#34 April 27th and 28th

 April 27th

We had leisurely morning waiting for slack tide. Had stand by help as we backed out with some wind and tide toward our stern but I did "good".  The Edisto Cut was narrow with tremendous current leading into Charleston Harbor where we could continue on to the ICW.

We were following the "Nina" and "Pinta" as we entered Charleston Harbor. Their home port was Wilmington NC but they were not going there.

The OLD and NEW!

We have been very fortunate so far this trip to experience very little heavy chop or high waves at Ocean Inlets. Of course we passed the famous Fort Sumpter protecting the harbor from the enemy!

So, in my log I am making notes:  "at 3:15 been kind of shallow having to hunt for 10 ft". (That is what I am most comfortable with even though I have a draft of only 3'9").  "We must be vigilant"

3:30 We are aground.

Put out a kedge anchor toward the channel so that when the tide came up we  would just float that way. Then we just sat and waited.  We were very close to low tide and the water would soon begin to rise again.

 

Yep! That's right! But Mother Nature sure knows her stuff. 45 minutes later We watched as  the bow began to move. Floated right into the canal just as we hoped. We pulled up the anchor and were underway again.

Of course, we were just befuddled that we could have let that happen - - - All is well --- show me a sailor that has never run aground and I'll show you a $3 dollar bill!!


April 28th

This am, as most mornings we relax, have our coffee. Check the strainers to the engines, about 1/2" of little sea creatures, probably shrimp.  0837 we are underway. 0845 I get a "Check Engine" warning and a weird squealing sound. Shut down the engine drifted just off the channel right of way and dropped the anchor. Our first thought was that we tangled with underwater lines from derelict crab pots in the anchorage.  We knew we had not run over or into pots we could see. Checked the dripless shaft seal. It was HOT! made sure the water intake was functioning, yes. Now what? Now I'm beginning to not feel so good about myself!? And, we are not turning that engine back on. I did have propulsion forward and backward but unsure about tangles around the prop causing friction. So, we tried to go below the boat with our goggles to see --- couldn't see 2" in front of your face. Called Towboat US for a tow and they came within 30 minutes and took us to Georgetown, the lift was manned and waiting for us as Captain Ron,  yes that's right, came abreast of Simpatico and guided her into the lift slings.

Under Tow

Nothing wrong!!! Clean as a whistle!!

So back into the water and pulled over to a dock. Jasper, great guy, and I began going over everything again. I'm thinking, Impeller! Jasper, concurs, but turns around in the engine room and says "the Seacock is closed!"   "AAAGGHHH!" I say. when I checked the strainer last night I didn't re-open the raw water shut-off valve!  I know, I know, look at me and call me ---------!

 In short order, with Jasper's help we changed what was now a bad impeller due to heat, re-checked all systems and we were underway again by 1500.

All along this Waccamaw River run are Cypress trees, and Cypress swamps. Many literally growing in the river. It is a very serene passage.
In spite of the day's activities we managed to get 40 Statute miles under our belt and anchored in beautiful Bull Creek. Lots of Friday nite activity but all settled down by dark.

Can't say we were all that settled!

#33 April 19th thru April 27

April 19th through 21st Daytona Beach FL to Brunswick GA

We have been feeling pretty Blessed.  The boat and all systems are running smoothly. The weather so far is cooperating and we are experiencing ABD's.  That's Connie speak for "Another Beautiful Day.  All along we saw devastation from the hurricane in October 2016. Fernandina was especially hard hit. There were still many sunken boats in the mooring field, boats washed ashore and abandoned and the Marina there was a shambles. We had planned on topping off our fuel here but they are not able to do so. No services at all available.  I tried to post the pictures but you couldn't really see the masts sticking out of the water or the boats in the weeds.  Kings Bay Naval facility was impressive.

This structure is for cleansing submarines of magnetic
forces. the result of friction from running through salt
water, magnetizing the hull; making
them more detectable when running silent.

Big ships and lots of security!

After passing Kings Bay we approached Cumberland Island and ran the day pretty much along her shores. Mickey and I, for that matter, had always hoped to see the wild horses known to roam that Island. Alas, was not to be. Stopped for the night at Cumberland National Park, Plum Orchard, just a little way up a creek off Brickhill River. Lovely quiet place. So enjoying the sundown on the front deck with a pillow for a back rest, one of them fell in the river.  we got a little practice in deploying the dinghy and found it about 300 hundred yards behind the boat in the marsh grass. 

April 21st a short day. from Brickhill Riv to Brunswick. only 24 miles so we decided to do some boat chores.  Our little four-legged friend got a bath and we re-arranged (again) the weight in the aft lazarette under the back deck to trim the boat. Didn't take to long. This day we didn't get underway til 11:30.

As we left Cumberland to Starboard and turning into St. Andrews Sound on our way to Jeykll Island I heard Mickey yell, "There they are, the horses of Cumberland". We were really surprised and as you can see we really were able to get very close.

