Wanted to mention that before we left Cape May, friends Tom and Renae Poulsen drove down from their home to have dinner with us Thursday night. We had a great time, and Nikki had a picture of the four of us taken at the table. I would have included that picture today, but she caught my disease and lost her camera before we could download it. The house of Krumble strikes again ...

As I write this, we are north bound off the New Jersey coast near Beach Haven near Long Beach at N39° 32.440' W74° 12.853'. Departed at 0700 in light fog and calm winds. The farther north we go, the thicker the fog gets, to the point of now it is so thick visibility is only 50 to 100 yards. The radar is invaluable in these conditions. We just passed a couple of boats that were only ¼ mile away and never saw them, only on radar. Seas are sort of calm, but actually long, slow 4' - 6' rollers make for an enjoyable and relaxing ride. Still motoring ... We hope the winds freshen some so we can sail and shut the engine down.

Today's destination is Manasquan Inlet. Expect to arrive at 1630 and will drop the hook and stay through Monday, with a planned departure on Tuesday. The reason for the long stay is weather. Thunderstorms are forecasted to begin tonight and likely through Monday. We will take advantage of the layover to clean up the boat, do some laundry, pick up a few provisions, and last but not least, attempt to repair the windlass. The windlass is a motorized winch on the bow that is used to raise the main anchor, which is on an all chain ridden. It was repaired before we left Lake Champlain last September but it didn't last. So now I have to raise it by hand, which is a messy job and a pain in the ass (back), but manageable. We are also expecting some mail that was forwarded by Nikki's mom. Like a dope, I forgot to tell my mom to do the same thing. Oh well, we'll pick another point down the road.

We had a great time in Atlantic City last night. Went out for dinner, and then hit the slots. I won $81. Nikki did not fare so well. I won't disclose her loss, but let's just say that between the two of us, we just covered the price of dinner. So all was good. Took a walk on the boardwalk, and just took it all in. This is another place that is fun for a day or two, but it gets old fast. The people are a riot, as you see all kinds. We happened on a event at Bally's Bikini Beach Bar. Free cigars, scotch, cognac, barely clad 20 something dancers, and great Latin music. I can still taste the cigar, but it always seems like a good idea at the time. The guys were really impressed that Nikki likes smoking cigars.

Friends Rob and Cathy Petrini from Proctor, VT are coming to the boat tonight for dinner and a sleep over. They are from southern NJ originally and had hoped to sail with us some, but as I mentioned, not good weather for it so we'll just enjoy each others' company.

As of right now, we are planning to spend July 4th anchored next to the Statue of Liberty and hopefully see the fireworks shot off in the East River of Manhattan. There are not many places to anchor around NYC, and this seems like a great place to stay. Hoping to get together with Nikki's friends Phyllis (who lives in NYC) and Brad and Michelle from Stowe, VT who happen to be in NYC at this time.

Included a few picks of the day. Nikki and I have restarted our workout routines, which are a little different in the confines of the boat. We both work the weights, and for cardio, Nikki runs when we are on shore and I keep her company on the bike! The things I do for her!! ;-)