Good Bye, Mom and Hello Corndog!

Sadly, Avie departed Tide Hiker and returned to Tucson, AZ yesterday. The 2-weeks truly flew by and none of us were ready for her to go. She was a great guest and we enjoyed her stay with us immensely. We're looking forward to Avie's next visit.

Also, sadly, we were to meet one of Norm's high school class mates (Dick Rettinger) near the airport. It would have been a quick visit, because Dick had a golf outing to attend. But it would have been a nice, but short get-together--IF the traffic had cooperated. We were stalled in a long backup following an accident in a road construction area. Unfortunately, we did not get to Dick before he had to hightail it to the links. We'll be trying to reconnect again while in the southern Chesapeake.

All was not lost, though. We had plans, after we dropped Avie off at the airport, to do a driving tour of Richmond and attend the Virginia State Fair. We did both. Bob and Stephanie, tolerated another encore sight-seeing performance and led us on a great tour of VCU, Momument Drive and other interesting Richmond sights. Then it was off to corndog heaven!

Let the gluttony begin. (Only kidding!) The VA State Fair was a fried food paradise. There was fried everything, including twinkies, potato chips, oreo's and more. And I thought Wisconsin Cheese Curds were different. While we did not try everything, we did experiment with a few. Between the four of us (mostly two of us--you guess who by the pictures) we tried the fried twinkie, the fried sweet potato fries, the fried corndog, the chocolate covered potato chips, the grilled italian sausage, fried chicken and the (not fried to my knowledge) warm cinnimon bun with extra cream cheese icing. Needless to say, it was a bit quiet in the car on the drive home. That is, except for the stomach growls.

(Click on the pics for a larger than life view.)

In addition to the food, there were the typical agricultural, livestock etc displays and a midway with amusement rides. Of course there were the wierd displays of the live snake woman and the smallest women, etc. We skipped those - didn't want the deep fried twinkie to come up.

One display of particlar interest to us was the dairy cows. We saw a calf that was only hours old and still being cleaned by its mom. (That's when we were hungry for a milk shake.) We also saw little chicks poking their way out of their shells in a glass-lined incubator. (That's when we were hungry for fried chicken). We also saw the pig races--yes the pig races. Bob got his italian sausage earlier, in anticipation of the pig races. I think we were fortunate that we missed the "Exceedingly Awesome Dog Trick Show". Or, we might have gotten hungry for dog and poor Cassie and Godiva (Bob and Stephanie's pets) could have been prime meat on the hoof. OOh, Icky!

There were three pig race heats. The last heat consisted of 5 pot-belly oriental swine. (That's when we got hungry for chocolate covered bacon and sweet & sour pork.) They kept advertising that the races got faster but they did not. They got slower and the pot-bellys were the slowest. In fact, the winner- the pink one here- stopped just before the finish line to have a snack of something--what a pig! The second one almost overtook him before he got moving and crossed the line. The thrill and suspense was, well, phat!

September Song left today for Mobjack Bay. We stayed another to return the rental car and get the boat ready for about 10 days or so of anchoring before we hit the Norfolk area and the jumping off point for our trek south to warmer climes. Safe travels, September Song.

Williamsburg, and Independence from the British Crown

Since we had to get Vicki's mom to the airport in Richmond on Thursday, we decided to remain in Urbanna for a few more days and take in the local sites by auto. First stop was Williamsburg. Yes we were there for Big Fast Boat Bob's Birthday Bash (try to say that fast 5 times) last month, but did not really explore Colonial. So off we went. First stop was of course lunch. Bob and Stephanie recommended a cheese shop. It was great--a plate of different domestic and imported cheeses and a bottle or two of a fine wine. A finer lunch we could not have had.

Having a bit of the "jolly", it was off to explore revolutionary city and the reenactments colonial times and the war for independence. First, at the playhouse, we saw three short skits of what live theater presented then

The Declaration of Independence was read from the Governor's Mansion to the townspeople. Many actors were in attendance and were participating in the reenactment with cheers and other complicated lines.

Several colonial citizens were listening intently.

A few others had no choice--like these two colonial wenches found guilty for wearing pants in violation of the Church of England's rules on appropriate dress.

And some would be sitting on the stoop in front of Raleigh's Tavern just passing the time by singing drinking songs.(Try clicking on the arrow to hear what we heard.)

Later the fife and drum corps marched down center street and led a parade.



Benedict Arnold, the turncoat, rode into town and overtook Williamsburg. They raised the British flag over the capital and announced the rules of occupation. He also tried to convince everyone that Washington's army had been defeated and told everyone to come back under the King. That, of course, went over like a lead balloon and the other costumed actors delved into their large repertoire of complicated lines and booed him. Also, as you know, Arnold was later captured and hung by the neck till dead!

