Martinsville Virginia is On Board!

Leslie and Jay Hervey got here around lunchtime.  We dined on conch fritters, shrimp, yucca fritters and chicken wings - with lots of Kalik beer.  Its windy and cool, so an afternoon nap was definitely in order.  Tonight we will dine on shrimp over pasta, caesar salad and wine.  Leslie is picking brains trying to catch up on old Richmond friends and their children.   Most of us have empty nests now, but you never stop being parents.  

This island is more developed than Exuma, our last trip.  We were on board 20 minutes and I felt at home immediately.  Well provisioned, this will not be a spa trip.  I just want to go home without the winter gray complexion I came down with.  Life is good with friends you love.  Looking forward to Sharon and Ed Walker coming on Wednesday.

Cant wait to try out my new wet suit.  Look out coral reefs - here we come.

I'm finally here, Abacos!

I arrived early yesterday to blue skies and warm air - w0w, sure beats the snow and ice that was headed for VA! First Lady was at the airport to meet me and promptly whisked me away to Union Jack's Pier where my sweet Gary was waiting with open arms to greet me! Dropped off luggage on the boat and headed to Mango's for a grouper sandwich and an ice cold Kalik - it doesn't get any better, does it?! I loved hearing all about the voyage down here with Page, Stuart, Carrie, Joe, and Will - fun times for sure!!!  Back on the boat, Gary was ready to leave the harbour after 5 days anchored...so we headed over to Great Guana Cay. Sun warmed me up nicely - I actually got hot on the way - what a nice change! Found a nice anchorage in Fishers Bay and dinghied ashore to Nippers' dinghy dock. Walked thru Settlement Town to find the famous Nippers (which is on the ocean side) and found a small crowd at the bar. There seemed to be 2 couples with their teenage daughters - and since Gary was wearing his Geronimo Lacrosse t-shirt, the girls asked if he was a lacrosse player!!! And of course he said he just coached it!!  It was a bit breezy, but I enjoyed a Nippers on the Rocks (aka Rum Punch) and it warmed me up nicely! Internet connection was great and fast there and they also offered free calls to the US and Canada!! We'll be back, for sure - in fact, the Barefoot Man plays there on Mar. 6 & 7, so I'm certain we'll be there!! We saw him on our honeymoon in the Cayman Islands 27 years ago and he apparently plays here every March - can't wait - Will and Todd will be here on the 7th, so they will have to grin and bear it with us!! Back to the boat and grilled out for dinner - early to bed since I had been up since 3 AM the night before (couldn't sleep) - a bit of a rocky night, but a gorgeous and relaxing morning. I just have to insert this now... listening to Jimmy sing "Mexico" right now as I'm writing this...don't you wish I could call you and sing it to you, Mikey?!?!  Late morning today (Tuesday), we sailed over to Man O War Cay - beautiful, calm, quiet, clean, quaint, and dry! Went for a walk into town, then along a great stretch of beach...back to the boat for a nap, then grilled fish (salmon and Bill's rockfish - yum!)...now under the stars and a sliver of a moon, listening to one of my favorite golden oldies CDs (just heard Janice now!)  Wish all of you were here!

xoxo Alison  (First Mate)

Still Waiting

Marsh Habour and Abaco have been absolutely beautiful the last few days and is supposed to be this way for the next four or five days. Temperature is 68 to 71, bright sunshine and clear water. Too bad Joe & Carrie did not get this weather before they left. Well the laundry is getting clean, two loads and one to go. The boat is actually getting cleaned also. Mostly though I have been relaxing reading 'Wind from the Carolinas". Cannot wait to see Alison, Ed M. suggested she give me a lecture, I cannot wait. Well Roadhouse is playing, it is pretty relaxing, sorry Ed W. no 'Tears in my Beer".  I have been having trouble uploading pictures, I will try to take my computer in closer to the signal. Stay warm & take care.

Capt. Gary

Alone & Waiting

Hello from Abaco, It is quiet here now. Joe & Carrie flew out this morning and now I am waiting for Alison to come down to where it is warm. 

We had a few quiet days, two fronts blew thru and the temperature has dropped to a cold 65.

Taravana stayed at Hope Town on Elbow Cay while the wind blew from 20 to 30 and then it was gusting higher. We did go to town & then to the ocean, both are very nice. Joe & Carrie found Captain Jack's Restaurant for a light lunch and to watch Obama be sworn in. We returned later for some hot conch fritters and conch chowder, Carrie had Pasta Alfredo. It has been fun having all the young adults aboard for several weeks and I hope they learned some things about sailing and teamwork. I am now anchored in Marsh Harbour just off Mango's Restaurant, great conch burgers. It supposed to be cool the next few days but I have to clean the boat, do laundry and fix a few small things that invariably break in ocean sailing.

