Our River House Fixer Upper-Week 1

Our cruising has ended for this year 😢.  Now it is time to get to work, and so I will probably start my "real job" around the first of May.  But it also means Captain Man and I need to start on our other job.  Our river fixer upper.  We bought the house last fall and knew we would have to jump in and get to work as soon as we returned from our trip.  Lots to be done... but it is a work of love for me.  I am simply crazy about this house.  

Our little home

The house was built in the 1930's by the railroad company and is craftsman in style.  Cute as a button!!!! But needs lots of TLC!  So, when we got back, we immediately went to work. First on the list...getting rid of the wallpaper.  While it must have been "the stuff" in the 30's, it has to go for us.  The process is messy and takes a long time.  We purchased a steamer and went at it.  After a few days, all the wall paper was removed.  

Prepping for stripping 

After about an hour (just on the wall with windows)

Almost done with that wall!

The second room without wallpaper

Captain Man had to help me with the stairs...I'm afraid of heights

Back room with wallpaper

And now without!

We had three rooms with wallpaper to remove.  It took us most of the week to get it off.  But it's done...woo hoo!!!  We can now check that off our list.  One chore down,  a million more to go!

Until next time...

Enjoy!

Back Home

Over 800 nautical miles in less than two and a half weeks from leaving Black Point, Exumas....we are back home.  After we left St. Augustine, we went off shore and made it to Charleston, SC just before the weather deteriorated.  We spent a few days there waiting on a good weather window to head back out.  While in Charleston, we enjoyed a visit with our dear friends, went for a much needed grocery run, caught up on laundry and Captain Man fixed a few minor repairs on the boat.   A few days later, we were ready to move on and the weather was cooperative.   

Charleston's United States Custom House

 

 

 

 

A huge 3-masted schooner at the Charleston City Marina

Part of Charleston Harbor

About 28 hours later, we headed in to Beaufort Inlet in NC!!! and I was one happy gal.  We were exhausted and ready for a good night sleep, so we anchored out of the ICW and got much needed rest before starting for Oriental.  We decided since we were nearing the end of this trip, why not spend one night in Oriental before docking the boat at home.  So we tied up to the free dock and enjoyed ice cream from the coffee shop, and later a great meal at M&M's.  

The channel entrance to Oriental

Shrimp trawlers at dock

Close to the marina and free docks

Next morning we had our coffee en route to Washington.  It is only about 8-10 hours from Oriental via Sun Daze.  It started off calm and a few hours later we were able to put up the head sail and motor sail the rest of the way.  It was a beautiful day to come home.  We sailed by our house on the way to the docks and I was excited to get off the boat and check on the house.  

I see home!

I see our house!

Getting ready to pass thru the railroad bridge

This trip was a bit different, in that we incurred some setbacks with the engine adventure, but it was another great experience and we had a fabulous time.  It always amazes me how quickly the time flies during our trips, it seems like no time at all we were preparing to head out for this trip and now it is over.  But we are blessed to have been able to go and to come back safely.   

And so here we are....time to get back into work mode!!!

Until next time...

Enjoy!

 

St. Augustine! "Nation's Oldest City"

Grace United Methodist Church

When cruising this area, we always stop in St. Augustine.  We dock the boat at the City Marina and hang out for a few days.   St. Augustine is a special place.   Yes, it is a tourist haven, but we love the Spanish colonial-era buildings, the 1800's architecture, world class art galleries, a host of live music opportunities, and of course...the food!

First stop for us is the A1A Brewery.   Captain Man loves a IPA, so this place is a must for us. 

 

No longer a brewery, but lots of beer choices

Our appetizer

Our appetizer for the evening was a hummus platter, served with cucumbers, kalamata olives, marinated tomatoes and toasted pita wedges.  I opted for prosecco, as I am not a big fan of beer. 

Flagler College 

After a bite to eat, we set off to stroll the streets.  Flagler College is located here and if you ever visit St. Augustine, please take a tour of this college.  Captain Man and I did several years ago and it is well worth seeing.  Originally started as a luxury resort hotel built by Henry Flagler in 1888, it is now a private college.   And a beautiful one...Spanish Renaissance architecture with intricate woodwork, marble mosaics and beautiful leaded glass.  It has been voted the most beautiful college in Florida.

One of the many leaded glass windows

Flagler College

A view of some of the intricate wood and stonework

Next stop (because we are getting hungry again!)...Sangrias Tapas and Wine Bar. 

We like this place because it offers outside seating with second story view of Hypolita Street.  Nice place to enjoy people watching.

 
 

 

Overlooking the street

Blackened shrimp salad for me, ceviche for Captain Man

The next evening, we decided to try a new place...Gaufre's & Goods, located on the oldest street in the city.  It offers Greek and Polish fare and was fantastic.  

Our sweet waitress recommended I try their Makedonikos wine, my first taste of a wine from Greece.  It's a dry red wine much like a syrah and much enjoyed by me.  We started with their Greek Sampler platter consisting of three greek dips, a tzaziki, a melitzanosalata, and a hummus dip.  Yummy.  Next, Captain Man and I shared an entree, their Yemista, a greek dish of stuffed tomato and peppers.  Oh my, very good.  This place is definitely one to add to our favs list.

Our sampler platter

Our shared entree

Yep, you are right, Captain Man and I love to eat.  And St. Augustine offers many choices.  

We did do things other than eating...a little shopping, lots of walking, some boat chores...laundry, cleaning, and a few fix it kind of things...and enjoyed some live entertainment.

We could not miss another opportunity to visit Tradewinds Lounge for some live entertainment.  Again this visit did not disappoint.  They have some of the best live music in Florida, and you never know who may be in the audience.  Captain Man was here several years ago and saw the lead guitarist from Santana here.  And he was spotted by the house band and joined them playing great music for the rest of the evening.  

Great fun.  But, can't stay forever.  Time to move on.  So back to the boat and sea.  Next stop... Charleston, SC.

So for now...

Enjoy!

Time to Head Back Home!

After being in the Exumas less than 2 weeks, it is time to head back to the states.  Time flew by and it was a blast but we have jobs and chores to get back to in NC.  So... we said our good byes and left Farmer's Cay to head north.

Time to say good bye

We got as far as Nassau and spent the evening in Rose Island anchorage.   The weather was conducive for off shore, so Captain Man upped anchor and we left Nassau headed for Grand Bahama.  We got as far as Slaughter Harbor in the Berry Islands and anchored there for the evening in the most serene of areas between two islands.   There we enjoyed the sunset then to bed for some rest.

  

This is what Captain Man refers to as "oily slick"

Hard to discern the sky from water

At midnight, the captain had us heading for Lucaya, Grand Bahama to top off our fuel, and head across the Gulf Stream.  I can tell you I am not much of a off-shore girl.  I prefer calm waters with land in sight, but this crossing was gentle and almost "oily slick".

Twenty six hours later and we headed into Ponce de Leon Inlet, where we cleared  US Customs and had our phones turned back on.  

Off to St. Augustine, Florida!!!

Enjoy!