Jim's & Patti's trip E-mails 2000

Updated 1/6/2001

We started sending E-mail in Charlestown, SC I am stealing some of Patti's Log to get you up to speed until then.

We packed the car left the house in Orlando about 9:30 AM. W e headed to Merritt Island and loaded the boat. Patti and Laura went to the grocery store for a few items, while Jim, Karyn, Aaron and Jay readied the boat to leave. As soon as Patti and Laura got back we left our slip and went to the fuel dock. We left Harbortown Marina at 12:12 PM, with 125 hours on the port engine and 122 hours on the starboard engine. The distance in straight line to Daytona is 58 miles.

We started of by heading down the Barge Canal. We checked the bilge several times for leaks, looking good. After leaving the Barge Canal and speeding up we checked the bilge again, doing fine. Then we slowed down to pass a sailboat. The bilge was checked once more and this time fuel was seen sliding down under the engine on the Port Side. The port engine was turned off and we turned around to head back to the dock. This was the last thing we wanted to do. Then we decided to anchor on the outside of the ICW. Jay and Patti dropped the anchor. The windlass stopped as soon as the line started to go through. They lowered the rest was by hand. Jim went down to the engine room to see where the leak was coming from and if he could fix it. Aaron and Patti were doing the anchor watch, while Jay, Karyn and Laura went below to help Jim. When it was decided that the anchor was secure Patti went down below while Aaron remained on watch. Karyn, Jay and Jim were already in the bilge sweating. It was hot. Jim was looking from the stern of the engine and Jay from the front. Jay could barely get around the hot engine. They were trying to get to the fitting for the diesel lift pump, Jim thought it could be a bad O-ring leaking. Jay noticed it also had leaked little higher. Jim had to tackle it from the front with his chest pressed against the hot engine. Jay had barely fitted there, but Jim knew the alternative was to fix it now or go back to the dock. When Jim went to take it off, the fitting whipped around his finger. The fitting needed to be tightened with a taplet wrench because it was worked itself loose. He just happened to buy a set of taplet wrenches before we left. He did it, he fixed the problem. Mission accomplished. While Jim was down in the engine room we could see a Boat US tow boat, circling around us like a shark. Just waiting for us to ask for help. We were able to wave him off because amazing Jim got around the engine to fixit. How come it's always the out board engine.

Jay and Patti pulled up the anchor manually because the windlass wasn't working. Later we found out that we had mechanically tripped the circuit breaker.

With a short time we were back on the ICW. Life was good again. Many dolphins were out frolicking. We finally were able to have our lunch underway after we got some Markers under our belt.

We noticed that in the Mim's area other boaters don't seem to wave unless they are other ICW cruisers.

When we got to Pounce Inlet we had an option of taking a short cut. After much debate of the narrowness of the channel on this alternate way we decided to go for it to save time. Remember we lost time with slight fuel leak earlier. This route was very vague on the chart with very few markers. While traveling on it we saw that the depths were getting lower, somehow we were managing to be follow a channel. The only problem was we were not going exactly where we wanted and we were not exactly where Patti thought we were. A sea towboat was lurking and we were running out of water. At the same second the sea towboat called us on the radio to warn us that we were needed to watch out, it was too late and we could feel why. We weren't going anywhere. He said we would be ok, but hung around any way. Then he came back to give us a complimentary tow. We tipped him and he gave us an application for their towing service, along with a local chart. During all this excitement we got a second call on the radio from a friend of ours in Orlando. John Arie, he was just coming in from fishing trip on one engine and couldn't believe his eyes when he saw us, Jim told him he couldn't believe his feet. First time Jim ever ran aground in 40 years of boating and he has a friend witnessing the event. Small world.

After that we got back on the ICW to go the other way. No more chances. We're going marker to marker now and following the "Federally Regulated Routes" We went up to marker 39A and turned into Halifax Marina in Daytona. After a smooth docking they got floating docks, Jay, Laura and Aaron washed down the decks while Karyn helped Patti stow some of the food we had brought on earlier. This was our first chance since we left Merrit Island. While we were getting all showered and dressed, Jim checked messages. We made some calls and learned from the Steks that Jim's Dad had gone to the hospital today for an apadectaomy. We were planning to stop by to see him tonight. Since he was still in recovery we decided to stay in Daytona an extra day. We walked down to Starvo's Pizza House for Greek salad and pizza. We came back, stowed the rest of our stuff and tried to relax. It's hard to believe it was only our first day.

