Holding in Charleston SC

Greetings from Charleston SC

Captain Paul reporting, I thought I would give the Admiral a break on Blog duties.

We arrived yesterday on Monday afternoon back at one of our favorite marinas, the Charleston Maritime Center.  We left a beautiful anchorage in Beaufort SC in the morning, cruising up the Inter-coastal waterway.

Sunset at our Anchorage in Beaufort, (Port Royal Landing)

 

 

    The Anchorage is just south of the town of Beaufort, mile mark 542, and separates the town of Beaufort and Paris Island.  For those who do not know, Paris Island is the home to the Marine Corps basic training facility.  Every new marine gets their introduction to the marine life on Paris Island.  

This part of the inter-coastal waterway is a series of intersecting rivers and creeks that make up the "low country".  Because they are all intersecting and are tidal rivers it is somewhat difficult to figure out what direction the currents will be flowing. We headed up the Beaufort River to the Coosaw River to Rock Creek with a fair current, meaning it was flowing with us. Then we hit the Edisto River and the wind and current were not in our favor.  The wind was blowing at 25 knots out of the south.  This makes for a difficult time staying on course and keeping the boat out of the shallow water. By early afternoon we ended up in the Stono River just south of Charleston.  We had to stop and drop the anchor so we did not arrive to early at the marina.  Unfortunately the only spot the marina had for us was the Fuel dock.  Seeing as they closed at 5 PM they would let us stay there for the night.   The trip across the very open Charleston Harbor was an adventure to say the least.  Getting to the dock actually was less of an event than I was fearing.  

After we got settled, the weather map showed tornado warnings / severe weather watch for overnight and this morning – so when we woke up, the weather was pretty ugly and we decided to wait it out.  Because we were on the fuel dock – we knew we couldn’t stay there – so at about 10am, after consulting with the marina staff – they found us a slip and we made the call to stay here one more day and get going again first thing tomorrow morning.  

One of the projects I worked on today was posting a new video to youtube.  Jen took some great footage of spotted dolphins last week off of the coast of Florida.  You can find it here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKh86-nCl94 

Also, not sure if Jen mentioned that we got a new recliner for the boat.  Life is Good

Until next time, take care.        

  

Beaufort, SC

Good evening from lovely Beaufort, SC!  We can now say that we successfully avoided the entire ICW in Georgia - which was Paul's goal! 

We had an incredibly beautiful day today - the conditions were perfect.  We untied at St. Simon Marina at about 7:45 AM and headed "outside."  It was like cruising on a lake - so calm - the winds at our back - and the sun shining on us all day.  I was even able to get a lot of work done - it was so nice . . .

Of course - we had more dolphin encounters - we are cherishing every moment with our playful friends because we know as we head north, the opportunities to see them will become less frequent.

Playing in our bow wake as we left St. Simon Sound . . .

Paul saw a bunch of mantarays swimming in formation just off our starboard side, but it happened so quickly, we couldn't get a photo . . .  Sadly, I missed it, but Paul said it was pretty darn cool.  Of course, we still saw hundreds of jelly fish almost the entire way today.

My sweet captain taking a breather on the stern . . . You can see how calm it is.

First mate taking a break too - aren't we so queer?  :-)

As we entered the Port Royal Sound this afternoon, Master Plan's wake attracted a lot of gull attention - we must have been churning up some good stuff . . .

So tonight, we are anchored in an area called Port Royal - very close to Beaufort - it's a beautiful area with lots of marshes and some cool shrimp boats as well - the photo below is a view from our bow.

These shrimp boats look like they're near a cool local restaurant too.

So - now it's time to chill out, catch the sunset, grab a beer, watch some TV, and cook some dinner - looks like grilled chicken is on the menu tonight!  

Tomorrow, we continue our journey - our goal is to get past Charleston.  We spent almost four weeks in Charleston on the way down - we really loved it there - so it will be sad to cruise by - but our hope is to spend more time there on our way back to Florida next fall.

Happy Sunday to all - thanks for following along - sending lots of love, Jen & Paul

Today's Quote:

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

St. Simon Island, GA

Good evening from Master Plan - we are docked at the same marina we visited in December on our way down on St. Simon Island, Georgia.  It's beautiful here and we had a really good day . . .  as my father would have said, "we picked 'em up and laid 'em down . . ."  We traveled 130 miles today and the conditions were great.

We left Palm Coast, FL right after sunrise - about 7:30 a.m. and continued north on the ICW to St. Augustine, FL - about 25 miles.  St. Augustine is a beautiful place and we overnighted there on the way down in December.  It was during the cold snap and I would definitely like to stay there again.  They also have a fantastic municipal marina there and today we stopped and "fed the bitch."  Right next to the marina is a bridge which opens every half hour, so we timed it and once we fueled up, we caught the 11AM opening - I captured some photos.  All bridge operators along the ICW are on marine radio and as you approach, you radio and let them know you would like to pass at the scheduled 11am opening.  It is a very courteous exchange and pretty cool.  Paul, as always, handles it with expertise.

