Maiden Voyage of 0Regrets

After over a year searching for our next adventure, many days and hours on internet sites, walking docks and talking to many boat owners, the adventure began September 24th. with the maidenn voyage of our little boat, 0Regrets.  As the new name implies we pursue life to its fullest with no regret. 

Our new adventure is an Albin 36 Trawler purchased 9/22/2011 and sailed Saturday 9/24/2011.  A marine survey was completed, sea trial undertaken and lubirication analysis of engine, generator and transmission.  Our little boat came through clear of any major problems and we have begun our THREE YEAR TOUR.  We enjoyed 2 evenings of "rubbing and loving" the teak interior with another 1/2 day spent provisioning the boat for our first sail.  We pushed away from Green Turtle Bay Marina at noon Saturday in search of adventure and new "worlds".  They unfolded before our eyes with a beautiful sail along the Land Between the Lakes coast heading south on Kentucky Lake.  We were impressed that one of our dock neighbors hailed us on the VHF radio along the way to wish us happy sailing and told us our boat looks great on the water.  I was impressed I could even operate the radio with a "roger" to that. 

Navigating a boat takes the skill of Columbus and mathmatics of a higher plain.  You know, GPS, radar, depth sounders, VHF radio and a good paper chart.  Never mind that the GPS on our phones follow us on our route.  Well, Captain Barry under the guideance of Admiral Denise made our way to our chosen anchorage, Duncan Bay at the feverish clip of 8 knots (8.96 mph) for your land lubbers.  Dropping anchor is a harrowing task requiring slowing to a stop and pushing the windless button "down" till anchor and road is well placed.  We were rewarded with a secluded evening in a small bay watching the folliage turn many colors and wondering why we waited so long to float. 

Our evening passed quietly with a beautiful sunset and one challege awaited us.  We require our trusty dogs, Bailey and Bella to be our 2nd and 3d. mates for our cruise.  But where or where to potty?  We have not readied our Dingy as yet and it would be a long swim ashore.  Not to worry, Admiral Denise took the helm and secured a dog potty SYSTEM.  Right, a piece of astro turff in a plastic container with instructions to lead your dog to the spot and tell them to potty!  Well after 12 hrs. mate Bailey finally found a spot to Pee but this was on the bow deck 36 ft. from the appointed spot.  Bella just held her water.  But all ended well. Upon arriving at our dock at GTB with the help of our first dock friend, he was greated with Bailey and Bella dropping #2 on the bow, on the potty turf.  YEAH!!!  Success with an audiance.  We had to reasure our neighbor that this was a complimant to his helping us dock.  He was not over joyed but did continue to wish us home from our voyage.  Meanwhile, Bailey and Bella  seemed relieved.

Now for our Griswald moments!  Each new adventure seems to include a few moments which remain in our memories no matter how embarassing.  All the moments of our maiden voyage are the responsibility of Captain Barry.

1).  While disconnecting the shore electrical power I managed to drop the "Y" connector into the drink watching it sink to bottom of our dock.  These cost about $500.  OOPS.  Later with the help of our only new friend, I managed to snag the Y and pull aboard.  Whew.

2).  During the cruise wind increased and we opted to close the from portion of the bridge canvass.  Well in  order to help the Admiral, I applied excessive pressure on the wind screen cracking a portion.  Who know what that will cost. But the Admiral was understanding informing me that I could use my checking account.

We have planned our next adventure with 2 guests, brave unknowing souls.  Fair warning, we will keep all interested up to date on the new adventure of the 0Regrets.  Who knows, next fall maybe Florida and Bahamas for the winter months. 

Happy Sailing,   

Denise, Adm.  Captain Barry, Mates Bailey and Bella

Visit to Partridge Harbor

The cruise of Lake Champlain continued after a late morning departure from Burlington Boat House.  We certainly enjoyed our short visit to Burlington and all the new friends we made while at the dock.  I did get an opportunity to view a wonderful 36 ft. Grand Banks Trawler which was custom designed with great input from the current owner.  This would be the boat to dream about.  The Captain/owner mentioned he had the boat built and finished at age 60 and planned to sell it at age 70, current age is 68 years.  He volunteered he has two great son-in-laws but he did not want them to inherit the boat.  So, being generous we volunteered to be the one to take the boat off his hands in two years, inherit that is.  Sounded like a good idea to us but he did not take our email or names.  Oh Well!

