S/V Still Waters Log: 10/5 through 10/15

Well folks, it looks like we have some catching up to do since Sandy's last e-mail post so this will be a long one to bring you up to date.

First, we hope you all enjoy this new method of sending updates. My son Zach was good enough to point us in this direction as an alternative to setting up a full-scale website. Even better, it's free. Sandy and I will share in making posts to the site. As we travel on our journey aboard S/V Stillwaters with our fearless crew members Joop and Tula, we will update the log along the way as time and web access allow.

So here goes.....
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Wednesday, October 6, 2004

Location: Liberty Island, NJ
Destination: Sandy Hook, NJ

Last night was a chilly one, but not too bad. After all, we heard from folks back home that they experienced an early frost overnight. We simply had to add a wool blanket, Joop, and Tula to stay warm.

It appears that the electronic gremlins have struck. After having some trouble downloading our route to the chartplotter, we finally got underway for Sandy Hook, NJ at 10:00 a.m. The trip from Liberty Island was fairly straightforward. We encountered a few barges but the traffic was manageable. We arrived in the Atlantic Highlands at 12:30 p.m.

When we hailed the yacht club for a mooring assignment, we were informed that they can't be reached until 2:00 p.m. this time of year, so we simply picked up the first open mooring we saw just inside the anchorage area. As it turned out, we were able to stay on that mooring. We took the launch ashore with the dogs. This is the first time we ever took advantage of a launch service. It sure beats having to prepare the dinghy to go ashore.

We highly recommend the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club. The folks there were very helpful and informative. The yacht club and the town is also very dog friendly. We enjoyed a late lunch on the patio of the Atlantic Grille, where we were allowed to have the dogs with us. They even brought out a nice big bowl of water for them.

Tomorrow we plan to set sail for Cape May, an overnight passage of 120 miles.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2004

Location: Sandy Hook, NJ
Destination: Cape May, NJ

Chartplotter issue update: Dave talked with someone from Raytech yesterday and they had never heard of the problem we encountered. When we tried to reuse some waypoints in a new route and download the route to the chartplotter, the chartplotter would reboot. We suspect that we fed bad data into the chartplotter. Once we deleted the affected route, everything appears to be working fine. Will continue to monitor.

We spent the morning making preparations for our 120-mile offshore passage down the NJ coast. This will be our first overnight sail aboard Still Waters. The weather forecast is ideal with light winds and 2-4 ft seas expected. We will likely have to motor throughout the night but I'd rather not have to deal with sails in the dark anyway.

We made a checklist of everything we needed to do before casting off. We set out jacklines and safety gear and agreed on a 2-hour watch schedule. We then sent float plans to Zach and Mary Beth and agreed to check in with them by noon tomorrow.

On the subject of Joop and Tula, I have still not had any luck getting them to use the litter box, so I'm not sure how they'll hold up on this trip. We'll see.

With preparations complete, we dropped the mooring pennant and got underway at 2:40 p.m. Winds were only 5 kts. out of the SE upon departure.

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Friday, October 8, 2004

Location: Cape May, NJ
Destination: Not today


Our night sail, or should I say motor, to Cape May was tiring but interesting. We came upon several tugs and barges. It is difficult at night to quickly determine the light configurations and decisive action. The first tug and barge we encountered had us a bit confused as to its position. As a result, the tug actually altered course to account for us. Then we were able to clearly see his port lights and were able to safely pass by. After that first encounter, we left nothing to chance and simply got on the radio to negotiate passing agreements with any approaching vessel. The tug/barge captains were very gracious and professional.

Although we took turns at the helm every 2 hours, the off-watch person mostly had to continue as lookout. Neither of us really got any rest to speak of. Still, it was pretty exciting to put all our experience to work.

As we approached Atlantic City, we were amazed at the lights. It was like Las Vegas at sea. We came abreast at around 2:00AM. Fast moving cruise vessels, like drunks leaving the bar, came at us and then sped off once they realized they were on a collision course.

We arrived in Cape May Harbor at 9:30 a.m. under light fog and winds around 10 kts. As we made our approach, Dave saw a dolphin leap out of the water at the bow of our boat. We took this event as a definite good sign that luck is on our side.

We anchored on the east side of the Coast Guard station and took the dogs ashore at the sandy beach on the west side alongside the Corinthian Yacht Club. Yes, they held out. Joop and Tula went 22 hours without a pee stop!

Anchor Note: The holding here was good although there was swells from the passing traffic. Also we enjoyed the Coast Guard drills and band practice.

Although we planned to stay put for a few days to rest and plan the next leg, the good weather and favorable currents convinced us to forge ahead. We'll have to visit the town of Cape May on our return trip.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2004

Location: Cape May, NJ
Destination: Cohansey River, Greenwich, NJ

This morning while still at anchor in Cape May, Roger Wilcox aboard Talisman (IP-420 owner), whom we know from our marina back home, came by our boat to say hello. He and his wife are enroute to the Virgin Islands. It was good to see a familiar face.

