Update – Wakely, Stan and I have survived Hurricane Nicole with no damage to the boat or the crew.
We did experience a great deal of wind and rain but other than that, all is good.
Torrential rain and wind battering Wakely at the height of the storm
The weather is improving and tomorrow we are planning to continue our journey. We are heading to Jekyll Island GA.
From Jekyll Island we go to St Augustine, Titusville and then the now known final destination, Jupiter, FL.
I want to mention and deeply thank Rick Sirvaitis for securing a dock for Wakely in Jupiter. His kindness and assistance will allow Wakely safe harbor as I travel back to CT for Thanksgiving.
Let me first address the issue at hand. We stopped in Savannah so that our crewmate, Randy Bourne, could catch a plane back to Connecticut. Now, not to misunderstand, Randy flying home just before a hurricane hits was not because he was scared. Randy flying home from Savanna was always the plan.
I must say that Randy joined us in Norfolk, VA, and enjoyed a week of perfect weather, and great food and provided Stan and me with great company. But, he did miss the harrowing ride down the Jersey shore in pea soup fog, the electrical problems in Atlantic City, the snotty seas of Delaware Bay, and Hurricane Nicole. Randy is a very smart fellow.
Randy enjoying a home-cooked steak dinner aboard Wakely with Stan
Randy enjoying a beautiful ride down the ICW with Stan and me (note the beautiful blue sky)
Now, as far as Hurricane Nicole, Wakely, Stan, and I have decided to hunker down in Isle of Hope, GA, just outside of Savannah. It is approximately 20 miles south of Savannah.
Isle of Hope is a small island in North East Georgia
We had many conversations on whether to continue South but decided that the best chance of avoiding Nicole’s worst was by staying as far north as possible. We are hoping for the best. The full impact of the storm is not supposed to hit us until Thursday. We are double and triple-lined and have all bumpers over the side. We will ride the storm out on Wakely in Isle of Hope.
Wacca Watche, November 4th, 2022
Jumping back in time, we had an incredible experience and coincidence just South of Myrtle Beach, SC at a marina called Wacca Wache Marina (great name).
Approximately 5 miles before the marina on a creek with all “S” turns, we were stopped at a low bridge waiting for it to open.
As we waited, two more Back Cove 41’s (the sister boats of Wakely) formed a line right behind Wakely. The Boats’ names were Infinity and Lucy Goose. Then, a Back Cove 37 joined the line behind the three original Back Coves. The coincidence of having four Back Coves stopped together in the southern part of South Carolina at a swing bridge was coincidence enough. But it got better as the three 41’s were all going to Wacca Wache Marina.
The Back Coves 41 forming up behind Wakely at the bridge
Once the bridge opened, the four Back Coves formed a convoy and we charged down the creek, making great “S” turns and having a great deal of fun. If you have ever had the opportunity to convoy down a tight creek at top speed, you get the adrenaline. If you have not, I don’t recommend it.
A Back Cove 41 Convoy to Wacca Wache
But, the coincidence continued when we arrived at Wacca Wache as Lucy Goose final destination is exactly where Wakely is heading. The Yacht and Racquet Club of Boca Raton. And, even crazier, one of the crewmates on Infinity lives in the same building and same floor as Catherine and my rental unit. Life is great.
The Wacca Wache Crew enjoying Dinner
Aphrodite
Coincidences continued to abound at Wacca Wache as fellow Riverside Yacht Club vessel Aphrodite pulled in next to Wakely. APHRODITE was built and launched in May of 1937 for Wall Street financier and later Ambassador to the Court of St. James, John Hay (Jock) Whitney of Manhasset, Long Island.
Best described as a “Commuter Yacht”, this elegant and sleek 74-footer would each morning whisk Mr. Whitney from his large two-story boat house westward down Long Island Sound and thru the East River to his Wall Street office.
