Farewell trek from Stuart

Point Pleasant, United States

Fri, 29 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

Broke the Barneget Inlet at 4:10pm for the last time on our final trek north from Stuart, as we told all our boating buddies that we made it! A bitter sweet moment to be sure! It wasn’t easy all the way until the end and I think the pics will show you why. Just as came within 5 miles of the inlet, the remnants of last night’s storm kicked up the winds and waves for one last test! With the familiar Barnegat Bay now safely in front of us, we should be able to scoot home in about 30 mins to our home port, although the bay is super sloppy this evening! We’ve done this run many times and usually have tracks to follow, but during the storm last night, all our previous tracks were erased. Hmm. Time to make new ones I guess!! 😂 Cap Martin’s had a long day of it, (11 + hours on the water) and I feel for him!! He’s done a marvelous job getting us all the way up the east coast captaining the best boat ever made, the Cheeky Monkey iII ! Kudos to him and the crew! 😉😉😂 👏👏👏👏🎉🎊 And kudos to all of you who wished us well and joined us on our farewell trek from Stuart. It’s been a joy to read your comments! All the best to all of you for a safe and salty summer! 👍😘❤️ Ps will let you know when we finally land!! Landed safe and sound at 5:35pm, thanks to our buddy, Brian, who helped us tie up at our home port and even drove us home!! Thanks everyone and farewell! 😉 It’s great to be home!! 😘

Sometimes the prettiest pics are when you look behind!

I did tell Martin this was a possibility at 4 pm, but there was no way of getting here earlier all the way from Norfolk, VA!

Geez.what’s with all these black clouds following us?

Love seeing the Barnegat Lighthouse on my left side, means we’re coming home!

Just look at these crazy young fishermen heading out this rough, stormy evening, ah, youth!

They love to fish right near these dangerous rocks, yikes! Hope they catch something!

Lovin’ the sight of our familiar old Manataloking Bridge and we don’t even have to have it opened!

Ocean City, United States

Thu, 28 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

Coinjock, United States

Wed, 27 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

Norfolk, United States

Wed, 27 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

Aurora, United States

Tue, 26 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

As happy as we were to reach Beaufort for a well-earned and much needed rest, we are just as happy to leave after four days and get back on the ICW north. Despite the rain everywhere, we’re eager to get home and back to cooler temps. Cast off at 6:45am from Beaufort Docks heading north to what we hope is a relatively quick and efficient stop at the Gregory Poole Caterpillar service center to adjust our wonky port side engine sensor. Fingers crossed they can fix or replace it in record time so we can be on our way. 🤞👍 Listing Dowry Creek or possibly River Forest Marina as our destination, however this is our most optimistic outlook depending on the Cheeky’s repair. Both of these marinas hail as Bellhaven, but the area is so remote it’s not even an option on this app! Our ideal plan, all currently tentative, is to mosey up buggy Core Creek, get fixed up, then bolt to Bellhaven for the night, which puts us in a great position to trek to Coinjock on Wednesday and Norfolk on Thursday. The Atlantic looks doable on Friday and is our only shot to get further north without having to venture up the Chesapeake, which is a significantly longer stretch. Engine update: for the first hour the Cheeky’s port engine issue stymied two Caterpillar techs (the best on the east coast!) until they finally decided our engines are fine, however we do need a new ECM (electronic control module) to ensure correct readings from the engines and eliminate the false alarms. Since it would take several days to install a new module here, and they think it’s still fine to run to Jersey as is, we decided to set off with our sights set on River Forest Marina in Bellhaven, NC (a new one for us!). We’re off the dock by 11am and running fast with only 50 miles in front of us, no problem! Landed at River Forest Marina about 3:30pm, a wonderful recommendation from a fellow boater in Beaufort). Gotta say, this place is a gem! First of all, the easy dockage is the least expensive on the whole east coast, the reasonable fuel is right at the dock, and the welcome drinks are free, along with the golf carts, mini electric cars, and available laundry! Unbelievable! The downpour did not dampen our spirits as we spent our time with Ashley the bartender having complimentary prosecco and spiced cornbread while our clothes dried just next door. We also ordered the most delicious crab soup I’ve ever had!! Yum! 😋 We’re definitely going back for dinner tonight!! On top of all that, the rainstorm completely washed the boat for us! A banner day all around! 👍👍

Rounding the bend out of Beaufort Harbor heading north.

