Our Very First Overnight

We've been so busy you wouldn't believe it. Since I've last updated you, we've become a sailboat again, made it to New York and further more to Cape May.

New York City was spectacular as always. We spent a lot of the day wandering around Central Park. I wanted to go to Strawberry Fields. Having had just walked in a few circles and being overwhelmed in a big city, I couldn't figure out how to get there. So Josh and Paul Andre took a look at the map in the gift shop. Both agreed that they knew how to get there. So they step out of the shop and point in complete opposite directions. After re-discussing it, Josh led us right to the Imagine mosaic. We had some fantastic Indian food for dinner as well. I could go for some more for lamb vindaloo. MMMMMM

We left NYC at noon. We had to be careful in the harbour. The USCG (United States Coast Guard) were moving an aircraft carrier, the Intrepid, from Staten Island to a Pier in Manhattan. There was a 100yrds radius around it. It was quite the show.

The winds were favourable to sail. So we popped the the sails just after rounding Sandy Hook. It was blowing 15-20 out of the West with gusts to 25 knots. (For non-boaters, it was quite windy) We took 2 reefs in the main and boogeyed. We sailed well into the night. The sunset was beautiful. I must admit that it was a little unnerving sailing at night in the ocean. Along one side you see the lights along the Jersey and on the other pitch darkness.

The wind shifted shortly after midnight, so instead of sailing off to Portugal following the wind, we motored. It allowed us to charge our batteries. The radar and navigational lights really suck juice. And as you all know, are batteries aren't tip top.

The night got so cold, I think I wore every piece of warm clothing I had. Josh looked like a homeless man huddled in the corner of the cockpit. We sure were happy to have Dan with us. The extra person allowed us to sleep a little more. It also helps you sleep when you can trust the person at the helm. Dan held a better course than the autopilot. He was never more than a few feet off course. Good job Dan!

The sunrise was as beautiful as the sunset. When we were just a few hours from Cape May, NJ, Ambition decided to sail. No problem, except that the wind was on our nose (not good for sailing, you need it at least 45 degrees from the pointy end of the boat). So we followed the wind, about 4-5 miles offshore. Then we tacked (changed directions ofthe boat) and came back almost to where we started from, no matter what Ambition says.

Eventually we made it safe and sound to Cape May. We anchored right in front of the USCG station. And slept like babies, after a little celebration and a 2 hour walk around Cape May. Man, can men whine.

We love the comments, keep them coming.

Roxanne and Josh

ps. Richard, we're coming to Deltaville in a couple of weeks. I'll send you an email when we have exact dates.

Grandma, I'm sorry you're having such a hard time posting. I love the emails, those work too. I'm glad you're reading the blog.