May 2021 – Exhale on the Water

Swamp Swamp

Since European Settlers in the 1700s referred to swamps as “dismals”, wouldn’t that suggest the Dismal Swamp is really just a Swamp Swamp? I say, yes, yes! But, we’ll get back to the story of the Great Swamp in a moment. First a beautiful sunset from Georgetown, where we anchored out with Treble.

From Georgetown we traveled to Myrtle Beach. Destination: Barefoot Beach Marina. You were right, Beverly and Bruce (SeaTrek), don’t waste your time or your taste buds at the marina restaurant.

Myrtle Beach

Looking for Real Estate in a Super Charged COVID market? Location is key. Celebrating Tiny Houses!

Wrightsville Beach, NC

Anchored out with Treble we were delighted with a spectacular sight – the end of the ILCA Atlantic Coast Regatta, 113 Lasers registered, plus all of the coaches and judges. Here’s to Gail, who is a former Certified Judge of that regatta.

Wrightsville Beach Anchorage – May 22, 2021

Beaufort, NC

Welcome back to Beaufort – that’s No Bow in North Carolina, of course. With easy access from the Town Dock, this quaint little town is home to some of the very best fresh crab. We highly recommend walking off the beaten path to the Beaufort Grocery Co. When it opens at 5 pm there is a line, for a reason.

Belhaven, NC

Welcome aboard Jim and Susan Merritt. While the boys were doing yet another boat project, Susan and I got a private tour of the River Forest Manor, built in 1899. The dockmaster, Henry, is one of a handful of local residents who had the heart and vision to restore this gem into a magnificent wedding destination. The interior is stunning – check it out here: River Forest Manor

Elizabeth City, NC

Thanks to Gail Bernstein who encouraged us to progress on, we docked at the Mid Atlantic Christian University in Elizabeth City. The small dock located at the university was very accessible.

Mid Atlantic Christian University dock, Elizabeth City, NC

Trust me, you won’t find Sarah Palin here. This vibrant city is home to Ghost Harbor Brewing Company, and a growing number of trendy restaurants, romantic outdoor seating strung with Edison lights, all surrounded by exquisite historic buildings. REM – you would love the redevelopment!

Spectacular Super Flower Blood Moon – May 25, 2021

Dismal Swamp, Visitors Center – giving thanks to George Washington

In 1728 William Byrd II named this coastal region the Dismal Swamp on a series of survey maps that established the boundaries of North Carolina and Virginia. Here’s a random factoid – although known as a scandalous philanderer, the well established lawyer and politician was admired for his early advocacy of small pox inoculation. Consider this a shout out to all of you who are now fully vaccinated!

In 1763 an opportunistic George Washington saw the potential for development. Originally more than one million acres, the canal section, connecting Elizabeth City, NC to Norfolk, VA was completed in 1805.

Dismal Swamp, connecting NC to VA – May 26, 2021

We docked at the Dismal Swamp Visitor’s Center, a familiar and fabulous stop. Ynot, there is another turtle bobble coming your way.

Be forewarned, the swamp has a plethora of snakes crawling around – Tyler will tell you definitively, “Grandpa doesn’t like snakes“.

Smokey the Bear says, watch out for snakes!

Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend

It is with great respect that we remember those who fought to give us liberty and life, and we thank those that made the ultimate sacrifice for us. You shall never be forgotten.

Thanks to my WWII veteran father. This is for you.

Waterside, Norfolk VA – May 27 and 28

Norfolk, VA is home to the WORLD’s largest naval port. Fathom this military power: 75 naval ships, 134 aircraft, 14 piers and 11 aircraft hangars. The extremely active training center boasts 275 flights per day, the equivalent of one every six minutes.

Battleship Wisconsin – BB64

Is it just me, or does this look like a Pixar character? Comments encouraged!

Nauticus Museum, Norfolk, VA – May 28, 2021

More Pixar inspiration

Sunrise, Norfolk, VA – May 29, 2021, 6:11 am

Goodbye and thanks to Susan and Jim Merritt, Gold Loopers, who traveled with us from Belhaven, NC to Norfolk, VA. Looking forward to seeing you later this summer!

Capt Rick, Mary S, Susan and Jim Merritt

Milestones: May 28 – Happy Birthday to Scott Ginsburg and Miss Brennyn (5)

Congrats to Danielle, Sandra, Abbey and Leo – on the road.

Next stop: Windmill Point, VA. Roughly 8 miles north of Deltaville.

A Magical Concert and a BIG Tank of Water

Steamboat Landing anchorage – May 15, 2021

Did I mention how much we enjoy anchoring out? It’s peaceful and serene, with a little touch of magic.

