Latest entry first
June 15, 2002 - The Shabu has landed home safe and sound in Essex. The crew are safe and warm in their home in Ivoryton. Total mileage was 4,342.6 nautical miles.
Here is the last official entry in the log:
At the mouth of the Potomac, Shabu anchored in Smith Creek and then had a motorboat ride up Chesapeake Bay past Thomas Pt Light to Baltimore. We motored by Fort McHenry and tied up at the public docks in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Here's what we saw from our dock and from atop the World Trade Center, the world's tallest pentagonal building.
Then it was on to the C&D Canal, down Delaware Bay and past Smith John Shoal Light, through Cape May Canal, and outside to Atlantic City, Barnegat Inlet, then into Great Kills Harbor. Our last leg was through New York Harbor, along the Statue of Liberty, up the East River to Long Island Sound and home. We should have had a picture of the Saybrook Outer Light at the mouth of the CT River, but it was raining hard and blowing about 23kts - not picture taking weather even with my great camera. It has been a fantastic trip!!
To check them out, click on the link below:
http://cards.webshots.com/cp-27817540-kPKJ-album/41186438TSRBWv
May 27, 2002 - Shabu spent 2 extra days in Norfolk due to weather and had a chance to take in some of the sights. Here's what we saw at Nauticus. Then we anchored in the Hampton River, right on the finish line of the Wednesday night racing series. After rounding Smith Point Light, we spent 3 days getting up the Potomac River, which is 105 miles long. One stop was near an oyster processing plant, then past Fort Washington and on up into downtown Washington DC, where our nephew Ralph has been a fantastic tour guide. There will be more Washington pictures in the next message including the concert where Dick appeared on a PBS program, broadcast nationally. To check them out, click on the link below:
http://cards.webshots.com/cp-26109929-vSyZ-album/39088092qGYjTS
May 14, 2002 - In Beaufort, SC, the Navy's Blue Angels put on an air show and it was right over us. A mudslide in the Myrtle Beach area was so large that the ICW route was closed for about 5 days. Here are some of the things we saw on the Waccamaw River, the South Mills Lock, along the Dismal Swamp with its NC Welcome Center at the halfway point, and the sign where the Dismal Swamp and the Virginia Cut routes merge.
To check them out, click on the link below: http://cards.webshots.com/cp-25187742-pvSM-album/38027175efGWGa
April 24, 2002 - After a wonderful visit near the Hillsboro Inlet at the Bodins, with Shabu tied snugly to their dock, we've continued moving north up the east coast of FL We passed a large pipe laying operation, numerous signs marking manatee protection zones, and talked with the beach patrol for the Daytona Beach. On this stop in St. Augustine we anchored in the area called Salt Run and climbed the St. Augustine Lighthouse's 219 steps.
To check them out, click on the link below:
http://cards.webshots.com/cp-23514661-Zrpi-album/34847279AXnHmz
April 12, 2002 - The Miami waterfront has many different style buildings, but couldn't resist capturing this one with the guitar. Shabu found a beautiful quiet anchorage in Lake Sylvia and then moved up the ICW. Here is just a "taste" of the many things we saw.
To check them out, click on the link below: http://cards.webshots.com/cp-22597150-WbML-album/34847279AXnHmz
April 6, 2002 - Shabu turned North and headed up the bayside of the Keys. We have had some great sails and made a number of stops; the most memorable thus far: Lignumvitae Key, Boca Chita Key, Marine Stadium on Virginia Key (opposite downtown Miami).
To check them out, click on the link below: http://cards.webshots.com/cp-21965687-AehL-album/34847279AXnHmz
March 26, 2002 - At Key West Shabu reached the southernmost point of this cruise, which has taken us some 2,368 nm as we headed south. Coming up the channel near two cruise ships, we felt quite small. Ashore, we visited the Key West Lighthouse, operational until 1969; t the lighthouse museum I stood inside a 12 ft high lens from another FL light; we found the end of Route 1 and the official marker for the southernmost point of the Continental U.S. We are now ready to turn around and head north up the east coast of FL.
To check them out, click on the link below:
http://cards.webshots.com/cp-20600562-qJEE-album/32282632DfZxYn
March 14, 2002 - After Naples, Shabu made a brief stop at Marco Island and then sailed to Little Shark River where we were treated to a fantastic sunset. Next stop was Flamingo National Park, the eastern edge of the Everglades. The park service has a delightful marina; we rented bikes to tour Eco Pond (full of birds, alligators and other wild life) and the rest of the campground. From here we spent an a night off Sand Key and then had a great sail to Boot Key where we're anchored in bright sun, warm temps, gentle winds, and turquoise water. http://cards.webshots.com/cp-19655153-vOar-album/32282632DfZxYn
March 4, 2002 - We headed out of the ICW at Boca Grande Pass and had two great days of sailing in the Gulf. Our next stop was Naples where we've spent the last two weeks visiting our daughter Sheryl. The City of Naples has lots of gators "around town". These gators were designed by local residents and groups, including a number of school groups. The gators, which were made by one company and funded by local businesses, will be sold in a benefit auction later this year. To make sure we saw the "real ones" Sheryl took us into the Everglades. From here our next stop will be the Keys.
