"Baltimore" 52 Feet High

 

Our View of a Lovely Horse Farm

 

"Kismet" & Her Big Sister "Charmed"

 

Ooops!

Spent a lovely night in the anchorage at Bodkin Creek. Dinghied to "Props" restaurant for crab cake sandwiches and beers. Left Bodkin at 1030. The plan was to meet "Charmed" in the anchorage behind Gibson Island in the Magothy River. All was going well until the wind picked up quickly while Code Zero was flying. Our speed hit 8.2 knots and Jim decided that maybe we had toooo much sail up. Why "Ooops"? Because Jim wanted to do the manly thing and furl by himself - well, the sail wadded up as it furled and began to flog wildly. He managed to furl it in a disheveled manner, we put up the gib and away we went. Later in the anchorage, it was refurled and no damage was done. Had a great evening with Debbie & Craig - dinner & a new game, "Liars Dice".

Been Awhile - Having Too Much Fun

We had a wonderful time in Rock Hall. Met so many great people that we have learned about over the past 8 years through the Island Packet Discussion group. We finally were able to connect a face with a name! Yesterday we spent the day at the Rock Hall Festival; live music, food and crafts vendors, and a crab picking contest! In five minutes the winner picked 9 ounces of crab. There was also a steel drum performance by Catonsville High School that was impressive. After the festival we were invited to the end-of-season picnic at Spring Cove Marina by Hayden and Radeen Cochran. And ended the evening with a game of "Mexican Train". We were going to go to Baltimore today, but the wind was very light; so instead we treated ourselves to a deluxe pumpout and water fill-up at the Spring Cove Marina. This task took over two hours because we were "gaddabouts" - showing all those who were interested, all of our unique modifications made to "Kismet". Someone did notice the absence of a windlass - Jim replied with his usual answer "someday"! We finally left Swan Creek and sailed with the code zero until we were introduced to our first Chesapeake Bay thunderstorm. Luckily it wasn't too bad. We anchored in Bodkin Creek at 1430.

Sitting on the Hook in the Rain

The wind and rain made it up to us from the Carolinas today. This was the first day of inclement weather we've had since Hannah visited Long Island. But we are safe & sound at anchor in Swan Creek. We caught up on some boat tasks, like reorganizing cubbies & lockers. Tonight I will make some beef stew for dinner - that will warm up the boat abit!

Welcome to Packetville

On Monday we left Still Pond and had an enjoyable downwind sail to Rock Hall, MD. We anchored in Swan Creek nearby in about 7 feet of water. This was to be two day stop but the weather forecast sounds icky for the next couple of days (winds 20-25 knots; with gusts to 40)and there is a town festival happening; so we made the decision to just stay and enjoy Rock Hall. Why Packetville? Because Gratitude Yacht Sales, a very large dealer for Island Packets is here. We have seen more Island Packets in one day than all the years we've sailed combined. Last night we went to Waterman's Crab House for dinner with five couples who have Island Packets. The crab cakes were delicious. We were introduced to the group by Craig and Debbie Roser - IP440 "Charmed". Had a great evening with new friends!

LARGE Ship on the C & D Canal

 

View of Georgetown Basin

 

The Sassafras River

We left Chesapeake City late morning on Friday and sailed to the Sassafras River. Motored eight miles to Georgetown, MD and pulled into a slip at The Georgetown Yacht Basin. We needed to have our fresh water replenished; mainly to give Kismet a good wash and to do laundry. After dinner on the boat, we went to The Kitty Knight House for dessert and live music. During the war of 1812, when the British were burning MD, Kitty Knight used her beauty and charms to convince General Cockburn to spare her house. Apparently she was successful, and her home was spared; the only one in Georgetown! Our waitress told us that Kitty was really a "lady of the night" and her spirit is still often present. On Saturday, we left Georgetown in the afternoon and sailed/mot0red to Still Pond. Jim challenged the depths near the banks of the Sassafras; and we temporarily planted the bow into mud! We spent a very peaceful night in Still Pond with 10 other boats.