APHRODITE’S guest list over the years reads like a “Who’s Who” in the worlds of government, business and entertainment with such luminaries as Fred Astaire, Sir Laurence Olivier, Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Henry Ford II, FDR advisor Harry Hopkins and Nelson Rockefeller aboard for summer day cruises down Long Island Sound. APHRODITE also once served as the site for a birthday party for Shirley Temple.
Aphrodite at Wacca Wache74′ Aphrodite at dock next to 46′ Wakely
Charleston, November 5, 2022
After a wonderful stay in Wacca Wache, Wakely was off to Charleston, SC for a stay at the Bristol Marina. Charleston is a beautiful city that I highly recommend visiting. Vibrant with classic 1700 and 1800 buildings, Randy and I walked miles through this beautiful city.
Horse Drawn Carriages were prevalent in Charleston downtownRandy Bourne blending onto a Charleston wall (Notice the shorts)Visited Rainbow Row – A row of pastel 1700 and 1800 homesRainbow Row Homes
Hilton Head, November 6, 2022
Following Charleston, we made headway to Hilton Head Island where Stan owns a home. This allowed Stan to stop at home and pick up some needed items. This was followed by a great dinner with my long-time friends Jeff and Ellen Wolfson. It was great seeing them.
Savannah, November 7, 2022
Following Hilton Head, we made our way to Savannah, GA for what has turned into a long-term stay at Isle of Hope Marina sitting out Hurricane Nicole. However, we did get the opportunity to visit Savannah which is another beautiful city. The city is renouned for squares. That is the city was built as a series of squares that allowed the citizens to protecy themselves from Indians, the Spanish and later the British. Today, they are lovely parks surrounded by gracious old homes.
Savannah is characterized by old cobblestone streets
Below is a video of Forsyth Square, one of Savannah’s many squares.
We also met Johnny Mercer, co-founder of Capital Records, writer of Moon River and Savannah nativeWe were all excited because we will be cruising down Moon River
So, Stan, Wakely, and I are sitting in Isle of Hope Marina, just south of Savannah, today, Wednesday November 9th , 2022 waiting for Nicole to arrive. The winds are increasing and the storm is expected to arrive tonight and through Thursday. We are hoping to continue our journey on Friday and arrive in our final destination early next week.
Following the excitement of our first day in the fog, our electrical problem in Atlantic City, and the rough waters of Delaware Bay, things have settled down. After leaving Annapolis on Friday, October 28, we continued south to Solomons Island on the west side of the Chesapeake Bay. This was a pleasant 50 Nautical Mile cruise down the Chesapeake.
Approximately 50 nm from Annapolis to Solomons Island
While Solomon’s Island is a beautiful area, Stan and I were lucky enough to dock at Beacon Marina, the home of the Anglers Seafood Bar and Grill where we were treated to the worst Karaoke ever.
Click to See and Hear Video
While Stan and I were tempted to stay for another night of Karaoke, we had to get to Norfolk, VA on Sunday, October 30 in order to pick up our crew mate and dear friend Randy Bourne at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. This 100-nautical mile run from Solomons Island to Norfolk was another nice day with the wind pushing us south along the Chesepeake
I am always amazed when I cruise through Norfolk, home of a massive naval base. This time through we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
With Randy on board, we left Norfolk and headed to Coinjock, NC to connect with Maria and Bob Dwyer and for the Prime Rib. First, Maria and Bob Dwyer are the in-laws of my niece Taylor Bell. Maria and Bob are avid boaters who own a beauitiful Sabre 42 power boat. And, Coinjock NC is the home of the best Prime Rib in the world.
However, before arriving in Coinjock, we had to go through a lock. Locks along the ICW are designed to create a series of steps where boats either climb or descend as they travel upstream or downstream.
Boats in the lock waiting for the water to riseBob and Maria Dwyer on their Beautiful Sabre 42
The next day we continued from Coinjock to Bellhaven and the Dowry Creek Marina.