To check them out, click on the link below: http://cards.webshots.com/cp-18655859-laSC-album/32282632DfZxYn
February 19, 2002 - After visiting our daughter in Naples, we headed up the coast towards Tampa Bay. We spent several nights in the harbor at Cayo Costa Island (above Sannibel & Captiva). We also anchored in the cove on Cape Haze where we saw this sunset. Along this part of the ICW, several bridges were being repaired and could only open one side. The photo of the ICW at Longboat Key says it all! In Sarasota our anchorage gave us this view of downtown and the fountain in the nearby Island Park. We met the Nonsuchers who own Fat Cat and they gave us a tour of the area, including the beach at Big Pass. Next it was on to Tampa and the Sunrise Skyway Bridge which spans the entrance to Tampa Bay with a clearance of 149 ft. We had some really nice sails in Tampa Bay, anchored in the north basin of St. Pete and walked down the municipal pier to the St. Pete landmark building called The Pier, a 5-story inverted pyramid. We anchored several times in Crab Creek on the East side of the bay. To check them out, click on the link below:
http://cards.webshots.com/cp-17424823-Kolk-album/29056371uFhkhdGPIF
January 23, 2002 - After the Okeechobee Waterway, we stopped in Fort Meyers. Here we had a chance to visit the Edison & Ford winter homes. Edison's garden is filled with rare plants and tree from all over the world. Many of the cuttings, such as the one of the banyan tree, were gifts of his friends Ford and Firestone. The banyan tree is also called the walking tree as its limbs put out roots/trunks and spreads out across any available area. We were amazed at the number of inventions credited to Edison besides the light bulb. The homesite also contains his original lab and equipment for developing synthetic rubber and a museum with memorabilia and cars given to him by Ford. Point your browser to this link:
http://cards.webshots.com/cp-14280462-YIRy-album/29056371uFhkhdGPIF
January 11, 2002 - Shabu's mast is 53 ft and one of the bridges on the St Lucie Canal is 49 ft. The Indiantown Marina has developed at "water barrel tilt" system. We were the first Nonsuch 30 they have tried and here's what the operation looks like. Once under the bridge we took the Rim Route around the edge of Lake Okeechobee, through a hand-operated swing bridge to a small lagoon where we spent the night on the hook. The route is bordered with Malaluka trees, intentionally killed by the State of FL in an effort to aid water level control. The trees are frequently filled with buzzards and it is quite a sight.
http://community.webshots.com/album/29056371uFhkhdGPIF
December 27, 2001 - From Titusville we went on to Vero Beach where we rounded Dragon Point with its famous guardian before going to the anchorage. Then it was on to Stuart for Xmas week. We would like to cross Lake Okeechobee, but this will take some research due to the height of our mast. They say it is do-able; we'll see. Happy Holidays to all.
http://community.webshots.com/album/26548693yXOYoAWYIS
December 19, 2001 - Before leaving St. Augustine we took a walk through the Plaza and went to Castillo de San Marcos, the fort built by the Spanish in 1675 to protect the city then it was on to Daytona. The footings of the newest hi-rise bridge picture the popular attractions - dolphins and manatees. The skyline is filled with hi-rise apartments and condos. Further on, the Haulover Canal takes us from the Mosquito Lagoon to the Indian River and on to Titusville.
http://community.webshots.com/album/26548693yXOYoAWYIS
December 15, 2001 - It surely doesn't feel like Xmas down here. Yesterday it was shorts and short sleeves, and temps were 81. They announced a cold front of 75 for today.
One thing that does work well is Uncle Dick's portable TV antenna and his $99 TV from Wal-mart. He's certainly up to the latest event on the news. In fact Good Morning America has traveled consistently down the ICW. Like all the other snowbirds we watch the weather "up home". Hope you're not having too much shoveling.
Shabu took a brief detour from the ICW to Fort Frederick (1732, defend Beaufort from Spanish). As we passed Kings Bay Submarine Base, Shabu was ordered at gunpoint by USCG to stand aside until the incoming sub passed. We dropped anchor at Cumberland Island where the National Park Service now oversees the Dungeness Plantation, built by Thomas Carnegie, as well as a sea camp and island animals. First stop across the FL border was Mill Cove anchorage; then motored up St. Johns River to Jacksonville (about 16 nm) where we found free dockage at the Metro Park near the Jaguar's stadium. We are now in St. Augustine seeing the sights
http://community.webshots.com/album/26548693yXOYoAWYIS
Take care and happy holidays.
December 5, 2001 - Well we're continuing to wind our way thru the marsh grass doing about 30-40 nm at a time. Right now we're just south of Darien near St. Simon's Island. We've been very fortunate with the weather; no real rain, just a little mist one day in Charleston and lots of bright sun and temps in the 65-75 range.