Sunset Concert

Traveling with Tom and Faye Turke is like hanging out with Mary Poppins – they magically transform the flying bridge on their boat to accommodate a shocking array of activities: 1) a well loved exercise bike, 2) a top-notch pellet BBQ – to smoke a leg of lamb, 3) a professional quality sewing station – to design, sew and repair anything, and 4) a performance stage with high-tech equipment for a superb concert! In the words of our Grandson Tyler Jaxson – what the heck?!

Faye Turke, Musician extraordinaire – May 15, 2021

Craig, Maureen, Tom Turke and Capt. Rick

Thanks for another private concert, Faye 🙂

Charleston, SC – May 16 thru May 19

A little Aquarium Magic

With so much time spent ON the water, we never tire of the majestic mysteries found IN the water.

Where is the Largest Aquarium in the World? Have you been there?

Singapore’s SEA (Southeast Asia) Aquarium holds the title of the largest aquarium in the world. It has over 12 million gallons of water and more than 800 species, with nearly 100,000 aquatic inhabitants in total.

South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston

First some stats: The Great Ocean Tank holds 385,000 gallons of water, at a depth of 42 feet, over 500 native critters can be seen swimming around.

Mesmerized by the Great Tank, unexpectedly, I found myself responding to the questions of a confident four (4) year old, in search of the giant eel. Amused, but happy to help, I quietly wondered – when, exactly, did I start looking like an approachable Grandma? Meanwhile Craig had captured the attention of a staff member, who surprised us with the offer of a backstage tour. Meet Jaxon (pronounced Jackson) Visit SCA

Craig Adford and Jaxon – the dolphin shake – May 17, 2021

A rare treat, this video is taken from ABOVE the tank. Where they feed and care for the magnificent marine life.

video temporarily not available – check back later for this upload.

This is for Caryl

This is for Gail – Lobster tease – looking forward to Maine!

Caribbean Spiny Lobster, South Carolina Aquarium

Home of the Sea Turtle Care Center, if you are looking for an opportunity to support the rescue, rehab and release of Sea Turtles you should make a Donation to the South Carolina Aquarium. scaquarium.org. Make sure you mention that your contribution is in “honor of Jaxon“!

Ciao for now, Craig and Mo. On board from Fort Myers thru Charleston, Thanks for the Memories!

Let Your Nose be your Guide

My sense of smell is my super power. My husband is not happy about my hyper sensitive nose – pungent cleaning solvents are discouraged and verbally disparaged in my world – but he believes me when I say I smell a problem in the bilge, or spilled diesel, and will eventually find and resolve any leak.

For me, the best part of my super power is that I KNOW when I smell good food! With Rick working in LA for a few days, I got to meander on my own in the French Quarter of Charleston. Let me just share the Lunch Menu (click here) from this French gem. Gaulart & Maliclet Cafe. Mija, you would have enjoyed this, too! Te Amo!

Moroccan Lamb Stew with Couscous, Honeydew Melon and French Pressed Ice Coffee, Charleston, May 18, 2021

Special Visitors: Our last night in Charleston included a bonus visit from Leland and Karen McClellan (Gold Loopers, Tiki Queen). Thanks for the great stories and great food (May 19, 2021)- See you in the fall, maybe in McClellenville.

Goodbye Charleston – we shall return.

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge – I26, Charleston, SC – May 20, 2021

Celebrating Milestones: Zachariah, May 25 – so Proud of you. “Life really begins at 40, up until then you are just doing research.” Carl Jung

Also May 25 – Happy Anniversary David and Gail Bernstein. We shall see you soon.

Taking time to stop and smell the flowers

Next Stop: Georgetown, SC

Creative Exceptions

Kilkenny is timeless, by design. Situated in Richmond Hill, Georgia it was a good reminder to slow down, and not be so stressed.

Marker 107, Kilkenny Creek, GA – May 8, 2021

Thankful for the trees

Spanish Moss, Richmond Hill, GA – May 8, 2021

Kilkenny Creek Marina

The narrow floating docks are wobbly and plagued with intermittent gaps (Maddie refused to walk), but the folks working at the Marina were wonderful.

Thunderbolt, GA

Thunderbolt Marina was a short drive from Savannah. Look at these beauties.

Exhale and Treble in Paradise, Thunderbolt Marina – May 9 & May 10

Hello Savannah, GA. You could spend a full week in Savannah, and barely scratch the surface!

