We delayed leaving Atlantic City until 10:30 this morning. The weather radio announced thick fog on the ocean until 10:00 and being a cowardly, smart sailor I waited a half hour longer. Sure enough, the sky was blue and we had 3 mile visibility for the first 20 miles. As soon as we got far enough away to insure we had no choice but continue, a thick blanket of fog closed in around us. I mean thick! There were times when we couldn't see 100 feet in front of the boat. The fog lasted three hours and during that time we had three close encounters with other boats (as close as 75 yards) one of which was at least 90 feet long. To add to the excitement, an oil platform loomed up out of the gloom right in front of us with support equipment moored off either side. I stopped our boat and realized we were surrounded by floating, dangerous objects. All close enough to cast a lure to. At that point we spun the boat 180 degrees and travel back the only sure route. After about a mile we turned east (toward England) and headed out to sea. I had had enough. We sailed out of the main travel routes and had no further encounters.
As we entered the first bit of fog, Bill and I and both dogs donned life jackets ( I have two dog life jackets on board).
We made it safely to the Manasquan inlet by 5:00 and are now 35 miles from New York City Harbor.
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This pic was taken at 1:00 in the afternoon. |
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Look closely, that's a 40 foot (or so) boat crossing our path about 75 yard away. We were six miles out in the Atlantic in 90 feet of water. |
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The Manasquan Inlet just after we entered from the ocean. This time we really did have to navigate with instruments. |
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Our marina is in a quaint little town. |
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A good meal after a very long day. |
Looks like you are making up for all the easy days you've had so far, eh? By the way, the beard is looking good.
ReplyDeleteTom D.