Had a nice visit with Marge and Jack and got to see Kim's, John Drew's, and Steve's families at Thanksgiving. Had 18 at the table and Uncle Jack in his usual style went out and rented tables, chairs, table cloths etc. He even had 2 turkeys. Hope to see Steve's 2 brothers as we go down the FL coast and of course, Sheryl is getting excited that we're getting close to the FL border.
Take care.........it does seem strange to see Xmas ads on TV (Dick's new TV on the boat with an antenna that goes up the mast) when it's so warm the crickets sing at night. Cheers, Bev
Enroute we pasted Palmer Johnson Marina and saw the biggest sloop we've ever seen. Don't know if Santa can get it in his sleigh, but Dick's put it on his Santa List. http://community.webshots.com/album/26548693yXOYoAWYIS
November 17, 2001 - Shabu anchored in Mile Hammock Bay and dug oysters. Next stop was the anchorage in Wrightsville Beach for groceries, laundry, and to watch the surfers. Then on to Barefoot Landing which is a large shopping mall where the town has built an extremely long dock (free!!) for boaters. The second morning here we awoke not to fog but very dense smoke from the many grass fires in NC and SC. From here we continued along the ICW strip called the Rock Pile to Calabash Creek and then to Georgetown. Point your browser to this link: http://community.webshots.com/album/23648386avqZHCdnym
November 5, 2001 - From Elizabeth City NC, where we were treated to wine and cheese by the Rose Buddies (a group dedicated to extend a gracious Southern welcome to the town and giving roses to each first mate [Admiral]), we crossed Albemarle Sound, sailed down the Alligator River, went through the Alligator-Pungo canal, down the Pungo River, crossed the Pamlic Sound and arrived in Beaufort NC. From here we continued along the waterway past Camp Lejeune with Shabu flying its USMC flag. Here's what we saw along the way: http://community.webshots.com/album/23648386avqZHCdnym
October 25, 2001 -Here are the pictures from our stops at Tangier Island, Hampton River, and beginning of the Dismal Swamp, We have now crossed into NC and will complete this leg by 10/25.
The website now has a second page entitled: Heading South Part 2. Here is that link
http://community.webshots.com/album/23648386avqZHCdnym
October 21, 2001 - The weather got warm suddenly last night, the first time we haven't had the heater on in almost 2 weeks. Yes, we sailed the Chesapeake basically in our long underwear. Tomorrow we head for Norfolk and then we plan to do the Dismal Swamp since it is open and we can just make the 6 ft depth. I plan to set up a new album that starts with Tangier Is. What a strange place that was. Can you believe burial sites/headstone in your front lawn? Thinking of you. We won't be doing much sailing in the ICW, but Dick's cooking could stand some incentives.
October 15, 2001 - Here are our latest sights as we continue south, now at Solomons Is. Enjoyed our stay in St. Michaels and visiting the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum there. As you can see I'm trying to assist a waterman on an oyster boat. The weather is cool but not as cold as these men had from Oct. to Mar. Past thru Knapp Narrows to Dun Cove, then down to Little Choptank River. It was on the next leg down to Solomons that Dick caught his fish. Had a great meal but wished Lois or Don P where here to assist with the cleaning. Images Here
October 1, 2001 - What do you think of these. Will pick up next in a few days in Annapolis. Have a look at these photos on the Webshots Community.
September 30, 2001 - Shabu is now in the upper part of Chesapeake Bay on the Sassafras River. It is cold, windy and rainy so we are staying put and watching football with Shabu's new TV system.
The Shabu avoided the casinos in Atlantic City, made it under the Cape May Canal bridges with about 1.5 ft to spare, and sailed up Delaware Bay in two days of 20+kt breezes. During the ride down the C&D canal we met only 1 huge freighter and made it into the anchorage called the Hole in the Wall at Chesapeake City before the next freighter passed by the entrance.
We have met lots of boats headed in the same direction and despite the
weather elements, the cocktail bell never forgets to ring at 5:00 so we can
share more stories and talk about where to go next.
Having a great time, wish you were here (HAGTWYWH).
September 25, 2001 - The Shabu is having another lay day waiting for the tropical winds and waves to subside before going into the Cape May canal and heading up Delaware River. We've done quite a bit of motoring and some sailing down the Sound, across NYC harbor and down the Jersey shore. Our first stop was an anchorage in the Thimble Is, then on to Westport, West Harbor in Oyster Bay and City Is while we waiting for NYC harbor to open to boat traffic. When the East River was finally opened, security was very tight with many police and USCG boats of all sizes. Here's what we saw.
NOTE: For those of you having problems with the MIME coding that AOL does, I'm sorry I couldn't put these pictures on webshots.com or Nikon.net. AOL doesn't provide any local numbers for Cape May and there's only one available phone plug in the lounge with lots of boaters wanting to plug in.
September 14, 2001 - We hope to head for Westport CT tomorrow and then thru NY when the harbor opens. It has been closed since Tues. Have found a way for more local email so may give the websites some trials. Will be in touch