This has been a good run in every respect, length of time, sea conditions and perfect docking.

Hilton Head to Charleston was the perfect length of time and NM. The area is filled with many shoals that reach far out into the ocean making it very treacherous for boaters. Our course was way out to sea in order to avoid all of that and stay on the safe side of the journey. Sunny skies and winds coming out of SW made the ride comfortable even though the big rollers were still with us coming from SE directing our momentum. After a 4 hour run we arrived at the inlet to Charleston and the Ashley river forcefully pushing it’s way out to the ocean. Our rout led us past the famous Ft. Sumter standing strong and proud through centuries of it’s history.

The site of the majestic old mansions of past times representing the glory days of the Old South very visible and still standing proud. The resting place for two nights is a well kept City Marina of Charleston. Just as we washed down the boat a black cloud came about and the downpour started. It continued for hours but that did not deter us from going to Cap. Tom’s favorite restaurant Le Rue de Jean. The seafood and all the braised dishes were superb indeed.

Upon our arrival we were met by Michael, our grandson, and Katie who were kind enough to drive down from Charlotte and spend some time with us here in the historic city of Charleston. It was a great visit and a good times spent talking, walking and eating.

A full day it was indeed! Looking forward to one more day in this famous old city of

Tuesday morning early we departed from the lovely Conch Marina in St Augustine. It is a bright and sunny day. Skies are blue and the waters are calm and inviting, Let’s see what the ocean has to offer!

Sure enough it is calm and promising but as we know it is subject to change for we have a long run ahead of us. Today’s destination is Hilton Head in SC. Sure enough as the day moved on the wind picked up and the action of the ocean was activated. All good till I decided to go below and attempted making us tuna burgers and salad for lunch! What a mistake that was but thank God for Capt. Tom who willingly jumped in and finished the job successfully. I took a nap and by the time I was done we were in the inlet to Hilton Head. We made 160 miles again. It feels as if I am partaking in a boat delivery and not a journey of pleasure. My companions seem to enjoy the ride and think nothing of it! Figures!

Right by Jacksonville we encountered an interesting maneuver of an approaching 300 foot submarine being met by a Coast Guard Cutter. What a sight that was! Not much later we passed by a practice maneuver of a Coast Guard Helicopter and a Coast Guard boat. No dolphins today!

Grateful for a safe journey and arrival at the designated destination! Lesson well learned, no kitchen duty for me while on high seas! Lesson for my companions, lets enjoy the journey and not make a boat delivery!

By 8 am this morning we embarked on our second day of this great adventure going north with the Contessa.

A glorious day with calm seas, blue skies and fair winds encouraged us to take on 168 mile run  all the way from Ft Pierce to the beautiful old city of St Augustine.it was a long run of almost 8 hrs and the weather was changing along the way. Wind picked up and the calm sea with huge long swells turned more choppy ending in a following sea. We skipped by a stomach cell and were visited by occasional dolphins which eventually became a pod of dolphins right at the inlet to St Augustine.

Would I prefer such a long run again? I would say no and the conditions as they were were not too condusive to meal preparations or any activity below the deck. Definitely not my cup of tea! Nevertheless the journey was smooth and uneventful. The engines and all the rest of the technicality on board worked flawlessly which is a blessing in itself!

Technical issues with communication devices have been emerging and we ventured out to get a new MiFi of AT&T. Let’s see how it behaves tomorrow at sea!

Fabulous dinner at La Pavilion, a Gernam-Swiss restaurant was superb and memorable!

Love this old city and the lifestyle seems so mellow, mimicked by the temperature as well.

First leg of our journey went well. As the day progressed and we moved further north the weather started to change as well.

Ft  Pierce is a good stop to clean the boat, refresh, relax and enjoy some Tiki bar music for Father”s Day.

hoping for the weather to move on and give us a good and safe passage tomorrow!

Sunday morning it is! Happy Father’s Day to all fathers!

Contessa’s journey has begun. Admiral Joe, Capt. Tom and Contessa Nadica are on their way to explore, encounter beautiful new places, people and sights! Calm seas, fair winds and blue skies! God’s speed ahead!