Later, George himself rode into town to address citizens and the allied American army that had been gathering at Williamsburg and eager to engage Cornwallis at Yorktown. (Again, try clicking on the arrow to hear what we heard)

Of course, Washington defeated Cornwallis at Yorktown. The Americans were independent of the British Crown. It was a great day reliving history. It was a long drive back to the boat, so we hightailed it out of Williamsburg before we were reenacted into the War of 1812!

Pizza, Hamburgers and Root Beer Floats

We arrived in Urbanna, VA on Sunday after a very nice 4-hour cruise down the Chesapeake and up the Rappahannock River. Urbanna was an old Tobacco Port as designated by the king of Great Brittan during the colonial days. Tobacco was grown here and traded with Britan for other goods and supplies. Tobacco back then was like money.

Urbanna now is a cutsey, resorty town that is busy in the summer and slowly dies after labor day until the November Oyster Feast. Then it dies for the winter. So, we decided to eat, shop, clean boats and eat. Our first stop was at the Colonial Pizza Restaurant--the only place open on Sunday. Pizza and beer were good and the laughs were plenty.

We then decided to walk back to the boat but Bob and Avie took a shortcut.

The next day was shopping the grand metropolis of Urbanna. More laughs than shopping, but Vicki did purchase a new shirt.

Of course, following the exhaustive shopping spree we got hungry for a snack. There is a drugstore in town with an old fashion soda fountain. So, root beer floats were in order.

We have to drive Avie to the Richmond Airport (about an hour away) on Thursday so we decided to remain here at dock. Winds were holding us up anyway, so it will work out good. AND, the town gave us a break on the cost, it being out of season and all. Tomorrow, Wednesday, we'll drive into Colonial Williamsburg for the day. And Thursday, we'll drop Avie off at the airport and explore Richmond for a couple of hours. We might even have lunch with one of Norm's high school buddies who now lives in the Richmond area.

The Lasagna Quest Continues

Great cruise today from Cambridge to Cuckhold Creek on the Patuxent a few miles upriver from Solomons. We're on our way with September Song to Urbanna on the Rappahannock River. It was sad today when Gypsies turned north insted of coming south with us. They'll be hanging around the north until the end of October. (Brrr.) This marks the end of Gypsies and September Song cruising together for six months, but they'll be together again, no doubt.



Dinner last night at Bella Luna in Cambridge was good, but the lasagna did not capture the title of 'best ever'. Unfortunately, Vicki's excitement about getting the lasagna rubbed off and most of the party ordered it. It was pretty good, but needed more cheese and sauce. Bob and Stephanie raved about the mussels and the appetizer size was a huge portion.



It was discovered yesterday that Tide Hiker had a bum antenna - it was replaced and we tested it today periodically as Gypsies and we cruised in opposite directions. We could still hear Doug and Tammy well at 20 miles distance. Antenna problem solved - yippee!



Those of you who followed the blog last year will remember Vicki's fanatacism over 'Dancing with the Stars'. Disappointed about having missed this week's 3-night season premier, she was at least able to watch some of the action online. She's hoping for many viewing opportunities on Monday nights over the next couple months.

MTOA Rendezvous & DeFever Mini Reunion

The MTOA (Marine Trawlers Owners Assoc) Rendezvous in Crisfield was very enjoyable. Good seminars, great food, nice people. Lots of people - 170, which was daunting at first, but we ended up meeting some very fun ones. Six DeFevers were there - Accapella, Got Da Fever, Footprints, Resurgent, Adventures, and us. Vicki took a docking class and practiced docking on a t-head and in a slip on a 44' trawler. She's angling to practice with Tide Hiker...funny how Norm seems more interested in anchoring than marinas these days. Unfortunately, we were so busy we failed to take any pictures. So, we can't show you the fantastic people, great food or the crab races. Sorry!

We hooked up with Richard and Judy Klawe, who we met at MTOA and took the ferry from Crisfield to Tangier Island for a few hours. We all enjoyed a nice lunch at a local cafe and toured the island. We were on our bikes and the Klawe's were walking. Tangier is unique - the people speak with an unusual (some say Elizabethan english) accent. Many of the homes have graves in the front yard with a chain link fence around the yard. Flooding is a problem -it's a very low-lying island, 75% marsh. There are historical markers everywhere which are hysterical. One marked the first mobile home delivered to the island in 1958 -- undoubtedly an important moment in history. Another recorded the story of a guy who was shot by the sheriff for not complying with the law requiring everyone to be in church Sunday morning - he was convicted and later ended up being sheriff himself. He was then shot and his killer is still missing. (You can't make this stuff up.)

