June 23, Day 10 - New York City to Croton

We left NYC and headed to Croton, NY. Caught a favorable current (2-4 knots), but had 20-25 knots on the nose all the way up river. 3-4 foot waves – felt a bit like the Delaware Bay.

Stopped at Half Moon Bay Marina – lots of positive recommendations from other Loopers. The marina manager, Steve Plotkin is an incredible ball of fire – was doing about 10 things all at the same time while making us feel like we were the most important people on earth.

Talked to Terry (Edna’s daughter) and let her know that we wouldn’t be in Newburgh until Thursday – we need a break from wind and waves for a day or so and a little “on-land” time so we are staying here 2 nights.

Walked into Croton and had dinner at a great pizza place – Cappriccio II. We'll do the walk to the nearby state park tomorrow. That should be enough walking for a while-- anyway for Gerry.

Along with all the other guidebooks we have on board, we have been reading (or, Linda has been reading to Gerry) the sections in the “Honey, Let’s Buy a Boat” book that relate to where we are – interesting stuff – and has a lot more meaning to it now than it first did when we read it several years ago.

Think we will watch a movie, have some popcorn and hit the rack. Don’t have to get up early to catch the tide tomorrow.

Sights along the way -- Empire State Building




Look, it's Yogi Berra. Found it interesting that all the NYC transport boats have names ... this one was Yogi and another was Frank Sinatra. However, not being native New Yorkers we didn't recognize most.


Half Moon Marina in Croton-on-Hudson in Haverstraw Bay

Linda at the Marina

Sunset overlooking Haverstraw Bay

Short video - waves on the Hudson River

June 22, Day 9 - Glimmerglass Bay, Manasquan Inlet, NJ to NYC

We made it to New York!!

After listening to the weather forecast and checking out the conditions where we were anchored, we decided to head out at 7:30 a.m. This allowed for an easy departure through the bridge that had been a bit tricky as we entered (slack tide).

Once we were out in the ocean things settled down to a gentle roll. The skies were threatening and it finally started to rain mid-morning. We sighted NYC around 9:30, but still had 4-5 hours to go. The wind picked up significantly as we approached Ambrose Channel, but even more significant was the current we encountered. We averaged only 4 knots the last part of the trip – fighting a 3-4 knot current and 20 mph wind on the nose. I swear that the bouys were going faster than we were. We passed under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge which connects Staten Island on the west with Brooklyn on the east. We made our first sighting of the Statue of Liberty a little after 1:00 p.m., about 6 miles out.

During this part of the journey we encountered many barges, freighters and ferries. However, there wasn’t much recreational traffic … just a few sailboats. We dropped anchor just off of Liberty State Park. We are the only boat in the anchorage and it is good to get out of the current and wind.

Linda is making spaghetti for tonight and we are even having a salad with it. We are finally getting to a point where we can actually see what is in the fridge. Still have some Bon Voyage cake and some of Grace’s baby cheese cake thingy’s left (boy, they are really good!!). Then we might even be able to start building up our ice supply.

We plan to leave around 7:00 tomorrow morning to take advantage of a flood current to get us up to Half Moon Bay Marina at Croton, NY. It has received several recommendations from other Loopers and a quick conversation with Steve (the manager) seemed to bear that out.

Gerry & Linda




Some of the big guys we encountered.

The Staten Island Ferry

Lady Liberty with our AGCLA burgee flying

A little closer shot of Lady Liberty

Small boats playing in the anchorage

A short video of our approach to NY harbor.

June 21st, Day 8 - In Glimmerglass Bay

Well, after making Gerry a terrific Father’s Day breakfast (not made from scratch pancakes, eggs, and bacon), Linda re-organized things again. Gerry checked the alternator connections (found a loose wire), fixed the leak in the rear hatch (again), and spent 3 hours on trying to get the macerator pump out working. Finally found that the sea cock valve was simply not opening when you turned the lever. Had no luck trying to free it, so that will be one of those things that will be repaired when we get a haul out (we expect that we'll have to do that at some time along the way). We definitely need to do it before we go to the Bahamas – they don’t believe in pump out stations, so we will need a way to dispose of the “stuff”.

It quit raining long enough for us to go for a dinghy ride and do some exploring. We eventually went into Point Pleasant for lupper (meal between lunch and supper) at the Shrimp Box. It was ok, but not great. We also took a walk down the inlet breakwater and over to the boardwalk to get a bit of exercise. The sky took on a nasty black look, so we headed back to the dinghy and a quick ride back to the Vineyard. We almost made it, but ended up getting pretty wet before we finally got to the boat.

