Blue Turtle and crew cruised through New York City Harbor on July 5th, 2024 from Atlantic Highlands, NJ (our previous stop). We checked off yet another bucket list item with this one! BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/atlantic-city-to-the-big-apple FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/mood-of-summer License code: Y8OXYLWEK0XIURYC #newyorkcity #newyorkharbor #sailboatlife #sailboatcruising #livingaboard

In early 2024, the Blue Turtle crew made their first trip to the Bahamas. We spent about 2 months cruising the Abacos Islands. We wanted to visit other areas such as the Exumas, but the weather wasn't cooperating the time we were there. Still, the Abacos were amazing and we had the best time island hopping. Our son, Corey, flew in for a long weekend to enjoy some sailing with us as well. Our buddy boat, SV Minx, was super helpful in pointing out the best anchorages, sights to see, etc. I think it's safe to say that Blue Turtle crew will be visiting the Bahamas again in the future. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/twilight-dub License code: J7DQZZNDWFHXMHYU https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/paradise-island License code: U2L7QEDJF02JF1Z3 https://uppbeat.io/t/aylex/sea License code: 8COIZCLR9IEUWZV2 https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/at-the-hotel License code: YKT3WN9DE9CQ5RPP

After spending 6 weeks in Annapolis getting our transmission rebuilt, we headed north anchoring in the Bohemia River. The next day, we transited the C&D Canal and came out on the Delaware River. Our plan was to cruise out Delaware Bay onto the Atlantic and make it to New York and New England, where we would spend the summer. Unfortunately, summer had other plans for us. Our engine started knocking and without any alarm sounding, we ran out of oil. Randy had checked the oil night before and it ended up being a high pressure hose from the oil cooler that was gushing out oil. After attempting to patch it up and make it to a marina, the engine eventually shut down and seized. Summer cruising was over. We were towed to nearby Delaware City Marina where we spent the remainder of the summer having our Perkins engine pulled out and rebuilt. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/taking-up-summer-residence-in-delaware-city FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/volo/with-the-winds License code: SGX7M4T3NKZIZIIF #marineengine #perkinsengine #boatlife #boatprojects #livingaboard #sailboat #sailboatlife #delaware #delawarecity #chesapeake

Here are some snippets from our 6 weeks stuck in Annapolis with a busted transmission. We had the transmission pulled out, rebuilt (by Transatlantic Diesel) and reinstalled. It was lengthy and costly project, hence the title "Transmission Blues." BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/annapolis-and-the-transmission-blues FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/anatolia License code: ARXQY77TQUPLQXLB Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/sensho/glow License code: N9MBECSAC5QB6MSC

After our stay in Hampton, it was time to move on. We had a couple days of lumpy seas with head winds blowing 15-25 knots. We end up aborting our plan to head to Solomons Island and duck into Cornfield Harbor to anchor near Point Lookout State Park. Since it was early in the day, we went to shore to explore this historic area located at the tip of St. Mary's County where the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River meet. The next morning, we headed to Annapolis with the winds still at our bow. Upon arriving in Annapolis, we discover an issue with our transmission and grab a mooring ball where we stay for 2 weeks while waiting to get into a nearby yard. During that time, we got to see the Blue Angels airshow right over the mooring field, explore the town and Naval Academy and check out the Pride Festival. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/northbound-on-chesapeake-bay-hampton-va-to-annapolis-md FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle #annapolismd #usnavy #blueangels #pridefest #pointlookoutstatepark #maryland #livingaboard #sailboatcruising #cruisingcouple #travelblog #chesapeake #lighthouse Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/nick-petrov/with-the-winds License code: GP4SVMAJD7NW30UC Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: PFRUBNHHZ5E3WRCF

After we left Beaufort, NC, we cruised north on the ICW through the Bay and Pamlico Rivers to the Pungo River/Alligator River Canal across the Albemarle Sound. From there, we dock for the night at the free docks on the east side of the Great Bridge and Lock in Chesapeake, VA. Once we pass through the lock, we navigate the through the container ships and naval fleet (and a submarine!), past Norfolk to Hampton, VA. We spent a few days in Hampton exploring Fort Monroe and the downtown Hampton area before heading out into Chesapeake Bay. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/icw-to-chesapeake-bay-beaufort-nc-to-hamptonva FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus License code: YKHKTOFNNY8XTB53

