Half Way There

We left Myrtle Beach at a more reasonable 830am (at least according to the Admiral) and headed toward Wrightsville Beach NC about 80 miles away. This was a planned "short" day on the water (about 5 hours running time) as there aren't a lot of choices past Wrightsville Beach without making it a very "long" day.

As much as I like the location, the people and the amenities of the Wrightsville Beach Marina, it is located RIGHT on the Intracoastal Waterway and is subject to passing boat wakes and activities. That makes for lots of sloshing and slapping on the hull. Normally, that would all settle down after sunset and be quiet for the night except this was the weekend for a big fishing tournament, so lots of boats came in late and left VERY early (like 4am). Needless to say, it was not as restful a night as we would have liked.

Today we left Wrightsville Beach at 745am (hey, we were awake with the fishermen anyway) and made our way to Oriental NC. We had to clear three bridges (two of which only opened on the hour)
which required some precise timing in order not to get stuck and spin in circles until the next opening an hour later. All went as planned -- well, we were lucky.

Tonight we are at one of our favorite places along the ICW, River Dunes Marina. Located just off the Neuse River, it is a well protected, first class and QUIET place to spend the night. I think we will both enjoy a more restful nights sleep.

We have 720 miles left to go to our final destination. Our 7 year old grandson informed us tonight on the phone that we we are "half way there"!

Dinner overlooking Grace Harbor at River Dunes

River Dunes Club House

South Carolina

The past two days traversing the ICW into and through South Carolina has been delightful. In addition to great weather and sea conditions, we have been treated to soaring Ospreys, dancing dolphins and natural beauty of the marsh land, rivers and canals. THIS is what it's all about.

Last night in Charleston SC we had the pleasure of dining at a new restaurant (to us) called Circa 1886. It is part of the Wentworth Mansion and situated in the former carriage house of the estate. The food, the presentation and the setting was something right out of a movie set. Delightful!

We got underway this morning from Charleston at low tide and had to navigate a number of "skinny" spots along the way. Of course, wouldn't you know that one of the most shallow stretches was were we met a large tug pushing a 150 foot barge head on. We simply ran "port to port" within about 15 feet of each other and continued on. That was close!

After passing Georgetown we turned into one of our favorite sections of the trip -- the beautiful Wacama River. It is hard to describe the the serenity of the meandering cypress tree lined banks. We look forward to our return in the Fall when the tress will be full of color.

We arrived in Myrtle Beach after 6 hours of cruising today at the Grand Dunes Marina. Sometimes you pick a place to stay based on it's location, amenities or proximity to provisions. Today we picked the Grand Dunes Marina because there is a Ruth Chris Steak House less that 100 yards from our slip. I can already taste that nice juicy prime rib and glass (or two) of Cabernet.

Leaving Savannah

At Circa 1886

Chicken Fried Salmon (seriously delicious)

Front entrance to Wentworth Mansion

At dock - Grand Dunes Marina, Myrtle Beach SC

Moon River - Savannah, Georgia

We got underway this morning from Fernandina Beach at 8am under clear skies and calm seas with Savannah as our destination. With favorable conditions at hand I thought it might be a good day to run outside in the Atlantic Ocean. After taking a second glance at the Admiral's temperature for that idea, I decided that discretion is the better part of valor and opted to take the "inside" course. And I am glad we did

Not only did we have basically flat calm seas the entire day, but for the most part, we had the waterway to ourselves. This stretch of the ICW through Georgia is a long, winding and meandering path. We went north, west, east and even south as we progressed through the natural beauty and desolation of the Georgia waterway. And while there was some serious navigation challenges among the narrow streams and sounds, it was a most peaceful and fulfilling day.

When Rachel and I met in 1966 (yes, that is 50 years ago!) "our song" was Moon River by Andy Williams. Over the years, it has been one of those songs that conjures up fond memories and feelings of young love and the dreams we had for the future. Today, as we approached Savannah we traversed a section of the actual Moon River while the song played over the boat stereo system. It was a special moment for these "two drifters, off to see the world".

A Close Call

After a very restful night, we left Palm Coast this morning at 8am for a 90 mile run to Fernandina Beach. The winds were gentle, the seas were calm and most importantly, everyone had to go back to work so there were no crazy weekend boaters! It was a peaceful and easy day -- well sort of.

The Atlantic Intercostal Waterway is the unfortunate victim to government budget cuts and monetary priorities. As a result, there are a number of places (actually lots of places) where shoaling has taken over previously dredged channels, where a dependable series of markers has become damaged or missing and where information and navigation charts have become outdated. Fortunately, through crowd sourced web sites like Active Captain, I am able to stay on top of many of the changes and hazards with fresh local knowledge. At one point today however, I "almost" turned across a very shallow area that could have caused significant damage and probably spoiled the trip. But with Active Captain running live at the helm AND the very diligent watchful eyes of "The Admiral", I was saved from both damage and embarrassment. Thank you to both!

Upon arrival in Fernandina Beach, we refueled Endless Summer, a quick hose down, and then off to the wonderful little town to enjoy an afternoon stroll and dinner at one of our favorite little places called 29 South. Interesting preparations, farm to table fresh ingredients and creative combinations. How about a Southern Cobb Salad -- fresh romaine lettuce topped with pulled pork BBQ, fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, and cornbread croutons. Yeah, that's southern!

Tomorrow we leave Florida and head into Georgia. It seemed only fitting that our sunset cocktail was a Patron margarita on the aft deck. About as perfect as it gets!

Day One is Done

I didn't sleep all that well last night.

