pm -- we have prevailed upon Pam to take us to the grocery store for provisions so we get to see some of the land area -- traveling by sea gives a unique perspective to locations visited.
We made good progress today and visited with family in port -- what more can one ask for?
7:01 am -- The Navigator pulls away from Coinjock, NC -- weather looks pretty good -- overcast with light winds.
10:23 am -- half way through the Pamlico Sound -- it is choppy with two foot waves -- shortly we head back into the inland waterway along the Neuse River to Beaufort, NC.
12:08 pm -- as our trek on the Neuse River ends we enter Adams Creek expecting to be in Beaufort before 1:00 pm. We have decided to stay for the night since the forecast is rain and high winds later today.
1:49 pm -- we have made such good time that we going to Wrightsville Beach since tomorrow the winds will not be so friendly -- today there is a following sea.
3:24 pm -- an hour outside Wrightsville Beach -- the seas are none too friendly -- waves are eight feet high --- we feel like we are on a roller coaster running sideways. Traveling eight miles off shore -- we make the turn into Wrightsville Beach in twenty-four miles.
5:11 pm -- the Navigator makes the turn into the Masonboro Inlet during a heavy rain storm -- the ride has been “white knuckle” for the last few hours. We dock in the nick of time -- the rain is now torrential. The Cap says I should now know what rough seas are.
My cousin, Pam and her husband, Larry, are coming at 7:00 pm and Mary’s niece, Mallory works at the Blue Wave -- the crab cake restaurant at the dock. It has been worth the effort to make Wrightsville Beach.
We tidy up the boat -- make our shopping list -- put together an hors d’oeuvres tray -- and are ready to entertain.
6:52 pm -- Pam and Larry arrive as the rain is taking a break and Mallory comes over for a quick visit. We give tours of the Navigator and have a nice chat before going to the Blue Water for dinner.
8: 45 pm -- we have just had one of the best dinners -- the ultimate in crab cakes (no stuffing at all) and -- a shared dessert to die for. Mallory pops over from her station periodically and we give her Kieran’s (Pam’s daughter) contact information -- they’re about the same age and hopefully Kieran can provide tips about living in the area.
8:52 pm -- we have prevailed upon Pam to take us to the grocery store for provisions so we get to see some of the land area -- traveling by sea gives a unique perspective to locations visited.
We made good progress today and visited with family in port -- what more can one ask for?
Friday, September 25, 2009
DAY NINE -- September 25, 2009
7:15 am -- After I take a shower and Mary Ann has her face lathered with soap -- there is no water -- the pump is not working. Captain Ed finally finds someone to solve this latest problem. The solution is a new water pump -- luckily one is available close by.
8:45 am -- Mary Ann and I have found a closer Dunkin Donuts -- we bring Ed back a coffee since he is not leaving the vicinity of the boat. The next couple of hours are spent in the Lounge at the yacht basin -- reading -- editing and posting The Blog -- chatting with other boaters and just hanging out.
Captain Ed has informed James Taylor -- if any parts need to be picked up we have a car and are available to go. We want nothing to stand in the way of getting back on track.
11:37 am -- Captain Ed comes into the lounge with the latest update -- all parts have been installed on the boat -- the water pump just arrived and will be installed momentarily. We think it is safe to assume we will not need the car anymore so Mary Ann and I take it back to Avis.
1:15 pm -- We get the word to pack up and get on board. The Navigator is ready for her sea trial.
1:33 pm -- Captain Ed starts the engines and in the pouring rain we take a run down the inland waterway. James Taylor is on board to check that all replaced parts are working as expected.
1:51 pm -- The Navigator’s sea trial is successful -- Captain Ed goes into the office to pay the bill.
2:08 pm -- The Navigator pulls away from the dock heading south on the Inland Waterway.
2:16 pm -- As we wait for the 2:30 pm Centerville Bridge opening Captain Ed notices that the left antenna is hanging down -- how did this happen?
2:24 pm -- A call comes in on the radio from the Atlantic Yacht Basin that Captain Ed has left his American Express card behind.
