After Sea Gal was put to bed we headed back to the UK for a week to catch up with family and friends just in time for bonfire night.
Fireworks November '08
Barney also had time to see his beautiful Niece and Nephew
Josie, Barney and Rory Autumn '08
It was also Granny Mary Taylors 90th Birthday ( again )
Granny Mary Taylor and Alex and 90th Birthday
After a quick rest it was back to the Alps.
To continue North into the Chesapeake Bay we used the Dismal Swamp Canal.
The dismal swamp
Very pleasant despite its name, probably more dismal for the slaves who dug it.
We also enjoyed traversing the only lock on the waterway.
Locking through the Dismal swamp
Once into the Chesapeake bay we sailed to Annapolis to a large boat show.
Annapolis sunset
On leaving Annapolis we had the pleasure on sailing with the annual Chesapeake Bay schooner race.
Schooner race Annapolis
Schooner race Annapolis
We saw some beautiful old boats, including this one, probably Kieran's next !
Schooner race Annapolis
Work continued on the boat, with Barney mostly under the engine ( look carefully )
Barney under the engine
And Diane created a beautiful leather wheel cover from a small cow.
Di sewing our new wheel cover
As the weather got colder Diane dressed up in some fetching new accessorise.
It gets chilly in the Chesapeake in October
Soon it was time to put the boat to bed and head back to the alps.
We lifted the boat to store in a yard in Deltaville Virginia.
Lifting in Deltaville
Quiet anchorage
We slowly headed North. Visiting a few towns such as Savannah Georgia, but mainly staying to the smaller quieter spots. We travelled a couple of days a week and spent the rest either lazing about of fixing and cleaning the boat. The first big priority was the fridge, after much swearing and spending of money we eventually installed a new one and beer was once again cold.
happy skipper
We also managed to get the oven to work and we enjoyed the fresh bread that Di baked.
Di first baking on Sea Gal
We found out that if we removed the boat from Florida within 10 days then we could avoid paying tax. So the race was on. We serviced the engine, spent lots of money on essential equipment, everything from bedding to outboards, lifejackets to teapots, and we were ready. Luckily for us there is a system of waterways and canals up the east coast of the USA, so we could ease ourselves gently into the strengths and quirks of Sea Gal.
Sailing up the ICW
So we were off and heading north. Some bridges we went under.
3 foot to spare
Others had to open for us.
Bascule Bridge
We watch the world go by accompanied by Pelicans and Dolphins.
At night we anchored away from the crowds.
Peacefully at anchor
Mostly enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, apart from at 3 o'clock when it rains in Florida.
Rain in Florida at 3pm
A common sight in the southern states are shrimp boats.
Shrimp boat in South Carolina
But mostly lots of open space and wetlands.
Wet lands of Georgia
Once we left Florida we could slow down and take it even easier.
Swimming in the pool
A boat that needed love
After much search we found the boat for us,
and Sea Gal was her name.
First launch
After a quick survey and checking that the engine started she was launched ( we handed over lots of cash too) and we were yacht owners.
Still floating
We spent a few days fixing up the essentials and filling her full of food, beer, water, diesel and all the 'stuff' we had bought for our new home. Then we were off.
They hurt if they get you
After much planning we finally decided that we may just be able afford to buy a yacht. Barney spent every spare moment searching the web for any yachts that we could afford, he could fit in and would float. After much deliberation and spread sheet analysis it turned out that they were all in Florida, so off we went.
Look at those snappers
Mostly looking at boats, interspersed with palm trees and alligators.
Orlando Florida
We even managed a trip to a theme park in the height of summer. We quickly realised that although fun for a while, we needed a slower boat.
Barney at Barneys
We spent the Spring in the UK visiting friends and relatives. We managed to include two weddings, a 90th birthday, a stag weekend, a USA visa interview, a weekend on the Gower with the kids and a few random parties.
Craig and Tammys wedding
Granny Mary's 90th birthday dinner in Bristol
Weekend on the Gower with Fiona, Lindy, Rory and Josie
The start of Craigs stag weekend, in a curry house of course