Leaving Norfolk is the beginning of the “real” Intercoastal Waterway and things change drastically. The Waterway is a caravan of boats all heading south for the winter. And, it is treacheroulsy narrow and shallow. Speed is greatly reduced as Wakely cannot pass other boats at speed as her wake would rock the boats we are passing. In addition, the waterway’s channels are shallow and narrow. Shoaling, when sand builds up, is very dangerous as it can stretch into the channel. The crew needs to be on a constant state of alert in order to avoid running aground.
One story worth noting is that we were following a 52 foot cabin cruiser down the channel when all of a sudden she veered sharply to port (left). A crewmate jumped out of the cabin to wave us off as they had just collided with a shoal. They managed to back off the shoal. However, in the process they lost power in one of their engines. They were making headway on the other engine but taking on water when the Coast Guard came to their rescue.
An unfortunate boater who was not paying enough attention on the ICW
After leaving Bellhaven, we continued on to Beaufort, NC where we again met up with Bob and Maria Dwyer for a hamburger dinner on Wakely. Wakely is very pretty at night, if I say so myself.
Wakely lit up for the evening
Tonight as I write this blog, I am sitting in Wrightsville, NC. We stopped here to let Randy spend an evening with a cousin he had not seen for many years. We have been out for nine days and we are getting into a routine that allows us to keep up a very full schedule of cruising, arriving in port, making any necessary adjustments to Wakely, filling her up with fresh water and fueling up every few days.
Tomorrow we cross into South Carolina and stop at Georgetown before continuing onto Charleston and Hilton Head, SC.
Stick with Stan, Randy, Wakely and me as we move ever closer to our final destination, where ever that may be.
On my previous blog, “FOG, ELECTRIC ISSUE AND GOOD SAMARITANS” there is a video of Wakely and Baroness crashing through the waves.
It looks like a picture, but it is a video. If you click the picture it will reload as the video and click again to see what “snotty” seas look like.
Three days into the cruise and so much has happened. Catherine waved goodbye to Stan and me as we left Riverside on Wednesday, 10/25 in dense fog. We were starting a 120-nautical mile run to Atlantic City. The fog was so thick that at times we could not see Wakely’s bow. Cruising down the East River in New York, the buildings were almost entirely blanketed in fog. This is when a boater completely appreciates and depends on radar which allows one to see other approaching vessels. We used radar the entire trip as the whole way was fogged in. The radar worked perfectly.
Catherine on the dock waving goodbye to Wakely, Stan, and Me
Motoring down the East River, NYC the building were clouded in fog and the Statue of Liberty was just a ghost
Eight Hours later we arrived in Atlantic City mentally exhausted and fog blind from the foggy experience.
Atlantic City
We docked at Farley State Marina at the Golden Nugget and grabbed a quick dinner before collapsing into bed and dreaming of a sunny Thursday.
Thursday dawned a beautiful day and we rose early to make our 95-nautical mile cruise from Atlantic City to Delaware City, DE. We prepared to leave and I turned the ignition and NOTHING!! The engine would not make a sound. Stan and I tried everything we could think of to troubleshoot the problem with tremendous cell phone help from Peter Roestenberg, Wakely’s Engine Technician, and Israel Novak of Back Cove Yachts. They tried so hard to help and it is greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, we could not troubleshoot the issue.
At the end of the day, a technician from Atlantic City arrived to look into the problem and when we realized what it was, I was so disappointed. There is a system on Wakely called a Fireboy. It is designed to put out an engine fire automatically. If the system is not engaged, the engine will not start. The AC technician was looking for possible reasons the engine would not start when he accidentally touched a loose Fireboy wire and the engine came to life. For a loose wire, that only needed to be tightened with a screwdriver, the day was lost.
Atlantic City to Delaware City, DE Rock Hall, MD
Friday dawned with bright sun and Stan and my spirits were high as we fired up Wakely’s engine and headed out towards Delaware City. We cruised down the New Jersey coast and into the Cape May canal in relatively calm waters.