Capt. Gary

Relaxation

Gary, Carrie, and I are currently sitting peacefully in Hope Town listening to the church bells chime to tell us telling us that is 6 o'clock pm.  The chicken is on the grill and the liquor is flowing and the game is on, could it get much better than this? We had a great day today. The day started with a relaxing motor to Guana Cay, where we sat for a few hours reading and basking in the sun ( 75 degrees today with a slight breeze). At around 11 we took off in the dingy and traveled around the point to go check out the "place to be" on Sundays, Nippers. We arrived on the island, docked the dingy, and headed down the sandy road. We arrived at Nipper's, which was a beautifully colored bar/rest. that was filled with people. Carrie and I headed down to the ocean - very soft sand. There were some reefs out front, so I took the waters while Carrie walked down the beach and Gary enjoyed the scenery from the bar. When we came back up, we had some beers. Gary made friends with some old folks , which seems to be the majority of the people down these ways, and we headed back to the boat. After a quick lunch, we headed over to Hope Town, where we are currently posted up for the night. Carrie and I made a quick trip up to the lighthouse and got a view of the entire harbor and the ocean, which we will definitely see tomorrow. Taravana out.

We lost two in Abaco

 

Will & Stu had to fly home today, it was great having them on the trip and I know Will did not want to leave. Taxi 151 ╨ First Lady took them to the airport while I shopped for dinner. It was a restful morning, Joe & Carrie cleaned the boat & topped off the water. They then went wandering thru town and returned to Snappers for a burger and hotdog. We cast off the marina and headed to a nice quiet anchorage at Guana Cay on a white sand beach. The day was about perfect, 72 deg, sunny, light breeze. I took a nice two hour nap after we walked the beach. The sunset was the topping of the day.

Conch Anyone?

Hawks to Whale to Conch

After leaving the ‘old folks retirement community’ in Hawksbill Cay, we began our passage towards Marsh Harbour. After half a day’s ‘not so rigorous’, but relaxing sail, we laid anchor near Whale’s Cay on a deserted island that, in the near future, will be the home of a island resort and marina. All of us chillin dinghy’d ashore with the help of dinghy masta Stu. Whilst Carrie and Joe walked along the shore towards the marina construction, Will attempted to go spear fishing, with Stuart watching and laughing at him realizing that he needed the equipment Stuart had told him to bring. While Carrie and Joe were away, Will was able to find a conch and a wonderfully colored hermit crab trapped inside a beer bottle. After Stuart’s unsuccessful attempt at following a fish (but not able to keep pace), Joe and Carrie returned, and Joe guided us back on Motu (Polynesian for island- our wonderful but slow (according to me, Stuart) dinghy), thank you Dacre for the name. After our island voyage, we sailed over to Marsh Harbour and tied up at the marina. Gary went up to the marina to make us legally welcome to the Bahamas, while the rest of the crew prepared the boat for the night. After a good shower, we headed over to Mango’s for a wonderful dinner where we discovered that Carrie likes conch (yay seafood!). Joe got upsided by his gumbay smash punch while I finally got the Kalik I had been waiting for for two weeks (I was wearing my kalik t shirt the occasion). After dinner, we headed to Snapper’s down the street, a lively little club that sported folks of all ages. Much to our chagrin, there were some elderly couples feeling each other up on the dance floor, whose actions caused Carrie and myself to wonder. After a fun night of drinking and dancing (everyone but Joe got on the floor with Carrie), we all headed back to the boat for some cards and a good night’s sleep. Sadly, Will and myself will be disembarking from the voyage to head back to school, but we will the crew and all future visitors the best of weather and lots of fun aboard the Taravana. Bon voyage.

