31 December - Day #29. Today is dedicated to provisioning, laundry and a Walmart run. Dad drives us all around and we even tour some of Savannah's very scenic areas. Many of the roads are beautifully canopied by live oaks. Wisps of tinsel-like Spanish moss hang from almost every branch. We have cocktails aboard before going out for a New Year's celebratory dinner with Dad and Claire. Safely at the dock in Sail Harbor Marina, Savannah, GA. 0nm today/670nm total. DBH

30 December - Day #28. Tomorrow there's a blue moon so the tidal range is near maximum--8' here in southern SC. This makes the 1.5 mile long Field's Cut, already infamous on the ICW, all the more challenging. Among its charms are rapid tidal flows, very shallow water, and of course, there's no maneuvering room because it's hallway narrow. Naturally we arrive at the gauntlet just before low tide. Several hundred yards into the Cut we see a sailboat aground. He asks us to wake him, i.e. to go by quickly so our wake will give him a few seconds of altitude to try and free himself. We offer to pull him off but he decides to wait for the tide to rise. Definitely a safer decision. What's left of the ebb is pushing us down the Cut so if we do go aground it'll be all that much more dramatic. The Cut's southern exit is by far the shallowest section. At idle, but with the tide pushing us at 5kts, we skim over a bottom which is just a foot under our keel. Safely at the dock in Sail Harbor Marina, Savannah, GA. 46nm today/670nm total. DBH

29 December - Day #27. Some days it's better not to plan--just go and see what happens. We pulled the anchor in Charleston, headed south, and had the current behind us almost the entire trip. Nellie D. acted like a race horse when she was pushed along at 9.6 knots in the N. Edisto River. It was all very relaxing with opportunities for naps and reading when not on watch. We saw only a few other boats along the way, including the "Earth Ball" which is pictured above. The skipper looks like he's one go wake away from swimming. I always wonder how close to cut channel markers. Do they mark deep water or shoals? The picture above gives me pause. As for us, we had no particular destination in mind, but with an average speed of 6.5 knots we were pleasantly surprised to be in Beaufort, SC late in the afternoon. Beaufort is another antebellum town with amazing houses and the biggest live oaks I've ever seen. Anchored off Beaufort, SC. 56nm today/624nm total. BJH

December 28 - Day #26. A cruiser thinks about their dink (dingy) like anyone shoreside thinks about their car--its how you get around. Being stranded by a broken down car is never fun, but it's usually not life threatening. If a dink's engine quits in the wrong place it can be disastrous. While we were in Mexico a fellow cruiser was returning from the beach in Cabo San Lucas to his boat anchored just off shore. When his engine quit he got the oars out. To his horror no amount of effort could overcome the wind and current--he was going out to sea. Luckily, the next day a helicopter found him--12nm offshore. Today, as we dingied back from downtown Charleston, our engine decided to test our mettle in the middle of a mile wide section of the Ashley River. There was a 20kt wind and a strong ebbing current when the engine's RPM dropped off precipitously. Normally an event like this is followed rapidly by the outboard's deafening silence. At this point I'm thinking "No tools and no VHF radio--great." Luckily the Yamaha kept running, albeit at greatly reduced power. The closest refuge was a desolate area of marsh. We headed for it; any port in a storm. Only after getting to within rowing distance did we parallel the marsh and continue heading in Nellie's general direction. After what seemed like an hour we reached a more populated area. Here, just in case, we motored close to the ends of the docks. Nellie never looked so good as we approached. Ok, so realistically our chances of getting swept all the way out of Charleston harbor and into the open Atlantic were slim and none. However, knowing that doesn't keep the adrenalin from flowing when the RPMs drop unexpectedly. The engine's autopsy is inconclusive thus far. Anchored in Wappoo Creek, Charleston, SC. 0nm today, 569 nm to date. DBH

27 December -- Day#25. It's a relaxing 20 mile trip to Charleston through low marshy grass lands. Rivers and inlets weave aross the ICW in every direction. We see countless dolphins who greet us by leaving their feeding grounds to come play off our bow. Charleston Harbor can be a busy place with countless frieghters, naval ships, fishing boats and the like. This Sunday morning the harbor is nice and quiet with only two tour boats transisting from Liberty Square to Fort Sumter and maybe a dozen or so sailboats enjoying a liesurely day on the harbor. This lack of traffic makes it a perfect day for us to go investigating. We first cruise by Fort Sumter where history claims the Civil War started. Then we head southwest to get a close look at the aircraft carrier Yorktown. Interestingly, it's the most visited tourist attraction in Charleston with over 700,000 visitors a year. Across the Cooper River to Liberty Square we see the aquarium and the maritime museum buildings. With old town Charleston to starboard we round the Battery, on the city's west side, and pass the City Marina. Not ones to pass up a free wifi connection we drift for a few minutes while checking email. It's then time to head to our favorite anchorage just beyond the Wappoo Creek Bascsule Bridge. We cap off a great day cruising by walking to a little strip mall where there's a Chinese Resturant. Anchored in Wappoo Creek, Charleston, SC. 24 nm today, 569 nm to date. BJH