In the Cape May canal, we were approached from behind by “Baroness”, a good size 55ft Ocean fishing boat. A boat built for deep sea fishing far off the shore in heavy seas. I slowed down and called her on the radio asking if she would like to pass us on the port side. She replied that she would and thanked us for our courtesy. As she passed, I asked if they had heard any marine forecast for Delaware Bay, a historically rough patch of water. Baroness replied she had not and that the bay would be fine.
A little while later, after Baroness had gotten ahead of us by about a mile and entered the Bay from the canal, she radioed us again and informed us that the Bay was completely snotty (a nautical term for huge waves). And, offered to lead us through the Bay, breaking the waves as we went. This would allow Wakley to maintain a better speed and reduce the banging caused by the huge wave effect. Baroness had to wait, bobbing in the water, approximately 30 minutes before we caught up to her because, without her kindness, we were only managing 7-8 knots. Once we tucked in behind this good/great samaritan, we were able to increase speed to 15 knots. It was still rough, but not as bad as it would have been without Baroness.
Baroness Breaking the waves in front of Wakely – Well, not completely
With the kindness of this gentleman and his vessel Baroness, we made great time and got through the bay with time to spare. As there was still daylight, we pushed on to Rock Hall, MD. which put us closer to Annapolis which was our goal for today.
Rock Hall, MD on beautiful evening
This morning we left for a quick 20-mile run across the Chesapeake Bay to Annapolis, MD where I am sitting now. Earlier this afternoon we took a walking tour of the U.S. Naval Academy and I wish that I had had the brains to even consider such a fine school. However, seeing all the cadets gave me a tremendous feeling of pride and hope for our future naval officers.
Tomorrow we cruise 48 miles to Solomons Island and then to Norfolk, VA where we will add a new character to our story. Randy Bourne will join us for our cruise from Norfolk, VA to Savannah, GA and we look forward to the fun and humor he will bring.
The current crew (Stan Thurley) is to the left of me and the future crew (Randy Bourne) is to the right of me
Loving every minute and looking forward to more adventures.
Pouring over charts to plan the 2022 Cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway
Hello Friends – Yes, I am introducing a new edition of Cruising with Kramer!
I’m excited to share that Stan Thurley and I are once again going to cruise the ICW South from Riverside, CT to Florida. An estimated 1,500 nautical mile cruise over 3 weeks.
Technically speaking the The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is part of America’s Great Loop. The Great Loop is a continuous waterway that recreational mariners can travel that includes part of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mxico, Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and inland rivers of America’s heartland. It is approximately 6,000 nautical miles.
AMERICA’S GREAT LOOP
Stan and I will be cruising on Wakely, the Back Cove 41 that we cruised North on the ICW from Marco Island, FL to Riverside, CT in May of 2020. That trip took 14 days and was right at the height of the Pandemic. We are confident that this cruise will be more relaxed and allow us to explore ports such as Annapolis, Savannah, and St. Augustine.
Below is the preliminary itinerary. But, as with all cruising, there are many things that can drastically change an itinerary, or what boaters call a Float Plan. Weather can keep you in port for days at a time, mechanical failure can waylay you in an out-of-the-way place waiting for replacement parts, and hitting floating debris can stop you, just to name a few. We were lucky in 2020 as little of this happened. Will we be as fortunate again?
Preliminary Float Plan for Wakely (Note: Charleston is SC)
I am looking forward to once again venturing out onto the ICW and testing Wakely, Stan, and me as we attempt a smooth cruise from Connecticut to Florida.
Stay tuned for more updates as the October 25th departure date draws closer. And, if you are interested in more information on Wakely and the ICW, please refer to my January 15th, 2020 Post.
It has been over three weeks since Stan’s and my safe return to Riverside, CT. A lot is going on and I have fallen behind in concluding this year’s blog.
Last we spoke, Stan and I were in Southport, NC. It was May 8th and we still had approximately 700 miles to go in our 1,400 miles journey.
