Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Proud New Owner!
My Florida friend Lew sent this note...
You may recall an email from me letting you know that I bought your Scaffie from Walter Ross. Below is a photo from today near a little island in Perdido Bay, just west of Pensacola.
Walter painted Becky Thatcher gray, not the color I would have picked, but it is growing on me. I renamed her Marcach (Irish for Rider, my grandson's name). She still sails great, easy and fast. I have no trouble tacking, and she makes windward progress well enough for my needs.
I am delighted with her, and I thought you'd enjoy knowing that she's still kicking.
Walter painted Becky Thatcher gray, not the color I would have picked, but it is growing on me. I renamed her Marcach (Irish for Rider, my grandson's name). She still sails great, easy and fast. I have no trouble tacking, and she makes windward progress well enough for my needs.
I am delighted with her, and I thought you'd enjoy knowing that she's still kicking.
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Blow Out
Annie's 'restoration' is going well although it has slowed down with the current temperature in the mid-90s F. It's hotter here than in Florida.
The first task was to get her in the back yard. Seeing that we live in an old residential neighborhood with a narrow alley brought on some head scratching. 16 feet of fencing was removed and a removable common post fashioned. I cut 4 x4 and 2x8 timbers to span the storm swale so as not to drag the trailer and started down the alley. Then it was a crawl, negotiating many trees and many trash cans. Once by the opening it took several attempts to finesse the rig in far enough to replace the fence. It worked... mostly.
Feeling pretty good I noticed that one of the trailer tires was flat. The sidewall had exploded. I have ideas how but not at all sure. Ugh.
Many tasks yet to accomplish but still, it is mighty fine to have her near.
The first task was to get her in the back yard. Seeing that we live in an old residential neighborhood with a narrow alley brought on some head scratching. 16 feet of fencing was removed and a removable common post fashioned. I cut 4 x4 and 2x8 timbers to span the storm swale so as not to drag the trailer and started down the alley. Then it was a crawl, negotiating many trees and many trash cans. Once by the opening it took several attempts to finesse the rig in far enough to replace the fence. It worked... mostly.
Feeling pretty good I noticed that one of the trailer tires was flat. The sidewall had exploded. I have ideas how but not at all sure. Ugh.
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| Studio has a new neighbor |
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| Urging the rusty lugs |
Many tasks yet to accomplish but still, it is mighty fine to have her near.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
The Cost of Goods Used
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Dang!
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Reentry
Pamlico 2016 May 12
Day 9
No one was around the boatyard at dawn. I had been a damp and sticky night that I was ready to shake off. With the mast down from the night before, trailer loading went quick. Shawn had pointed out a hose so I rinsed Annie and flushed the motor. Off to Greenville.
Greenville is the largest city in the area and where I went to undergraduate school. It was the college furthest away from home but still in-state. I spent the first two years partying, quit and moved to California (yeah, to find myself) and returning with a purpose to pull it together. It worked, I guess. Pulling into town I waited on a prearranged meeting at City Art Gallery. I had brought samples of my maritime paintings and got a good reception. Maybe a show on the horizon?
Finished I turned toward Richmond. Annie is 9+ years old and in need of a bit more TLC than I have mustered running back and forth to Mathews on the Bay. The decks need painting, the bilge cleaned and a new sculling oar shaped. That's a post yet to be written.
Although the mystery, of getting her in the narrow urban alley and through the fence into our backyard beside the workshop, loomed... we slowly but steadily tooled in the right lane up Interstate 95.
Arriving late I parked on the street and was happy that I had gone, that Annie had again shined and that the old guy still had it going on. Yippee!
Day 9
No one was around the boatyard at dawn. I had been a damp and sticky night that I was ready to shake off. With the mast down from the night before, trailer loading went quick. Shawn had pointed out a hose so I rinsed Annie and flushed the motor. Off to Greenville.
Greenville is the largest city in the area and where I went to undergraduate school. It was the college furthest away from home but still in-state. I spent the first two years partying, quit and moved to California (yeah, to find myself) and returning with a purpose to pull it together. It worked, I guess. Pulling into town I waited on a prearranged meeting at City Art Gallery. I had brought samples of my maritime paintings and got a good reception. Maybe a show on the horizon?
Finished I turned toward Richmond. Annie is 9+ years old and in need of a bit more TLC than I have mustered running back and forth to Mathews on the Bay. The decks need painting, the bilge cleaned and a new sculling oar shaped. That's a post yet to be written.
Although the mystery, of getting her in the narrow urban alley and through the fence into our backyard beside the workshop, loomed... we slowly but steadily tooled in the right lane up Interstate 95.
Arriving late I parked on the street and was happy that I had gone, that Annie had again shined and that the old guy still had it going on. Yippee!
