Back to Annapolis

Our trip down the Potomac was easy and uneventful but no wind. We anchored the first night in Breton Bay a very quiet and lovely anchorage. The next day we ended at Solomon's Island in the main anchorage area. We were the only boat anchored out. Several boats came in but went into marinas. The next morning we left early rounded Point Lookout, set a waypoint on our MacENC program for Thomas Point Lighthouse and motor sailed up the Chesapeake to Annapolis. We arrived in Back Creek around 4 p.m and found our spot at the end of the creek unoccupied so we dropped anchor, fixed a drink and relaxed.

The next day we took the dinghy into the dock at 4th street and checked in with Annapolis Harbor Boatyard where we had work done last year and were very pleased with the fellow who did the work. His name is Bill and he is now the yard manager and Christy, his wife, is the parts manager. They work during the summer months and cruise during the winters and were very generous with advice before we left last fall. We consider them friends. Our plan is to get several repairs done at their yard as well as Spunky's bottom painted. Bill invited us to have "happy hour" on their dock and we spent a very enjoyable Friday evening.

We picked up the mainsail and took it back to Spunky and put it back onto the mast track(not an easy job as it is very big and heavy). Well, it went about 3/4 of the way up the mast and stopped. We couldn't figure out what was wrong and thought perhaps one of the old slides left a piece behind when it broke as we were leaving Great Sale Cay. So we dug out the bosuns chair and John cranked me up the mast to check things out. I do not tolerate heights very well but given the choice of who would be able to raise whom up the mast,I drew the short straw. I could not see any pieces of broken slide so down I came. Then we decided I had not gone up high enough so back up I went above the 2nd spreaders. Still no sighting of broken slides or bent track and down I came. Then we stupidly decided to try and force the slides up which John was able to do but then we couldn't get the sail down!! Up I went once again to tie a line to the reefing ring so that John would be able to get more force on the slides and pull them down. Success. We got the sail back into the sail pack and fixed ourselves a drink. We will have to go back to the shop on Tuesday and get some advice. Saturday we began to figure out the public transportation system here and walked about 3/4 of a mile to the bus stop to get to the shop where my glasses were being repaired and ready for pick up. That trip went pretty well except for the walk to the stop.

My back had been bothering me since Charleston and by the time we arrived in DC I was having pain down my left leg whenever I walked more than a block. It has become progressively worse as the days go by. That is not a workable situation especially now that we have no car. We spent a pretty quiet Memorial Day weekend and I made an appointment to see a chiropractor on Tuesday. We couldn't figure the bus route out and were concerned about arriving on time so we took a cab to the doc. After the appointment we decided to take the bus back. Between waiting for the hourly run in the 90 degree temps (there are no shelters at the bus stops) and transferring 4 times we were able to stop at a hardware store, Giant and return to the dinghy dock all in 5 hours from the time we left the doc. I have a real empathy with folks who don't drive and must rely on the bus to get to work and child care and grocery shopping. How one ever gets everything done or even gets to their destination on time is a real challenge those of us with cars can't truly appreciate. There are just not enough hours in the day during the long daylight days not to mention what it must be like in winter with shorter daylight and inclement weather.

On Wednesday we took the dinghy into town to check on the sail and to pick up my meds that were waiting at the boatyard. They had graciously allowed us to have them delivered there for pick up. The meds have to remain cold and so are overnighted in a cooler with ice packs and can't sit for a long time outside of a refrigerator. About half way there our trusty outboard engine quit. John rowed us the rest of the way and we had the engine guy at the boatyard come back and assess the problem. He determined it would need to have the carburator rebuilt and so he took the engine back in his truck. We stopped at the sail loft and they suggested we try to file down the brass slides a bit to see if that would help after which poor John had to row us all the way back up the creek to Spunky.

Next week we will take Spunky into a marina where the electronics guy will troubleshoot the chartplotter and VHF radio mic both of which failed to work on our trip south. At that time the sail guys will come by and take a look at the mast slide to try to figure out why the sail will not go all the way up. Today John is sanding down the teak brightwork and I am sitting on ice packs. Tomorrow he will row me in to take the bus back to the doc. I have a 10:30 appointment so we will leave at the crack to make sure we get there on time.

Life on the water can be challenging but it is better than any alternative. Hope you are all enjoying your springtime, Elyse and John s/v Spunky

Memorial Day

Hello Everyone,

We are back in Annapolis in our favorite spot.  It has been great being back.  We are learning to use the public busses to get around. There is a bus that will even take us to one of the DC metro stations. We have started contacting people in the area to take care of some repairs and to add improvements to Spunky.

