11/23/2011 STAYING PUT IN MOREHEAD CITY TO WEATHER OUT THE STORM

WEDNESDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM

DOCKED AT: PORTSIDE MARINA IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC ($1.22 /FT W/P OVERALL) THE SECOND NIGHT WAS DISCOUNTED AND THEY HAVE A FREE WASHER AND DRYER TOO

SUNRISE: 6:49 AM IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC        SUNSET: 4:58 PM

HIGH: 72                                                                       LOW: 55

Well, the wind started around midnight and reached its apex around 5:00 AM, ushering in a short but intense rain storm. Thankfully Dan had done a superb job securing Quest and we rode out the blow just fine. The clouds seemed to hover off in the distance all day but by early evening they were encroaching into our space. After dark the winds returned and began buffeting us from the north. No problem for us though as we had done our laundry in their free machines, done a walk about the waterfront, visited the hardware store and found a bakery for some treats.


T

DARK SKIES HOVER OVER THE MARINA WHILE
MR. PELICAN OVERSEES ALL

THE CLOUD COVER CREATES A SPECTACULARLY
COLORFUL EVENING AS THE SUN BEGINS IT DESCENT

                                                                                                                                                               The infamous pirate “Blackbeard” (Edward Teach) haunted these waters in his flagship Queen Anne’s Revenge. The remains of the ship were discovered in the waters just off Fort Macon State Park in 1996, substantiating the stories that it went aground near here.

Image via Wikipedia

BLACKBEARD HIMSELF

Morehead City was the dream of Governor Morehead who served the state from 1841 to 1845. He envisioned a commerce center at the intersecting Newport River and the Beaufort Inlet, complete with the requisite port and a railroad system to deliver goods. His hard work established this community that now is home to the Institute of Marine Science, the N.C. division of Marine Fisheries and the Ferry Division of the N.C. DOT. It is also a center for sport fishing, some light industry and tourism. The port serves both the commercial as well as the military community. Nearby Camp Lejeune, home to the Second Marine Division, has designated it as their port for embarkations and debarkations.

11/22/2011 ENJOYING THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM AS WE HEAD TO MOREHEAD CITY, NC

TUESDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 64 NM

DOCKED AT: ($1.50 /FT W/P OVERALL)

SUNRISE: 6:48 AM IN BELHAVEN      SUNSET: 4:58 PM IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC

HIGH: 73       LOW: 55




What’s this fog stuff?? Must be fall! We cast off by 7:15 and crept through the lifting shroud as we made our way from Dowry Creek into the Pungo River. The rising sun filtering through the clouds make a stunning sight.

THE RISING SUN, FILTERING THROUGH THE CLOUDS, REMINDS US OF THE
ASTOUNDING BEAUTY THAT "MOTHER NATURE" PAINTS FOR OUR BENEFIT

Again we were traveling in a caravan of boats heading south. Predictions for a blow tomorrow are lurking over everyone’s shoulders while each vessel strives to reach its “safe harbor” to ride out the gale. Chatter over the air indicates that some are heading for Oriental (we spent Easter there while heading north last spring) and others are pushing on to Beaufort or Morehead City.

We followed the ICW south from Belhaven, crossed the calm waters (lucky for us) of Pamlico River, worked our past Oriental and the Neuse River, entered the 7 mile Adams Creek Canal and finally crossed the Beaufort Inlet that led us to Morehead City. Along the way we saw evidence of Hurricane Irene’s presence last August where she picked up then dumped sailboats high-and dry on the shore. The classic lines of the shrimper, Capt. Cecil, captured our attention and admiration.

NOT THE FIRST "HIGH AND DRY" SAILBOAT WE HAVE SEEN
DUE TO HURRICANE IRENE IN AUGUST

SHRIMPER CAPT. CECIL

Denard and his crew met us on the dock at Portside Marina, assisted in securing Quest for tomorrows impending storm and complemented Dan on his boating skills. Once everyone was happy with the amount and positions of the many ropes and fenders, we cleaned up and headed to Floyd’s 1921 for a marvelous southern dinner of house specials, Shrimp and Grits along with their Fried Oyster and Andouille Sausage Gumbo. Simply scrumptious!

