TUESDAY APRIL 13TH

Peggy and Alan Hill showed up early to help us cast off.  With 89 miles to go today and timing the tides for 2 shallow spots, we needed to leaved early. Lucky for us, the dockmaster showed up just as we were leaving with the daily newspaper and 2 blueberry muffins they bring the boaters each morning!

The wind picked up steadily all day long. We had to cross several sounds and every square inch of the boat got a drenching of salt water.

Several times during the day we had to use range markers. They’re pretty easy to use when you are headed straight at them, but today we had to use them as we headed away from them. This meant I would watch from the stern of the boat and tell Ross which way he had to steer so the red and white patterns of the signs lined up. Sounds easier than it was, especially in the wind……and me giving directions!








We made it through the Mud River at high tide, which was our first concern. The second worrisome spot was Hell Gate. Scary name for a scary place.

 
The tide was starting to come in so if we got stuck on the bottom, we wouldn’t have to wait long for the water to rise enough that we could get off. None the less, we did not want to go aground. We had already heard radio chatter of another boat aground and waiting for the tide. The wind was blowing so hard that it was difficult to steer the boat where we knew it needed to go. We never touched bottom, but I was reading off the numbers of the depth finder to Ross and at one point it said one inch. Yikes!

We were relieved to arrive at the Isle of Hope marina for the night. I think I get the name now. You hope you make it to the marina.


Pizza delivery to the dock was on the menu for tonight!