I am not sure how these pictures will come out but thought the contents was worth the reisk.

As were walking the beach yesterday it struck me how many times Annette and I have been totally alone on this trip. In the days before we started this journey the only time we were really alone was locked up in our condo on the 11th floor and by its very description you know “how” alone we really were.  We have shared some amazing vistas with friends, the below with Tennars and Volpes recently in Southport, North Carolina.

This one in North-East Harbor, Maine with my cousins Tom & Judy

There are others though where Annette and I could see no one anywhere. Below is Hawksbill Cay, Exumas Bahamas. The Cay is un-inhabited and for the two days we were there, the ONLY living souls around.

Below is from a recent passage about 30 miles off the coast of Georgia. Granted but we had go offshore to get it but the view well speaks for itself.

The coast of Maine

An uninhabited island in Maine, yes Maine and NOT the moon.

An empty anchorage along the Intercostal Waterway

The image that really inspired the post from yesterday, Annette standing on the beach at Cumberland Island Georgia. In truth there were 4 other people on the beach, 2 were about 1.5 miles left of Annette and the other 2 about 1.5 miles right. Based on our previous lives, that’s almost alone.

I am not saying being alone is better or worse but I have to say in the world from where we came from it is weird to be “alone.” On this trip being “alone” are the moments when I feel the luckiest. Its just such an unusual “place” to be. 

Magnolia had an excellent overnight sail down the coast from Southport, NC. We arrived just before dawn and made our way up to Harbor Marina where we were quickly settled in a slip and great knap!!

The marina was right next to the decommissioned aircraft carrier Yorktown.

We caught up to our friends from Exuberant and Facebook friends from Dos Libras. Dos Libras have been sailing aboard their Morgan about as long as we have. The big difference is they left from Texas and we have been “following” them since. It was just terrific to meet the people we had only previously “read.”

Later that evening we had made plans to meet our friends Mims & Vicki so Annette and I took the opportunity to walk some new streets in Charleston. We came across this very interesting display for the Hunley.

A little something for dear friend Caitlen!

Just a cool building I noted while sitting on a park bench. Later that evening we had a lovely dinner with our friends Mims and Vicki and of course through the gabbing I forgot to get a picture! I HAVE to get better!

The 23rd of October was Annette and I’s 10th wedding anniversary. Hard to believe we have been married 10 years. We were reminiscing about how much fun our wedding day was and as the discussion turned to today, well were are just feeling really lucky…. 

As the sunset on our anniversary day it was time to catch the water taxi back over to Magnolia. We were heading back a little early because we planned an over nightier Friday for St Mary’s GA.

Several months ago we made plans with the Tennars (from Tabernacle, NJ) and the Volpes (Southport, NC) to rendezvous here in Southport, NC. As Magnolia arrived at the marina we noted several Coast Guard and Southport Police standing around a vessel which apparently had some drugs onboard.  If one were ever moving drugs on the east coast, don’t use a vessel with a homeport of Miami FL. This was like an episode of “Stupid Criminals.”

After a delightful visit by Annette’s cousins from Durham in downtown Southport, we moved Magnolia down to St. James Plantation about 5 miles down the Intracoastal Waterway where Joe & Christine Volpe make their home. We invited the Volpes to make the short transit with us and they quickly joined us. Did I mention that Joe is a retired Navy Captain who has commanded several Navy ships all over the world? Yea, no pressure here! Magnolia was on her best behavior and helped her crew not embarrass themselves during the short trip. We apparently passed our “check ride.”  

How many Navy references do you see in this photo? 

We were all invited over to Volpe Manor for a barbeque and the only thing I could offer was my semi-famous barbeque bread.

It was one of those exceptionally wonderful evenings you get to share with good friends!

After dinner we settled down and watched the movie “Safe Haven” which was filmed right here in Southport.

This was great because as many know Jack and I have been running around together for only about 30+ years and I have always been the short guy. Well….

in the visitor center one of the displays was the resident who was 7 feet 8 inches tall! Someone who could finally call Jack shorty!