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
Back to Hobucken
Pamlico 2016 May 11
Day 8
Boots had offered me a shower so I came in when I woke up. It was fine... and time. We had coffee on the porch, I thanked them both for the hospitality and cast off. The wind was light but with no hurry Annie drifted with the tide. By late morning Indian Island came into view. The sun was high and hot and as we approached I decided to anchor and take a dip.
Back onboard I motored into the canal to return to Hobucken. It was a bit of a challenge to locate the cut, but it was found and as I tied up I could hear the sounds of Happy Hour. Joining in, a good time was had by all. Decided to sleep at the dock and was saved from the oppressive by battery fan. Life saver.
29 nm, 3.6 kts avearge, 6.2 max
Day 8
Boots had offered me a shower so I came in when I woke up. It was fine... and time. We had coffee on the porch, I thanked them both for the hospitality and cast off. The wind was light but with no hurry Annie drifted with the tide. By late morning Indian Island came into view. The sun was high and hot and as we approached I decided to anchor and take a dip.
Back onboard I motored into the canal to return to Hobucken. It was a bit of a challenge to locate the cut, but it was found and as I tied up I could hear the sounds of Happy Hour. Joining in, a good time was had by all. Decided to sleep at the dock and was saved from the oppressive by battery fan. Life saver.
29 nm, 3.6 kts avearge, 6.2 max
Saturday, May 28, 2016
30 Years Later
Pamlico 2016 May 10
Day 7
I awoke to a beautiful day. After a nice breakfast of 'fortified' MH Breakfast Skillet. I pulled out the painting composition book and continued drawing studies I had started in Oriental. Noticed people stirring on the shore and before long there was a kayak headed my way. The fellow pulled up alongside and when I introduced myself he immediately remembered me. We were acquaintances from college days and had many mutual friends. He has always gone by Boots and he had built the house on the bay where I was anchored. We reminiscenced for a while and he invited me to stay over and have dinner with he and his wife Lou. I had decided to work upriver to Washington (Little Washington to eastern Carolina folks) but agreed to stop back in later and take him up on his dinner invitation. Duh.
Light wind and a little kick from the motor carried us up river. The dockmaster in his golf cart pointed out a free tie-up slip and helped me by taking a line. We chatted and he said it was fine to stay while I explored the town. Grabbed a sandwich the size of a small canteloupe at the local bar, ate half and asked for a small bag of ice to keep it fresh.
I sat on benches and drew the architecture. Pretty quiet all and all... a few people passing from time to time. As I returned to Annie I noticed the wind had picked up from the east. Afternoons often bring a 'sea breeze' that funnels up the rivers that feed to Pamlico Sound. With it came a lot of forest material dislodged by the rains and high water. The current was wind-driven and I fended off a large log that barreled down on Annie. It was time to go.
Motoring into a stiff headwind, we finally reached Blounts Creek as the sun went down. I slowly pulled up to Boots' dock, tied up and enjoyed a steak dinner and vibrant conversation. It is somewhat amazing we all survived the late 60s!
Day 7
I awoke to a beautiful day. After a nice breakfast of 'fortified' MH Breakfast Skillet. I pulled out the painting composition book and continued drawing studies I had started in Oriental. Noticed people stirring on the shore and before long there was a kayak headed my way. The fellow pulled up alongside and when I introduced myself he immediately remembered me. We were acquaintances from college days and had many mutual friends. He has always gone by Boots and he had built the house on the bay where I was anchored. We reminiscenced for a while and he invited me to stay over and have dinner with he and his wife Lou. I had decided to work upriver to Washington (Little Washington to eastern Carolina folks) but agreed to stop back in later and take him up on his dinner invitation. Duh.
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| Tidying up on a sunny day. Coffee filter drying on the tiller. |
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| Avocado and sunscreen still life |
Light wind and a little kick from the motor carried us up river. The dockmaster in his golf cart pointed out a free tie-up slip and helped me by taking a line. We chatted and he said it was fine to stay while I explored the town. Grabbed a sandwich the size of a small canteloupe at the local bar, ate half and asked for a small bag of ice to keep it fresh.
I sat on benches and drew the architecture. Pretty quiet all and all... a few people passing from time to time. As I returned to Annie I noticed the wind had picked up from the east. Afternoons often bring a 'sea breeze' that funnels up the rivers that feed to Pamlico Sound. With it came a lot of forest material dislodged by the rains and high water. The current was wind-driven and I fended off a large log that barreled down on Annie. It was time to go.
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| Watch out |
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| Old railroad bridge, Little Washington |
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| Little Washington |
Motoring into a stiff headwind, we finally reached Blounts Creek as the sun went down. I slowly pulled up to Boots' dock, tied up and enjoyed a steak dinner and vibrant conversation. It is somewhat amazing we all survived the late 60s!
•
News...
