Since our previous blog post in March:

On Saturday, March 25th we departed from the Little Alligator River at 10:30 AM. Crossing the Albemarle Sound, we were able to turn off the engine for about two and a half hours, sailing using only the genoa, then motor-sailing during the final hour of the day's passage, which concluded at 3:45 PM, anchoring near Buck Island.

At 9:30 AM on Sunday, March 26th, we hauled anchor and stopped for our first time at the free dock at Great Bridge, Virginia at 4:15 PM.

On Monday, March 27th, learning of the NY State Canal System's scheduled season opening date (weeks later than the previous schedule), we researched and talked through options as we leisurely walked around the local area. At 2:45 PM we cast off the dock for the top of that hour scheduled bridge opening and locking. After waiting for the 5:30 PM opening at the Gilmerton Bridge, we were anchored near Hospital Point at 6:45 PM.

Tuesday, March 28th we were underway at 7:45 AM, motor-sailing for 4 hours of the day's passage, which concluded at 1:00 PM when we secured Grace to a slip at York Haven Marina in Poquoson, Virginia, where she awaited our return from renting a car and being in Vermont until early May.

On Monday, May 8th, we freed Grace from the dock at 9:00 AM. Motor-sailing with the mainsail for about six hours, and adding the genoa to the mix on and off, at 5:30 PM we dropped the hook for our first time in Dividing Creek, south of Ingram Bay.

At 7:15 AM on Tuesday, May 9th we were underway until 4:45 PM, able to motor-sail with the main, and a bit with the genoa, anchoring near Solomons Island.

After pulling in to the service dock for fuel and water, at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, May 10th we got going, motor-sailing for over 4 hours of the passage, anchoring at 5:00 PM in Rhode River.

In the rain, at 6:45 AM on Thursday, May 11th, we raised anchor, motor-sailing with the genoa, and dropping the hook at 9:00 AM in Whitehall Bay.

Twenty-four hours after dropping the hook, we hauled it up at 9:00 AM on Friday, May 12th and were treated to turning off the engine and sailing using both the mainsail and genoa for three hours, then motor-sailing with the mainsail for the remainder of the passage, anchoring at 4:30 PM in the Sassafras River.

Awaiting the passing of the rain on Saturday, May 13th, getting to view deer on the nearby shoreline, at 1:15 PM we made the short passage until 3:00 PM to anchor in the Elk River for better wind protection.

From 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM on Sunday, May 14th we were underway, anchoring in Chesapeake City, going to shore several times for walks and a visit to the museum, sharing the stop with a couple of boats we had not seen since departing the Bahamas a few months earlier.

At 6:45 AM on Monday, May 15th we were underway. On the Delaware Bay motor-sailing with the genoa, overhearing another sailboat's VHF radio May Day call for a crew member who was unconscious from an accidental jibe, at 4:15 PM we were anchored near the Coast Guard station at Cape May, New Jersey.

Tuesday, May 16th at 8:00 AM we raised anchor, heading offshore, motor-sailing with both sails. After pulling in for fuel, we were anchored at 3:15 PM near Rum Point, among the lights of Atlantic City.

At 5:30 AM on Wednesday, May 17th we hauled anchor, heading offshore and again able to motor-sail with the genoa for most of the passage, dropping the hook at 6:45 PM near Coney Island.

No need to edit the morning alarm time for the next day, Thursday, May 18th at 5:30 AM we got going, motor-sailing with the genoa on and off, picking up a mooring ball at 6:30 PM at the Marlboro Yacht Club, where Grace again awaited our return from a road trip to Pennsylvania.

On Monday, May 22nd we dropped the mooring ball at 8:15 AM, motor-sailed with the genoa on and off, and anchored at 4:00 PM for our first time at Coxsackie Island.

At 8:00 AM on Tuesday, May 23rd we raised anchor, stopping at 10:15 AM as the 3rd in line for using the do-it-yourself crane at Castleton Boat Club. We were ready for unstepping Grace's mast before the #2 boat in line, so we got to move up in line and cast off at 12:15 PM. We transited the Troy lock, and at 4:00 PM were tied up to the free wall at Waterford, New York.

Casting off at 8:30 AM, and beginning our free transit of the locks in the NY State Canal System, we tied up to the free wall at Fort Edward at 4:30 PM.

