Annapolis, Solomon's Island, and back 'home' to Olverson's Marina

A Few Days on the “road”….

Well, we did go to Annapolis and got a slip on the city dock. We enjoyed being right in the center of things, with folks walking by admiring all the boats throughout the days and evenings.  Right across the creek, no more than 60 feet away, were a couple of bars.  The one place, Pussers Bar, had wonderful live soft rock music all day and into the evening.  It was wonderful sitting on our bow or on the fly bridge, watching the boats go by and listening to the music.  We enjoyed talking to folks about our boat and, as usual, about Max!  He gathers fans wherever he goes.

Unfortunately, at around 11:00, the music changed to more ‘gansta’ style and the crowd got really loud until 2:00 a.m. – not very conducive to a restful sleep!  After 2:00, it suddenly became very quiet, so we slept really hard until about 7:30, our normal waking time.

Our friend that we camp with in Key West, Paul Foster, visited us for the afternoon from his home near Baltimore.  It was fun to see him and show off our boat.

While in Annapolis, Dan decided that there are just too many maintenance issues on the boat – he didn’t feel comfortable setting off on an 8 day, 8 marina cruise.  So, we decided to head south back to our home away from home, Olverson’s Marina in Lottsburg, Va.  We left Annapolis and headed for Solomon’s Island, Md. and spent the night there.  Their onsite restaurant was closed, so we hopped on our bikes and rode about a mile to another restaurant.  When we returned, we found Max wandering on the dock!!  Yikes, somehow he managed to climb on a chair and leaped over the wall of the cockpit.  It could have been a really bad situation if he had landed in the water.  But, all’s well.  There weren’t many people around, and the ones that were there weren’t annoyed.

The next day, we cruised back to Olverson’s – took most of the day.  Waves were somewhat high, but nothing that caused us any concerns.  Coming back into our slip here felt like coming home!  We’ll be here for about a week, Dan working on various things (some with Mike Steele’s help) and Gena keeping house and doing the ‘gofer’ jobs.

Blogs are much more fun with pictures – right now, I’m having issues with pictures.  My phone takes good pictures, but getting them to my pc and the blog isn’t pretty…Dan’s camera is missing its memory card -  he thinks it’s sitting on his desk at home.  Plus, the rechargeable batteries don’t hold a charge for long, and I am just not familiar with the unit.  So, I’ve ordered a camera which will be delivered here tomorrow!  Yay – and, it’s the same camera I used to use for our blog.  Look forward to getting pictures along with my words!

Our first real cruising test - Point Lookout, Md. to Kent Narrows, Md.

Our first cruising ‘test’ – passed, with flying colors!

So, on Monday, we left Point Lookout Marina at 8:30 a.m. and cruised all day, arriving in Mears Point Marina in Kent Narrows, Maryland, around 5:30.  We were out there with the big guys, heading up the Chesapeake Bay.  With Dan doing the navigating and Gena driving a good part of the time, we had not one problem.  There were two ways of approaching the marina.  One was to go north through the Narrows and under a bridge that opens every 30 minutes.  As ‘newbies’, we had been told that the current through there can be a bit dicey.  So, we took the alternate way, which involved about 2 extra hours on the waterways and approached the marina from the north.  The channel coming around the north end of Kent Narrows Island was a bit circuitous, but we got through without running aground – always our goal!

We had been told to call the ‘docking committee’ or the marina dockmaster on the radio as we approached, so we did that…..with no answer at all.  The dock facing the channel was where the fuel station is, so we simply tied up there and went looking for someone to tell us where we were to go.  After walking Max, we started to explore the area.  One restaurant was closed.  We saw another restaurant, further into the marina, Annie’s, that seemed to have activity inside.  Sure enough, there was a large group of MTOA members enjoying happy hour.  We were greeted enthusiastically, and proceeded to have a beverage and some dinner.

After dinner, one member hopped on board, and several others walked around to our slip.  As we rounded the channel that goes around the whole marina, we saw our slip….  It looked REALLY narrow!  Plus, we now had about 6 people to witness our arrival – just what we didn’t want!  But, Dan (he’s the guy with the most confidence) slid us into that slip without a mishap.  I think those folks were totally impressed! 

We have been in that slip now for 4 nights.  We attended the MTOA social and informative sessions, and have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  We met some wonderful folks, exchanged boat cards, and got some invaluable advice on using our electronic navigation aids.

This morning after breakfast we are cruising to Annapolis and hope to get a slip at the city dock (first come, first served).  We’ll have a couple of days to explore that lovely town, get a few more provisions, and have one visit with an AGLCA member who has offered us a session on his electronics.  Dave Skolnick is also an AGLCA Harbor Host.  We have been encouraged to contact these friendly, helpful folks whenever we go to a new marina/town.