January 16th,

After leaving the ‘old folks retirement community’ in Hawksbill Cay, we began our passage towards Marsh Harbour. After half a day’s ‘not so rigorous’, but relaxing sail, we laid anchor near Whale’s Cay on a deserted island that, in the near future, will be the home of a island resort and marina. All of us chillin dinghy’d ashore with the help of dinghy masta Stu. Whilst Carrie and Joe walked along the shore towards the marina construction, Will attempted to go spear fishing, with Stuart watching and laughing at him realizing that he needed the equipment Stuart had told him to bring. While Carrie and Joe were away, Will was able to find a conch and a wonderfully colored hermit crab trapped inside a beer bottle. After Stuart’s unsuccessful attempt at following a fish (but not able to keep pace), Joe and Carrie returned, and Joe guided us back on Motu (Polynesian for island- our wonderful but slow (according to me, Stuart) dinghy), thank you Dacre for the name. After our island voyage, we sailed over to Marsh Harbour and tied up at the marina. Gary went up to the marina to make us legally welcome to the Bahamas, while the rest of the crew prepared the boat for the night. After a good shower, Carrie was visited by an unknown stranger trying to get into her room, we headed over to Mango’s for a wonderful dinner where we discovered that Carrie likes conch (yay seafood!). Joe got upsided by his gumbay smash punch while I finally got the Kalik I had been waiting for for two weeks (I was wearing my kalik t shirt the occasion). After dinner, we headed to Snapper’s down the street, a lively little club that sported folks of all ages. Much to our chagrin, there were some elderly couples feeling each other up on the dance floor, whose actions caused Carrie and myself to wonder. After a fun night of drinking and dancing (everyone but Joe got on the floor with Carrie), we all headed back to the boat for some cards and a good night’s sleep. Sadly, Will and myself will be disembarking from the voyage to head back to school, but we will the crew and all future visitors the best of weather and lots of fun aboard the Taravana. Bon voyage.

We Made It!!!

Taravana Log Charleston to Abaco

Monday Jan 12th Leave Charleston
8:00 am Carrie & Stuart took us out of the Charleston Harbor, We raised the sails, the Coast Guard passed us by and into the ocean we went. Carrie and Stu turned south and we had a perfect beam reach sail for 24 hours with the wind from the northwest. The crew is getting quite good, I can now sleep when they are on watch. Carrie & I had three to four dolphins playing on Taravana’s bow for an hour during our shift that afternoon. We saw aerial acrobatics time and again. We had one porpoise jump from bow to bow; I wish I could have had that picture (Stu was asleep). In the morning we woke to rain and more rain. Everyone was soaked for at least a day straight. Wet clothes littered the cabin as we tried in vain to dry them. Carrie even had to wear my ski pants to keep warm and dry, I never felt so skinny. Carrie and Stu also had a F-16 jet turn towards Taravana and buzz them.

Tuesday and Wednesday Jan 13th and Jan 14th Florida thru Gulf Stream
The rain did bring a perfect southwest to west wind at 15 knots. This was our best shot to cross the Gulf Stream in the whole week so we took it. Florida coast called for freezing temperatures and high northeast winds, and we were ready for warm weather. The rain continued through the evening and the wind slowly shifted to the northwest at 15 to 20 knots. We were flying, but the seas were also building to 10 to 12 feet in the mid Gulfstream. This lasted only about 30 minutes and with a reefed main and a 20% Jib, we cruised to the East side of the Gulf Stream under a perfect moon and settling seas. The morning brought 65 deg weather and light northerly winds. We are now finally shedding clothes (I shed long underwear, wool socks, thermal shirt, fleece shirt, sweatshirt and raincoat). 65 to 70 deg temperature sure are nice. Carrie & Joe are soaking up the warm sun on the bow in shorts. Stuart came out with his fashion statement of aquamarine shirt, lime tee and turquoise shorts. Will caught a huge fish that broke the line as he pulled it aboard (it may of weighed ½ pound). Today turned out to be a restful day with only 100 NM to go. We will be in Abaco Sound Thursday morning. High noon- no wind! Motors are cranked up and off we go. Note: to all who know the fuel problems I have had with the port engine, it has started every time on this trip without the alternate fuel pump (knock on wood!!). We had a perfect sunset and it should have produced a green flash but alas that is nature, the sky was still a brilliant red & purples. It was a quiet night motoring and sleeping. We timed the entrance to Abaco for 8 am and slowed down to get to Matinilla Shoal on time.


