We are feeling so very blessed to have my parents aboard. Especially after Dads recent scare and heart surgery it hits home even more how blessed we are to share this time and experience with them. I didn’t track all of the small trips but we explored Martha’s Vineyard ..a place none of us had ever been. Edgartown was a favorite for sure but the real beauty here was spending irreplaceable time with family.

What a spot. We only got to spend a day here but I can’t say see how you could make some friends and spend some time here for sure! The vibe I got was more just people wanting to have a good time than I did in the last place. People grilling off the back of their boats, community felt tight.. lots of warm hellos that you could tell were more genuine… good times Off the “The Vineyard”

Montauk was nice and worth the stop but I can’t say the place was for me. The energy there is very “Who’s who” and while that has its place in the world it isn’t my vibe right now. Food was great, locals were wonderful but the vibe I couldn’t shake was a little too ‘I gots’

I’m not sure what I expected to see as we transited the Long Island sound hugging the island side, but for some reason the landscape stood out to me as surprising. We saw beautiful homes tucked in trees with beaches sprinkled along the shore, fishing boats and a gentle energy seemed to cover the body of water. Although maybe that’s just because we came from almost a week in the utter chaos of New York City! Montauk though… the energy of the “who’s who” got to me, I couldn’t spend long here personally. Beautiful town, not to be missed, but not my vibe to stay long.

After a couple days in New York it is definitely time to leave. Very fun, awesome city like no other city in the world… but wow is it exhausting. Lindsey and I had never been to the city together and it was a blast. Rented the citi bikes and cruised all over Manhattan, explored Brooklyn, went to a museum… all in all a great couple days in the big apple! Now onward, into the Long Island sound and headed for Montauk!

It is very exciting for both of us having a feeling that a 50 hour run with two overnights feels like no big deal. Nathan: Hey babe, would you be ok if we sent it straight to NYC .. it’s 2 days offshore but we will be there Tuesday Lindsey: Sounds fun let’s send it! I know for many of you reading this you are wondering how a two day was ever a big deal but it was to us. It is making me more excited to continue to build our confidence as we prepare are minds, hearts and bodies for the hopeful Atlantic Crossing! Pulling into the New York harbor also felt like a massive milestone. It brings with it a sense of respect for the ships that sailed into that port over 500 years ago. I have been to NYC a lot but I have never felt the sense of history and reverence as I did pulling in via the Atlantic. Trouble free, smooth trip! Blessed!

I used to own a company in Norfolk so I have visited many times, stayed downtown by the water and looked out at the ships. I also would go run in the mornings by the marinas just in case I could catch a captain with his morning coffee so I could maybe ask questions about his journey. The idea that one day I would be on my own boat transiting through was a distant dream but one I held on to tight. Coming through this area on Ruth Pearl tugged at those emotion strings as I welled up in tears thinking to myself…”wow, we are really doing it”

We were headed to Norfolk when we saw a nice little free dock with power right before the lock… so we said to ourselves.. we should probably stop and make dinner lol. Pretty cool area of the ICW!

Nice cruise up the ICW, really cool to see the houses along the canals. Marina staff was helpful. I can’t say I need to stop here again though… definitely nothing to write home about. And I’m gonna say it.. the prime rib is not good… we are all entitled to our opinions and that’s mine 🫣

Awesome couple days hanging out in this charming little town… but we gotta go! Weather window to grab to send it to the big apple! Lego!