Sure, sure it has been months since the last post, and those folks who keep tabs on us are beginning to inquire as to when we will update the blog. After all, “you’re not still in Holden Beach, are you?” Well, no, we’re not.
So, let’s go back in time for those that like order – Todd! – and begin with finishing things up at Zimmerman Marine in late August. Just before our departure, Tropical Storm Idalia ran right over top of us. As the local fishing fleet and all the other boats at the service yard chose to leave or be hauled out in advance of the storm we thought, hmm, let’s doublecheck those forecasts. Discussion led us to stay in the water. This wasn’t her first storm, and properly prepped, SaltyMare rode it out just fine.
After the storm, we were finally ready to continue north. Yeah!
Here’s where the tightly knit friendships born during three years of cruising came into play. We were touched and humbled to receive many offers of assistance from our boating friends up and down the coast.
After lots of coordination and planning, we departed Holden Beach Tuesday, September 5, with John and Madeleine (from S/V Chanceaux) aboard for back-up. They liked to refer to themselves as “crew.” We prefer “friends.”
(Hey, the dudes were driving!)
Wednesday, September 6, our experienced “crew” suggested rather than cruise the ICW to Beaufort, given pleasant conditions, how about we do a ten-hour offshore run to Cape Lookout Bight? Sold! Heck yeah!
This was a new anchorage for us, and a beautiful spot to catch the sunrise.
Well, the sunrise isn’t going to await a wardrobe change, now is it? Besides, the “crew” is dressed. 😉
After enjoying the sunrise, we made the short run to Beaufort, North Carolina, where we docked to meet up with Terry and Lynn (from M/V Finish Grade), who’d driven down from Baltimore in a rental.
These folks hadn’t yet met but they’re all cruisers, so, a quick introduction, and Wham! Instantly supply run organized and group dinner planned, followed by constant chatting that lasted well into the evening. It’s why we love fellow cruisers. Instant camaraderie!
As day four dawned, there was a “crew” change.
We had an enjoyable time cruising with Terry onboard.
Monday, September 11, after two and a half years traveling down south, we quietly cruised back into Virginia waters.
Photo courtesy of…
This last day of our cruise to Portsmouth involved many bridges, as well as the Great Bridge Bridge and Lock.
After the lock, we cruised through a few more bridges and passed the familiar Norfolk skyline, before making a port turn to dock at Tidewater Yacht Marina in Portsmouth, Virginia, where we were once again met by Lynn, who drove down from Baltimore to retrieve her husband. (She mentioned something about having chores for him back on their boat…)
The rush to get to Virginia was so the salty first mate could make her September date with an orthopedic surgeon for hip replacement. Mission accomplished. What have we been doing since then? More on that later.
For now, to our traveling companions who gave so generously of their time to accompany us on this leg of the Olsen journey, “thank you” seems completely insufficient. We were blessed to have you aboard and enjoyed the companionship and laughter more than you know.
For the friends and family who continue to pray and support us, thank you. As the Thanksgiving feast approaches, we have so much for which to be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
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