Mike and Patty's Great Loop Adventure 2018-2019

Summit North Marina in Bear, Delaware to Utsch's Marina in Cape May, New Jersey

Day #344: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DAD BURDO. From last evening Mike beat me at cribbage. The two of us were up at 4:15 A.M. to prepare for departure. I packed breakfast, lunch and snacks to have up on the flying bridge as the winds and waves were suppose to be up a bit today. Engines were started at 5:00 A.M. and "Parrot Bay" was clear of the dock at 5:05 A.M. "Parrot Bay" was at the C & D Canal Lift Bridge at 5:15 A.M. At 5:30 A.M. "Parrot Bay" was at the William V. Roth Jr. bridge and the boat speed was 10.1 miles per hour at 2100 RPMs due to the boost from the tidal current in our direction. "Parrot Bay" under the St. George's Bridge at 5:35 A.M. At 5:50 A.M. "Parrot Bay" was at Reedy Point Bridge. At 6:00 A.M. "Parrot Bay" entered the Delaware River. Loopers "Scailwag" , "Kalani" and "Alysana" just ahead of "Parrot Bay" as the three boats came out of Delaware City. I was communicating with Looper boat "INNTW" (If Not Now Then When) they also came out of Delaware City but they were behind "Parrot Bay". At 6:10 A.M. "Parrot Bay" passed the anchored tug/barge "Wendell Sea". At 6:20 A.M. the boat speed was 6.6 miles per hour at 2100 RPMs due to the tidal current against. "Parrot Bay" passed the anchored tug/barge "Genesis Valliant" at Hope Creek Generating Station. At 7:05 A.M. "Parrot Bay" passed the tug/barge "Purple Hays". At 9:00 A.M. "Parrot Bay" was at the Ship John Light. At that time the boat speed was 9.6 miles per hour (2100 RPMs) with seas 2 foot or less and the end of the Delaware River entering the Delaware Bay. At 9:20 A.M. "Parrot Bay" passed USCG "William Tate" with a boat speed of 10.2 miles per hour with seas of 2 foot with an occasional 3 footer. At 9:50 A.M. "Parrot Bay" was at the Elbow of Cross Ledge Light with a boat speed of 11.0 miles per hour. At that time Mike altered course to Cape May following the three looper boats ahead of "Parrot Bay". This is where Mike and I officially crossed into New Jersey. Kelly from "INNTW" was told that there was no room at Utsch's Marina and they are going to South Jersey Shore Marina. At 10:30 A.M. "Parrot Bay" passed the containership "YM Express". "Parrot Bay" passed the bulk tanker "Flagship Willow" at 10:40 A.M. At 12:05 P.M. "Parrot Bay" entered the Cape May Canal with lots of dolphins at the entrance to the canal. At 12:45 P.M. "Parrot Bay" was secure at Utsch's Marina after traveling 67.7 miles (4,044.3 miles total for the trip). "INNTW" sent text that Utsch's Marina called them back they will be at the marina shortly. At least five looper boats at Utsch's Marina. Mike and I got the boat cleaned up and prepared for more rain this evening. Kelly from "INNTW" wanted to know when it would be a good time for docktails. Mike and I headed down to talk to Mike and Kelly it was decided that 5:00 P.M. would be a good time for docktails. The two of us tried to go to the Lobster House Restaurant for a late lunch/early dinner at 3:10 P.M. but they closed between 3-4:30 P.M. We headed back to the boat. I sent text invitations to Looper boats at Utsch's Marina regarding docktails at 5:00 P.M. Mike and I had a small happy hour while taking a rest after the boat ride this morning. Docktails at 5:00 P.M. was a success that included "INNTW", "Kalani", "Alysana", "Drift Away" and "Parrot Bay". At 7:45 P.M. Mike and I did a Happy Birthday FaceTime with Mom and Dad Burdo.