Today we recognize Memorial Day.  I hope you will take a moment to remember the two million men and women who gave their life in the service of their country.  Some were drafted and some volunteered but all paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  From winning and maintaining independence for our country our when the people of our country sent them to help or punish other nations.  They went with little hesitation.  They are  heros.  If you know someone who lost a loved one in the service I hope you will take a moment to reach out and say thank you.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

More Thoughts

I was born in DC and grew up in the area.  I love coming back and seeing old sights and updated versions of my youth.  On one side of our anchorage is Hains Point.  It is parkland and a golf course that sticks out into the Potomac.  Catholic University's rugby team that our son John coaches play their matches there.  In high school my friends and I sometimes brought our dates there to watch the late night submarine races.  The rules were if you were parked in your car and the police could see your heads, they would not stop.

Elyse mentioned the Arena stage.  It has been rebuilt at least 3 times.  I think one of the things that interested me in VMI was seeing the play "Brother Rat".  It was made into a movie with Ronald Reagan in one of the roles as a Keydet.

There are very few cities as pretty as DC with as many things to do. The best part is so much is free.  Now it's even better because we have a son who owns a bar a block from a metro stop.  It is also one of the worst places on the planet to own a car.  No place to park and difficult to drive around.  The local legislators are no better than Congress at planning for and carrying out plans for the growth.

Time to turn in so we will be ready in the morning.  My you have many blessings and a wonderful week.

Beautiful Night

Hey Gang,

What a beautiful night.  We are anchored in the Washington Channel in downtown Washington, DC.  We were promised thunderstorms tonight but is is quiet and the sky is clear, so far.  As you can see by Elyse's more detailed updates we are working our way north.  In a couple of days we will be in Annapolis.  We are hoping to find our old spot in Back Creek where we spent most of last summer.  There is only room for two or three boats to anchor and Elyse get's mad anytime I tell people where it is located.  It's going to be interesting without a car.  We think we can get a bus from Annapolis to one of the metro stops in DC. We are considering signing up with Zip Cars or Car 2 Go were we can pick up a car and just pay for the time we use it.

This morning our wash down pump stopped working so I have to try to figure out what happened.  There is no place worse to pull up an anchor than the Chesapeake.  Lots of muck.  We have learned that much of our time is fixing our boat in exotic places.

After "You're going to do what?" one of the most frequent questions we are asked is "How long do you plan to do it?".  Our answer has always been as long as it's fun and our health holds up.  We are now in the process of deciding the definition of "fun".  We have had some incredible experiences.  Most of them have been good and we have met some wonderful people.  When we figure out the answer to our question, we will let you know.

We hope you are enjoying your time with us.  We have enjoyed having you along.

John

Back to Annapolis

We are leaving tomorrow a.m. for Annapolis after an enjoyable stay in DC. The anchorage in Washington Channel has been great. We used the services at The Gang Plank Marina the entire time. Although we began the stay with a cold shower, all was fine the remaining 2 weeks. The staff was great and treated us well. We were invited to their annual slip holders party with free food and drink and we danced the night away. This is a perfect location only a block from the Metro green line and the Safeway/CVS. We were easily able to ride the train into VA for visits and appointments. There were never more than 4 other boats anchored while we were here.

This past weekend was the Blessing of the Fleet and we sat on Spunky and watched the 90 trawlers and power boats motor by each being blessed. We called on VHF and asked for a blessing and Spunky and all her crew, now and future, were blessed as well. Then a raft up of 3 trawlers close by invited us for drinks and company and we had a very nice visit with some very nice folks.

While here we have met with children and friends and ended our stay with half priced tickets to "The Music Man" at the Arena Stage which is across the street from the marina. The production was good and very enjoyable but the Arena Stage, which is theater in the round, lends itself to more intimate productions rather than musicals.

This morning in the rain we motored down the channel to the James Creek Marina to get diesel, gas and water tanks topped off so we are ready to leave tomorrow for the trip back down the Potomac. It was wet but nice as we were the only boat trying to get into the fuel dock. We returned to the Gang Plank and took showers, did laundry and turned in our electronic pass cards. We are planning on 2 days down the Potomac and 2 days up the Chesapeake to an anchorage in Annapolis where we will do maintenance and repairs on Spunky and catch up on doc appointments.

Hope life is good for all of you. Please let us know what is going on in your life.

Elyse and John s/v Spunky

Anchored in DC

We arrived last Wednesday after leaving the marina at Colonial Beach. Our trip up the Potomac was uneventful. There was no wind to speak of and the river was like glass. We motored along enjoying the vistas of wide water and treed lined banks. We didn't pass one other boat along the way. We enjoyed seeing Mount Vernon (George Washington's home) up on the hillside and were excited to see the Wilson Bridge come into view. The old bridge was demolished and a new one built several years ago and now Spunky can fit under the span without having to arrange a midnight opening. We arrived earlier than espected and entered the channel to find it almost empty with only 2 other boats anchored. The next morning we took the dinghy into the Gang Plank Marina and signed up for the use of their showers, laundry and dock. Their facilities are a little primitive but ok. We took a shower and were shocked to only have cold water. Seems that the laundry had been in constant use and all the hot water was used up. We talked about moving up to the Capital Yacht Club which is more expensive but nicer but we were already paid up for 3 days so we waited and our next shower experience was much warmer so we have decided to stay where we were. There is a Safeway market and a metro stop only two blocks away so it is a good location.

