Saturday, April 29, 2023

1964 Alcort Sunfish ANNA Arrives

29 Apr 2023:

We were procrastinating on the Catfish repairs and wooden Sunfish build, so what better way to get over that than to buy a sunburnt 1964 ALCORT Sunfish off of fb Marketplace? Threw a dolly on the ole picker trailer and off we went to Waverly, VA.

They were asking $700 and had a sad medical story, so we humbly paid $700. They didn't know how to sail and had traded services for the boat, never got around to sailing, so her history is cloaked. All the period correct parts are mostly there, the hull was light, spars semi straight, factory blades with only a little flaking bondo. Sail...yes, there is a factory sail. Loading was easy peasy.


The deck was a dark red/maroon, and other than the burnt gelcoat it is pristine. It will be interesting to see if wet sanding produces an acceptable return to glory. And yes, the hole is supposed to be there in the Serial No. plate, that's the hull vent for early 60s boats. Original hull color visible through the vent hole.





ANNA wedged herself into the Carriage House and is chatting with EXCUSE ME.


The sail has seen better days, but we will clean it as best we can and use it for something.


Boat Shop Step Stool

 29 Apr 23:

Every boat shop should have step stool, they are so useful it is the first thing that a shop should have. The one in our shop is so useful that I made one to use in the house, and painted a signal flag on it with a family member's initial. ALPHA hangs out around the rocking chairs for use as a step stool.


Well, if one family member got a step stool with their initial on it, will the other family members feel slighted? Best to go ahead and make a few more. The step stools are fun to make and keep the scrap piles low. BRAVO likes to hold up the potato basket and is handy for high shelves in the pantry.


JULIET spent a little time in the Florida Carriage House, as evidenced by paint splatters, before being called to the main quarters for duty. It gets used in the lantry (laundry room-pantry).

Then because I didn't have a step stool, KILO. It spent some time out in the direct weather on the Wheel Deck to see how the paint held up, after 6 months or so it still looked good. Then KILO came inside for Granddaughter's use to help Grandma make blueberry muffins. 


Our first shop stool, WALDO. 

Friday, April 28, 2023

Snapping Turtle

 26 Apr 23:

Went walking in the rain today and saw a turtle getting a ride on a shovel. How's your day going?


The turtle had been going back and forth in the middle of the long creek bridge for an hour or so, so the Parks and Rec gentleman thought maybe it was trying to get to the creek below. With people and dogs using the bridge, he decided it might be best to help the turtle back to the creek. Turtle didn't seem to mind.

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Wisteria vs Scuppernong

 27 Apr 23:

The wisteria is winning the race against the scuppernong, but experience tells us that the grapes win the long term competition. And SMEDLEY notes that if it is warm enough for wisteria bloom, it's probably warm enough to get back to work on her fiberglass repairs...

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Cypress Creek Kayak Launch

 20 Apr 23:

Checked out the kayak/canoe launch on Cypress Creek in Smithfield, VA, part of the Windsor Castle Park complex. Nice launch area and there are kayak rentals during the Summer season. Cypress Creek offers miles of nice water to paddle, walking trail and bike trail. There are no park fees but kayak rental does have a small fee. PFDs required and provided. Lots of fun small hotels and restaurants within 1 mile, plus a very nice Marina/Hotel/Restaurant and shops at nearby Smithfield Station on the Pagan River, which Cypress Creek flows into.








Lewis Boat Works Update

 20 Apr 23:

Big happenings at the Boat Works...ok, not really. But here's a recap and what's coming up next.

Lewis Boat Works Update: https://youtu.be/7xZGAu7PUuw


Looking towards the Boat Works Shed.


Wheel Deck and Sunfish Shack.


Work Deck.


Panorama.


Wheel Deck and Sunfish Shack plus part of our trailer fleet.


Sunday, April 16, 2023

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

 16 Apr 23:

Skipper and I went to check out Constant's Wharf in Suffolk, VA, situated midway up the Nansemond River, which is named for the local indigenous tribe of the time. John Constant set up trading operations in the early 1700s, about 15 miles upstream from the James River. Skipper had cousins who operated ferries to and from the wharf to nearby and not so nearby lands, transporting produce, tobacco, lumber, etc...and by "ferry" they are describing flats or sailboats, riding the tide on the rivers and setting sail when able.