THIS JELLYFISH FLOATED BY TO WELCOME  US TO THE MARINA

11/21/2011 ACROSS THE ALBEMARLE SOUND AND ON TO BELHAVEN

MONDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 70 NM

DOCKED AT: DOWRY CREEK MARINA IN BELHAVEN, NC ($1.65 /FT W/P OVERALL)

SUNRISE: 6:47 AM IN COINJOCK SUNSET: 4:57 PM IN BELHAVEN

HIGH: 72 LOW: 57

We didn’t quite make our goal of departing by 6:30 but only missed by 15 minutes. It was drizzling and flocks of mosquitoes mysteriously appeared, engulfing us as we scurried about trying to get away from the dock. We were rewarded with a splendid rose-colored sky as the sun continued to rise.

AN OUTSTANDING MORNING SKY

Quest crossed the expansive Albemarle Sound in slightly choppy conditions, passed through the opening of the Alligator River Swing Bridge and entered the shelter of the Alligator River. This bridge cannot be opened in winds greater than 35 knots but it posed no problem in today’s light breeze.

ALBEMARLE SWING BRIDGE

The rich, coffee colored waters here are tinted with the natural tannins that leech from the roots and decaying leaves of the cypress and juniper trees we see lining the shores. This stained water is not dirty and was, in fact, a highly sought commodity by the early sailors because it would sore for long periods of time without spoiling. For us boaters it just means we have to work a little harder at the maintenance. The “ICW moustache” is definitely back!

EVIDENCE OF THE TANNIN IS SEEN IN THE RICHLY COLORED FOAM

We were constantly in view of other boats all day today, passing some and being passed by others. The race to the warmer southern climate is certainly on.

FOLLOWING 2 SAILBOATS AND A TRAWLER IN THE ALLIGATOR RIVER

It was amazingly calm in the Pungo River, almost eerie. We were happy to pull into Dowry Creek Marina after a long day’s run and were greeted with helping hands and an invitation to the 5:00 cocktail party in the boater’s lounge. We wasted no time but got right to the docking chores and were ready, cocktails in hand, in plenty of time to join the other transients as well as live-ins that populated the marina. They do this every night and it’s a great way to meet fellow travelers or learn about the area.

STRIKING END TO THE DAY

11/20/2011 "ON THE ROAD AGAIN"

SUNDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 34 NM

DOCKED AT: COINJOCK MARINA, NC ($1.94 /FT W/P OVERALL)

SUNRISE: 6:50 AM SUNSET: 4:53 PM

HIGH: 75 LOW: 56

All of you enjoying the warmer temperatures here can thank us for finally getting the heater fixed. And what an excellent day it proved to be!

With the sun shining, Craig and Alexis took their leave to head back home while we made track for ports south. Although we are rather late to retreating down the ICW, we find that we are in good company with many other motor yachts and sailboats.

LEAVING ATLANTIC YACHT BASIN

Today we encountered swing bridges that pivot instead of lifting. The accommodating bridge-tenders are appreciated by all us boaters so here’s a big THANKS to all of you.

CENTERVILLE SWING BRIDGE

NORTHLAND SWING BRIDGE WHERE BOTH SIDES SWING OUT

Image via Wikipedia

Dan was happy to arrive at the Coinjock Marina by 3:30. We fueled up with 550 gallons of diesel fuel and got all our docking chores completed before he became engrossed in the final NASCAR Race of the 2011 season. Boy was he happy! Unfortunately, several rain delays postponed the riveting finish but that just made for a prolonged state of euphoria for Captain Dan.

COINJOCK MARINA, HERE WE COME
BE SURE TO DINE THERE FOR THE GREAT PRIME RIB OR FRIED CHICKEN

11/18 AND 11/19/2011 SAM AND JOHN'S SECOND ANNUAL CROWN BMW CHARITY CHALLENGE

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM (on Quest)

DOCKED AT: ATLANTIC YACHT BASIN IN CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA

FRIDAY SUNRISE: 6:48 AM SUNSET: 4:53 PM

FRIDAY TEMPERATURES:

CHESAPEAKE, VA: 46/37 GREENSBORO, NC: 48/27

SATURDAY SUNRISE: 6:49 AM SUNSET: 4:52 PM

SATURDAY TEMPERATURES:

CHESAPEAKE, VA: 64/28 GREENSBORO, NC: 56/26

The Atlantic Yacht Basin made arrangement to have our salon heater serviced and by noon we had heat and were packing up the rental car for our road trip to Greensboro, NC.

THIS TIME DAN IS DOING THE WATCHING WHILE SOMEONE EXECUTES THE WORK
DOESN'T SEEM QUITE RIGHT, DOES IT?

