Tuesday - June 30

Exercised and after breakfast, a driver for Enterprise picked us up and took us to our lime green KIA for trip to Oxford.    Mark returned a few things in Easton (Lowe's and Auto Zone).    One last yummy lunch at Schooner's (shared the wedge salad and crab cake sandwich - YUMMY). 

Schooner's wedge is theee best!

 We drove back (me in the truck) to Annapolis (50 miles), returned the rental and back to Catrina by 2:30.   Stopped for iced coffees at Zu Coffee (another neat coffee shop)!

 

I think I've mentioned before how many fruit/vegetable stands there are in Maryland along the highways, rural roads, etc.    Today, saw several setting up their fresh produce.   Also, as tall as the corn is here in Maryland, not as high as Virginia and not tasseled out here yet.

 

I did 2 loads of laundry and Mark did some boat jobs.    Had some sprinkles off and on, but overall, a nice sunny, breezy day!  

 

Another boat here from Stuart, FL.....have sure seen a lot of them.    Also, we've heard a few times when checking into a marina and giving them our address...."oh, we get lots of folks with a Green Cove Springs address!!! "    So far, this mail forwarding service is working out great!

 

Still waiting to hear back on what's what with Catrina....drives me crazy when people don't return phone calls!   We do know she will be pulled out Thursday morning

 (cheaper than leaving her in the water).   And then, we'll be on our way back to IL for the weekend..

 

Great dinner of grilled chicken,potato salad and fresh fruit.   Grilling on boats is prohibited here at Annapolis Landing, but they provide grills, so....this is a really nice marina with many liveaboards.

 

Can't believe today is the end of June (year is 1/2 over!!!)   And July 4th is right around the corner!

 

Beautiful evening - went for a walk and then sat on Catrina's bridge!

Our grand cat, Jerry, got some special attention from Brooke with a bath and cuddle!

 

 

 

Monday - the last hurrah....June 29

Hey.....we and Catrina made it to Annapolis safe 'n sound. at 4:30    We left at 6 AM and the first 3.5 hours were not fun....rough seas and stronger winds than predicted +++the tide was pushing in one direction and the wind, in the other?    At least that's what Mark speculated?   Once we crossed past the Potomac, things improved greatly and rest of the trip was uneventful.   Started out the day wearing our fleece jackets (60 degrees) when we left, but gradually warmed up to 81 with lots of sunshine and pretty puffy clouds.

 

My Captain wearing his fleece on June 29th

 

We are at the Annapolis Landing Marina for 2-3 nights - all depends on what the mechanics have to say,    We will rent a car and drive to Oxford tomorrow to get our truck.

 

Gave Catrina a good scrubbing - so much thick salt (margaritas anyone?    we have the salt...well, we did,  but all clean and shiny once again! )

 

Just thankful to be here....stay tuned for further updates!

 

Luke and Blair "bonding" at Lake James

Sunday - June 28

Happy 46th Wedding Anniversary to us!

June 28, 2015

 

So blessed and thankful for all these years

together!   May the adventures continue...

 

Beautiful Sunday in Deltaville after all the rain.   We took the courtesy car to 9:00 Mass at Church of the Visitation in

Topping, VA (11 miles west).    On our way there, the highway was blocked as a large tree had fallen across the road and police had arrived, so must've just happened?   Found an alternate route and then a very warm, welcoming congregation.  

 

 We were amazed at how high the corn is here (lots of corn and wheat fields) AND it has already tasseled out - not even July 1st?

 

 Mark had mentioned to the dockmaster that today was our anniversary, so he asked if we wanted to use the car tonight to go  out for a nice dinner!      How nice was that since they request all cars be returned by 5 before they close.    So, we chucked the idea of grilling chicken and took Jimmy's recommendation to eat at Eckhard's in Topping.   Jimmy made a reservation for us!

 

Had a yummy breakfast of sausage, eggs and toast and then went for 2.5 mile walk in some of the very rural countryside and past many little vacation cottages on the Chesapeake.   Also sat on the porch here at the marina in their comfy white rocking chairs

 

Enjoyed a leisurely afternoon as Mark is studying charts, forecast, etc., in hopes we can be on our way tomorrow bright 'n early!

 

We were reminiscing about the various places we've spent

June 28th since Mark retired (2006)....