26 December - Day #24. We set a new record yesterday--a whole .2nm traveled. The Christmas day gale finally blew itself out at 5pm. While we'd planned to cruise to Georgetown, SC, which is 20 miles away, the late hour coupled with the crew's laziness meant we were lucky to get away from the dock and across the river. The tidal range, or the number of feet the tide goes up and down, has increased from the Chesapeake's one foot to five feet here. Running with the current has a dramatic effect on our speed this morning as we see our normal 6.5kts not drop under 8kts for several hours. It may be hard to believe but this speed change is as dramatic to us as going from 65 to 80 mph in a car. This evening's anchorage is just 20 miles from Charleston and is very close to an ocean inlet. We drop the dink and go exploring. The beach, which is only accessible by boat, is great for shelling. Back aboard, Bill and Heidi, S/V Act III, who are coincidentally in the same anchorage, join us for cocktails. At anchor in Price Creek, SC. 55nm today and 545nm total

Merry Christmas! Nellie D. is decorated in honor of the season (Dave's doing) and today we celebrated Christmas aboard. I always love a holiday where I get presents:-) Last night, it was sure nice to have no anchor watch, in fact we slept quite soundly tied to the dock even while the winds kicked up to 25kts. Since we had shore power I figured it was time to do a few loads of laundry aboard and now the saloon is decorated with four clothes lines full of drying clothes--not quite as festive as Dave's decorations. The rain is falling now and we're hoping it will stop when it's time to cut the dock lines early this afternoon. We're off to the anchorage in Georgetown, SC--just 20 miles to the south. At the Dock, Wacca Wache Marina, Murrells Inlet, SC. 0nm today and 489nm total. BJH

24 December - Day #22. Going through Myrtle Beach we see three boats driven ashore and badly damaged, presumably by last weekend's big winds. To celebrate Christmas, and to pamper ourselves, we pull into the Wacca Wache Marina. There's a pub at the head of the dock so we stop in for some beers and a snack. Everyone was talking about a boat docked in front of the pub. Yup, Nellie stole the spotlight (again). Lots of folks came over to our table to chat and we even met the chef and the owner. As we left the pub another couple stopped us and said that if they ever give up sailing a tug just might do. Turns out Bill and Heidi are off S/V Act III, a Peterson 44 we'd seen earlier today in Myrtle Beach. They left New Hampshire four months ago on a scheduled two and half year cruise-about of the Caribbean and Central America. We chatted a bit and then we were off to their boat for cocktails. I'd planned a nice shrimp dinner, but the shrimp never made it out of the freezer. Instead it was a social evening followed by a bit of left overs. I just laugh when I think of all the interesting people we've met--not because we're so wonderful, but because people love Nellie. What a hoot! At the Dock, Wacca Wache Marina, Murrells Inlet, SC. 37nm today and 489nm total. BJH

23 December - Day #21. For several weeks now we've heard Coast Guard alerts and stories from fellow cruisers about the ICW being closed for new bridge construction. Well, today we find out for ourselves. About 5 miles from Southport we see large cranes on barges and some vertical supports. There's a tug moving one of the barges around and we try, without luck, to hail him. Figuring it's better to ask for forgiveness than for permission, and seeing a gap just big enough for Nellie, ok, the Queen Mary too if the truth be told, we slip through. Today's trip is an easy one. There are no scary waters to deal with. So, while not on watch, I get back to documenting Nellie's as-built AC wiring and Bicki buries her nose in Kiran Desai's "The Inheritance of Loss". Just into South Carolina is the second bridge hurdle of the day. The Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge is being replaced with a very high fixed span. Some local's are protesting the change. The pontoon bridge is the last on the ICW and so it's passing marks the end of an era. While all the other bridges we've gone under open by swinging or raising, this bridge floats and with a series or wire ropes is pulled out of the way. The on-going construction on the new bridge doesn't impede us and we pass, like the pontoon bridge, into the sunset. At Anchor in Calabash Creek, Little River, SC. 29nm today and 452nm total. DBH

