Into the Chesapeake

 

October 15, 2008 - Annapolis MD, United States

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

Slowly heading North

 

July 30, 2008 - Savannah GA, United States

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

On the move

 

July 10, 2008 - Fernandina Beach FL, United States

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

Found it

 

July 4, 2008 - Fort Pierce FL, United States

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.

In June we headed for the USA to buy a yacht

 

June 4, 2008 - Orlando FL, United States

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

A longer trip to england in the spring

 

May 30, 2008 - Bristol, United Kingdom

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

Winter 2008 we spent in Klosters in Chalet Eugenia

 

April 23, 2008 - Klosters Platz, Switzerland

Sunset above Klosters

Chalet Eugenia with lots of snow

From November 2007 to April 2008 we worked in the Beautiful Chalet Eugenia in Klosters Switzerland. Diane as the manager and Barney as Maintenance Assistant for the area.

Diane Skiing on an away day to Austria

Barney skiing

A good time was had by all with lots of hard work interrupted with a bit of skiing.