Day 260 Cape May

Roller coaster at Wildwood boardwalk.





Cabana on the Atlantic Beach.






Every town has horse and carriage rides.





Cape May is a city at the southern tip of Cape May Peninsula in New Jersey where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. During tourist season the population climbs from 4700 to over 40,000. We can tell by the backed up car traffic, the tourist season has started. Local signage is a little confusing! I’m glad we have the Garmin Nuvi GPS with us. Saturday we had an early dinner at Lucky Bones Backwater Grille close to the marina. This is a very large busy place with great food. Expect to wait for a table. My lobster and shrimp pizza was awesome. I thought of ribs when I saw the name but the name has nothing to do with BBQ ribs. It originated years ago when Cape May was a whaling village. Folklore said Lucky Bones keeps you safe and it refers to the hook-like claw found only in male horseshoe crabs. Sailors would keep anything that was rumored to help them return from the perils of the mighty sea.

Living on the hard gets pretty boring. You miss the camaraderie that you have when you are docked next to other boats. The weather looked decent so most of the other loopers departed around 6:00 this morning to head north to Atlantic City or Sandy Hook. It would be a little more convenient if this marina had a boaters lounge to hang out, watch TV or to work a puzzle. However it is a great marina and the staff has been extremely friendly. If we were in a slip we would have cable but on the hard we can only get over the air "NBC". At least that is something. You can find me on my Kindle most any hour of the day or night. I love what the Kindle offers me and a huge thank you to everyone for this thoughtful gift. I use it constantly.

2nd Blog Day 258, Pot Luck, Cape May

Brenda in her galley of "Tellico Lady"







Guests aboard "Tellico Lady"






Guests aboard "Tellico Lady"






I will follow up with a second blog for the day. Around 4:00 PM we called on the VHF radio to Dave & Pam aboard Adagio to ask their ETA here at Utsch’s Marina in Cape May. They shared with us that it was somewhat of an uncomfortable cruise down Delaware Bay today. While assisting them to their transient slip fellow loopers Brenda & Ken off the M/V Tellico Lady, a beautiful 50’ Marine Trader graciously invited all of the transient looper's to a “pot-luck” aboard their vessel. What a wonderful evening sharing food, beverage and conversation with eight couples all with the same agenda. We shared great experiences, learned from others and expanded on our friendships. We would like to extend or deepest appreciation to Brenda and Ken for assembling a great group aboard their beautiful vessel “Tellico Lady”. What a fantastic fun evening here at Utsch’s Marina, awaiting a break in the Atlantic Ocean weather for departure north.

Day 258 Cape May, NJ

Go figure! Tom found an ice cream store.







Historic Catholic Church in downtown Cape May





Diann on bicycle break on the boardwalk in Cape May





Looking over Cape May Beach from boardwalk





Historic Cape May Fire Truck





New Jersey "Wildwoods" Beach Boardwalk








Tom can not resist a "Photo Opp" of a restored hot rod or antique







Cape May Lighthouse and State Park






Since we are living aboard “On Land” while our under hull repairs are being addressed, I’m reading all the local information that I’ve picked up to find entertainment for the week-end. Although the population of Cape May is 4700, there is a lot more here than meets the eye when you pull into the harbor. Utsch’s Marina is a short walk to a few restaurants but a couple of miles from most everything else. Since it is Memorial week-end there are plenty of outdoor concerts as well live theatres and a Burning Man Festival. I counted 65 restaurants listed in their local magazine. Now there is too much to choose from. It’s either feast or famine!

Wednesday, we rode our bicycles to downtown Cape May. Cape May has a lot of interesting historical site as well as a very unique downtown district. Very nicely done. We enjoyed our sidewalk café lunch and then we walked the area. Fun afternoon.

