Todd and I had decided to leave Bay Point on Friday so we could finish up a few tasks. We knew once we set Ocean Breeze on course, these last tasks just might not be completed. Todd washed the boat and organized compartments in the cockpit. I went through old and broken equipment left by the previous owner and organized the pilothouse and salon.
As we worked, dockmates and friends began arriving to enjoy the weekend. Even the Good Year blimp came overhead to wish us safe voyage.
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| It didn't spell out 'Bonn Voyage Ocean Breeze'! Why??? |
We finished our tasks, took down our water hoses and power cords, relieved our docklines...and we were underway! What a great feeling...to know that everything was as ready as possible for our 10 month trip...and the trip is NOW.
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| Good bye T-18...see you next June (and nobody better have their boat in our slip!). |
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| Goodbye Bay Point! |
After fueling at Battery Park (Bay Point has no diesel fuel), Todd turned Ocean Breeze to the North. The wind had picked up from the East, but waters were still clear. When Erie gets angry, she turns a muddy brown that resembles chocolate milk. We expected some wave build up from the wind and knew we'd rock and roll some taking the waves on the starboard beam. We didn't expect 4 to 5 foot waves once we left Mosley Channel!
Good old Lake Erie! We're pretty used to her after 25 years and 5 boats. Before we got into the waves, I had moved everything I could think of into 'crash position' (to the floor or in a sink). Ocean Breeze ran well. She took the waves like the big boat she is, plowing through and rolling enough to put anything on the floor that I had forgotten to move.
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| Hello Lake Erie... |
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| It's going to be a boat wash... |
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| Oh yeah, she goes white with water! |
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| And then it's over that fast...waiting for the next wave to hit! |
Todd enjoyed the wet ride above. He had piloted some from the station in the pilothouse (where I took refuge and shot pictures of the bath we were taking).
Put in Bay is a safe harbor and we were glad to get in and attach Ocean Breeze to a mooring ball. Todd had a challenge keeping OBs nose to the wind so I could lasso the mooring. I have to say, he's one good pilot!
With the boat settled in, we took our wine, cheese and crackers to the bridge and watched the sunset on our first day of the next 10 months. Ahhhhhh.....
Congratulations on the beginning of your great adventure. We're sure you will enjoy it as much as we did !!
ReplyDeleteSafe travels -- maybe we'll see you on the water as we're heading south come fall.
Gerry and Linda
M/V Monk's Vineyard
Yay, I'm glad you are going to be on the water! Hope you start up your blog again so we can see where you are.
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