LIFE: Part 2

Last blog left us in Eleuthera in April 2022. We then sailed up to Abacos to wait for a weather window and sail across the Gulf stream to the Cheasapeake. 

We got fuel and a few fresh vegetables to top us the fridge in Marshtown,

April 27th we departed  from Man a war Cay, Abacos

The trip was was 5 days and 5 nights. we left on a beautiful starry night and also the sea was glowing with phosphorecents

We had our first squall in the morning, winds up to 28kts. Noel put in a second reef. by the evening it all had settled down  although we had some current against us.  We mostly sailed, but also motored, we had some calms, where we played upwords and Mexican train. 

Third nigh just before sunset, cruise ship Carnival Legend passed near, all beautifully light up.

We were looking forward to going to the US somewhere new, explore a bit more and leave leave the boat in Deltaville for the hurricane season. 

Our first stop was Hampton. We motored up Hampton River and anchored right downtown by the Marina and Town Docks. We dinghied over and were met by Customs. They were friendly and helpful, and wanted to come onboard to do an inspection for forbidden foodstuffs. When they realised we would have to ferry them over by dinghy they changed their minds! Cruising Permit in hand we were all set.

The only problem was the COLD! We were freezing. We took a bus trip to Walmart to buy some warmer clothes. And then we met the catamaran Duende, with Kevin and Cindy on board – and they had a HEATER! Apparently this was unseasonably cold but that was no consolation.

Hampton was nice though. Easy access to the bus to West Marine where we exchanged our wrong oil filters for the right ones. The Dock provided free showers and would also receive packages for us. And the nearby NASA Air and Space Museum was a fun visit. As was the hundred-year old carousel with hand painted horses.

Then we went up to Deltaville and got ourselves nicely hauled out followed by a flight home. Again, not without drama. We had arranged for the marina employee Colin to drive us to the airport in the morning. But he slept in! Finally we were able to wake him up by telephone and did manage to get to the airport  on time. Colin repeated the same performance when Rod went to the airport. Not very impressive.

And so we arrived home. It’s always nice to be home.