The final day of snowbird voyage #8 was on Thursday, May 25th, beginning at 7:00 AM, and concluding at 2:30 PM at our home port, Chipman Point Marina.

Above: odometer reading, showing total mileage Grace traveled during snowbird voyage #8.

One month to-the-day later, on Sunday, June 25th, we did an intentional long test run of Grace's engine from 9:00 AM until 2:15 PM, heading north on beautiful Lake Champlain until we had the bridge in sight before turning around and returning to our mooring at the marina. The successful test run confirmed that Kevin's replacement of the engine head gasket solved the coolant loss that had haunted his thoughts for many months prior; good job, Captain!

In addition to replacing the head gasket, which was the first priority of summer projects for Grace, Kevin has also:

-had the genoa UV cover repaired
-added weather seal to port lights
-had alternator rebuilt
-purchased an additional alternator
-applied 3 coats of poli-glow to Grace's hull
-installed an additional 12-volt cabin outlet
-miscellaneous sewing repair of bimini, lifeline covers, curtains, screens, etc.
-replaced valve cover on outboard motor
-routine engine maintenance
-repaired hot water heater
-repaired pilot light valve on cabin heater
-replaced stereo
-replaced fuel fill deck cap and hoses
-repaired dinghy air leaks with sealant and patches
-replaced galley sink pump
-repaired anchor wash down plumbing
-repaired cabin lights
-replaced wiring to bow windlass switch
-added a hardwired spotlight
-potentially solve rainwater leaks inside dorades
-replaced o-ring on grill propane hose

On Sunday, July 16th we enjoyed a two-plus hour daysail, using only our smaller headsail with the Alligator flying beautifully, which we captured a video of.

On Sunday, August 13th we got to share a downwind sail, using only that same headsail, with our good friends, Noka and Bill aboard, anchoring and enjoying a lunch-time feast within sight of Fort Ticonderoga.

On Sunday, August 20th we motored to the Fort, anchoring for the afternoon.

On Saturday, August 26th we got to share the enjoyment of a light wind sail using both sails for two hours, with Debbie's Mom and Alan aboard.

On Sunday, August 27th we enjoyed a few hour daysail, sailing south of the marina with many of our fellow local sailors.

The blog typist forgot to include in the previous post that Debbie had her first opportunity to team up with Kevin in scrubbing the marine growth off Grace’s bottom. Geared up in wet suits and snorkels and fins, while Kevin scrubbed with a long handled scraper what he could reach lower down, Debbie scrubbed what she could reach with a small brush. The combined whorthwhile effort resulted in about a half knot of increased speed.

Since our previous blog post in January:

An intermittent squeal that sounded like a belt slipping, yet did not appear to be caused by that, led to Kevin swapping alternators, which eliminated the noise.

After pulling out of Hope Town on Tuesday, January 24th, we anchored for one night off Matt Lowe’s Cay, followed by two nights outside Treasure Cay. During one of the many beach explorations we got to see a pair of spotted rays swimming side by side.

On Friday, January 27th we transited the inside Don’t Rock passage, heading north of “the Whale”, anchoring briefly for our first time to wander around the nearby abandoned marina project, beach, and wreck, before sailing with only the genoa to Manjack and Crab Cays.

Tuesday, January 31st we pulled in to White Sound to top off gasoline, water, and then grab a few groceries at Green Turtle Cay before motoring to Powell Cay, where Kevin changed the prop shaft zinc and scraped barnacles off the propeller before we went to shore to walk the beaches on both sides of the island (one for our first time ever).

While on our way motoring to Hawksbill Cay near Fox Town on Wednesday, February 1st, we wrapped some heavy plastic sheeting around the propeller, which Kevin was able to remove after we got anchored and before some dinghy exploration.

We got to see a ray on Thursday, February 2nd as we motored to Great Sale Cay. Greeting some other cruisers during shore exploration we also got an up close look at the aground sailboat that has now likely become an unfortunate permanent fixture since our stop there a few months prior.

On Friday, February 3rd we motored to Mangrove Cay.