22 December - Day #20. It's taken almost three weeks but we're starting to get into the cruising groove. This morning, before weighing anchor, we went for a nice long walk in Wrightsville Beach. There was no rush, the ebb tide on the Cape Fear River wasn't until late morning. Today's four hour cruise south is a pretty one. The first two hours are like a canal trip with lots of big houses to look at. The second half of the trip, down the Cape Fear River, is quite different. The river is wide, almost two miles wide in some spots. It can be rough too, especially when the winds oppose a strong current. This stretch of the Cape Fear River is mostly wilderness. It probably hasn't changed much from the early 1700's when tall ships plied the river to Wilmington. Today, with no wind to stir it up, and with a speed boost from the ebb, we made good time. On the west bank of the Cape Fear River, several miles before it empties into the Atlantic, is the seafaring town of Southport, NC. It's quaint, antebellum, and awash in live oaks. Oh ya, it also has several free docks. At the free dock with free electricity ;-) in Southport, NC. 24nm today and 423nm total. DBH

21 December - Day #19. Brrr, it's 27F. Not that I'm complaining, after all, the winds are down. It's 7am and we're off before sunrise. The ICW crosses a live-fire range at Camp Lejeune. Apparently they're sleeping-in so we march right through. Coming under the bridge at Wrightsville Beach we wave to a north bound USCG patrol boat. They did the dreaded u-turn and hailed us on the radio--oh boy, let the games begin. Four young guys come aboard; two instructors and their students. The guys are cordial and very professional. I'm not sure the question "How much maintenance does a tug like this require?" comes right out of 'the Manual', more like from a boat lover's heart. In the end, and like Jean Valjean from Les Misérables, we get our yellow ticket of leave--the yellow copy of the boarding report means no infractions ;-) As the guys are getting off Nellie I thank the patrol boat's helmswoman for doing a good job of staying away from our new paint job. Her eyes light-up, she gives me a big smile and says, "I sure try.". At Anchor in Wrightsville Beach, NC. 49nm today and 399nm total. DBH

20 December - Day #18. Finally, the wind is down and the sun is out. A major portion of today's trip is through Bogue Sound. Since there's an ocean inlet at its eastern terminus the currents can be strong. Rather than buck the tide the sailing directions recommed entering Bogue Sound towards the end of the flood. Thats around 10:00am today and, sure enough, we get a one knot boost for almost the whole trip. The weather patten that's dumping so much snow up north is making it unseasonally cold here--30's at night and 40's during the day. While the sun is out, and that's a major improvement compared to the last few days, the wind isn't done with us and we see several 30kt puffs. Vicki says she really likes cruises that last no longer than her morning shower. Looking to please I call it a day at 1:30pm. Since it's so cold, and Dudley's Marina is bargin priced at $27.50, we pull into the dock. Turns out there's a courtesy car here too. We make a grocery and hardware run and for good measure tour a little of historic Swansboro, NC. Don and Ann Surratt, who own the 37' LNVT Puffin (#26), join us aboard for dinner. At Dudley Marina's Dock, Swansboro, NC. 25nm today and 350nm total. DBH

19 December - Day #17. When I closed yesterday's log with "We're ready for this bad weather to blow through." I wasn't being literal. Well, 'blow' it did but unfortunately 'through' it is not. Anchor watches are part of the cruising life and this one started yesterday at 7pm and went until 6am this morning. The winds built from 20 to 30kts and there were some 40kt gusts. Up until midnight the tide was going east while the winds were going west. That always makes for fun--if you like big waves on the beam. Then the ebb set in and both the wind and current worked together to try and pry Nellie from terra firma. The picture above shows a breadcrumb plot of Nellie's position over about 4 hours. The plot's tight vertical lines are Nellie swinging to her anchor. The successive groupings of tight vertical lines are evidence that the anchor wasn't holding. So, at 2:30am all hands were on deck for the re-anchoring drill. When, at 8am, the weather forecast was calling for more of the same, we pulled anchor and headed to the Town Creek Marina. Docking in 24kt winds is really a controlled crash. A crash that I'm happy to report that we and Nellie walked away from. One of the benefits of being dockside is the free loaner car. Not ones to sit on our hands we picked up Lynn and Jack Robinson (S/V Felix) and explored Morehead City. Secured to a very strong dock in Town Creek, Beaufort, NC. 4nm today and 326nm total. DBH