Jim headed out early to see his father at the hospital. Robert was still groggy from the operation. On the way back to the boat Jim stopped to pick out the treats that Pop-Pop had bought for the kids. He wasn't expecting to be at the hospital when we arrived.

A little later we all got in the taxi for a short visit with Jim's Dad at Halifax Municipal Hospital. We met up with the Leslie's who also came to visit Dad. They stopped by afterwards to see our boat. They were very kind to take Patti to the Grocery Store and even bought some treats themselves for the kids. We went back to Stavro's Pizza House for dinner and another still wonderful Greek Salad. After Dinner Patti went through the Waterway Guide to mark the charts. In the process she found out how confusing Pounce Inlet is. Comparing three charts they all looked different. The Intercoastal Waterway Cockpit Cruising Handbook states Ponce de Leon "is not a good inlet for strangers to use, although it is used by locals all the time." The Southern Waterway Guide 2000 says, " Pounce inlet subject to shoaling and shifting. In fact entire inlet underwent a recent hydrographic survey, and jetties have been built. The inlet is dredged periodically, but the North Channel and Rockhouse Creek aren't included because they are not authorized federal channels… call the corps or the Coast Guard for the latest information before attempting this passage. At this writing the Coast Guard reports that shoaling likely exists inside the marked channel… Pounce De Leon Inlet to the ocean should only be used with local knowledge of the present conditions… when entering from seaward your best bet is to wait for a local commercial or charter boat and follow it in these boats come in around 4:30 pm. At other times, call Lighthouse Boatyard at the inlet on t he VHF and ask for assistance through the entrance." No wonder, three charts looked different.

From now, we'll do our homework better.

Left the slip and headed to the fuel dock. Put in 150 gallons of fuel in both tanks. Both tanks now full. We also got our holding tank pumped out.

Planning ahead really paid off today. 130.8 hours on port tank and 127.1 hours on Starboard. No surprises, no problems. St. Augustine Inlet was a little tricky but we were ready for it Red "ICW marker 60 is further east then one might expect. At Beach Marina the dockhandler was the most impressive we've ever seen. He wrapped the line around the cleat like an experienced rodeo worker. We spotted another Maxum 4600 at the dock, Dock Wrecker from Myrtle Beach SC.

We called Jim's Dad; he sounded a lot better today. We went through the charts to plan out our trip for tomorrow. It looks like we can go offshore and make it to Hilton Head, SC. We went to Dinner at Billy's Boathouse Grill. The food was a lot better than we expected. Great fresh shrimps, and fish fingers. Jim had the mahi and mahi and Patti had the tuna. Both were very good with excellent sauces. The kid enjoyed a real steak, steak sandwich. Patti went through the Waterway Guide and Charts to prepare for tomorrow.

Charleston, SC yesterday, were off to Georgetown, SC today. We're still "playing" the tides, their change is 7' here and we're into the BIG weekend so dockage is a small problem, we were looking for N. Myrtle Beach further up the ICW but it was booked up. After Georgetown we'll try for Bald Head, NC. A New State! Light rain last night was nice, Patti and the 2 girls went down town on the van. Jim and the two boys were watching the tube. Coffee is making noise, I'm off to find a phone line. JC

We have been busy. We are now in Hilton Head, SC. We went "Outside in the Atlantic" for 80 or so miles today from Jeckell Island to Hilton Head, we're now above the lowlands of Georgia and plan on some short hops. Everyone is well and the boat is purring along. We've only been passes by two boats in over 300 miles. Cool. Jim

Here we are in Hilton Head, we're one of the smaller boats here.

Yes, the last two days we ran 100 mile each day, It wears on the body, at least mine. The boat is holding up much better than I am. NO PROBLEMS. Knock on wood. We picked up some marginal fuel @ Ashley Marina in Charleston, SC. it took 125 rpm off the engines, I was thinking all sorts of evil thoughts as to what it might be but when we refueled in N. Myrtle Beach @ the Yacht Club the problem went away completely. Just like magic. We looked @ Wilkins as we past, and tried to stop for fuel there we called and called, no answer. Then we looked at the three boats on their fuel dock, they all had shore cords connected. And this on the BIG weekend of the summer. We listened to other boats hailing them as we left. We did just fine without them. Weather turned overcast and bone chilling cold coming up from Bald Head Island, (around Cape Fear, NC) we ran into a (large) front moving in. We heard the safety broadcast that 48 mph winds and 2" hail was coming right at us. We saw it on our 24 mile radar and sought shelter at the shrimp docks of John & Amanda Soule. I hailed them and asked to tie alongside till the front passed, it was 5 miles away. They were pure hospitality. We watched the storm come in together, we have it on video, it did not disappoint, I was glad to be tied up snug. We will add them and SV Reliant to our list of followers. We are still well and so is the boat. 10 days gone 70 to go and we are still speaking to each other. We rented a car today in Beaufort, and drove around to see the sights and pick up supplies. There was no "real" need but this way we will get to the movies tonight and see MI2. Weather willing were going to Orient, NC tomorrow. JC