After leaving Charleston, it was time to cruise north. We first stopped in Georgetown, SC where we got to attend the Georgetown Food, Beer & Wine Festival. Then it was on to Wrightsville Beach and Beaufort, NC. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/icw-atlantic-ocean-northbound-georgetown-sc-to-wrightsville-beach-beaufort-nc FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle #sailboatlife #liveaboard #liveaboardlife #liveaboardsailboat #livingaboard #cruising #cruisingcouple #sailinglife #sailingyacht #cruisinglife #sailinglifestyle #sailboatcruising #minimalism #travelblog #adventure #dachshund #dachshundlove #onthewater #oceanlife #caribbeansailingyacht #blueturtlecruising #northcarolina #wrightsvillebeach #beaufortnc #georgetownsc #historicalplaces #southcarolina #intracoastalwaterway #uppbeat Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/new-adventure License code: VGKQZBQREPC62UFA https://uppbeat.io/t/jacob-nicou/squirrel License code: AYJEDLNHMB4YDBOV https://uppbeat.io/t/spinnin-tape/no-joyce License code: 4MG3NLZ2BLPMXTEX

11 years ago, Randy and I made a decision that would greatly change and impact our lives for the better. We purchased a 1974 Defever Passagemaker trawler and quickly learned that life would never be the same. A wonderful world opened up for us as we lived aboard our boat full time and cruised all over Southwest Florida, the Keys and Dry Tortugas. We lived aboard our trawler, Blue Turtle, for 9.5 years while working full time and raising our son. I even ran my graphic/web design business from the boat for the majority of the time I had it. We embraced living minimally, selling most of our stuff and moving everything we owned onto the boat. We never even had a storage unit. It turns out that living below our means all those years has paid off and allowed us both to retire early and cruise full time. In 2021, we sold our trawler and purchased a 1978 CSY Walkover sailboat, which we also named Blue Turtle. In April 2022, we began cruising full-time along the eastern coast of the U.S. with plans to (hopefully) make it to the Bahamas this winter. Cruising full time without a home port definitely has its own set of challenges and I can't say that living aboard has been all sunsets, rainbows and cocktails, but we couldn't think of life any other way. The experiences we've had and the amazing friends we've met along our journey is what makes this lifestyle so incredibly amazing. Hope you enjoy the photos as we take a walk down memory lane looking at the evolution of our live aboard life. Cheers! BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/celebrating-11-years-living-aboard-full-time FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle . #livingaboard #liveaboard #minimalism #tinyhomeliving #oceanlife #onthewater #cruising #cruisinglife #uppbeat #liveaboardlife #liveaboardsailboat #liveaboardtrawler #trawler #sailboat #defever #caribbeansailingyacht #travelblogger #travel #sailboatcruising Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana License code: MYIO5UCPD4SF0CL8 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/bamboo License code: EOXGYFAA5B4SSP3T

The last 2 times we visited Charleston, it was only for a couple of days. We really didn't get to spend much time exploring the city and its historic buildings and streets. Since we had a full week, we had plenty of time to walk all over the downtown area. And boy, did we walk! With Sophie in her stroller, we clocked about 25 miles in just the first 3 days there. We were able to explore most of the historic area's landmarks and mansions as well as the beautiful campus of the College of Charleston. We walked through Joe Riley Waterfront Park and Battery Park. Checked out mansions and buildings on South Battery Street, Legare Street, Tradd Street, Church Street, and East Bay Street, also known as "Rainbow Row." We also strolled through the Charleston City Market, one of the nation's oldest public markets. Established in the 1790's, the market spans 4 city blocks and is home to over 300 vibrant entrepreneurs. We also took a water taxi over to Patriots Point were we explored the WWII aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, destroyer USS Laffy and the Vietnam Experience Exhibit. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/third-times-a-charm-doing-charleston-right FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle #sailboatlife #liveaboard #liveaboardlife #liveaboardsailboat #livingaboard #cruising #cruisingcouple #sailinglife #sailingyacht #cruisinglife #sailinglifestyle #sailboatcruising #minimalism #travelblog #dachshund #dachshundlove #onthewater #oceanlife #caribbeansailingyacht #blueturtlecruising #plantationhomes #historichomes #lowcountry #historicalplaces #charlestonsc #charlestoncitymarket #ussyorktown #patriotspoint #usslaffey #southcarolina #intracoastalwaterway Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: VFUGQFEGE4UBONEB https://uppbeat.io/t/konstantin-garbuzyuk/weekend-livin License code: 6GDTGGLCRO4TT0BL https://uppbeat.io/t/volo/with-the-winds License code: ZR7HLJLFS8XIJ69P