We left Southport and had a smooth cruise to Beaufort, NC (pronounced BO-FURT). The weather was beautiful and perfect for cruising. From Beaufort, NC, we were told by Mission Control, Jeff Neubirth, to stop in a little ICW town called Coinjock, NC. And, the reason for our stopping in Coinjock was for one reason only — the Prime Rib.
Now, let me share that while traveling north on the Intercoastal Waterway, we would mention to people that we would be stopping in Coinjock and universally, they would scream, get the Prime Rib! This Prime Rib is deservedly famous and known up and down the ICW. Jeff was wise enough to direct us to immediately put in our order the minute we hit the dock because they sell out. I did and later found out that they did sell out. But, we had our Prime Rib. While we failed to get a picture of the biggest Prime Rib I have ever seen, it did make three full meals.
While The Prime Rib in Coinjock was delicious, it was not all glamour. Here I am pumping out the “holding” tank. You do not want to get it on your hands.
From Coinjock, our next stop was Norfolk, VA. Norfolk is a large Navy town and home to numerous naval vessels. The one that caught my eye, as the timing was right, was the USS Comfort, who had just returned from NYC where it was fighting Covid 19.
After almost two weeks of perfect weather, the weather was finally becoming a factor. Our original itinerary called for us to travel from Norfolk, VA to Annapolis MD (120 NM north on the Chesapeake Bay) on May 12th. Annapolis to Cape May, NJ (130 NM) on May 13th and from Cape May, NJ to Riverside, CT (154 NM) on May 14th. Over 400 miles in three days.
One driving weather issue was that the last clear weather forecast window, to cruise up the New Jersey shore out in the Atlantic Ocean, was May 14th. After the 14th, there was a stretch of bad weather that would have delayed us for days.
On the morning of May 12th, the weather on the Chesapeake Bay was a small craft advisory. A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots are expected to produce hazardous wave conditions to small craft.
As we departed Norfolk, VA, and entered the Chesapeake, we knew it was going to be dicey.
After four hours of banging through the waves and the water coming over the bow, we had only traveled only 40 miles of the planned 120. It became clear that we were not going to make it to Annapolis that day.
So, we pulled into the York River and stayed at the York River Marina. What a difference a few miles can make in weather conditions.
The view from York River Marina
The delay, while putting the chance of getting home on the 14th in jeopardy, did provide a moment to catch our breath.
Stan catching up on emails.
The next day, May 13th, to keep on schedule, we needed to leave at first light and travel 231 NM to Cape May, NJ. We left at 6 AM with perfect weather and made our way north up the Chesapeake to what is called the C&D (Chesapeake and Delaware Bay) Canal. This Canal connects the two Bays and is built for both commercial and private vessels.
Passing the Global Sentinel in the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal
At 7 PM, after 13 hours on the water, we arrived at Cape May, NJ exhausted. But, happy that we had beat the weather and Thursday, May 14th was looking like a great cruising day.
At 6:45 AM on May 14th, we left Cape May and cruised up the Jersey shore. The weather could not have been more perfect. The ocean was calm and the wind to our back. It could not have been nicer. Around 12 noon, NYC came into view.
Lower Manhattan with the Freedom Tower standing strong
We cruised past the Statue of Liberty.
We turned North East and went under the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge as we headed to Long Island Sound.
At 14:45 (2:45 PM) we arrived at our final destination, Riverside Yacht Club in Riverside, CT.
Wakely had performed flawlessly. Stan was an incredible first mate and Jeff Neubirth played a critical role as “Mission Control”.
It was a great experience and one that I hope I have the chance to do again when the world is fully open and we can take advantage of all the great wonders that are the East Coast of the United States.
Until then, keep cruising. All the best,
Stan enjoying a Pint
What 1,400 NM will do to a flag (Burgee). I have her proudly displayed
Stan and I have now cruised over 750 Miles up the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway and the trip continues to be an adventure of a lifetime as well as a test of Stan’s and my endurance. Not with each other but with the level of concentration and diligence needed to travel close to 100 Nautical Miles a day. At least that is my perspective, Stan’s may differ.
