Wow. It was an adventure just getting ready. The past several months seemed like a whirled wind of activity. Linda did all the route and food planning (to ensure we had enough gluten free food) and Brian ensured the boat was electrically (with the help of Billy Hunt) and mechanically sound (with the help of J.T. Creely – Full Trottle Marine). Brian installed an Automatic Information System (AIS) transponder for the chart plotter, a WiFi system from Island Time PC, and with the help of Bob Stewart of Island Time PC and our son Nick, got the WiFi connected with the chart plotter to transfer routes and waypoints from our iOS devices, added an AC power outlet on the flybridge, and prepped areas on the boat to store bins and bins of stuff.
June 1, 2014
Brian, Linda, & St. John’s Brick
We didn’t want a big send-off. Chris, Nick, and Brian’s Mom, Ella, saw us off as we departed the Marina at 11:00am. The ride was smooth at 7 knots until we were north of the York Spit area. The wind shifted more to the North and increased in speed making the ride rough. We increased our speed to 14 knots for a smoother ride.
We arrived at Dozier’s at 1:30pm - an hour earlier than planned. Our visit to Dozier’s is two fold. First is to have repairs made to our canvas. Second because Dozier’s is highly rated by AGLCA and MTOA members. In fact, we have the perfect slip – the first one on the dock with our stern facing the marina’s office. We are right next to Loopers Bob & Sharon Boynton on Sno Daz (a Monk 36) who are in year two of their trip.
Chris made a side trip enroute to his home in Spotsylvania, VA. He took us to dinner at Eckhard's Restaurant in Topping, VA (about 15 minutes away). Jimmy (Dozier’s) highly recommended it when we checked in. It was definitely worth the short drive. After Chris left, we relaxed, watching a beautiful sunset, had drinks and great conversation with Bob & Sharon on Splash Down. We all watched a deer foraging for food in the grass between us and the marina office. Tomorrow we have a canvas maker coming around 7:00am to start work.
