ICW 2019 - 2020

Under Way Again: New York City and New Jersey

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As the “Bomb Cyclone” pulled away from Mamaroneck, we got under way again, but we had just a couple of days to make progress before the next gale would shut us down again.
October 18 – 19, 2019, New York City, Atlantic Highlands and Cape May
Days 5 – 6

Mamaroneck, the East River, Manhattan and Sandy Hook

The northwest gale had lightened up by Friday morning. It was still blowing 15 to 20 knots, but we were in the sheltered waters of Long Island Sound and our route through the day would take us down the East River, so a brisk northerly was not a problem. It was clear and sunny: a classic fall day.

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ICW 2019 - 2020

Tucked in for the Storm

The strongest October storm on record gave us a great excuse to tuck into Mamaroneck for a few days.

October 15 – 17, 2019, Mamaroneck, NY
Days 3 – 5

We are getting used to running from October gales. Last year gave us great practice, so we are finding our rhythm quickly this year. Before we even got our trip under way from Narragansett Bay, we knew we would have to duck and hide from a forecast gale in a couple of days. A careful scan of the forecast, our own speed and timing, and harbors along Long Island Sound, brought Mamaroneck, NY into focus. For so many reasons, it was a great selection to sit out a gale safely and comfortably.

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Cruising, ICW 2019 - 2020

Here We Go Again!

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Esmeralde is on the move. So are the fall gales, just like last year.

October 12 – 15, 2019, Days 0 – 3

Portsmouth, RI – Stonington, CT – Mamaroneck, NY

Thus begins our Winter Cruise 2019 – 2020. It will generally be a re-run of last year’s trip down the ICW to Florida, across Lake Okeechobee, along the Gulf Coast then down the the Keys. We will stop at some of our favorite spots from last time, and also add as many new destinations as we can.  There is plenty to see and do. And, of course, it is a great way to get away from the New England winter cold, ice and snow. Continue reading Here We Go Again! →

ICW 2018 - 2019

A Bit of the Georgia ICW, then Outside to Hilton Head

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We treated ourselves to a quick trip through the southern Georgia ICW, but impatience — and a favorable weather window — lured us on an outside run from St.Simons to Hilton Head.

Days 161 – 163, March 23-25, 2019
Amelia Island to St. Simons Island

We started the day at the Amelia Island Marina, which is not an ideal stop but the Fernandina Harbor Marina right in town, which is where we wanted to stay, was closed for reconstruction so we had no real choice.

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Morning light on the Amelia River

The morning was absolutely lovely. Flat calm, refreshingly cool, and a beautiful amber-pastel-y light that gave the marshes and river a soft glow. It felt a bit like fall, which was wonderful even though it was actually spring. This business of the temperatures cooling even though spring is approaching has my senses confused. I keep forgetting if winter is coming or going. Continue reading A Bit of the Georgia ICW, then Outside to Hilton Head →

Cruising, ICW 2018 - 2019

Never A Dull Moment

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A fabulous sunrise start, befuddling nav challenges, a brief keel plow through the mud and bluebird weather. Jacksonville Beach to Amelia Island, FL was a never-a-dull-moment day.

Day 160, March 22, 2019

I got up early, pre-sunrise, to go for a run. I wasn’t certain what to expect since there isn’t anywhere to go except the wide and busy route 90 which is the main drag between Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach. I knew it had safe wide sidewalks and pedestrian lights, so off I went, headed east towards the beach.

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Cruising, ICW 2018 - 2019

Out With The Gale, In with Spectacular Weather

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Leaving our port-in-the-storm St. Augustine, we were in for a beautiful stretch of weather to usher us ever-further up the coast. We slipped quickly into go-mode, and made tracks.

Day 159, March 21, 2019

I woke early to a brilliant moon in a clear sky. The stage was set for a great few days of running north. We had had some fun in St. Augustine but we were ready to roll. Thanks to the Tini Martini Bar and a late night with our pals at The Floridian, we did not get an early start, but it didn’t matter, since our next stop, Jacksonville Beach, was just 27 miles up the waterway.

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ICW 2018 - 2019

Sitting Out The Gale

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When bad weather threatens, we like to get ourselves tucked in someplace where we can still enjoy the day and get stuff done. For folks who never plan (like us!), planning can be everything. We planned St. Augustine.

Days 157 – 158, March 19 – 20, 2019

With a gale imminent, we had nestled ourselves in to St. Augustine. The Municipal Marina is convenient and secure, and there is plenty to do in the area to keep us amused. Like fresh do-your-own donuts, and a brewery. What?

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All things fun (and tasty) in the life of the Beards