TheWatermanBlog

Admiral Archie is “Savannah Day Dreamin” – Part 8

COURAGE’S JOURNEY FROM PROVIDENCE, RI TO KEY WEST, FL

Wednesday October 1, 2014

Weather: 70s Sunny!!!
In Port: Savannah, GA “Marina”: Holiday Inn Express

MAKING LEMONADE (FROM LEMONS)!

We spent a comfortable night on Courage and decided to get a hotel room in Savannah for a few days. A real bed, private bathroom, TV and AC!

The mechanic arrived right on time this morning and in no time had the engine torn apart. The parts are ordered and will hopefully arrive Thursday. We hope to be back on the water by Friday.

So what better way to spend our down time by touring Savannah? We checked into the hotel and hoped on a trolley for a tour of this beautiful city. It’s what everyone says – beautiful, quaint and filled with southern charm. We had another fabulous dinner at The Olde Pink House, a reclaimed mansion. Today’s theme: Easy Does It. It’s not the destination it’s the journey.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s developments!

Archie breaks down on the Calibogue Sound – Part 7

COURAGE’S JOURNEY FROM PROVIDENCE, RI TO KEY WEST, FL

Monday September 29, 2014

Weather: 70s Rain
Departure: 09:30 from Charleston, SC Destination: Beaufort, SC
Marina: Beaufort City Marina 5 out of 10 Arrival: 13:30
Distance traveled: 70 Nautical Miles

MORE SOUTHERN CHARM IN BEAUTIFUL BEAUFORT!

The rain continued all night and into the morning for our departure from Charleston to Beaufort, SC. Rain withstanding it was a very nice ride to Beaufort. We traveled the ICW from Charleston to Beaufort. Navigating the Ashley , Edisto, Ashepoo, Coosaw and Beaufort rivers. We saw our first dolphins today.

Beaufort is a city in and the county seat of Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. Chartered in 1711, it is the second-oldest city in South Carolina, behind Charleston. Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, in the heart of the Sea Islands and South Carolina Low Country. The city is renowned for its scenic location and for maintaining a historic

character by preservation of its antebellum architecture. Remnants of the original English colonial settlement of Beaufort can be found in the downtown or historic district area.

Beaufort is a city full of Southern charm. The Beaufort City Marina is steps away from the Historic District and has a beautiful park for Archie and numerous restaurants and shops. The Marina even has a courtesy car. George was able to borrow it to go to a great AA meeting tonight. We dined at Panini’s. George had a local dish – Frogmore Pasta, shrimp, sausage, roasted corn in a curry cream sauce.

Savannah awaits tomorrow.

Tuesday September 30, 2014

Weather: 70s Partly to Mostly Sunny!!! Departure: 09:30 from Beaufort, SC Destination: Thunderbolt, GA (Savannah) Marina: Thunderbolt Marina

Arrival: 16:30 under tow

Distance to Thunderbolt: 70 Nautical Miles

ANOTHER DAY ANOTHER TOW!

We awoke to sunshine! Hallelujah! It was a glorious day until ……………….. Courage broke down.

We took off this morning on the Beaufort River to the Port Royal inlet. Along the route we made a wee wrong turn and ended up in the ocean! But Captain George quickly caught his error and returned to the ICW. Phew! We cruised through the west side of Hilton Head viewing spectacular houses and beautiful waterway scenery.

When we were passing through Calibogue Sound we heard a thump and within minutes an engine alarm sounded. Upon inspection there was steam billowing out of the engine. We were adrift in the Sound (boy doesn’t that sound dramatic!).

We called US Boat Tow (again that $149 well spent that first day). As I write this we are being towed to Thunderbolt Marina for inspection and repairs. I imagine it’s a lot like sailing. Just puttering along with no engine noise.

Arrived safely at the Hinckley boatyard in Thunderbolt, GA under tow. A quick inspection shows that the bearings in southern city for an extended stay!