Over 800 miles, I just did the fuel burn data for the boat. It matched the Maxum / Cummins test data exactly. Exactly. Lets not talk about the $$$. Were on vacation. Were in Conjock, NC tonight. We were in Orient, NC and Bellhaven, NC one night each. Were 50 miles from Norfork, VA and the beginning of the Chesapeake. Were going to be in Baltimore from June 9th to June 12th. Actually, for those of you meeting us it's. Baltimore Marine Center @ Light House Point, 2600 Light House Point West, off the 2700 Block of Boston Street, Baltimore, MD 21224 ask for "Summer School"

For better directions, Tel 410-675-8888.

Our Cell # on the boat remains the same 407-XXX-XXXX

Everyone is well and all systems are A/OK. The kids found quite a few sharks teeth in Belhaven. Even some BIG ones. Patti & I are following the dots and staying in the "Federally Regulated Channels" DON"T WONDER JIM!!!! WE ARE ALL BEGINNING TO BROWN UP.

It's laundry night and we're all going out to eat at the restaurant at the marina.

We have seen more dead heads today then we have fingers and toes for counting them. Dead heads are logs the have been in the water so long they float with only one end showing, sometimes showing, if you hit one that's big enough and if your going fast enough, you better be lucky enough to keep on floating. The charts have been good. And we have been lucky. Well, maybe there was some skill. Knock on wood. We're cruising @ 20.5 to 23.5 MPH. That's where we do our best. From the start of our trip to here only 5 boats were faster than us. Yes, FIVE. We meet the same sail and power boats in our daily routine. They start before us and come in after us. We all seem to cover the same amount of ground each day. We've opted to stay at docks. We plug in turn on the AC, hook up the water, and plug in the cable, (for the weather channel) really.... When we run we have on the VHF and listen to the traffic on the ICW. We call bridges to request an opening and talk to other boats to set up passing agreements, and of course call the Marinas for dockage. JC

This is going to be a QUICK message, they use the same phone line for the credit card machine and it's fueling time here. JC

We left Coinjock a wee bit late. Most boats left early, about 6:30 AM to catch the bridges just right. Between Coinjock and Norfolk is a 50 mile run we had rotten swells of 3' with a med to heavy chop along with a 22 to 25 mph wind. We found a low spot coming out of Coinjock of 5.2 feet 15' off of a ICW MARKER! We checked twice, it was just low. Our shallow alarm goes off @ 6', we draw 4'. It scared the s__t out of me. There are bridges that just don't open during rush hour in the morning and evening. Then some only open on the hour, others only open on the hour and half hour, and did we tell you about the locks timing. Or did we mention the 6 mph, strictly enforced speed limit in Norfolk. Well, Coinjock is the home of the 32 OZ Prime Rib. Patti showed her stuff and did it in with Karyn helping. They shared the leftovers the next night for dinner. We saw the Navy in force in Newport their ships were everywhere. We spent the night in Norfolk and took off 7:00 AM for a 140 mile run up the Chesapeake to Cambridge, MD. We'll be here till Wed. morning, maybe Thursday, AM, on weather, etc. And then off to Baltimore, we should be in there Thursday. JC

Were in Cambridge, MD today. We visited the Maxum Plant where they built our boat yesterday, Tuesday. The tour of the plant was great, in the afternoon we went to Assateague & Chincoteague Islands, It's where the wild ponys live. We saw ponys, no fences, about 15 of them, out on the salt flats and on the road, their telltale signs were all over. Pretty cool. It's raining today. We planned on staying here 2 to 3 days, we have a rental car, thank you Enterprise, they opened a branch here in Cambridge 3 months ago. Ed the Cummins mechanic was here this morning and found the reason for us loosing 175 rpm was a loose throttle cable, Cummins has a new throttle cable holder they are installing on their engines and we will order the new parts and have them installed during our next service. We have been doing GREAT. No problems, all systems are working fine and everyone is healthy. JC

