What a winding series of seemingly unending, vast, shallow, twists and turns the ICW takes through New Jersey. Intense shoaling, full moon tides, and very few anchorages, private and full marinas, made for long hours underway, cautious, slow and sometimes nerve wrecking days. A disabled railroad bridge in Ventnor City also meant we had to go out The Great Egg Harbor Inlet and take the North Atlantic to Atlantic City. We had set out at sunrise and with the rising tide. Damn good thing as even still, we bumped once or twice in the flats.

Atlantic City in sight.

In the late afternoon and at low tide, we finally dropped our anchor in the Forked River. We took the dinghy to a tiki bar and rewarded ourselves with greasy fried food and cold beer 🍻 We stayed up late to watch Montreal Canadians win game 7 to make it into the Stanley Cup finals! So late, it was David’s birthday when we closed our eyes (and when we opened them again too).

Yesterday was more of Huge Jersey, but with beautiful Saturday light and lots of activities on the water. We made it to the Hoffman Marina in Manasquan, NJ by afternoon and are precariously docked in a strong current until we head back out the inlet to the Atlantic on Monday morning when we head to NYC. Wish us favorable winds and following seas, please 💙

Today is laundry day, grocery shopping, boat maintenance and navigation planning. The not so glamorous, but necessary renewing of order, so we can continue on this pilgrimage.

Key West, I have you and your turquoise waters in my mind’s eye. Hold tight while we enjoy the rigorous ride. 🤟🏽