1

2009 was a favorite - we and Daisy were on the ferry from Bellingham, WA to the inland passage of Alaska.    We were seated at table #40 (pure coincidence) on our 40th anniversary

 

Happy Birthday to Mark's sister, Joan who was just 14 when

we got married.

 

So we went to Eckhard's for dinner - very good and topped it off with warm blackberry cobbler a la mode (for 2) with a candle.   Jimmy had told them it was our anniversary!

 

Celebrating #46

 

Thanks for all the texts, e-mails and phone calls today...

It was a great day in Deltaville!

 

 

Saturday - June 27

Rainy night and morning....then very windy and cloudy.     Mark fixed pancakes (+ ham and blueberries) for breakfast, we exercised, and did some cleaning inside Catrina.    When we're traveling daily, it's easy to just put stuff here and there.    But after a while, I cannot stand clutter, so it was time to put things in order, dust and spiff things up!    Tah dah....all in order here ('cept for the blasted engines! )

 

We used a courtesy car and ran a few errands....(decided after yesterday's bike ride into town we didn't want to do that again as it's a busy road and even more so today with all the folks here for the weekend.)    We went to West Marine, picked up some delicious sandwiches from Café on the Bay and then to the Farmers' Market - mostly crafts with just a few food tents (veggies and breads). 

We bought 2 home-grown tomatoes!

 

Skies have been so threatening, but guess rain is done for a while.    Windy, though, and we can see the white caps out on the Bay from here.   Met our neighbors from Palm Beach....their daughter, son-in-law and 3 grandchildren are visiting today from Richmond (about 75 miles away).     This is a big weekend getaway for Richmond folks to come boating - with 20 marinas, they have lots of choices.   Mark and Tom (neighbor) had a good visit as he is a former naval aviator (30 years) with the Marines so Navy talk, Blue Angel talk, etc., etc.  

 

 

The Dozier Regatta Point Yachting Center

Catrina is docked right in front

 

Luke is flying to Asheville today and then a week with his cousins at Lake James

Mommy and Daddy, too

Hanging out at the Fort Lauderdale airport with my new I-pad (Mommy's old one). 

And then....a man on the move!    Gotta get some exercise before that plane ride!

 

Finally, a much-needed nap on our way to the lake before the cousin fun begins!

 

Mark grilled out burgers and Italian Sausage early before the storms came!    Rainy, stormy night but glad we are indoors with our picnic supper (also had baked beans, red-skin potato salad and deviled eggs).    Glad it's raining here and was a beautiful day in Evansville for the air show!

 

Connor is resting after the big show....and proudly wearing his new hat!

 

Lots of rain tonight!

 

 

 

 

  

Friday - June 26

Started raining at 12:30 AM with strong winds!    Then just kept on raining all night long.    We left at 7 AM and all was good till around 10:15 when the waves got bigger and we did some pounding (not my thing).   Earlier, I had made omelets for breakfast (Anne and Brooke gave me the neatest  single omelet maker - Daisy and Catrina each have one).     We decided to call it quits around 1:30 and now tied up at the Dozier Regatta Point Yacht Center in Deltaville, VA.

 

After checking in, we took our bikes and went into town.   There are between 500-800 year-round residents, but it swells to the thousands during the summer months.    And it's all about boating (primarily sailing) in this little berg as there are TWENTY marinas!!!    So apparently everyone comes by boat.    Not much here and in 2011, a nasty tornado struck Deltaville, destroying

32 homes and businesses.

 

No sun today and even cool enough that we wore jackets while underway.

 

We stopped at the Café by the Bay just before they were closing and had delicious paninis (Mark had chicken and I had a Reuben).    Cute little place open for breakfast and lunch.

 

Ryan and the Blue Angels are in Evansville, IN this weekend, along with various other air acts, including The Canadian Forces Snowbirds.    Yesterday they did a photo shoot and here are a few pics...AWESOME!!!!

 

 

It is so quiet and peaceful here tonight in this remote place, but lots of big yachts and folks from

VA, NC, PA, NH, FL, CA, IL (and that's just the ones we saw walking the docks.) 

There's a pool, nice clubhouse and other amenities, along with many trees and the birds are singing.

We just hope the storms and predicted high waves don't happen tomorrow!

We are 90 miles from Annapolis.