In addition to Safe Haven there have been many movies and television shows made in the area. Since we have been in the area one of the hot topics has been the tax advantages NC gives to production companies. It seems those are about to be rolled back and people are really up in arms!

We took a tram ride around town which showed many movie and television production locations.

This is the church from the television show “Under The Dome.”

I forget this one but cool home….

This is the “guys” house from Safe Haven.

This little cottage caught my eye last year when we were here. Its just a cute place in a great neighborhood.

Southport water-front

Magnolia did not want to be left out so we had everyone over for a little happy hour on the way to dinner.

Bunny even managed to get out of the hutch for the visit.

Sadly next morning it was time to get underway. Magnolia went offshore heading for Charleston. We were gifted with the below about 30 miles off the NC/SC border.

Joe/Christine thank you so much for hosting all of us. Jack/Kathy thanks for driving all the way down. Weekends like these are why we really feel so lucky…ok sunsets like the above are pretty cool too! Be safe my friends!

Magnolia has been on a real tear for the first 434 miles of our trip south. We have had great weather,  fabulous visits with family and friends and Magnolia has performed flawlessly! After departing Hampton we went just a few miles up the Elizabeth River to Portsmouth. On the ay we pass by the Navy Piers on the Norfolk water-front. Below is USS Eisenhower getting a little dockside tune-up.

Below the Cruiser & Destroyer piers.

As we arrived in Portsmouth a sailing friend following us on Marine Traffic messaged us a friend of theirs was nearby and we should go by for a visit…we walked over but think we cruise in different circles! A very lovely couple though! 

We had a wonderful dinner and evening with my niece Lori and her husband Adam. I have to admit after our third visit, we still do not have a picture! We start yacking and the evening flies by!

Magnolia slept in since the Gilmerton Bridge does not open till 9:00 to make sure people get to work on time….can you believe it.

A couple miles further we follow right along I-64. It makes me sad seeing those people rushing to work!

We chose to take the Dismal Swamp route which required Magnolia to go through a lock on the the north end and another on the south end. In between the two locks, Magnolia was raised 8 feet.

This is the south lock before being emptied to lower Magnolia.

After a long day on the Dismal we anchored behind Goat Island, lit the barbeque and enjoyed a beautiful evening.

We found Belhaven on the recommendation of an old friend Ty Giesemann. On our return one of the first thing I saw was a Marine Corp flag. I am sure my friend was saying hi!

We visited a new port on this trip, Oriental, NC. In spite of the fact there seems to be a good size fishing fleet it is called the sailing capital of NC.

As we were passing through Morehead City we came right through more fishing boats than we have ever encountered before. The funny thing it was NOT the weekend. Does no one work in NC?

As you can see it has been a wonderful trip this far!

We arrived in Southport NC and welcomed Annette’s cousin Val and her husband for a couple day visit. Jack & Kathy Tennar are coming to town this weekend to visit mutual friends Joe and Christine Volpe which will translate to come great camaraderie and plenty of high-jinx! Looking forward, just have to get past this little front passing through tonight and tomorrow first! 

More about the title later but Magnolia had a great visit “home” but it was entirely too short to get the visiting in we would have liked to have done. We missed seeing many people and that we are sorry. We are still figuring out this lifestyle and obviously have a bit more work to do. We will keep working it. On the upside Magnolia returned in really good shape so from a maintenance perspective we were really in good shape.

On the way “out of town” Magnolia enjoyed the Seven Seas Cruising Association “get-together” near Galesville, MD. It is getting to be our tradition to participate in the SSCA Gam and then immediately start our trip south. Last years departure was filled with excitement and a lot of anxiety. Thankfully A LOT less anxiety this year but with a little sadness. Two of the boats we spent the most time with last year will not be heading south this year. Our spirits were lifted as we departed Galesville in company some of the boats migrating south this fall.

Out first stop was Solomon’s Island, MD where we had the opportunity to visit SV Vacilando (http://www.mondovacilando.com/). We have only met a couple times over the last couple of years but we really connected with them. Chris and Melody are fabulously talented artistic people. Chris in music, Melody in Web Development and Jewelry making. We had a very enjoyable evening and always great to see them.

