Now in Norfolk, VA. Headed into "The Ditch" Tomorrow

Good but long day today. Wind on our nose most of the day, but finally got to sail the last couple of hours, 18 kt winds and 3-4' seas. Nice ride.

Cooked chicken on the grill, for dinner.

 Heading into the ICWW in the morning.  

(Here's some good advice for taking your boat down "The Ditch:" http://www.joysmith.net/heading_south__take__the_ditch__97815.htm

Pics attached. The USS Cole is the one that was bombed in Yemen.  

Weekend Memories, Solomons Island, MD

We had a great time watching the boat races and just hanging out.  Lots of good food and fun company.  Make sure you look through the slideshow to see the huge jellyfish I saw when we were pulling up the anchor after the boat races.  By the way, the Amsoil Boat is now the National Champion!  I'm hoping I can join Andy and Dave on down the waterway somewhere, soon.  I'm sure those heads will need a little sprucing up again before they reach Florida!  hehe!

Click on the slideshow to make it bigger.

Solomons Island, and Deb's Visiting!

Andy and Dave left from Annapolis on Friday, and arrived in Solomons MD that night.  Not too much excitement, besides almost getting run over by a freighter who was trying to be funny.  The freighter was coming at them from behind, and they knew the freighter could see them, but they ended up missing them by about 100 feet when they passed by.  Instant complaint to Coast Guard was made.

Deb arrived at Solomons at about 2:00 AM on Saturday. The flight from Detroit was delayed about 2 hours, then I got lost in D.C. (came up over a rise and the capital was right in front of me!!  uh oh!)  But once I got out of D.C. it was smooth riding all the way to Solomons in my trusty little rental car.  It was great being on the boat, and it was raining, and I love being on the boat when it's raining.  The weather is a lot warmer here than I had anticipated, but I'm doing okay without any short pants.  We've been tasting the local cuisine, and we watched some of the trials for the boat races which are happening tomorrow.  I'm staying until Monday night.

Click on the picture to make the slide show bigger.

Andy and Dave's Last Night in Annapolis

Andy says:

"Boat is back in the water, shakedown run completed, everything seems to be OK. Going to wash now. Lots of cleaning to do, for the rest of the day. Leaving bright and early tomorrow morning and want everything clean, when we leave."

Next message:  "Boat washed, dinghy back in the water, Andy's "exhausted", going to dinghy to dinner, somewhere."

Here's where they are headed tomorrow:
http://www.solomonsyachtingcenter.com/home/

Offshore Boat Races, Solomons Island, MD

Here is some information about the Offshore Boat Races that the guys will be going to this weekend at Solomons Island, MD.  Looks like a LOT of fun.
Solomons Island Offshore Boat Race Info

(Hint Hint:  Deb just may make an appearance.  She hasn't celebrated her double nickle birthday in any fantabulous way...this could be it!  Dave, could I take a ride in the Amsoil boat?)
Amsoil Racing Boat on Facebook

Almost Ready to Head Out

Work is all done but still lots of little stuff to do on board, plus "tuning the rig", which we need to be in the water to do. So, we plan to splash sometime tomorrow, but will be getting a slip here tomorrow, to tie up loose ends, then head for Solomons Island, MD, first thing Friday morning, for the Offshore Boat races.

We had visited Solomons Island when we leased the catamaran and toured the Chesapeake Bay in June of 2007.

http://www.solomonsmaryland.com/

Click on the Slideshow to make it bigger.

Update 9/19/2011

Dave took the prop shaft and prop to Baltimore, for replace/repair. They said they would have them back to us tomorrow. Discovered some additional repairs that needed to be made on the rudder gossitt. :( That is being done today along with the repair to the outside of the rudder. This outside rudder repair is a result of getting stuck in the tree in that anchorage. The inside repair appears to be a MFG. defect. All should be done by end of tomorrow or Wed for sure. We put off stepping the mast until tomorrow because Dave's friend Bill is coming in from Fl. tonight and we can use the extra help stepping the mast.

