Hello to all our family, neighbors and friends. We left home port yesterday at 0820 heading for our first stop at the Norfolk Naval Base Marina. We tied up there at 1530. The trip down the Chesepeake Bay was calm and peaceful.
Our Bon Voyage Party was a fabulous good time at the Whitestone Wine and Cheese, our favorite restaurant in the Northern Neck owned by Chef Bruce and his wonderful staff. Thanks to all for the crazy gifts. I'm sure Bob's "Time Out Chair" will get some use.
Our trip had been delayed so we could get a chance to hold our newest grandchild (we now have an even dozen), Annabella Marie Primrose (extremely important - she is a real cutie); so we could get the electronics installed; and so Bob could do a consulting gig. Then some nasty weather came in and we had to wait for two more days.
We are loaded to the gills with supplies, Penny's painting equiment, and every tool Bob could possibly need to fix just about every on this boat that might need fixing - although we hope that isn't much.
We were the only people at the Marina last night. It was a very quiet night. Our only problem was that the horn had not worked in the morning, so Bob fixed that this morning. He was disappointed that he could not make sure all the neighbors were up when we left.
This morning we headed out at 0920 and managed to pass though Norfolk and manever all the bridges and then we completed our first lock! We will stop tonight at anchor and continue our trip down the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW, or otherwise known as "Doin' the Ditch"). For those of you interested in reading more about the ICW, I've attached a link to a site with some interesting info.
We hope to make this blog of our travels interesting for those who would like to "follow along." Each day will certainly be a new "adventure." Thanks to all of you for putting up with us while we got ready for this trip.
P.S. We are now at anchor enjoying the sunset, watching hang gliders over the marsh, sipping our cocktails, and eating Kasari cheese - "Life is Good"
About Us
- Bob & Penny
- We are one of those crazy couples who plan to do anything but sit in rocking chairs in our retirement years. So we decided to buy a boat and "rock around" on the water instead. Our plans include cruising the Intercoastal Waterway to Florida, then on to the Bahamas (now our third trip), then maybe someday cruising the Great Loop, or just going North to Canada during the summer and returning home. For those of you interested in our boat - it is a Crosswater Catamarin made by Catman Cats in Urbanna, VA. I have included a link to the Crosswater site, however the site is currently being updated. The boat was built in 2001. It is equipped with two 195 HP Yanmar Engines, Westerbeke Generator, two staterooms, two heads, fully-equipped galley, salon, and pilot house. It couldn't be more comfortable for the two of us. We love the design and space available for hosting friends when they are able to join us. We are home ported near Smith Point on the Virginia side of the Potomac River at the mouth of the Potomac at the Chesepeake Bay.
7 comments:
I hope the journey is as you hoped and dreamed of. Relax and enjoy, I know you deserve it and have worked very hard. Its time for the rest of us who have to work to continue and dream of the day when we can do the same. Very best wishes for smooth sailing and a happy thanksgiving!!
Chip & Vicki
Bob and Penny,
We are extremely jealous! W hope you have some Jimmy Buffet tunes to put things into perspective. We will be following your postings and hope to learn a lot about your travels and destinations.
Good luck Captain.
Harry and Co.
Thinking about what you could've easily forgotten that could be important... How about a spare key to your fuel caps? For some of us, that may not be such a big deal, but for others...
Marine Electronics has been parked in your driveway for the past few days. With you gone they just don't know what to do with their time. I'm happy everything is going OK.
Just remember to check for empty floating wine bottles each morning before you engage the engines...better yet make sure to fill the bottles with water so they sink...no trace of a good time then...we will collect them all at the Wine & Cheese later...break a leg...
Hi Penny and Bob,
Wow, we talked about this trip for so long that it seemed like a dream. Now you are actually living your dream. congratulations
We will be keeping track of you as you go south.
Love, Linda and Bill
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