Boat Winter & Yacht Club Bar

Wintering aboard the "0 Regrets" poses many challenges.  While our little boat is more than comfortable, she must have water, and electric to be functional.

We are mostly camping on our little Albin.  While we have a covered dock, electrical service and all the amenities of Green Turtle Bay Marina, we do not have all the comforts of home.  The Commonwealth Yacht Club is closed till sometime in February, our typical gathering point for winter boaters.  However, the marina is inhabited with about 12 full time live aboard friends.  The hearty souls at Green Turtle Bay live aboard sailboats and trawlers.  Imagine living aboard a 31 ft. sailboat throughout the winter months.  Some of our friends live aboard trawlers and other style of boats.  The most elegant is a 97 ft. houseboat.  Lots of distance and space between 31 ft. and 97 ft. 

Our winter inhabitants batten down the hatches, cover the cockpit with canvas and keep winds out.  Water is not available at the marina, so some winter inhabitants are docked at the transient dock for access to working showers,  laundry and potable water.  These thoughts bring me to the yacht club bar scene.

Now I would not imply the yacht club bar offers any alien beings.  Just that the wide variety of characters seems to mirror the wide variety of characters presented above.  We have the 80 yr. old striper.  She is referred to this by better acquaintances than I after an appearance at a party with silver sequined dress well above knee length.     She is the life of the party, even at 80.  We have one patron who presents a case of beer each visit to be placed in an ice filled bucket for ease of consumption.  This partron is well known to inhabit the yacht club and any boat willing to provide a drinking spot.  Sounds like a typical sailor to me. 

We progress to the well dressed couple down the bar.  The female companion easily announced to all in attendance that he is her "Boy Toy".  Of course, he announced that they are not married.  He proudly proclaimed he knew that if you marry, the woman is paralyzed below the waist and he had paralyzed two women already.  I can only assume he is very confident.  Another patron is a former state prison wardon who has some great stories.  One of my favorite is a boat captain living aboard a boat similar to ours who makes part of this income from scuba diving to clean boat bottoms.  He is a former Vietnam pilot flying the famous "Snoppy" over dogpatch.  He is suspicion to be a pimp for the 80 yr. old stripper.  Hymmmm!

We must talk about the "Captains"  stationed at the marina.  Not many marinas have multiple boat captains. We have Capt. Jerry and Capt. Bill and must not forget Capt. Norm.  Capt. Norm know to pilot the "Miss Poo" boat as he pumps the holding thanks of uncountable boats during the year.  His best request is that one year he would like to not get "shit faced".  A modest request. 

Also part of the establishment is the local "yacht" broker Ms. Vebbie.  This young woman sells several million $$ of boats each year and her best description of each boat is "it's a pretty boat".  Go figure. That should make all potential buyers comfortable.  While Vebbie would not lie she does like all boats.  All should ask her about skinny dipping at midnight in Duncan Bay.  Hummmmm.  No pictures here. 

Back to the bar.  We have an unusual member who has the experience of being the Warden of the State Penitentiary on Lake Barkley.  Imagine, all the years keeping dangerous criminals imprisoned along the scenic banks of Lake Barkley, watching the scantily clad young women cruising the waters in front of their prison. Now that is HELL!  However, he does not seem in the least disturbed by this fact. 

Let us not forget the marina owners.  Mr. and Mrs. Bill have owned the marina for 24 yrs.  However, I am sure they have made at least 4 friends during this period.  Maybe it is normal for tenants to harbor negative feels for their the landlords.  But, after a few conversations in the Bar, it is apparent the owner attitude is somewhat like Darth Vader.  I can only hope, "may the force be with you" to my fellow tenants.  Do not forget, we have "free" water and cable.

The characters at the yacht club will evolve in the next season.  I am looking forward to meeting any of the
"aliens" descending on our little bar.  Fortunately, after an evening of drink and song we all can float to our respective boats.  I am told that in the summer several "dingy" races are planned.  See you there.

