Who would a thunk?

[Marlene A. Sassaman]

So, here I am with my pup, My Lady (aka Sammy) in South Harbor Marina just shy of the Cape Fear River which I expect to transit tomorrow. Apparently there was a movie about it and it is probably a good thing I didn't see it. Although the name certainly conjures up a bit of anticipatory anxiety. Anyway I met up with two other cruisers today, Walkabout and Starboard Tacker II. We had an interesting change of positions throughout the day, with My Lady and I lagging when we took break at a pretty beachy area just north of Little River. North Carolina ICW is recognizable by the 3 story homes so frequently featured in magazines.

My first fright came today when I decided to clean the basement. Actually, it is the hidden comparment under the floor where I store my canned goods, fruit cups and granola bars. For the past two years it has remained a nice dry pantry. Today, it was full of water. At first sight I ran to the stern. I don't know why I would run there, perhaps it was a Freudian way to escape the trauma of a boat taking on water. But as people walked by my attention was turned to My Lady's whining as she was attracted to their fresh fish catch of the day. Unlike my normal self, I held my tongue and didn't say something like "I think I'm in trouble, my boat is leaking." What I did do was recall what some of my Sea Knots friends reminded me before I left. If a problem comes up I'll handle it. "But, pooey, I really don't remember hitting anything, even during the wicked night in the Georgia marshaland." == that story you'll have to read about in my publised articles,,,,,Anyway, I continued to tidy up the deck and as I pushed the cooler toward the transom I remembered why it was in the cockpit when all last year I stored it in the cabin.

Silly me, on this trip my gas/ice stops are sort of the hurry up, get my stuff, and get away from the sweltering dock. In my haste rather than bilge the excess water from the cooler, I stupidly lifted it out of the cabin. With the latch broken about a gallon of water spilled all over the floor. Duh? not only did I do this in Daytona, but I repeated it again a few days ago. Whew, 'wonder where the water went, it went in the boat's basement.' And that is why the cooler now stays in the cockpit....

Love to all -- Suky my phone # is 321 505 4294 - as you can tell I'm getting closer to the Outer Banks and hope to sail in Pamlico Sound. . . :-) Maybe we can connect.

[Sonia Guerao]

I am glad to hear from you. As a rider my advised is : if something goes wrong , just remember "dropping" is not an option" So my friend you take care of whatever it is and make it safe back home. Enjoy your adventure , I wish I was there. Sonia

[Linda Rincones-White]

Hi Marlene,
Good to hear from you. Sounds like things are going well, now that you are not sinking! All is well on this end, had a small issue with the Jacuzzi, something just wore out from the heat & broke, I am getting a replacement.
Enjoyed your pool on Saturday. Looks like my job will end in August, when are you heading back? Maybe I can help on the trip home. You & Sammy sail safe. Linda xoxoxo

[jane H rapp]

Your doing great!!!! I am proud of you. I am becoming more confident that 'll see you soon in NJ
Hugs
Your favorite sister
Jane H

[Suky Cannon]

not sure when you read this ... but I will call you soon... hoping to connect and great to hear ffrom you and get all the juicy details.... it sounding like a wonderful trip except for georgia but you even got a story out of that... !!!!