Atlantic City, NJ, June 16 - 19, 2015

June 16 - 19, 2015

We were truly thankful for a well-stocked pantry, frig and freezer while docked at Kammerman's Marina in Atlantic City because we found ourselves in a residential neighborhood far from anything notable. Our location ensured a lengthy walk, regardless of destination. So, soon after docking this Tuesday afternoon, we took a long ten-block (each way) walk with boater friends Paula, Todd, Jenny and Bruce to a neighborhood convenience store (just to have a destination) which was plentifully supplied with junk food. I guess some folks could manufacture dinner out of purchases here; I'm not one of those folks. Our trek was more for movement/exercise than for shopping, but the gals each bought a few empty-calorie items. 

Returning to the marina, we took 'five' then gathered for docktails on Ocean Breeze, hosted graciously by Paula and Todd. I guess we were having a really good time because we parted company late then dined even later (fashionably late?) aboard SaSea Sally on grilled swordfish, grilled romaine and jasmine rice. Yum!

Knowing we had at least a couple days layover here due to wind and wave predictions allowed a 'play day' on Wednesday. Clay and I walked this morning to the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk then walked a stretch of the boardwalk before returning for breakfast. It was quite obvious that Boardwalk hours accommodated night life, morning exercise, and a midday playtime of carnival rides, shopping, eating, and gambling. Most venues sported a 'noon open' sign, but the boardwalk was crowded with walkers, bikers, joggers, babies in strollers, and "Boardwalk Ambassadors — tourism employees who are part concierge and part neighborhood watch. These ambassadors, dressed in "brilliantly" hued ensembles, patrol the Boardwalk on foot and bicycle, doing everything from recommending restaurants to performing CPR if needed, important to making people feel welcome and safe. Funding for these ambassadors is provided by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority with purpose to provide directions, clean up graffiti, tip police — the little things that affect the visitor’s experience in Atlantic City."

My first notice of these ambassadors was in looking for Clay who had gotten separated from me. Note: This happens frequently to the point that sister Sus has suggested micro chipping him - not a bad idea at all! Anyway, exiting the bathroom, I jogged toward the back of a neon-green-shirted fella, neon green being Clay's shirt color for our morning walk. Closing in on the fella, I realized that: a) it wasn't Clay; and b) there were many of these green-shirted people wandering the Boardwalk. Thus, reference previous paragraph for revelation.

Post walk, the rest of the morning brought housekeeping chores, then lunch. Having a new bicycle which needed exercise, I opted to off-load my bike early afternoon and explore the city. I must have felt relatively safe or I would not have ventured out solo. Was a fun trip as I circled Clam Creek Basin to the Golden Nugget Casino and adjacent Farley State Marina. This neighborhood was certainly more appealing than our marina location, but neither Clay nor I are gamblers, so the draw at Kammerman's was the cheaper docking cost...and it worked out just fine. Farley's advertised a swimming pool, but I've had to put swimming on the back burner this summer; the price difference wasn't worth the 20-30 minute lap swim (if even lap-able).

Armed with a map on my bike hike, I referenced my map then headed the direction of downtown Atlantic City and found an area of downtown swarming with shoppers. Atlantic City has designated a section of streets for a plethora of outlet shops, and I'm guessing all of those visitors not on the boardwalk nor gambling were at this outlet mall. I locked my bike using my new D-lock, but I'm still skittish about it being stolen, so I didn't wander far.

I soon departed the outlet mall (no purchases) and headed to a Save-A-Lot, thankful that I'd donned my backpack to house any incidental food purchases. I can always find something to buy at the grocery store, so I did just that. As I entered the store, I was politely asked by one of two fully-armed security guards to put my backpack in my grocery cart rather than on my back. When I questioned him, he said this store is plagued with shoplifting. Further, his comment: "Please note I'm fully-armed; this isn't a safe area of town." I didn't tarry, but snagged a few purchases and quickly mounted my bike towards the marina. I passed a hair salon (I'm always on the lookout for such when my hair starts getting longer) called Omar & Abdullah's Hair Bazaar...just another reminder that this isn't Louisiana, Missouri!