Had a new neighbor in the anchorage when we got back. A sailboat from Rhode Island had pulled in while we were out playing. We will have to go meet them when it stops raining.

Listened to the weather and it sounds like the forecast is changing for lighter winds tomorrow. Hope so, would like to get back on the road again.


The Vineyard in Glimmer Glass Basin

The fishing fleet in Pt. Pleasant.

Gerry at Manasquan Inlet after lunch at the Shrimp Box.

Manasquan Inlet from shore.

I think it is time to go back to the boat. It was too late, we got soaked.

Gerry & Linda

Monks' Vineyard

June 20, Day 7 - Barnegat Bay to Manasquan Inlet, Glimmer Glass Bay

Had a terrific breakfast and coffee (Garry got up at 6:00 to go get goodies at a local bakery). After getting some hints on where to anchor and the best way to Manasquan, we headed out to the bay.

MANY THANKS TO GARRY, SHERRY, AND BAILEY FOR A GREAT TIME!!

After some thought (and checking tide tables and weather) we decided to go out Barnegat Inlet instead of the Intercoastal.

We were supposed to get nasty weather later in the afternoon and Gerry figured it would be quicker just to go outside and not deal with all the weekend boaters and fisherman on the Intercoastal.

Once outside, the ocean flattened out like a pond and we had a non-eventful run up to Manasquan. It started to rain on us a bit before noon and the seas started to build out of the south.

We made it through the inlet with no problem (none of the excitement of yesterday) and proceeded to head to Glimmer Glass Basin. After not having any entertainment so far, we got to the drawbridge and requested an opening. We had a 2 knot current trying to take us under the bridge and then the wind from the forecasted storm started helping the current. Gerry got to try out all of the tricks that Mother Goose taught us about close quarter handling. With the helpful advice of a very friendly bridge tender, we finally made it though into the basin. It is really shallow in here but very well protected from the weather (which is supposed to really get nasty tonight & tomorrow).

Looks like another delay until Tuesday. That will give Gerry a chance to sort out the alternator charging circuit and work on the holding tank pump out system (oh joy!).





Barnegat Light House




Leaving Barnegat Inlet

Entering Manasquan Inlet

The Glimmer Glass anchor basin. You can see the drawbridge in the far distance.

Will post again after we reach New York.

June 19, Day 6 - Cape May to Barnegat Bay

We left Utsch’s Marina about 6:00 am with a plan to go to Atlantic City for the night. After some light surf in the Cape May inlet, the Atlantic settled down and we had a nice “rocking chair” ride - see video below. We arrived at AC (Absecon Inlet) before 11:00, so decided to press on to Garry & Sherry Haferbier’s on Barnegat Bay
Because Utsch’s did not have a pump out, decided to hook up the rebuilt macerator and take care of the full holding tank once we got out in the ocean a few miles. STILL DOESN’T WORK! Will work on that during the next weather delay.
We gave Garry a call to get his recommendations to get to his place. He suggested that we come into Little Egg Inlet as it linked right up with the Jersey Intercoastal and passed right by his community.
WELL - - - , that proved to be a very entertaining recommendation. We crashed through a 12 foot surf that gave my arm and the steering system a real workout. See the videos below. The Vineyard threatened to broach several times, but came through like a champ. Then we entered the Jersey Intercoastal and immediately ran aground (softly - backed off easily). We were in between the marks and the GPS told us we had 12 feet of water. That shook my confidence in both for the rest of the a run to Garry & Sherry’s. A real nerve racking trip – frequently coming to a complete stop while waiting for the depth sounder to tell us we had more than zero feet under the keel.
After a short stop for a pump out, arrived at the Haferbier’s around 4:00 after a 10 hour run. We were ready for a drink! Garry and their dog Bailey helped us tie up and we made toddy or two.
Sherry arrived home from work and we visited for a while before having a wonderful dinner at the Bay View Terrace – a terrific view of Barnegat Bay and great food (it was probably the company).
We went back to their place and CRASHED! We were beat.




Leaving Cape May Inlet. Smooth Seas.









Sailboat in the sunrise.

Garry & Sherry's Marina Guard Dog - Bailey.

Garry & Sherry's Mainship 34 - on their waterfront canal.

On the open ocean

Should we really be doing this?

Did it - never again!