We stayed in Baltimore 4 nights and attended the Maxum / Bayliner rendezvous @ "THE YACHT CENTER." THANK YOU MARK AND CHRISTINE FOR YOUR HOSPITALITY. While there we met up with 4 Other Maxum Owners we have spoken to via E-mail. It was nice to put a face together with a name. On Sunday Jeremy, Joan and Julia. The "JD" family from Pennsylvania, came down to visit. We all had a Great time, they took Patti and our four kids downtown via water taxi to the National Aquarium and left me alone on the boat. Heaven. Did I say it hit 100 degrees that day? Kathy, Patti's sister was supposed to come down from Pennsylvania on Saturday, but she was in a car accident recently and travel on that day proved a bit too much for her. Good choice Kathy we'll see you soon and get well. We chose a short day today, 48 miles, the weather service called for severe thunderstorms coming in with a front of cooler air later in the afternoon. Steve and Cindy Blair, owners of another Maxum that was built the same time as ours named Summer Rays, told us there was a good restaurant here in town and we're going to try it out. I've got a feeling looking at the place that he's right. Aaron and Jay are washing down the boat. Karyn did the dishes. Laura is eight. That about says it all. JC

Chesapeake City was less than Mark Schulstad from the Yacht Center said it would be. Mark said you could do the town in one hour, he was generous. The stores in town "shut down" @ 3:00 PM. Chesapeake Inn & Marina is an absentee owner business and it really show it in every way conceivable. Patti even got a soda spilled on our new Video Camera, yes directly on it. The Blair House was nice and we had dinner there. Fuel docks opened @ 8:00 AM and we were off to Cape May, NJ. 75 miles, 2-3' seas overcast 62 degrees and threatening 15 miles out the Coast Guard warned us that Small Craft warnings were being posted at Cape May and the Delaware Bay and that the seas were going to rise to 5-7 foot winds picking up to 20 to 25 mph. We beat it in but there were some trawlers and sailboats that would have to weather it. It's so nice to have a 24 MPH cruising boat to run away from the approaching storms. The sailboaters and trawler captains were in their foul weather gear, we were on the enclosed bridge with light coats on safe and conformable. Weather looks overcast and rainy for the rest of the week. We will have to run outside the coast of NJ up to NY. We will pick our day wisely. JC

As I write you it's 7:30 AM Wed. and we are in Cape May, NJ. We came through the C&D Canal and ran down the Delaware River. Were looking @ the weather channel today, "yes we have satellite on the boat, It was on the must have list just for this reason. Were waiting till 9:00 AM for a band of rain to move past us to the North, it's around Atlantic City now. We should be able to pass between this storm to our north and the next band over Pennsylvania and get into Manasquan Inlet, (Point Pleasant, NJ) tonight. 105 miles offshore + inlet distances. We will be in Manasquan for two days I am guessing. STRONG STORMS THURSDAY and marginal weather through the weekend. The trawler in front of us left @ 6:30 AM headed north, we passed him in the Delaware River, he does about 7 -8 mph. I figure he's going to get hit dead on with the weather. Boaters can be such Masochists sometimes. The Marina were are in will give you rides into town, they blew off the dock hands and walked in, 3 miles one way. We call it the "Camping Mentality". We're getting names for a lot of different things.

While I'm at it let me tell you about "Song of the South." We wave to everyone. We slow to pass other boats, and we slow when there are boats tied at a dock. BUT. In the poorer areas where there are trailer homes and small fishing boats they just don't wave at all. I get the "FU look." BUT, if Patti waves, she can usually coax a wave out of the woman or kids, sometimes even a man. We call this the "Song of the South." It's interesting, and until we came up with the "Song of the South" game, a bit depressing.

Here's a list of where we are going to help you out.

Wed, Thurs, Manasquan, NJ (Pt. Pleasant Beach) 105

Port Washington, NY 110

Mystic, CT 130

(Best Guess) Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Bend Boat Basin, Middletown, RI 60, Martha's Vineyard, MA (Edgartown) 65

Nantucket, MA 55

Middletown, RI 120

Block Island, RI 42

Greenwich, CT or Norwalk, CT 120

Tarrytown, NY 75

Kingston, NY 72

Troy, NY 61

Erie Canal, NY 9

Little Falls, NY 71

Brewerton, NY 75

Oswego, NY 32

Below Oswego lock 8

Alexander Bay, NY 110

To the person sending me Electronic faxes, I can't read them. I had that software home but didn't transfer it to the Notebook Computer. Please just e-mail me.

