On the water, Baltimore to Cambridge

Mid-shore Electronics called us Monday morning to say they had a space. Reservations require both their time AND a place on their docks. Russ told them we'd be there Tuesday. Since this was our first voyage since May -- and Russ had made some major changes to the power -- we thought it best to do the run in 2 days instead of one long one. So, we left Baltimore around 2:30 pm Monday, just after an Instacart order came.

Under cloudy skies but very calm waters we ran just over 4 hours to get to an anchorage off of Kent Point. We had to get used to the sound of hull slap, not having heard it in months. I slept fine. Russ needed to use earplugs.

This morning, the weather predicted winds getting stronger as the day went on. We only had 3 hours to go but didn't want to dally. We got up at 5 am, had some coffee, then got underway immediately in the dark.

Gray travels, but flat water. We'll take it.

Once sunrise occurred (still quite overcast) Russ decided we should take the time to fuel up. After rounding the corner of Poplar island we entered the Knapps Narrows channel. Off the narrows is Fairbanks Tackle that sells the cheapest diesel. It's a self serve pump, and there is no "pier" to speak of. We sterned in and tied along a piling, then threw a couple lines off the stern to catch shorter pilings on the dock. It wasn't a "med-moor" thing but pretty close. To pump fuel Russ had to drop the dinghy so he could walk across it to get to the fuel pumps. Not the easiest fuel up, but we got it done.

Russ has to walk
across the dinghy
to get to the fuel pumps.

We've never done the Knapps Narrows channel before. There is quite a bit of shoaling at either end. There is definitely a current it in. But it turned out to be dandy.

We arrived in Cambridge around noon. We checked in with Mid-shore. They were working on other things and couldn't get to us until morning. Fine by us. We took naps.

From Kent, through Knapps, to Cambridge

I tried to take a pic of the water in the dark, cut all you can
see are the reflections of the cabin lights.
Trust me. It was BLACK out.

Back in Baltimore

Each battery has an off switch now

We've been in Baltimore a couple of weeks. Mostly we wanted to get the boat winterized, but we gave ourselves enough time to do a little cruising in Sept and Oct.

Our first stop will be Cambridge at Midshore Electronics. After years of modifying various electric devices and systems the control panels -- in the hall and at the helm -- are pretty pieced together. We have black tape in places to cover some holes, others that remain gaping, and some things we'd like to rearrange or eliminate. Of all the things Russ has done to inQuest this is one we'd like professionals to tackle.

Wooo! Pomegranate season!

Over the past 2 weeks Russ has rewired our battery system, putting large breakers at each battery. I've done a bit of sewing. Both of us have enjoyed Baltimore, which we do really like.

Our plans are vague. We did get to eat out with Rudy and Jill Sechez, the couple who taught us how to anchor. We hope to get together with the crew of Apres Sails, Michael and Kathleen, in a couple of weeks. We also have eye doctor appointments that were made over a year ago. No real agenda or destination this time. Just... puttering.

Then we travel back to SF Oct 30. 

My sewing setup

Memorial Day Weekend

After completing a number of projects it was time to see how everything performed. Highwind and we decided to take a small trip -- just a over night -- to remind ourselves how to boat and test all that we've worked on this Spring. We took a 3 hour ride just around a point to get to Magothy River and anchored by Dobbins Island. We would have left Saturday to enjoy the 3 day weekend, but it was crazy windy. The concession was to just do Sunday and Monday.

Among the list of things Russ changed so far this Spring was new fuel lines. Those are doing quite well -- no leaks and no issues. The other was a new alternator. Jury is still out on that one. When we got up to speed it squealed when under load. It was unclear if that was due to belts or the alternator itself, so Russ turned it off. Given we just left the dock we had plenty of power, so generating some isn't really needed.

There's a tiny beach on the island, and it's stuffed
with people.

The anchorage was packed, but only during the day. Most folks left around 6 pm. Clearly Memorial Day weekend is more about having fun than, you know, memorializing.

PS. Both David and Russ are still working on the new alternators. Both are still squealing when loaded. It's sunny so we don't need the power, and we're just heading right back to the marina. This means a bit more work ahead.

At least we got to give her a trial.

PPS. (June 6 update) After some soul searching Russ and I just aren't into the boating thing this year. Firstly, the weather's been abysmal. This had impacted most all the places we want to go and how we get there. As I type this every lock system headed north is closed due to high water. Secondly, I'd like to spend more time in San Francisco. We didn't get a lot once we bought the condo there. It's probably why I lack enthusiasm this year. All of which is a pity given the work we put into the boat for this season. Hopefully after taking a year off we'll be more "rearing to go" next year.

Back in Baltimore!