Again, we spent the morning plotting our course and making preparations to get underway. We left Cape May at 10:15 a.m. under partly cloudy skies with winds out of the west at 7 Kts. Today's trip will take us 53 nautical miles (nm), rounding Cape May and up the Delaware Bay to an anchorage in the Cohansey River.

Occasionally, the seas in Delaware Bay can be difficult and choppy, particularly with winds opposing current; however, fortune smiled upon us once again and we had calm seas and light traffic. It was a long day but we arrived at the rivers' entrance around 5:45 p.m. and wound our way about 3 miles up the river before dropping anchor just beyond the Greenwich Boat Yard. We had just enough daylight left go get the boat settled and take the dogs ashore.

Anchor Note: The current here in the river is very strong. Make sure your anchor is well set. Holding is very good though.

NOTE: Even though the guides warn of fish traps near the rivers entrance, I (Sandy) almost ran right over one. Yipes!

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Sunday, October 10, 2004

Position: N 39 22.903 W 075 20.713
Location: at anchor in Cohansey River
Destination: staying put

The Cohansey River is pretty cool with low lying marshland all around. The current in the river is swift. We spent most of the day attending to clean-up duties. Dave washed out the dinghy and then we worked together to wash the boat. The entire bow was thick with mud and dirt from anchoring. After cleaning the outside, we started cleaning up the inside, vacuuming tons of accumulated dog hair and scrubbing the bathroom. Oh, I almost forgot, first I hauled Dave all around the boat in the dinghy so he could scrub the scum off of the boot stripe at the waterline. Sailing through New York and New Jersey is some pretty dirty water.

As the day progressed, the winds started picking up. Due to opposing wind and current, the boat started to ride up over the anchor chain causing us some concern. Since winds are expected to increase after midnight to 20 - 25 kts, Dave decided we should put out a stern anchor to hold the boat into the current. So, we hauled the fortress from the bow and attached a 100-ft. kedging line. I then attached the kedging line to the JIB winch and handed the anchor to Dave in the dinghy. He drove out about 75 feet astern of the boat and dropped the anchor overboard. When the current turned, we had to reset the stern anchor but after that it appears that this configuration worked out well. Overnight the winds were gusting to 27 kts. So much for having a day of rest.

In any case, Dave cooked a fantastic meal of chicken cooked in a fine dry sherry with potatoes, corn, and a variety of who knows what number of spices. It smelled as delicious as it tasted. It sure helps to have a great cook on board to renew ones spirit.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2004
-Columbus Day-

Location: Still at anchor in the Cohansey River

This morning we plotted courses between our current location and three possible destinations. Our first choice is to depart here tomorrow morning and head up the Delaware River and through the first 8 miles of the C&D Canal to the Summit North Marina where we plan to take a slip for the night. If we can't stop there, we will likely continue on to an anchorage on the Sassafrass River in Turner Creek. Our next destination beyond that may be Rock Hall, MD.

After lunch, I had planned to take a taxi into Bridgeton to pick up provisions. That mission was aborted after it was discovered that the nearest taxi would charge me $45.00. Since we weren't in dire need of anything other than wine and tequila, we decided to hold off on the provisioning for another day.

It looks like we might have another night of strong winds but our anchors are well set now. Since Dave is cooking up another great meal of Beef Burgundy, I think I'll just kick back and try to relax a bit.

NOTE: We could not use our cell phones or get internet access from this location. In this day and age, being up the river without internet access is similar to being up the creek without a paddle.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2004

Location: Hancock Harbor Marina, Cohansey River

As they say, whoever THEY may be, the best laid plans are made by fools. Today the weather forecast called for NW winds 10-15 kts. While not ideal for our trek up the Delaware River, it should have been manageable just the same.

We departed our anchorage at 7:40 a.m. and calmly wound our way out of the river. As soon as we rounded the bend, the conditions proved to be far worse than predicted. The seas were kicking up something wicked with 6 -8 foot troughs and winds 25-30 kts on our nose with opposing currents. It didn't take us long, beating into pounding seas, to decide it was best to turn back and save this trip for another day.

Dave came about and we cautiously dodged fish traps and crab pots as we returned to the safety of the river. We decided to take a slip rather than anchor out again, so we are now tied securely to a dock and enjoying the luxury of water and electricity.

The guy who runs the marina (Reds) has been great. He gave Dave directions to Bridgeton and provided a courtesy car so we could go shopping. Once we got the boat settled, we took the car and drove into town. Mission accomplished! It was a very productive trip with us able to restock our supplies of wine, tequila, and groceries. Sandy deftly filled the empty holds with our booty.