Knowing that we would begin our 1400+ mile journey today caused all sorts of things to rattle and roll through my mind. Unfortunately, most of that "thinking" happened at 3am! But it was all for naught.

We left Cocoa Village Marina this morning around 830am and turned north on the ICW. It was a beautiful morning -- clear sun filled skies, calm seas and a ever slight breeze off our starboard bow. Just about as perfect as perfect gets.

We had the waterway mostly to ourselves this Sunday morning as Endless Summer cruised effortlessly toward the next port. That is, until the locals woke up and also discovered it was a great day to be on the water. By the time we approached New Smyrna Beach, we were surrounded by boats of all shapes, sizes and unfortunately, all levels of skill and seamanship. It felt a little bit like rush hour on I-4 in downtown Orlando.

But we pressed on, gradually, slowly, and at times, frustratingly to our designation at Palm Coast at Hammock Beach Marina. But 6 hours later we arrived, tied up for the night followed by a lovely dinner at the Atlantic Grill overlooking the ocean. It's amazing what a day on the water (and a martini) can do to calm the soul.

I think I'll sleep much better tonight.

Farewell toast!

It's great to be back on the water!

Headed North

After almost a month in Cocoa, FL we have completed all of the prep and provisioning for our journey north. We are excited to get started and looking forward to summer in New England, especially being close to the kids and grandkids! We already have have lots of plans, events and places to visit on our summer calendar.

Our migration north is planned over a two week period with stops in Palm Coast FL, Fernandina Beach FL, Savannah GA, Charleston SC, Myrtle Beach SC, Wrightsville Beach NC, Oriental NC, Coinjock NC, Cape Charles VA, Kent Island MD, Cape May NJ, New York NY, and our final destination in Essex CT. As is the case with most float plans, we will no doubt amend that along the way depending on weather, seas, and mood!

Even though we have traveled the Atlantic ICW many times, it is always fun to anticipate the journey ahead with the knowledge that there will be both familiar sights and new experiences along the way.

This is the earliest we have left Florida to make the trip north but hopefully the early Spring weather will cooperate with pleasant temperatures, calm winds and gentle following seas. Yeah, I know that's overly optimistic, but I've got to think positive!

Endless Summer ready for departure from Cocoa, FL

Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. 

So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. 

Explore. Dream. Discover. — Mark Twain

First Step - West to East Coast

In order to stage and prep Endless Summer for our trip to New England, the first step was to move her from Longboat Key on the west coast of Florida to Cocoa on the east coast. Since I needed to have some "bottom work" done in route, I decided to go through the Okeechobee Waterway to save some time and help uncomplicate the trip.

Volunteering to join me on this leg of the journey were my two brothers Ray and Tom who are both able and experienced crew, not to mention, great companions. Our first stop was South Seas Yacht Harbor. We arrived there in less than 5 hours from Longboat Key by taking the Gulf Intercostal Waterway (GICW) to Venice where we went "outside" in the Gulf, out and around the Boca Grande sea buoy and into Red Fish Pass.

Ready for departure from Longboat Key

Ray and Tom at the helm of Endless Summer

After a good wash down and a few libations, we headed off to Doc Fords Rum Bar & Restaurant for some dinner. We had a great time together and it was fun to be just "brothers" for a couple of days.

The happy Captain

Dinner at Doc Ford's - Captiva

The next day we left mid-morning and headed toward Ft. Myers where we dropped brother Tom off so he could return to work on Monday. Ray and I then continued on the Okeechobee Waterway to LaBelle, about halfway through the 140 mile crossing. While the marina we stopped at was truly in the middle of nowhere, the dockage was adequate and secure. Since there wasn't a restaurant within 30 miles, we cooked a "gourmet" dinner on board of chicken pot pies, salad and a nice bottle of red wine. Neither of us had any trouble sleeping that night!

Dropping brother Tom in Fort Myers (back to work!)

Ray handling the lines in the WP Franklin Lock

Tucked in for the night at River Forest Marina in LaBelle

The following morning, we had some fog and rain to contend with, but given that our route was  relatively straight forward, we left bright and early and headed toward Stuart some 90 miles away. In order to cross Lake Okeechobee, you have to pass through five locks. The first two locks going east raise you up to the level of the lake while final three locks lower you back down to sea level. It is an interesting, different and enjoyable boating experience. We arrived in Stuart safely and after refueling followed by a quick wash down, we were off to dinner at Sailor's Return -- one of my favorite stops for some good local seafood.

Ready to cross Lake Okeechobee

Port St. Lucie - the final of five locks

Sunset Harbor - Stuart

It was then off to Port Salerno just down the St. Lucie River to A & J Boat Works, where Endless Summer was hauled and laid up on the hard for two days. It seems the bottom paint that was put on just 5 months earlier had failed along the waterline and need to be "retouched". I was both pleased and impressed with the job that was done. Meanwhile, we took a couple of rooms at Pirate's Cove just around the corner. The boat was put back in the water later the next day and we were on our way (but just a short distance for the night).

Coming out of the water for a few days

The final day of the trip had us heading to Cocoa where Endless Summer will rest for a few weeks before The Admiral and I head north for the summer. We made great time on the 90 mile trip from Port Salerno (Stuart) and with the winds and seas at our backs made for a pleasant ride.

Once checked in to Cocoa Village Marina and getting things secured for the night we headed off for a steakhouse dinner and a great bottle of red wine to celebrate our past week together. Then it was home to Orlando (and Ray to Clearwater). It was good to get home and see The Admiral again.

"Home" for a few weeks at Cocoa Village Marina

5 days - 325 miles