Manasquan, NJ, Day 47

We originally planned to travel from Atlantic City to a marina in Jersey City, NJ opposite Manhattan a distance of 110 miles in the Atlantic.  The forecast was for seas of 2-3 feet and wind of 10-15 knots from the NE.  We left at  8:00 AM and everything was fine.  Then about 2 1/2 hours into the journey the winds increase and the seas built.  I had to slow down from 20 to 10 due to the waves.  No way can we make it to NYC at this speed and in these sea.s  So Plan B, which a skipper always has for these crossings.  We call Hoffman's Marina in Manasquan, NJ and he had a slip.  We turned in to the protected inlet at 12:30 PM after making 60 miles.

The dockmaster said another boat called for a slip also that was behind me, a 74 foot
Hatteras who was getting "beaten up" out there.
We were very glad to tie up.

Nice Marina with new docks.

 My cousin Robert and his wife Liz were to meet us in Jersey city, but we didn't make it!  So, they drove 1 1/2 hours from their home in Mendham, NJ to meet us for dinner.  Robert had just flown in at Noon from England and he was leaving in the AM for San Francisco, so he gets the big A+ for effort.

Next to our slip was a track for commuter trains.  The bridge would normally be open, but several times an hour a siren goes off and the bridge closes for the next train.  Luckily, thanks to the A/C we didn't hear it in the night.

Atlantic City

We left Cape May at 0900 bound for Atlantic City, NJ a distance of 45 miles in the Atlantic.  Forecast was good so off we went.  I had never visited Atlantic City so I was surprised by the number of large hotels and casinos, many bearing Trump's name.   This is the view from the Atlantic.

The largest marina was called Trump Marina but when the casino sold it was renamed The Golden Nugget Marina.  Island Hopper is in this picture with bow out and white hull, the small one there.  Very nice marina.

 This vessel is a 98 foot Cheoy Lee that harbors in our marina in Florida.  I have met the owner several times, a 97 year old survivor of Iwo Jima. (a Marine).  He is heading for Montauk, Long Island and then Nantucket.

 Bryce is entertained by the many toys he has acquired.

Of course we walked the boardwalk, though it was a very hot 102 degrees.


After dinner at the Golden Nugget, Debbie tried her luck at the slots.  I returned to the boat after 30 minutes. An hour later she returns with a W-2g in hand, she won $1500!

Delaware City to Cape May

Island Hopper left Delaware City at 7:10 AM to beat any wind or weather on the wicked Delaware Bay.  Island Hopper navigated the waters well.  The ride was relatively smooth with an arrival time of 11:10 after traveling 62 miles,  to  Utsch's Marina, Cape May, NJ.  After lunch Kevin and Debbie took a cab into town.  With the temperature reading 104 degrees, it was just too hot to walk or ride bikes the 1 1/2 miles into the town.  As soon as they were in town they hopped on the Trolley Tour.  It was a wonderful way to see the Victorian Architecture of Cape May.

Bryce relaxing during the Journey

"Dog Life is Good"

Just Being Tourists

Island Hopper docked in Cape May, NJ

After touring the shops and mini mall they took a cab back to the boat.  With the heat they decided to just have wine and eat aboard.


CAPE MAY HISTORY

The History of Cape May, New Jersey

A canal, dug from a natural shallow creek, runs from Cape May's harbor to the Delaware Bay making Cape May an island. This simple fact is fundamental to understanding Cape May.  But first here are some fairly well-known facts about Cape May, New Jersey:

Though it is an island, Cape May is a part of a "cape," a strip of land projecting into a body of water. Settled by whalers and fishermen in colonial times, Cape May has been the destination of vacationers since  "resorting" to a different location began, making Cape May America's oldest seaside resort.

In 1878, Cape May City nearly burned to the ground; the reconstruction that followed has left a plethora of Victorian era buildings like no other in America.

With roots as a U.S. Navy base prior to World War II, Cape May's Coast Guard Training Station continues to be an integral part of Cape May.

In 1976, Cape May was declared a National Historic Landmark City.

Cape May ("Cape Island") is made up of Cape May City, the boroughs of West Cape May and Cape May Point and a township ("Lower" which is not to be confused with Middle and Upper - all of which comprise Cape May County).

The year-round population of Cape May is about 4,700, a number that has varied little for over a hundred years.  That number can swell to more than 40,000 on some summer weekends.

