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| Cap'n Awesome & Popeye |
In response to some of your requests, I've been trying to coerce Captain Crunch to pen a segment himself. The best I could do was to get him to answer some questions (after promising to clean the dinghy..), and allow me to share them with you nice folks (after the dinghy passes inspection)."Quid pro quo, Clarisse..."
Whatever. Without any further ado, here it is, by popular demand..
They've all heard our stories from my perspective - are they true/accurate?
Well, yes, I mean we experienced together what you wrote about,,.but beyond that, my perspective is more focused on where our next destination is and how we're going to get there. I am more zoned in on the weather, navigation, and conditions like shoaling. As you know, every day on the water has to end at some unknown destination, be it an anchorage or a marina. I am concerned always, every single time, about the approach to the marina, the angle of the dock, how much room they will allocate...there are so many things to think about.
Docking is just one part of this. Is it all too stressful? Are you having any fun?
Yes, of course! I have fun in between docking. The Loop experience is as you write about it. Everywhere we stop, we find something interesting, someplace new everyday, a new setting, and we don't know what to expect, which has been fun. Plus, together we find humor in the new experiences and I enjoy the camaraderie meeting all the other Loopers. Just as for you, there have been adjustments, some have been easier than others for me, some not so much. For example, not being able to get what you want when you want it, like groceries and banking etc., but we have been resourceful and technology helps; when it works. Of course I miss my family, though we talk, email, text and "Voodoo" (video conference on ooVoo) constantly, and they visit from time to time, as you've documented.
How is it sharing such close quarters with the same person day after day?
It hasn't been an issue except for your flatulence and wanting me to dye your hair every 6 weeks. Plus you shed more than Tucker (his dearly departed grand-dog) ever did. Your hair is everywhere. But, you do an excellent job with laundry and boat cleaning and don't complain that much. If only you could iron...
Charming! Do any parts of the upcoming journey scare you?
Well, getting up the coast of NJ will be challenging from all accounts. The NJ ICW is not in good shape - lots of shoaling - and therefore we will likely be forced to transit NJ on the outside (the ocean), which is 110 miles before we get to Sandy Hook, outside of NY harbor. Otherwise, not really, except docking.
Favorite stuff?
Visiting towns and cities in the US I never would have visited; seeing places filled with our country's history, especially the southern states. I've been all over the world, I traveled internationally for 25 years, but unfortunately I know more about foreign people, cities and countries than I do about what's in my own backyard.
Any highlights?
The Big Nasty Biscuit with Fried Chicken & Sausage Gravy at Hominy's in Charleston, my 32 oz prime rib in Coinjock, and the worst, by far, was our gas station dinner at Alligator River.
Any highlights/low lights, that don't revolve around food?
I loved my birthday visit with Joey, Ross Jr. & Nick P., and we had fun in St. Augustine with your brother Michael. I really enjoy our bike rides when we get to a new place. I also like the way you fold my shorts. I had no idea you were so good at laundry!
Do you miss anything from your other life?
Not at the moment. I don't miss work, and I'm very satisfied how the boat has been performing.
I'm living my dream, with my dream boat (aww, totally not solicited).
Anything else you'd like to share?
I am extremely happy that in the 1100 miles thus far I haven't made an error in judgement or navigation - and I just love being out on the water (and being with you, all those sunsets, rocking waves...the magic we share together at the helm... no,. he didn't say any of that, but he was thinking it...)
Now leave me alone, I have to go back to work.(That, he did say.)
And so, friends, going forward, be careful what you ask for...
Here are some pictures of our adventures that Ross took and finally downloaded....
St. Augustine:
Isle of Hope, GA
Charleston, SC
Georgetown
Deltaville, VA