Leaving Palm Cost this morning . . . 

Approaching the bridge - just starting to open . . .

Going under . . .

And - as always - a radio exchange - "Thanks for the opening!"

Farewell again St. Augustine - what a beautiful place . . .

Just after the bridge is the St. Augustine inlet - which takes you "outside."  The conditions were perfect and off we went . . .

The forecast was great and we headed out the ocean and ran along the Florida coast - it was calm and beautiful and we made great progress.  We even contemplated continuing overnight to Charleston, but later in the afternoon it got a little choppier, so we decided to head in at St. Simon Island - and we'll head to SC tomorrow - the forecast is predicting another great day.

First mate essentials - Chilled beverage in coozy, charts, Waterway Guides, and the "crack"berry

Master Plan's wake through the calm seas

There were several jellyfish in the water - if you look closely, you can see one right in the middle of this photo - there were hundreds - we went for miles and kept seeing them.

From the captain's seat - charts, compass, and a great view of the calm seas ahead.

We came into St. Simon Sound at sunset - it was breathtaking.   The pictures show the beauty and we were able to get to the dock before it got too dark. 

So - for now, tomorrow's plan is to get to South Carolina and get as far as we can.  The weather is looking good and we plan to be "outside" again probably until Hilton Head - then go "inside" until before dark.  We promise to keep you updated!

Thanks for following along and for your love and support!  Love, Jen & Paul

Today's Quote:

Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Palm Coast, FL

Greetings dear friends and family -

Well, we traveled another 95 miles north today to Palm Coast, FL - the sun was shining on us all day - much better than the last two days.  We were actually here in this area (by land not sea) just about 4 weeks ago to meet up with our dear friends Kathleen and Cannon and their three sweet sons James (8), Ryan (6), and Alexander (4) - so since I didn't take any photos today - here are a few from our visit a month ago:

Alexander comes down the water slide and very happy to see his Mom and Paul!

Ryan having a blast!

James sliding right into the pool - just like stealing a base!

Cannon enjoys the slide too!  Interesting technique!

Ryan took this picture of me and Paul - we had a wonderful visit with our friends!

So - we're still figuring out our plan for the next few days - but we'll keep you posted.  We're both pretty tired.  Paul has been at the helm all day and I've been at the computer - but life is very good indeed.

We'll be in touch - lots of love, Jen & Paul

Today's Quote:
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

On the Road (Water) Again . . .

Greetings dear family and friends!  I type this from my usual spot on Master Plan looking out at a very soggy day and evening.  All the rain we didn't get over the winter we have gotten in the past 24 hours.

We left Stuart yesterday morning with mixed feelings - we really had a great time in Stuart (just over 3 months in total) - we loved the marina, loved the area, met some amazing people, and so enjoyed living on the boat - it was really an awesome winter.  But - we are really looking forward to getting back to the Northeast and being close to our family and friends.  So - we untied the lines and we were on our way.

Leaving Slip B26 - we already have our reservations for next year!

A beautiful morning sky at Sunset Bay Marina . . .

More dolphin play as we were leaving along the St. Lucie River

Our plan was to go "outside" - which basically means out in the ocean along the coast (vs. the "inside" which is the Intercoastal Waterway).  If the weather and seas cooperate, it is usually much faster this way and we're trying to make good time, as we would like to be in Rhode Island by April 20th.  Our initial plan was to go outside and go all night, and get into Fernandina Beach (border of GA/FL) by noon today.  We headed out and it was much rougher than we thought.  I really tried to be a trooper, but it was pretty miserable - I tried to work and it was almost impossible without feeling horribly ill from all the tossing and turning.  So - my sweet Captain who saw my green face said - "let's go inside at the next inlet - it will be much better - you can work and it won't be as rough."  Praise the Lord! 

So - we went back "inside" at the Fort Pierce inlet (about 20 miles north of Stuart) and were on our way up the ICW - smooth, easy, and I was able to be very productive again.  We were cruising along for a few hours and it started getting cloudy and it looked dark and ominous in the distance.  Paul asked me to check weather.com - and sure enough there were some showers/thunder storms heading our way.  We closed up the fly bridge and Paul came downstairs and a microburst hit us out of nowhere.  One minute we were cruising along, and within two minutes it was pouring, wind gusts of 50+mph, and no visibility.  It lasted for about a minute, but it was the longest minute EVER.  Paul was trying to turn the boat into the wind and it was almost impossible - a very scary moment for both of us, but especially him.  But - it blew right over and next thing you know - it was gone.  We looked at each other and basically said "WTF?"  But then we saw that more storms were coming, so we forged ahead and then went over to the side of the waterway and anchored for the next storm - not nearly as bad, but it tossed us around a bit and it came and went quickly as well.  We then figured out it would be another 10 miles to get to a good anchorage and there seemed to be a bit of a gap before the next storm, as well as enough daylight - so we "put the pedal to the metal" so to speak and made it to Cocoa Beach, FL. We "dropped the hook" (that's cool boat talk for anchoring) and got here just before sunset and it was calm and beautiful.  Lots of dolphins playing around our boat and the lighting was lovely.  But - it was obvious we weren't out of the weather woods yet.  We traveled about 100 miles total yesterday.