Brunswick GA is a pretty significant shrimping port. this fellow was just stowing his nets before entering the harbor.

Just passed this bridge we entered the Brunswick port, found Ocean Marine Depot for deisel fuel and then proceeded to the marina. The tide and current were tolerable and we had no trouble docking . Lucky for us we were in time for the Happy Hour sponsored by the Marina, Used their courtesy bikes and met some fellow cruisers and the local liveaboards. Fun! Then we were off to supper on the bikes and discovered half the people that were at the Happy Hour were Happying another Hour at  Tipsy McSways' Bar and Grill. And wouldn't you know, Wendi texts me and tells me I am having fun there!!!!!  I forgot that when I shared my location  --  if I have my phone with me .... I texted back that I was going to have to leave my phone on the boat.  😏


April 22nd

Traveling through Georgia has been much of what you
see here. Lots of twisty turny marsh rivlets, creeks and
rivers; We have been seeing this all day every day .
This picture was taken at our anchorage in Blackbeard
Creek.

 April 23rd

As we entered St. Catherine Sound This Shrimper crossed our path and proceeded into the rising sun shadow toward the Ocean. Getting his nets and rig ready for the day.  It was a very pretty sight.

See the crew quarters?

The above pictures are of an ENTIRE dredging operaton moving from one location to another. Notice the floating motel in the first picture. These guys have to be out for long periods of time since the locations are very remote.
The second picture shows only 1/6 length of the tow; sections of pipe, floats and connectors piled up and secured. there were two little tugs tied at 2/3rds and end of tow to control the swing of the tow to a minimum.

We stopped at Isle of Hope for a pump out and met up with some friends Bill and I had met while traversing the Dismal Swamp. Ann and Tony will be heading North sometime in May.

All along the waterway today we saw much devastation to the landscape, marinas and homes from the recent Hurricane Mathew.

 Its been a pretty uneventful day but better than yesterday. Only saw grass and water yesterday. Today we saw deeper passages and didn't have that stress to contend with. 
We are anchored just off the Calibogue Sound across from Hilton Head Island. So after 5 days on the boat we thought we would all head for shore. . . . . 

Hope you are all having as much fun as we!

April 24th

Last night the 23rd we knew there might be a thunderstorm so closed all but one hatch above our heads. Like so much sprinkling of Holy Water we were awakened at 1:30 am. No harm done.
This morning, like every morning, Coffee is the first item on the day's itinerary. fired up the Generater . . . .and it quit!!!NNOOO! Signal showed "no water flow". That means the impeller on the water pump needs to be replaced.  So we fired up the alcohol stove and had our coffee. My psyche is beginning to feel a little pressure. I can't remember if we ate anything, or not. We gathered the tools I thought we needed (thinking how I had helped Bill in the past) and got started.  Nervous? Yes, I was shaking but slow steady methodical w/owners manual at the ready.  Also, Mickey's husband, John was in constant communication, with suggestions and asking the questions. Checked and double checked. Generater ran.  Shut it down, SUCCESS!

So, this is what we found in the water pump. In my inexperience I assumed the missing fins on the Impeller just went on through the system. I was feeling soo good about myself!

 We tidied up, put away tools, had lunch and were on our way at 1230. We crossed Port Royal Sound today. A bit of a rough ride with opposing wind against current.  Horatio does not like the rolly polly motion.
Our anchorage was a little oxbow off the main channel but appeared very shallow. The depths were 7 then 6, 5, 4.5 then I found 7 and we dropped anchor. Oops! to close to a crab pot, so up anchor and moved further out in the center of area; found 8 ft and re-anchored. Better! then I looked at the tide tables and realized we were at dead low tide. Much better!
Then we realized we had been running on the Engine battery bank all day and our house bank was to low to go through the night so we fired up the Generater to charge them up a bit.  AAAGGHHH! No water flow!! Shut it down, and ran the Engine for an hour.
So NOW I'm not feeling so good about myself.  Decided to just leave it until we get to Charleston tomorrow.

April 25th

Today it is quite overcast and cool, a respite from that wonderful heat. Saw another Nordic Tug as we were leaving our anchorage, turns out it was a fellow cruiser, Ron Matuska we met at a Loop Rendezvous. We exchanged "impeller" stories.  Yes, that Generater issue is in the back of my mind. He told me that "for sure" there are pieces in the heat exchanger. And I was feeling so good about myself.
Mickey and I also touched base with an old Dockmate at Bridgeview Marina in Sarnia Ontario, Bob Todd. He lives close to Charleston and we made a time to meet on Wednesday afternoon around 2. We haven't seen him in years but he was very happy to meet up.

Miranda picked us up at the St Johns  Yacht Harbor around 1645. we were looking forward to the Braised Ribs, Polenta and Asparagus dinner that Michael was preparing. I am so glad I stopped here to see them and their new home. They have great ideas and have started to implement them. It is a lovely setting with a huge yard.
And did I say -- The dinner was better than any we would have gotten in a fine restaurant.  I tried to hire him on as crew.