Because of the canal,  Cape May is separated from the rest of New Jersey, both physically and metaphorically. Unlike other "Jersey shore" towns, Cape May City still looks like "small town America" complete with tree-canopied streets, right out of a Norman Rockwell painting.

As a resort community at the end of a road (now mile marker zero of the Garden State Parkway) and at the beginning of land from the seaward side, Cape May has always provided good food. But dining in Cape May these days often exceeds the casual visitor's expectations.  From the restaurants on Schellenger's Landing at the base of the canal bridge, to those along the beach front and into West Cape May, one can find superior cuisine alongside customary seaside fare.

There are no "chain stores" in Cape May.  Large national franchisers have not located here. Instead there are scores of small shops and antique stores from the outdoor Washington Street Mall to the Beach Avenue store fronts that cater to the sun and fun crowds.

Staying in Cape May offers vacationers the widest possible variety of experiences. The hotels of yesteryear are still here, some beautifully restored and others, by design, comfortably left as they have been for decades. Meticulously maintained Bed and Breakfast Inns are renowned in Cape May; as are many historic Guest Houses.  Of course for the thousands of visitors who prefer conventional luxuries and a swimming pool, Cape May has plenty of resort Motor Inns. Rounding out the choices is the traditional whole house or condo rental.  Prices on these stays will vary with the season, the amenities offered and their proximity to the beach.

While not in the ocean or on the beach, visitors can spend time in Cape May exploring nature trails, whale and dolphin watching, taking Victorian house or ghost tours, golfing (real and miniature) , fishing  (surf and sea), antiquing or  visiting art galleries and history exhibits.  Visitors can get a spa treatment, take in live theatre and concerts, stop by a vineyard for wine tasting, take a carriage ride, play skeeball in the arcades and even bar hop.  With rental spots in key locations on this flat island, bicycling to everything on the island is easily done... and something locals heartily recommend.

And if that's not enough to keep vacationers content, they can cross over the canal bridge to find amusement parks in Wildwood and casinos a 45-minute drive away in Atlantic City.  When the excitement is over and the time is late, the calm of Cape May will be ready and waiting, as it is now and always has been

Read more: http://www.capemay.com/capemayhistory.html#ixzz1zyktX6Y8


Bryce Report - Bryce is loving his new life aboard Island Hopper.  He travels well on the water, just resting and napping.  During the day he loves too be outside and go on walks.  Kevin is surprised how well he is doing.  Go Bryce Go!!!!

ANOTHER HOT ONE...

Arriving at the Dock

Island Hopper departed the dock at 9:40 AM headed to Delaware City, DE.  This is the first time both Kevin and Debbie have been in Delaware.  They have traveled much of the U.S., but Delaware is one of the states their paths did not cross.  Again, the weather was in the 100 degrees.  It was another hot day, but the breeze over the water did not make it feel as warm as it was on the thermometer.  Island Hopper arrived at Delaware City Marina at 1:35 PM.  (www.delawarecitymarina.biz)  

The owner Tim and Tara assisted us docking. Both very helpful.  The marina was clean and very nicely appointed with grills, a deck and a marine store. After docking and completing some chores, Kevin and Debbie walked into town.  Bryce did not go into town due to the heat.  

Hey Ella, One of the Stores Had a Guy at the Door

After cooling down in the boat, the entire crew took a walk in the park.  The shade of the trees made it feel like it was only in the upper 90's.  Kevin and Debbie had dinner at a recommended local restaurant called Crabby Dick's.  The crab cakes were outstanding. 

Crabby Dick's Restaurant

HISTORY

Delaware City can trace its origins to 1801 when the Newbold family purchased a tract of land on the Delaware River that was originally known as Newbold's Landing and would later become Delaware City.  The new town enjoyed prosperity during the 19th Century due to the completion of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal in 1829.  Delaware City was incorporated in 1851.

Debbie & Bryce on the Bridge

Island Hopper departed the dock in Baltimore at 9:30 AM headed to Havre de Grace, MD.  Travel distance today was 40 miles.  They arrived at Havre de Grace City Yacht Basin at 1:00 PM.

It was an easy 3 ½ hour run. The weather was very hot with temperatures in the 100’s during the day and only lowering to the 80’s at night.  It actually felt cooler moving over the water.  The heat became quite noticeable during docking and riding bikes into town.  After ice cream in the afternoon, Kevin and Debbie decide that would not only be a snack, but dinner too.  Just too hot to eat.