Our first cruise of any length! September 11, 2017

Under way on the Kittiwake!

After our successful very short cruise yesterday, we felt ready to tackle a longer cruise today.  We are heading to Kent Narrows, Mears Point Marina, for the MTOA rendezvous.  We’ll be meeting lots of people, learning more about cruising, socializing.  It is going to take us all day to get there, so we will miss a meet-up at 4:00.  No problem – we will get there when we get there!  We are scheduled to be there through Friday morning. 

We are not familiar with the electronic navigation equipment aboard, but we have figured out enough to help us get there.  Dan has been a pilot, so paper charts and navigating are second nature to him.  Without those skills, there is no way we would be ready to go cruising!  We have an older auto pilot, which only knows how to hold a course, not navigate to a destination.  That’s fine – it’s still a big help, since today a large part of our trip involves several hours holding a course.

Yesterday, we drove from the fly bridge, and Max was really nervous.  It was really windy up there.  Today, we decided to drive from the lower enclosed pilot house.  Max is curled up on the floor, really relaxed.  The only time he got nervous was when we were in some rough chop – now that it’s calmed down out here, he’s just fine.

Today is the first real test of our readiness.  I think we’ll pass with flying colors!

Maiden Voyage -

Our maiden voyage on the Kittiwake!

Today, we braved the ‘big water’ of the Potomac.  Our journey was only a couple of hours from Olverson’s Marina in Lodge Creek on the Wacomico River to the Point Lookout Marina on the other side of the Potomac River.  Just the idea of navigating the course, and leaving our comfortable berth at the marina was a bit unnerving.  So, we decided to just take this baby step.  With Dan navigating and Gena driving, we ended up where we intended.  A nice soft landing with Dan’s line handling – good job for both of us.  Woot woot!!  With that little trip under our belt, we are both feeling much more confident.  That’s good, because tomorrow, we have to be at the MTOA rendezvous point, a full day’s cruise away.  We had a wonderful dinner of fresh shrimp and fish tacos, with a drink or two.  We’ll get a good night’s sleep, and get underway right after breakfast.

Early Days on the Kittiwake.....September 8, 2017

Our first days on the Kittiwake have not been picture worthy, but they deserve a few words on our blog.  We have both learned a lot, more every day.

We arrived late Tuesday night, 9/4.  The next 4 days have consisted of much troubleshooting, many trips to the local ACE Hardware store and auto parts store, many ‘boat bucks’ to fix problems.

#1 – We were able to leave the power on the boat, and that allowed our de-humidifier and refrigerator/freezer to keep running.  I left just enough frozen meat so that I didn’t have to run to the grocery store immediately upon our return.  Unfortunately, the 12 year old refrigerator failed, and the hamburger and fish in the freezer and the other things in the refrigerator had gone really bad and leaked all over the refrigerator and floor.  Boat bucks for new refrigerator, $1750, plus about a 50 mile drive to pick it up.  Local recycle center gave me $7.20 for the old one!

#2 – the port side engine will not start.  Dan spent the first day upside down in the engine room trying to isolate the problem.  He was almost certain the problem was a failed cylinoid (sp?), at a cost of $238.  Part ordered.

#3 – No hot water!  Took a couple of days working on more pressing issues, but just needed a wire reconnected.  Phew!  Meanwhile, had to heat water on the stove for dishes….

#4 – Dan and our good friend, Mike Steele, worked for 2 long days and most of a 3^rd one to install the new inverter.  The old one had died.  They both thought it would be good to put the new and larger one in a better spot….but, that meant making and running new cables – not fun.  Mike also had to rewire the electrical panel.  The inverter isn’t important when we are hooked to shore power, but becomes very important at other times, such as when we are underway or anchored out.  The inverter takes the power from the batteries (DC, 12 volt) and converts it so that all the 110 (AC) outlets, lights, appliances, etc. work.

#5 – With the hot water working, I decided I could take a shower in our own shower!  So I did.  Later, there was LOTS of water in the hallway.  I used every towel in the place to soak it up.  Why, you ask?  Well, seems if you are taking a shower, you must turn on the shower sump pump.  So, now I know!  As a result of that little fiasco, Dan checked the bilge, which was a bit wet – and, discovered that our bilge pump is not working.  Glad we discovered it now, while we are at a marina, and not out on the water somewhere! New pump is going in tonight or early tomorrow.

With all those problems, I (Gena) felt pretty useless, except as a tool hander and runner to ACE.  In the meantime, I had time to organize our clothes and laundry.  I got to make a major grocery run, so that I’m ready to provide dishes for upcoming pot luck dinners and ‘docktails’.