Before getting underway the next morning, while having coffee in Grace’s cockpit, plus on two additional occasions during the previous days, we got to enjoy the rare sighting of Dolphins in the clear Bahamian water. At 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 4th we hauled anchor and dropped it at 3:00 PM for our first time in the dredged canal of the halted Ginn Sur Mer development near West End, Grand Bahama.

Under the cover of darkness, guided only by the blinking lights on the pilings and Debbie’s instructions as she stood on Grace’s bow at 6:00 AM on Sunday, February 5th we headed into the open ocean. Motor-sailing with a combination of both sails for the majority of the passage, which was more placid before Noon when a line of storms passed nearby creating growing oncoming seas, and the U.S. National Weather Service broadcast on the VHF radio was for small craft “to exercise caution”, we pursued our return to the states, concluding that Gulf Stream crossing when we dropped anchor just a few miles inside the inlet on the St Lucie River at 6:15 PM.

Picking up a mooring ball for one night in Stuart on Monday, February 6th, we were able to pick up packages at the marina and get showers, connect with some friends, catch a ride for some groceries, and then after moving to anchor nearby the next day borrow a car to drop off the alternator for a needed rebuild since the brushes were gone. More restocking of provisions took place, and swapping alternators, confirming the squeal was gone.

At 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 9th we departed from Stuart, Florida, anchoring at 3:30 PM outside Faber Cove, Fort Pierce.

On Friday, February 10th we were underway from 8:00 AM until 10:45 AM, when we picked up a mooring ball in Vero Beach. While getting the laundry done we met cruisers who were headed to the Bahamas for their first time, and got invited over for happy hour and answering questions, at which time another sailboat came in and rafted up to Grace, and that captain who was also heading across for the first time joined the gathering.

After pulling up to the service dock to top off fuel and water, we headed out shortly after 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 11th. We motored for a couple hours, then motor-sailed with the genoa for the next two hours, and were able to turn off the engine and sail using only the genoa during the couple hours of the day’s passage, which concluded at 4:15 PM, dropping the anchor for our first time near Dragon Point, northeast of Eau Gallie Bridge.

Sailing with both sails and no engine usage for an hour and a half, and motor-sailing with both the mainsail and the genoa on and off during the rest of the passage on Sunday, February 12th, which was from 10:15 AM until 5:00 PM, including a 45 minute delay while we anchored at the Addison Point Bridge until it was repaired and able to open, allowing us to transit and then anchor for the night on the other side of the bridge, north of the mooring field at Titusville.

At 8:45 AM on Monday, February 13th we were able to motor-sail with the genoa initially, then motoring into a strong north wind reducing our speed, combined with a strong opposing current throughout a significant portion of the passage, at 5:45 PM we dropped the hook north of the Sea Breeze Bridge, Daytona.

On Tuesday, February 14th at 7:00 AM we hauled anchor, motor-sailing with the genoa on and off, and anchored for our first time at Pine Island north of St Augustine at 5:30 PM.

At 8:00 AM on Wednesday, February 15th we motor-sailed with the genoa initially and were underway until Noon when we tied up to the free dock at Sisters Creek.

Departing Florida, entering Georgia, on Thursday, February 16th, casting off at 9:30 AM with the assistance of the crew of the other sailboat that we got to visit with the previous evening, motor-sailing with the genoa on and off, we anchored at 4:15 PM on the Cumberland River near ICW mile 695.

Including a fuel stop just prior to transiting Jekyll Creek, motor-sailing with the genoa on and off for only a bit, Friday’s passage on February 17th began at 10:00 AM and concluded at 5:15 PM when we dropped the hook in the Duplin River.

From 9:15 AM until 1:45 PM on Saturday, February 18th we motored to Walburg Creek. We went for a beach walk, among the deer, wild pigs, and relentless no-see-ums that swarmed the dinghy.

On Sunday, February 19th from 9:45 AM to 1:45 PM we motored to the Vernon River.

At 10:45 AM on Monday, February 20th we hauled anchor, dropping it again at 1:15 PM after motoring to the Herb River.

We were underway from 10:15 AM to 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 21st, motoring to Bull Creek.