Stay tuned!

The Waterman Lifestyle – view it at HarborHouse Life “Indo-Part 1”

Love the Waterman Lifestyle, check out these great stories from HarborHouse Life! This is a 4 part series starting in Indonesia. Enjoy.

Admiral Archie takes on Charleston! – Part 6

COURAGE’S JOURNEY FROM PROVIDENCE, RI TO KEY WEST, FL

Friday, Saturday, Sunday September 26-28, 2014

Weather: 70s Overcast / Chance of Rain In Port: Charleston, SC
Marina: Ashley Marina

SOUTHERN CHARM (& HUMIDITY)

Courage arrived in Charleston on Thursday and planned a four day stay. Captain George and First Mate Jerry took advantage of this stop to clean and preform necessary maintenance. They even did laundry! They toured Charleston, hitting the Market District and sampling great food. The hush puppies at Fleet Landing were unbelievable. They also tried authentic South Carolina BBQ. Charleston is kknown for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, distinguished restaurants, and mannerly people.

There was a crew change on Saturday. Jerry jetted back to Virginia and Kris arrived from home bringing presents for Admiral Arrrrrchie and Captain George. Michael Richmond loaded 1800 songs onto a Walkman for George and the Admiral got a new hat! George is in music heaven. As you can imagine Archie loved his hat! We dined at Slightly North of Broad (SNOB) and explored downtown Charleston.

George made friends with Elliot, one of the dockhands at the marina. Elliot is a history major and agreed to take us on a private guided tour. We headed out Sunday morning for a walking tour of Charleston. We weren’t disappointed. Historic Charleston is bursting with Southern charm and hospitality. The city feels a bit like it’s suspended in time, thanks to its antebellum architecture amazing old Charleston style houses and mansions.

We head to Beaufort, SC Monday morning.

Please keep checking in to see how the voyage is going!

Admiral Archie & George on to Georgetown – Part 5

COURAGE’S JOURNEY FROM PROVIDENCE, RI TO KEY WEST, FL

Thursday September 25, 2014

Weather: 70s Overcast / Chance of Rain Departure: 12:00 from Georgetown, SC Destination: Charleston, SC
Marina: Ashley Marina

Arrival: 15:30
Distance traveled: 60 Nautical Miles

FINAL PORT ON THIS LEG!

Courage and crew departed Georgetown, SC at noon after a quick plumbing repair. The journey followed the ICW directly to Charleston. It was a beautiful trip. One of the prettiest (and very shallow) spots was the Isle of Palms, a beach / golf community along the ICW.

Courage safely passed Fort Sumter and into Charleston harbor with no cannon fire! Fort Sumter is best known as the site upon which the shots that started the American Civil War were fired, at the Battle of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861.

A word from the Captain: “I have included a photo of Classic Cyn. This is the boat I kept pissing off. We passed them in a narrow spot called the “the rock pile” then we saw them next day and made them wait 1/2 hour for us at another swing bridge. To cap it off we passed them before the bridge opened. I asked him if this was ok and he said ” might as well, you’re already in front of me, ” very sarcastically. Then yesterday we cringed when we saw them in front again due to our late take off. I slowed down off plane but he still gave me a lesson in overtaking another vessel on the radio. Other friends teased me when we arrived in Charleston. They also had comments from him and heard him scold me!”

Another attempt at a meeting. He made it to this one but it was a little dicey. Not in the finest part of town. But a meeting nevertheless.

Courage and crew is taking a much deserved break and will stay docked in Charleston until Monday.

Wednesday September 24, 2014

Weather: 60s Light Rain
Departure: 9:30 from Myrtle Beach, SC Destination: Georgetown, SC
Marina: Harbor Walk Marina
Arrival: 13:00
Distance traveled: 40 Nautical Miles

STILL RAINING!

