May 17, 2013

Wednesday, May 15, 2013.  Today Jeff drove Lisa and I to Boston so we could fly back to the boat, which is at Barefoot Marina in Myrtle Beach, SC.  The flight was uneventful, uninspiring, boring and no fun, but we arrive in Myrtle Beach on time and safe.  We rented a car and headed to the boat.  Afterward, we went to Dinner at T-Bones and ate off the Happy Hour Menu.  Dinner and beers for both of us for $20.  Hard to beat.

This is Bike Week in Myrtle Beach.  One of three they have every year.  Two are in May, one for whites and one for blacks (segregation is alive and well here). A third one is held in October. Not sure what week this is as we see people of all colors and bikes of all kinds.  Strangely enough, most of the restaurants are not full of bikers – although we have been told that the booths selling beer are doing very well.

Click here for some Bike Week images

Click here for more Bike Week info

Thursday, May 16, 2013.  Today is a work day to get the boat ready for the trip to the Chesapeake.  Installed a new raw water filter for the main engine.  The old one cracked, although not sure how.  Changed the main engine oil and checked everything.  Checked over the generator and it and the main engine both started right up.  Filled up on fuel and water. Made grocery lists and did some route planning.  Dinner on board.

Friday, May 17, 2013.  Grocery shopping and other essentials from Walmart.  Stowed everything, changed the raw water filter element for the air conditioners, and returned the rental car.  Dinner at Dirty Don’s at the marina.  Bar food, but good and it was happy hour so another cheap dinner for two.  Tomorrow, we head north to at least Southport, NC.

We talked with four different marinas in the Chesapeake today.  They all pretty much have similar pricing.  It looks like prices have come down in the last 2-3 years compared to what was/is listed for rates on their websites.  Maybe the economy is helping us out in this effort at least.  We are pretty sure we will leave the boat at Oxford, MD for the summer.  We are familiar with the area and have friends there.

Stay tuned for more updates.