Jan 31, Long Day

We departed Elizabeth City this morning at 0720 and crossed the Abelmarle Sound as the wind increased to 20kts with gust to 30. It was quartering and not bad until the last 30 minutes. Because of the winds, our friends in the buddie boat, Carlene and DK had to leave early to get out of their slip due to low water. We ran until 0815pm to catch up, and you can see our location tonight at number 4. Beautiful sunset, and then we went aground as we entered the canal about mile marker 150 due to my running too close to the side of the channel. We got off pretty easily and continued on and met two rubber blacked out boats heading the other way. I coud hear their motors with no visual reference. When I turned my spot light on, they turned their nav lights on and sped past. As I put the anchor down for the night I heard them go down river, again with no lights. Navy or Coast Guard, I guess. Good night to all. S

Departure for the Bahamas - Finally!

I just spoke with mom and dad via phone and they have anchored for the night at The Hole In The Wall at the mouth of the Dismal Swamp. This journey began under the cover of darkness so that they were able to get below Gilmerton Bridge this evening in order to make the 8:30am locks in the morning. They both sounded really happy to finally be underway and to be setting forth on their journey into what will undoubtedly be a series of wonderful experiences. I think the artist Patti Smith nailed it on the head when she said, "Life is an adventure of our own design, intersected by fate in a series of lucky and unlucky accidents". Somehow it seems apropos after the journey of the last several months for them to sail off into the quiet darkness under the light of a crescent moon. Just as the moon will be a bit brighter each night moving forward on this adventure, we are hoping that each day will be brighter as well. Since the days are growing longer once again at this point, I suppose you could say that it's a matter of fact.

Mom said that it's pretty cold tonight where they are and they were going to have a cocktail and then burrow into some flannel pajamas for the night. I don't think that I've ever seen either of them in flannel pajamas in my thirty-eight years and the vision that I have of it in my head is priceless. They said it was beautiful tonight and that the lights of Hampton, VA were very bright. Mom was amazed at the number of birds floating on the water. We had a good laugh over that one. She said, "I couldn't believe how many birds there were floating on the water!" and my reply was, "that's where they live, where else would they be?" at which point we both cracked up.

And so it begins...

Tomorrow the intention is to make the 8:30am locks and then to sail on to Elizabeth City. If they are somewhere with wi-fi access, I imagine that one of the two of them will log in and post something about their day. If not, you may be stuck with my description of how events are unfolding in the early stages of their journey. The map will keep you up to date as far as their location on any given day.

Hope to leave 29 Jan

We hope to get underway on Jan 29th pending weather, etc. We have loaded on everything we need except for the perishable food stuff. Kath has added our find me spot location from Google, and I hope to update the site with our location as we have Wifi available. There is ice on the water here and none in the Bahamas. S

Bahamas Bound

We are finally ready to head South to the Bahamas. Nanc's cancer is in remission, and we will keep you updated on our progress thur this blog on our location and adventures. Speedy