There are miles of farmland and marshes to enjoy. It's really quite beautiful and peaceful on the river and you can see eagles and hawks circling around. Flocks of Canadian geese returning to the marsh herald the approach of colder weather.

Dave filled our two gerry cans with 10 gallons of diesel just to add some leverage to the tanks until we get to a fuel dock. And, we topped off our water tanks. I'd say we're in pretty good shape and good to go. We'll try again tomorrow.

Winds are expected to be only 5-10 kts in the morning, turning SW in the afternoon. These are much better conditions for our trip.

NOTE: Hancock Harbor Marina charged $1.00 per foot, plus $10,00 for electricity. Next time we come, Reds suggests tying up right at the fuel dock. A great stop!

He also gave Dave a lesson on the crab pots and fish nets on the Delaware. He says he makes a good living removing them from boat props. In other words, STEER CLEAR! Many of the nets drag for several feet beyond their markers.

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TOTAL ACCUMULATED MILES TRAVELED: 348.4 nautical miles
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2004

Location: Hancock Harbor Marina, Cohansey River
Destination: C&D Canal (Mile 8) Summit North Marina

Unlike yesterday, this morning's weather is ideal for continuing up the Delaware. Winds are light and variable. We got underway at 9:35 AM to catch the right current and arrived at the river entrance at 10:10. It takes a little more time than you expect to wind your way through the river. The Delaware was nice and calm but held quite a few barges and tankers to make things interesting.

Reds wasn't kidding about the crab pots and fish traps. They were everywhere outside the main channel, which we were trying to avoid using since the large ships own those waters. Also, there were lots of logs and other floating debris in the water that we had to keep a sharp eye on.

Sandy's homework with the current tables paid off as we timed our entrance to the C&D canal perfectly, slack tide heading into the ebb. The canal was about as wide as the Cape Cod canal that we traversed last summer. Again, lots of logs and other debris to avoid.

About 8 miles into the canal, we passed the Conrail Lift bridge and entered the channel into the Summit North Marina. I was very glad to see the Lift Bridge open after hearing that someone, who I guess wasn't paying attention, had been dismasted by this bridge which seldom closes. Sandy hailed the marina and reached them on channel 16. They gave us a nice slip on the E T dock. A young girl from the marina caught our lines and assisted us with a starboard-side docking.

Again, after living on the hook for a few weeks, it was great to be at a marina with ready electricity and water. And, according to Sandy, finally a laundry. While Sandy tackled the laundry, I took studiously to reading my current book "Chesapeake" by Mitchner. It is rich with the history of the places we'll be visiting and is so much preferable to watching clothes spin endlessly in a dryer.


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Thursday, OCTOBER 14, 2004

Location: Summit North Marina, Bear, Delaware
Position: N 39 33 W 075 42

Lots of drizzle. We go back and forth over whether or not to leave. We tried to contact a marina in Rock Hall, MD as a place to stay next. Since we were unable to reach them before our calculated departure time, we flipped a coin and decided to stay. The forecast today is for showers. Tomorrow, a strong front with heavy rain and winds is expected. I decide to take advantage of the marina shuttle to go into town to top off our supplies. Sandy does a yeoman's job of getting our BLOG started. We take the dogs for a two-mile hike dressed out in their stylish foul-weather gear.

A large blue heron catches Tula's attention as it silently stalks fish a short distance away.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2004

Location: Summit North Marina, Bear, Delaware
Position: N 39 33 W 075 42

I awaken at 6:00 and check the weather report. Thunderstorms and gale conditions are forecast this afternoon for the bay. Easy decision, we stay put. Today, we will clean the boat from top to bottom and lay out the route for our next leg, which is either Sassafrass river/Turner's creek or in Whortons creek in the Chesapeake. We find out that Annapolis is inundated with power boaters attending a big show this weekend. Maybe we can stop there on Monday. Good day for making Chicken Caccicatori (sp?).

Sandy's update:
We took the boat over to the fuel dock this morning while conditions were still calm. They have a large fuel dock here with easy access and reasonable prices. When we returned to our slip, we washed the boat and vacuumed. Dave then gave Joop and Tula a good bath on the dock. I, of course, went to do another load of laundry while Dave finished and published the latest log.

You have no idea how much you can appreciate a good washing machine when it's available to you. In terms of material things, I'd have to say that I miss my washing machine and my claw foot tub the most. Otherwise I'd say we're all doing just fine.

The heavy rains just arrived around 5:30 p.m. Overnight we may see gusts in the 40 kt. range. In any case, we're tucked in nice and safe and another great meal is underway. Hmmm, what in the world could a girl like me have to complain about. Life is Good!
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TOTAL ACCUMULATED MILES TRAVELED: 378.6 nautical miles
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