 Our ride took us through flat cotton fields, ripe for harvesting and “peanut shops”. A couple of hours into the trip our Avis rental car began to make a “funny” sound and then began to die while ideling. We somehow managed to make it to their Durham site. After limping in we left our Toyota smoking and dripping oil while we traveled on in our new ride.

We arrived at the Greensboro hotel right after Richard and Barbara, checked in and made a quick change before scooting on to the Second Annual Crown BMW Charity Challenge 2011 that was held at the wonderful Starmount Forrest Country Club. It was a fun evening with Wayne Bryant (father to doubles champions Bob and Mike Bryant) acting as emcee as well as auctioneer. All money raised went to the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Conejo and Las Virgenes.

Saturday morning we all were delighted to watch Sam and John interacting with the young players followed by an exhibition doubles match then some rousing play between John Isner and Sam Querrey.  A good time was had by all.

SAM QUERREY ON THE COURT

JOHN ISNER ------- WAITING

JOHN AND SAM CATCHING A BREATH DURING THE
DOUBLES MATCH WHILE WAYNE BRYANT
ENTERTAINS US ALL

We were happy to return to a warmer Quest for the night but even happier to encounter somewhat warmer temperatures in general. For our last night with the Craig and Alexis we opted for dinner at the local Five Guys for burgers and great fries then hurried back to watch the Boise State football team trounce San Diego. Way to go Broncos!


Image via Wikipedia

11/17/2011 NORFOLK TO ATLANTIC YACHT BASIN IN CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA

11/17/2011 NORFOLK TO ATLANTIC YACHT BASIN IN CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA


THURSDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 14 NM

DOCKED AT: ATLANTIC YACHT BASIN IN CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA ($1.81/FT OVER ALL-W/P)

SUNRISE: 6:47 AM                           SUNSET: 4:53 PM

HIGH: 57 (I DON’T THINK SO!)     LOW: 34

We awoke this morning to a cold, drizzly world. What a change from the last couple of days. Shortly after 10:30 we had caste off our lines and were weaving our way through the busy channel, all the while avoiding the fixed as well as the moving obstacles. The monolithic Naval ships in dry-dock, the patrolling security boats, tugs, barges, cruisers, sailing ships, floating cranes, we somehow managed to stay out of their way as we traveled out of the busy Norfolk area.

A TUG MOVING A BARGE WITH A CRANE

We are now back in the ICW with the mile markers beginning in Norfolk at MM1 and getting larger as we head south. At MM 2.6 we passed through the open N&P Beltline Railroad Lift Bridge and spied this submarine. Cool sight and we were pretty close.




THE N&P BELTLINE RAILROAD LIFT BRIDGE



Image via Wikipedia

LIFT BRIDGE

THE SUBMARINE WAS LIT UP WITH CHRISTMAS-LIKE LIGHTS

We watched the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge (MM 3.6) slowly drop down as we approached but the bridge-tender was responsive to our needs and reopened it quickly. We didn’t fare so good at the usually open Glimerton Bascule Bridge (MM 5.8). We ended up just missing an opening and, due to construction issues, had to wait an hour for our turn to transit. Since the Interstate 64 Highway Bridge (MM 7.1) has a generous clearance of 65’, we sailed right under. However, if you do need it to open it requires 24 hours notice.

                                                        BASCULE BRIDGE








Our wait for the hourly opening of the Dominion Boulevard Bridge (MM 8.8) was minimal and at MM 11.3 we entered the Great Bridge Lock to be lowered only 3’. MM 12 brought a short wait for the opening of the Great Bridge Bascule Bridge and then there was the Atlantic Yacht Basin, our day’s destination.

CRAIG TENDING THE ROPES IN THE LOCK
EVIDENCE OF THE COLD IS FOUND WITH CRAIG BUNDLED UP

GREAT BRIDGE LOCK

Now I’m not sure what I was expecting but we appear to be out in the wilds. The lady in the office assured me that civilization was within a short walk but the dismal day sort of put the kibosh on our desire to explore.

THIS IS OUR NEIGHBORHOOD AT ATLANTIC YACHT BASIN

All this cold weather has brought to our attention the failure of the salon heater. Right, now of all times! Luckily the bedroom heat is working so we are not totally without heat. Anyway, we have scheduled a Cruisair repairman for first thing tomorrow morning. Now maybe things will warm up!