Blue skies trying desperately to clear this seemingly endless grey sky!

Made it to Gregory Poole with a minute to spare! 😂😂 So far, so good! 🤞🍀

Hanging out at Gregory Poole’s. Couldn’t be any more convenient for Cat service!! 👍👍

Soon the water will open wide crossing the Palmico Sound to Bellhaven!

Back to blue skies and white clouds, yippee!

Had just enough time for a 10 minute spin to town and back before the rain poured down!

The historic River Forest Manor House has been visited by James Cagney, Tallulah Bankhead, Twiggy, Frank Sinatra, Twiggy, Burl Ives, Walter Cronkite, and now Captain Martin! 😉😂

Diagnosing the port side engine issue, the techs reset the alarm to a higher level, ensuring that we wouldn’t hear the low level alarm so often. 👍

Beaufort, United States

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

Southport, United States

Thu, 21 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

Off the Wacca Wache dock at 7:15am into what we thought was a light fog over the Waccamaw River, but turned out to be controlled burning. Bummer! Visibility went to zero so we were crawling by radar until it finally cleared up about 30 minutes later. This day has proven to be more interesting than expected. First forest fires, then alligators, and now the prop-threatening rock pile with a huge dredging machine smack in the middle of it! Oh no, wtf, I’m so glad I’m not driving right now! Whew, made it through without incident. One more bridge opening and it should be clear motoring all the way to Southport. Let’s hope so! We’re tailing a 65’ Fleming named King of Nothing, that left the dock about 30 mins before us and at our slow pace, have yet to catch ‘em up. Probably catch him at the next bridge constraint, 😂😂. Sometimes it pays to be little! 😉 Pulled into SafeHarbor, Southport Village, Marina about 3:30pm, just as the wind began to pick up. This is a new marina for us, two miles from where we usually dock at Morningstar Southport. A little mixup of names did the trick and we ended up here, but no worries, there are two nice restaurants to choose from as well as two nice parks for a walk. All good. 👍 PS Finally caught up with King of Nothing, they’re docked right behind us! 😂😂

Morning over Wacca Wache Marina prepping for the days journey to Southport, NC!! Another state nearly behind us!

Cool, old boat across from the marina as we were leaving.

Smoke from the controlled fires certainly surprised us this morning!

Our old Covid masks came in handy for the smoke!! 😂😂

Spotted another croc in the water and we actually saw people swimming in here yesterday! Yikes!

Moving through the dreaded rock pile for the next five miles. Can’t believe there was a little fishing boat in the way with his lines out!

There is so much construction going on around here!

Obstacles everywhere!

Clearing our last foreseeable obstacle, the Little River Swing Bridge north of Myrtle Beach, SC.

Sadly, this little center console miscalculated his exit off the ramp.

Passing by North Myrtle Beach Yacht Club. We’ve stayed here several times, but moving onward today. We’re nearly in NC, one state closer to home! 🎉

Passing through NC ICW. Water is a very pretty turquoise here, not really captured on this pic!

Quiet evening in Southport, NC.

Murrells Inlet, United States

Wed, 20 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

Like a finely timed dance, we prepped the Cheeky for her day’s journey and were off the dock just before 7. We’ve been fortunate with the weather thus far and hope our luck and timing holds out. Our destination, new for us, is the Wacca Wache Marina, which we have passed several times on the inside. Although the ocean looks doable with waves just under 3 ft, we need to be inside to take full advantage of the fuel pump at Wacca Wache that consistently offers the lowest prices on the coast. Our destination is also the home of Brookgreen Gardens, a botanical garden purported to be lovely! We’ll soon let you know, that is, if Uber runs in this somewhat remote region of the country. Fingers crossed, they’re open till 8pm on a Wednesday and so far, it’s our lucky day! Dolphins galore on this lonely stretch of the Intracoastal from Charleston towards Georgetown, our usual stop. This trip we’re headed just beyond, approximately 15-20 miles up the Waccamaw River to the Wacca Wache Marina. Gorgeous part of the US on a nice day, but could be vicious in a storm with all these tiny inlets to the sea! Fueled up and docked safely for the evening by 3:30pm at Wacca Wache Marina, a real gem in SC with hands down, the best prices on the coast! 👍👍

What a busy waterway this is as we traverse the Charleston Harbor towards the ICW north.