After 4 frustrating days, we are feeling much more hopeful.  We are scheduled to be two days’ cruise north of here on Tuesday for a social and informational rendezvous of the Marine Trawlers Owners Association (MTOA).  We had hoped to get in some practice in docking and maneuvering before that time – we may just pull that off!  Fingers crossed.

One further note:  We had been almost certain that we were buying the Obsession that was in Port St. Lucie.  With delays in getting needed repairs done, we decided to move on and look for another boat.  We are SO VERY FORTUNATE the Kittiwake is the boat we purchased!  For one thing, it is located here in Virginia, almost certainly out of Irma’s path!  For another thing, even with the issues we have had so far, we know of many others that we were going to have to deal with on the Florida boat.  Life is good.

July 24 thru 28th, 2017 We take possession of the Kittiwake!

We attended Dan’s 50^th SEAL Team Reunion in Virginia Beach, Virginia from Thursday, July 20, through July 23.  Leaving there on Monday, July 24, we drove in our truck and camper to Olverson’s Marina in Lottsburg, Virginia, where the Kittiwake awaited us! 

On the way to the reunion, we had dropped off the UHaul trailer we had rented and filled with all the items we had accumulated over the recent weeks for the Kittiwake.  Our good friends, Dennis Sprenkle and Pat McCord followed us in Denny’s motor coach.  They wanted to (1) see the boat, and (2) help us move on board.  Denny and Pat were a Godsend!  Not only did they help us move on (in the nearly 100 degree heat), but dug in to help make the Kittiwake our own.  Turns out, if you turn Denny loose with cleaning supplies, he cleans like a maniac!  He detailed the entire fly bridge, leaving it spotless and gleaming.  Pat helped where he could.  He accompanied me on a shopping expedition to purchase cleaning supplies and other consumables.  The night before they left, we had a feast of locally caught crab, scallops, fresh squash, and corn.  For my first meal cooked on board, I was pretty pleased that I had purchased ALMOST everything I need for the galley.  After spending two days with us, Denny and Pat left for their home in Orlando on Wednesday morning.

Later on Wednesday, we were met at the boat by Mike Steele.  Mike is an expert on boats, on maintenance, on piloting.  He has been so generous with his time and talents.  Between the time that we were here for the survey and our return, he has been continually working on the boat.  He wanted to fix things that were brought to our attention on the survey.  Also, he noted problems with the exhaust system….so, he had the owner, Becky, pay for a complete replacement, to the tune of about $4,000.  Other work and parts amounted to another $1,000.  We are so lucky that the owner, with Mike as her representative, has taken such responsibility for correcting things with which we would have had to deal.

Mike’s purpose to come on Wednesday was to help us in getting used to driving the boat, docking her, maneuvering her, etc.  Unfortunately, when we tried to start the two engines, the port side engine wouldn’t fire up!  Yikes.  Mike felt strongly the problem lay with the starter and that it was caused by water that had gotten in there during the work on the exhaust system.  Unfortunately, access to the port engine, in particular the starter, is extremely difficult – The salon floor is made up of multiple hatch covers that provide engine and other components access.  To get to the outside of the port engine, we have to remove the entire permanently installed settee that goes around the corner.  When the settee sections and the table and the hatch covers are placed around, those pieces make the entire salon either open to the engines or blocked.  See the pictures of Mike and Dan practically standing on their heads to get to the starter!  This took the better part of the afternoon.   FINALLY, the starter had been removed, cleaned out (no water), reinstalled.  And, the dramatic moment arrived…..and….NOPE, the engine still wouldn’t start!!  Mike was undeterred.  He had been wrong about the cause of the problem.  It is an electrical wiring issue, likely caused by the exhaust system workers moving around down there.  Mike jumped the wires, and the engine started right up.  Now, out of time for maintenance work, Mike said “Let’s go boating!!”  We closed up the floor, put the furniture back, and went to the helm.

Gena was first up – with Mike standing at my elbow calmly giving directions, I pulled the Kittiwake out of our berth, headed out to more open water, turned her around, and docked her at the end of the dock in front of another boat.  I did that twice, and then it was Dan’s turn.  Dan had lots of experience driving even bigger boats in the Navy, but that was back in the 80’s!  Turns out, he hasn’t lost it.  With very little guidance from Mike, Dan made the Kittiwake dance.  He docked it in the same place, then easily backed her into our narrow berth.  Next, I pulled her out of the berth, and backed her back in.   Piece of cake!  No damage to our boat, any other boat, or the marina.  Success!