Wednesday, February 22nd’s motoring passage began at 9:15 AM. Upon entering Port Royal Sound into opposing waves, the engine began to run very warm. We turned around and anchored for about a half hour in Skull Creek during which time Kevin topped off the coolant and the slack tide allowed for a slow transit of the sound in smaller waves. We arrived early for the 3:30 PM opening of Lady’s Island Bridge, and shortly thereafter anchored in Factor Creek, Beaufort, South Carolina. First thing the next morning we pulled into the marina, renting a car, getting chores done, and heading to a family wedding in North Carolina.

Shortly after 2:00 PM on Monday, February 27th, we cast off from the marina, and anchored at 4:00 PM in the Coosaw River.

On Tuesday, February 28th, at 11:00 AM we hauled anchor, motor-sailing with the genoa for a short time, dropping the anchor at 2:15 PM in the South Edisto River.

At 10:15 AM on Wednesday, March 1st we raised anchor, dropping it again at 1:30 PM after motoring to Church Creek.

Thursday, March 2nd we were underway, motoring from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, anchoring in Inlet Creek.

Stopping briefly for some higher priced gasoline during the first passage on Friday, March 3rd which began at 9:45 AM, we anchored at 12:15 PM in Price Creek for a beach walk then continued on from 2:30 PM until 5:00 PM, and anchored for the night in Awendaw Creek.

On Saturday, March 4th we hauled anchor at 10:30 AM, dropping it at 4:00 PM in Georgetown, South Carolina.

Timing our passage to ride a favorable current along the beautiful Waccamaw River, we raised anchor at 11:00 AM on Sunday, March 5th, and dropped the hook at 3:00 PM in the Oxbow near Enterprise Landing.

Underway for about 15 minutes first thing Monday morning, March 6th, we pulled in to Osprey Marina and got to spend the day with Debbie’s dad and his wife, Helen; thank you both for taking a “road trip” and coming to see us!

After topping off fuel, the reverse short jaunt to the same Oxbow was the extent of our passage on Tuesday, March 7th.

At 7:45 AM on Wednesday, March 8th we raised anchor and dropped it at 4:45 PM in Pipeline Canal, Southport, North Carolina. Looking at the BRRRReezy extended weather forecast, which showed decent weather for traveling the next two days followed by a long stretch of not-so-pleasant weather for cruising, we decided to push for two days to a more ideal stopping option.

At 6:45 AM on Thursday, March 9th we hauled anchor, waited for about 2 hours combined at 2 out of the 3 scheduled opening bridges of the day, and finally dropped the hook at 6:45 PM in Mile Hammock Bay, Camp LeJeune.

On Friday, March 10th we got underway shortly after 6:00 AM. Based upon direct phone communication, the Marines were only allowing ICW travel during one hour increments throughout the day, so we planned our departure accordingly; what we found after we were well into the day’s passage was that there was no restriction. It actually worked out well since very strong winds and building conditions filled in not too long before we entered the shelter of Adams Creek. Prior to that we had been able to motor-sail with the genoa for many hours, making great speed. Seeing the state of the Neuse River, we decided to anchor in Adams Creek at 2:45 PM; after a wind direction shift an hour later, we spent the next hour poking our nose out into the Neuse River, and then promptly turning around to anchor again.

We transited the Neuse River in one hour on Saturday, March 11th, and tied up to the free dock in Oriental at 11:45 AM. We got to visit the historical museum for our first time, where we saw a painting of the oldest lady in town and later happened to meet her and her dog while we were walking along the waterfront. The next morning our friend, Taylor, who now lives in New Bern, drove to spend time with us; we got to visit over a leisurely breakfast while large white flakes fell from the sky outside. After the frozen precipitation stopped, we cast off that dock, layered up, and motored from 2:30 PM until 4:45 PM to pick up a weekly slip at Ensign Harbor. On Tuesday, Kevin’s sister, Valerie, picked us up. We got to visit at her house, plus rent a car for a few days and visit with three of Debbie’s four cousins and their families, who all live in North Carolina; wonderful serendipities!

On Monday, March 20th at 12:15 PM we cast off from the dock. The engine was running warm and within a half hour we were anchored. Kevin rebuilt the partially blocked exhaust riser with onboard parts, cleaned the coolant loop inline screen filter and debris from one of the hoses, and examined the inside of the mixing valve. After the third short test run which showed normal engine temperature, we dropped the hook for the third and final time for the night in Broad Creek.