 

So while we're out here in Deltaville - the boating capital of the Chesapeake Bay, our kids are together (2 and 2)!

 

Anne, Patrick, Liam and Connor are going to Evansville for the weekend's air show.    They are

having dinner tomorrow night with Ryan!

 

Philip, Annette and Luke are flying to NC tomorrow for a week with Michael and family

at Lake James.   

 

Enjoy your weekend!

 

 

   

 

 

Thursday - June 25

Hello from downtown Norfolk - cut our day short cause of some nasty weather coming.    At 3:45 we were tied up at Waterside Marina and settled in waiting....

We left at 6:25 this morning and had a nice smooth ride all the way (85 miles) passing thru the Virginia Cut instead of the Dismal Swamp this go-round.    While the Dismal Swamp is straight forward, the Virginia Cut is lots of meandering and twists and turns.   We had one lock at the end of the Cut just 12 miles from Norfolk.

Heat indexes of 102-110 yesterday, but temps were just in the 80's today and felt so much better.  The Captain and First Mate had all 4 eyes on the crab pots again!   After crossing Albermarle Sound and entering the North River we exercised while running the  nice calm water, cranked up the music, and took turns lifting those weights!

Had some rain, thunder and lightning, but nothing significant; however, south of here (area we cruised past today) off Albermarle Sound is the talk of the weather channel and under tornado warnings tonight. 

We walked downtown and ate at Mo and O'Malley's Irish Pub....interesting place with a bunch of $ bills on the walls (not too unusual as we've seen that here and there.....especially at No Name Pub, right Jane?), but on one of the walls, they had a bunch of bras hanging???    Our waitress said that's what some of the gals leave behind after having a good ole time???   First time for everything!

Stay safe....bad storms all around the country tonight!

Wednesday - June 24

We got this show on the road and our next journey going north at 6:35 AM when we pulled away from the dock and left Beaufort.    Sure enjoyed our time here (longer than planned, but if we had to have a layover somewhere, this was the place to be.)    Enjoyed all the charm, wonderful meals, ice cream, shopping and friendliness of the people!    It is a very special town here on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. 

I should explain more about being able to travel with engine issues?    As long as we go certain speeds, we are just fine, it’s when we go the 15 mph (we normally like to cruise at) that the problems begin with the coolant starting to spit out!    Arghhhh.    So today’s trip went well and as long as the waters were calm, we decided to put in a long day.   It sure was hot and steamy though with not much wind.   At 3:00, the heavens opened up and we had a 20-minute torrential downpour. 

So, the ole girl got us here at 6:00 – sunny and breezy and just a tad cooler after the rain.   Beautiful evening!   We are 13 miles straight east of Columbia, NC on the Alligator River.    And directly east of us is Nags Head.   This Alligator River Marina is very small (4 boats) with a Shell gas station along a highway with cornfields (and tall corn I might add) nearby.   After a long day on the water (118 miles), can’t beat a friendly face on the dock waiting to take our lines and welcome us!    Love this southern hospitality!    We bought some very fresh, delicious chicken tenders and enjoyed yummy salads and cold white wine for supper.

 

 

Tuesday - June 23

Okaaaay....so the mechanic came around 8:30 this morning and after checking what he was told to check (via Annapolis mechanic), everything was good, except it isn't as our engine woes continue (port one this time - they seem to take turns).   Ongoing problem for 4 years, but REALLY thought we had it fixed after our time in Annapolis.   VERY frustrating for Mark and we have mechanics scratching their heads in MI, FL, NJ, MA, MD and here in NC trying to figure this all out!    Yours truly is ready to blow a gasket (just like Catrina)!    HA......no...no, but close!

 

So in spite of all this mess (which I don't understand all the mumbo jumbo of the engine's innards anyway), we keep saying it could be much worse - nobody died or we are not dealing with a serious illness, etc.    Instead of spending another 5 weeks traveling south, we are switching gears and going north tomorrow and back to Annapolis (5 days or so, depending on weather).    Those folks seem to have it together and know the proper channels to go thru to get some answers.     We will then get our truck in Oxford and drive on home.

 

Not sure where we'll go from there, but thinking we'll take Daisy north (maybe Michigan) and enjoy some of that pretty state (should be cooler than down south for sure).

 

At least as nomads, we have the time (no commitment till we pick up Brady in late July

and bring him back to IL)

 

Stay tuned for further updates.

