AGLCA Fall Rendezvous

The reason we have been a little negligent in posting lately isn't because we haven't had much to post. To the contrary, the reason is that sooooo many things are going on that we have been hard pressed to sit down at the computer and get caught up. Some big projects have been completed, and preparations are coming down to the wire for the beginning of our next big adventure. Anyone that has prepared for a two-year cruise understands how hectic and stressful that can be. So, you ask, what does that have to do with an AGLCA Rendezvous? Good question...

We are often asked to do presentations for various boating organizations. We joined the AGLCA (America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association) not too long ago to participate in the group activities and to gather information for our Great Loop cruise from the experienced members of the association. It has been an educational experience. When we were asked to do a presentation at the fall rendezvous on areas of the Atlantic ICW from Jacksonville to Myrtle Beach, we jumped at the chance to share our information with the group. The Fall Rendezvous is held every year at Joe Wheeler State Park in Alabama. This is an absolutely beautiful setting and perfect for a boating organization rendezvous. Located on Wheeler Lake, the Park has a resort lodge, restaurant, cabins, camping, fishing, golf, tennis, swimming, convention/banquet facilities, transient slips and a marina. Arriving in the fall with the changing colors of the foliage made this area even more spectacular.  

There were approximately 50 boats at the marina and nearly 200 members in attendance. I would estimate that we had at least half at our presentation (Jacksonville to Myrtle Beach) and maybe more. Many were first time Loopers and would be traveling the ICW waters for the first time. There were lots of great questions and copious amounts of notes taken. Our slide presentation seemed to be well received and several members asked us to copy it to flash drives so they could take it along with them. The lunches and dinners provided by the lodge were excellent and we came away a few pounds heavier.

One of the things we enjoy the most at any of these gatherings is the opportunity to spend time one-on-one with other boaters and share our knowledge and experience. It's also great to be able to absorb lots of information and knowledge from boaters that have been to places we have yet to travel and tap into their vast library of knowledge. Even with our decades of experience, we learn something new almost every day and always look for new resources and information. At the Rendezvous, we were not disappointed.

It isn't all seminars, luncheons and dinners, although there's nothing wrong with that. The Rendezvous' include lots of social events that are always well attended. The backwards blindfolded dinghy races are always a blast. To keep it safe, only one entry is on the water at a time, and their time from the starting line to the finish line determines their position in the race. There is an outboard category and a rowing category. The helmsman is blindfolded, and the first mate calls out directions to steer. We saw lots of loop-de-loops, but everyone crossed the finish line safe and sound. An outdoor concert in town was held to the tune of Bluegrass bands and declared an event not to be missed. The Trawler Crawl is always well received as many members get the chance to show off their boats, and many of us get some great ideas for improvements to our own boats.

Everything good seems to end too soon. At the end of the Rendezvous, one by one, the boats untied their dock lines and headed off to make the first lock of the day south towards Mobile and the Gulf coast. Those like us that came by car were packing up and checking out of the hotel. Every room in the resort has a water view, and after a couple of days, it was hard to say goodbye to this fabulous location. We are looking forward to arriving next year on board Beach House. In just a few short weeks, the adventure will begin again for us. The plan is to head for the Florida Keys around December 1st and spend some time making sure all of the new equipment is working properly. Some time in early January, we will cross over to the Bahamas to spend the winter and begin research for the Bahamas edition of The Great Book Of Anchorages. Book sales have been amazing and keeping up has slowed us down a bit also. But it's a labor of love.

Coming Soon, the Garmin GPH10 autopilot has been installed and calibrated so that will be our next posting, as soon as we have a few minutes. The real biggy is the installation of our brand new Next Generation 3.5KW genset. We're really excited about this installation and can't wait to get it posted. A couple of smaller projects almost finished are the raw water flow alarm and the install of the Argus (Autonomous Remote Global Underwater Surveillance) Survice Engineering depth monitoring system. A few more minor tweaks and adjustments and we should be ready to shove off as scheduled. Right now, we're back in the Chesapeake, by car, spending the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. This will be a Thanksgiving/Christmas celebration since we will be underway around Christmas. The final realization will probably come once we drop off the cars for storage and really get into cruising mode. Stay tuned, more to come very, very soon.

Ice Cream Stops Along the ICW

By Susan Landry, Published in September 2012 Issue Cruising World Magazine.

How many of you will admit to planning your overnight stops along the ICW to coincide with your favorite ice cream shop? I know there are more than just the two of us who think about that creamy, delicious cone waiting at our next favorite stop. After cruising up and down the ICW for almost 20 years, we have definitely found some yummy temptations.

But first, some interesting ice cream tidbits. Although the Chinese have been making flavored ices well before the birth of Christ, the Italians and French claim to have made the first containing milk or cream in the 1600s. Ice cream’s first mentions in U.S. history were around 1700.