Feeling Optimistic: I “feel” like I am always hearing how bad the world is for those starting out though all of our nieces, nephews and the rest of the GenIVs seem to be getting it done. None the less it still sounds “bad” out there. As we arrived in Hampton, VA the Admiral wanted to do some sewing so that was my que to head for the hardware store and generally disappear! After walking to the hardware store I got a line on Hair Style School where you can get a haircut for $6. I got a great haircut and heard how excited this young man was and how he wanted to teach his son how to save a little money. Music to my ears! After the “cost avoidance” on the haircut I figured I could slip in an ice cream cone. The young lady there was working two jobs, saving for college and excited she was going to be made a manager at her other job. Did I mention she JUST graduated from high school and here she seems to have a plan and working it. I sure wish I was half, stet a quarter on the ball as she at that age. The bottom line, think what you like but I am feeling pretty optimistic the world is not in fact ending nor are “things” all that bad. Life may not be good for all but not the end either. 

Magnolia arrived back at her homeport last Sunday the 14th of September after a 280 mile sprint from Atlantic Highlands NJ. We had been “trapped” there for 5 days waiting for a weather window to open and when it did Magnolia took off. We covered the last 280 miles in a little less than 3 days and that was with a stop in the Sassafras River on Maryland’s eastern shore.  Since our return we have ourselves exceptionally busy with maintenance on Magnolia. I am going to apologize upfront that visiting is being significantly curtailed on this visit and for that I am sorry. Just not enough time in the day for everything.

In the last 12 months Magnolia has traveled more than 5200 miles and seen more than we ever imagined and met numerous wonderful people a long the way. The high points for me is being able to re-connect to friends and family we have not recently seen. In addition to being able to share a little of our life on Magnolia. It was particularly fun having my cousin Tom & Judy aboard in Maine. Magnolia’s saying is “we are simply a demonstration of what’s possible.” We will start south again next week and very excited to get started!!

Have you ever had a day where an experience was so far beyond expectations it was difficult to get your arms the idea you are actually there? That is how I felt last Sunday morning. Keep in mind we have been grateful for the opportunity life has given us, but I am not sure what can prepare a kid from Detroit for sailing a down the East River of New York City. Humbling does not come close…

To make the transit through New York takes a little planning since because of tidal conditions the rivers move extremely fast in this area. The planned passage from Port Washington NY to Atlantic Highlands NJ is about 40 miles. We made the entire trip in about 5 hours, about 8 knts which is sailboat FAST!!!

This is our track along the Manhattan shore and past the Statue of Liberty

Skyline as we depart Port Washington

We are going to Navigate this??? Note the Tug & Barge coming towards us.

Notice the “small” bow wake this monster puts off as well…..

A boat making the passage the same time as we.

In the past I have ridden Bicycle New York a couple of times and the route takes us right down FDR drive past Municipal Asphalt Plant.

Some friends took the blow picture of Magnolia as we passed the UN

Brooklyn Bridge

Lower Manhattan & Ferry Terminal

These things are surprisingly quick….just say’n

Ellis Island

Statue Of Liberty

Heading for Atlantic Highlands NJ – NYC thank you for a spectacular morning!

Magnolia departed Stonington, CT and made a brief fuel and water stop in Mystic, CT. Before heading onto Groton, CT. Kindred Spirit also departed Stonington for Block Island so that left their mooring ball available in Groton, CT. (Follow all that?)

Mystic has a lovely port entrance.

We continued onto Groton and had another love visit with Cutting Class reviewing charts and plans for the fall. We will hopefully share some of the trip south with them this fall. Dan & Marcia thank you again for the hospitality. Note: Dan & Marcia drove us around for shopping and took us to their home to do laundry. That is considered cruiser heaven!

Departing Groton we passed the entrance to New London Harbor where so many of the Navy’s Submarines are based. Luckily we did not cross paths with any of those!

We had good wind on a nice long beam reach along the coast of CT arriving into New Haven.