Another short trip was planned for today from Myrtle Beach on the ICW to Waccamaw River into Georgetown, SC. The journey down the Waccamaw River was beautiful. The trees are covered in Spanish moss.

Georgetown is the third oldest city in South Carolina. Located on Winyah Bay at the confluence of the Black, Great Pee Dee, Waccamaw, and Sampit rivers, Georgetown is the second largest seaport in South Carolina, handling over 960,000 tons of materials a year. One year ago on September 25, 2013 a massive fire destroyed eight buildings along Georgetown’s historic Front Street.

George walked to an AA meeting tonight! At least he thought there was a meeting. The meetings are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. This is Wednesday. Go figure!

Keep Following the journey!

Hinckley Talaria 43 debuts on 2 major magazines during the biggest boating month!

We knew that the Hinckley T43 was going to be a game changer for the yachting community.

But to have the yachting world review our vessel and agree that she is most definitely a game changer is pretty awesome. The biggest and most important issue for a boat manufacture is the September/October issue that covers the upcoming Boat Show season. Hinckley feels honored that they have recognized our achievement in design, craftsmanship & performance, by awarding us the cover of not only Yachting, but Power & Motoryacht as well. We knew that the T43 was going to be a rockstar, but getting this is like getting back to back Rolling Stone covers. Bravo Zulu, Hinckley!

How will “Courage” overcome Cape Fear? – Part 4

Coastal “Courage” & Cape Fear! –

COURAGE’S JOURNEY FROM PROVIDENCE, RI TO KEY WEST, FL

Monday September 22, 2014

Weather: 70s Fair Weather Departure: 09:30 from Beaufort, NC Destination: Cape Fear, NC

Marina: Southport Marina
Arrival: 15:30
Distance traveled: 90 Nautical Miles

YES THAT CAPE FEAR!

Today’s travel took the crew down the ICW from Beaufort, NC to Cape Fear, NC. The journey took them through beautiful Bogue Sound to Cape Fear River to Southport, NC.

The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is a 3,000-mile inland waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Some sections of the waterway consist of natural inlets, saltwater rivers, bays, and sounds, while others are artificial canals. It provides a navigable route along its length without many of the hazards of travel on the open sea.

The bridges in this section of the ICW are predominantly swing bridges. While waiting for the Surf City swing bridge to open (and with a 100+ foot yacht on Courage’s heels) the starboard fuel tank ran dry! It was while coming off plane to wait for the bridge to swing that the fuel shifted and the engine died. With no power the current took the boat under the bridge. But unlike the first day the port fuel tank was full. The switch was made and the Courage continued on its way to South Port, NC without further incident.

George and Jerry rode bikes in South Port and had a great dinner before retiring for the night.

Tuesday September 23, 2014

Weather: 70s Light Rain
Departure: 10:30 from Southport, NC Destination: Myrtle Beach, SC Marina: Barefoot Marina
Arrival: 14:30
Distance traveled: 40 Nautical Miles

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY!

With only 40 miles to travel today to Myrtle Beach the crew had a late departure. Today’s journey was rather slow and tedious. This section of ICW is shallow and there is a lot of shoaling. There are also a lot of condos in the Myrtle Beach area resulting in numerous no wake zones. The crew is proud to say they were only yelled at once for creating too big of a wake!

More bike riding in Myrtle Beach and dinner with the dock master. Hoping for a break in the weather for tomorrow’s journey to Georgetown, SC.

George & Jerry have a safe journey, and Kris keeping the stories coming.

“Admiral Archie” delivers “Courage” South – Part 3

Great to see the Admiral and his crew are doing well and having a safe journey aboard the maiden voyage of “Courage” the Hinckley 36 Picnic Boat.