Havre de Grace Yacht Basin

Havre de Grace (www.hdgtourism.com)  is is the city that almost became the nation’s capital.  Havre de Grace’s fate was decided by one vote – that of the Speaker of the House.  With that, Havre de Grace turned to life as a “river city” along the mighty Susquehanna River. Over recent years, the city has reinvented itself as a destination for tourists, but a place where everyday life is evident as well.  Beautiful Victorian homes sit a along the waterfront.  There, the wood boardwalk called The Promenade stretches along three-quarters of a mile of the Susquehanna riverfront starting at the Decoy Museum. Much of the Promenade was rebuilt after Hurricane Isabel came through in 2003.

The Ritz Restaurant at Havre de Grace

The Town Center

A Beautiful Home

HISTORY

Like many Chesapeake towns, Havre de Grace traces its roots to the Bay’s 1608 exploration by Captain John Smith.  He apparently encountered a group of Susquehanna Indians in this area.  It took 174 more years before the Marquis de Lafayette, noting that a proposal had been floated to build a city here, suggested “Havre de Grace,” or “Harbor of Mercy” a nod to the French town of Le Havre.  Like many bay towns, Havre de Grace also saw the arrival of the British during the War of 1812.  The opening of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal and the railroad’s arrival contributed to the city’s 19^th century growth as it became an industrial city.  Susquehanna Flats famously hosted huge flocks of of ducks, as well as numerous hunters – whether market hunters or sportsmen – making the city’s decoys just as well known.

The Lighthouse

Island Hopper at the Dock

Bryce Report – Bryce was quite the Yachtsdog today.  He enjoyed the cruise and took well to the land.  Good Boy Bryce.

Happy 4th of July from Baltimore, MD!!!

Happy 4th of July.  Today we thank our servicemen  and servicewomen as they continue to fight for our freedom!!!

Today was a day of provisioning for Island Hopper.  Kevin and Debbie bought groceries at Safeway and then went to the wine store for wine.  Groceries stores in Maryland do not sell any alcohol.  You have to go to a wine store or a liquor store to buy any type of alcoholic beverages. A dock cart was used to carry the groceries and backpacks were used to bring home the wine.  This life is not for the weak.  Today was a day of getting Island Hopper ready for the continued journey.
Kevin and Debbie joined Mike and Beverly Bodin aboard their boat a 42 foot Grand Banks Trawler, for cocktails.  The Bodins are from Cincinnati and are keeping their boat in Baltimore for two months.  It was nice chatting with the two of them.  After cocktails Kevin and Debbie went to Langermann's for dinner.  It is a Zagat rated, #1 chef in Baltimore, restaurant and bar in the Canton area of Baltimore featuring a regional American menu with the emphasis on items from the Coastal South East.  It was 1/2 price wine night.  Kevin splurged on Debbie with a Flowers Chardonnay. Both the service and meal were excellent.   Check it out by clicking here.

After dinner, the entire crew including Bryce watched the fireworks show from the bridge.  It was a great 4th of July on the water.  It reminded us of the fabulous 4th of July we spent with family and friends three years ago in Washington D.C. aboard Island Hopper on the Potomac at the Capital Yacht Club.

Introducing the newest crew member, Nauti Buoy Bryce

July 3, 2012



Last March Kevin's and Debbie's almost 15 year old Welsh Springer Spaniel, Tate died. Tate was a devoted dog and well loved by them. He spent a lot of his time in Cincinnati, Florida and on the water.  Tate had over 10,000 miles of travel aboard Island Hopper.  Last summer he did not make the 2 month trip to the Abaco.  He stayed back in Cincinnati with Debbie's mom.


Well, Debbie, one who likes to keep their life on and  off the water more interesting, talked Kevin 
into buying a new dog. They now are the proud owners of a  6 month old Welsh Terrier, Nauti Buoy Bryce.  They call him Bryce.  It should probably be said that Bryce is now the proud owner of Kevin and Debbie. 
  
Kevin and Debbie arrived in Baltimore at 1:00 PM on a quick Delta flight from their home in Cincinnati, Ohio.   Bryce too flew in cargo thanks to  a pet concierge service and arrived no worse for the wear.  A cab took the crew to the to the Baltimore Harbor. Bryce boarded the boat and just took a look around. With numerous dog toys brought from Cincinnati, he felt right at home. 

Introducing First Mate Bryce

He has already pulled rank on Debbie.

They guarantee that having Bryce aboard will add a new dimension to the Island Hopper log.