Thusday Jan 15th

Warm Water and Weather 70 miles to go. Motored thru the night- NO WIND! Sails went up and we are now motor sailing in light winds. Good news…Will caught another fish, this time a Yellow Jack, it weighed about 2 lbs and it was filleted in minutes. Will prepared it for lunch on the grill with butter, Soul Seasoning and garlic; it was very good and gone in minutes (Carrie & Stuart had a small, small, small, small, miniscule piece) - Delicious. Stuart also managed to hook a heap of seaweed, which although was not very appetizing, gave him a “stellar” ab workout. Motor sailing continued throughout the day as we made great time toward our destination. At noon we passed Walker’s Cay and hope to be able to call home soon. Many small islands were spotted in the distance, the first one by our very own eagle eye, Carrie. Today we are headed for Fox Town for a nice anchorage, a fiesta, and a night of relaxation. The crew has now done something very few people can say accomplished. GO US!!!! WE MADE IT!!!! Success!!!! We are now anchored outside of Fox Town aside the “retirement community on water”. Ham steaks, taters, and veggies for dinner, along with a few celebratory brews and cocktails.

Taravana Log Charleston to Abaco

Monday Jan 12 Leave Charleston

After a free afternoon when Joe met friends and the others toured Charleston, mainly Sticky Fingers and grocery shopping, we set sail at 8 am. Carrie & Stuart took us out of the Charleston Harbor.

Taravana to Abaco

Charleston to Abaco - we made it!!

Monday Jan 12th Leave Charleston

8:00 am Carrie & Stuart took us out of the Charleston Harbor, We raised the sails, the Coast Guard passed us by and into the ocean we went. Carrie and Stu turned south and we had a perfect beam reach sail for 24 hours with the wind from the northwest. The crew is getting quite good, I can now sleep when they are on watch. Carrie & I had three to four dolphins playing on Taravana’s bow for an hour during our shift that afternoon. We saw aerial acrobatics time and again. We had one porpoise jump from bow to bow; I wish I could have had that picture (Stu was asleep). In the morning we woke to rain and more rain. Everyone was soaked for at least a day straight. Wet clothes littered the cabin as we tried in vain to dry them. Carrie even had to wear my ski pants to keep warm and dry, I never felt so skinny. Carrie and Stu also had a F-16 jet turn towards Taravana and buzz them.


Tuesday and Wednesday Jan 13th and Jan 14th Florida thru Gulf Stream

The rain did bring a perfect southwest to west wind at 15 knots. This was our best shot to cross the Gulf Stream in the whole week so we took it. Florida coast called for freezing temperatures and high northeast winds, and we were ready for warm weather. The rain continued through the evening and the wind slowly shifted to the northwest at 15 to 20 knots. We were flying, but the seas were also building to 10 to 12 feet in the mid Gulfstream. This lasted only about 30 minutes and with a reefed main and a 20% Jib, we cruised to the East side of the Gulf Stream under a perfect moon and settling seas. The morning brought 65 deg weather and light northerly winds. We are now finally shedding clothes (I shed long underwear, wool socks, thermal shirt, fleece shirt, sweatshirt and raincoat). 65 to 70 deg temperature sure are nice. Carrie & Joe are soaking up the warm sun on the bow in shorts. Stuart came out with his fashion statement of aquamarine shirt, lime tee and turquoise shorts. Will caught a huge fish that broke the line as he pulled it aboard (it may of weighed ½ pound). Today turned out to be a restful day with only 100 NM to go. We will be in Abaco Sound Thursday morning. High noon- no wind! Motors are cranked up and off we go. Note: to all who know the fuel problems I have had with the port engine, it has started every time on this trip without the alternate fuel pump (knock on wood!!). We had a perfect sunset and it should have produced a green flash but alas that is nature, the sky was still a brilliant red & purples. It was a quiet night motoring and sleeping. We timed the entrance to Abaco for 8 am and slowed down to get to Matinilla Shoal on time.


Thursday Jan 15th

Warm Water and Weather 70 miles to go. Motored thru the night- NO WIND! Sails went up and we are now motor sailing in light winds. Good news…Will caught another fish, this time a Yellow Jack, it weighed about 2 lbs and it was filleted in minutes. Will prepared it for lunch on the grill with butter, Soul Seasoning and garlic; it was very good and gone in minutes (Carrie & Stuart had a small, small, small, small, miniscule piece) - Delicious. Stuart also managed to hook a heap of seaweed, which although was not very appetizing, gave him a “stellar” ab workout. Motor sailing continued throughout the day as we made great time toward our destination. At noon we passed Walker’s Cay and hope to be able to call home soon. Many small islands were spotted in the distance, the first one by our very own eagle eye, Carrie. Today we are headed for Fox Town for a nice anchorage, a fiesta, and a night of relaxation. The crew has now done something very few people can say accomplished. GO US!!!! WE MADE IT!!!! Success!!!! We are now anchored outside of Fox Town aside the “retirement community on water”. Ham steaks, taters, and veggies for dinner, along with a few celebratory brews and cocktails.