The rain and wind moved in with a vengance early Thursday morning, forcing Clay and me to postpone our morning walk until noon when the weather tempered a bit. Walking over the lunch hour gave opportunity to see the Boardwalk in action. People from all walks of life must be drawn to the activities offered in Atlantic City, but we made note of serious overbuilding. As a result of the United States' economic downturn and the legalization of gambling in adjacent states, four casino closures took place in 2014, and the resulting vacant buildings and parking lots have become community eyesores. Enough said.

Returning to the boat this Thursday afternoon, a neighborhood resident asked if we were moving in. I replied, "Nope, we're on a boat (transient)." He continued, "I know, but you've been here awhile." Ha ha. Guess he understands neither weather windows nor ocean turbulence. We had a late lunch then moved the boat to the fuel and pump out dock in preparation for a 5:30 a.m. departure Friday morning toward Great Kills Yacht Club on Staten Island, Friday having been selected as our weather window.

I awakened overnight twice to weather radio alerts which caused me to re-think our Friday departure; but it wasn't up to me. So, I rolled over and tried to sleep which didn't happen. With alarm set for 5:00 a.m. and tiring of listening to Clay saw logs, I mounted the salon steps at 4:30 a.m. to do some of my stretches prior to departure. We coordinated our exit with Todd and Paula and followed Ocean Breeze out of the harbor at 5:49 a.m. (or so says the log which Clay meticulously keeps, but with my assistance for the 'meticulousness'). A long day on the Ocean ensued with our arrival at Great Kills Yacht Club on Staten Island at 5:05 p.m., snugged in and none worse for the wear. Note: Some of you have received my spontaneous email detailing our 11+ hours at sea, and thus you understand more fully the 'long' and 'none worse for the wear' terminology a bit better than others. Ah, life is an adventure!

With those words, I will sign, seal and send this on its way. After a few days R&R, SaSea Sally will set course toward NYC, just so you know what's up and coming for us.

Delaware City, DE to Atlantic City, NJ, June 13 - 16, 2015

June 13 - 16, 2015

Philadelphia, PA to Delaware City, DE, June 7 - 13, 2015

June 7 - 13, 2015

Clay and I awakened Sunday morning at the Philadelphia riverfront, aware of a flurry of activity just beyond the security gate of our Penn's Landing Marina. Noticing boats arriving and people gathering, we soon discovered an Irish Festival in the making. Not one to be left out, Clay quickly made plans to circulate among the festival-goers, and I tagged along to see what kind of mischief he might encounter! What fun among the G-R-E-E-N! We found beer stands and Irish food aplenty; a huge stage with live Irish folk music; demonstrations of Irish step dancing (the little girls were adorable); Celtic-symbol jewelry and mementos; and green t-shirts, tu-tus, and pigtailed wigs to name a few of the items to tempt celebrants all claiming to be at least part-Irish.

A Monday morning shower during our walk along South Street caught us unaware and had me running through the streets of Philly at breakneck speed (got neither lost nor detoured) to rescue the interior of our boat from water damage. I didn't want to sleep in a rain-soaked bed nor did I want to figure out how to dry out the mattress, and with aft cabin windows open, I knew these both to be huge possibilities! I threw Clay a towel as he entered the boat; I was equally soaked having simply collected raindrops faster than he. 

We were treated Monday afternoon to a whirlwind tour of downtown Philadelphia by Gold Loopers Dick and Deanna (Sareanna). How wonderful to experience the city's highlights through the eyes of residents (to name a few: the fabulously appealing and intricately carved architecture of City Hall; Ninth Street Italian market which is the oldest and largest working outdoor market in the United States; and the Reading Terminal Market which housed offerings of cheeses, bakery items, prepared meals, jewelry, soaps and lotions, clothing, etc). Clay and I ended the day with dinner at Pietros on South Street.

Much of Tuesday we spent regrouping and reorganizing in preparation for our next-day departure. Clay opted to use afternoon time to explore the Seaport Museum while I revisited Market Street at a leisurely pace, hoping for a shopping opportunity (didn't happen, but was fun exploring solo). We hosted docktails for our new acquaintances Dick and Deanna, then nibbled on Pietros' leftovers for a late supper.

On our last morning walk in Philadelphia this Wednesday morning, we followed a mini-map to Elfreth's Alley, featured as 'America's Oldest Residential Neighborhood.' What a step back into history! We walked the narrow cobblestone street admiring attractively planted window boxes and snapping numerous photos of "Oh, isn't this cute!" and "Oh, isn't that eye-catching!" We'd certainly have to downsize to make our household goods fit any of these residences.