We let go of the dock lines and adjourned to the flybridge to enjoy a sunny day cruise.  Having missed Willbrook Bay on the New York side of Lake Champlain, we cruised to the Four Brothers Islands then entered Willbrook Bay.  The Adirondack Mountains frame this side of the lake.  We took the opportunity to break for lunch while drifting along the bay.  Water depth varied from 30 ft. to 150 ft. so we could take our time to enjoy lunch.  The bay would be a good anchorage with shelter from southerly winds but exposed to the north.

Pushing on at a blazing speed of 8 knots (9mph) we warmed to the sun on the bridge.  Having closed the bimini due to high winds on our first cruise day, we were exposed to the sun but hats and sun screen helped. The beauty of the lake continued as we move south again on our way to dock in two days.  The plan is to go on the hook at Partridge Harbor which offers excellent shelter from wind in all directions but has enough depth to support a comfortable anchorage. 
View Larger Map

At this point we have cruised about 12 hours at a pace we can enjoy the mountains and lake.  Our technology included depth sounders, VHF radio and GPS/CHART READER from NAVIONICS.  The chart reader permits you to follow your sail line, see depths and calculate speed and record your progress on the chart.  You do become spoiled to the chart but you must keep look out for other boats, ferries and of course the weather.

Upon our arrival at Partridge Harbor, we discovered we had the harbor to ourselves.  Dropping anchor we could settle down for an afternoon cocktail and later grill steaks.  Life of a sailor is difficult, I must admit.  We had been warned that the Harbor is a popular anchorage on weekends so to expect company.  However, due to the approach Hurricane Irene, we hoped to have this harbor to ourselves.  However, our neighbors to the north, Canada, also found the harbor.  The sail boat arrived with the Canadian Flag flying as it silently slipped into the harbor near us.  

True to their northern spirits, the neighbors quickly anchored and took an afternoon dip in Partridge Harbor. We did test the waters but found the temps a bit too cool for our tastes.  While anchored next to the Canadians we were able to discuss our cruises.  We were quite  proud of our charter but the neighbors impressed us.  They were completing a cruise down to New York City and returning home to Montreal.  Now imagine, sailing past the Statue of Liberty and entering the Big Apple under sail.  We hope to have this experience in our trawler in not too distant future. 

Morning dawned quiet, with a bit of fog.  As the fog lifted our Canadian sailors quietly slipped out of the harbor, waving us farewell.  The mighty Turtle fired up its engine to begin our last day of the Lake Champlain cruise.  A bright sun greeted us on the bridge with little wind and a glassy lake.  We cruised south toward our home dock to await the arrival of Hurricane Irene.  We have the vision of cruising to the Lake Champlain locks and venturing down the Hudson to New York City in years ahead.  We are certain more adventures await our charter journey.

Happy sailing,

Burlington Boat House, VT

We are docked at the well know Burlington Boat House docks.  We sailed here from Kingsland Bay on the east side of Lake Champlain.  Alas, the weather remains overcast with rain, but the Turtle has an inside helm and we vacated the flybridge.  The cruise to Burlington was smooth except for the following wind and sea(lake) waves.  The waves against the stern tends to push the stern port and starboard requiring more helm work to keep her on a steady course.  But the mighty Turtle handled well and we made Burlington in 3-4 hours.  We cruised at 8 knots which translates into 9 mph.  The trawler has a 120 hp Perkins diesel engine and is perfect for a slow cruise.  Cruising can only be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. 

Burlington Harbor offers a .5 mile breakwater as good protection from what can be a rough lake.  As we approached the docks we hailed them on the VHF radio.  We had called to make a slip reservation but they do require contact upon arrival.  Now this is were experience can help.  This VHF channel is monitored by all including the U S Coast Guard.  I can almost see the expression on the faces of listeners to our Kentucky accents as we stumble through the "radio" talk like saying "over" after our part of the conversation.  But the dock answered and was patient.  We did have to idle for about 30 minutes prior to docking and the Turtle deck crew had to change all mooring lines and bumpers to the port side prior to entering the slip.  We did manage to dock without endangering lives and boats. 