Cannot believe the size of this container ship! It’s so huge, how on earth does it move? That little speck on the horizon dwarfed to the left is a large yacht that passed us leaving the marina.

Bob’s track on Aqua Maps reveals just how shallow this section of the ICW can be. The Cheeky has a nice small draft for its size, about 3.5 ft, but we still hold our breath going through the red areas!

Out in the middle of no man’s land!

Beautiful day on the remote ICW!

Eight knot wake from the Cheeky on her slow burn to Wacca Wache.

Livin’ off the grid, no thanks!!

Just like Alfred Hitchcock in The Birds, yikes!

“Nanny,” the little tug that could sits idle.

Gotta love these blue skies!

You see the oddist things on the water! This little center console is pushing this massive dredging crane.

As we passed the dredging machine, the center console Captain pointed at this in the water darting by!! Yikes, no swimming here!

A gorgeous ride down the Waccamaw River just outside the Wacca Wache Marina.

There is a gorgeous garden located five miles from the marina called Brookgreen Gardens that is a must see if you are near by. This is part of the children’s area, Mary Poppin like brollies hanging from the trees and swinging in the breeze! Fun!

Went to the Gardens an hour before closing and it turned out to be a lovely time with the long shadows and sunset lighted sculptures.Definitely with the trip!

The lady at the garden called this the Aha moment, and the cool, old trees are ancient, but everyone else mentioned the famous Christmas display, the Night of 1000 lights, between Thanksgiving and New Years as being the most spectacular. I’d love to see it, but tickets are tough to get!

Charleston, United States

Tue, 19 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

Hilton Head Island, United States

Mon, 18 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

Georgia flats or North Atlantic? That is the question and today’s challenge. The wind is nil (nice!) and the waves are about 2 ft, so what’s the problem? The wind is from the south east, what little there is and it seems fine. Hmm, looks like we may be in the troughs for awhile but it does save 20 miles and gets us in 3 hours earlier. What’s your guess? So, the morning heat and attack of the flies helped to solidify our decision to head to the ocean rather than spend our day leisurely winding our way through Georgia. South Carolina here we come, bouncing all the way. Not for the faint of heart! And for the record, these are definitely not two footers! Made it to Tybee Inlet before noon, confirming it was a good call to skip Georgia's long and winding ICW. We reasoned we’d rather break down on the ocean than break down in remote Georgia in the middle of nowhere. Such choices! 😜 Anyway, super happy we made it! Cruised into Palmetto Bay Marina about 1:30pm, where we immediately met up with our former Stuart buddies Chris and Frank and their little dog, Dorrie, from Yup! Great! Now we have a whole afternoon to do laundry, wash up, and catch up with old friends, who summer here after spending this past winter in the Florida keys. Since Chris and Frank have a car, we can venture beyond the regular marina dining, which is typically fine, but they have a better place in mind called Char Bar, so that’s where we’re headed!

Heading out to the Norrth Atlantic for the first time this trip. Wish us luck! 🍀🤞👍

The ultimate claw machine!

The inlets in this part of the US are endless, as we take on some 5-6 foot rouge waves! Nothing the Cheeky and crew can’t handle, but definitely not the 2 footers predicted on Fishweather. Just made the turn north instead of east, thank goodness, and it’s somewhat better. The pelicans don’t seem to mind! 😂

Looks flat, but it’s not!

Full steam ahead, 24.4 kts, 48 miles to go! 👍

Thought this fishing boat was an airplane at first!

Lots of fishing going on here. We could tell them just where the fish are since we passed loads along the way!

Huge fire on land as we approach Hilton Head, which was visible from the ocean! The dolphin love the hum of the Cheeky and often play off her bow, but I’ve yet to get a good shot, they’re so fast! 📸

American Liberty cruise ship anchored off our port side near Hilton Head Harbortown.

