Tidal changes in Georgia and South Carolina can be huge, especially during new and full moons that can add another foot of water at either extreme. As we planned our next destination on Day 173, just after a new moon, we were careful to work the 8+ foot tides to help ease our concerns about… Continue Reading
When cruising the ICW, it is wise to make reservations at marinas along the way if deciding not to anchor out. For most of our sailbatical, we’ve been fortunate to secure a slip when and where we needed it, occasionally modifying reservations due to changing weather patterns or simply altering plans. Unlike hotels, marinas don’t… Continue Reading
Finally! On April 4, 2016, after 168 consecutive days of travel on inland waterways, primarily the ICW, we went out, as in “out into the ocean.” We made our first offshore passage together, on Belle Bateau! For me, this was a big deal. As I write this, a few days later with some perspective, I’m… Continue Reading
Several cruising friends had told us that we just had to stop at Cumberland Island, Georgia’s largest and southern-most barrier island, during our sailbatical. This natural habitat and National Seashore is said to be a spiritual place, with 17 miles of undeveloped beaches, wild horses, salt marshes, and historic ruins. And yes, you may remember… Continue Reading
Waiting to leave Kingsley Plantation on a high tide was just another reminder that we are back in the part of the ICW that requires careful monitoring of tides in order to avoid grounding. But knowing that we have successfully ventured before on this “ditch path,” without touching our keel on the mud, sand, or… Continue Reading
A few years ago, Dudley and I enjoyed one of our best vacations ever when we chartered a canal boat for nine days, exploring the Aquitaine region of southest France between Toulouse and Bordeaux (if you want to know more about chartering canal boats: http://www.leboat.com). At times, our sailbatical has reminded us of moments from… Continue Reading
In planning our first stop after departing our second home, we were hoping for something that would be fresh and exciting—something that would christen the earnest beginning of our journey north by creating a memorable positive experience. And bingo! We got that in Marineland, located just south of St. Augustine. This destination was not on… Continue Reading
With the end of our second residency in NSB on the horizon, we had things to do and people to see. Amazingly, after spending 11 weeks over two separate visits, we still had not exhausted everything there is to do in this town. Although we checked a few new restaurants off our list with our… Continue Reading
The more time we spend on the water, the more we appreciate the services provided by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Like all prudent mariners, we monitor VHF channel 16 when on the water. Since beginning this sailbatical, we have heard many important announcements from the USCG. Whether alerting boaters to “hazards to navigation,” such… Continue Reading
We left Cocoa Beach early on Day 142 and were quite pleased to motorsail (running the engine with sails out) with our genoa flying for seven hours on a southeast breeze. Having the genny out allowed us to throttle back since we gained more than one knot of speed from wind, plus the current was… Continue Reading
Cheryl Duvall and Dudley Whitney
3 Church Circle, Unit #138
Annapolis, MD 21401
cherylduvall@mac.com
dudleywhitney1@comcast.net