We turn around to retrieve the credit card -- and have the antenna fixed. This is a bona fide blessing in disguise since the last thing we need is for Captain Ed to be climbing around on top of the bridge to fix the antenna.
3:02 pm -- The Navigator pulls away from the Atlantic Yacht Basin for the last time and again heads south.
5:05 pm -- we pull into Coinjock Marina -- yes the same place we had dinner last night -- but this time we are on the boat.
Captain Ed insisted that I have a “Coinjock T-Shirt” so now I do.
Tomorrow the plan is to be on the waterway by 7:00 am and travel as far south as the weather will allow.
7:15 am -- After I take a shower and Mary Ann has her face lathered with soap -- there is no water -- the pump is not working. Captain Ed finally finds someone to solve this latest problem. The solution is a new water pump -- luckily one is available close by.
8:45 am -- Mary Ann and I have found a closer Dunkin Donuts -- we bring Ed back a coffee since he is not leaving the vicinity of the boat. The next couple of hours are spent in the Lounge at the yacht basin -- reading -- editing and posting The Blog -- chatting with other boaters and just hanging out.
Captain Ed has informed James Taylor -- if any parts need to be picked up we have a car and are available to go. We want nothing to stand in the way of getting back on track.
11:37 am -- Captain Ed comes into the lounge with the latest update -- all parts have been installed on the boat -- the water pump just arrived and will be installed momentarily. We think it is safe to assume we will not need the car anymore so Mary Ann and I take it back to Avis.
1:15 pm -- We get the word to pack up and get on board. The Navigator is ready for her sea trial.
1:33 pm -- Captain Ed starts the engines and in the pouring rain we take a run down the inland waterway. James Taylor is on board to check that all replaced parts are working as expected.
1:51 pm -- The Navigator’s sea trial is successful -- Captain Ed goes into the office to pay the bill.
2:08 pm -- The Navigator pulls away from the dock heading south on the Inland Waterway.
2:16 pm -- As we wait for the 2:30 pm Centerville Bridge opening Captain Ed notices that the left antenna is hanging down -- how did this happen?
2:24 pm -- A call comes in on the radio from the Atlantic Yacht Basin that Captain Ed has left his American Express card behind.
We turn around to retrieve the credit card -- and have the antenna fixed. This is a bona fide blessing in disguise since the last thing we need is for Captain Ed to be climbing around on top of the bridge to fix the antenna.
3:02 pm -- The Navigator pulls away from the Atlantic Yacht Basin for the last time and again heads south.
5:05 pm -- we pull into Coinjock Marina -- yes the same place we had dinner last night -- but this time we are on the boat.
Captain Ed insisted that I have a “Coinjock T-Shirt” so now I do.
Tomorrow the plan is to be on the waterway by 7:00 am and travel as far south as the weather will allow.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
DAY EIGHT -- September 24, 2009
7:30 am -- we are up having breakfast -- making preparations to get underway -- Mary Ann and I go to the store -- get our coffee -- finish doing laundry.
9:30 am -- the Navigator is hauled and the parts are being installed. Our car is returned to Avis. Things are looking good.
11:09 am -- As I sit in the lounge (where the internet connection works better) editing yesterday’s blog -- MaryAnn comes to the door. I expect her to say “Pack-up, we’re on our way.” instead she says, “They have found another problem”. I am stunned as are Mary Ann and Ed. There is a cracked ball bearing that was discovered as they were installing the new rudder -- does this ever end? The parts are being shipped to arrive before noon tomorrow.
11:45 am -- Ed is frantically trying to get the car back from Avis so we can leave the boat yard. There’s only so much time one can spend in an Adirondack chair. Mary Ann is making lunch (ham sandwiches from Smithfield).
Ed takes a taxi to Avis returning with another rental car --- we enjoy a delicious lunch and decide to go to Nag’s Head, NC for the afternoon.
3:17 pm -- we are on the Outer Banks of NC enroute to the Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla, NC. where there is a lighthouse.
3:36 pm -- arriving at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse we see an imposing brick structure whose light first brightened the North Carolina coast on December 1, 1875. At Captain Ed’s insistence we climb the 214 steps to a height of 162 feet. The view from the parapet is well worth the climb -- but I must admit we are all huffing and puffing by the time we reach the top.