Once you get past the smoke, it’s a beautiful day!

Had a lovely sushi dinner with Chris, Frank, and their friend, Mark, at Char Bar (half price on Mondays!). Perfect temps here tonight as we strolled home to the Cheeky Monkey😊

Early to bed for us tonight, ninety miles to Charleston tomorrow on the inside! 😴💤

Jekyll Island, United States

Sun, 17 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

Fernandina Beach, United States

Sat, 16 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

Caught the 7:30am opening of the Three Lions Bridge after a smooth departure. According to the bridge tender, today’s electrical issue is a high pitch ring on our main radio. Yesterday's was the rudder sensor and of course remember the dreaded engine sensor from day one. Hmm, we’re racking up quite the list! Such is life on a moving vessel, although sometimes you don’t even need to move and something breaks! 🤷‍♀️😜 Our strategy this trip, our last from Florida, is taking it nice and easy, meandering our way through the ICW and spending a few days in Beaufort, NC. There is a Caterpillar repair facility 8 miles from there, right on the ICW, and we’re poised for a stop to resolve any issues. How convenient is that! Today’s destination is Fernandina Beach, an adorable little town with lovely restaurants and shops, but also with the potential for a smelly paper-factory odor depending on which way the wind blows. Hope it’s not our way this time! 😂😂 Docked into Fernandina Beach at 2:45pm, hitting squarely at low tide, which is not highly recommended, oops! Anyway, we made it without running aground, thank goodness (unlike the guy we passed on the way in)! Be forewarned, water is only about 5 ft here at its lowest. Booked into the restaurant Espana again after hearing from our Stuart dock friends that it’s the best paella ever. I remember it being a lovely garden setting so that’s where we’re headed this evening, yum! 😋

On our way through the Bridge of Lions 7:30am opening. Thought Twin Cove was sleeping until we heard them tell the bridge tender they were moving at 8. Slackers!! 😂😂

The flats of Florida on a slow meander.

This guy loved catching our wake as we strolled by.

Beautiful day!

Jet skiers galore off our bow!

Sometimes it’s a bit of a tight squeeze!

Hey Mateys, we’re back in Fernandina!!

The Cheeky claimed the last spot on the dock for the night, giving the crew a beautiful view! Martin was treated to a fantastic dolphin show while I went shopping. 🐬🐬🐬 Should have stayed on board!!

View from the Fernandina Beach Marina. Loads of sailboats moor in the Amelia River across from the marina, which makes a lovely evening pic!

Sunrise over Fernandina Beach.

The Cheeky Monkey ready for her day’s journey to Jekyll Island.

Saint Augustine, United States

Fri, 15 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

Beat a quick exit out of NSB this morning when we realized that the George Mason Bridge only opens on the hour and half hour and it was already 7:10! Some fast action on the part of the Captain and first mate got us there in the nick of time. Hurray, we’re off to a great start! 🤞 Been keeping intermittent pace with Sea Dawg and Twin Cove, both heading in our direction. Otherwise, the waterways are relatively quiet, indicating that all the snow birds returned earlier, or that we’re one of the few remaining crazy people willing to go north paying $6.72 gal to fill up a 470 gallon tank! 😳 Landed successfully in Saint Augustine about 3.30pm despite a reservation mixup. Martin had called, but had never received an email confirmation, oops! Always good to double check I guess. Thankfully, the St. Augustine Municipal Marina was able to accommodate us in a lovely catamaran slip next to the Three Lions Bridge that was vacant for this evening. Whew! We were ready for our afternoon break. Twin Cove, who tailed us all afternoon, picked up a mooring ball on the other side of the bridge and is directly across the waterway just off our stern. FYI, the mooring field is also run by the municipal marina, good to know! There are a multitude of restaurants to choose from in St. Augustine, but I know of only one the Captain has in mind and that is the Tini Martini Bar, ha, ha! Don’t know if I dare join him in his somewhat dastardly pursuits, but certainly tempting! 🏴‍☠️😂 TBD!

