April 10, 2009 - Portsmouth, Virginia

This undertaking is far greater than I ever anticipated. Navigating the ICW (intercoastal waterway) is going to be exciting, adventurous, possibly dangerous, amazing, and scenic. I purchased a guide book that is going to prove invaluable. I'm reluctant to even suggest what my day to day logs may consist of from here on out.

Colleen spent the day exploring the areas of Portsmouth and Norfolk. I spent the day in a coffee shop catching up on business. The winds were way too strong to start out so we decided to spend a second night here.

April 9, 2009 - Portsmouth, Virginia

We got up and snuck into the marina for showers. Pretty slick. A free hot shower. Then off we motored at high tide to Portsmouth, Virginia. We passed all the massive Navy ships and terminal around the Norfolk, Virginia area. Then we dropped anchor off of a marina (once again).

I had an alternator problem that turned out to be manageable. I had fears of needing a machinist to pull out a broken stud but one thing lead to another, and I'm all fixed up.

We enjoyed the happy hour appetizer menu in the marina restaurant and shared BVI stories with a local.

April 8, 2009 - Salt Pond Marina - Virginia

Our return to Salt Pond Marina was pretty much like our last departure from the same place. We spent a lot time grounded in the channel. We hit low tide coming in and you just don't do that. It took about an hour to rise enough for us to complete the mission.

We anchored away from the marina rather than pay their fee. It was a very calm night.

April 6, 2009 - Annapolis, Maryland

We had a nice sail yesterday. It was a bit cold but it was a nice day. Otto is working pretty well. We'll spend Monday running last minute errands while Colleen's parents are still here with the car. Our plan is to leave Annapolis tomorrow morning if the weather situation stays as predicted.

April 5, 2009 - Annapolis, Maryland

Our first guests arrived yesterday. Colleen's parents, Bill and Carol Ristau of Eagle Grove, Iowa. Our plan is to go out for a Sunday day sail today and shake out some more boat bugs. At this point, I'm considering our departure for Tuesday.

I had a wild hair yesterday and bought a new (used) dinghy. It looks like new. We put it in the water yesterday with the serviced engine and it runs great.

April 3, 2009 - Annapolis, Maryland

What a busy day. And an expensive one. I spent a ton of money on tools that I once had and either gave up or took back to Iowa. Gotta have tools. Then the unexpected, I bought a dinghy. It's used but its looks brand new. Compared to my old one, it looks like the Cadillac that Colleen and I drove out here. With the serviced 15 hp yamaha, it will be a treat to all THAT JOIN US DOWN HERE!!

Boats are a challenge. I have worked feverishly on the water system, windless (anchor motor), well, mostly the water system. And we've been cleaning and cleaning. If the weather would improve, we'd actually be anxious to sail.

April 4, 2009 - Annapolis, Maryland

We made it to Annapolis and we slept on YOLO last night. The boat was launched late yesterday afternoon. I was able to check out most of the systems and all is well. The engine started instantly. I couldn't believe it. There's much more to do but were here. The weather is aweful. It's cold and wet so sailing is not too appealing. We're thinking early to mid next week??