Heading South

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Sandy left damages yet untold and uncalculated, from the Caribbean and the East coast of the United States.  Homes were destroyed.  Businesses flooded and landmarks have disappeared.   The massive storm seems to have no end. 

Boat queue heading South

Ed had stayed on Imagine during the storm, rocking and rolling as Imagine swayed with the wind and the waves.   On Tuesday, a two-foot surge greeted him with the morning’s high tide.  It was predicted to be four. He was trapped on the boat as water covered the docks.  At the time Gregg Neck Boatyard was without electricity.  At home the television, Internet and phone was turned off earlier in the week in anticipation of a Sunday departure.  We had no idea of the devastation that Sandy was creating.

Winds and waves were high and NOOA weather issued small craft advisories when Imagine left port on November 1.   The temperature was 45 degrees as we pulled the spider web of lines from the pilings, gathering them on deck.  Winds blew 15 to 20 knots out of the Southwest with gusts to 25.  Angry gray clouds moved quickly across the sky.  Debris and tree limbs downed by the storm floated by when Imagine backed out of the slip and headed for the drawbridge in Georgetown.  

It was noon. Our first stop was to pick up gasoline and top off the diesel tanks. The next stop would be Whorton Creek, where we would anchor for the night.  Twenty-five nautical miles later we dropped the hook as one-foot waves buffeted the boat.  Imagine bounced much of the night as the wind driven swells pounded the anchorage.

Sandy had moved on, but the after effects of her wrath chased us down Bay.  With the wind on the nose, pulling the anchor in the morning proved to be a challenge.   Between each swell as the chain slacked momentarily, I cranked in the chain, inch by inch, with the manual windlass. 

Once out on the Chesapeake the anticipated West North West winds predicted by NOOA didn’t materialize.   It was going to be a long day of motoring, past Poole Island, past Tolchester, past Baltimore, past Annapolis and on towards Solomons.  Boat traffic was light on this cold and windy day.  

Even in early November avoiding crab pots can be a nuisance when the floats that mark traps bob up and down with the waves.  Seven hours after we began the day’s trek, Imagine anchored for the second time this season.   We were 60 nautical miles further south… windblown and cold!

The ritual south continued.  Rise at dawn.  Heat the tea.  Layer clothes and dress in full foul weather gear.  Day three moved us another 61 nautical miles South. We anchored at Fishing Bay, protected from the 16 to 20 knot winds that had finally clocked to the West North West.  We were able to sail this day, at times bobbing along at 8.5 knots.

While the weather has been brutally cold and sun has been hiding somewhere behind the gray cloaking clouds, there is always something to bring a smile to the soul.   As we head toward the next destination, I watch the elegance of pelicans as they do their avian conga.  As the lead bird soars, so do the dozen or so behind.  They soar left and right, then up and down, undulating in perfect synchronization until they find the perfect place to land.   Flocks of black ducks bob on the waves and take flight as Imagine enters their space. 

We push towards Norfolk and mile marker one of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW and begin to pass Navy ships.  Some are outgoing.  I’m proud of our Navy.  My father, my husband, and my son all served in the U. S. Navy.   The day ends tethered to a free dock near the Dismal Swamp cut of the ICW, mile marker 7.3.   While the day remained gray and cold, winds subsided to 10 knots.  We were 56 nautical miles further south. 

Day five begins with sunshine as Imagine plows through Virginia and into North Carolina.  This part of the journey finds us waiting for bridges that open on the hour or half hour.   Imagine enters Great Bridge Lock with three other sailboats.  We tie up as water fills the lock, raising its level before the doors open at the other end and we can sail out.   There are eight motorboats and 10 sailboats in queue waiting at the next stop for a swing bridge to open.  It appears that we aren’t the only ones heading for warmer climes.

Imagine follows the magenta line on the GPS through the narrow ICW as it twists and turns its way South.  At the end of the Currituck Sound in North Carolina, I take over the helm.  Seconds later I hear a funny noise and look at the depth sounder.  We are in 2.6 feet of water.  At 3.1 foot Imagine is aground.   We are stopped. The GPS, shows I was in the channel, but managed to find the only shoaled area near the edge of the channel, compliments of Sandy.  We called Towboat U.S. and wait.  Ed fails to back Imagine off.   As boats passed we rock a bit.   Minutes later, Ed tries again and we move!   I was happy to cancel the call for service.

Imagine is now docked at Midway Marina in Coinjock, NC.   Its crew has electric. The ceramic heater warms us.  It is a balmy 62 degrees inside. With a new northeaster coming through the area, we made a decision to wait it out in comfort.  Today’s 40 nautical mile trip puts us 242 miles along (278.4 statute miles).

We continue to learn of the damage that Sandy left in her wake.  Parts of the marina’s docks are gone.  The fuel tanks are out of service.  The manager told us that the beach road to Onancock and Hatteras was completely washed out.  I count my blessings.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who are struggling to move forward after Hurricane/Tropical Storm Sandy.