Beautiful, still morning on the Indian River North as we cruise past the sleepy sailors anchored just outside the channel.

George Mason bridge — just made it for the 7:30 opening with two minutes to spare! Otherwise, 8am would be a pathetic time for any cruisers’ early morning departure. 😂😂

Approaching the skyline of Daytona Beach, a familiar sight.

The Cheeky all nicely tucked into her secure berth for the night.

Our view from the Cheeky overlooking the Three Lions Bridge. We got super lucky with this upgraded slip at the last minute when our reservation was lost!

Our traveling buddy, Twin Cove, across the way.

Off to the Tini Martini with the Municipal Marina behind us.

Sunset from our slip. This place is happenin’!

Interesting morning clouds as we depart from St Augustine with our sights set on Fernandina Beach. Although the engines are running great, like they always do, and the ocean is doable, we’re staying inside until we resolve our sensor issue, just in case!

Hey mateys, they still have the pirate ship!

New Smyrna Beach, United States

Thu, 14 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

On our way again at a leisurely 7:45am, leaving funky, partying Eau Gallie behind. In our search for a new home slip for the winter, Eau Gallie is cute, but it’s not the one. Chances are this will be our last trip this far south with the CMIII anyway so no worries, all is well. Another chapter begins! Just past Cocoa Village, the anticipation of Haulover Canal begins. This tiny crossover canal in the ICW (intracoastal waterway) is the most biodiverse on the whole coast, with palm trees next to pine trees and manatees galore! We once saw an alligator cross our path! In the autumn, it’s very quiet, but since our late departure from Stuart this year, I’m anticipating bustling summer action in the canal. We shall soon see! 😊 Haulover Canal did not disappoint as we spotted a huge manatee, many dolphins and several long-legged birds, among the numerous friendly fishermen. Cool! The wind picked up as we exited the canal and as Martin was readjusting the antenna we had put down to get under the bridge, he accidentally cracked our brittle canvas that was really on its last legs anyway. Oops! Luckily, I always have my trusty “ready post clear mailing tape,” so we made a quick repair and continued on our way. It doesn’t look pretty, but it’s still holding!! 😂👍 Pulled into New Smyrna Marina slip on the fuel dock at 3:35pm, which is handy because then we don’t need to move again to get filled up with diesel, great! Unfortunately our New Smyrna Beach buddies, Bonni and Steve are busy moving her brother today, so we’ll have to catch them next time we’re in town. 🥲 The weather looks sunny for the foreseeable future so we won’t be hangin’ here long. A quick cleanup, dinner at Outriggers, a good night’s rest, and we’ll be on our way home bright and early tomorrow morning. Yippee!

Ready for a night out at The Garlic!

Heading back to the long and windy Indian River for the day!

Morning sunshine as we round the bend northbound to NSB. Finally no thunderstorms predicted today! 👍☀️

The Cheeky Monkey III stands at the ready!

Cute, little sailboat making her way north too.

Passing Cocoa Village, a marina we have visited many times before, but have since abandoned due to its difficult docking scenarios. Even though Ken the Cocoa Village dock master is right on it and the town is fun, I wouldn’t attempt this dockage again on a windy day. Eau Gaille, a known hurricane hole just a little further south, is so much more calm and stress free, my kind of place! 👍

Leaving Cocoa in our dust and heading to the Haulover canal, the Cheeky flies! For most of this final trip north, we plan to go trawler speed, which is about 8 kts, conserving fuel and taking our good, old retired-life time, but every once in a while, Captain Martin, springs the Cheeky’s engines into action and we fly at 26 kts! 😉 😂

Entrance to the Haulover Canal, just north of NASA railway bridge.

I spy a manatee!

So pretty here!

Lots of diverse life, including northern pines right next to southern palm trees coexisting here.

If you are 25 ft or under at high tide, you should be able to make it under this bridge without an opening, but don’t take my word for it without measuring! We are 22 ft with our antenna down and we made it no sweat!

If you ever find yourself near New Smyrna Beach, do yourself a favor and visit The Garlic, the most unique restaurant experience ever!

Eau Gallie

Wed, 13 May 2026 11:50:00 -0400