Photos of Island Time arriving at Bert Jabin Yacht Yard, Annapolis, MD 9-16-11

Click on the slideshow to make it bigger:

The Mast is Ready

Update from Andy yesterday:

Got the mast built today and will be putting it back on the boat (stepping the mast) Monday afternoon. With a little luck, we could be back in the water by Wed afternoon, or Thursday

Update from Andy Tonight

Dave and I are staying on the boat, even though it's on the land, with no water, no heat.  The facilities are quite a hike away, this is a big marina.  We'll have to get the extra blankets out tonight because it's quite chilly here.  The guy that Dave found to repair the prop and prop shaft appears to be an expert and knows what he's doing, for certain.

There are literally a couple hundred boats here in Bert Jabin's boat yard. Some are very high dollar and huge. Makes Island Time seem like a pup. That's in the yard, not including a couple hundred in the marina. I am just around the corner from where we picked up the catamaran we rented a few years ago, for a trip through the Chesapeake Bay.  Dave was on that trip, too!

Will be putting the mast back together tomorrow.  If all goes well, we may be back in the water by next Wednesday.

Here is a pic the trucker took on the way down to Annapolis from Rochester, NY.

Bert Jabin Yacht Yard, Annapolis, MD

Want to visit Andy and Dave?  Here's where they are right now:
http://www.bjyy.com/index.html

Island Time was delivered there today, and they are busy putting her back together.  When I talked with Andy this afternoon, he said they had the chart plotter and some other electronics working.  They have a lot to do!  They will also have someone from this boat yard take a look at the prop and prop shaft.

Pictures later!

Andy and Dave are in Annapolis, Island Time being delivered there today

Island Time was hauled out of the water on Wednesday, and loaded onto the transport.  She's big; considered a specialized oversized load needing a car with a height stick, and spotter cars front and rear.  Additional cost to the transport: around $1,800.00 (I corrected that number from $1200.00, per Andy's input....).  Andy and Dave left for Annapolis in the rental car after she was loaded.  The truck left Thursday morning.

When the boat was hauled out, the prop and prop shaft were given a cursory inspection, and they are both bent.  When the boat arrives in Annapolis, it will take about a week to put her back together to get her back into the water.  And then there's the repair of the prop and prop shaft....

Click on the picture to make the slide show larger:

One More Day of Waiting.... Tomorrow is the Day. Cross Your Fingers!

Update from Andy this afternoon:

Andrew Mattingly  The plot thickens....... No transport today. "I will be there when the marina opens, tomorrow", famous last words of the driver. 

Island Time ready to haul....

Update: Miles Traveled from 8/11/11 to 9/12/11

You know, it seems longer than a month ago when this journey began.  I started figuring the miles to date.  Last time it was figured, from Muskegon MI to Cleveland OH, it was 704 miles.  Add another 313, and the total now  stands at 1,017.

Here's the Google Map of the route from Cleveland to Irondequoit (Rochester) NY:
Link to Google Map, Miles from Cleveland to Rochester

Truck Arriving to Transport Island Time to Annapolis Tuesday between 1 & 2:00!!

Update from Andy earlier today:

Bored to tears sitting here waiting to hear from the trucker that will be picking up Island Time. Now hoping for tomorrow sometime. Everything is packed up and ready to go, except for securing a few things inside.
Florida or BUST

Just now Andy updated and said that the transport will be there to pick up Island Time tomorrow (Tuesday) between 1-2 PM. Everybody say, "HIP HIP HOORAY!!"

 Dave preparing the mast for transport

The contest is: Guess what this is??

Morgan and Gavin say "Hi Grandpa!"

Lake Michigan Northern Lights-Beautiful!

Got this from "Love Michigan" on my Facebook page.  I guess I'm just trying to find as much beauty as I can, because I'm really sad today remembering 9/11.



via: https://www.facebook.com/lovemichigan

Andy's Update from Saturday 9/10/11

From Andy: "Just chillin , mostly, today. Boat is 98% ready for the truck, which I hope will pick it up Mon or Tues. Waiting for oversize load permits to be issued in NY and Pa, after the flood waters go down. This trip will make a good book, by the time its over.
More will be revealed........."

I agree!

PostScript:  On this day of remembrance for the thousands who have given their lives, during the attacks of 9/11, and the men and women who died because of medical and health complications because of 9/11, and all the men and women who have served our country in response to 9/11, you are our Heroes.  We will never forget.

Honor Our Troops

I am posting some pictures of some members of our family, who are currently serving or have served the United States in various capacities.   We want to thank them, and thank ALL of the men and women who are currently spending their time serving our country, and who are no longer with us, like my dad, who did serve.  And those men and women who have already served their time, like Andy.  Patriots, all.  You are invited post pictures of your family members or friends.  God Bless America!

