CaptMurph: Cross Country by RV: PA, OH, IL, NY, FL, NC, MD, CO, AZ, July 16-December 9, 2017

Sailing and Camping in Ohio and Pennsylvania - July 16 - August 15, 2017 (Click thru the "Newer Posts" at Bottom)

Now that I'm confirmed as a bachelor on my own again, I split my time. First with camping and visiting family & friends in western Pennsylvania, then sailing with friends out of Sandusky, Ohio.

Pool at Hart's Content Campground, Beaver Falls, PA

Playground at Hart's Content Campground, Beaver Falls, PA

It was great seeing my son, Paul, his wife, Kelsey and their daughter. Yep, I love being a grandpa! I found a nice campground near Beaver Falls where Paul and his family live.

Paul and his family as we leave after a summer evening playing in the park. Avery Mae and I had such a good time, I was too busy for pictures. :-)

Keith and I met with our old sailing buddy, Capt. Jim Clark and enjoyed a fine lunch at a local Mexican restaurant in New Kensington, PA.

July 22-27, 2017
After several days in western PA, I returned to Sandusky, Ohio to stay aboard Irish Rover at the Sandusky Sailing Club (SSC). She was in great shape and ready to go sailing. Unfortunately, there was actually too much wind for both me or my little cruiser to feel comfortable sailing so we played pickleball at a nearby park.

Irish Rover in her slip, buttoned up for the coming high winds.

A most beautiful disc golf course at Osborne MetroPark, Huron, Ohio.

After playing pickleball with some new friends, I'd play a few rounds of disc golf at the park's flower-bordered course.

July 28-30, 2017
Jack VanArsdale joined me for some sailing, but with the blustery breeze, we waited until Saturday afternoon when the windy air calmed to about 15 knots.

Sandusky Bay Sail

As the open lake still had waves over 5 feet high, we sailed the calm waters of Sandusky Bay, a real treat as Jack and I had not sailed together for about 3 years. As one of Kelly IV's regular crew, Jack and I have sailed together for several days each summer over the past decade or more.

Sail to Kelleys Island with Jack

On Sunday, we sailed to Kelly's Island for a nice lunch and returned to the SSC.

July 30 - August 1, 2017
Shortly after Jack departed, Bob Zimmerman arrived for a few days of sailing. As the winds had calmed, we were able to enjoy a terrific sail to Middle Bass Island on Monday. It was particularly enjoyable as all the weekenders (especially the large wake-producing powerboaters) were gone. Just Irish Rover, some ferries, a few distant fisherman and small boat cruisers slicing through Lake Erie's clear, freshwater waves.

Bob and Irish Rover before we depart SSC.

Irish Rover reaching under Drifter and Mainsail by Bob Zimmerman

Bob Z. sail to Middle Bass Island

Bob and I did a "walkabout" the small island as we explored the new state park, campgrounds, rocky beach and a couple small resorts. The new marina is very nice, especially as our few weekday neighbors were quiet and considerate. We met a gent from Indiana who owns a fleet of old wooden powerboats including a few Lyman's. Very impressive runabouts from the 50s and 60s. The next day we sailed back to SSC and Bob returned to the working world, while I continued my single man's lifestyle of retired living.

August 1-10, 2017
The lure of my new-to-me RV was calling, so I returned to western PA visiting Paul and family briefly, then setting up camp in Rose Point, PA. It was close to Moraine State Park where I spent most mornings doing my exercises and run. OK, what I do is so slow that most folks would have trouble deciding whether I was walking fast or jogging. The term "run" would not enter most minds. :-)

Over the weekend, I visited my brother, John, and his son, Patrick, in Columbus, Ohio, including Sunday morning church service with them. A bit of a change from my church in Annapolis, but uplifting just the same.

Hopes of sailing a few days with good friend, Nino, and his son, Nick, were rudely dashed by car trouble that pinned them in Pittsburgh. Thankfully, Bill and Sarah Paviol had no issues with their car and they arrived at the SSC raring to go sailing aboard Irish Rover. We awoke and departed for South Bass Island with a terrific breeze out of the northwest. With full jib and mainsail, we tacked out of Sandusky Bay, and pointed as close upwind as Irish Rover would let us. In fact, we are able to sail significantly higher into the wind on Irish Rover than on Kelly IV.