Yummm!  After dinner we took Miranda's car back to Marina in case we needed it on Wednesday.

 April 26th

Wouldn't you know, I didn't sleep very well because I knew I had to tackle that Generator problem, Anyway, first things first,. Coffee! Horatio a walk OFF THE BOAT --- he was so happy!
Got started around 8:45, got out the tools we needed, (much more organized this time) removed the water pump, checked the new impeller was still OK -- all good -- then took off the end of the heat exchanger ---- Whoa!!  eight MORE pieces inside . Remember the first picture? well we matched up the pieces to the old impeller that I replaced the other day and I had 5 extra. That means they were in there for a very long time. You can even see the encrusted residue on them. The heat exchanger is now clean, and free flow of water can happen. (Mickey speaking here; of course my eyebrow tweezers were put into action in the heat exchanger, and made all the difference, just say'n) .  After putting everything back together and starting the Genny, Really SUCCESSFUL this time. You know, from the time Bill and I bought the boat we had to change the impeller at least 4 times. there is only 228 hours on the Generator. I know, I know, we should have checked the heat exchanger.  Important thing is: I learned a lot, did it, and all is well.

That's a lot of rubber! It's a wonder it would even start!

Whew! what a relief! Now to wash the salt off the boat. It is unbelievable how salt layers and encrusts itself on every surface. We have a beautiful day to do it!

Right on time, 1400 Bob showed up. It was time for a break anyway. And what a nice visit we had. Reminiscing of Good Times and Old Friends. We  felt so happy to see Bob again after so many years. I think he felt the same. Darned if he didn't bring us a pint of FireFly Moonshine made right here in the Charleston area. Blackberry flavor. Trust me - it's a "sipper"!!

We finished our chores just in time for Michael and Miranda to pick us up. They had time to go to supper before their Concert date.

They insisted they take us to the "Angel Oak" not far from the Marina.  Miranda said This is the largest living organism East of the Mississippi.  An Unbelievable live Oak.

It's branches spread out to almost a 3 acre circumference.

Love this girl!

Supper at Tattoo's

So glad we were able to connect!  Looking forward to Miranda and Michael's Big Day in April 2018

#32 The JOURNEY continues

April 18, 2017    The Journey begins. . .

It has been more than a year since I last posted - - - as time took its toll and the Good Lord decided that Bill had better vantage point to look over us from Heaven --- Jesus called him Home on August 17, 2016. It's been a long and tough transition, the kids and I are shattered. BUT, true to the spirit instilled in all of us of a life to be lived to the fullest we are coping. Since our last post we sold our house in Lapeer, Mi. The boat was in the Chesapeake Bay about 30 miles South of Annapolis MD. We ran out of season and brought the boat back down to Florida. Settled into the house Our daughter Terri had built. That's when things went from bad to worse.

The time has come to complete The Journey.  I have prepared Simpatico for a voyage to finish the Great Loop that Bill and I started in July of 2014. I have learned a lot! Took classes, seminars on boat systems, changed oil and filters and checked all systems --- myself! Of course, I had good capable friends watching my every move and making suggestions and catching mistakes.

Daughters Wendi and Terri were here to check out the boat and see me off.

Checking fuel, and bilge!

They said She was spotless!

In spite of their apprehension, they were excited for me.

Mickey Anga, my first crew member, and her husband John

I worked most of the winter on an itinerary taking me up the East Coast of the US to the Chesapeake, up the Potomac to DC and back; on North to Baltimore, through the C & D canal to Delaware Bay. South to Cape May in New Jersey, up the Jersey coast or NJICW to New York Harbor. Then up the Hudson River to Waterford and the Erie Canal. West on the Erie to the Oswego canal and Oswego NY on the shore of Lake Ontario. The next leg is to cross Lake Ontario to Trenton Ontario where the Trent-Sevren Historic canals and locks traverse through Ontario to the Georgian Bay at Port Sevren.

Ill then head East through the Georgian Bay to Kilarney, Ontario, Little Current on Manitoulin Island, North Channel and Drummond Island MI to clear customs and then around the corner to Detour to 'cross our wake' we made when we started.

All this has been enhanced with recruiting crew for every leg of the Journey. I will not be alone.

We are ready to cast off! 

Wendi took this photo as we pulled out of the Harbortowne Marina. She had been taking pictures as we left the dock, Soon she was yelling, "Mom, Mom, come back, I forgot my purse on the boat!"

Mickey took this picture - - I just can't wipe the grin off my face. I am so very blessed!

We had to wait for this fellow, Actually 3 tugs to move these
big dredging tubes across the channel in front of us.

Lots of these, remnants of October's Hurricane

1st day's run! Anchor's down. All is well,   ----yes, it is Rum!!

This has been a journey in itself getting ready. I have been so excited and anxious. Thank you to all who have encouraged me and helped and offered to crew. Please keep us in your thoughts and check in on our blog every once in a while. Can't promise it will be posted every week, but I will try.