Scupper knew best

For years Scupper has tried to tell us that bridges were - BAD THINGS - it turns out she was right all along.
Early afternoon the 20th of October, Cats Cradle suddenly became a power boat ! We had a wonderful motor-sail across the Albemarle Sound and Alligator River. On approach to the Alligator River swing bridge we requested an opening for ourselves and another sailboat. Everything was normal as we started through the opening, we were almost through when there was the sound like an explosion and our mast and rigging fell onto the boat. As we looked back the bridge was closing, for some still undetermined reason the bridge operator had closed before we were clear. No one was hurt but Cats Cradle is badly damaged and Scupper wouldn't come topside for 2 days.
We immediately dropped anchor to assess our situation. Jib sail had to be cut away, furlers disconnected and broken mast secured. Arranged to go into the closest marina (Alligator River Marina), where we spent 2 days for the investigation and insurance clearance. The recommendation was to get to Deaton's Yacht Service, Oriental, NC. After securing all loose pieces to Cats Cradle, on the 22nd we started on our way under power, this was to be a 2 day trip. Arrived in Oriental on the 23rd, where the folks at the yard had already started preparing a plan. The 24th saw the remains of the mast and rigging removed from the boat, so that further assessment can be accomplished, it is obvious there is collateral damage and it will all have to be figured out.
For the time being we are looking at a lengthy repair time and will have to get out some cold weather clothing.

On the 17th of Oct we prepared to depart Portsmouth, unfortunately as we were pulling up the anchor we found our chain had wrapped around some large object, part of an old bulkhead or dock we don't know what it was. With the assistance of Tow Boat US the anchor was saved and whatever it was went back to be with the fishes. After that we proceeded on to the Deep Creek Lock, which is only doing 2 openings a day. We were 1 of 10 boats passing in the afternoon, since it was after 4pm we decided to tie up at the public dock between the lock and bridge with several other boats for the night. Later in the evening the weather turned cold and rainy so we all sat out the next day. Bernie took the opportunity to visit with his former fire-fighter friends and all the cruisers went to dinner at a Mexican restaurant. The next day we had a beautiful trip down the Dismal Swamp Canal, through the South Mills Lock and anchored behind Goat Island, just north of Elizabeth City.

Cats

Cats Cradle Chasing the Sun South

Greetings, One and All. The past month has been a busy one with both planned and unexpected events. The marina at Aberdeen Proving Grounds (U.S. Army) was a very inexpensive place to park Cats Cradle while we had our extended visit in PA. But, if the Army is playing with ordinance they close the Bush River to all traffic. It took us several hours to get out to the Chesapeake Bay resulting in a short trip to Baltimore. We then went across the bay to Swan Creek and unexpectedly came across some old friends we hadn't seen in quite some time. What a pleasant surprise to find "One With the Wind" anchored as we came in, we had a great evening with Rick & Chris. The next morning was the first time we attempted to start the genset in over 2 months and it didn't. For some unexplained reason it had no compression and after several telecoms with NexGen they decided it was best to send it back to Jacksonville. We went on to Yankee Point for our routine haulout , as you can see Bernie takes bottom painting very serious. After that was completed we went to Gratitude (Island Packet dealer) in Deltaville where we were offered the use of one of their slips to remove the genset. That went well with no real problems and shipped it out OK. Now comes another turn of events. The last night before leaving for Portsmouth, Gilligan went AWOL for six hours. He came back about 5 AM with no collar, apparent superficial bite marks on his neck and a very tender left shoulder. Don't know who or what he encountered, but he was a sore kitty for a few days. We think a few more of his nine lives expired that night.
On 10 October, with all crew onboard, the winds were ENE 15-20 knots so we flew down the bay with all sails flying, a very fast trip, and very enjoyable. The past week has been spent at anchor off Hospital Point in Portsmouth, catching up with friends and getting a few small projects done that have been put off too long. We will be leaving to transit the Dismal Swamp later today. For some reason they are limiting the locks to 2 openings a day, so we will be spending the night in the canal. It's time to get moving a cold front moved in last night.