 

Borrowed the courtesy car and went to Ace Hardware, lunch at Taylor Creek Deli (another Bo-fert winner) and then picked up a few items at Food Lion.  

 

When we started this trip (June 14th), we thought we would be anchoring out several nights, but not with this heat....many of the marinas do not allow grilling on back of boat, so we have chicken, brats, and burgers in the freezer - just waiting.    Maybe we'll hit some cooler temps as we go north?

 

 So sad to see the destruction in Lee County, IL (where we hail from) after last night's tornadoes/storms especially near Sublette (my hometown) and at Woodhaven Lakes, a huge camping community.    Thankful there were no deaths or serious injuries.  

Our last dinner in Beaufort was at The City Kitchen here at the marina....oh my, another winner.    I had shrimp and grits (since I'm not going to be in Low Country.... and sticky pudding.)    Excellent and definitely worthy of its #2 ranking for Beaufort restaurants by Trip Advisor.

 

Tomorrow....we are northbound!  

 

 

 

 

 

Monday - June 22

Beautiful day in North Carolina...we exercised, had a big breakfast and then around 11, moved from the downtown Beaufort Docks to Town Creek Marina about 1 mile away.    Not close to anything here, but they do have a courtesy car if we need one.   And they have the "City Kitchen" (ranked #2 for restaurants in Beaufort), but not open on Mondays. 

After lunch we gave Catrina a good scrubbing and with the nice breeze, didn't take long to dry off..

Read this afternoon and took a short nap.

We took a cab (courtesy car has to be returned by 6 PM, so that didn't work for dinner) to the Cedars Inn (a 5-bedroom inn that has a restaurant with a renowned chef from High Point, NC).    What a lovely place with 3 dining rooms all done in soft blue and white accents.   Food was outstanding.....red drum (local fish we had not heard of) with tomato, cucumber and caper relish served over shrimp orzo.  Mark had a ribeye.    Oh I started with tomato shrimp/crab bisque and Mark had a kale salad.   Everything was deevine!!!   Not surprised that The Cedars Inn is ranked #1 by Trip Advisor.    The restaurants here have been outstanding!

 The Cedars Inn 

We decided to walk back to the boat - there is a road out which made the cab have to go a longer route, but just 1 mile if we walk it and had cooled down just a bit.    Passed another pretty garden along the way...

Pretty alley

Father's Day - 2015

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

 

Mark and I are thinking of our Dads today and how much we miss them.   I would imagine they are looking down on us with lots of good memories of past Father's Days!

 

Happy wishes for a great day to Mark and the "Dad's" to our 7 grandchildren - Michael, Philip and Patrick!!!!

 

Job well done, guys!!!   Very proud of all of you.

 

We borrowed a courtesy car from the marina to go to 8:30 Mass at St. Egbert in Moorehead City.    They have 4 of these "Buick Roadmasters".....fortunately we got the one and only with AC.

Mark and Woody

 

Back to Catrina for pancakes and sausage!   

 Beautiful sunny, warm, breezy day in eastern NC.

 

Took the bikes off Catrina for the first time in eons!   Felt good to ride and side streets were not busy (yet) this Sunday morning.

 

Strolled the boardwalk and stopped for cold drinks and nachos - a nice, lazy Sunday hanging out with my kids' Dad!!!

 

Mark had a good day with phone calls from his kids and his Mom. 

We walked around town this beautiful evening and stopped at the Beaufort Grocery Co. (another nice restaurant) for an appetizer (their delicious pimento spread on crackers, candied pecans and apple/onion slaw).    All very good!

Tomorrow we are moving onto another marina here in Beaufort (having some engine issues that need to be addressed by a mechanic, but he's not available till Tuesday).    We'll know this little town really well by the time we leave!

Have a great week!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday - June 20

After a stormy Friday evening with lots of thunder, lightning and rain, today is fresh, sunny and in the 80's.    We exercised and then walked the streets of Beaufort - had iced coffees from Cru and so in awe at all the lovely old homes, gardens, etc.    Just a beautiful little town with lots of history, so well preserved and thriving!

 

We went thru the North Carolina Maritime Museum - very good!    Then to the Front Street Grille for wonderful lunch - pimento BLT (oh my.......pimento cheese (homemade) is a biggie down south) - exceptional as was Mark's roasted beet salad.   My drink hit the spot.....gin, cucumber, fresh mint and fresh lime - wow!  Very refreshing!   