After coming down to earth -- we decide on a nature walk until I read the warning telling us to stay on the boardwalk as there may be green snakes hanging in the trees and water moccasins in the water. We are out of that nature walk in a flash.
4:24 pm -- Mary Ann has a better idea -- the Whalehead Club -- still in the Heritage Park -- is described as a “restored architectural masterpiece”. We walk over the wooden bridge arriving with a half hour till closing. Audio ear pieces are used as tour guides for this magnificent 21,000 square foot mansion. Built in 1922 by Edward Collings Knight, Jr. as a “utopia for hunters” this house has five chimneys, an elevator and a copper shingle roof. This was a lot more enjoyable than the nature walk.
5:26 pm -- leaving the Outer Banks we encounter a torrential rain storm which continues even as we approach Coinjock, NC for dinner. Coinjock is on the Inland Waterway and is akin to a truck stop --- for boaters. A lot of Captains bringing vessels north in the Spring and south in the Fall stop here for their cheap fuel and good food.
8:02 pm -- as we arrive back at the boat yard we notice that the Navigator is out of the shed but of course -- still in the boat yard.
A quick game of Rummikub -- Mary Ann wins again -- and it’s off to bed.
If we don’t get out of here tomorrow -- we will all start swimming.
Thanks for reading.
7:30 am -- we are up having breakfast -- making preparations to get underway -- Mary Ann and I go to the store -- get our coffee -- finish doing laundry.
9:30 am -- the Navigator is hauled and the parts are being installed. Our car is returned to Avis. Things are looking good.
11:09 am -- As I sit in the lounge (where the internet connection works better) editing yesterday’s blog -- MaryAnn comes to the door. I expect her to say “Pack-up, we’re on our way.” instead she says, “They have found another problem”. I am stunned as are Mary Ann and Ed. There is a cracked ball bearing that was discovered as they were installing the new rudder -- does this ever end? The parts are being shipped to arrive before noon tomorrow.
11:45 am -- Ed is frantically trying to get the car back from Avis so we can leave the boat yard. There’s only so much time one can spend in an Adirondack chair. Mary Ann is making lunch (ham sandwiches from Smithfield).
Ed takes a taxi to Avis returning with another rental car --- we enjoy a delicious lunch and decide to go to Nag’s Head, NC for the afternoon.
3:17 pm -- we are on the Outer Banks of NC enroute to the Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla, NC. where there is a lighthouse.
3:36 pm -- arriving at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse we see an imposing brick structure whose light first brightened the North Carolina coast on December 1, 1875. At Captain Ed’s insistence we climb the 214 steps to a height of 162 feet. The view from the parapet is well worth the climb -- but I must admit we are all huffing and puffing by the time we reach the top.
After coming down to earth -- we decide on a nature walk until I read the warning telling us to stay on the boardwalk as there may be green snakes hanging in the trees and water moccasins in the water. We are out of that nature walk in a flash.
4:24 pm -- Mary Ann has a better idea -- the Whalehead Club -- still in the Heritage Park -- is described as a “restored architectural masterpiece”. We walk over the wooden bridge arriving with a half hour till closing. Audio ear pieces are used as tour guides for this magnificent 21,000 square foot mansion. Built in 1922 by Edward Collings Knight, Jr. as a “utopia for hunters” this house has five chimneys, an elevator and a copper shingle roof. This was a lot more enjoyable than the nature walk.
5:26 pm -- leaving the Outer Banks we encounter a torrential rain storm which continues even as we approach Coinjock, NC for dinner. Coinjock is on the Inland Waterway and is akin to a truck stop --- for boaters. A lot of Captains bringing vessels north in the Spring and south in the Fall stop here for their cheap fuel and good food.
8:02 pm -- as we arrive back at the boat yard we notice that the Navigator is out of the shed but of course -- still in the boat yard.
A quick game of Rummikub -- Mary Ann wins again -- and it’s off to bed.
If we don’t get out of here tomorrow -- we will all start swimming.
Thanks for reading.
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