John Smith made 3 expeditions out of Jamestown Island, with the Nansemond River being the furthest South that the party travelled. His group of explorers and local native guides covered around 3000 miles by water and land. He reported that he placed or marked 20+ Maltese crosses at the furthest points that he ventured, claiming land for the Crown. More about those 20 or so crosses in a future post. 






In the Olden Days it would not be uncommon to see 3 or 4 masted schooners in the river, running cargo to and from points North, East or  across the Atlantic. As steam power came onto the scene, it was possible to leave early in the morning and be in New York early the next morning, vs bumping across farm fields in a buggy for a week. 

Looking North. The bridge across the Nansemond was a drawbridge until the middle of the 1900s.


Modern day there is a nice marina, situated near downtown and a nice Hilton Garden Inn. Garmin charts show 9-11 feet in the channel.




Low tide, down about a foot. Tidal range here is 3-4 feet, so it is evident that the banks have silted in just a little since the 1800s, as nearby land was stripped of trees. The latest information we have is that the river channel is supposed to be kept dredged to 12 feet. Trade tapered off as the railroad flourished mid 19th Century, followed by the road network in the mid 1900s. Not to mention the wharf businesses liked to catch on fire, either with help from the British during the Revolutionary War, or from wayward stable fires. 



Barges and boats used to play in this canal, and for miles along the shoreline there were several large businesses that hosted ocean going schooners. Remnants of docks and piers remain. The fact that the Nansemond is damned up just a 1/2 mile upstream does not help the water levels.



About a 1/4 mile downstream shingles and lumber were brought by bage from the Great Dismal Swamp, hence the name Shingles Creek on topo and nautical charts. The creek is no longer navigable to the swamp, except maybe with a few portages. 


Those interested in visiting by water can check out Garmin's Active Captain, there is a number to call at the Suffolk Parks and Rec Department to reserve a spot at the docks. 


JENNIE BELL was one of the last ships to make it upriver, ships of this size were assisted by tugs when the river got twisty.

Friday, April 14, 2023

Sweetgrass

 15 Apr 23:

We got a free bit of sweetgrass, and hope it will grow here. If it does, it should help keep evil spirits away, mosquitoes among those. Hopefully in a year we'll have a big patch of it, one of our native medicines.

Thursday, April 6, 2023

CLC Big Little Boat Festival 13 May Centreville MD

 06 Apr 23:

Chesapeake Light Craft is having their Big Little Boat Festival May 13th, in Centreville, MD, Chester River. Great opportunity to check out some wonderful boats and get your kit on order...I'm talking about you Ricky :)

We were considering the Wood Duck 12 and another favorite is the Eastport Pram.

Image: Chesapeake Light Craft

Image: Chesapeake Light Craft

Join us for a day at Conquest Beach on the beautiful Chester river. Demo CLC boats, participate in seminars, kids' cardboard boat building, on-site camping and more!

This is an excellent chance to try our range of boats on the river.

  • On-Water Demos: 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 4:30pm

  • Nicky Stimpson will be on the beach during demo hours for informal coaching on SUP or rowing.

  • Technical Seminars: 10am, 12pm, 2pm (exact schedule TBA)

  • Kids' Cardboard Boat Building & Racing: 1pm

  • Boatbuilding Awards, 4pm

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

PPE Reminder

 05 Apr 23:

Might be time to check the supplies and order, we needed some N95 Cool Flow respirators, which were hard to find during the pandemic. Spring Commissioning time is now for many, and right around the corner for our Northern neighbors.


We like the cool flow valve as it helps keep safety glasses from fogging up.

WoodenBoat Magazine 25th Anniversary 1999

 05 Apr 23:

We've been sorting a collection of WoodenBoat Magazines, getting it ready to take to the Mariners' Museum. We didn't start subscribing until around 2011, so it has been fun looking at a few back issues, this one the 25th Anniversary issue in 1999. 


Some print back issues can be found online, and all of the issues have been digitized by WoodenBoat and are available at the WoodenBoat Store.

Occupational Therapy

 05 Apr 23:

Part of Skipper's back rehab, go down to the creek and taunt wildlife. There's a few small hills to add to the excitement, a mucky marsh, plus a creek and air critters. An osprey has a nest nearby and we've seen some juvenile eagles and white heron. 2 small bears reported but no sign of them., according to the squirrels.




A hint of green in the marsh.


Japanese cherry tree blooming