A photo of the rough ICW and the DARK skies . . . not pretty.

So we had dinner, relaxed, watched some TV and Paul thought it would be a good idea to put our second anchor out.  Good thing he did because at about 1:00 a.m. this morning, another doozy hit us - we tossed around like a toy boat in a bath tub.  Paul went up and checked the anchors and thank goodness he had connected the second one - we needed it.  All was good - no damage done - just a very tired Captain.

We got up early this morning - our plan was to get going again - but we took one look northward at the black skies and thought better of it.  After checking the weather maps and seeing bad storms, tornado warnings and all those good things north of us, we figured we would wait it out.  So - we're still "on the hook" in Cocoa Beach after a rain-soaked day peppered with thunder and lightning here and there.  The worst of it was north of us, and we were smart to stay put.  I was also able to be very productive on the work front taking advantage of no engine noise and a non-moving boat (for the most part).  And - as luck would have it - there is a cell tower right near us, so my cell/internet coverage was 5 bars all day!

It looks like it will clear tomorrow, so our plan is to get going again and try to get another 100 miles under our belt.  We are SO THANKFUL we came "inside" - I said to Paul - can you imagine being out in the ocean for these storms?  All I have to say is "holy crap."

So I just got an email from our friend and former neighbor in Marlborough who reported that the Boston area is getting 6 to 10" of snow tonight.  Once again - I will say "holy crap."  That white stuff better be gone by the time we return!  We'll work hard to bring the warmer temps and sunshine with us - we promise!

So - that's the update from here . . .  We'll keep you posted!  Lots of love, Jen and Paul

Today's Quote:  "In case of a thunderstorm, stand in the middle of the fairway and hold up a one iron - not even God can hit a one iron."  Lee Trevino

In Loving Memory - Peter Sr.

Greetings dear family and friends - 

I type this from Master Plan after being away for 11 days for a very sad reason.  Paul's father Peter - who just turned 70 in January - passed away on Friday, March 11, 2011.  On Wednesday morning, March 9th, we came upstairs to find several early morning missed calls on both of our cell phones from Paul's brothers and our sister-in-law - we knew that something was terribly wrong.  Long story short - he was rushed to the hospital and med-flighted to Mass General early that morning.  We got the news before 7AM and were at his bed-side by 2PM that afternoon.  On Friday evening, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife of 44-years - Patricia; his three sons and their wives - Peter Jr. & wife Erin [who also have 3 awesome kids - Peter III (12), Brynn (9), and Mae (5)], Paul and me, and Will & wife Rosemarie.  The overwhelming power of love was apparent - he was surrounded by seven people left here on earth who will forever be grateful to have been loved by such a great man. 

Peter faithfully read this blog and always commented on how much he enjoyed it.  If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be living on a boat.  His true love and passion for boats and the sea was happily passed on to his son Paul who I am so lucky to be married to (almost 10 years!).   Both Paul and I are truly grateful that he was able to spend time on Master Plan and see the start of our dream.  Peter was on our maiden voyage last June 4th with his dear friend Paul Kuzia - another lover of boats - and together, the four of us enjoyed a magical journey from New Bedford to East Greenwich.  I will always remember turning into Narragansett Bay near the end of the day with the wind at our backs as we glided by Newport, under the Newport Bridge and up the bay towards East Greenwich - the lighting was perfect and it was breathtaking.  Peter sat right in front next to Paul reading the charts and navigating the journey - it is a day I will always cherish.

Peter, Paul, and Paul Kuzia in New Bedford just after Master Plan lowered into the water after two weeks of maintenance.  What a crew!

Peter - our navigator - as we rounded the corner by Warwick Neck towards East Greenwich

We also brought the entire Squeglia clan out on the boat last July and a great time was had by all - Peter emailed me the week following - "Thanks for bringing the boat up to Falmouth, and allowing us all to have one of the best days of our lives. It was one we will always remember."

The entire family - one I am SO blessed to be a part of - L to R - Mae, Brynn, Erin, Peter Sr., Peter Jr., Patricia, Will, Rosemarie, Peter III, me, and Paul.