June 18, Day 5 - In Cape May

We're still in Cape May as the wind is howling and raining cats and dogs. Good day to update blogs and logs. Waiting for the wind to die down so we can continue north. Did laundry and other mundane things. Decided to have dinner at the Lobster House. Great service and a wonderful meal.

Sorry, no pictures.

June 17, Day 4 - In Cape May

We spent the morning doing some maintenance and cleanup. Then in the afternoon walked into town enjoying the stroll through the Victorian mansions that are so prevalent in the town. Browsed through the shops in downtown, walked along the area adjacent to the beach and grabbed some lunch. Then back to the marina where we spent what felt like forever getting internet access so we could check e-mail and do some banking. The weather did not seem as bad today as yesterday, but we are committed to stay here at least until Friday.

Linda did Coq au Vin in the pressure cooker tonight. Gerry said it wasn't as good as his, but really pretty darn good (maybe it really was as good as his - - - - ).

Linda preparing Coq au Vin for the pressure cooker.

The Vineyard's home in Cape May

Cape May Victorians.

The Emlen Physick estate.

June 14 - 16, Days 1-3 of our Great Loop Trip, Home to Cape May, NJ

Linda, Kaycee, and Gerry - right after breakfast and bike loading - now ready to shove off.

Departure Day - send off party.

Dale, Don, Kara, Grace, Lisa, & Gerry

Kara, Cam, Karen, Dale, Grace, and Lisa.

Jimmy, Lisa, and Dave - who drank all the champagne???

The whole gang (minus the Janssen's)! Thanks for the send off!!! Many thanks to Edna for letting us use her dock and the fantastic champagne and snack send off.

Jimmy & Karen Mullins - Thanks for letting us stay at your house, keeping us overfed and all the empanadas and hosting the parties, and - and - and - and.

Gerry, Kara, Cameron, and Linda

Dave and Luke Kapp
Passing by the Naval Academy in Annapolis on our way to the Bay.

1st day of our Great Loop Trip - Home to Still Pond
Couldn't have asked for a better day. Friends (Edna & Terry Marsteller, Peter Pelling, Jimmy & Karen Mullins, Dale & Don Boyce, Kara Etzold, Cameron McCartney, Lisa , Dave, Grace, and Luke Kapp -(missing because we forgot to tell them we were leaving from Edna's - Torrey, Matt, Tyler, & Trevor Janssen) gave us a champagne toast and snacks for a send off from Edna's dock.

We sure miss all you guys!!!!

Temps in the 80's with a nice breeze from the north. Anchorage at Still Pond full when we arrived, but emptied towards evening. Had steak and Karen's potato salad for dinner. Linda made room for us to get into bed. Slept very well - love this bed.

Still Pond

June 15, Day 2 - Still Pond to Summit Marina North
Heavy fog to start and cold temps. Had to wear jackets. Caught favorable current in the C&D canal and had a 2.5 knot boost. Boat was going over 10 knots - we were flying. Stopped at Summit North Marina to wait for current to boost us to Cape May - 5:00 AM tomorrow. Got a call from Shawn Beal - going to meet us in Cape May tomorrow. Changed priority to get organized - well - sort of. Day turned sunny and breezy. Threat of T-Storms this afternoon, but tomorrow looks great for a trip down Delaware Bay. Still finding junk to toss out. Good thing too! We need all the room we can get.

Foggy morning at Still Pond

Chesapeake City Bridge

June 16, Day 3 - Summit Marina North to Cape May, NJ
Day 3 started with a plan to stay in Utschs' Marina in Cape May and meet Shawn and AJ Beal there. However, things sometimes do not go according to plan. Winds were predicted to be under 10 knots. However, they were more like 15 gusting to 25. The seas were 6 feet at times. We know this because we heard the local fishermen commenting on the seas and, of course, fishermen never exaggerate. During the course of the trip, Shawn called to say they were not going to be able to make it. We were sorry about that, but because we thought we were having company we had incentive to get things organized and ready in the forward cabin for guests ... so now that is done. In spite of the weather, we made good time because we were riding the current and arrived in Cape May at around 2:00 p.m. We topped off the fuel tank and headed for our slip. Dockage was a bit of an issue with the high winds, but the dockhands were very helpful and we successfully docked and disembarked. However, we did immediately drink the wine that was in the "goody package" they provided. We took a short walk and got a late lunch at a local restaurant. After listening to the weather for the next few days, we decided to extend our marina reservation for a couple of days. Hey, we have over a year to complete this trip ... why be in a hurry.