Actually living aboard is going quite well while the boat is “On the Hard” Today (Friday 5/28) we rented a car, went out to the Cape May Lighthouse constructed in the mid 1800’s and still used today for navigational aid to mariners. This is a very interesting State Park and tour. Additionally we drove up to Jersey’s infamous Wildwood. This is South Jersey’s beach, amusement park and boardwalk area. All of the vendors were gearing up for an expected large crowd for the Memorial Day week-end. It wasn’t what we both expected, however it is interesting and we felt while here we really should see it.

There are quite a few Looper’s stacking up here in hopes that the Atlantic Ocean seas improve soon. There have been as many as (12) boats here waiting for the Atlantic to settle down. Our good friends on “Adagio” are due here this afternoon and we heard though the grapevine that the Marina is full, and cannot accept any additional transients. I think some boats may depart Monday or Tuesday opening up some space for others.

The Cape May harbor hosts, Richard and Carol Nick left a sheet of information and stopped to meet us, share local knowledge and offer assistance if needed. What a comforting, rewarding experience to meet such pleasant people extending warm hospitality. The “Harbor Host” program works and we want to extend our deep appreciation to all that offer their services and especially to Richard and Carol Nick.

Since the boat is sitting in the boatyard, Tom broke out a cleaning agent and washed the brown mustache, and bathtub ring off the bow of the boat. This stain is deposited on the boat due to the tannin in the rivers coming up the east coast.

Day 256 Delaware & Cape May NJ

Chesapeake City Bridge over C & D (Chesapeake & Delaware) canal marking mile "0" the northern start of the Chesapeake Bay




Tom taking a break from driving






An unusual looking light house on Delaware Bay





One of the many freighters in the Atlantic shipping channel.




We left Chesapeake City early ( 6:20) on Monday as we knew it would be a long day on the water. (7.5 hours) Fortunately, Delaware Bay was some of the calmest water we’ve been on. I t seems unreal that we went through the state of Delaware but we didn’t set foot on land. I’m still counting it as a state visited!

The Utsch’s Marina in Cape May greeted us with a nice gift basket. It is not the easiest marina to get into since you have shallow water approaching a very narrow entrance. We were lucky it wasn’t windy. About a month ago we went aground near Wilmington, NC and we’ve felt a vibration ever since. The weather does not look good for several days to go out in the Atlantic Ocean, so we took advantage of the down time and had the boat pulled for an under hull inspection. We hoped to find something as simple as a crab-pot line wrapped around the shaft. Well no crab-pot lines, and it appears to be no damaged prop, however, the shaft bent is bent and a new one has to be made and installed. For non boaters, this is a time consuming, expensive repair.

It is approaching Memorial Day week-end making matters more difficult. So with the boat sitting in the lifting slings we had to make a decision, put the boat back in the water and limp along with a slight vibration, or bite the bullet and start the repair process. With the shaft out of the boat, it can’t be put back in the water until the new shaft is installed, so we are living on the boat in the boat yard "On the Hard" We have a 20 amp circuit so we have to manage our electric load accordingly. I hope it doesn’t get to the predicted 90 degrees since we won’t have air! If you remember, we do have some experience with this situation!

These problems are common place on this journey and we are only one of many that have gone through this. It should take about a week for the whole turn around. In the meantime there are about a dozen loopers here waiting for weather improvements, so we are having fun with them, some old friends and some we have met for the first time here. This is a nice community, think we will rent a car for the week-end and enjoy the area

Day 253 Baltimore visit with Frishmans 5/24

Chesapeake City:
106 year old cash register located in original 1861 General Store. Original wood floor, pretty cool.







Original 1800's granite stone bank building, converted to City Hall, converted to "Firefly Glass Factory", located in Chesapeake City






Chesapeake City original wood structure, 1861 General Store.






Tom & Diann






Beth & Jerry Frishman















On Sunday we returned our Avis rental car (Agency is not located on the airport proper), and took the shuttle to the airport. We were having coffee at the airport waiting for our friends Beth & Jerry Frishman to pick us up to go visit their house for brunch. We decided it was too way to much to ask them to drive 45 minutes one-way to the airport and back to their house and then an hour+ to get us back to our boat in Pasadena. We decided to take the shuttle back to the car rental and rent another car for another day. Obviously we were not thinking or we never would have turned it in! Our portable GPS is a life saver but the car we were assigned did not have either 12v lighter working so it was a walk back to the office for another car! Did I mention the first car we were assigned on Saturday was missing from its parking place so back to the office to get another one! What an ordeal!