My friend Steve is in the bay inside Cape Lookout on his current spring cruise. The Cape is a bit southeast of Harkers Island. Did he enter from the north or run the inlet, go offshore and slip in from the west? Will find out later but I sure of one thing... he is having a great time.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Another Oldest City
Pamlico 2016 May 9
Day 6
Overnite the wind changed. I was set up for the wester but in short time it had gone north, then around to the east. There was a bit of land about three hundred yards or so to the east but with the whole northern Pamlico Sound to fetch up on, it got bumpy. With the darkness of the new moon I decided to let out scope and stay put, not wanting to seek another anchorage. She did well rocking and bashing but left me with little sleep. I had decided to head east for Swan Quarter, fill up the fuel and continue to Ocracoke. I had a feeling that it would not be wise and aborted.
With three days left in the trip I decided to take my time and explore the Pamlico River. Tacking downwind I reached the town of Bath mid-morning. It wasn't apparent where to tie up until I saw a cruising boat that had passed me tied to a long dock. They said it was a state dock and was free for the day. I went ashore and walked the streets looking at old houses. Bath is the oldest city in North Carolina. Not anywhere as old as my previous home of St. Augustine, Florida but very well kept and interesting. I met a fellow named Jim who was photographing for the NC Department of Culural Affairs. He worked on exhibits and we had a lot of stories to share. He took me down the road to get gas and bought me lunch at the local barbecue place. A real nice guy.
On our return I broke out to take pictures and draw on the quay. Cast off in the late afternoon and ghosted on light air upriver toward Washington until 'bug hour'. Motored into Blount Bay and anchored near the creek feed for the night.
Day 6
Overnite the wind changed. I was set up for the wester but in short time it had gone north, then around to the east. There was a bit of land about three hundred yards or so to the east but with the whole northern Pamlico Sound to fetch up on, it got bumpy. With the darkness of the new moon I decided to let out scope and stay put, not wanting to seek another anchorage. She did well rocking and bashing but left me with little sleep. I had decided to head east for Swan Quarter, fill up the fuel and continue to Ocracoke. I had a feeling that it would not be wise and aborted.
With three days left in the trip I decided to take my time and explore the Pamlico River. Tacking downwind I reached the town of Bath mid-morning. It wasn't apparent where to tie up until I saw a cruising boat that had passed me tied to a long dock. They said it was a state dock and was free for the day. I went ashore and walked the streets looking at old houses. Bath is the oldest city in North Carolina. Not anywhere as old as my previous home of St. Augustine, Florida but very well kept and interesting. I met a fellow named Jim who was photographing for the NC Department of Culural Affairs. He worked on exhibits and we had a lot of stories to share. He took me down the road to get gas and bought me lunch at the local barbecue place. A real nice guy.
On our return I broke out to take pictures and draw on the quay. Cast off in the late afternoon and ghosted on light air upriver toward Washington until 'bug hour'. Motored into Blount Bay and anchored near the creek feed for the night.
Bath, NC
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| Photo courtesy of Jim |
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| Edward Teach's (better known as Blackbeard) house |
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
The Wester
Pamlico 2016 May 8
Day 5
I woke from solid sleep. Nice to be still after a long run. The sunset the night before had been enough to know that there was still good in the world.
I motored through Old Canal and sailed north on Turnagain Bay on a wester. Not one boat had I seen since Atlantic.
Day 5
I woke from solid sleep. Nice to be still after a long run. The sunset the night before had been enough to know that there was still good in the world.
I motored through Old Canal and sailed north on Turnagain Bay on a wester. Not one boat had I seen since Atlantic.
Crossed the Neuse River on a beam reach in a 20 kt wind... double reefed main and 1/2 furled jib. It was hard going with the chop swell on the beam. Lot of rolling and an occasional punch. Contemplated continuing north but wasn't sure of the marked prohibited area and turned back to retrace my track up Jones Bay. The wester funneled out the bay and after an hour of sloppy beating I motored into the ICW cut toward the Pamlico River.
Anchored in lower Spring Creek away from land to get a breeze.
29 naut. miles, 3.8 average, 7.1 kt. max, 7.1 hrs. moving time
Monday, May 23, 2016
Up the Core Sound
Pamlico 2016 May 7
Day 4
Day 4
Oatmeal and hot tea at 0600. Motored on flat water to Harkers Island Bridge, hailed on Channel 13. Jockeyed tight buoys into Core Sound and picked up a soft, cool breeze from the SE. Incredibly beautiful, sunny, tide with me.
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| Harkers Island |
North through Middle Sound, broad reaching and running downwind wing in wing at 5 knots. Ran aground in the spoils off Marker 25. Got free and anchored off town of Atlantic for lunch.
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| Lunch off Atlantic |
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| Atlantic, NC |
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| Cedar Island looking north along the canal |
Continued to Long Sound , anchoring in a feeder creek against the west-protected marsh.
36 naut. miles, 10.5 hrs. moving time, 3.4 kt average, 7.9 kts max over bottom
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