Savannah, GA, Riverwalk District – May 9, 2021

American Prohibition Museum – Did you know the 18th Amendment did not make it illegal to drink alcohol during Prohibition? Instead, it made it illegal to buy or sell; a devastating blow to vendors. Yet, the creative, flexible entrepreneur prevailed. In 1919 a small drugstore, with 20 stores in Chicago, capitalized on a CREATIVE legal EXCEPTION – “prescription” whiskey. In a brilliant partnership with the federal warehouses, more than 8 million gallons of “seized” whiskey was repackaged, and sold by pharmacists nationwide. The drugstore’s name? Walgreens.

The story resembles the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 as bars were forced to shut down – dramatically impacting the spirit distillers – we saw retooling of nationally recognized factories who could rapidly produce – and cleverly brand – hand sanitizers. Most notable was Anheuser-Busch, who brilliantly used alcohol that was already in the distillery.

Nice Try … Then there was Yuengling Ice Cream, made in Pottsville. Can you imagine buying Ice cream from a Beer Manufacturer? It is no surprise, the product failed.

Harbour Town Pier, Hilton Head, SC

Hilton Head is renowned for its golf courses. For me, the most phenomenal, and truly memorable experience was dinner at the Links at Sea Pines.

Beaufort, SC

Hello again to Beverly Abel & Bruce Peck (B & B) from Sea Trek, and sister-in-law Marie. Thanks to Beverly, we offer a way to distinguish Beaufort SC from Beaufort NC. Spelled the same, but pronounced differently. Starting in the south, say “Bew or Biew – fert” which sounds like view or beautiful. This view is officially preserved.

In the north, remember No Bo, or Bo knows diddley. No is also the abbreviation for north. In the north they say bow (like bow and arrow), or Bo-fert. If you want more explanation, check here 🙂

While in Beaufort, take a long walk. The historic homes are breathtaking. This one is for my AK family, a very blue house – familiar fantastic color.

Historic Beaufort has lots of restaurants to chose from. My favorite was Lost Local – taco extraordinaire, and unexpected Hockney Magic – for Alisha!

Lost Local

Special Tribute to Aunt Dianne Gill. Born in Hollywood, CA. Mother of 7 (two of my cousins, Frank and Kathryn, born in AK), 20 grandkids, and 29 great grandkids. An incredible legacy from an exceptional woman who was 92 years young. Thanks for your unconditional love.

Milestone: Before we go, Congrats to Danielle and Sandra who closed on their first home, in Cleveland, OH. So very happy for them! Thanks Jamie and David, Uncle Scott and Aunt Cindy for making the move go so smoothly.

Next Stop: Steamboat Landing anchorage, roughly 30 miles south of Charleston Harbor.

Special Shout Out. DougAndDanaAndABoat, looking foward to your NPY4906 reveal. Thinking of a classic Audie Murphy (Jim Harvey) movie …

Sunrise, Sunset

St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach and St. Simons

In the St. Augustine Muni Harbor we picked up a Mooring Ball in the north field, easy peasy. Thanks June and Tim, Subject to Change, for teaching us the tricks in Annapolis. We can’t wait for you to get back on the water.

With a fabulous view, the Dolphins dropped by to say hi to Tyler.

St. Augustine, FL

Hello Tonto’s Reward! It was great reconnecting in St. Augustine. Maddie felt VERY privileged when she was invited on board their Fleming. Dinner at Meehan’s Irish Pub & Seafood House with David and Gail B. was deeelicious. Salivating yet? We recommend the shrimp and grits.

St. Augustine is a walker’s paradise; wide sidewalks and abundant trees offer a welcomed respite from the hot sun. The temp on Cinco de Mayo was 94, breaking a record. Maureen said it felt like more than 100 degrees; I agree.

St. Augustine City Gates – Castillo de San Marcos, constructed 1808

Fanning Island

Traveling again with Treble in Paradise, we headed to Fernandina Beach. Enroute we were mesmerized by the military ops.

Fernandina Beach, Nassau County, FL

Built in 1891, Italianate style, the unique courthouse features a bell in the tower that served as the city’s fire alarm until the mid 1930’s.

Sunrise or Sunset?

Did you guess correctly? Thanks for all the fun comments we received! Those of you who have traversed on the water with Capt. Rick have the advantage, for sure! Special Kudos for the most exquisite detective report from Maaack, celebrated author of “Volcanic Winter” (available on Amazon in Hardcover, Paperback or Kindle). Yes, BushRanger, the Stuart photo from our last blog was a sunrise! Now here’s a few more sunrise and sunset photos.

