I arrived in Elizabeth City with plans to stay for a few days. Some of my sailing friends were there, and I was excited for the reunion and the following days that would likely be a three boat convoy. Benji aboard Elizabeth, Chad and Nicole aboard Sabbatical, and Dory and I aboard Daphne. A trio of sailboats rafting up for dinner parties, deciding anchorages via the radio, seeing who would sail more and motor less, and all bound for warmer weather.
The Intercoastal Waterway is to sailing like the Apalachain Trail is to hiking. It’s a great place to start, establish your routines, learn from others, and join a network of fellow wandering sailors that will serve as a dynamic community and safety net. This, however, is not my kind of “sailing” where the canals are so narrow that the only way to make progress is to motor.
As a single-handed sailor, it becomes even less interesting and more of a chore when constant attention at the helm is required. The canals were so narrow and curvy that I couldn’t even step away long enough to go to the bathroom. Instead, I darted down for a second to grab my boom box. Then ran back to the tiller. Re-adjusted my steering and darted down again for an apple, and again to plug in the boom box, and again for a jug of water. Back and forth I darted. My salvation came when I turned on the music, the only time I have listened to music underway. I turned it up loud and danced at the helm for hours. Dory was my audience ad sometimes my dance partner. I am eager to get past this part of the trip, but not without stopping in Elizabeth City, the home of the Rose Buddies. Here is where every woman gets a rose, every sailor gets a ride to the grocery store, and every boat gets free dock space for a night.
Elizabeth City, also known as the “harbor of hospitality” hosts a welcome party for the sailors in the evenings. Wine and cheese. Some northbound folks said that there were at least fifty sailors at the last party. Perhaps our little convoy would grow to be four or five boats. But I wasn’t holding my breath. It was hard enough keeping up with the others and their larger, faster boats, and I didn’t see any other sailors on the waterway who were single-handed sailing a boat as small as mine.
December 1st, 2009 at 4:19 pm
A nice piece of writing.
December 1st, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Cute little “boom box” and your pretty cute too.
Looks like you are enjoying life. Thats what counts. 
Wonder On Sailor ! New horizons abound.
Butch
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:10 am
It has been a long time since I made that trip. Many hours at the wheel.
Hang in there. It gets more interesting as you head further south.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Too bad about your bikes sitting at the bottom of the water, but this is interesting anyway. http://bikeportland.org/2009/1.....onnection/
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Rosie,
I think its a great idea and really seems to be catching on all over. It sounds a lot like a project that I helped pilot this summer. There was an article about it in the local paper you may be interested in:
“From Mabel to Table: a combined sailing and agriculture experience that involves the historic use of an open sailing vessel and bringing Island-grown produce to market.”
You can find it here: http://www.mvtimes.com/marthas...../mabel.php or in the “In the News” section of this blog.
Also, there is another great company called Sail Transport Company (different from Sail Transport Network), and their site is here: http://www.sailtransportcompany.com/
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:38 pm
LOL of course I knew about Mabel to Table; that’s why I thought I’d let you know about this one!
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:21 am
“Bikes sitting at the bottom of the water?” What say Rosie?
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:28 am
Yes, Rick, its a bummer but my brand new (used) folding bick, as well as Ben’s (from http://www.bccelizabeth.com) has sunk to the bottom of Davy Jones’ Locker. We hired two scuba divers but neither could find them.
Teresa
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:04 am
when do you anticipate your arrival?…..I am glad to see you smiling (I miss seeing that in person)…I’m still shedding tears over the bikes, etc……………love you
December 4th, 2009 at 1:19 am
Hey Teresa!, the last time I read your blog was… June I believe? It’s great to see you’re still doing your thing! Plus, you’re still an inspiration
Goodluck!, Gene
P.S.- Inspirational Quote Time, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain
December 6th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I have followed your travels and enjoy reading your blog…..Keep them coming……
December 8th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
omg! i am so happy to have found your blog-i have been thinking of just sailing around the world, for a few months now- i am currently reading “all in the same boat”by Fiona Mccall and Paul Howard-who started their adventure from the Saint Lawrence river to South America,South Atlantic and Africa! i been curious to know if its possible to sail alone- and thanks to you- the answer is yes!
December 16th, 2009 at 11:59 am
I lost your e-mail but wanted you to know I have started a new forum
http://livelifesmall.com/forum/ It still is in the working but I would love for you to join. I have had serveral e-mails lately sugessting that I visit your site. Also I would like to add you to my new links page. Fair winds—Ali
December 16th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Thanks Ali. I will check out your forum soon. And you are welcome to post a link.
Thanks for thinking of me.
Teresa
February 16th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Hello,
My name is Peri. I am a design student and doing a project about modern nomadism. I have read your blog and I find it very interesting. I was wondering if you follow 100 things challenge?Or maybe you don’t have to because already living this way makes you consume less.
Thank you,
Peri
February 18th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Hello,
My name is Peri. I am a design student and doing a project about modern nomadism. I have read your blog and I find it very interesting. I was wondering if you follow 100 things challenge?Or maybe you don’t have to because already living this way makes you consume less.
Thank you,
Peri
dt701pi@gold.ac.uk