Sails, Scooters and Sailor’s tales
Jeannie wanted to go sailing today and we felt we had a good run here at Nicolet Bay so we got up early today to set sail to Egg Harbor. The anchorage was nice and calm and there were remarks that there might not be enough wind to sail. I remarked that we had no where to be so if it was even a slow sail that would be lovely.
Kona’s walk included a stop to get coffee but we were greeted by a closed coffee truck on Mondays. Sad! We would have to make due somehow.
Back at Ciara we readied the boat to depart. Jeannie, now on her second time pulling anchor and raising sails, did a great job being 2nd mate. We left around 7:40am. We raised sails right away. Captain actually relinquished control and let Jeannie steer the boat. We actually had a lovely wind and were sailing very well. Well enough that I felt comfortable to head down and type my blog. I had to get up a few times to crew because we had to do a lot of tacking to maneuver around all the shoals between here and there. We were a good crew. I also made breakfast underway for the first time this year. Breakfast burritos with our left-over meats. We were sailing really well now, up wind so Ciara was gliding along at 10 degrees. Jeannie had to take a phone call and somehow that ended up with her cuddled up underway on her bunk while we flew into Egg Harbor. The joys of relaxing under sail are hard to explain.
Egg Harbor is pretty quiet this early in the season. Captain was sad that our fly by the marina under full sail for a show went without an audience. We lowered the sails and dropped our hook in our favorite space, having the entire anchorage to ourselves.
Sailing from point A to point B with a guest leaves the question of logistics to get them back to their car. Thankfully we had a solution. Electric scooters (and a new electric skateboard)! Taking back roads it was about 14 miles. We enjoyed a slow ride about 12mph viewing the beautiful houses along the bay. Lots of Debbie approved homes and even one Captain approved as they had their own breakwater marina being built. Yeah…that’s out of our price range!
About an hour later we arrived at her car and drove back to Egg Harbor. Back at Ciara I busiest myself with some overdue chores as the rest of my crew fell victim one by one to the amazing boat nap. First Jeannie, then Captain. I got a text from Rich Dirks a gentleman who we met in the North Channel, of all places, two years ago who lives here in Egg Harbor. He used to keep his boat at our old marina even. We had to go all the way to Canada to meet him though. He said he had seen our boat at in the anchorage and was sad to miss us. I told him we were going to Pizza Brothers for dinner and he should join us. He said he would ask the admiral (aka the wife) and get back to us. By the time I finished what I was doing the urge for a boat nap had over taken me as well and I was out like a light. When I awoke about an hour later there was a text saying they would join us and to let them know when.
Seeing how it was already 5pm and I was hungry I woke up the crew. The boat naps hit so hard we were all a little groggy. We let Rich know we would head to shore and be at the pizza joint with Kona around 6.
I had really talked up Pizza Brothers. Turns out Rich and his wife, Sandra, had never been even though they live here. I’m glad to report everyone raved about the pizza. Yeah, it really is good stuff. Captain was thrilled to see his “favorite” bartender working who recognized him. She even gave him an “accidental pour” of wine for me to enjoy. I went in and said thank you later and Captain said he may be getting a coveted VIP card as the staff really like him.
I really enjoyed talking with Rich and meeting Sandra. They are an incredibly sweet couple whose big sailboat days are over. We shared so many sailor stories and hopefully provided more inspiration for Jeannie. We talked about the North Channel and all their old adventures. They were so happy to see another generation of sailors out exploring and enjoying the life on the water.
We said our goodbyes after dinner and returned to Ciara. On our walk back we observed Kona perfecting a trick she has developed on her own over the years. Completely self-taught and gets her the reaction she craves every time. I need to get a video of this: As we walk her on leash, she is very aware of people. Very well behaved, but if a stranger gives her “that” look (the one where they are dog friendly and would love to pet her) she drops into her down position and then proceeds to army crawl with her belly touching the ground towards the people. It’s her way of saying “yes, you can pet me, look, I’m very gentle and won’t jump.” Then everyone oooo’s and ahs and she rolls over gets belly scratches and gets reinforced for the next victims. It is adorable and I can’t even be mad. We met two sweet young girls from Ukraine this way who are here for the summer on a work Visa. We will go for sure go give support to that business later this week.
It was a calm evening so Captain wanted to fly the drone for Taps. Thankful the boat wasn’t rocking today and did a nice job. Rich said he was taking Sandra over to the other side of the Harbor to hear it (as she has heard about the Taps). I wonder if they made it.
Jeannie asked if she could try some Freeze-Dried Ice Cream before she left tomorrow and of course I obliged. She has really enjoyed all the fun different foods we had this week. I gave her the rest of the bag to take home for her kids as well as her T-Shirt, stickers and a homemade Monkey Fist. I might be overdoing the swag….
Everyone was pretty tuckered out after many long days. The scooter ride for some reason is pretty tiring. Jeannie called it a night around 10:30. I think we followed not long after!