Again, our Cell Ph # is 407-XXX-XXXX, after 5 PM is best. JC

6/14/2000, Wed. 5:45 PM

Well, were at Atlantic City, NJ. The weather service said Cape May, NJ and Delaware basin was 2-4' seas, 15 mph winds. That was true for the first 7 miles then 5-8' seas, 15 mph winds with the occasional 9'er and the corresponding "hole in the ocean" to drop into. The seas and wind were at an odd angle to each other and were quartering to us. But we did miss the rain. Really no fun, so we pulled into Atlantic City after being beat up over the 45 mile run, we'll be here at LEAST 2 days @ Harrahs Marina, the kids wanted a heated indoor pool. And we have a phone line in the boat 609-441-5000 ex # 1713 .... We were never in any danger, nor did we feel the least bit threatened by the weather, the boat is extremely solid. The skipper brave and true, etc. etc. JC

Susanne my 24 year old, SINGLE daughter is coming down to spend the night with us on the boat, and tomorrow so is a friend of Patti's.

Saturday, 6/17/00, 6:00 AM. TV says stay put, weather radio say marginal, the view off the 16th floor of the casino shows light overcast and you can only see up to the jetties. We go. Winds out of the South @12 to 15, seas 2-3', visibility 1 mile. It was fine, we did 22 to 24 mph and the visibility opened up to 3 miles. The seas and wind to our stern worked fine and there was a "Jersey Swell" working. I remember this from when I grew up here, This is when a patch of ocean slowly grow under you lifting you up 3 to 4' above the rest of the ocean. You slow 2-3 mph going up and surf 2 mph faster going down. They are big, slow mounds of ocean. They probably occur in other areas but to me they will always remind me of the Jersey Shore.

We made Manasquan in no time at all, we went in Manasquan for some "just because we can fuel," and filled the tanks, its was well before noon. We went back outside and set our sights for Sandy Hook, Roamer Shoals, Ambrose Channel then NYC Harbor. We zoomed under the Varazono Bridge saw the Statue de Liberty, Ellis Island and Manhattan, and then we named the bridges going up the East River, past the UN. We went through Hells Gate, the water was ripping through @ 6.5 mph. Speedo paddle wheel minus the GPS speed gives you the current under the boat. Past Rikers Island, (the NYC jail), and into the LI sound. Were here @ Port Washington, NY @ Brewers Capri Marina. A 150 mile open water run and in by 2:30 PM. Fuel cost went from $1.02 @ Conjock, NC to $2.00 here in Port Washington. We love NY. JC

Sunday, the 18th, light rain today, temperature is dropping into the mid sixties during the day as a front passes over, Monday we'll head east down the LI sound. JC

Monday 6/19/00, 8:30 AM

Well, sort of, were in Port Washington, NY. And were ready to leave and there's 3.8' of water under us and the tide is dead low, 7.5' down. We draw, 4. To 4.2 depending on fuel load. Weather forecast looks good for LI sound today so we will try for Bend Boat Basin, in Rhode Island. Patti went to check on the tides at the dock office. The angle of their ramp is 35 degrees down, good exercise! JC

CLAUSENS ARE IN NEWPORT, NOW 6/19/00 6:00 PM

NEWPORT YACHTING CENTER, DOWNTOWN

DOCK S3

SUMMER SCHOOL,

MAXUM 4600 SCB, GREEN BIMINI

Hi, from PC, we're still in Newport. I wanted to set record straight on my gambling experience. Yes, I did win $25. I had only gone into the casino earlier to get a $5.00 roll of quarters for laundry, really. Later, after starting the washers I decided to walk into the casino. I ended up putting 12 quarters in and won 100 quarters. I was excited and ran out to tell Jim on the boat. He said I could bet another $2.50 so I went right back in (he was surprised later to find out I went back so fast). I won more, but of course all of these went right back in the one arm bandit. I didn't like that, which is probably a good thing. Even though I was still $23 ahead, I felt bad loosing some of what I won. I look at as I won 23 loads of laundry. My bucket of quarters on the boat for Laundry now. This took a long time to write that's why I leave the e-mails for JC.

