Talbot Island to Brickhill River by Karen Posey - May 2, 2015

Today was uneventful except for a couple of noteworthy events. A skate/ray jumped out of the water close to the port side of the bow... made me jump, it was so unexpected.

We were impressed with some large yachts at Fernandina Beach…

Vibrant Flags at Fernandina Beach

Trumpy "America"

We were passed by a Trumpy "America". It really caught our attention because Trumpy is a very expensive, beautiful, traditional boat. You don't often see them.  We could have been their dinghy!

Karen on deck, Brickhill River

Murph at foredeck, Brickhill River

Brickhill River to South Altamaha River by Karen Posey - May 3, 2015

Today was an early day. We awoke to a beautiful sunrise.  We had to be underway by 7 a.m. because there is a low spot at Jekyll Creek and, with our 5-foot draft, we can traverse that area only at high tide.  We anchored in the salt marshes of Georgia, on the South Altamaha River.  One week into the trip and relationship still intact. Just 25 weeks to go :-).

Exercising in the Cabin

One Small Move and that Laptop is on Top of Me!

Sunset at Brickhill River

Brickhill River Moonrise

South Altamaha River Sunset

South Altamaha River Sunset
"It really looked like this!  Beautiful!"

South Altamaha River Moonrise

Pine Island to Talbot Island by Karen Posey - May 1, 2015

Interesting day today. Sunny weather and a pleasant sail to an anchorage north of Jacksonville.

Mario with his Boat in the Background

I set up the laptop in the cabin and exercised to Charlotte's Friday weights DVD while underway. To say the least, it was challenging. Even a slight heel of the boat in the direction I was facing caused me to brace myself to avoid falling into the computer screen. With only 2 to 3 feet of width in which to move, my grape vines were more like raisin vines. And balancing on one leg was the ultimate challenge. I can't say how much real exercise I got, but my intentions were good.

As we passed the public dock in Jacksonville, we were hailed on the radio by Murph's friend Mario, who saw us and was leaving the dock

heading north. Mario is an old friend of Murph's who happened to be at the Titusville Marina when Murph was there, and is now traveling the ICW as we are. We decided to anchor in the same location and party a bit. Unfortunately, we were overtaken by events.

Due to wind and current working in opposite directions, the anchor rode wrapped around the keel. The boat was then pushed broadside by the current into the shoal. Thanks to Murph's knowledge of boating and Mario's advice and help, after a couple of hours, they were able to rectify the situation.

With narrow channels and, in some areas, long distances between markers / navigation aids ( my excuse for yesterday's adventure) and strong currents and winds ( the reason for today's adventure), the ICW is a challenging route to travel. But what is life without a little excitement?
Anxious to see what tomorrow will bring :-).

Palm Coast to Pine Island Anchorage by Karen Posey - April 30, 2015

Boat and passengers are still doing well. Our friends the Germains, who live in Palm Coast, hosted a party for 11 of us (mostly boaters) at their home yesterday, followed by dinner at a waterfront restaurant. Nice to get off the boat and enjoy the libations, good company, and good food.

Chilly enough for jackets today, but sunny. Underway for six hours. All went smoothly except for one "minor" :-( glitch. In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that the boat ran up on a mud flat while I was at the helm. Murph was very sweet about it. Thanks to a rising tide and the wind, we were on our way within 10 minutes.

Sunset at Pine Island by Karen Posey

Currently anchored at Pine Island Anchorage, north of St. Augustine and south of Jacksonville. Still eating baked chicken and other leftovers we brought with us, but will soon be moving on to a diet of canned food...yum!

Sunset at Pine Island by Karen Posey

I am slowly ramping up to an acceptable exercise regimen (I hope). On Tuesday I did 100 jumping jacks in the cabin (while the boat was underway!).  Yesterday Murph and I took advantage of being docked at a marina and took a two-hour walk, including only 10 minutes of jogging. Starting tomorrow, I hope to exercise to Charlotte's DVD while underway several days a week.

Titusville, FL to Annapolis, MD by Karen Posey - April 27 - June 26, 2015 (Click thru the "Newer Posts" at Bottom)

April 27, 2015

Lea, Natasha, Karen, Murph

We departed the Titusville Marina at 9 a.m.  All went well today. We anchored north of New Smyrna. Plan to make it to Palm Coast tomorrow.

April 28, 2015

Another great day on the water. Made it all the way to Palm Coast. It drizzled most of the day, but we

Dolphins at Daybreak by Karen Posey

still enjoyed the trip. Saw a pod of dolphins near Daytona. Were able to help a fellow sailor by towing him off a shoal. Currently docked at Palm Coast Marina for two nights - I get a REAL shower - Yea :-)! My back itched all day due to the dribble of water I used on the boat last night :-(. Lovin' this life so far.

(Note:  For information about the 32 foot sailboat that we lived aboard for 5 months in 2015 click here:  Kelly IV, Endeavour 32 Sailboat.)

ICW Northbound by Karen Posey - April 27 - June 26, 2015

Click through the blog to enjoy the photos and info about our ICW Cruise Northbound from Karen's perspective.  Click Here.  Or click on "Newer Post" at the bottom of each post.

Kelly IV's Course Northbound 2015

Cross Country Train Adventure, March 10-24, 2015

I didn't plan very well getting my Amtrak Pass, so I spent too much time on the train and not enough enjoying friends and family at the various stops.  Still, it was a great trip seeing so much of this great country of ours.

Rounding the famous Horseshoe Curve just west of Altoona, PA

Michiko, Mother, Takashi, Murph, Emilee, Patrick

In Hilliard (Columbus), Ohio, I enjoyed a terrific visit with my Mother, Japanese brother, his wife, my brother, John and his children.

Windmills on the Midwest Plains

Then back on the train, westbound through Chicago and westward to LA.

Sunset on the Central Plains

Sunset on the Central Plains

Rocky Mountains well to the north

Raton station, NM

Rain in the mountains

Desert Sunrise

San Bernardino station

Outside Union Station, LA, CA

Rob, as we experience southern California

Sunset heading east across the desert

Sunrise on the Central Plains

Arriving Chicago

Briefly back in Pittsburgh, then south to Orlando

Kooser 2015

Guy and Sean display the main course

This was the year Sean brought us Tomahawk steaks!

Bill prepares our tremendous Tomahawk dining experience

Bill shows off his warm cap with his daughter, Sarah

Of course, Guy's van commandeered
the best spot on the slopes for the 
annual Kooser ski party!