Sandy Hook, NJ

On Thursday we left Chesapeake, VA and had somewhat of an easy day. We went through the Elizabeth River to Norfolk, VA and anchored at Willoughby Bay which is right behind the Naval Air Station. For most of the day and into the evening we had a spectacular air show. Black Hawks and Chinooks were circling around the bay most of the day. At night, at around 8:30 P.M. an F18 jet decided to do some maneuvers right over our boat. Pretty cool stuff. We also watched war ships coming and going. At one point one of the new Marine amphibious vessels went zooming by us. It was quite the intersting stop. More pictures here: http://tinyurl.com/ICWend


The next morning we left at around 0800 to head out to sea. Our plan was to hop outside Cape Henry via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel and head northeast for two days to Sandy Hook, NJ. The wind was supposed to be from the east and then southeast, then south 10-15 knots. Although the wind was behind us, it was somewhat light and variable so that we had to motor sail for both days. Our new engine is sure getting plenty of use. We stayed in sight and radio contact for both days with the three Canadian boats that left Virginia at the same time. There was also a catamaran that was also on the same route. It was comforting to know that others were out with us. Being on watch at 2:00 a.m. in the cold isn't much fun. In fact, Michele disliked it so much that on the second night, she was supposed to relieve Steve for a watch at 4:00 a.m., but didn't get up until 6:00 a.m. Steve was very gracious and let me sleep. When I did get up, we were almost at Sandy Hook so Steve just stayed up until we anchored. When we arrived in the harbor, it was crazy busy with power/fishing boats. It was a long way into the anchorage, but we made it. On Saturday, we just chilled out on the boat and caught up on sleep.

On Sunday we went ashore and did the usual grocery store run, while checking out town. It was the first time we used the dinghy since Fernindina Beach, FL. We planned to leave Sandy Hook on Monday, Memorial Day, but had to leave early to catch the current right on the East River in New York. When we woke up, we were still quite tired and opted to stay put. We went ashore again and walked a pretty cool trail that runs along the bay for a couple of miles. Dinner was stuffed peppers and rice.

Today, Tuesday, we planned to leave Sandy Hook again. However, the wind is so strong that it wouldn't be a pleasant trip. It is blowing steadily from the east at 20 knots with gusts up 35 knots. The anchorage is protected on the north and south, but wide open to the east which is making for an uncomforable, rolly day. Michele is quite miserable today :(. She wants to be home already - or at least off the boat for the day! Steve takes it all in stride. Hopefully, the seas will lay down this afternoon and we'll be able to go ashore again. This is sure a lesson in patience and tolerance.