We will leave Quest here while we travel to Greensborough, NC tomorrow for the charity fundraiser that Sam Querrey and John Isner are hosting. Should be a fun time and we will get to see Mike and Chris too. We expect to be back on the water Sunday so look for an update Monday.

11/16/2011 JUST HANGING AROUND IN NORFOLK, VA

WEDNESDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM

DOCKED AT: WATERSIDE MARINA IN NORFOLK, VIRGINIA ($1.67/FT W/P)

SUNRISE: 6:46 AM SUNSET: 4:54 PM

HIGH: 77 LOW: 54

Just kind of hung out today. Craig, Alexis and I walked to the enormous MacArthur Shopping Mall, complete with both Nordstrom and Dillard’s plus everything else you could ever imagine.

After a quick lunch at the Hooters adjacent to the marina (and they have a great grilled cheese sandwich) we watched the majestic Statsraad Lehmkuhl cast off here lines and ease away from the dock. We jumped into the tender, followed her out for a while and were rewarded with the sight of a crew member scaling the ropes to the top of the mast to remove a flag.

NOTE THE SAILOR SUSPENDED OVER THE SIDE OF THE SHIP
AS HE CLEANS IN PREPARATION OF THEIR DEPARTURE

THE STATSRAAD LEHMKUHL IN OPEN WATERS

THE SAILOR STARTS HIS CLIMB TO THE TOP OF THE MAST

AND HERE HE HAS REACHED THE SUMMIT AND PREPARES TO REMOVE THE FLAG

JUST WOW!  ISN'T SHE SPECTACULAR?

YOU CAN (I HOPE) FOLLOW THIS YOUTUBE LINK TO HEAR THE CHANT THAT
THE SHIP'S SAILORS SING AS THE APPROACH A NEW PORT.  KIND OF COOL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wgedMKGtlk&feature=related

During our little boat tour of the harbor we got a good look at the Battleship Wisconsin which is open to the public and berthed next to the Nauticus, a maritime-themed science center and home to Hampton Road Naval Museum.

THE BATTLESHIP WISCONSIN AND ADJACENT NAUTICUS

Norfolk’s strategic location has insured its longtime importance as a vital center for commerce, industry and military installations. The area played a key role in the Revolutionary War and was the sight of the famous battle between the Monitor and Merrimack.

11/15/2011 MOVING ON TO WATERSIDE MARINA IN NORFOLK, VIRGINIA

TUESDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 53 NM

DOCKED AT: WATERSIDE MARINA IN NORFOLK, VIRGINIA (Free thanks to Garth and Kathy)

SUNRISE: 6:45 AM      SUNSET: 4:55 PM

HIGH: 76                       LOW: 63

It was looking good this morning so the Quest crew scurried around, making haste to cast off and be on our way south again. Once we cleared the Rappahannock River and merged into the Chesapeake Bay the Quest and her trailering tended were getting whipped around quite a bit and we were thankful when things calmed down as we approached Norfolk.

CLOUDY SKIES OVER THE BAY

Holy cow! I think I will never get used to seeing the mammoth military ships housed in the Norfolk Harbor. We found the Enterprise, the Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Cole. The USS Cole is the destroyer in Yemen that was attacked in 2000 when a small craft approached her port side and exploded. This resulted in a 40’X40’ gash in the hull and the death of 17 sailors.

THE ENTERPRISE

THE COLE

Tugs, barges and freighters zipped around us as we ogled at the spectacular sights.

TINY TUGS AND BIG TUGS BOTH HAVE THEIR USES HERE IN THE HARBOR

As we approached Waterside Marina we gasped at the 321’ Norwegian three masted Baroque docked right by our marina.

STNTSRAAD LEHMKUHL

WE HEARD THAT SHE COMES IN WITH HER MASTS LITTERED WITH SEAMEN

The HNoMS Statsraad Lehmkuhl is being sailed by Royal Norwegian Naval Academy first year officer cadets and based in Bergen, Norway. She was built in 1914 as a German merchant marine training ship, taken by the United Kingdom after World War I, recaptured by the Germans in WWII and finally owned by Norwegian Bergens Skoleskib who donated her to the Statsraad Lehmkuhl Foundation in 1978. The foundation contracts her out, right now to the Royal Norwegian Navy. This is the7th consecutive year that she has visited Norfolk.

By the way, thanks to Garth and Kathy on Algonquin for tonight’s stay at Waterside Marina. They had gotten a certificate for a free night but, due to the closure of the Erie Canal, had a change of plans and are now knee-deep into the “Great Loop”. THANKS!