Meghan Mattingly, U.S. Air Force

Robert LaHaie, U.S. Air Force

C. Andrew Mattingly, U.S. Navy, Vietnam era

Chester John Bednarski, U.S. Army, Korean War

Latest twist in "The Adventures Of Island Time...........

From Andy:

Latest twist in "The Adventures Of Island Time........... Transporter just called and said they are currently not issuing permits for oversize loads (like Island Time), due to additional rain and flooding. Won't know more till Monday, but she said hopefully she will be able to get permits Monday, which would only push us back a day. I am next for this particular truck, when ever they issue the permits. This is like "The song that never ends". :(

Island Time will be transported by Lockview Marine Transport: http://www.lockviewmarina.com/

They had talked with Andy this afternoon, and the truck that will be hauling Island Time is currently in PA, having some delays because of the flooding there.

Update from Andy 9/8/11, and Diving for Glasses!

Andy lost his glasses in the water on Wednesday, so first thing Thursday, he was suited up and ready to dive.  And he found the glasses.  One less minor detail to deal with!


Per Andy: "Mast is down and stripped, dinghy rolled up. Just a few things left to do before the transport gets here on Monday. We are renting a care to drive to Annapolis. Don't know how long it will take to get the vibration from the tree incident, fixed? With a little luck, we may be back in the water by the end of next week."

"Had the neighbors, Matt and Karen over for dinner tonight. Cooked chicken on the grill. Matt was instrumental in tearing down the mast. Then went to Cold Stone.  :)"

Click on the picture to make the slideshow bigger:

Trip Pictures 9-7-11, Irondequoit, NY (Rochester), Shumway Marina

Click on the photo to make the slideshow bigger:

Pictures from the Welland Canal

Click on the slideshow to make it bigger

Just Received These Updates about the Canals

TRANSalert@canals.ny.gov

show details 6:07 PM (4 minutes ago)

UPDATE: THE ERIE CANAL LOCK E2 TO E19 WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The Erie Canal between Locks E-19 (Frankfort) and E-2 (Waterford), will remain closed to all vessels until further notice. Hurricane Irene caused record flooding in the Mohawk River and the Canal Corporation is currently assessing damage to several structures.  Updates will be provided once the full extent of damage and what efforts are necessary to reopen are determined.  Updates regarding the reopening status of the Erie Canal will not be available until next week at the earliest.

For updates and information monitor 1-800-4CANAL4 andwww.canals.ny.gov.
06:07:21PM 9/6/11

TRANSalert@canals.ny.gov

show details 6:02 PM (11 minutes ago)

CHAMPLAIN CANAL - LOCK C-1 TO C-7 CLOSURE

Mariners are advised that the Champlain Canal from Lock C-1 (Waterford) to Lock C-7 (Fort Edward) as well as Lock C-12 (Whitehall) is closed due to high water levels until further notice.

For updates and information monitor 1-800-4CANAL4 andwww.canals.ny.gov.
06:00:08PM 9/6/11

Island Time Will Be Shipped Next Monday by Truck, to Annapolis, MD

Andrew Mattingly via Facebook:

Tied up at the Shumway Marina, in Rochester, NY. Hoping to connect with a transporter next week that can haul Island Time to Annapolis. Many other boaters are in the same situation as me and there is a "Run on Transporters". One guy I spoke with said soonest he can get here is 2.5 weeks. I hope to be able to improve on that time, tomorrow. Not the trip I had planed. "Life".........what happens while you are making other plans. ;)
More will be revealed............. Florida or BUST!  Yesterday at 2:30pm ·

Andy emailed me today and told me that the boat is being readied for transport from Rochester, NY to Annapolis, MD, and will be shipped next Monday, for delivery on Tuesday.  That's pretty quick!!

This is what the boat looked like when it was shipped from Connecticut to Muskegon MI in April 2008, by Arrigoni Marine Movers.  Notice that there is about 6 inches of clearance from the road to the bottom of the semi trailer.

Treasure Coast Pirate Fest News and Updates

Treasure Coast Pirate Fest News and Updates

Sounds like a good time is to be had by all!! Check it out!