Barry, Denise, Bella and Bailey

Nashvegas New Years

Cruising the Cumberland River, December 31, 2011.  Now where can you beat the view and
 weather?  We plan to bring the "0 Regrets" down the Cumberland to Nashville in Spring of 2012 for a 200 mile cruise.  We have friends in the area to dock our boat and can dock at the Riverfront Park across river from Titan Stadium.  It is an easy walk from dock to downtown Nashville.  This will be our first long cruise since boarding the 0 Regrets.  A cruise from Green Turtle Bay Marina to Nashville is 160 miles.  That is 20 hrs. of cruising time for the trawler.  We plan to cruise to Old Hickory Lake to visit new boat friends and then return to Green Turtle after 3 more days on the river.  At 8 miles per your, time is slow, but the scenes stay with you.

The above Bridge is part of the greenway called Shelley Bottoms.  The above view is of the pedestrian bridge over the Cumberland River.  We hiked only a portion of the greenway which is over 16 miles round trip.   Beautiful park to walk, jog, bike, skate and enjoy the river.  All cities should use greenways to enhance the free joys of living.  We will cruise under this bridge during our Nashvegas Adventure. 

The Nashville area includes a number of greenway trails and these are available on the city web site.  Bring the children, dogs and bikes to enjoy the views and exercise along the trails.  During summer months the Shellby Greenway can be access via the Twin Rivers Water Park so you can cool off after a hike. 

LAST THOUGHT:  Just reading the 1,000 marble story.  I only have 676 marbles left if I live to be 75.  I hope to use each Saturday for my marbles without waste.  If you have not read the 1,000 marble fable, search Google and read.  It does make one think about our time on earth.  I spent a marble today with my wonderful Denise, played with wonderful dogs, hiked the above greenway  and met several new friends who enjoy the world of travel.  Beats being clued to television watching football all day.  I did enjoy a few of those "football" beers. 

Happy sailing,

Barry, Denise, Bailey and Bella

Last Thought

I suppose we all want our voice heard periodically.  I am no exception.  In fact I would to so far as to say I am a bit talkative.  Hummmm!!  Why do I feel multitude agreeing with me.  In response to my new found realization I like to talk, I though I should aways have the last thought when posting on this blog. 

For a beginning of the Last Thought I am musing about some of my particulars, quirks, habits and those things we and I cannot explain.  This may start with my lack of preference as to what I drink my milk from, ie. plastic or glass vessel.  Now, I do not drink from the plastic jug we now receive our milk.  But I do not have a care if the drinking container is plastic, glass or even wooden.  Just let me have my milk relatively clot free and little sour smell and I am good.  However, I do prefer my wine from a glass, but in a pinch, I really do not care.

I tend to be a bit particular about traveling in our motorhome.  I truly detest arriving to an unknown camp area in darkness.  This may stem from an early trip in our travels where we arrived at Paris Landing State Park and narrowly missed an over hanging power line.  Stumbling around in the dark is best left for when I have consumed too much wine.

I prefer my morning time.  My early morning coffee, after taking care of dog necessaries, is most important. I like my small breakfast and preferably at a local coffee spot for a little conversation.  Since I work much from home I like some outside visiting.  Imagine that.  I used to insist on my cappuccino but due to health concerns and waist line I am swearing off of the daily habit. 

I have asked the faithful wife for her input to my particular habits and annoying characteristics, but she has demurred for the moment.  She did say something about "requiring some thought". 

We are currently in Nashville, TN. more commonly known as "Nashvegas".  An extended weekend trip after all the holiday festivities and quiet time welcomed.  We did venture to the Zac Brown concert last evening and we can recommend the Patron Club for dinner and drinks and take in Zac in concert anytime you have the opportunity.  A great two hour show.  

We hope to see you all on the road or water. 

