IT'S NOT MY FAULT!

[Bob23]

  It really isn't. We've been working on an ocean front home for the last 8 weeks. And the weather here in NJ for the last 2 months has been outstanding, to say the least. This time of year there are dozens of sailboats (and power) beginning their migration south. Day after day, I'm tortured as I watch mast after mast sail by, with none ever stopping to see if I wanted a ride. Can't they see I'm stranded on this deserted island of a jobsite? Heck, Gilligan and Maryann are not even here.
 Finally, yesterday I'd had enough. Forecast was great with west winds so I broke out of jail and in no time was hoisting the mains'l on my trusty Koinoina, who has been patiently waiting. Deciding to head south, we first headed out of Harry's Cove on a port tack until we were able to come about, and sail under the causeway bridge. Usually I motor but the wind was right and the traffic was non existent. Sneaking out of the ICW south of the bridge is risky but soon I was in a local channel (Thorofare Channel) and heading WSW along the mainland. This was a blast for me for I'd never sailed there before and there are no channel markers. That's because there are no channels! Of course a word to those unfamiliar with our local waters: To say they are thin is an understatement so it can make for interesting unexpected rendezvous between the bay bottom and the keel. As the tide was dropping fast, I prefered not to attend that meeting.
  Sailing close hauled, I hugged the mainland, which is pristine saltmarsh, until I reached my destination of the mouth of Cedar Run Creek. Being a warm day, the black flies decided to make a farewell appearance just for me! I'm grateful for my depth sounder as the depth can change quickly and there are no markers of any type in this area so navigating by dead reckoning is how it's done. I noticed a rather deep draft but small fishing boat heading north and figured he knew the local waters and found deeper water in his wake. Soon it was time to do an about face and head back this time into an opposing current but still making pretty good speed even in light wind. I'm continually amazed at the 23's performance. Even though we all know they're not speed demons, they seem to have a very deliberate gate that says, " I may not get there first, but I'll get there".
  It was a much needed although very short journey. Something that brings out the explorer in us when we can sail waters for the first time. Even though these waters are on the charts, for me they are uncharted. I need to make journeys of this kind from time to time to combat the boredom of repetition. Nothing like newness to keep one from getting old, eh?
  Now, it's back to work, refreshed but yearning for more.
Bob23

[MKBLK]

Ah, the call of the sea! Nice story, Bob. Wish I was there. Pegasus is out front sitting on the hard, straining at the reins. Gotta get wet! Hopefully, Saturday. Waiting for word from JT re: Nockamixon. Hope I/we go. It is going to be absolutely beautiful with the fall foliage popping out all over.

BTW - just an aside since I know everybody reads your posts: Just ordered (and received) a gooseneck from Dwyer - EXCELLENT service! (Don't ask why I needed one) 

Marty K.

[capt_nemo]

Bob23,

Glad to read that you had a very enjoyable sail. You NEED to get out there and do it more often.

I try to remember what I heard someone (?) say once, "Enjoy every minute of life because, THIS IS NOT A DRESS REHEARSAL!". And another, "God does not subtract from man's allotted time, THE TIME SPENT SAILING!".

Stay safe out there, good buddy.

capt_nemo

[Billy]

Capt,
I think Bob actually has the latter on a wooden plaque inside of Koinoina.

But yes, sail as much as possible.....and then some!

[Bob23]

Thanks, gents. Yes, I do have that plaque on Koinonia's interior. But I only can read it when I'm already on the boat! Looks like my office is gonna have a new sign soon!
   Nemo hit the nail on the head: This is not a dress rehearsal...it's the real thing. Think I'll go out again tomorrow.. jk, can't do it. But I'm still planning, with some luck, my trip around Cape Horn. Stay tuned!
Bob23

[Banana Cakes]

With the sequestration going on (again) I have been sailing everyday, so live in jealousy.  But I'm on lakes not in open waters, which I'm jealous of you. So the circle is complete.  btw how fast have you got your cp23?  I know they say the hull speed is 6kts but sometimes I feel faster... Great read!

[Bob23]

7.2 surfing waves in conditions that I should have never been out in. 'Twas not fun. I think hull speed is 6.2 but I'm quite content at whatever speed I'm going. I sail in current so my speed over the ground is governed by the tide.
Bob23

[brackish]

Bob, glad you got out, you gotta watch that work thing, it can really get in the way of what is important.

My "good" season is just starting.  The Fall, when the ski boats, jet skis, and other obnoxious water craft are put up and I have the lake to myself.  Went out early in the week with conditions on the lake ideal.



Admiral Sheri went with me.  She is reading the John Bireley guide book to the Camino de Santiago de Compostela dreaming of going back and doing it again. 

[Sedona Don]

She is reading the John Bireley guide book to the Camino de Santiago de Compostela dreaming of going back and doing it again.

Brackish,

We did five days on the Camino in June of this year.  Great memories, but I prefer the tapas in Madrid!

Don Schaefer

[brackish]

Brackish,

We did five days on the Camino in June of this year.  Great memories, but I prefer the tapas in Madrid!

Don Schaefer

Don, what part did you do?  We were following a good friend who just finished today who did the whole Camino Frances starting in St Jean Pied de Port.  I'm serious, Admiral Sheri is a "Camino Junkie" who is already talking about doing it again when she turns seventy in three years.  We did it in 36 walking days, but if I do it again, I'm going to take a lot longer and walk less kilometers per day and see and experience a lot more.

But for now, the next European venture will be a bareboat charter in Croatia.

[Sedona Don]

Don, what part did you do?  We were following a good friend who just finished today who did the whole Camino Frances starting in St Jean Pied de Port.

Brackish ..... we only hiked from Sarria to Santiago ..... 5 days at about 20 miles a day.   I am 69 years old and had no problems.   But would rather eat Spanish food and drink Spanish wine!!

Don