Sunset at Fernandina Harbor, May 6, 8:40 pm

Sunrise over Amelia River, May 7,2021 6:10 am

Google Maps versus the Real-World

I really appreciate Google Maps, but, it gets a little confused when your starting point is on a boat, on the water. When I requested a route to the local tavern, the result required a ferry, destined to Georgia. Not kidding, the joint was only a few blocks away, but google was certain we needed a water rescue first, then took a circuitous walking route, totaling 126 miles, complete with a warning “may not reflect real-world conditions”. You can’t make this stuff up!

Amelia Island Brewing Company (AIBC) – Amelia Tavern

A “repeatable stop” in Fernandina Beach. This one is for Sideways – a refreshing variety of local beers that you would have enjoyed.

My Flight: Canary Cross, Laura Joe (for Mom), Dolores, and Smok’n M’rtha, for my cousin. Loved it. And the pretzels were insane.

Pretzel in Paradise! Faye and Tom Turke. May 6, 2021

Palace Saloon – Florida’s Oldest Bar. Cute on the outside, but, it smells like it’s the oldest bar. Enough said.

St. Simons, GA – Morningstar Marina

Welcome to Georgia! It’s not easy to explore St. Simons, and it was quite breezy. We left the dock at first light. Treble in Paradise waited patiently for me to release the lines, and take this photo.

MorningStar Marina, Treble in Paradise – May 8, 2021, 6:00 am

NEXT STOP: Kilkenny Marina, Richmond Hill, Georgia … on my mind.

Happy Birthday Danielle Ginsburg (May 8)

Happy Mother’s Day tomorrow (Sunday, May 9). Thank you, to my grown up kids, who make it a true privilege to be your mom. I am SO proud of you. CW just announced the renewal of Stargirl! Season 2 releases on August 10, and filming for Season 3 begins this fall. BRAVO!

We leave you with this visual aid from my cousin, Martha. Thanks Muffin! Ponder 10cm for just a little while …

Cruising with Friends

Clewiston, Stuart, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach

We left LaBelle with Treble in Paradise and Lit’l Houlegan following close behind.

It all seems so familiar, cruising with Capt. Sideways. Platinum loopers, these boaters are extremely experienced in the locks.

Early to Rise

If you followed our blog in the past, you know that Capt. Rick is an early riser. That means we often start our morning on the water with the sunrise. Good morning from the Clewiston Lock.

Clewiston sunrise – April 30, 2021, 6:30 am

It is such a pleasure, boating with our friends on Lit’l Houlegan. It was hard to say goodbye in Clewiston. Maddie said thanks for all the cookies, Ray, we trust you will trailer that sweet little boat somewhere fun this summer! Join us again, anytime.

We also parted ways, briefly, with Treble in Paradise. We plan to reconnect with them around St. Augustine.

Remote Office

In a COVID world, it’s extremely common to work remotely. For all our clients and colleagues, who were wondering if we really work on the boat – rest assured, this highly productive office opens with the sun!

Stuart – Manatee Pocket

One of our favorite places to visit is Stuart, where we reunited with MeAnders. Marty and Anders are the REASON why we bought our first North Pacific. We absolutely fell in love with their boat (and with them) and could not wait to have a NPY of our own. It was great seeing them. THANKS for the ice bucket!

Sunrise or Sunset?

Here’s a fun test – leave a comment with your guess. Answer in the next blog.

Melbourne

We typically run the boat from the pilot house (inside); heading to Melbourne it was a perfect day to run from the flybridge – for Tonto’s Reward.

Crew Craig Adford, Capt. Rick – May 2, 2021

We spent the night in Melbourne, dining at Ichabod in the familiar marina. Took a nice long walk to stretch our legs. Note to self, next time we visit Melbourne we should eat in the vibrant historic district, the options are abundant!

Melbourne Harbor Marina – May 3, 2021, 6:28 am

Yes, it’s common for Capt. Rick to leave at first light

Anchored out near New Smyrna Beach

We anchored out, surrounded by sailboats – it was actually a little crowded. Since the WiFi was a problem (for future reference), the office closed early. Better than any restaurant, a charcuterie feast, prepared by our Chef. It is such a treasure to cruise with our dearest friends, Craig and Maureen. We are very spoiled!

With a departure at 7:15 am, it felt like we finally slept in!

Ponce de Leon Cut, near New Smyrna Beach – May 4, 2021, 7:17 am

Useful stuff: Bowline Knots

It turns out, Craig is really good at tying a bowline knot. Confession time – I thought they were called bowling knots. But as I see the correct spelling of the nautical term, I realize a “line” (definitely not a rope) makes more sense. BushRanger, what do you think, can you can use the same knot on the stern? Just wondering. For those of you who want to master this useful knot, here’s a great visual aide.

Next Stop: St. Augustine Mooring Field – See you tonight Tonto’s Reward!