Burlington, VT is a quaint town of about 39,000 which is the largest town in Vermont.  The waterfront is supplied with all type of boats, docks, ferries and great sea food restaurants.  Walking up College Street brings you to the center of the town with a wide variety of retail and any number of dining opportunities.  We of course tried to help out the local establishments with our share of food and spirits.  Good sailors must have their daily share of "grog".  By land Burlington is a good location for exploring Vermont with all the Revolutionary War history and a Maritime Museum.  To the east of Burlington is Mt. Mansfield and west of Lake Champlain are the Adirondacks.   While at dock we encounterd a wide variety of boaters from Canada, France and any location in the U.S.  Lake Champlain is perfect for sailing due to considerable wind on most days and sufficient water required for a sail boat.  The Canadians sails south from Montreal and can continue south to the Lake Champlain Canal and Hudson River to New York City.  This route can be part of the Great Loop we hope to experience in future sails. 

 As you sail Lake Champlain the lake is bordered by mountains providing spectacular views.  The water is clear but a bit cool by Kentucky standards.  However, the local folks ski, swim, and fish until the lake freezes over at 30" of ice.  Then they break out the snow mobiles.    We plan to sail tomorrow for a cruise across Lake Champlain to Four Brothers Islands, Willsboro Bay and then south for another night "on the hook".  Hurricane Irene has changed our sail plan.  We need to return to our marina prior to the worst weather expected to occur on Sunday.  We of course, will keep look out for "Champ" as our days on the lake are limited.  If we located "Champ" I bet CNN could be interested!

Happy Sailing,


  

On the Hook

We are currently "on the Hook" at Kingsland Bay on Lake Champlain.  Day one of the cruise was eventful.  We happily cruised 33 miles north on the lake in 20=30 knot winds but the happy Turtle handled the wind and waves well.  Alas, at near our evening anchorage we lost the Bimini canvas on the fly bridge.  We managed to sale the sail but I did a 3 point landing with the Bimini in hand.  Flying into a sheltered bay we did manage to drop the hook and secure the Bimini.  It will not see service until our stop tomorrow at
Burlington Boat House docks.  But not all was lost.

We enjoyed a wonderful evening in the bay, had a great meal, I prepared of course and finished off with wine.  Our first night on this cruise will be in a cool breeze hopefully secure in this anchorage.  All is quite along the waterfront.  We will cover another 12 miles tomorrow to dock in Burlington and see part of the town.  It may never be the same when the Kentucky folks arrive.  If the wind subsides and Irene does not find us we will proceed further North up the lake.  Many islands to find along the way.  We have not found "Champ" as yet but we have hope.  No lake monster will deter this voyage of discovery.  The wind today must have been too rough for it or him.  We just cruised on by. 

We can certainly recommend the charter.  The first day has been exciting and most fun.  We keep looking over at each other on the fly bridge wondering if we are truly experiencing this adventure.  We continue to live and search for our adventures.  We can only hope many lie ahead to be experienced.  We promise to include all our friends and readers in the loop.

Happy sailing,

Denise, Barry, Bailey and Bella

Saratoga Springs, New York

View Larger MapWell, New York welcomed us with poor directions  to a mystery campground.  After driving straight through the middle of Saratoga, dodging cars, pedestrians and narrow streets we discovered campground person gave us misleading directions.  OOPS!  Well we turned the Phaeton around and make a call to another campground and departed the interior of Saratoga.  We are located at the Saratoga RV Park.  I was not confident in the management when asked for a pull thru site.  She indicated she did not know if the site was vacant but if not just come back and she would find a "spot". I suppose she has not driven a motorhome and tow vehicle measuring 60 ft. in length.  Turning around can be a PROBLEM.  But luckily the site was vacant and easily accessed.  Heart warming after our foray to the interior of Saratoga Springs.  Quaint looking town and we would enjoy a walk through the town.  But the big splash awaits tomorrow. 