Saturday September 20, 2014

Weather: Cloudy / Rain 70s
Departure: 07:30 from Chesapeake, VA Destination: Oriental, NC
Marina: Oriental Marina and Inn Arrival: 16:00
Distance traveled: 150 Nautical Miles

BIG WATER AND ANOTHER LONG DAY

The day started early again. The crew set out from Chesapeake, VA. After a fuel stop in Coinjack, NC on the ICW Courage headed to Albemarle Sound. Coinjack is a notable spot for ICW mariners. Today’s journey followed the Alligator River to the Pungo River to Pamlico Sound to the Neuse River. The final stop today was Oriental Inn and Marina.

Oriental is known as ‘The Sailing Capital of North Carolina’. This tiny harbor town is on the Neuse River, the widest river in the USA, leading to the vast sailing waters of Pamlico Sound and on to the Atlantic through North Carolina’s barrier islands. The area is easily some of the finest boating waters on the East Coast. Oriental is on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and a destination for hundreds of cruising sailors travelling North and South with the seasons. The population was 875 at the 2000 census. It is part of the New Bern, North Carolina Micropolitan Statistical Area. Oriental is the largest city in the county (wow how small are the rest of the cities!), and home to most of its motels, bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants, marinas, boat brokerages, the newspaper, several sport fishing charters, and the county’s cultural center. Gotta love Wikipedia!

The crew’s first assigned slip was within sight (and sound!) of a rock band that was playing until midnight. A slip change was in order. But the rains came and the band was rained out. The rain was hard enough that the hatch over the v-berth leaked. The crew slept with rain coats covering their sleeping bags.

Sunday September 21, 2014

Weather: The Sun is shining! 70s Departure: 10:00 from Oriental, NC Destination: Beaufort, NC
Marina: Beaufort Town Marina Arrival: 11:00

Distance traveled: 30 Nautical Miles FINALLY SUNSHINE AND A SHORT TRIP

After two long days Admiral Archie gave the order that today would be a day of rest. Just a short trip to Beaufort, NC for a little sightseeing.

Beaufort (pronounced BO fort) is a town in and the county seat of Carteret County, North Carolina. Established in 1709, Beaufort is the third-oldest town in North Carolina. It is sometimes confused with a city of the same name in South Carolina; the two are distinguished by different pronunciations. The South Carolina Beaufort is pronounced Byoo (like beautiful) Fert. Beaufort is located in North Carolina’s Inner Banks region.

George and Jerry took a bicycle tour of Beaufort and visited the North Carolina Maritime Museum and the Hammond House. The Hammond House (aka Blackbeard’s house), the oldest home in Beaufort, dates back to approximately 1700. There are many legends and stories connected with the house. Some people have believed it to be haunted and it is told that Blackbeard once stayed there with an 18 year old French common-law wife who was not a willing occupant. The pirate became so angry with her that he hanged her on an oak tree in the back yard when he departed. Some people say that to this day, when conditions are right, her screams can be heard.

George was able to attend his first AA meeting of the journey. After a couple of rainy days it was nice to have good weather. Tomorrow the crew heads to Wilmington, NC.

We look forward to hearing how the crew aboard “Courage” are enjoying the ICW!

Journey of “Courage” – Part 2

The question I ask along this journey, is should this journal be the called; “Travels of Admiral Archie”?

Saturday September 13, 2014

Weather: Rainy, Chilly, Windy
Port: Liberty Landing, Jersey City, NJ

A VISIT TO NEW YORK AND THE 911 MEMORIAL

Rain was expected so we decided to abandon ship and take the ferry to New York City. Liberty Island is right across the Hudson River from the World Financial District and the Twin Tower site. This is why our view of the twin beams of light was so magnificent. The three of us – yes Archie too – took a short ferry ride to NYC. A short walk brought us to the 911 Memorial. It is a true emotional experience. If that was the only thing we saw in NY today it was well worth it.

We then (or I should say I) decided to walk from the Memorial to Rockefeller Center. A mere 4 mile walk. I have to say we did not succeed. We gave up after about a mile and decided to get a cup of coffee and hail a cab. Prefect timing! Just as we got in the cab it started raining. We decided to stay in the cab and take a tour of the city. We had a great time in NYC. Archie was a true champ walking the streets of NYC. He walked, took a ferry ride and a cab ride and was perfect.