Friday Jan 16th Abacos

We set sail early this morning from Fox Town and headed toward Marsh Harbor (at the Conch Inn Marina). Sailing was easy today as we had good winds to push us along. We made good time through the shallow waters, passing many islands which gave us a chance to soak in the beauty of the islands. It was still a bit chilly as we remain on the edge of the cold front pushing through from the States. Fishing today brought us no luck, however we were able to stop at a secluded little beach and have a quick swim and walk on the beach. From there we continued on to Marsh Harbor, arriving around 4 o'clock. We took some hot showers and filled up the water tanks, and are now relaxing on the boat. We are going to step ashore tonight for the first time since Charleston (besides this afternoon on that beach) and eat dinner at a fine local establishment. Good to finally be here! Unfortunately, Will and Stuart have to leave tomorrow to head back to school, but Carrie and Joe get to enjoy Gary's company for a little while longer.

Leaving ICW and back to Charleston

Thursday, Jan 8

We set sail early this morning with Gary at the helm. It was a

 beautiful sunrise (which Stuart finally saw). Will's first full day day on the boat was a success as we traveled a good 62 miles. A fuel stop gave us enough fuel to cruise for a few days. Porpoise spotted this morning, but we remain in NC for the fourth day in a row. The end is near! Cape Fear River is still something to be reckoned with, we motored against a 3 knot current,  25 to 35 knot winds and 3 to 4 foot chop. The young crew had a blast with Joe sleeping soundly through most of it. We will hit SC tomorrow and perhaps even

 the open ocean! Many naps were taken during a fairly rough passage this afternoon. Carrie took us through some shallow areas and Joe navigated us under a few bridges and narrow passages this afternoon. We are resting dockside tonight at Holden Beach Marina and enjoying Alison's Goulash and Gary's homemade kalamata olive bread. We may head ashore for a bit later to catch teh national championship football game. By the way, beautiful sunset tonight!

Friday, Jan 9

Sunset Beach Trip Trap Swing Bridge let us through. Clear and cold night; 32 degrees, but the crew did not complain. The football game was sort of a bust as we watched it from Blackbeard's Bar. Gary managed to scratch twice on the 8 ball letting Joe and Will win. We left at 8am to a

 calm, clear morning and a beautiful sunrise. We husteld down to Sunset Beach Swing Bridge, and although he said it was closed from 11-2, he let us through even through we were 5 minutes late making the 11am opening. Go Sunset Beach! The new 65 foot bridge will hurt the beauty of the island. Off to

top off with fuel and pick up a bunch of gallon jugs of water. Stuart and Joe passed several casino ships heading off to sea. Back to the Little River Inlet where Carrie stopped Gary from hitting Bambi while it crossed the ICW. Carrie took us into the Atlantic Ocean for our first 24hr stint. The ocean was calm as a bathtub, but by about midnight started to kick up. So much for the forecast, the wind continued to build from the South, and while porpoises  still kept us company, the wind continued to build.

Saturday, Jan 10

The rough seas continue.......

Sunday, Jan 11

The wind was from the south at 30 knots, we reefed the sails and kept waiting for the wind to shift in our favor. It did not happen, but the crew did an excellent job in the bad weather. The wind grew to 30-35 knots and 10-12 foot seas, we reefed the main down and pulled in half of the jib. We just slugged our way through; the boat did just as great as the crew. El Capitan decided to head toward shore for wave protection, but that was a slow process. Lots of flying

 fish were seen as well. With the weather not letting up we began to head toward Charleston and City Marina. It was nice tying up, having a hot shower and doing some laundry (after the wet night we had). The crew is headed to town and the captain off to sleep. I cannot complioment the crew enough for the great work they performed. Taking a wave in the face at night is no fun and it happened to everyone all night long. We look forward to a smooth sail Monday (weather permitting) and we are off to the ocean again but staying a bit closer to shore just in case the forecast is wrong again. 

Hello from Taravana,

We are back where we started this morning but the crew has changed. Alison drove down with new food supplies and the greatest new crew member in the known universe. Page was exchanged for Will in what seemed to be an even exchange (we'll later discover it was a strategic move by El Capitan).

