Events today:

Wx - no change from yesterday.

Travel - none; stayed on board, worked. Or read. Marg took the courtesy car to get groceries. The marina, like the others we have been at, are busy; and this is one of the best.

Reading - working on Larson's book about Churchill and WW2 - excellent summary with quotes from many individuals -- British, American, and German.

Photos - boats on the ICW attract a 'mustache' line which needs cleaning - a photo showing a 'before and after' effort - I was able to clean the port side, the side we are docked on - couldn't do it the other day, without something to stand on, despite what a certain boating Commodore [Rivard] might suggest. The Instant Hull Cleaner combined with a brush really does the job.

Simpson Russell asked why I didn't have a photo of the young woman holding the flag on the boat the other day - next time [there's always hope] will take one.

From the Desk of Admiral Margaret:

Boat watching has become an interesting pastime. Remember as kids on family car trips trying to identify each car that went by? Our parents appreciated that it kept us entertained so we'd quit asking "how much longer til we get there?". Well, I already know when we'll get there, but we have come across many different types of, sometimes unkown, boats. So using spying or internet searching we have identified many. Notables, include the 246' Lurssen, 86' Burger, Nordhavns [see last marina photos, 3 looking like siblings) including a brand new hull #2 - 50' ($$$), Kadey-Krogens (4 in our current marina), many DeFevers, Hatteras, Jeffersons, etc. Also many big, fast cruisers. The newer ones have some striking designs. Also $$$. My interest in identifying was generally spiked by "wow! wonder how much that baby cost and what does the interior look like?" . I know, I'm shallow.😁

We have not bothered with sailing vessels because we know nothing about sailing but some are gorgeous [e.g. Beneteau]! Also, there are too many center consoles and sport fishers to keep track of [seem to be the 'wakers']. Grocery outing was uneventful, but the courtesy vehicle was the best one so far. My ventures on land are interesting because of this persistent motion issue I have. I always feel like I'm "walking on a boat" and have really poor balance. Drunken sailor is a good description so I look pretty interesting when walking on the dock or across a parking lot. Ok in the car as long as it's moving. Very frustrating!!

That's all for today.

Mechanical:

Battery Switch - replaced the previously broken generator battery switch and davit Circuit Breaker/Switch [winch for dinghy]. Based on recent 'breakages', the 15 yr old plastic seems a tish brittle, so it would seem prudent to now have a backup circuit breaker/switch for the 'House', just in case... the 'House' one is needed for lights/electronics/pumps/toilets/etc - anything 12v that we use for day to day comfort. The Admiral has made a not-so- subtle suggestion that it would be in the Captains best interest to not have that system disrupted!

Boat washing - Doc's Aweigh needs a good bath; bird greetings require a soapy scrub - will do it in either Solomons or Oxford.

Holding Tank Monitor - still reads 'Full' after checking the ground wiring; will re-calibrate at next pumpout. What's weird is the in-tank sensor that wasn't working [always read 'Full' after I installed it], is now reading 55% -- which is about the correct level!! Maybe it became jealous when I put in the new 'outside wall' system and decided to give us accurate information??!! Will keep monitoring both.

That's all today.

Tomorrow, we head for Ingram Bay Marina, in - where else - Ingram Bay, for just one night. It is only 27 miles, an easy day [too easy for some OCD boaters I am acquainted with! :) ]. Tuesday will be another 48 miles to Spring Cove Marina in Solomon Island, on the Patuxent River - could have done the 75 miles direct to the latter but we have come to the sad conclusion that it is too far in 1 day for us now in our advancing years - we have done it but don't like it and there is no rush and so we aren't going to do it anymore - so there! Pbbbbth.

Covid19 - we stay informed about the hot spots and are glad we have a boat to live on and be semi-quarantined. It is unfortunate that in many areas people will not wear masks in public - the evidence seems strong that masking indoors in public gatherings/contacts reduces contagiousness and infections. If everyone did that, we could likely have a safer reopening of businesses and schools, reducing the infection rate to one that hospitals can cope with, at least until more people acquire immunity.

So...stay safe.

Comments:

Ernie R - 12 Jul 2020: Rob, all throttles work well at 10 mph! Please do a proper test when you leave, mainly WOT to start and if you must can back off to 3/4 throttle! Also, I am sure you are aware since you have your captain’s license that under both Maritime Law and the 72 COLREGS that it is unlawful to remove just half a mustache! Please correct this total disregard of authority at your earliest convenience! Be safe! Sounds like you all having great trip in spite of COVID!

Ann - 12 Jul 2020: Good morning! Hope Fay is leaving you alone. She’s brought us cloudy skies and a nice breeze this morning. Stay safe & well, and dry today!

Billy - 12 Jul 2020: A few years back things were quite exciting where you now are https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs49-98

Ernie R - 13 Jul 2020: Rob, sure it is me but did not see before/after mustache photo, hope that wasn’t due to quality of the work! Think it is safe to say you could probably add a 100 to any of your daily trips and still have leisure cruise! Agree with your fans, crew pictures are appreciated! Nasty Green Turtle Bay fire! Be safe