Our friend Jim Garegnani came to pick us up so we could spend the night with him at his home in New Jersey. It was a needed break from boat life, a trip to the grocery store, laundry, a home cooked meal and a bed that doesn’t sway. Another great day! One more day in NY. Back on the water Monday.

Sunday September 14, 2014

Weather: Mostly Sunny, Low 70s Started our day in Clinton, NJ

A TOUR OF MANHATTAN BY WATER

It was a lovely day. We spent the night at Jim’s house in NJ and headed back to the boat at Noon. We circumnavigated the island of Manhattan by water. A great way to see NYC – no traffic! We took the East River to the Harlem River to the Hudson River. A nice relaxing day. When we returned we prepared to boat so we could leave early Monday morning to continue our journey south. Hope you enjoy today’s travelogue.

Due to the rough sea we have lost two days. Tomorrow to make up for lost time we are planning to head out on the open ocean along the NJ coast, arriving at Cape May, NJ. This is a 125 mile trip. We promise to travel safe! So off to bed so we can get an early start.

Monday September 15, 2014

Weather: Sunny. Low 70s
Departure: 08:30 from Jersey City, NJ
Destination: Cape May, NJ
Actual Destination: We made it!
Marina: South Jersey Marina 10 out of 10.
Marina Notes: Good location, restaurants available, quaint town. Excellent bathhouse. Good amenities. Arrival: 14:30
Distance traveled: 125 Nautical Miles

ON OUR WAY TO CAPE MAY

It was a great day. The seas were kind to us. We traveled from Liberty Island, NJ to Cape May, NJ. We were out at sea traveling the NJ shore line. The first part of the trip the seas were 1-2 feet and then pretty flat from Atlantic City into Cape May. At the recommendation of Kevin, a new friend we met in NYC we are staying at South Jersey Marina. Great suggestion! It was a rather uneventful day and for this we are thankful. We are planning another long day tomorrow. Another 125 miles to Annapolis, MD. We will travel the Delaware Bay to the C&D Canal to the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. Kevin lives in Annapolis and has connections so he has secured free dockage for us in Annapolis. This is great in that Courage will be docked there for three nights. We will stay with Jerry Garegnani for these nights. Kris returns to St. Louis on Thursday and Jerry is continuing the journey with George.

Tuesday September 16, 2014

Weather: Raining in the morning. Clearing as we proceeded. Low 70s Departure: 09:00 from Cape May, NJ
Destination: Annapolis, MD
Actual Destination: We made it!

Marina: Free dockage!
Arrival: 16:30
Distance traveled: 125 Nautical Miles

GOTTA MAKE IT TO ANNAPOLIS TODAY!

We woke to rain! But no rest for the weary today. We had to make time to Annapolis. Often the seas lay down in the rain and that’s what we were hoping for today. Luckily the seas were not bad and the skies proceeded to clear as we headed to Annapolis. Today’s journey took us from Cape May to Annapolis via the Delaware Bay to the C&D Canal which connects to the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay.

We stopped for lunch at the Chesapeake Inn on the C&D Canal. We wanted to stretch our legs and let the Admiral take a potty break. Then back on the boat for the final 50 miles to Annapolis. We arrived safe and sound. Our friends Jerry and Cindy Garegnani were there to meet us. Jerry jumped right in as the new first mate. He and Captain George cleaned the boat as old first mate Kris prepared to disembark. We are staying with Jerry and Cindy a few days and Kris is coming home on Thursday. (Someone has to pay the bills – literally!) Jerry and George will leave Friday morning to continue the trip south. We are going to get a personal guided tour of Washington DC Wednesday. Admiral Archie is going to go to doggie day camp!

