June 15, 2008

Hi all, Getting a jump on this message as we have a w-ifi connection tonight and who knows what tomorrow will bring? Many Marinas provide a free connection, but they don't always work so well..... the trip has changed dramatically this week! Monday we passed through the NC Forest Fire zone. We couldn't see the fire, but could sure smell the smoke, and I hosed down the boat to get rid of the ash Monday night. Tues. am it was covered again! Uffda. We crossed the Albamorale Sound--a bit bouncy as the winds and water play games with each other. In the afternoon, we were back in a little river, and then Turner's Cut--one of the most beautiful stretches on the trip so far! It felt like being inside a painting--trees right down to the water's edge with reflections sending back more shades of green than one would think possible! We tied the boat to posts outside the lock at South Mills, NC Tuesday night, and in the morning entered the Dismal Swamp Canal--the end of the rural part of the trip. We exited the Swamp into Norfolk--busy and bustling with recreational, commercial and lots and lots of Naval boats--but surprisingly easy to navigate! Leaving Norfolk, we wound our way into Chesapeake Bay, and were delighted to find that both days we spent in the Bay, the wind and water conditions gave us a nice ride. Last night we were in a Marina in the Chesapeake-Delaware Cansl, and this morning ran down the Del. River (much different from the rocky, rapid part of the DE River that flows past Camp Tel Yehudah!) into the Delaware Bay and lo and behold, next thing you know we're in New Jersey! We laughed and laughed at how many boaters could be buzzing around on a Sunday afternoon! After 2 hours of playing 'dodge-em' with the boats while navigating and steering so the boat stayed off the bottom and continued to float, it was time to tie up---a 76 mile day, our longest so far! So here we are, just south of Ocean City NJ and looking forward to being home soon! happy Father's day to all you dads out there! Hope it's been a great week for all.... Love Linda and Fred Vote for your city's best dining and nightlife. City's Best 2008.