On our previous stops in Beaufort, SC, we only stayed a day or two which really only gave us time to checkout the beautiful waterfront park and nearby shops. This time, we stayed about a week and it was nice to have that extra time to explore this cruiser-friendly town some more. After hunkering down through a 2 day cold front, we finally got off the boat to explore the huge mansions that line the historic district, known as "The Point". BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/exploring-beaufort-sc-historic-homes-live-oaks-and-lowcountry-charm FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle #sailboatlife #liveaboard #liveaboardlife #liveaboardsailboat #livingaboard #cruising #cruisingcouple #sailinglife #sailingyacht #cruisinglife #sailinglifestyle #sailboatcruising #minimalism #travelblog #dachshund #dachshundlove #onthewater #oceanlife #caribbeansailingyacht #blueturtlecruising #plantationhomes #historichomes #lowcountry #historicalplaces #beaufortsc #southcarolina #intracoastalwaterway Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/gold License code: MWN4B52AG4EXSQJO

After spending 2 months in the St. Augustine mooring field, it was time to head north. We cruised up the ICW to Fernandina Beach where we stayed a couple of weeks. After that, we had to make a stop at Cumberland Island, one of our most favorite places on the ICW. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/heading-north-fernandina-beach-cumberland-island FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle #sailboatlife #liveaboard #liveaboardlife #liveaboardsailboat #livingaboard #cruising #cruisingcouple #sailinglife #sailingyacht #cruisinglife #sailinglifestyle #sailboatcruising #minimalism #travelblog #onthewater #oceanlife #caribbeansailingyacht #blueturtlecruising #cumberlandisland #georgia #georgiatravel #georgiaisles #floridageorgialine #wildhorses #nature #nationalpark #dungeonessruins #wildlife #fernandinabeach #intracoastalwaterway Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/whats-your-pick License code: SDB3Q6HJURKXLP2N Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ben-johnson/cant-stop-chasing-you License code: AVMAD7I2XJZBEIN7

The last time we visited Cumberland Island, was last summer when we were on our way north to the Chesapeake Bay. Randy and I fell in love with the island, the wildlife, and its remoteness and couldn't wait to visit again. As we headed south recently from Brunswick, GA, we were able to experience Cumberland Island in a different season - winter. We quickly noticed that the winter months have fewer visitors, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves (other than ferry workers and park rangers). Since our first visit, Cumberland Island has become the "magical" or "enchanting" place on the ICW. And how lucky are we to be able to visit it by private vessel? We enjoy exploring all parts of the island, from the trails and marsh to the beaches and mansion ruins, but it's the wildlife and remoteness that keeps us wanting to come back. Words and pictures cannot describe the experience as you immerse yourself under the canopy of mossy oaks while hearing the chirps of birds, the whinnying of horses, and the rustling leaves made by the armadillos. As hikers and nature lovers, this place is paradise. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/enchanting-and-magical-cumberland-island---our-favorite-stop-on-the-icw FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/delicate-daisies License code: 0KHOAIMKGDFSNQX3 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/night-drift/the-shadow-collector License code: SJDR1S5UFG4QHGLI

After we left Beaufort, SC, we spent 2 cold days cruising south to St. Simons Island. At this point, we had no real cruising plans except that we were due to Brunswick Landing Marina the second week of December so we didn't want to go too far south. We decided we would spend some time anchoring out near the GA Isles (St. Simons Island & Jekyll) and Fernandina Beach until then. While in Fernandina, we met another cruising couple who happen to be talented singers & musicians. They invited over to their sailboat one evening for sunsets & cocktails and treated us to some great live music. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/the-golden-iles-fernandina-beach-and-some-sail-bums FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/life-made-more License code: 12K4TXBQ9X7Q4TXD Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/straight-through-the-meadow License code: 94WFH3APQNAE0QKI