Mom came aboard our last day in Crisfield. We cruised north and anchored in the Honga River behind Hooper Island on Sunday, then on into Cambridge on the Choptank River on Monday. September Song and Gypsies are here. We're on the free wall in downtown Cambridge. Nice location for walking around. It was dinner abord Tide Hiker on Monday (Vicki's homemade Lentil/sausage soup), dinner on board September Song (Homemade Crabcakes from caught-fresh Chesapeake Bay crabs, by Bob and Stephanie). Doug and Tammy brought great appetizers and desert both nights.--Hmmmmmmm, good!

Richard and Ann Strauss who we met at MTOA saw us arrive and walked over to greet us and offer their car. We took advantage of their generosity and the three boats did some provisioning today. Rich and Ann will join us for dinner at Bella Luna tonight where Vicki is hoping to crown a new winner in the quest for the all-time-best lasagna.

We're leaving here on Thursday. Gypsies will be heading north to Rock Hall for a reinstallation of their watermaker; September Song and Tide Hiker will be headed south to Solomons first then just scoot around the southern Chesapeake until time to buggy to warmer climes.

However, while in Cambridge, we had Mid Shore Electronics investigate our VHF difficulties and discovered one marginal radio (the really old one in the pilothouse) and a defective antenna. Replaced the antenna and will look for a new radio at the next boat show we attend. That's boating!

Crab Capital of the Chesapeake

We highly recommend the Capital Yacht Club in DC, if you can get in. Fortunately, there was a cancellation which allowed us to dock there. The club is great and the people were very friendly and accommodating. They have a cocktail lounge, a kitchen, laundry facilities and a book exchange. Additionally, they have member-prepared breakfast every Saturday morning and spaghetti dinner every Tuesday night for $5 each. They are located very close to the Fish Market. The market is floating on barges right next to the bulkhead in a "U" shape. Every fresh and cooked fish you want is available. Of course we had to take out and dine on Tide Hiker. Ummmmmm!! The marina is only a short walk to either the bus stop or the Metro, so transportation was EASY. We also walked to many attractions.

Our cruise down the Potomac River to the Chesapeake Bay was wonderful. The heat had lessened and days and nights were cooler and mostly dry. We anchored in creeks that had good depths and were mostly protected and tranquil. It was just what we needed after 12 hectic sight-seeing days in DC. But then we had to stay 3 nights at our last anchorage in Canoe Neck Creek behind Clements Island waiting out the storms that Mike, Norm's brother sent over from the Midwest.

We crossed the Bay and Tangier Sound on Saturday and anchored in Moon Cove, Big Annemessex River on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake. Fortunately, the weather was settled because the anchorage was quite open and unprotected. Then on Sunday, we made the short 2-hour trip south to Somers Cove Marina, Crisfield, MD. Crisfield is named the "Crab Capital of the Chesapeake". Therefore, we will have to pick some blue's while we are here for a week. We're here for our first MTOA (Marine Trawlers Owners Association) Rendezvous. This is a large, very organized group and we're excited to get to know many of the members.

Being a day early, and with the availability of a used waste oil repository, and it being time to change Tide Hiker's oil in her main engines, Norm changed the oil and generally took the wrench on a tour of the engine room. Vicki used the extra time to get a hair cut and catch up on some grocery shopping and clothes washing and ironing. Tonight we'll attend a Pot Luck dinner at the marina's pavilion.

We're expecting some guests soon. Vicki's mom will join us next Saturday for a week or two. Then Rick and Lynnie (friends from Raleigh, NC) are thinking about joining us for a while.

Fast Forward to Today

We’re extremely blog-delinquent. Here’s a quick catch-up. When last we wrote, we’d arrived to Dock B in Delaware in late June. Dock B continues to be a hoot – everyone is still there and it feels like home to us. There were many treasured evenings of camaraderie on the dock until the mosquitoes carried us away.

Two weeks of July were enjoyed in Wisconsin and Pittsburgh. It was fun catching up with the cool relatives at Vicki’s Mom’s family reunion in Richland Center. Our kids and grandkids in Milwaukee took us picnicking, swimming, and to Summerfest . We also had a great time seeing several long-lost friends in Milwaukee. Norm’s brother Mike and wife Pat were fabulous hosts in Youngstown where we also were able to connect with cousins Frank and Claudia and family up in Conneaut Lake. Finally, we attended Norm’s high school mini-reunion in Pittsburgh. It was great for Norm to reconnect with his ole buddies from his "pubescent years". All in all, loads of laughs, good stories, good food and even a beverage now and then.

