2019: Cape May NJ

October 8, 9, 10, and 11, 2019
Utsch's Marina, Cape May, NJ
No boat travel.

We spent over 4 days in Cape May waiting for the waves to settle in Delaware Bay to a level that would permit us a comfortable transit to the C&D canal and eventually Chesapeake Bay.

While we waited for any opportunity to move on,  Clark worked with Franklin on "Home Too" to improve their on-board equipment to enhance their docking and anchoring capabilities. 

For better protection from damage caused by rubbing on pilings at marinas, Clark helped Franklin make fender boards. The folks at Utsch's marina found 2 2x4s that could be re-purposed into fender boards.  Clark drilled the holes, and Franklin did the assembly. Evelyn mostly watched!

Team Project - Nearly finished fender boards

Franklin applying the finishing touches 

The much larger and time-consuming project entailed swapping out their existing anchor, chain, and rode with a more robust setup. After many hours of measuring, analysis, and discussion, a decision was finally reached on how much line, how much chain, and what type and size anchor to install to replace the existing setup.  They decided on a spade design. Due to the somewhat compact size of the anchor pulpit, much deliberation was put into deciding which  brand and weight of anchor to use for the job to allow it to fit in the available space and hold the boat even in windy conditions.

Although we spent the majority of our time at the marina, we did manage to walk into town twice.  Since it is October, we got to see some seasonal flowers and Halloween decorations. We also visited both locations of a local marine store,  Marine Gear. Franklin bought the anchor project materials there. While there, I found some very inexpensive boat shoes to pick up for Clark and for myself.

Sights we saw around Cape May during our stay and on our walks included ...

Seasonal Pumpkin Patch

Halloween Horse and Ghost

Deserted Downtown Cape May, NJ

Froggy Bicyclist -- at local gas station