It started off well enough.

We awakened to Bushranger gently swinging on a steadfast anchor in a calm basin, surrounded by lush marshes. We enjoyed a cooked breakfast as the sun rose above Atlantic City.

Then I ran aground! 

Mark was busy washing mud from the anchor and 60 feet of chain, when he decided to leave the cleaning and takeover the helm. He did, but we didn’t move! I hadn’t realised the bow was aground when the sensors read 6 feet of water. Bummer!

Next was the excruciating exit passage from the basin. We had timed departure on the rising tide, 2 hours after low tide. There was suppose to be 1.5 feet of tide. Bushranger draws 4ft. We exited with the gauges reading 4ft 2 inches. Did I mention I gnawed two fingernails and I may have said a few expletives I don’t usually say!

On through Absecon Bay – a huge waterlogged incredibly shallow estuary that required constant attention. Wind buffeted us the whole crossing. Swirling waters and eddies flowed, and at times, white caps were whipped up. There were lots of bird life and many marshy islands. The zig zag, narrow channel through was excruciating for me, but a welcome challenge for Mark.

The scenery improved when we reached Long Island, NJ. Houses are magnificent with boats moored out front. The channel here was so close to the homes, we could have asked for a cup of coffee as we passed.

Then we entered Barnegat Bay… I thought we had been wind blasted in Absecon Bay! That was nothing compared to Barnegat Bay. This bay is big and although not as shallow as Absecon Bay, we stuck to the channel. At this point I will make an observation about the people in this part of New Jersey. EVERYONE has a boat. And everyone who doesn’t have a boat has a friend with a boat. And every boat is faster and noisier and throws up a wake that tosses Bushranger outrageously.

Now we are in a marina in Tom’s River – in a slip a far cry from Cape May!!!

Did I have fun today? Yeah (apart from my fingernails)! Am I tired? You bet! Did Mark have fun? Absolutely!

Such is Life!