We’ve had some interesting questions about the trip. Here are a few questions from Kevin and Nancy:

Q: Where does Archie poop and pee?

A: We go into port every day and spend the night in a marina. And we only travel 3-6 hours at a time. He can hold it that long!

Q: Is the name of the boat Lucky Dog or Jackie B?
A: Neither! The boat is currently named Jackie B but will soon be Courage (upon arrival in Key West). Lucky Dog was another Hinckley that just happened to be a boat at the marina in Portsmouth. It was a photo op I couldn’t pass up.

Q: Is Kris the first mate or the captain?

A: Captain of course! No first mate.

Q: How far off the coast do you go?

A: Almost always in sight of land. Always within 10 miles. As we traveled down the NJ coast we hugged the shore 2-3 miles out.

Q: Does Archie drive the boat?

A: Admiral Archie has turned over the piloting to Captain George!

Keep sending your questions!

Wednesday September 17, 2014

Weather: Sunny 70s
Port: Jerry and Cindy Garegnani’s house in Herndon, VA

OFF TO SEE WASHINGTON, DC

After a very comfortable night at Jerry and Cindy’s we dropped Archie off at Dogtopia for the day and headed off to Washington, DC. Jerry and Cindy are excellent tour guides. We started off by visiting the memorials; World War II, Korean War and the Vietnam Memorial. Amazing. We also visited the Lincoln, FDR and MLK memorials. The National Mall view is as impressive as you think. We then headed to the museums; National Air and Space, National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of American History. Cindy and I were very interested in the Hope Diamond and all the gems at the Natural History museum! The boys not so much! The highlight of the American History museum was the original American Flag. Another OMG moment! Breathtaking. You can check it out at: http://amhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/. There was also exhibits that featured First Lady Dresses, Julia Child’s kitchen and the Ruby Slippers. It was a great day. We definitely will come back to visit Jerry and Cindy and see more of DC!

Thursday September 18, 2014

Port: Herndon, VA

CHANGE OF CREW!

Kris left today to return to St. Louis to attend to Trainwreck matters. Captain George and his new first mate, Jerry, set out to provision and explore the Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport. This is where they keep the big planes! The attached pictures show the Concorde, the Space Shuttle, a Lockheed Blackbird and the Enola Gay.

A little Wikipedia history: The Enola Gay is a Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, named for Enola Gay Tibbets, the mother of the pilot, Colonel Paul Tibbets, who selected the aircraft while it was still on the assembly line. On 6 August 1945, during the final stages of World War II, it became the first aircraft to drop an atomic bomb. The bomb, code- named “Little Boy”, was targeted at the city of Hiroshima, Japan, and caused unprecedented destruction. Enola Gay participated in the second atomic attack as the weather reconnaissance aircraft for the primary target of Kokura. Clouds and drifting smoke resulted in Nagasaki being bombed instead.

The Captain and his crew (Admiral Archie and First Mate Jerry) returned to the boat Thursday evening to spend the night and get an early start Friday morning.

Friday September 19, 2014

Weather: Cloudy 70’s
Departure: 08:30 from Annapolis Destination: Norfolk, VA and beyond Actual Destination: Chesapeake, VA Marina: Atlantic Yacht Basin Marina Arrival: 17:00
Distance traveled: 150 Nautical Miles

The day started early. The crew set out from Annapolis, MD to navigate the Chesapeake Bay. The seas were flat so they were able to travel at 25 knots. It was smooth sailing until they reached Hampton Roads just outside Norfolk, VA where it got a bit choppy.

Norfolk is located at the core of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, named for the large natural harbor of the same name located at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. The city has a long history as a strategic military and transportation point. The largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk, is located in Norfolk along with one of NATO’s two Strategic Command headquarters.

After leaving Norfolk the crew continued on into the ICW to Chesapeake, VA. Where they encountered the one and only lock and the Coast Guard. Courage was boarded but passed inspection. Safe harbor was found at the Atlantic Yacht Basin Marina. Captain George reported that Admiral Archie had a good days on the high seas!

