Voyage 2002-2003: Chapter 2

18 Oct 2002, Day Two, 36 17.930 N/ 076 13.090 W

We met S/V Celena in Smith Creek and would follow them for the next many days. On Friday we left for Jackson Creek which is just South of the Rappahannock River. Again the wind was disappointing out of the North and we had to motorsail. We had an uneventful trip to Jackson Creek where the guides indicated a dinghy dog dock suitable for pets. We arrived in the Southern branch of Jackson Creek with S/V Celena at 1430. We set up all of the doggie stuff and took them ashore at the Deltaville Marina dinghy dock. What a nice place. We paid $ 7.00 for Ann and I to use all of the facilities (head, showers, lounge, etc.).

19 Oct 2002, Weather Day, 36 17.930 N/ 076 13.090 W

They were calling for nasty weather on the Bay on Saturday (20 knots out of the wrong direction with 3-4 feet waves. Remembering that 'gentlemen do not go to windward', we elected to stay at Jackson another day. Celena opted to continue and left at 0730. We heard that night that they got beat up and didn't make it Norfolk.

We noticed that we were losing over two hours per day with the dogs. We decided it was time to lighten the load and ask our son Chris to rescue them and take them back home. They did not like the waves and we didn't like the ramp thing. Chris arrived at 1600 on Saturday to retrieve the kids. With tears in our eyes, we said our farewells (until Vero Beach) to Levi and Gina. Of course, Sam would stay.

We were up by 0630 on Sunday listening to the weather forecast. Winds were from the SW to W with the promise of rain. Wind was perfect at 10 kts for a good motorsail. The rain was not welcome. We arrived at Portsmouth at 1400. Ann talked to Celena and found out that they were at Deep Creek lock (Dismal Swamp) waiting for the 1500 opening. We were heading for that lock and hoping to anchor there by 1800. However, we made a little better time than expected (it was Sunday and all of the Norfolk bridges were not under a restricted schedule)