After a month on land where many boat projects were accomplished by Greg (see previous blog entry) we prepared to head onto the water again. Last project was to replace the propeller that was removed in order to have it re-pitched, hoping to help prevent the carbon build up on the transom. Already having accomplished three other projects trying to prevent this, it was hoped this would make the difference. However, after removing the prop and visiting the shop where they would do the work, the professional said that the prop was the correct pitch and no work would be needed. So, the propeller got painted with anti-fouling paint and was ready to go back on.
Greg prepares the tools, Sharon learns the parts and process and into the water goes Greg - the muddy, cloudy, can't see unless you have a light and are within six inches of the object, water. The chief mechanic (that would be Greg) is ready. The propeller gets lowered into the water, lassoed by a long, beefy line and winched and tied in the cockpit (you really don't want to drop it in the water!) First, the "key" which has been loaded up with "Lanocote" anti-corrosion goop, fits into the shaft notch and assured it is in tight. The key and notch are at 12 o'clock today, which worked out great (not so easy to drop the key). Then, the prop is fitted over the shaft end. Following the prop the appropriate nut gets handed to the chief mechanic. The large wrench needed to secure this first nut is handed down and lassoed to the mechanic's wrist. Then, the propeller gets tightened into place. Then, another nut and the final cotter pin are put in place, which requires a small hammer to assure it is in and bent around properly. Of course, all this while holding your breath! It was a successful job - add it to the list!
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| The propeller is attached to the bottom of this line |
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| Wonderful aluminum wrench! Looks way heavier than it is |
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| Success! |
Heading out early the next morning, to avoid the heavy current, we followed another sailboat out. Except, it was low tide. Though there was no current to deal with, we ended up hitting bottom in the outside channel along the shore, just 40 feet from shore. Again, Greg masterfully, moved fore and aft, this way and that, trying to find the deeper water. Finally, off we went. Whew! As a high school friend told Sharon when she ran into him years later, "Anyone who says they haven't stuck their keel into the Chesapeake mud is lying!" We have dipped ours in several times. All part of sailing the Chesapeake and looking for those sweetest of anchorages.
On to the Canal, where we tied up alongside Schaefer's Canal House. This is a crazy place on a summer weekend. Lots of boats moving about between the southern and northern shore of the canal. Several restaurants and watering holes make it a popular destination for land and sea folk. The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal is an amazing feat of engineering. By connecting a series of creeks back in the early 1800's, a well-used shipping channel has resulted. This saves huge amounts of time for those transiting to Philadelphia and Baltimore.
We love stopping at Schaefer's for two reasons. One - the menu is filled with crab dishes - one of Sharon's favorite foods! Two - our friends Lori and Tom always come to visit. They live only about 45 minutes away and it is always a pleasure to see them. We enjoyed a good meal, some local music and a long chat. Tom, Lori and Lori's mom are faithful blog followers. They pretty much know where we are at any given time. We were chatting about our travels and Lori asked us how fast we go. She said, I know you call it knots, but how would you compare it to miles per hour like in a car? We said 6 mph. The reaction was classic. She cracked up and didn't stop laughing for a couple minutes! She said - well I think I would have to go faster than that. Ha - now you know why it takes us so long to go 200 miles! Thanks for always being with us Lori and Tom, and Mom!
We pulled away from the dock the next morning and continued on our way to an overnight stop off in Cape May. From Cape May, we headed out early Monday morning along with all the fishing charters, and set the auto pilot for 61 degrees. For the next 24 hours we would leave it in that spot changing course only to avoid the ships and fishing vessels around the New York ship channel area. 80 miles of shipping channels shaped like a fan line the NY/NJ coast all arranged to organize shipping in and out of New York Harbor. They extend to over 100 miles out to sea and help them and everyone else avoid each other, especially at night. At one point, Sharon counted 15 AIS signals (ship transponder signals) on the chart at 3am - all within 20 miles of us! Why is it that all the fishing boats are out at night? Are fish really nocturnal? And what are they doing fishing right in the middle of the shipping channels?
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| Fairly typical fishing vessel, somewhere around 100 feet in length; always keep a safe distance as they often have nets in the water |
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| The fishing vessels are the triangles, the large blocks are large cargo vessels; that is us, the black vessel right in the middle! The yellow arrow that appears to be pointing at us is the wind direction. |
By 2pm, we were finally in flatter water and making the turn into Great Salt Pond, Block Island, Rhode Island. 205 miles in 30 hours! Still cloudy and a bit drippy, we were happy to see calm water. Anchor down, text messages sent to those worried about us, we both crashed for some much needed quiet rest. Showers and a full night's sleep has us feeling back to normal today. As the fog has settled in right about now, we will hang out for a day, then head to Newport tomorrow.
Happy Fourth to all! 'Til next time -
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