The above pic is the actual trawler we have chartered.  She has a wooden hull but interior looks good and my perch on the fly bridge is spoken for.  I am the Captain but of course Denise is the Admiral????  We arrive today, Tuesday to provision the boat for our cruise.  Move over Samuel De Champlain, we are following in your tracks.  Fortunately the Huron and Iroquois REMAIN friendly.  Skipper and Ginger will sail soon.  Alas, we were forced to leave Gilligan in the nursing home for they had a Wee tournament today.  His sea legs are not what they once were. 

As demanded by our 12 followers, we will continue to post our journey progress with as much boring detail as permitted.  Pirates are now known to frequent the waters of Lake Champlain but I do understand they have a lake monster "Champ".  We will give it a pat for all.

See you on the water soon,

Barry, Denise, Bailey and Bella

Two Days to the Splash

We are preparing to depart Morris, PA after a good visit with family.  The Back to the Roots tour was a success and more Roots than on can count.  Certainly for a Non-Root.  The country side around Morris, PA and surrounding towns reminds use of Eastern Kentucky except cleaner and all the taverns serve local beer and on Sunday.  No lack of the brew here.

The plan is made for voyage up into New York with a stay near Saratoga Springs, NY before the final leg of the journey to Lake Champlain and the trawler.  We are increasingly excited, maybe just me, about the voyage of the trawler which I am sure we will name upon casting off.  However, Minnow is not an option.  The natives are friendly although they speak a different dialect.  I do not anticipate press at our splash of the trawler, but a warm welcome would be great. 

If the tour of Lake Champlain is successful, we may cancel plans at Apple Island RV Resort on S. Hero Island and take the ferry across lake to New York.  Lake Placid looks like our next location after the trawler voyage.  I did not bring my snow skies but the weather is just too warm.   The kayaks can float the lake and rivers exploring new waters. 

See you on the road or water;

Denise, Barry, Bailey and Bella

Journey to North Country

The long awaited journey of the Phaeton has begun.  Finally!  The dust was transported with us due to my recent visit to a local hospital with a heart thingy.  Checked out ok in that I do have a heart.  But a little fine tuning is in order.  <iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=morris,+pa&sll=37.160317,-95.712891&sspn=40.561625,92.724609&vpsrc=6&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Morris,+Tioga,+Pennsylvania&ll=41.595,-77.2925&spn=1.201596,2.897644&z=9&output=embed">iframe><br />href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=morris,+pa&sll=37.160317,-95.712891&sspn=40.561625,92.724609&vpsrc=6&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Morris,+Tioga,+Pennsylvania&ll=41.595,-77.2925&spn=1.201596,2.897644&z=9" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map


We are currently docked in Morris, PA for a family reunion.  The Root family stages an annual reunion and Denise has not attended since she was in a training bra.  Alas, I am the new husband and will be indoctrinated by the Roots.  Back to her Roots.  The town of Morris, PA sports two bars/taverns, which also serve as the local package store and restaurant.  I did notice one stop sign as entering the Morris.  The terrain reminds me of Eastern Kentucky but much more maintained dwellings, yards and generally cleaner. No diaper trees here. 

We are docked at Twin Streams Campground only a short hike from the Root Reunion site.  The family owned and operated campground includes a few 50 amp sites on grass.  A number of seasonal campers here but unlike other areas with seasonal sites, these are well maintained.  The grass site would be OK except for soft ground.   Our rear jacks buried down 3 blocks permitting the rear jacks to fully extend.  YUCK!  This may be a problem on Monday when departing.  We have experienced difficulty with electric jacks and this is just asking for it.  Ah Well, we will dig our way out. 

Our plans continue for exploration of Morris, PA and surrounding area.  Also, plans have expanded for your cruise on Lake Champlain with extending the charter time aboard the "Minnow".  I will attempt to describe our location via coordinates while "at sea" for those needing to know where we may find land.  You can rest assured, many adventures await us afloat or land bound.

See you on the Road or Water,

Denise, Barry, Bailey and Bella