On Monday June 2 at 6:55AM the Cap'n threw the stern line into the cockpit, hopped aboard and we were off on leg two of our Great Loop adventure. The Chesapeake Bay was calm and quiet as we headed north towards the C&D canal where we picked up our friend and reliable crew member Al. He is known for his "James Bond" arrivals and this was no different. The Cap'n brought Freedom alongside the dock and within seconds Al, his overnight bag and three spherical fenders were on board -- no lines needed.
The seas remained calm as we rode along the canal and into the Delaware Bay. The wind and waves picked up a bit as we approached the ocean, and to my disappointment, continued to build throughout the afternoon. I have learned my offshore limitations over the years so I remained in the saloon, anti-sea sickness patch set firmly behind my ear, while Al and the Cap'n steered from the Pilot House.
Day turned to night as Freedom paralleled the beach and we enjoyed watching the bright lights, Ferris Wheels, roller coasters, boardwalks, hotels and casinos that dot the Jersey Shore. I fell asleep by 9 in anticipation of middle of the night watch duty, but the call never came. Instead, Al and the Cap'n took turns on watch and navigation duties while Ham and I slumbered in the saloon (ie, the boat living room).
27 hours after leaving Worton Creek, MD we arrived at Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor NJ. Ham and I ran up the dock (totally rebuilt after Sandy) to find a tree; Al gathered his things and called for a cab to take him to a southbound train; and the Cap'n started to fill the fuel and water tanks.
We won't be taking another overnight trip until we reach the Gulf of Mexico in November. For that I am thankful. Even though I did not stand watch, such trips are tiring and tend to mess up your body clock. From now on it will be short day trips, many of them punctuated by locks.
Next stop: Jersey City and a ringside view of the New York skyline
Atlantic Highlands, NJ anchorage
June 4, 2014
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