18 December - Day #16. The current rips through Taylor Creek at about 1kt. Becuase of this the anchor bridle wasn't used last night. Nellie's bridle, like a horses', is made up of two reins with a bit in the middle. The bit attaches to the anchor chain while the reins, which are made of hefty nylon rope, go to the bow's hawse cleats. The bridle serves two purposes. First, it acts like a shock absorber between the anchor and the boat. In big puffs or strong currents the chain goes taught but the nylon rope stretches. This greatly reduces the stress on the boat and the strain on the crew's nerves. Second, the bridle keeps the chain from rubbing against the stem. And chain on stem can keep the crew awake all night. Why then wasn't the bridle used last night? Because sometimes, when Nellie's constanly turning to an ebb and flood, the bridle can wrap itself around the chain. And that's bad, because in an emergency (like running out of beer) the anchor couldn't be recovered quickly.

Dressed like eskimoes we got in the dink and headed for Beaufort before noon. As evidenced by the several free dingy docks, this is a cruiser friendly town. We walked several of the streets where the houses date back to the 1700's and most are immaculately maintained. The Beaufort Maritime Museum is a jewel. Lots of cool nautical stuff sure, but the way it's exhibited is outstanding. Back in the dink we toured the waterfront before getting our cold bones home to Nellie. The rain and winds arrived after dark. We're very ready for this bad weather to blow through. At anchor in Taylor Creek, Beaufort, NC. 0nm today and 322nm total. DBH

17 December - Day #15. A heavy frost clings to Nellie as this morning's temperatures touch the mid 20's. Nellie's diesel furnace did yeoman's duty last night keeping us warm and snug. Our plan of heading to New Bern was changed as we entered the Neuse River. Winter weather is known for being unsettled and this year is no exception. Now NOAA is predicting gale force, northwesterly winds through the weekend. It's one thing to run with the wind 22nm down the Neuse to New Bern, it's quite another to contemplate beating 22nm to get out of there. Our decision to skip New Bern is sealed when we hear reports of wind driven flooding near town. Our winds are in the teens now and the Neuse is already starting to rear its head. The good news is Beaufort, a town we've yet to visit, is just 25nm away. It's a circuitous and river-like trip getting there. Arriving in Beaufort we check out the Town Creek anchorage. It's a tight area, with reportedly poor holding and filled with derelicts and live-aboards--next. The lenght of Beaufort fronts Taylor Creek and this is where most transients drop the hook. Unfortunately the creek is fairly narrow and mooring balls abound. I can't imagine how crowded this place must be in the summer. We motor up the creek into a 1kt ebbing tide and find a nice comfortable spot 1.5nm west of town. At anchor in Taylor Creek, Beaufort, NC. 24nm today and 322nm total. DBH

16 December - Day #14. Before the day even begins we hear a rap on the hull. It's Captain Asa Gatlin, a Tow Boat U.S. skipper and boat mechanic who has worked for Deaton Yacht Service, here in Oriental N.C., for 25 years. Ten years ago he spent 9 months doing a major refit on an LNVT named Piteraq. His recollections are amazingly clear as he discusses each job: a new Yanmar engine; an Aquadrive; new wall laminate; and on and on. Asa remembered Piteraq's owner, Robert Gannicott, too. It seems that Robert, a geologist by training, ran a fleet of helicopters which serviced oil companies in northern Canada. On one memorable day he saw what looked like a meteor crater and set the helicopter down to check it out. The ore samples he took revealed that the site was a proverbial diamond mine--one of the largest in Canada. According to Forbes Robert is now the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Harry Winston Diamond Corporation. Which goes to show, only the luckiest people get to own LNVTs ;-) At the free dock in Oriental, NC. 0nm today and 297nm total. DBH