 

Back to Catrina to hang out for a few hours!   

 

Lovely home and flowers 

First crepe myrtle of the season...

Voted "Best Yard of the Week" (picture does not do it justice - it was soo pretty)

 

We went to the Old Burying Ground 2 years ago and again this morning...such a tragic story 

Visitors frequently leave small gifts and trinkets at the unusual gravesite of the little girl buried in a barrel of rum. According to the legend, a young girl traveled to England with her father who promised the child's mother to return her safely home. Sadly, on the return journey, the young girl died at sea. Desperately wanting to keep his promise to return home with his daughter, the girl's father purchased a barrel of rum from the ship's captain.

 

He placed his daughter's lifeless body in the barrel of rum and returned her to Beaufort for

burial at home.

 

We did face time with Blair (also Davis, Brooke and Michael).    She was her usual happy "Chatty Cathy" self!    Soon as she saw us, she smiled and said "Papa" - "Grandma"!!!    A few days ago we saw Luke and he was all smiley - don't want these little ones to forget their nomad G and G.

 

Got our ice cream fix in and at 4:00, we were off on the Crystal Coast Lady for a 1 1/2 hour cruise  (historic tour of dolphins and wild ponies past 200-300 year old homes and discover the history and mystery of the Crystal Coast.)    Didn't see any ponies, though!

 

Lovely evening and the boardwalk is full of couples and families out strolling.

 

 Happy Father's Day to all you Dads and Grandpas out there! 

Enjoy YOUR day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday - June 19

We went to Cru this morning - a Coffee and Wine Bar......coffee and breakfast in the morning, wine and other goodies at night.   It's in an old building with original brick walls, tin ceiling, wood floors and lots of charm!    Mark had a cinnamon roll and I had 2 mini rhubarb/strawberry muffins - pastries were wonderful!    Then to the Laundromat with 4 loads.   

 I got that done while Mark worked on his job list.

 

Another hot day but really breezy.... with all that's happening weather wise (so much rain back home) and the horrific tragedy in Charleston, going to stop complaining about our little discomfort from the heat!

 

We went to Old Salt for lunch (Mark's choice).    There are soooo many great places to eat in this little town!    It was EXCELLENT and their fries are soaked in a sea brine for 24 hours.    Delish, along with my shrimp tacos and his ribs.

 

I walked along Front Street and browsed the very nice shops.....we remember this area from when we were here in '13.   At that time we took a trolley tour thru the historic section, old cemetery, etc.  

  Love Beaufort!

 

Our two hockey stars so proud and happy about the Blackhawks

winning the Stanley Cup!!!

 

So...it was a really nice day in Beaufort (3rd oldest town in NC)!   I fixed taco salads for supper and keeping an eye on the weather which looks nasty (it did last night, too, but didn't get squat)!

 

Enjoy your weekend!!!

 

 

 

Thursday - June 18

We exercised and left Grace Harbor at River Dunes at 10:45.   Again today....the HEAT is on!   We cruised 36 miles and are now in Beaufort (Bo-fert) where we plan to hang out a few days.   Laundry, shopping, walking around (although in this heat, the thought of leaving cool Catrina is not that appealing......we want to ride bikes, too, but???)

 

River Dunes Marina

 

Our friends, Mark and Barbara from New Bern arrived around 5:30 with wine, cheese/crackers and 3 pints of freshly picked blueberries!   WOW.....big thanks for all these treats and so fun to catch up with them.   We were last together in February when we met in Venice, FL

 

After our wine and appetizers we walked to "Aqua" for delicious dinner....now, another  new favorite in Beaufort.     Mark and I walked on the boardwalk along the water on a very pleasant evening

after all the heat, but rain and storms are coming, according to radar! 

 

 Barbara and Mark

 

 

Wednesday - June 17

Today it was all about CRAB POTS!    They were everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!    We left Pelican Marina on the Pasquotank River at 6 AM.    That was just the start of dodging these little suckers for 2 hours and 40 minutes.   I asked Mark why couldn't they have lime green, hot pink or other bright colors as they would be so much easier to see.    Soo many were grey or black and just blended in with the water and especially hard to see with the wave action!   Did see a few orange ones.....but as much as we both love crab, we can appreciate all that goes into crabbing, so just happy that is behind us!