Thank You Friends. You made us feel like we were home. If, as we thought we lost some weight coning up the ICW we certainly put it back on in Newport. We were in Newport for 8 days, we put off going to the Vineyard, and Nantucket and chose a longer stay in Newport. Good Choice. We ate and visited, and ate. We left Newport and went through the LI Sound back to Port Washington, NY and then around Manhattan Island, again, just because, and up the Hudson River to Kingston, NY. We spent the night in Roundout Creek and left then next day for the Erie Canal, were here 6/30/00 on the Erie Canal above lock 6, (there is no lock #1, it was replaced with a new #2). David Deyo is with us, he joined us at Newport for the trip up. Life is good. When we first got to Roundout Creek, we heard the Erie Canal was shut down. Well, what happened was a dam blew out around lock # 10 and they had to lower the level of the connecting pools to work on replacing the dam. Work should be complete around 7/2/00. But we called and the pool level is now rising and there should be no problem for our boat. But there have been other boats here for over a month waiting. They generally draw more water than us. We will have to sign a waver to go through tomorrow but they say no problem for a 4' draft boat. OK!!!! Everything is running well and we've over 1800 miles under the keel. And of course we are all well. JC

We spent last night July 1 at lock 12 on the Erie Canal. Rains caused such flooding that the amount of water and debris sent down the river "Blew Out" a gate. Well, the water went over the dam, the lock and everything else by 3'. That was about two and a half weeks ago, we watched the workmen and had a great view. Boats JUST started going through via "wavers" about 4-5 days ago. Dam 13 released water to fill the pool and the parade has started.

The coffer dam is finished at lock 12 on the Erie Canal, there was a $30,000. a day penalty if it was not done. Cost to build the dam $1.6 mil. Today, Sunday July 2d, the dam closed and started to rebuild the pool and we were there. We signed the waver and went through before it built up all the way and they had a chance to put the channel markers back in place, 7.5' was the lowest we found.

We went a whole 50 miles today. JC

The train tracks as well as an Interstate Hwy. (I 90) parallel the Erie Canal. The trains run constantly and they are over 100 cars in length. You "feel" them coming when you are on the canal, they pound the land and their vibrations are transmitted into and through the water and vibrate the boat. The train line here is running double decker shipping containers. We saw big trains out west but never double shipping containers before. The kids were catching crawfish yesterday alongside the lock walls. There are millions of them up here. I asked a fisherman, "Does anyone catch them and have crawfish broils, or can you get them locally?" Nope. They might use some for bait for fishin' but that's about it. They lowered a lock all the way here recently and they literally covered the bottom of the lock. Amazing, in New Orleans you pay dear for them.

Do not think for a minute you require higher brain functions to operate a boat. We see it everyday, stupid things. There's a sailboat that we have seen every day for 4 days now. The IQ of the couple seams to be in the 85 to 90 range. Patti were going to video them one day coming into a lock but it was just painful to watch. A comedy of errors, got the line, lost the line, dropped the boat hook over board, almost stepped on the dog, (this is a 24' sailboat with two adults and a dog). OH Joy. At least we have seen no major boat bashing, we've been out about 44 days or so. Everyone got pulled in the tube behind the boat today the water temp was 78, I was VERY good to Patti, I was VERY tempted to be BAD and dump her BIG TIME. I didn't.

There is a NEW marina in Brewerton that has indoor heated boat storage I want to check it out in two day when we pass by. Perhaps we'll back track and leave the boat there if all works out. The big boats are starting to come through tonight, a new 85' monster came by earlier this evening, purposely built for the Erie Canal height restrictions, with hinged masts and quick folding antennas. We've been getting our mail and spare parts forwarded to us along the way, little things, really. We fly a flag on out GPS mount for the "Great Loppers" and meet another couple doing the loop two days back from Texas. We also fly a Great Lakes Cruising Club Burgee on the bow and expect to run into them up on the Great Lakes.

Jay (11) was running the boat into and out of the locks on his own, Aaron took it out of a lock once, and Patti tried it in and out once. My money is on Jay, he's a natural. His hand movements and instincts are excellent. The boat is beginning to get that "lived in look." We might need an "lay day" soon to clean her up and get her into her fighting trim. Then again, we might do that on a weather delay day.

Did you ever have a memory that you couldn't just quite catch? I'm have one and can't decide if it is a fragment of a dream I'm remembering, or if it's real. I usually get it in the morning and by the time I "go through the morning ritual" it's gone. It's been around for a month or so, I'm trying the pen and paper by the bed trick. Or is it the onset of senior moments. I'll keep everyone up dated. Or is this another form of cabin fever? I myself can't wait for the answer. JC

July 4, 2000, our 14th anniversary, 45+ days, 2000 + miles.