Barry, Denise, Bailey and Bella

2011 Update

The year is rapidly coming to an end.  What a year it has been.  Our travels continued with the month of January seeing our new motor home the Phaeton.  WOW!  What a start.  We have traveled about 8,000 miles this year aboard our trusted Phaeton without any major mechanical or injury issues.  As seen in these pages, we have traveled from Florida to home after our upgrade, with a stop along the way in Red Bay, AL. Followed by many excursions to Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake with a much longer trip through the southeast (1,500 miles) in early summer.  Again, the Phaeton rolled along caring for our every need in comfort we could not improve upon.  August say another voyage up north.  Pennysalvania, New York and Vermont were explored.  Lake Champlain became our favorite stop with a 4 day charter of a 32 ft. Grand Banks Trawler.  As written in these pages, do not miss Vermont and the Lake Champlain area.  Spring and summer must be awe inspiring. We hope to venture there in the next few years aboard "0 Regrets".

Speaking of our Trawler.  We have cruised "0 Regrets" since September along the shores of Kentucky Lake and limited travel on Lake Barkley.  We cruised to Paris Landing (80 miles round trip) with an overnight at the marina and one night on the "hook" on the Land Between Lakes side of Kentucky Lake.  Listening to the Coyotes sing each night is bone chilling and wonderous.  The skies are clear with more stars than though to exist.  Relaxing on the deck with a good glass of wine and the galaxy above reminds one of the smallness of our existence.  But,  I am glad to be here. 

"0 Regrets" has not disappointed us.  She has performed very well for the older lady she has become. We have not managed to run aground or hit docks with any force to create damage.  We have had our blunders of course but nothing to stop the cruising.  Like RV travel, boating offers the opportunity to make many new friends along the way.  Our Pier 7 group welcomed us with open arms.  We are the smallest boat on the Pier but one of the most famous.  Infamous will come in future months.    As we sale her we plan future cruises to Nashville, TN. and maybe Chattanooga, TN. along the Tennessee River.  Later, maybe next fall, a trip south for the winter with docking in some Florida port.   I have witnessed so many boats visiting Green Turtle Bay Marina this fall only to leave in the AM for ports in Florida, Key West and Bahamas.  Envy is the right expression as I waved to the departing boats.  We must be a part of this cruise in fall of 2012. 

Part of our boating experience has been our new dock mates.  PR, Harold, Linda, Kathy and Dick have welcomed and helped us along the way.  I find myself buying adult beverages in payment for help rendered.  One of the first events was the retrieval of our retriever.  Yes, Bailey fell into the lake and was swimming playfully around the docks.  PR fired up his Dingy and we made like the Navy Seals completing a water rescue.  Seems Ms. Bailey got too inquisitive and just let her ample but overload the balance and plunged to the depts.  This has occurred twice in the short time aboard the boat.  While she does swim well, here ability to climb the dock is lacking.  I am certain further adventures will be spilled on these pages in coming months. Standby.

The Commonwealth Yacht Club has welcomed us.  Yep, a yacht club.  Can you imagine.  The yachts vary from 20 ft sailboats to the 90+ ft. houseboats.  Everyone is welcome. Just bring you own adult beverage as the community is "dry".  The food is wonderful with a young chef offering new specials each weekend.  Not to be over looked, the monthy celebrations offer a good reason for a party.  The bar patrons do remind me of the Star Wars Bar scene as Luke Skywalker makes his way in this alien crowd.  Our crowd is not alien just a wide mix of real characters.  I fit right in. 

Our most recent major event, after purchasing the Phaeton and "0 Regrets" is a strong urge and consideration of moving to the lake area.  After spending considerable time at the Canal Campground and Grand Rivers area we have rekindled our love of the lakes and water life.   Therefore, we are earnestly viewing housing options in the area in anticipation of a major move.  We hope to relocate in 2012 calling Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake our home base.  This would require some commuting for work but not a great distance.  The new location would give use quick access to "0 Regrets" and our Phaeton.  I-24 intersects the area permitting rapid travel in any direction.  Both major lake offer hundreds of miles of cruising waters with good access to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.  This just may be the year for another chapter in our life of  0 Regrets!

We hope to see you along the road or sailing into the sunset.

Barry, Denise, Bailey and Bella

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,