15 December - Day #13. It's ironic but the worse the weather prediction the more miles we travel. Because of the gale forecast for tonight we're up before dawn and underway. Our goal is to seek protection in either Bellhaven, NC or in the more distant Oriental, NC. The anchorage's fog mixes with the pre-dawn darkness to form an almost impenetrable veil. We weigh anchor relying on the chart plotter and radar to penetrate the veil. I'd heard that a laser really illuminates day marks and that some boats are using lasers in lieu of spotlights. This was the perfect chance to try out the one we'd just bought. As advertised, the day mark glowed brightly when struck. Aiming and hitting the day mark, however proved almost impossible. Nellie's sticking with her spotlight. Apparently mosquitoes have no problem navigating in the fog. Even worse, they were ravenous and ubiquitous. About 20 kills later, and without too much human blood loss, the cabin was cleared. The calm waters and winds meant that Nellie made very good time going south. We arrived off Bellhaven around noon however the siren call of calm winds and seas urged us on. This part of cruising is like musical chairs. You hate to stop when the weather conditions are good, but you'd rather be at the dock then left standing when the music stops. So on we went through the large waters of the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River. The town of Oriental, NC has a full-time population of 850 and some 2400 sailboats--that's why it's called the sailing capital of North Carolina. The downtown harbor is quaint, tight and has a free dock that fits two boats. Needless to say the free dock is always full. That's why, when rounding the breakwater, we were shocked to see one of the slips open. A long walk around this beautiful town was followed by dinner aboard. At the free dock (yahoo) in Oriental, NC. 67nm today and 297nm total. DBH

14 December - Day #12. We woke early, it's a long run today, and what we found was fog, fog, and more fog. The Weather Service was predicting it to lift so we sat and waited while 7am turned into 8am, 9am, and then 10am. At 10:15 the width of the Elizabeth City's harbor was visible so we pushed back. By 10:30 the visibility was down to 100' so standing watch in the soup means keeping an eye out for crab pots, scanning the radar and making sure Nellie stays on the chart plotter's course. By 1:30pm the fog lifts and we have blue sky and calm seas in the Albemarle Sound. Approaching the Middle Ground, which is just above the Alligator River Bridge on the south side of the Albemarle, we join up with two sailboats. This area is known, nay infamous, for it's shoaling. Nellie and I have bounced off the bottom here twice. Both our accompanying sailboats found the bottom, but Nellie, I'm happy to report escaped unscathed--that makes me 1 for 3. Even with the late start we made the anchorage at the southern terminus of the Alligator River before night fall. At anchor near the northern end of the Pungo-Alligator River Canal, NC. 46nm today and 231nm total. DBH

13 December - Day #11. The day dawns cold, wet, and windy. The promised storm has arrived. Pelican Marina is a mite exposed making last night's sleep fitful. But hey, the space heaters worked great. After a little debate we decide to take the rental car to Manteo, another spot cruisers really seem to like. Manteo is just south of Kitty Hawk and east of the Alligator River. First we stop by the Alligator River Marina and say hi to Jack and Lynn (Felix). Manteo is a cute little place but we had a hard time envisioning all it's attractions because of the wind and rain. Back in Elizabeth City we dropped the car off and walked the three miles back to the marina. We took advantage of the infinite dock water and did the laundry and filled the tanks. In Pelican Marina, Elizabeth City, NC. 0nm today and 185nm total. DBH

12 December - Day #10. Brrr! Ice on the docks. There's another storm coming this evening so we decide to move over to Pelican Marina. It's only a half mile from our current dock. The idea of hot showers and being able to plug Nellie into 120V (think warmth from space heaters) might have had something to do with our decision. Rather than cruise the 60nm to Edenton, we rent a car and drive. Our arrival there coincides with their Christmas parade. What a pretty antebellum town. Mayor Steve and Lynn (Carolina) join us for cocktails aboard Nellie and then we all go out to dinner. In Pelican Marina, Elizabeth City, NC. .5nm today and 185nm total. DBH

11 December - Day #9. Who turned the heat off? It's 30 when we wake and Nellie's diesel furnace took the night off. After a long walk through the historical district we return to Nellie to find Mayor Steve Atkinson staring at her. We renew our friendship and he takes us for a tour of his new purchase, a 1999 Pacific Trawler. He and his wife bought it in Maine and just cruised her home. Our boat neighbors, Jack and Lynn (Felix) join us for that evening's dinner theater. At the free downtown docks, Elizabeth City, NC. 0nm today and 185nm total. DBH

10 December - Day #8. The day dawns brighter and cooler so we head on south. Richard, the Deep Creek lock operator, told us the Dismal Swamp visitor center is giving away Florida cruising guides. Needless to say we pull up to their dock and get one. We arrive half an hour early for South Mills' scheduled lock opening. That didn't bother Frank who ushered us right through. Can't say enough about off season cruising. The previous days of hard rain means the river is high, running fast, and full of flotsam. We idle Nellie back and enjoy the scenery. Approaching the draw bridge at Elizabeth City we realize that it doesn't open during the 4-6 PM rush-hour. Fortunately it's just 3:55 and we squeak through. Just ahead is our destination; the free downtown docks of Elizabeth City, NC. 26nm today and 185nm total. DBH