Look to our next Log Journal from “Courage”.

Underway- First voyage of “Courage”. Part 1

They say life is an adventure. Well it is certainly a great one for Kris & George Hansford aboard their new Hinckley 36 Classic! We will post and track their adventure through their running log and photos. We wish them fair winds and following seas on their journey.

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!
We arrived in Providence, RI Saturday September 6, 2014. Thankfully we have family that we able to stay with while we prepared the boat for our journey south to Key West. We are grateful to Maggie and Jerry for their hospitality. Archie was even on his best behavior!

Sunday September 7, 2014
THE PROVISIONING BEGINS!
We visited the boat – Kris’ first time – unpacked what we brought and surveyed the storage situation. It was better than George conveyed to Kris. This is a good!
Back to Maggie and Jerry’s for dinner and then off to Target for a late night shopping trip. George’s idea of a fun night! Filled the car to the brim!

Monday September 8, 2014
ARCHIE GOES TO DOGGIE DAY CARE AND GEORGE GOES TO NAVIGATION SCHOOL!
The unpacking and shopping list making continue. More unloading and stowing all the supplies. Archie had a great day at camp! We are all exhausted (Archie too!) Early to bed.

Tuesday September 9, 2014
MORE SHOPPING, STOWING AND FIRST NIGHT ON BOARD!
Final preparations for the trip. All supplies are onboard and stowed. We had a wonderful bon voyage dinner with Maggie and Jerry at 15 Point Road restaurant in Portsmouth, RI. Then back to the boat and to bed!

Wednesday September 10, 2014
Weather: Overcast, turning to mostly sunny. 72 degrees
Destination: Norwalk, CT
Actual Destination: Brown Boatyards, Guilford, CT
Distance traveled: 76 Nautical Miles

SHOVING OFF!
Last minute preparations, repairs and instructions delay our departure. The most important thing we did this morning was renew out Boat US membership! You will see why. We shove off at 13:15 for Norwalk, CT. The seas aren’t too bad. Beautiful cruise along the Connecticut coastline. All going well until ……….….we run out of fuel! We had a choice of two marinas and chose Guilford Town Marina. George call US Boat for a tow to Brown Boatyard. Dave Brown met us and we were able to fuel that night and make sure the engine started so we could shove off first thing in the morning. Destination: New York, NY

Thursday September 11, 2014
Weather: Overcast, turning to mostly sunny. 70 degrees
Departure: 09:30
Destination: Liberty Landing, NJ (aka New York City!)
Actual Destination: We made it
Arrival: 15:00
Distance traveled: 75 Nautical Miles

NEW YORK CITY HERE WE COME!
We shoved off at 09:30 and were met with rough seas in Long Island Sound – 3-4 footers. Admiral Archie had to turn over the helm to Captain George. The admiral had to comfort and snuggle with the first mate – Kris. It remained rough until we hit the East River. We were then able to cruise 25 knots down the East River to the Hudson River crossing. The New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty lay ahead.
Pulled into Liberty Marina at Liberty Park. This is a fabulous marina – beautiful amenities and a great park for Archie and stretching out our sea legs. This is the entrance to the tours for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Pretty impressive. A short walk gets you a great view of Lady Liberty.
The idea of pulling into New York City on 9/11 was amazing. The marina also overlooks Freedom Tower the 911 memorial building. At dusk the twin beams were illuminated. Words can’t describe the vision. Happenstance brought us here on this day. A day we will never forget.
We had a fabulous dinner at Marinapark, a restaurant on the marina grounds. The beams were visible through port holes in the berth. Sweet slumber.

Friday September 12, 2014
Weather: Mostly sunny. 63 degrees at 09:00
Destination: Liberty Landing, NJ (aka New York City!)
Staying in port today

Look for Part 2 Soon.