UPDATE: CHAMPLAIN CANAL HAS REOPENED TO ALL VESSELS.

TRANSalert@canals.ny.gov

show details 10:04 AM (22 minutes ago)

UPDATE: CHAMPLAIN CANAL HAS REOPENED TO ALL VESSELS. THE ERIE CANAL LOCK E2 TO E19 WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Mariners are advised that the Champlain Canal has reopened to all vessels, and the Erie Canal between Locks E-19(Frankfort) and E-2 (Waterford),will remain closed to all vessels until further notice. Hurricane Irene caused record flooding in the Mohawk River and the Canal Corporation is currently assessing damage to several structures.  Updates will be provided once the full extent of damage and what efforts are necessary to reopen are determined.  Updates regarding the reopening status of the Erie Canal will not be available until next week at the earliest.

For updates and information monitor 1-800-4CANAL4 and www.canals.ny.gov.
10:04:21AM 9/5/11

Please do not reply to this email.  This email is generated by an automatic system that does not accept incoming email. Should you have questions, comments or concerns regarding this service, please contact the Canal Corporation at customer_service@thruway.ny.gov

Hurricane Irene Flood 2011-Pictures from www.tug44.org

Hurricane Irene Flood 2011:

'via Blog this'

This website is reporting that those boats who were considering using the Champlain and Erie Canals on their journeys southbound are now concluding that the canal system will probably not be reopening for the remainder of this year.

:(

More information here:
http://www.waterwayguide.com/navupdate.php?area=10

Andy on Deck, 9-4-11, enroute to  Irondequoit, NY

Video of the sunrise, between Buffalo NY and Welland Canal, Lake Erie

Latest Message from Andy; Now in Lake Ontario

This morning, via gmail, but it didn't come through until 9:05 tonight:
"In Canada, about to proceed to the first lock.  Shutting off phone in a few, as I got another warning from Verizon "


Andy called me tonight after he could turn his phone on and when they were out of the Welland Canal and into Lake Ontario:


"On our way to Wilson, just got out of the Welland Canal about an hour ago.  It was a long day.  We got to Port Colborne, Ontario,  and bought the canal ticket at 9:00 this morning.  There was another pleasure boat waiting to go, so we didn't get going until noon, then went through the first lock.  We were in the first lock for a half hour.  The locks actually not a big deal, once we learned the system.  We pull up to lock, they have lines laid out for us, we had a guy on bow and stern, and they hold onto lines to keep from floating away from the wall.  We were going down, so when the water is gone, they open the gate and we go out.  It's like pulling the plug."


"We didn't get through the second lock for about two hours.  At the last lock, a freighter almost ran aground, had to drop his anchor, and they held us in the lock for a half hour, but everything was okay."


"We are kind of tired, it's been a long day.  We are going to head into Wilson, NY and anchor in the dark.  The new inverter is being shipped to a Wilson marina, we are going to put it in tomorrow.  It's the same inverter that I have, so we can just plug it in where the bad one was." 


"Our plan is to proceed as planned to Oswego, NY.  The farthest west lock that's closed is 19 by Utica, so we will go there and see what's going on, and that's all we can do at this point.  Hopefully it will be fixed by the time we get there, or soon after.  We are five to six days away from Utica."


"Gotta go, I'm driving the boat and there are some lights up here we have to pay attention to."

First Bridge, Welland Canal

Erie Canal Closed Between E-19 and E-2 due to Hurricane Flooding

Andy called yesterday and said, "I have some bad news."

He's in the Welland Canal system right now, on his way to Lake Ontario.  How will this affect his trip?  Prayers, please!

ALERT

CLOSURE CHAMPLAIN CANAL AND ERIE CANAL LOCK E2 TO E19

Mariners are advised that the Champlain Canal, and the Erie Canal between Locks E-19 (Frankfort) and E-2 (Waterford), are closed to all vessels. Hurricane Irene caused record flooding in the Mohawk River and the Canal Corporation is currently assessing damage to several structures. Updates will be provided once the full extent of damage and what efforts are necessary to reopen are determined. Updates regarding the reopening status of the Erie Canal will not be available until next week at the earliest. Updates for the Champlain Canal should be available sooner. For updates and information monitor 1-800-4CANAL4 and www.canals.ny.gov.

Updated Wednesday 08/31 at 03:51 PM