The rest of July and into August was "Medical Month" but as you can tell, it turned into "Medical Six Weeks" due to schedules and follow-up visits. Norm says, "I arrived healthy and left with two holes in my body" (One tooth extraction and one sun-damaged skin excision.) Other than that, we, fortunately, are fit as a fiddle. That’s especially good now that Vicki will be purchasing her own health insurance in December –don’t want any of those pesky ‘pre-existing conditions’. Norm, having turned 65 in June, is on Medicare – making him officially a Geezer.

In mid-August, Tide Hiker bid fond farewell to Delaware. The first stop was Annapolis to have more work done on (you guessed it) the crap-o-matic. It’s working reliably now – keep your fingers crossed. Dined at Charthouse with friends Roger and Lisa and Dale and Eleanor. As Rog and Lisa were cruising out of the harbor the next day, they called to us to check the cooler -- there they were - the shoes that Roger influenced Norm to buy - the ones the Navy Seals use

with the holes in the bottom that Norm hated and which had gone back and forth from our boat to Roger's during the stop at dock B. The shoes were soon returned to Roger's boat courtesy of Ron who, unbeknownst to Rog was also in Annapolis and agreed to hide the shoes on Rog's boat upon returning to dock B. Much to our dismay, Rog called the other night to say 'the package is in the nest' which we take to mean that the shoes are back aboard Tide Hiker, although we're skeptical because there is no way they could have been returned to our boat. Norm figures that Rog is saying that just to make us crazy searching the boat!! I'm sure you'll here more about this in future blogs.

Then on to Washburn's Boat Yard in Solomons Is. Maryland to reinstall the repaired Windlass (the anchor mechanism to you land lubbers!) and replace the dinghy steering mechanism which had frozen courtesy of the corrosive Caribbean salt air. While getting all this done, we made new friends with Bob and Cheryl aboard Kasekuchen (means ‘cheesecake’). They were in the bakery business manufacturing 38 million calories an hour! Cheryl’s chocolate chip cookies are incredible, and a private recipe, which we think includes oatmeal and flax. Also spent some time with Jamie and Rick who sold us Tide Hiker and are tackling many projects aboard their new Symbol trawler.

We were joined for a weekend in Solomon’s by niece Aimee and boyfriend Brian. Brian plays the sax and bought Aimee an accordion (she’ll be a polka queen soon) – Norm joined their jam session on the conch horn while Vicki ran for the ear plugs. Hence, the birth of the Tide Hiker Treo .

Big Boat Bob’s 60th surprise birthday party was in Norfolk in mid-August. Couldn’t miss that, so we rented a car and drove down to Williamsburg. Great to see Lynnie and Rick who had driven up from North Carolina, Tammie and Doug aboard Gypsies, and Bob and Stephanie on September Song.

Tide Hiker headed up the Potomac in late August. Great anchorages at Smith Creek, Port Tobacco River, and Mattawoman Creek and Canoe Neck Creek behind St Clements Island. Stayed 12 days in Washington D.C. at Capitol Yacht Club and loved it. Walked our tootsies off and saw almost everything we wanted. From our dock we could see the top of the Washington Monument. Friends Dale and Eleanor who live nearby went on three excursions with us and we spent time with Aimee and Brian who live in D.C.

Other highlights included the International Spy Museum (including their Operation Spy experience) , Bureau of Engraving and Printing tour, Embassy walking tour, Alexandria apothecary museum, Kennedy Center tour, Washington Momument, the Capital tour, World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Old Post Office tour and bell ringing, Hirschhorn Sculpture Garden, National Cathedral tour, Friday night Jazz in the Garden at the Smithsonian Sculpture Garden, National Symphony Orchestra concert on the lawn of the Capitol. We also saw the Capital Steps on stage at the Ronald Regan Building, the funeral procession of Sen. Ted Kennedy and "The Musical of Musicals-the Musical" in Alexandria, VA. And, almost all of it was free!! Whew!....we need a couple days of anchoring. But, most exceptional, was Norm's pal-ing around with Barack and Joe. Norm gave Barack a few suggestions and he was very open to them. Joe on the other had, was quite skeptical.
But after a few beers in the Rose Garden, Joe softened up a bit.

In short, it’s been a grand summer so far. We’re now on the way down the Potomac headed for the MTOA rendezvous in Crisfield, Maryland next week. Should be another good time with more old and new friends. Mom Cooper joins us a week from Saturday to cruise the southern Chesapeake- it’ll be good to have her aboard.