Norfolk to Cape Cod

Norfolk to Cape Cod

Sunday, June 2

Up at 6:00 south of Norfolk in ICW
Checking fluids, complete conversion to larger propane tank
I re rig mast, making 2 strands of 5/8" double braid work by sneaking it into forestay tang - finally replacing 1" nylon and freeing up mainsail track
Motor through Norfolk
Amazing Navy facility - a monopoly on grey paint would make you very rich
See Warship #64 - Very big
Bridge across Chesapeake is fantastic structure
4 Hour watches, mine at 12:00 to 4:00
I make spaghetti
Motor-sailing, low seas
Small biting flies
Work anxiety - thinking about my 4th week away and my personal objectives
Cold night - Caribbean weather a distant memory

Monday, June 3

Midnight to 4:00 shift, motor-sailing. Some traffic notably a tug hauling a barge 300 plus metres - 3 white lights
John’s shift includes troubling winds
Sleepy day, early supper
John cooks square meal with chops, cake
Read books: “Heinlein” – typical Heinlein plot, with primary male character getting into trouble for turning down women; Melville’s Typee with innocent, naked nymphs in Marquesas.
4^th week for me with barely a female voice, except Sheryl Crowe, makes me think of quote: “The Cause That Drives Sailors to Sea Draws Them Back?”
Early watch 8:00 until 12:00
Sail handling keeping me busy with variable winds – 3 ½ hours without motor!
Many ships – green and red lights, bright lights of fishing vessels - working out directions and possible convergences
Cool day, cold night

Tuesday, June 4

4-8 shift uneventful
Slept through John’s talk on the Ham radio with Mississauga Maritime Net
Slept through exchange with Ron in Toronto
Light seas with wind all day
At 10 PM – Port engine quit, suspect fouled prop - we carry on with one engine
Cold

Wednesday, June 5

Up and down helping John, but John had worst shifts – prop, the wind. Also unfamiliar territory for him – I willing to sleep through 3^rd time up Buzzard’s Bay – took 12 – 4 shift though (before strongest winds) prop on mind!
Set in reef for John at 5:15 plus and went to bed – up at 7:00 with major bouys and wind
Motor-sailed illegally through canal, against 3-4 knot current, in rain and squalls
Reach Harbour of Refuge, docking against wind with 1 engine, helpful dock-hand (“retired” technocrat)
Dove on buoy and fouled prop – initially emotional over icy cold water -Had to "get a grip"
Got into it and got the job done
Shower, call to Andy Holyoke at work
Bad weather report but decided to risk weather
Falling wind! Aiming for Cape Elizabeth
Sail changes and tuning hard work
Bruises, slippery deck
At sea and since Norfolk ~ 4 weeks on boat!
Warmer wind from South during ~6-12 shift