At 10:30 AM on Tuesday, March 21st we were underway. We were able to turn off the engine and sail using only the genoa for about an hour and a half of the passage, which concluded at 5:00 PM, anchored near Belhaven.

Our 45 minute mid-day passage on Wednesday, March 22nd brought us to a new-to-us anchor spot tucked in behind the tall trees, nicely protected from the strong northerly winds on the Pungo River.

Shortly before noon on Thursday, March 23rd we hauled anchor and promptly pulled in to the nearby marina service dock to top off gasoline, then continued on, dropping the hook at 5:00 PM at the end of the Alligator Pungo Canal, Tuckahoe Point.

Today, Friday, March 24th we were able to turn off the engine and sail along the Alligator River using only the genoa for nearly three hours of the four-hour passage, anchoring at 3:00 PM for our first time in the Little Alligator River.

During these passages we have gotten to see a large group of small rays, one sea turtle, many fresh water turtles, ducks and dolphin, osprey building their nests, plus several bald eagles.

Above: the spectacularly clear water in the Bahamas in Grace’s wake.

On Friday, January 20th we anchored for our first time in Red Bay, and explored only a few of the twenty or more beaches along the shoreline.

We have been cherishing the beautiful surroundings of the tropical colors and warm breezes that surround us; gotten to visit many times in many places with Joe and Yvonne of s/v Modaki; seen myriad turtles (many surfacing as we were sipping our coffee in the cockpit), several rays of different types, and a wonderful array of so much beautiful marine wildlife and treasures from the ocean, plus many rainbows, including the widest and most vibrant one we believe we have ever seen, which was right over Grace at anchor at Lynyard Cay, as we were returning in the dinghy without the camera, and faded just as we got to the camera.

A second provisioning stop in Marsh Harbour, only anchoring there for three hours, and then we moved to hunker down for the second strong weather front of the season on a mooring ball for three nights in Hope Town Harbour, where we also got to greet several new arrivals of fellow cruisers we know. Jerry jugs of water, plus a few gallons of gasoline (for the dinghy), were also purchased.

Above: the sunset on January 18th.

On Tuesday, January 17th we anchored for our first time near Minos Rock, and our shore exploration there included an up close look at the ship wreck on the shore.

Above: some the beautiful water colors that we get to be surrounded by.

Throughout the weeks, we have explored beaches and shorelines of the islands that we never had during our previous times in the Abacos, as well as repeats, plus abandoned houses, including the one pictured above the cave on the right side of the above shot, as well as others that we had not explored previously.

It was worth the wait, and did not disappoint! Our first time anchoring in Buckaroon Bay for several nights wasn’t enough time to explore all the shoreline areas accessible from there. We also delighted in a daytime excursion to nearby Sandy Cay and our first time snorkeling the amazingly spectacular reef there; later that day we shared happy hour with Joe and Yvonne of s/v Modaki and Charlie and Chris onboard s/v Wingspread.

Above: just one of the many beautiful beaches we get to enjoy walking.

Having moved south during the days prior, we then moved a little north again, and on Wednesday, January 7th we picked up a mooring ball for two nights in Hope Town Harbour during the first cold front of the season that brought along strong clocking winds, and got laundry done while there, as well as picked up a few groceries and filled our water jerry jugs.

After changing the lower unit oil and zinc on the outboard motor, trying some adjustments and temporary measures to fix its not shifting, helpful tips led to the final solution of lubricating inside the shifting handle; voila! Forward, neutral, and reverse are back in smooth operation!

Above: Dinghy Sailing outside Hope Town on January 7th.

On the afternoon of the first day of 2017 we moved Grace a few miles further south.

Above: another shot from the previous day’s Junkanoo.

On New Year’s Eve, for our first time, we got to see the kids Junkanoo afternoon parade through Hope Town, pictured above. Later, after moving a few miles to anchor further south along Elbow Cay, we got to experience two fireworks displays - one rather impressive display nicely timed at 8:00 PM, and the midnight display overtop of Grace.

Unusual for our typical choice patterns, we stayed two nights anchored in Marsh Harbour, after pulling in shortly before sundown on Thursday, December 29th. Greeting friends, and leaving behind a few dollar bills at the local stores, the cooler air temperature on Friday was a pleasant treat.

Above: the sunset on December 21st.