After leaving Georgetown, SC, we decided to anchor in Five Fathom Creek to put us closer to the inlet for an Atlantic crossing to Charleston. Our passage to Charleston was a little swelly and we were able to sail some of the way there. We dropped anchor right by the USS Yorktown for one night before heading into Charleston Harbor Resort Marina the next day. The marina was a luxurious 2 night stay before heading to Beaufort, SC. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/charleston--beaufort-sc-and-little-drama FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/atm/follow-your-heart License code: OXYWWBE9CUJKCFHY Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/fugu-vibes/spatial License code: KQQMVJI8ELL707CH

As we were leaving Beaufort, NC, we were treated to a beautiful sunrise. We cruised the Atlantic to Wrightsville Beach, NC where we stayed a few days and explored this cute little surf town. After that we headed south on the ICW , anchoring overnight in Calabash Creek, then continuing on to Georgetown, SC where we found a protected anchorage to ride out the Hurricane Nicole winds that were headed our way. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/southbound-beaufort-nc-to-georgetown-sc/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ben-johnson/the-closer-we-feel License code: DKLCVOU81ODBP5XJ Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-phillipson/on-our-way License code: PHGMCR463SONNP1S

After we left Solomons Island, we were ready to get south as the temps there were dropping. We had several long days of cruising with a few extended stops in places we visited on the way north. We buddy boated with Ocean Cowboy and Nickelby from the Solomons to Langley, VA where we anchored near the Air Force base. From there, we headed to Norfolk and then Chesapeake, VA with Ocean Cowboy. After we left the free docks at Chesapeake, VA we cruised 3 long days that brought us to Beaufort, NC where we spent a few days recharging. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/heading-south-from-chesapeake-bay FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/coast-to-coast License code: ANYX5GIEMFANQJVC https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/open-mind License code: WFHPU9I2OWUKGRXH

Once we left Annapolis, we spent a very chilly, windy and bumpy day on the Chesapeake. We had 20 knot winds coming directly at us on the bow and the swell felt like being in a washing machine. We anchored for the night at James Island in the Little Choptank River. The next day we motored 25 miles to Solomons Island and dropped anchor in Back Creek where we were reunited with new friends aboard SV Ocean Cowboy and SV Nickelby. We spent 2 days exploring this little island town located where the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay meet. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/exploring-solomons-island-maryland FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/monument-music/brand-new-day License code: OJB9JJQJUEDQC8WC https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-future License code: KM4IWU7WGSSJYT97

After successfully sailing most of the way to Annapolis from Middle River, our mission was to grab a mooring ball. We were successful getting a ball in Front Forty which positioned us close to the harbor with a short dinghy ride. We spent 3 weeks in Annapolis so we could stay through to experience our first ever Annapolis Sailboat Show. It was such a fun and incredible experience to be around so many like-minded sailors and cruisers. We met so many amazing folks and even got to arrange a CSY meetup while there. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/boat-shows-sailors-and-a-csy-meetup-in-annapolis-md FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/asher-lee/dance-with-me License code: 02E3KAN0GAC4X94F Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/zoo/clarity License code: YTJYM9SJASZKJEBC

After spending 3 weeks at our friend's dock in Middle River, Maryland, it was time to head south on the Chesapeake. We were thrilled when Tony and Nancy took us up on our offer to sail with us to Annapolis. Since they are power boaters, it was great to show them what sailing is like. We had amazing winds most of the way there until they died just before we approached the Bay Bridge. Determined to sail under the bridge, we may have cheated with a nudge from our engine to keep us on course. We did get to sail under the bridge at a screaming 2 knots! Once we got into Annapolis, we cruised the mooring field to see if any balls were open but there weren't any. We decided to anchor out for a night and dinghy our guests to shore. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/sailing-to-americas-sailing-capital-annapolis-md/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/volo/with-the-winds License code: EL2AYRK7Z8ROFKLW

Finally, after a month on land we were cruising again! We left Kent Narrows and headed north, passing under the massive Chesapeake Bay Bridge. We cruised about 34 miles that day and found a nice little anchorage near Dobbins Island in the Magothy River. The next morning, we pulled up and cleaned a very muddy anchor and chain and headed to Middle River where we would stay on our friend's dock. BLOG: https://blueturtlecruising.com/wine-making-and-thankfulness-in-middle-river-md FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueturtlecruising INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueturtlecruising NOFOREIGNLAND: https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/blueturtle Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/nick-petrov/sunshine-dreamer License code: K47UF5ROGEPPXZQK Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-smithson/high-life License code: CTHVD4DDAYTJBJ69 Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/the-long-ride-home License code: RGASEFQ90BU89XIS