10/13/15  Dues Paid in FULL

We got up early 4:45 AM to get out of dodge, ah Atlantic Highlands, and catch light winds, knowing they would increase to uncomfortable by the late morning. The dark was gentle and embracing, glowof instrument lights pleasant. Made it to the hook of Sandy Hook around 5:30 AM with no challenges.Rounding the hook needed our full attention but looking good. Sunrise was beautiful amond the clouds. Seas rolling but really lovely.

Sunrise outside Sandy Hook

 About 2 hours into our trip David and Amelia took a nap - David to conquer his cold, Amelia because that's what cats do. So this must mean I'm competent at least. Really lovely motoring. Sun peeking through clouds. Rainbows in the spray from breaking waves at the bow. Even a whale (?). It was big and black and rolling and blowing. Feeling very lucky and privileged.

Nancy must be at the helm

About 3 hours into our journey the seas became really rough...REALLY rough...ROUGHER than we'd anticipated...waves breaking over the bow of the boat as we plowed into them (4-5') every 5-7 seconds....little recovery time from one crash to the next. Amazingly, after a while....it became.......normal. Well, not normal but....nothing to do but go through it so....sit back and let the autopilot do its work....for the next 5 hours!

Waves breaking over bow

The decks were awash with water RUNNING down the side decks. The radar deflector broke loose from its tether and was swing around. Our milk crate seats on the foredeck flipped up and moved to the side deck. But, the boat did what it was supposed to do...split the waves and keep on going. And the dinghy stayed put. And the dinghy motor stayed put. The stern flag turned itself upside down but didn't swim away. Kitty curled next to David and self as we sat on the bench seat in the pilothouse and ate a pb&j sandwich. Waters smoothed a bit as we neared Bernegat Inlet. The Coast Guard said, earlier when we called to ask about weather conditions, they would send a Cutter out to escort us in if we wanted. By the time we arrived at the inlet seas were down to 2-3 feet. BUT the tide was coming out! We pounded and did switch-backs into the inlet with stuff flying and sliding and the cats eyes hugh, for about 200 yards before things became calm.

Made our way toward the anchorage. Ran aground in the channel!!! Sailed off. Started the engine and it GROWLED. Not good. Tried it again in reverse. GROWL. Called our Freeport mechanic friend for advice. Advice given. Call Boats US for a tow. Dive to see if we wrapped something around the prop. David did that. Yes! One of our lines that had come loose and fallen overboard but was still attached to the boat. GRRRRRR! And completely thankful this happened in a shallow anchorage rather than on the high seas. Boats US towed us for an hour to the Holiday Harbor Marina where Bob and Brian put Grace in the sling and Brian and Chuck (the tow guy) worked their buts off to get the melted line from between the prop and the line cutter (that didn't work!). Then Bob, the owner, put the boat back in the water, told us to spend the night on his fuel dock and if we wanted he'd give us a ride to dinner, Brian went home, I guess. Chuck went home. We paid Bob for the sling adventure and bought fuel. Decided on scrambled eggs for dinner. David checked the engine and discovered the murk in the fuel tanks had been so disturbed that the filters needed attention.

So, feeling really tired, really fortunate, totally grateful to all the people who helped us - Chuck, Bob and Brian were totally generous in our direction, beyond what their profession required - and both David and I are reminded that we're not daysailing in our home port anymore and need to be more diligent about how we prepare, maintain and in today's case, tie down, everything.

And now Amelia has decided to get up and visit us. Oh well, maybe she doesn't hate us...or doesn't remember that she hates us....until we start the engine again tomorrow. I've a headache.