Racing Up the Delaware with Razz-Ma-Tazz

 

Way Better than Amtrak

We were up and ready to weigh anchor at 0530 because we were very excited about making our way up Delaware Bay. The first excitement was when Jim drove the boat out of the channel in the dark into 4.6 feet of water (we require 4.5 feet of water)! After that we successfully traversed the Cape May Canal, and once we were in open waters we sailed 35 miles up the Delaware until the Bay narrowed and the wind was right on our nose. After a total of sixty-two nautical miles; we anchored in the basin at Chesapeake City, MD. The weather here is perfect; the wind calm and after a late dinner in the cockpit we enjoyed watching a gigantic white ship transit the canal 300 feet from us - much quieter than Amtrak!

Exploring Cape May

We arrived in Cape May Harbor yesterday afternoon after a eight hour downwind sail with the spinnaker. Anchored by the Coast Guard Station & went to dinner at The Lobster House with Ray and Marianne to celebrate our arrival in Cape May. We spent the day today doing boat chores this morning, and exploring Cape May this afternoon. Met Dick and Lynne from "Ladyhawke" (previous Katlynn Marine folks) at Utsch's Marina on our way to town. Cape May is a lovely town - beautiful Victorian homes, nice beach, and pretty harbor. We will be departing at 0630 to ride the tide up Delaware Bay.

Laurie Adjusting to the Cruising Life

 

The Moon Setting at Harrah's Casino

 

Rum Point Anchorage in Atlantic City

 

Leaving Barnegat Bay

 

Barnegat Light

 

The Backyard Theory

One of the aspects of livingaboard that intrigued us was that our backyard would change alot. And that it does! Just moving down the NJ coast has been very interesting; particularly the places that we have anchored. After Atlantic Highlands we sailed into Barnegat Bay; and yesterday we sailed to Atlantic City. Barnegat Bay was a collective of powerboaters, fishermen, islands, and basic seaside beauty. We met Ray and Maryanne from R.I. who are also on their way to Florida. We sailed together(well sort of together)to Atlantic City. A 28 mile sail became a 50 mile journey since the wind was directly on our nose. The wind was blowing 15 - 25 knots all day. We dropped our anchor at 5:30pm at Rum Point (how appropriate!); and the wind howled all night. What a beautiful spot. Today we checked out the casinos; and lost $15.00; but got free drinks! Tonight is a lovely evening; we are sitting in the cockpit watching a lightshow on the walls of Harrah's Casino across from the anchorage.

Heading Down the Jersey Coast

We left Point Lookout, Long Island this morning at 8:00 am. Jones Inlet was quite rough. With the main and jib raised, we sailed 25 miles to the breakwall at Atlantic Highlands, NJ where we set our anchor for the night. It started to rain when we arrived, and hasn't stopped (that was 4 hours ago). Jim is taking a nap in the cockpit so I thought I'd update the blog. It feels good to be sailing again!

Can This Captain Be Trusted?

Waiting For Hanna

Yesterday we moved Kismet to the East Town Marina to better secure her with Hanna approaching. Jim backed into the slip with poles exquisitely! Looks like we may have winds with gusts up to 60mph and heavy rain. Hopefully it will blow through quickly, and tomorrow will be nice again. John, Jim's brother came for a visit on Wednesday and we sailed east along Jones Beach. It was a delightful daysail.

Sitting at the Fisherman's Catch Dock

Docked in Point Lookout

We have been in Point Lookout L.I. since last Thursday; visiting with Jim's Mom, Jeanne. We are docked right across the street from her house at a commercial fisherman's dock. The activity of the fishing boats coming & going is very interesting. Everyone comments on Kismet's pristine condition. What a difference fresh water and indoor storage for 7 months a year make! We have been enjoying the beach, visits from Jamie and Linda (our sister-in-law), doing chores around Jeanne's house, boat projects, and the wonderful weather. We will be here for another week to ten days. We need to get our life raft valise repaired. It ripped when we were packing it in the cockpit locker. Viking is picking it up on 9/4/2008. Stay tuned - next destination will be Cape May, New Jersey!