It was a cloudy day but the ride was through scenic wooded areas to Frishman’s beautiful home. We have not seen each other for a couple of years so everyone had a lot to say. We met 16 year old son Chad and 13 yr daughter Jordan. What a delightful family. Additionally two other family members welcomed us at the door. These two are so cute and friendly, rescued from the local humane society.

Thank you Jerry & Beth for a wonderful time and especially to you Beth for the spectacular brunch. Jerry, a professional photographer, snapped some great pictures while we were there. These happen to be our amateur images, however. Also, Beth was so gracious to send so much food with us back to the boat. It was a pleasant experience this morning enjoying breakfast from yesterday's brunch. Beth, thank you so much, what a true delight.

Today we were up at the break of daylight and headed out on the "Bay" to finish our northern cruise of the Chesapeake. We chose MM "0", Chesapeake City to stay the night at the free City Dock. Chesapeake City looks like a cute little town. I think we will hop on our bikes and do our tour. Neat little community loaded with history. This (14) mile C&D canal built in 1822, hand dug by 2,600 men connects Philadelphia and Baltimore through the Deleware River and the Chesapeake Bay. This link deleted 300 miles off a ship's route to navigate these two bodies of water. The 450' wide canal is maintained at it's present 35' depth. This canal carries 40% of all shipping traffic between Philadelphia and Baltimore.

Day 252 Pasadena & Baltimore Maryland

Baltimore Inner Harbor







Diann at the end of a tunnel entrance to a garden located in Fells Point, Baltimore.








Baltimore Inner Harbor







Baltimore Inner Harbor






Chick & Ruth's Delly in Annapolis




Breakfast with Pam,& Pam






Rich & Tom




Friday morning we were joined by Bob, Pam, Rich and Pam for breakfast at Chick & Ruth’s Delly. This is an Annapolis landmark where the walls are plastered with pictures of famous people and politicians. Every morning at 8:30, they play our national anthem and everyone stands and sings.

On our way out of the city docks we stopped at the marina next door and filled with diesel which was $3.07 including tax; lowered from $3.24. It was a calm day traveling on the Chesapeake and then heading up the Patapsco River to Maryland Yacht Club in Pasadena, MD. The Waterway Guide shows this as a private club but they do allow boaters on the Loop to stay for $1.00 a foot. We joined Bob and Pam from “Mint Julep” and Greg & Barb Franklin off”GonCruzn III” for dinner at the picnic table. Perfect weather and fun conversation.

Greg offered Bob and Pam a ride to the Baltimore airport for their 8:30 flight on Sat morning. We tagged along for the 35 minute ride and picked up an Avis car rental. We plugged in our GPS and drove downtown to the Baltimore Inner Harbor where there are numerous attractions to choose from. We went through the excellent National Aquarium, had an outdoor lunch at one of our favorites “PF Chang” and then caught the water taxi around the harbor. We walked the cobbled streets of Fell’s Point which has a history as a major shipbuilder back in the 17 and 1800. It has a blend of stores, pubs, restaurants and homes. The clothing boutiques had some funky clothes that I’m not sure the Quad City is ready for so I didn’t purchase any. We worked up an appetite doing all that walking so we decided to drive the few blocks to Little Italy. There are so many restaurants to choose from that we had a difficult time but decided on “Amiccis” and we have no complaints about the food or ambiance.

Since we had a vehicle we stopped at Safeway on our way back to the boat. Noah Genda was parked at the very far end of the pier so fortunately Tom found a cart to transport our many sacks.

