Today, we did 45 miles of ocean. Yesterday, we did the same of (mostly) bay. The bay was rougher. Surprised? We weren’t. The Delaware Bay can be mean, which is why we waited in a river part-way down till the winds were right. The ocean can be kind, which is why we went right away for the same reason.
In the bay, our little lamp with stabilizing rocks in the bottom dumped over for the first time and Boo spent all day under the couch. We went in the right winds, but the combination of current and tides mixes up the water and tosses you around. Imagine if the winds were high! That’s why boats often “camp out,” waiting.
On the ocean, the waves were widely-spaced in rollers and swells. We had to steer through them and the boat did rock, but it was a gentler rock…more like a wobble. (There were other uncomfortable aspects to the ocean leg, of a more personal nature, that I may explore in a reflective confessional later. 😉 )
Another surprising fact: In the bay, we were out-of-sight of land. In the ocean? Nope.
Down Delaware Bay to Cape May and on to Atlantic City in two days. Racing along! The Great Loop is more about exploring than racing but we aren’t doing much of that now. Jeff is single-minded in his goal to return to Michigan. I’m along for the ride.
Just read your blog for the first time. We also looped in a Mainship exactly like that. And anchored in Brigantine Bay when we did. We will be there tonight.
I have fantasies of living on a boat, but I’d have to find a replacement for my bicycle as an exercise machine. Wouldn’t a rowboat work? I had a friend who lived on a sailboat in Poulsbo, WA who rowed himself to work every day. What’s with the disrespect for rowboats?
A rowboat would! I’m around mostly Loopers (and often pleasure craft) right now. The Loopers all have motored dinghies with longer ranges/faster speed. Folks with pleasure craft don’t seem interested in exercise, at least not while boating.
What is your planned route to Michigan?
Robert L. Hanson
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Up the Hudson River, east on the Erie Canal, through Lake Erie and Lake Huron.
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Just read your blog for the first time. We also looped in a Mainship exactly like that. And anchored in Brigantine Bay when we did. We will be there tonight.
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Very cool. Thanks for reading!
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I have fantasies of living on a boat, but I’d have to find a replacement for my bicycle as an exercise machine. Wouldn’t a rowboat work? I had a friend who lived on a sailboat in Poulsbo, WA who rowed himself to work every day. What’s with the disrespect for rowboats?
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A rowboat would! I’m around mostly Loopers (and often pleasure craft) right now. The Loopers all have motored dinghies with longer ranges/faster speed. Folks with pleasure craft don’t seem interested in exercise, at least not while boating.
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Atlantic City is nice, but very commercial.
Heading north, BellMar is a great over night port!
R/Jim
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BelMar NJ
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From there you can easily make NYC
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If you go to BelMar use the municipal marina . Nice food & music near there outside & in
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Very cool. Thanks for reading!
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Thanks, Jim! We are speeding along and will reach New York City tomorrow so missed that opportunity.
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