Yes, Skinners Harbor, Sylvan Beach, NY. Yes, its on the Erie Canal. The East side of Lake Oneida. 2 days travel to Lake Ontario. We found out yesterday, (it was raining lightly all day and we were motoring) that the coffer dam let go on the dam under repair @ lock 9, whoosh, and there was a problem on the dam @ lock 10, a section also let go. They, the Canal System engineers, measured and agreed to let boats drawing 6' or less pass after they sorted out the mess. The NY State Canal System has had some problems this year, but we seem to be past them.

Just a note: the big lock at Little Falls used 5,000,000 gallons of water to lift our boat 40.5 feet. The lock tender said he could drop all that water in 6 minutes if he wanted to, but of course there could be no boats in the lock chamber.

7/7/2000, Friday

Erie Canal, GONE

Oswego Canal, GONE

Lake Ontario, GONE

2100 + miles under the keel.

We picked up Debbie Miller @ Skinners Landing and Dave Deyo is still with us. They have the Penthouse. (sun pads up on the command bridge) Great Views, but the temperature control is a bit lacking. The weather at Lake Ontario was great, light overcast, seas under 1' and winds 5 to 10.

Were at Bonnie Castle Resort in Alexander Bay, NY. On the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Spot we have is just phenomenal. Protected from the Seaway by 50' of lawn and DIRECTLY across from Boldt Castle. And the sky and clouds, are a beautiful clear blue with puffy white clouds and just a crisp nip in the air. Just Perfect.

Within 10 minutes of pulling into the dock we had a Muskrat swim around our boat and find the exhausts he swam into and up one only to find out how warm it must have been inside. He came out real quick. I suspect he will be back. I'm going to start up the engines daily just to discourage any building attempts or second home thoughts he may harbor.

We've been grilling and I must say we've been eating well. Cell Ph # aboard the boat remains the same, 407-xxx-xxxx, Next stop CANADA. JC

Sunday, July 9 from Patti at Bonnie Castle Marina, Alexandria Bay, NY.

Debbie and Dave left last night. We enjoyed having them aboard. I hope it's not too hard for them adjusting to land and the fast world.

This slip is so wonderful we've stayed 4 nights. We've had great weather. Today it's raining, but we don't seem to mind it. We saw it coming and haven't had much on the trip. I was thinking about going to the Laundromat, the dock master had even offered me a ride but decided to stay inside and have hot chocolate. Jim and I went over charts to decide where to go next.

What a view. Outside our window I still see tour boats going by Boldt Castle on Heart Island. I'm not sure if people are getting off or not. I know I wouldn't want to walk around in the rain. I toured Boldt Castle on Friday with the children. They were impressed with the architecture and the size, but were disappointed that the rooms did not have furniture and that the castle was never finished. I think the Newport Mansions have spoiled them. The man who built the Castle was Mr. George Boldt who was the owner of the Bellevue and Strafford Hotels in Philadelphia and also was the proprietor of the Waldorf Hotel in NYC which was later added to by the Astoria Hotel. He changed the way guests and were treated in hotel and opened up the idea of entertaining in a hotel instead of in your home. When he bought the island he changed the spelling of the name from Hart to Heart. After owning the island he added other buildings with the castle themes, a few years later he had the original Victorian house taken down and started building the castle. He spent over 2 million dollars but stopped all the work when his wife, Louise died in 1904, he never went back to the island. That is why it was never finished or furnished. It was abandoned and deteriorated. After Mr. Boldt died the children sold the property to the President of Lifesaver Co., Edward Noble but he didn't maintain it and it deteriorate more and was vandalized. Then it was given to the Thousand Island Bridge Authority who took control in 1977 and started tours and fixing it up. A couple of rooms downstairs are finished to show what they would have looked like if they had lived there. Upstairs is still unfinished as it was when his wife died.

Saturday, while I was taking the kids around Heart Island on our seadoo jet boat we saw a wedding, the wedding party and many of the guests dressed up in medieval costumes. Yesterday their was many boats on the River. Today it's raining and quiet, but it's been fine day just to relax at the dock and look at the view. Well, I hope the next dock has a Laundromat nearby.