Day 250 Washington DC 5/20

Tom at Iwo Jima Memorial






View of reflecting pool from Lincoln Memorial







Lincoln Memorial








Tom & Ed (Both are Viet Nam Veterans) standing at Viet Nam Wall Memorial







Looking at Viet Nam Wall Memorial







The Potomic River





World War II Memorial






Diann & Ed standing at Lafayette Park overlooking the back side of the White House






Back side of The "White House"






Ed Skinner, Tom & Andrew Newton






BJ Skinner and Sally Ann Newton





Today is an absolutely perfect weather day. We woke to clear skies, no wind and a predicted high of 78. Actually it turned out to be 82. This is a day we have been looking forward to. Our good friend Ed Skinner picked us up at dockside 9:30 this morning for our scheduled car trip to Washington DC. What a spectacular experience. Tom has never had the pleasure of visiting the nations capitol. Ed so patiently worked our way through busy traffic, providing us with a detailed narrated tour through some of the most interesting, educational, beautiful sites that this City has to offer. We were truly awestruck by the history, the architecture, the beautiful park like setting of the whole City. We snapped about 100 images trying to capture all we could. We knew this visit would be a quick overview and we really need a week to adequately visit sites of interest. The number of tourists is overwhelming. There are so many interesting sites it is hard to indentify the most interesting. However for Tom, he really wanted to see the War Memorials, especially the Viet Nam Memorial. This is truly a sobering experience. The number of names on the wall puts into perspective. The Iwo Jima and the World War II Memorials were no less awesome. The Lincoln, Jefferson and Washington monuments were breathtaking. The entire City is just like a huge park or garden. Everything is so well groomed, sculptured art work strategically placed, complementing the spectacular architecture. It really makes you proud to live in freedom in such a wonderful country.

Words cannot express our gratitude to Ed Skinner for taking time out of his busy schedule to share with us this introduction to our Country’s Capitol. Thank you Ed for your generosity. We truly enjoyed sharing the day with you.


This evening we were invited to dinner along with fellow loopers Andrew and Sally Ann Newton (Freedom) to Ed and BJ Skinners home for a great night of camaraderie and dining. Ed & BJ’s beautiful home is located about six blocks from the Annapolis City Docks. Tonight was a wonderful dining experience with some really great friends we have had the pleasure of meeting along the way of this incredible journey. Ed and BJ are the most gracious hosts and we want to extend a huge thank you for a wonderful day and evening entertaining us.

Day 249 Annapolis 5/20

At U.S. Naval Accademy






USNA






Housing at Accademy







1700's Historic State House







Historic Signage at State House







At State House




We left St Michaels at 6:30 to travel 30 miles in calm seas to Annapolis arriving at 10:30. Outside of the harbor entrance were 7 freighters sitting at anchor waiting for clearance to head to Baltimore. We were told it can take many hours, even days to get the okay to proceed up the Chesapeake. We stayed at the City of Annapolis docks for $2.00 ‘ plus power. The harbor is not much more than a couple of blocks long and is very narrow with restaurant row on one side in Eastport and tour boats and a boardwalk on the other side where we are docked. Too bad for Tom we won’t be here on a week-end because they call this “Ego Alley”. It is a constant parade back and forth of pricey fast boats with beautiful young women sitting on the bow. We will also miss a blues fest this week-end featuring Chuck Berry and Buddy Guy along with a long list of other artists.

Our good friends, Ed and BJ Skinner that we met at Harbour Cay Club in Marathon, live here in Annapolis and graciously picked us up for a personal guided tour around Annapolis including a drive through the campus of the United States Naval Academy. What an eye opening educational tour of this extremely historic community. Thank you Ed.

The academy is the undergraduate university for the Navy that prepares young men and women to become professional officers. I read online that they could also be assigned to the Marines and other branches of the military besides the Navy. Prospective candidates must be first appointed by a Congressman, Senator, Vice-President, or President; and must pass a physical fitness test and a medical exam. Midshipmen (students at the academy) who resign or are expelled from the academy in their first two years incur no military service obligation. Those who are separated — voluntarily or involuntarily — after that time are required to serve on active duty in an enlisted status, usually for two to four years. The alternative is for separated Midshipmen to reimburse the government for their educational expenses, though the sum is often in excess of $150,000. The decision whether to serve enlisted time or reimburse the government is up to the Secretary of the Navy.