Wakely’s average speed each day is approximately 15 knots (17 Miles per hour) and at 100 nautical miles per day, our usual travel day is 6.5 to 7 hours. Over the past four days, Stan and I have traveled from Fernandina, FL to Southport NC. As I write this post, we are docked at St. James Plantation in Southport, NC.
Along the way, we have had the company of dolphins, pelicans, german shepherds, and laughing gulls.
OK, we have not seen this happen, YET.  But, it does not mean that this has not happened. We have seen hundreds of dolphins breaching the surface all around us. Maybe we just missed it. And, maybe, one or two did play in Wakely’s wake.
In Charleston, we stayed at the Charleston City Marina, where we met Major. For all you dog boaters, Major was the most comfortable dog I have ever seen on a boat. He literally walked down the dock with Austin, his owner, and anybody who said hello was blessed with a visit.
Austin, a Charleston City Firefighter and his dog Major, a 3 1/2-year-old German Shepherd – Who Stan and I immediately took a liking to as Major was so happy and focused on everything
Not a thing happened in the Marina that Major was not aware of.
So, how could we not invite Major to come aboard for a visit? Wakely’s first, but not last, dog aboard.
On our cruise from Charleston to Myrtle Beach, we were greeted by Laughing Gulls. Their “laughter” caught our attention and Stan snapped pictures of 100’s of Laughing Gulls, well, Laughing.  But, also eating the food that we stirred up in Wakely’s wake.
The Laughing Gull feeds on the water. It swoops down to the water and skims the surface for food. They were all around us.
But, I got the strangest feeling they were laughing at us??
On the other side of the equation…Stan and I had just entered Georgia and we were traveling up the Mackay River with all the windows open enjoying the warm breeze and beautiful views of the marsh. When, all of a sudden, we were attacked by Black Flies. Hundreds of them.
Even though we slammed the windows and doors, we were overwhelmed and totally on the defensive. We could not concentrate on anything other than killing the $%^%% things. They were slow, so Stan was able to kill dozens, and as he needed to work fast, he just dropped them on the floor of the salon (we missed the picture). As the flies started getting rough, Wakely was lost (yes, we kissed the bottom). But, if not for the courage of the fearless crew, Wakely could have been REALLY lost.
These $%^%% things are really bad
And. if they are not ugly enough, they are also $#%$$holes. (We are so sorry we missed the picture of dozens dead on the salon floor.
But, as you now know we survived and are happily in Southport, NC at the St James Plantation Marina. A nice quiet marina on the ICW. Did I mention that the winds are howling out of the East at 25 with gusts to 40? So happy to be nice and cozy at the Marina and on Wakely.
Four days, and over 400 miles into cruising from Marco Island, Florida to Riverside, CT, it is proving to be an adventure of a lifetime. It is mentally draining, challenging, at times anxiety-ridden, and incredibly rewarding. As well as offering the opportunity to meet friends along the way.
Stan and my day start between 5:30 – 6:00AM by waking, showering, eating breakfast, checking the engine water strainer, the generator strainer, the oil level, diesel, and the general condition of the engine room. We then leave the dock between 07:00 and 08:30, at the latest, for our 100+ mile daily journey. Our days have been ending around 1700 by washing the salt off of Wakely, having dinner, and charting the next day’s course.
Our days on the water are focused on following the charts as we venture down rivers, canals, channels, past inlets, all watching the depth of the water to assure that there is a minimum of 4′ below. And, that is not always easy as the water levels on the Intercoastal Water Way can be very shallow. We have been navigating locks and bridges making sure that any bridge we approach is higher than 14′ (the height of Wakely). Stan and I are both 100% focused on following the charts (maps) assuring that we are not making a wrong turn or losing the channel and running aground (neither has happened).
The marinas that we have stopped at have ranged from a small, backwater, marina such as Clewiston Florida (Westcoast of lake Okeechobee) to Fernandina Beach, FL on the Florida Georgia border.