 

We were on several bodies of water today.....including Albemarle Sound, Alligator River-Pungo River Canal, Pungo River, Pamlico River, Bay River, Pamlico Sound, Neuse River and tonight we are on Broad Creek at the BEAUTIFUL, very UPSCALE River Dunes Marina (Grace Harbor) near Oriental, NC.

 

This was developed in 2008 along with some lovely, large homes.   It is very remote, but WOW...has all the amenities including lovely clubhouse with plush furniture, brick fireplaces, pool with cabanas, and on and on.    The front porch has fireplace and rocking chairs - very homey.    In their front reception area, they had a plaque that read "Best Community of  the Year (2013)" .
 A Bliss Award.....   Neat....(Brooke's maiden name).  

We thought about staying here another day, but we'll move on tomorrow to Beaufort (Bo-fert) - a favorite from 2013.    Laundry awaits.....and really looking forward to having dinner with friends we met many years ago in Racine and who now live in New Bern.

 

We cruised 126 miles and arrived at River Dunes at 3:30.   Longer day than we planned, but glad to have Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds behind us!

Enjoyed a reprieve from the severe heat we've been having - it got to 88 today, but sure feels better than 98.

Had nachos for supper and just unwinding after a big day on the water.  

 

 

Tuesday - June 16

We were pulling away from the dock in Portsmouth at 6:27 AM and it was already 78 sticky degrees.   We traveled thru the Dismal Swamp (locks going in and coming out) and enjoyed this scenic route with beautiful trees lining our path and occasional glimpses of  rural countryside including a farmer combining wheat......the temperature kept climbing and reached a high of 98.   

We arrived in Elizabeth City, North Carolina at the Pelican Marina around 3:15.

 

This big barge (Columbia River) from Hong Kong was traveling close by

 as we were leaving Portsmouth.

 

The scenic beauty of the Dismal Swamp

 

The oldest operating artificial waterway in the US.   It is rich in history and folklore   It opened in 1805, 12 years after it was started - lots more to read about on the internet.

The water thru this area is very rust colored and caused from tannic acid and tides.

Tannins are released from the roots and leaves of decaying vegetation.

 

The plan was to anchor out several nights along the way, but not in this heat - we nomads do like and appreciate our AC.   Running the generator at anchor is another option, but not tonight + we like the peace and quiet!

Mark cleaned both air conditioning filters and we had big chef salads for supper. 

 

A great shot at Ocean City of the crowds and the Diamond

This is how it looked up and down the beach for miles on Saturday 

 

Luke is working on a butterfly craft project at the science center today

Looks pretty serious and  I like those stickers on your hand and arm!

 

 Although we are in NC tonight, we are 331 miles from Michael and all....

 

 

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Monday - June 15

Happy Monday from hot and steamy Portsmouth!    Mark suggested this morning that we stay over a day and just catch up on odd jobs, relax and unwind after the big day of travel yesterday.    Sounds good to me!   We exercised, I fixed sausage/egg/cheese on English Muffin sandwiches and then we walked to Olde Portsmouth - it's HOT......enjoyed the beautiful old homes, brick sidewalks and all the charm of this historic city.     Our Tidewater Yacht Marina is directly across from Norfolk where we stayed previous 2 visits here.   Stopped at The Coffee Shoppe for iced coffees and then back to Catrina where it was nice 'n cool!

 

In the summer of 2012 we were here by car (left Daisy in Chesapeake City) and drove over  for the day.    Lots of history with many museums, including Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, Virginia Children's Museum, etc.

 

Walking thru the marina, we came upon 2 boats side by side.....one was from Stuart, FL (our destination) and the other, Green Cove Springs, FL (home to our mail forwarding service)!

 

Mark did several inside-the-boat jobs today - it was 98 with a heat index of 104 (110 coming tomorrow.)    Keep hearing about all the rain and flooding back in IL.

 

Our friend, Katherine who lives in Virginia Beach picked us up for dinner and we were off to downtown Olde Portsmouth - delicious dinner at Lobscouser (had lunch here in 2012) and always fun catching up with Katherine.

 

Pat, Mark, Katherine

 

Tomorrow we'll be on our way...