The wind has not let up!!! We left this morning with 25 knots winds and made it to Figure Eight Bridge but the bridge would not open. Stuart's greatest accomplishment of the day was his brief hiatus from his bed to eat breakfast (Gary = not pleased). A local resident of Figure Eight had the bridge closed after complaining of the high winds. After fighting the wind it was apparent they were not going to open and we returned to the Harbour Village Marina to clean the boat, fix some things and exchange crew members. The wind grew to 30 to 40 Knots and is still blowing. It is suppose to settle down tonight so we can leave tomorrow. The wind tonight is still 35 knots, but we had a great sunset. We've been relaxing inside most of the day reading, napping, and playing Trainwreck. Now for Cornish Hen for dinner.                                                                                                   

 Captain Gary

 

  Stuart is our photographer

Windy Day in the ICW

We left early this morning from Morehead City dock. After a good meal and a good night's sleep, the crew was ready to go bright and early (except for Stu - who made his usual appearance on the deck at around 9:30). Not many occurrences today - Carrie saw some early morning "porpoises" (Leigh, this is not Page writing this time) and everyone made some swift maneuvering through the channel markers throughout the day. We all learned one thing today though - wind and the ICW is not any fun. Starting around 12 the winds came blowing in and didn't stop. Some gusts reached close to 30 knots. But we all survived and managed to make it to the Harbour Village Marina, just after watching a beautiful sunset that was mixed with some fog coming in from the ocean and a small rainbow. The marina is just north of Figure Eight Island. Everyone got a warm shower, and we are now settling down to some hot chili. We are not sure what that is going to do to the Taravana's disposal pipes, but it is definitely a much deserved meal. Tomorrow we pick up Will and let Page go. She will be missed.

Arrival in Morehead City

Waking up to a beautiful day, all but Stuart, who had gotten a little sick the night before.Joe, Carrie and Page woke up for sausage,egg and cheese biscuits at the Shell Station right next to the Alligator Marina. All got to see the pure reflection of the sunrise, not Stuart, still sleeping like a baby. We had a beautiful sail for about 2 hours. Pulling in the sails led to disaster. We were in the Alligator-Pungo Canal,Joe had just gotten to the helm. The rain began to pick up, sandwiches were being fixed, the all of the sudden Gary sprung to his feet to see what was the matter, he heard pitter patter and BAM! we hit. It went from 6 ft to NO feet in one second. Poor poor Joe,got all shakin' up. It wasn't his fault, Gary then took the helm and ran aground as well. Thank the lord, we made it to CAMPBEL CREEK! It was a beautiful anchorage. The dingy master, Stuart, had 5 mins of fun for 25 mins of work. Gary made Chicken Picata. It was delicious!! After drinking from sunrise to sunset, Joe finally won the last game of mexican train wreck. Farmer girls rule!(Gary won one too).
Woke to a warm morning, Joe, Carrie, Page and Gary(and who is sleeping?) pulled the anchor around 7. Smooth run with jib out, doing 7 knots. It was the first warm day, which led to hoisting Page to the top of the mast to spray the wind vane. Had a few boats pass, spotted an eagle, 5 porpuses played on our bow. 55 miles later,we docked in Morehead City, North Carolina.
It was time to clean, not only ourselves, but the boat. We docked at Ruddy Duck Tavern, Joe helped visually supervise Page clean the boat. Everyone got hot showers and ate at Beach Bum Restaurant.
With the wind picking up to 30 to 35 knots, we will stay in the Intracoastal Waterway for the next few days and pick up Will.

Bahamas here we come

Gary and Ed set sail on Jan.1 from Severn River Marina in Mobjack Bay, Virgina. It was a warm 34 and sailed to Norfolk Waterside. There we watched VT beat Cincinnati. Then motored to Deep Creek to pick up a new crew. We met Stuart,Joe, Carrie,and Page around noon on Jan.2. It was a rainy 32 outside. We anchored at Goat Island near Elizabeth City. Page and Carrie made dinner, successfully making a VERY well done pizza(Page). Joe, Gary, and Page woke up to a beautiful sunrise with clear skies and ice on the deck. The day grew warmer and the wind picked up. Gary took the first nap as Joe and Page were at the helm. Stuart slept most of the day, his only accomplishment was making hot chocolate, before taking another 6hr nap. Joe made the boys pizza, while Carrie and Page took thier naps. We sailed to Aligator Marina in North Carolina. We all took HOT showers!! Looks like we will have heat for tonight, no more condensation dripping on you!!! It is the boys night for dinner(joe is doing most of the work). Gary assigned us(Joe,Carrie,Page and Stuart) to make this blog. Guess who is doing all the work? Joe, Carrie and Page. Stuart is playing beer pong on is iPod and making comments. that is all for today. hope this works.
Peace out.