Clewiston Marina, on the west coast of Lake Okeechobee, was a small, backwater marina that you enter through an open lock.
Fernandina Harbor Marina is a little different as Wakely is dwarfed by Bella Vista, a 246′ Luxury Yacht – Wakely is the smallest boat in the middle
We have gone through beautiful country, and crossed Lake Okeechobee, The second-largest freshwater lake entirely within U.S. boundaries. Lake Okeechobee is also among the most shallow lakes in the country with levels less than 7′. Unless you stay in the designated channels, which are maintained by the Army Corp of Engineers, you will hit a rock or run aground.
To give you an example of high anxiety, while crossing the lake, and out of sight of land, we realized that our electronic navigation was obviously flawed (please don’t ask how that happened). We were traveling east early in the morning and the sun was directly in our eyes so that we were unable to see a thing. We were lost, surrounded by shallow waters waiting to lay Wakely aground. However, as the highly qualified crew considered all options, we gave up on the electronics and went to paper charts plotting, and a compass to move on.
Entering Lake Okeechobee
The Big Water of Lake Okeechobee
Having entered a lock, we wait for the water to either lift Wakely or let her down to the next level and then exit the lock
Below is a small sample of some of the beautiful country that we have traveled through.
And, in Vero Beach, Stan and I had the opportunity to spend time with my dear friend Bill Sinnott and in Daytona, Stan and I were invited by John and Denise Keundig to have a wonderful dinner at their house. However, hanging out with my friend John Keundig is a little different today.
OK – Not perfect Social Distancing – but we did wash our fists immediately
Finally, as I wrap this blog at 0015, I need to again thank Jeff Neuberth for his continued support and advice. Jeff continues to be a wealth of knowledge and encouragement. And, I cannot express my gratitude to Stan Thurley, who has been a great first mate. His enthusiasm for the trip and for Wakely is truly inspiring.
I will post as often as I can and ask you all to keep cruising.
All the planning is done. All the charting, phone calls to Marinas, preventative maintenance, engine checks, electronic checks, pump-out, water, and fuel and oil fill check, provisioning of food, all done.
As I sit on Wakely, 12 hours before launch, my stomach has butterflies. The combination of a bucket list adventure, the unknown, the anticipation of the experience, the concern that Wakely may experience mechanical challenges, the excitement of a plan that has been in the making for 7 months is here. I cannot believe that after all this time, the “virus”, the loss of crew, and the addition of a great mate in Stan Thurley, the time has arrived.
We leave tomorrow and due to the Coronavirus closing the entire Florida Keys, Stan and I will be taking the Lake Okeechobee route. This route will take us across Florida from Marco Island, up to Ft. Myers, and into the Lake Okeechobee waterway. Tomorrow evening we stay in Clewiston Florida, on the west side of the lake.
Over the next four days, our itinerary will take us over 450 Nautical Miles from Marco Island on Florida’s West Coast to Fernandina Beach, on Florida’s East Coast and Georgia Border. As you can see below, we have reservations on three of the four days but nothing in New Smyrna.
The New Smyrna City Marina is closed due to the virus and will not be open until May 15th.
This is where I must thank Jeff Neuberth. Jeff has been such a great friend and asset. Being one of the most experienced sailors and boaters that you would ever meet and having cruised the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway numerous time, he has been incredibly generous with his time. Jeff has spent countless hours on the phone with me, helping plan the route, giving me valuable insight into where to go, which Marina’s to stop at, and giving me experienced people to talk to along the way. This trip would be much riskier without Jeff’s counsel and advice. Stan and I are so appreciative of Jeff’s input.
W will be exploring other options for New Smyrna and hopefully, we will find a place to “pull-in” for the evening. It may be a challenge, but I am confident that something will work out and we will be in a safe harbor at the end of the day.
At 14:45 (2:45 PM) we arrived at our final destination, Riverside Yacht Club in Riverside, CT.
Cruising with Kramer 