After a sincere thank you to dock masters Jimmy and Richard who were both so very congenial and accommodating, we departed Penn's Landing Marina and guided down the Delaware River destined for Delaware City, a nice four-hour cruise away. We knew to anticipate the tricky docking maneuver, once again precisely transacted by Corey and Tara (oops, and you, too, Captain Clay).

Secured to shore, I made a beeline to the laundry room to cycle linens and a week's accumulation of laundry, having had no amenities in Philadelphia for bath/showers/lounge/laundry. We also off-loaded our bikes, serviced them, then stowed them for tomorrow's use. After leftovers for dinner, we completed preparation for a full day on shore tomorrow; SaSea Sally was to be pulled (on the 'hard') for routine maintenance. The staff promised ladder access should we need it, but Clay was doubtful.

Bright and very early Thursday morning Charlie appeared to transact the move to the sling and the pull. Slow to finish his breakfast, Clay jumped to action and never did finish that bowl of cereal. We off-loaded ourselves and our day gear, then I went about my usual walking routine while Clay monitored progress on washing and waxing the hull and changing out zincs. Westminster friend and fellow FiJi John Drescher arrived for a long lunch, rescuing us from the beastly hot day. We dined at newly-renovated and now open Crabby Dick's, but tolerated an ear-splitting fire alarm repeatedly and pesky flies throughout our coulda-been-more-pleasant-conditions lunch. We had such fun catching up on John's life since our paths last crossed. John was a very welcome and handsome diversion from what could have been a very long day!

As promised Charlie had us ('us' being the SaSea Sally) back in the water by day's end. His goal was to avoid the necessity of a motel overnight . And, he did it! Additionally, he had a distinct time deadline as determined by the tides in this very rapid-current canal. He timed slack tide perfectly, and SaSea Sally slipped back into her spot along the face dock in time for docktails. The day with its activity and heat took a toll on us no-longer teenagers, but we nonetheless enjoyed a nice home-cooked dinner then retired for the night soon after.

As I set out on my morning walk at 7:45 a.m. this Friday morning, I quickly realized I should have gone at 6:45 a.m. HOT seems to be the key word today. Despite the heat, I test rode the new West Marine bicycle later morning, adjusting to the feel and maneuverability. We tackled other tasks as well knowing tomorrow to be departure day. I took advantage of the marina laundry and nearby post office to cycle a couple of loads and to handle tasks requiring USPS services. Clay orchestrated a routine pump out and assisted Charlie in the repair of the companionway's washer/dryer. Note: By 'assist' I mean that Clay saw it as a learning opportunity; I was well-pleased with the outcome when Charlie proclaimed the washer fixed!  And, when asked if he would help me load the bicycles, 21-year-old Corey replied, "Anything for you, Sally." Now who wouldn't fall in love with this cute fella?

Now Saturday morning, Clay and I are preparing for an anticipated six-plus hour cruise to Cape May, NJ. From that point, we will await a weather window to tackle the North Atlantic Ocean to Atlantic City then on to Staten Island. Because the AICW (Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway) is not dredged for this stretch, we are forced into the ocean as our draft exceeds the AICW depth in many spots. We will keep you apprised of what lies ahead when what lies ahead happens! Until then...

Baltimore, MD to Philadelphia, PA, June 3 - 6, 2015

June 3 - 6, 2015

The changes in plans for our time with Johnny and Audrey Roberts aboard the SaSea Sally have probably gone through most all of the letters of the alphabet! Clay suggested they delay their arrival for a week due to the weather forecast; it's no fun boating in rain. With Roberts' road tripping and having family in the area, they were able to reschedule their arrival--right along with the inclement weather. So much for the accuracy of weather forecasting!

We departed Anchorage Marina mid-morning this Wednesday, and Captain Clay set sights on Havre de Grace (try pronouncing that like the natives!). We'd been forewarned by our Tumbleweed friends that Havre de Grace wasn't worth the effort, but once there, we found it to be quite delightful (which proves where you 'land' makes ALL the difference!) We endured a first hour of rough ride followed by five hours of relative calm to arrive at Tidewater Marina; the captain took a lot of guff from the first mate during that first hour (she's the only one who's in a position to voice her objection to the turbulence, so she does). The day was overcast and chilly, but we were spared the rain. Kudos to Mother Nature! We dined on fish entrees at Tidewater Grille which was a scenic walk away from our marina.