On Saturday we met son John to watch the Washington Irish Old Boys Rugby Match and had dinner with daughter Haley in the evening. Sunday we took the metro into VA to have dinner with son Mike and daughter-in-law Jo and granddaughter Alaina. It was so good to see them all and catch up on everyones life.

Today, Monday, we took the metro to the metro sales office and purchased our long term senior travel cards. It is neat and we can add money to the cards as we need. It works on all the transit in the area so we can use it when we travel into VA. We have found their is one bus that goes from Annapolis to DC twice a day so when we take Spunky to Annapolis to have work done we will be able to get back into the city. We visited the Museum of American History today to see the presentation on Thomas Jefferson and slavery. It was very well done. Tomorrow we plan to go to the National Art Gallery to see the Miro exhibit. It is fun being a tourist and so much to see. We are hoping to visit the Newseum while we are here as well.

We are anchored next to Hains Point here in the channel. On the other side of Hains Pt. is National Airport and so we hear all the jets taking off during the day. On our side of the channel is where all the helicopters fly over all day long I assume going from the Pentagon to the White House or other meeting places. They fly over constantly and very low to the water. John thinks he saw the President's helicopter fly over last week. I get concerned that they are not going to see our mast at night so I make John turn it on early. It is really lovely here and we can see the top of the Washington Monument from where we are anchored.

We are looking forward to seeing all the sights in the next few weeks. There is such a great energy in the city.

In Washington DC

Friends & Family,

Yesterday we left Colonial Beach and motored up to DC.  There was no wind and the water was flat.  It got a little boring but Elyse pointed out that was a lot better than the terror we have experienced at times in the past.  The win to day before was great and gave us a great push up the river. It was very pleasant.  It was also cool going past Mount vernon, George Washington's home.  We are now anchored in the Washington Channel in the heart of Washington.  Later this afternoon we will jump on the Metro and head into town.  We will probably visit Solly's, our son's bar. Now that we are sitting, it has started to warm up.  The anchorage is nice.  There are only two boats anchored in the channel.  This morning we went in and signed up with the Gangplank Marina.  We can use their dock and services for $10 a day.  Our excitement was dampened when we took our showers without any hot water.  If that continues we may pay a little more to use the Capital Yacht club next door.

John has agreed to loan his truck one day so we can run over to Annapolis for doctor appointments and to drop off our main sail at a loft to have some repairs made.  In a few weeks we will motor back down to the Chesapeake and up to Annapolis.  Spunky performed very well on the trip from the Bahamas to Charleston and then up the ICW. There are some projects in front of us.  Lots of cleaning, sanding and varnish to be completed.  I have noticed that many of the boats headed north need some work.  Part of the problem in the Bahamas is that you have to pay for water in most places.  In addition we spent all our time at anchor so water and power were very precious.

Hope all is well with you.  I will send more later.

John

Almost Home

After leaving Elizabeth City we spent 2 days in Portsmouth walking through the historic homes and up to the Food Lion and taking the ferry across Elizabeth River (only $.75 for seniors)  to a shopping mall as we haven't been in one for at least a year. All our shopping before leaving the states had been at marine stores and boat repair shops. Leaving Norfolk at 6:30 a.m. Monday morning we were surprised at how empty the port was of ships both container and navy. I think all the navy vessels are across the oceans protecting our freedoms and the container ships it turned out were anchored out awaiting pilots to bring them into port on Monday morning since as we began to head out of the port several were coming in to dock. They are huge and are accompanied by tugs that help turn them to go into a dock.

We got a call on our VHF from Water Music a boat that we crossed with from the Bahamas to Charleston. What a great surprise. We motor sailed along with them to an anchorage near Reedville, VA. We spent an evening on their boat sharing tales from the last couple of weeks since we had left them in Charleston. They waited for a later weather window and sailed outside to Beaufort, NC and then inside to Norfolk. It was a nice time.

This morning we were off at 6 a.m heading up the Potomac for Washington, DC. We had a great sail with winds gusting to 28 and then had to turn with the wind on our nose and so we motored the last 20 miles to Colonial Beach where we are now docked for the night after filling up with fuel. It is the last place that we can get diesel with our 6 ft. draft. Actually there is not a marina in DC where we can get diesel so we filled all our cans to have enough to get back down the Potomac to Solomon's Island when we head back to Annapolis.

Tomorrow we are headed up to an anchorage across from the Capital Yacht Club in DC where we will check in with the harbor police and get permission to stay for 2 weeks which is apparently the limit.

Hope to see many of you soon and hope to hear from everyone else about what is going on in your lives.

Elyse and John