 

 

 

 

Saturday, Sunday - Flag Day 2015

Proudly flying "Old Glory" on Catrina as we were cruising...

 

Saturday - Another sunny WARM day in Ocean City    We planned to take the bus to the show instead of walking the 3 miles, but that wasn’t  to be as ALL the buses were filled to the max and they just passed us and many others bye bye   So we set out and stopped for breakfast along the way and cooled off….it was hot and not much of a breeze like yesterday.    Arrived at the show around 12:30 and met more folks – today was just unbelievable.    Traffic was backed up for miles and no idea where all these people would park?    

This was our 1^st experience with an air show on the beach.    It was the 8^th Annual for Ocean City, but first time for the Blue Angels to appear.  For as far as you could see…the beach was packed to the gills with colored umbrellas, people on all the hotel balconies and rooftops and walking the boardwalk.   Never saw anything like it!!!     We talked to a former sheriff’s deputy from Delaware who was helping in the Blue Angel tent….she said they were estimating 300,000!     

 

My buddy, Andrew.    He is the son of Captain Tom - #1 pilot and Leigh Frosch) and a very sweet boy I've gotten to know at air shows.

The Breitling Jet Team from France performed – wow…..7 jets doing their awesome maneuvers with a French-accented narrator and French music playing.    They were very enjoyable.  

Jets from France

  The Air Force F-22 Raptor demo brought on lots of cheers with their total jaw-dropping performance and noise level.   Its last maneuver is called the Heritage flight when a smaller plane joins the Raptor in tribute to the wounded warriors and those who sacrificed their lives in combat.   While they fly, the most beautiful patriotic song is roaring thru the speakers and  has become their trademark when they appear at air shows. 

After another flawless Blue Angel performance, we walked to Holy Savior Church for 5:15 Mass.   We thought we would let the crowds clear out….so, got to church at 4:15 (Mass was at 5:15).    It felt so good to be in air conditioning and of course there’s plenty to pray for.     After Mass at 5:50, we walked outside only to find traffic and people everywhere!!!!     We tried catching a bus, but all full.    Stopped and got some ice cream and saw a bus had stopped up ahead and people getting on, so we hightailed it and tah dah….nice bus lady let us on.   It was standing room only, but nice man gave me his seat and I had a nice chat with his wife.    They are from Charlotte, NC.   

Rode the bus about 20 minutes and then back to our truck in hotel parking lot and we were on our way.    Mark took the northern route out of town (lots of rural driving thru Delaware) and finally “home” on Catrina at 9:15.    We were tired and sweaty, but so glad to be home.    Showers and off to bed.    Big day tomorrow…. 

Sunday – Left Oxford (Catrina’s home) for past 2 years at 6:50.    It rained at 3 AM, so everything is wet - after a quick towel dry, we were off and not sure if or when we’ll be back to this charming little town on the Eastern Shore…taking lots of great memories.  

 

Bye bye to the Hinckley Boat Yard

 

  So here it is, June 14^th (Flag Day) and we are heading south to Florida.    We estimate a 5-6 week trip depending on weather, etc.    I even wore my new “Simply Southern” shirt Brooke gave me for Mother’s Day
 (“since you’re going to be a Southern Girl now”)!

 

On my way to becoming a "southern" girl!

We went 143 miles today (10 hours) with ideal conditions - calm seas and clear blue skies.    And had the pleasure of 10-12 dolphins frolicking in front of Catrina's bow. 

Tonight we are in Portsmouth, VA and Mark met his goal of getting off Chesapeake Bay today!    From here on, he tells me "more leisurely days - maybe 50 miles or so per day".   Today was absolutely delightful.   We have around 1,000 miles to go....

Passing by a small area of the huge Naval Port in Norfolk

And a barge of shipping containers

 

Tah dah.....Red #36 is the start of the Intracoastal Waterway.    We'll be at our destination (Stuart) when we hit #978.

At one point today, we were directly across (40 miles) from Wallops Island (VA) where the Blue Angels and other aviation performers at the air show took off and landed this weekend.   

 

Friday - June 12

Hello from Ocean City where it's been just a gorgeous, clear-blue sky and warm balmy breezes kind of day.    We left Oxford at 7:45 and stopped in Cambridge at the Sandy Hill Diner (been there before) for breakfast.    Just a small local spot where the same gal does it all....she's waitress, chef, cashier, etc. and very efficient I might add!   Good food and cheap prices!