Patti

We're in Smith Falls now. 7/13/00 First chance I've (Patti) gotten to write about Canada. On our first day in Kingston, Ontario, Karyn and I went food shopping. We walked to a "big" supermarket that they recommended at the dock office. We immediately noticed things were different then we're accustomed to when we had to pay a 25 cent deposit to get a shopping cart. I went inside to get a roll of Canadian quarters (I would need them later for laundry) I thought it was strange that their wasn't a customer service window. We went back outside and it looked like a bank across the street. We went in and it turned out to be a liquor store. So we got our roll of quarters and found a bottle of wine. Good deal, eh? Back in supermarket it got stranger. Everything in the store seemed to be a "big size" with not much variety. When we discovered they didn't have a deli or bakery we gave up and put all but a couple items back. At checkout we discovered it was an extra 5 cents for a plastic bag. We got our 25 cents back for our cart and walked to the A&P. Jim had suggested we take a taxi there in the first place. He was right. Karyn thought it was really strange that the milk comes in liter bags. It does feel weird. The only thing we couldn't find was American cheese. I still can't seem to find it anywhere. Jim says that's because were in Canada, but I can't even find anything that looks like it. Our laundry experience was more normal, although we did strange looks carting 14 loads down the dock to a taxi. Because out boat is bigger than most here we were at the very end of the dock. It was a really long dock. A lot of non boaters come down to walk the docks and look. They allow this until 10 PM then you need a pass to get on the boat. The only difference in the Laundromat was we had to put a loon in with 2 quarters for the machine. Karyn wasn't so sure about it when I gave her the ten and told her to get 10 loons from the attendant. She wasn't sure what she was going to get but figured it was some kind of money. But now the kids are getting used to the loons and toons. And I'm talking about the $1 and $2 coins and not cartoons. PC

Jones Fall Ontario, on the Rideau Canal, 7/12/2000 Wed.

28 miles in 9 hours and 45 minutes. We beein' lockin' since we left Kingstown Ontario. Including Florida, we went through 48 locks so far. And the Rideau has just about as many in itself. And now for a bit of History, The Rideau was completed in 1832, and still uses people power to open and close the lock gates and the valves. The depth is 5' or at least it should be, we use up 4'2", we've spoken to many people on the canal and the say, STAY IN THE CHANNEL. You will hit bottom out of the channel. This is the Niagara Escarpment, (all rock) no sand or mud here. There are 14 locks to raise your boat and 31 to drop her into Ottawa, and the Ottawa River. We be lockin'. We stayed in Kingstown Ontario an extra day, 14 loads of laundry told us to stay. Patti calls this a change of location not a vacation. Well, at least that the case when it's laundry day. Were drinking wine tonight, big surprise, we're beat, this was a tough 28 miles. The kids went swimming after we tied up, the water is 79 degrees. Pasta for dinner tonight, with more wine, It's going to be an early night, locks open at 8:30 AM and close at 7:00 PM, dockage at a lock costs .45¢ per foot CN, a deal for sure. Newport RI was $2.50 per foot US, but in fairness they gave us water and electric. The Canadian exchange is about $1.46 CN to $1. US. That's a deal for us on dockage and food, Fuel is sold by the liter, and when you do the math it's about $2.95 for regular per gallon. Win some lose some. I've been told Americans have been cherry picking some GREAT properties in Canada because of the exchange.

We have not met any family's of six over the last 50 or so days. We are the oddballs, that's nothing new to those of you who know us well. There are all older couples out here in big boats. Kids beware! We'll, the odd grand kid shows up from time to time at a marina but that's it. So our kids are on their own. So what's new there!

The Rideau is a great place for us, the water is pristine, the people nice, the air clean and crisp. The lock masters, (more than one) have told us we have the biggest Maxum they have ever seen. It is the biggest one Maxum makes. I tried to coax it into a space on a lock wall today. It might have fit, but Patti said, Jim No, your going to hit that boat. I of course listened to her, god help me if I didn't, I would never have hear the end of it. I might have made it. Maybe. I forgot just how big this boat was. Thanks Patti.

Jimmy B, I hear John A is tired of his Bayliner 4788 and is looking for a 5288.

Smith Falls, 7/13-14-15/00, on the upper lock wall. This place is a small piece of heaven, water to fill our tank from the lockmasters house, three restaurants you can walk to, a GREAT BIG supermarket, our kids are swimming off of the stern, and were in a park all by ourselves, almost. We rented a car yesterday and the six of us drove into Ottawa. We went to the Governor General's home for the changing of the guard, the Canadian Mint, The Canadian War Museum, and took in the Monet and Renoir Exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada. Very cool, but very tired feet.

We need a good 20 mile day to run and get past some low areas coming up and the weather is getting progressively worse today, RAIN. We have the weather channel on satellite TV. Yes, we are spoiled, and yes, we are still afloat and all talking to each other. So we got ready to go today and had second thoughts. So, Patti took the kids to the Rideau Canal Museum one quarter mile away, we took them there 2 years ago when we drove here with our car, Patti wants to see how much the remember.