My friend and former colleague from Honeywell Days now moved back to CT and so we had not seen each other in a number of years. He was kind enough to drive down to the coast and we had a fun evening of catching up! Thanks for coming down Jon!

We departed New Haven at first light the next morning.

We had a long but easy passage the rest of the way down Long Island Sound to Port Washington NY.

Port Washington is the traditional jumping off point to pass through New York City. In addition it is an extremely cruiser friendly town with great access to shopping and laundry.

It is feeling a bit like reunion week aboard Magnolia. As we were departing Onset Eleanor Q was departing Block Island and a rendezvous was quickly established of Cutty Hunk Island which is along the south shore of Buzzards Bay.

Eleanor Q and Magnolia spent a great deal of time together on our trip to the Bahamas and back, so any opportunity we get to meet up is always welcome!

There is not a lot on Cutty Hunk but the island had a terrific vibe and we certainly enjoyed our walk around to explore. Frank and I even scored and ice cream….or two along the way.

Not sure of the current status but that was a Coast Guard Station at one point.

Saying our goodbyes to Eleanor Q we headed off to the fabled sailing city of Newport RI

I used to think you could really feel the history in Fredericksburg, VA and that area of Virginia. Let me tell you, this coast-line smacks you with history particularly I guess its called the “Gilded Age” turn of the last century time.

Crazy house in Newport Harbor.

Particularly fun was meeting up with my cousin and AnnMarie along with Deb and Jonathon. We had a lovely evening catching up along with a great meal! Thanks for making time!

Before departing we met up with Exuberant. With Bert away of a brief trip  Pru joined us for a lovely evening on Magnolia. Magnolia made a 33 mile hop over to Stonington CT to rendezvous with Cutting Class and Kindred Spirit.

We were introduced to Marcia and Dan of Cutting Class by our mutual friends on Kindred Spirit. We all spent various times together in Hopetown Abacos.

Grabbing a coffee awaiting Kindred Spirits arrival on Saturday.

Our first look at the new Kindred Spirit. Yup, the one we use to know was a Morgan Sailboat like ours. Since our last visit together they crossed to the “dark side.” That what us sailboat people call power boats. In spite of it she us a lovely vessel!

Kindred Spirit was out first “buddy boat” we ever had! We departed the Chesapeake together last fall. They will always carry a special place in our memories! Sadly they will not make to the Bahamas this winter but we are certainly hoping for a Maine Meet-Up next summer!

(M. Watson)

In case you ever wondered, this is how we get to dinner when we go out!

(M. Watson)

Magnolia as seen from Kindred Spirit. (She looks so tiny from up on the fly bridge…)

(M. Watson)

There you see it, my cousins Tom & Judy Carter from Wapakoneta OH boarding Magnolia in NE Harbor Maine. What a treat we were able to meet up in such a beautiful location.

NE Harbor mooring field

First stop was short dinghy ride across the harbor to Asticou Gardens.

A funny view of Magnolia on our friends mooring flanked by a couple of mega yachts.

Asticou Gardens

No Magnolia visit (or any other cruising boat) is complete without a cockpit Happy Hour

Before Tom & Judy finished their visit we HAF to make it to the tip of Cadillac Mountain. This is the same Cadillac that founded Detroit (don’t tell the Indians).

Overlooking Bar Harbor

It was time for Magnolia to get on the move south as well. As the Admiral took in one more garden I did some shopping at the excellent farmers market in NE Harbor

Magnolia brought us 12 miles down to Frenchboro Long Island to stage for a long passage to Cape Cod. We were rewarded with a spectacular anchorage, weather and of course barbque bread!

The passage to Cape Cod is just about 200 miles.

Just as we arrived in Cape Cod Bay but who should we see but Exuberant!

You might recall we visited out friends Frank & Elaine on our way north. They were kind enough to come out to the Cape Cod Canal and welcome us back! (Magnolia making her way through the Cape Cod Canal)

We enjoyed a lovely evening of Pizza and Ice Cream and catching up on summer activities and fall plans! Always enjoy spending time with them!!! Tomorrow off to Cutty Hunk and a mid week visit with more cousins in Newport!