Ship passing Salem Nuclear Power Plant - Delaware Bay

Ship John Light - Delaware Bay

Other "followers" - must think we are a fishing boat.

Cape May Ferry Terminal

Short video of Delaware Bay

Bon Voyage Party

Our first picture with the "Looper" burgee.

Linda, daughter Kara and Gerry

Granddaughter Kailey and grandson Cameron

Monk's Vineyard providing boat rides during the party.

Our neighbors, Jim & Karen Mullins held a Bon Voyage party for us last Saturday (June 6th). A great time was had by all. It was great to see and visit with neighbors, friends and family. I am attaching a few pictures - bear with me, this will be a first. Pay particular attention to the cake - isn't that cool? The Great Loop Cake


Guests of honor with the cake.

We want to thank Jim & Karen for putting this together for us - it was pretty special. Thanks also to Edna for loaning us her dock and the great crab soup. A big thanks to Pat who manned the grill for several hours. And many thanks to all who brought stuff to feast on. We also want to thank everyone who came to wish us well. It was great to see everyone and get a chance to visit before we head north.

The last of our furniture went off to storage today. Now we need to move our stuff to the boat. Not sure it will all fit, but we will give it a try tomorrow. We meet with our property management folks tomorrow as well. Hopefully we will have renters occupying the place by the 1st of July.

The house cleaners come on Thursday, the carpet cleaner on Friday, and we put the car in storage on Saturday. So, we think we are on schedule for our planned Sunday departure on the 14th of June (that is also our 41st wedding anniversary). We are going to shoot for a 10:00 AM departure (that way we should be sure to leave by noon).

The Countdown continues

Last week was a busy one.

I finally got all of my Captain's license paperwork together and submitted to the very helpful folks at the Custom's House in Baltimore (the exams were easy compared to all the paperwork involved).

Joe Voss of Cummins (a great guy and mechanic) was able to finish up the repairs to our main engine and we were able to leave for our docking and close quarters boat handling class in Baltimore on schedule.

We had a bumpy ride to Baltimore with 25 - 30 knots of breeze out of the north, and put in at Anchorage Marina for our boat handling class with Mother Goose (Bill Shermer) of Blue Goose Charters http://www.bluegoosecharters.com/.

Had a bit of classroom work to start with, but Linda was soon at the helm and way out of her comfort zone. I was assigned as the line handler. I soon found out that Linda is a far better line handler than I and was reminded of that on a pretty continuous basis by Mother Goose. We spent two days with Bill and received some excellent instruction. Hopefully, it will all sink in and make us better boaters so that the rest of the folks out there won't have to run and hide when we start trying to dock.

While we were there, our friend Bruce Barbara just happened to be in town for business, so we met with he and some co-workers for dinner at Bertha's Mussles in Fells Point. They took us back to the boat and we gave them the grand tour and had a couple glasses of wine on a gorgeous evening.

We also found the best place ever for margaritas and appetizers in Canton ( a few blocks from the marina) - don't miss Geckos if you find yourself in this area (their version of Nachos is to die for) http://www.geckosonline.com/NewSite/index.html .

We had a nice ride back home and used our new SPOT (highly recommend by Dan & Biddie of Biddie & the Beast) to try out the tracking feature. It worked very well and the folks we shared the tracking link with thought it was pretty slick - especially the link to the track in Google Earth.

Then it was back home to get the Jeep ready for our son Derrick to pick up and take home to Utah. He arrived Friday at 4:00pm, and after a dinner (that he paid for!) loaded our extraneous TV's, stereo's, etc. and started the long drive back to Salt Lake City around 9:00 that night.

Our local "do everything" guys finished up all the power washing, deck sealing, interior and exterior painting so that the house is ready to rent.

I also managed to finally get all the parts and pieces back into the correct place after undertaking the task of replacing the impeller on our 9.9 HP Mercury outboard. I now know a lot more about outboards than I had ever intended to find out.

We are now getting ready to leave with our friends Jim & Karen Mullins and Dave & Lisa Kapp to cruise over to Galesville for a restful evening on the hook. This will be a bit of a shake down cruise as long tall Dave will get to try out the forward bunk for size and comfort.

Next week should be a bit less hetic, but we still have to get ready for the yard sale and finish packing stuff that is going into storage.

That's it for now.

Gerry & Linda
Monk's Vineyard
AGCLA Member #5108