Here at the Annapolis City Harbor are other looper boats including “Mint Julep”, “Fortuity”, and “Freedom”. Annapolis additionally offers several mooring balls and we understand there are several loopers in the mooring field. The provided water taxi offers free shuttle transportation from the mooring field to the city docks. We spent the last few hours of daylight touring this historic city. The area around the State House is just absolutely amazing. We snapped many images; it is just unfortunate that it was such a cloudy day. The images don’t capture the real beauty of the area; however the experience is nothing less than awesome.

After a very full day of touring this exciting city, we walked to a very nice dining establishment “Harry Browne” recommended by Ed Skinner and we were very pleased with the high end quality of food and service. I highly recommend this restaurant.

There is a lot more to add to this energy packed location. However, today, we have a wonderful opportunity extended to us from Ed and BJ Skinner to tour Washington DC. We are not going to pass up this most gracious offer. More to come tomorrow.

Day 248 St Michaels

St Michael's is the town that “fooled the British” in the Revolutionary War. Because it was once a thriving port and boatbuilding center, it was a prime target for the British. In the dark morning hours of 8/10/1813, the British attacked this port. The town people heard word of the attack and devised a strategy. The residents had a “blackout” & hoisted lanterns to the tops of their ships and up high in trees. When the British arrived at night, they assumed St Michael's was on a bluff. The cannons overshot the town except for one house that took a cannonball through the roof. That house still stands today & is called the “Cannonball House.

The three Pams' (Pam Feltner, Pam Atwood and Pam Shircliff) and I took the hotel shuttle and managed to browse most of the unique shops on Talbot Street. It was easy for me to get a response when I said "Hey Pam"!

Tom took the harbor shuttle van to the grocery store this morning and chilled out on the boat the rest of the day. He caught up on paying bills on line, data entry and boat projects. Other loopers captains also took advantage of the weather down day and addressed boat maintenance projects.

We had planned on heading to Annapolis today (Tuesday) but we had to hold up for at least one day due to high seas. This looks like a great town to bicycle around if it weren’t for the high winds, the cold and rain! We spent the afternoon playing Dominos which I proceeded to lose big time! Everyone had dinner on board their boat.

No new pictures today.

Day 247, St Michael's, MD 5/17/10

Diann, Bob, Tom & Pam -Dinner at St Michaels Crab & Steak House






Bob & Pam - Mint Julep"






Dave & Rich







Pam, Pam, Diann






Bob, Dave, Rich





We arrived at St Michaels, MD Sunday afternoon as planned after a pretty lumpy cruise up Chesapeake Bay with fellow looper friends Bob and Pam Shircliff from Louisville KY. We ventured past the marina and on to Hunting Creek off the Miles River for an anchorage we learned about on the VHF radio a few hours earlier from fellow looper Greg Franklin off “GonCruzin III”. This is a great anchorage, well protected, quiet, deep and quite remote. We woke up Monday morning to a pretty cloudy, drizzly cool morning. We pulled anchor as planned early A.M. for a very short trip down the river to St Michael’s Harbor Inn and Marina. This is a very nice facility with all the amenities including cable TV. Nice to once in a while get reconnected with what’s going on.

We have the pleasure of fellow loopers “Adagio”, “Adeana” and “Mint Julep” here at St Michaels tonight. We feel so fortunate to have so many long lasting relationships with loopers we have met along the way. Tonight the (8) of us took advantage of the Marina shuttle service and we all went to St Michaels Crab & Steak house. What a fun evening with many laughs and stories of our last 8-month experiences on this great adventure. Great food, great service, shared with great friends.

We have pretty heavy winds tonight. We hope to leave here in the morning for Annapolis, however if it is blowing like this in the morning, we may have to re-evaluate our departure plans.