Mike had to leave, having commitments for the rest of our time this trip.  He’ll be back when we return in September.  He and Dan have discussed several projects they want to tackle when they’re both here.  We are so incredibly lucky to have this man on our team and as a new friend.  What a wonderful resource!  

The Kittiwake, fly bridge from the dock!

Our beautiful boat underway!

Our First thought of buying a boat! Decision time - Obsession in Port St. Lucie, Florida, or move on!

Our first thought of buying a boat, at ages 68 and 70!

Since Dan and I have been together, we have had a wonderful time.   We took a long (10,000+) mile trip around the USA.  We have gone to his SEAL Team Reunions in Virginia Beach (July each year) and his SEAL Team Muster (November each year) in Fort Pierce, Florida.  We have gone to Key West each winter.  For our first few years, all this road travel plus the months spent in Key West were in the truck camper.  Now, granted, it is a big truck camper, but, by virtue of the fact that it sits in the back of his truck does mean that it is pretty small.  It is great for traveling around, but for sitting in one place for week?  Not so much!  

During our 5^th winter in Key West, we saw an ad on the bulletin board for a 5^th wheel trailer.  The couple selling it had used it for many years, all there on Key West.  We met them, checked out the trailer, and bought it.  Since then, our time spent in Key West is much more comfortable!

In the process of meeting with this couple, we had many conversations about our various adventures, theirs and ours.  One they told us about was when they bought a trawler (I had no idea at the time what type boat that was) and traveled America’s Great Loop – they sold the trawler after that.  We were intrigued!  We talked to them, then started reading up on America’s Great Loop.  The more we read, the more interested we became.  We didn’t know if we had the resources to get into a boat sufficient for that trip, but we were certainly interested.

Turns out, if you are a good ‘wrench hand’, like Dan certainly is, we do have enough resources.  We are so lucky that the thought of traveling around the country on a boat was very interesting and exciting to us both.  Dan has extensive experience on boats, both in the Navy and afterwards.  He knows how to navigate on the waters.  I know nothing!  But, I trust my husband.

One thing we did, before we even started looking at boats, was to attend the Spring Rendezvous of America’s Great Loop Cruising Association (AGLCA) in Norfolk.  After those three days, the seminars, meeting and talking to people either doing or planning to do the Loop, and seeing a few boats – there was no stopping us!

Once we decided we were interested, then we (mostly Dan) started researching to determine what type/model boat we would enjoy.  Because of Max, our older dog, we settled on a Bayliner, either 45 or 47 foot.  All levels of the boat, state rooms and heads, galley and salon, pilot house, and fly bridge, are accessible with just a few steps – no ladders necessary!  The next step was to find a boat.

The first boats we looked at were in Georgia, on Lake Lanier.  One boat was in pretty rough shape, and the other, while in great shape, was priced way too high.

We had met Curtis Stokes, a yacht broker, at the AGLCA Rendezvous.  When we saw the model boat we wanted in Florida, we contacted Curtis, and the real search was on.  We flew to Bradenton, Florida, and looked at one boat that turned out to be in really bad shape.  The next boat was in Port St. Lucie, named Obsession.  

The owner of the Obsession was to have some mechanical problems, found during the survey, fixed so that the survey could be completed.  We had signed a 60 day Purchase Agreement, so we began the waiting.  Our broker had us sign an extended Purchase Agreement when the repairs were taking longer than anticipated.

Once the extended agreement was about to expire, Dan and our broker decided to take a look on the internet to see if a better option might be available.  They found another Bayliner 4588, the model we wanted, in Lottsburg, Virginia.  Looking at the pictures, and talking to their broker, Dan and I decided we didn’t want to let this deal slide away.  Since the Virginia location was only a one day’s drive, we hopped in my car the very next day and hightailed it to see the Kittiwake.

Short end to the story – a much better-maintained boat, price was right.  Many of the changes/enhancements Dan had wanted to make on the other boat had already been done!  We made an offer, it was accepted right away.  All that was left was to arrange a survey. 

One really wonderful aspect of this boat was that it ‘came’ with Mike Steele, who has turned out to be a good friend!  He was best friends with the previous owner, recently deceased, and had worked on the boat extensively.  Some issues came up during the survey, mostly because the boat had been sitting for two years – Mike resolved them to our and the surveyor’s satisfaction, and also promised to work on other issues after the survey and before we closed on the boat.  Because of his input, the owner’s daughter, now owner, paid to have a new exhaust system installed (@ $5,000), the bottom cleaned and painted (@ $2000).  He also promised to work with Dan to install a new inverter after the purchase.

We believe that we have found the right boat for us!