9 December 2009 - Day #7. The barometer is down 30mb--that's a lot. To ride out the gale we're taking refuge in the very protected waters of the Dismal Swamp. Halfway through the canal's 30 mile length is a nice one boat dock with our name on it. You're allowed to stay on the dock 24 hours but since we're special, and, oh yea, no one's around, we hung out for two days. Boat projects, long walks, and a dingy excursion up to Lake Drummond occupy us fully. Docked at the intersection of the Drummond feeder canal and the Dismal Swamp. 0nm today and 159nm total. DBH

8 December - Day #6. Sunny and calm winds--where are we ;-) It's always fun motoring through Norfolk. The Navy has so much going on. Ships and subs are everywhere. For the 16' Gilmerton Bridge we lower the mast and remember the antennas too. We're the only boat in the Deep Creek lock. Robert, the lock operator entertains us for over an hour with his extensive knowledge of the Dismal Swamp while his dog, U-turn's antics keep us laughing. Once clear of the lock we tie up to the side of the canal with plans to walk into Deep Creek. Before disembarking we're greeted by Lawrence. He explains he's homeless and points to a dilapidated pickup where he lives. Vicki makes him a snack and some hot tea. In Deep Creek we find a grocery store and a Chinese restaurant. Back on Nellie we collect some food for Lawrence and make more hot tea. I deliver it to him in the pickup. While taking the parcel he introduces me to his room mate Tim. Actually, he and Tim are sharing the front seat of the pickup. Time to move on. About 10 miles later we're forced to anchor temporarily as a farmer's bridge is blocking us. As Vicki is lowering the anchor, it's shank binds in the hawse. As she lifts the chain to help free it, the 80# anchor drops and Vicki's fingers are pinched between the chain and turning block. Ouch! The good news is nothing broken. With the farmer's bridge up we motor to our spot for the night. We go on a nice long walk before settling in for the evening. Docked at the intersection of the Drummond feeder canal and the Dismal Swamp canal, NC. 18nm today and 159nm total. DBH

7 December - Day #5. With the winds and seas finally down we head for Norfolk. We dodge a tug and tow, a freighter, and then for good measure, an aircraft carrier. The first order of business is to fill the fuel tanks (151.7g @ $2.37/g from Ocean Marine). After anchoring off Hospital Point we dingy into Portsmouth and go for a walk. Dinner aboard. At anchor in downtown Norfolk, VA. 36nm today and 141nm total. DBH

6 December - Day #4. The winds continue to blow until 11:00 AM. They stop and the tide is just about high so I elect to exit via Hole-in-the-wall, the southern route. At day mark #6, with the swells at 3' and the tide at +1.3' we bounce off the bottom. Remind me not to go exploring when the seas are running. The narrow channel forces us to stay beam-to for about 15 minutes. There weren't any happy campers aboard as we rolled wildly. Into deeper water we turned south and ran with the swell. Dropped the hook in Pepper Creek which is on the NE side of Mobjack Bay, VA. 22nm today and 105nm total. DBH

5 December - Day #3. Winds have built to 20kts plus. A gale is being reported. Fortunately a friend, Nancy Hilgren, who just happens to run the Mathews County Maritime museum, is picking us up and showing us around. We move over to the municipal dock and just miss hitting a sunken 40' working boat. Better lucky than good? The tour is a lot of fun and we have lunch at Nancy's. Finally it's dinner aboard before we say good bye. At the Municipal Dock up Edwards Creek, Gwynn Island, Mathews County, VA. 0nm today and 84nm total. DBH

4 December - Day #2 After breakfast with Bob we slip the lines and head south. It's a nice calm day and we make Gwynn Island's Edwards Creek anchorage without problems. At anchor in Mathews County, VA. 48nm today and 84nm total. DBH

3 December 2009 - Day #1. With a toot to Phil and the boys at the boat yard we leave Hooper's Island. The winds have been blowing so we tentatively stick our noses into the Chesapeake. It's surprisingly smooth so we head for the Potomac and a visit with Bob Allnutt (Victory) who lives on St. Inigoes Creek. Got to love this winter cruising as the only boats we saw were oyster dredgers. Aboard Bob's LNVT, hull #2, Victory, we confirmed that starting with the earliest hulls, all the steps have a slight convex curve in their leading edge. Pretty to look at and gives the step a little more depth where it's needed most. At Bob's dock in St. Inigoes, MD. 36nm today and 36nm total. DBH