A son and his father - doing what they truly loved - boating - look at Peter's huge smile!  Then again, it was rare to see Peter without a smile on his face, especially when he was on a boat!

Patricia and Peter on the back of their boat on Lake Tashmoo on the Vineyard - another fun afternoon spent on the water.

As we returned to the marina tonight and looked out to the beautiful boats and the sunset, I said to Paul - "your father would have loved it here - I wish he could have seen it."  But he is seeing it now from heaven - of that I am sure - as sure as he is still reading this blog.

Looking ahead, Paul and I are planning on leaving Stuart next week - around March 31st depending on weather - and our goal is to be back in Rhode Island by April 20th.  Once we get going again, I will start posting again with more frequency.

Until the next posting - sending love and hugs to all - Jen & Paul

Today's Quote:

Learn to pause...or nothing worthwhile will catch up to you.

-Doug King

Scenes from Stuart in February

Hello dear Family and Friends - well, it has been over a month since I've posted to this blog and thought it was time to check in and share some scenes from our life here in Stuart.  First of all - we really love this area.  The marina is wonderful and we've met some really interesting and fun people and feel very much part of this community.  We also really love the town of Stuart - not terribly overdeveloped, some great restaurants and lots of parks and pretty places. 

We also brought our car down here at the end of January which has made a big difference too - it has given us a lot more freedom and flexibility.  By no means was it inconvenient to not have a car, but it certainly has opened up lots of options for us.

So here are some photos from February - enjoy!

Superbowl Sunday - we watched Green Bay defeat the Steelers outside on the dock - cool.

Taken from our Bow looking left - this is the main entrance of the marina - beautiful views of the St. Lucie River

Another one taken from our bow - a view of our neighbors to our left (port side) - the first boat is the only sailboat on our end of the dock named "High Priority" belonging to Ron and Ingrid; the second "Five O'Clock" is a 50' Carver and belongs to Pete & Jeri who are originally from northern California.  The next one is a sportfish that belongs to Tom - who hosted the Superbowl party - and the yacht on the end is 103 feet and we have yet to meet an owner.  Our boat is 48' and is one of the smaller ones here!

Paul went out to help our other neighbor (on the other side - starboard) - Matt (owner) said - "want to go for a ride?" and next thing I know is I hear "Hey Jen I'm heading out to help Matt with his lines!"  A better photo of the entire boat is next.

This boat "Carried Away" is a 65' Pacific Mariner owned by Matt and his wife Colleen from Long Island - they recently purchased this boat and they're super nice people.  Paul was pretty darn happy (understatement) to have a chance to take a spin!

Sunset from the Fly Bridge of Master Plan - never a bad sunset here - beautiful.

Another sunset; this photo taken at the end of our dock - the fuel dock is in the foreground.

A view of the marina from the Fuel Dock (so sunset is behind me).  We are on the left side of Dock B - which is left in this photo - straight ahead is the Marina Office/Store, and to the right is Dock A.  Dock B (our dock) is a floating dock - meaning it goes up and down with the tide so you don't have to adjust your lines (although the tide difference here is only about a foot and a half); a fixed dock is just that - so you do need to adjust your lines.  There a total of 4 docks (C and D not pictured) with about 180 boats total and to the far right (not pictured) are 70 moorings as well.

We were so delighted to welcome our friends Catharine and Kevin aboard once again - so fabulous to see them!  We took them to our favorite place here - Pecks' Lake - where we anchored, had some lunch, then took a short dinghy ride to the beach.  Lovely!

After a great outing, we returned to the marina before sunset - the lighting was amazing and it was so calm.  We are on the InterCoastal going north heading back.

Another glorious sunset - this time shared with Catharine and Kevin!  Here we are on the InterCoastal just about to take the left into the St. Lucie River towards Stuart - the marina is 8 miles from this point.

Yesterday - Paul heads out for a fishing adventure with some guys from the dock - not a lot of fish caught, but a good time had by all!  Photo taken from Master Plan's bow.

Stuart is about 140 miles south of Cape Canaveral - where today's shuttle launched.  Paul took this picture from the bow of our boat - pretty darn cool.

 

Another picture of the trail left behind as our astronauts head into the stars . . .

So - once again - we truly feel so grateful to be able to live out our "Master Plan."  RLC Events has been nice and busy; it is awful nice to look up and out to the water while working away.  I feel truly blessed to have this flexibility and not a day goes by that I don't appreciate it.

So - we send our love to all - please come visit!  Our plan is to be here through the end of March, then start working our way back to the Northeast - we'll keep you posted.  Hard to believe that February is almost over!

Lots of love - Jen & Paul

Today's Quote:

Learn to pause...or nothing worthwhile will catch up to you.

-Doug King