Sunrise from my room in PV

Russ arrived in Baltimore a week earlier than I did (around Apr 6), as I spent that time in Puerto Vallarta with a friend. 

PV was a great visit. We mainly stayed at the Vidanta Resort, which is a time-share only place. Her dad owns 4 units or so there, buying a new one every time they opened a new building. The condos were amazing -- as far as I could tell all of them have their own kitchens so you aren't required to go onto the grounds and eat at the 30 or so restaurants available.

Our suite. I had a room on the left, Jennifer had
the one on the right. The place was bigger than our
condo in SF.

Vidanta has a number of locations throughout Mexico. But the PV location is also trying to become a Disneyland for the area, complete with rides, food, and entertainment like a Cirque Du Soleil show. It's still under construction, but you can take a skytram ride to view it. Part of it should be open in the next year.

We did venture into town for a day, which was walking and shopping along the beach and river walks, all the while nibbling on chips or guac or tacos. The area has a large US expat population. The city is one of the safest in Mexico. With the exception of enthusiastic vendors peddling goods we were never harassed or panhandled.

Jennifer and me at one of many places to dine.

This is the entry way into The Grand Mayan. 
The pic doesn't do it justice. But there are 8 huge 
Mayan statues in a darkened entryway that tower over you.

Built in the jungle most of the walkways are wooden paths
built above the floor. And illuminated well at night.

Huge frickin' geckos everywhere. That one's about 3 feet long.

Near the beach in the town of PV. In the far distance is Vidanta.

We had dinner at a restaurant in town on a hill.
This was the view at sunset.

From PV I flew to BWI and joined Russ on the boat. By that time he had it mostly de-winterized, so we have heat and water. That was crucial for the first 2 weeks, as we had some nippy temps.

Looking across to Highwind, which we usually
don't see due to other boats in the slips.
Clearly it isn't "the season" yet.

About a week ago we had an appointment to get new props installed. The engines started right up but the left one ran pretty rough. Within minutes it sputtered and died, starved for fuel. We called to cancel the appointment. Within a 30 minutes Russ had unclogged the fuel line and cleaned out the filters. It started right up and ran for 30 minutes without an issue before we shut it off. But by then we'd missed our opportunity.

Fast forward to 2 days ago when we got another shot. It was our first voyage of the season, even though it was only a 20 minute ride to the Clinton Boat Yard. inQuest was hauled, sprayed clean (totally unnecessary since she came out of the water just shiny!) and new props were put on.

Shiny new props!

Russ has done a number of projects already, like installing a new icemaker and a new freezer. Next will be changing out the alternator, which is proving to be a bother. Apparently, while alternators are attached to engines, no mechanic knows diddly about them. And alternators are part of the electrical system, but no electrician wants to deal with them. So this is all falling on Russ. With David's help, of course.

Overdue update

When we left Baltimore we'd secured a 7 month lease in a Tampa condo. We were pretty sure it wasn't a long term thing but it was centrally located in Channelside (the area we were interested in). We would take that time to look for a long term rental that we could call home when we weren't boating. Tampa would be perfect; it's about a hour drive to my folks, it's got good weather, cute little city...

And then the election happened.

Up early to get some coffee and croissants.
Our condo building is on the right, and we're
looking down California Street.

Upshot, without getting too political, we current own a condo in San Francisco. We'll live there in the winter time and boat in the summer. 

This new administration is making boat planning very difficult. We had thought we were going back to Quebec City this year, hoping to stay there for a couple of weeks, then hanging out in Canada and the Great Lakes. Now I'm ashamed of the American flag (which I'm required to display while traveling in international waters), not to mention the growing angst and hostility towards Americans. 

I mean, what do you expect from the 51st state. Hawai'i didn't take the news all that well, either.

And if they honestly dissolve NOAA, like Project 2025 promises, we will stop boating altogether.

Farmer's market on Saturday at the Ferry Building.
Best chilaquiles anywhere!

Moving to SF was a little like a homecoming, I must admit. We love the transit, we love the walkability, and we love the vast and diverse array of dining options.

Last night, for example, we took some long-time friends to a vegetarian Chinese place, Enjoy Vegetarian, and had a fabulous meal. We followed that up with an escape room, which was their first. I'm happy to say we did escape.

Got to introduce escape rooms to some old friends.
Oh yeah. We escaped.

One of the crazier things you can do in SF is WAYMO! Self driving taxis. Kinda of like a Disneyland ride, being escorted by a "happy haunt."

WATCH THE SOUND! Sadly we couldn't turn it down.

Come April we'll make our way to Baltimore to get inQuest ready for the next season. We still have no idea what that is going to be. Or if that will be our last cruise.