 

Arrived at the hotel and met some more family members of the Blues.    That's one of the things we've really enjoyed at each show seeing familiar faces and then meeting new moms dads, spouses, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, etc. of the pilots and other officers, staff, etc.

 

Saw Ryan for 2 seconds (quick hug) and he was off.   Mark and I decided to walk the 3 miles to Centerpoint (ship out in the water marking the center reference point for the pilots to do their maneuvers) and where our Blue Angel tent was located.     We just took our time and the first 2 1/2 miles were on the sidewalk (street side) but last 1/2 mile, we hit the boardwalk and wow - very nice.    LOTS of people on the beach and nice soft, very clean sand.   We walked to Layton's off the beach for lunch.

 

A bunch of us kicked off our shoes and enjoyed the sand!

Some of the kids played in the sand and creatively designed a flag stand for our tent!

 

Practice was great and then took the bus back to hotel.    Showers felt sooo good and then sat on our balcony overlooking the ocean...

 

Nice view...

 

Met Ryan at 8:00 and walked across the street to The Longboard Café for excellent dinner and outstanding desserts......blueberry vanilla bread pudding and heath bar gooey butter bar!

It was sooo nice to just sit, relax and visit with Ryan.

Other than high in the sky tomorrow, we won't see him again till mid-August in Chicago.

 

And some fresh pics of our little tykes...

Luke and his new "summer" do!!!

Blair loves riding "on the pontoon" at Lake James

Her Great Aunt Theresa (Mark's sister) and Great Uncle Mike are visiting from Chicago!

 

 

Thursday - June 11

Hot 'n Steamy day in Maryland!     We unpacked, exercised and then went to Easton (Target, Lowe's, West Marine and Acme for groceries).    Catrina's cupboards and fridge are well stocked for our big trip coming up.

 

After lunch, Mrk tackled some boat maintenance jobs and I'm trying to catch up on e-mails and tidy up Catrina.

 

Traveling thru the country.....corn is higher here than back in IL.   With all the rain we had back home and now the hot weather coming, it will really take off!    There was still so much water standing in the fields when we left yesterday.

We drove (19 miles) into St. Michaels tonight for pizza at Ava's - sooo good and tonight their special was "Baked Potato Pizza" - very good!   Sat in the courtyard this warm June evening with fans, flowers and pretty brick/stone décor.

Usually we come here by boat, so after dinner, we walked around town for a bit (most shops were closed) and then drove around in parts we've never been - such a charming little town
on the Eastern Shore


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday - June 10

We left the campground at 7 this morning with Daisy and Toad.    Unfortunately our rental car wasn't available and due to a big shortage today, Hertz folks didn't know WHEN they would have one?    WHAT?    We had a reservation - never had that happen before!    Mark was able to get another one thru Avis/Budget and we picked it up at the airport.   I drove rental, he had Daisy pulling Toad and off to storage (our friend, Roger's shed in Gridley) for the next 6 weeks.

O'Hare was our next stop and we were able to get on the 1:30 flight to DC (35 minutes late leaving and sooo many people flying.) 
The airports just seem to get busier and busier.

After we landed, took the Silver Line bus to the Metro and after switching trains, we arrived at the Vienna stop.   Our nephew, Tom and his girlfriend, Samm met us (each drove) and we had our truck back.   BIG thanks to Tom for keeping it these past 3 weeks and delivering to our Metro stop.     They had other plans tonight, so we visited very briefly with hugs and good byes. 

Samm and Tom 

Traffic has been crazy....can't imagine living here.    Backed way up when we left airport, on the bus, on the trains and then driving in it.    7:30 at night....HEAVY, HEAVY!!!!    Drove thru the downtown area past several landmarks - it is a beautiful evening and sooo many people out and about walking, watching or playing sports, etc.    We drove past the marina where we stayed last summer and areas we biked to and from!    Good memories!
Hats off to Mark for doing all that heavy traffic driving!
 Not my thing!

And more good memories from Rockford...

Linda (sister-in-law), Leia (great niece), Pat, Jennifer (niece)

Let's get this show on the road, Cousin Ryan!
I am ready.....

We are on Catrina - arrived in Oxford at 8:50 tonight!   
 Great to be "Home" again!