I surprised myself (with a capital 'S') Thursday morning by keeping pace with a daily-jogging Audrey while Clay and Johnny assumed a more leisurely pace (with a capital 'L', but at least they were doing it). Once breakfasted, we launched mid-morning toward Delaware City, DE, enduring another chilly, overcast day. But Johnny's enthusiasm more than made up for any morose attitude that might have descended. That boy does love boating!

A high-five to dock folks at Delaware City Marina for directing a safe docking maneuver. I do believe we've never transacted such an intricate docking in our 21+ months aboard. But, thanks to movie-star-handsome Corey and attractive-and-'with-it' Tara (both young and competent!), we nestled SaSea Sally safely along the face dock in very swift current immediately behind our Tumbleweed friends...we meet again! Hugs from a distance, wherever you are now!

Tumbleweed hosted docktails aboard with labradoodle Dakota warming up nicely to Clay, probably figuring he was the most-likely leaky mouth snacker. It was a definite photo op! Of course, with plans for dinner at Lewinsky's on Clinton (Street), the skies opened up just as we made way toward the restaurant, one of only one choice in town this lovely evening. Amazing that it was an ugly day, but we suffered no rain until dinner time. Do Sperry Topsiders stretch? Ask any of our diners! 

I chose the special, which was flavorful at best, meager in quantity and needed a major tweak or two by the restaurant chef! This restaurant is one of two in town (second to open soon after renovation) owned by a couple of fellas from New York; I later saw a Ferrari and two Jags parked streetside, obvious symbols of restaurant success in this Delaware town.

Jogging alongside Audrey on Friday morning, I directed our path which proved to be a misunderstanding on my part of the route suggested by Tara; it wasn't pretty, over pot-holed asphalt streets surrounding the water treatment plant for the town. But, desiring an uninterrupted path, we got such. And, I kept up again with Audrey (two days in a row...I've got a streak going!) Back by way of the downtown area, we found Clay and Johnny at the bakery, grinning broadly over coffee and pastry. My, but aren't they the sly ones?

Mid-morning departure today saw us gliding through the relatively calm waters of the Delaware River among BIG ships in a narrow channel toward Philadelphia. Left alone at the helm wheel to handle the first big vessel we would encounter, I gave an 'enthusiastic' intercom SOS to Clay for an assist. Slow to respond, Clay heard a second and much more insistent command from me to 'get up here.' He thought it funny...until his turn came to get squeezed between two large moving ships. We were quite a performance for the Roberts' enjoyment! First time for anything is hard; we both became far more proficient as we encountered more and more of these vessels.

A four-hour cruise had us docking at Penn's Landing Marina, downtown Philadelphia; good choice Captain Clay, we were in the heart of Philly. We were warmly greeted by harbor master Richard who ferried us in his golf cart quickly to the base of Market Street so as to be able to view a bit of this historic city before day's end. From the base of Market Street, we four made the six block trek to the Visitors Center and took the suggestion of the guide to view the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, both close by, before closing time of 7 p.m.

As we began our lengthy walk back to the boat, notions of dinner plans entered our female minds. Without verbalizing, both Audrey and I were on the same wavelength of, "Once back at the boat, I ain't goin' nowhere!" We were mentally recapping frig contents for our meals, both probably thinking, "The fellas can do their thing; I'm grabbing a quick bite and going to bed!" After verbalizing such, I made the executive decision to pick and plop (or select and sit). I queried a nearby sidewalk diner as to the quality of his meal, and when he responded that Rotten Ralph's had terrific Philly steak and cheese sandwiches, my decision was made for us. Note: I've been in this situation before; experience is a great teacher! It wasn't a five-star Urban Spoon, but we were well fed.

Saturday was a Budget-rent-a-car day for a road trip to Baltimore to return Johnny and Audrey to their car and to reprovision. We four were elated to find Roberts' car right where we'd left it! Celebratory lunch at Panera, we parted ways then headed back to Philly while Johnny and Audrey began their road trip back to Kansas.

On that note, with fireworks exploding in the distance over downtown Philadelphia and a roasted chicken on the table, I bid you a fond farewell until our literary paths cross again.