Also, have you ever wondered why the ice cream you get in parlors is so much tastier than anything you ever find at the supermarket? That is because many of those creamy concoctions never see the inside of a grocery store. Ice cream manufacturers, such as Greenwood in Georgia and Working Cow in Florida, produce their ice creams only for restaurants and parlors. But now, down to the business of identifying those special places to feed your cravings.

 The Chesapeake - Virginia

We found a new “add to the top 10” ice cream shop on our recent trip down the ICW – Chitterchats in Reedville, VA. We had been eating dinner in the nearby, Crazy Crab restaurant, and I had been tempted to try their Key Lime Pie (hmmm…another whole article on “Best Key Lime Pie on the Waterway”). Our dining companions said, “oh no, if you are craving sweets, you must go to Chitterchats.” This shop is exactly what one would expect from an ice cream shop. Plenty of tables and chairs, brightly painted and smiling faces behind the counter. The owner is usually there with her staff to great customers. Then, the big decision; which flavor to chose. My husband always goes for the chocolate. And the more chocolatey (is that even a word?), the better. I tend to go for really sweet and decadent. I overheard the word coconut, even though I hadn’t seen that particular selection as I gazed longingly through the glass at the creamy, dreamy selections. “Coconut?” I asked. “We have all of the flavors on the board, not just the ones in the display case,” the smiling young girl said. “I’ll have one scoop of coconut and one of peanut butter/oreo/white chocolate,” I replied. My husband went for, you guessed it, Chocolate Decadence. In retrospect, I think this shop may be in our top 5. Word has it, locals also go here for the latest gossip, hence the name. I’ll go back for the ice cream, thanks. What a treat!

North Carolina

After you come down the Cape Fear River, preferably not in rolling, breaking waves with wind and current opposed, and you pull into the Provision Company for some nice fresh seafood, why not top off your meal with, wait for it, ice cream! All you have to do is walk out the front door of the restaurant, which by the way has great food and service, turn left and you will see ICE CREAM, in big letters at Flava’s. You can’t miss it. This day’s selections would be Rocky Road for the hubby (chocolate all the way) and Birthday Cake for me. I have a confession to make. I really have a thing for Birthday Cake ice cream. You get the painfully sweet icing part, usually blue, little bits of yummy cake and, if you are lucky, some crunchy bits of brightly colored white chocolate. My granddaughter and I share this passion. I tried their Birthday Cake and it was good. A nice end to a seafood meal.

South Carolina

After you pass through the hustle and bustle of Little River and the Rock Pile, you’ll need to stop at Barefoot Landing. Otherwise, you’ll have difficulty passing the Maggie Moos beckoning you right next to the Waterway. You may save your waistline if there is no room to tie up, but rest assured, another stop awaits you less than a day’s cruise away.

I can not count how many times we have been into Harvest Moon ice cream in Georgetown, but there is a second shop, Sweeties, there as well. When nothing but a cold cone will do, either of these shops will fit the bill. Both shops are right on Front Street. The selections are plentiful and again, service with a smile. Who wouldn’t like working in an ice cream shop??

Beaufort has their ice cream shop, Southern Sweets Ice Cream Parlor, hidden in the Old Bay Marketplace on Bay Street. Across the street from the waterfront, you will enter the mall. Near the entrance on the right, tucked quietly away, is the ice cream parlor. They have many selections to chose from and this is a true, old-fashioned store. Marilyn and Jack Sheehy started the parlor in 2001 and are wonderful hosts. They serve Greenwood ice cream and Marilyn has even added a lunch menu with homemade salads. Stop by to say hello and sample one of the many flavors. You are also invited to create your own frozen concoction and have it named for you.

Georgia

It is well worth the trip up the Savannah River to sample Leopold’s Ice Cream. They have been in business for almost 100 years and all of the ice cream is made on the premises from their own secret recipes. A short walk down Abercorn to Broughton Street from the waterfront will have you there in no time. This place is a feast for the eyes and ears as well with 10 cent jukebox and original décor.

Florida

Fortunately, you don’t have to go far into Florida to get your first fix. Fernandina Beach houses probably one of the most visited ice cream shops along the Waterway. About four blocks from the marina, this gem, Fantastic Fudge, makes and sells fudge and other candy. Their Birthday Cake ice cream is some of the best that I have ever had. Fantastic Fudge proudly sells Florida’s own Working Cow ice cream. You will likely find a line here, which is fine. One, you get more time to make up your mind and two, you know it must be good if this many people are waiting in line for it. I have to recommend the Raspberry Haze.

You won’t have to walk far from the Stuart waterfront to find ice cream. It boasts a Kilwin’s, G&G Gelato and Kelly’s Kones all within a three or four block radius! One’s too crowded, keep going to the next one! We just can’t walk past Kilwin’s without stopping.

Although not technically ice cream, it is a frozen treat and also my other fave dessert - the frozen key lime pie on a stick dipped in dark chocolate. Of course, this had to have originated in Key West. The Blond Giraffe and other key lime pie companies sell this sweet feast for the taste buds. You can find this in the Keys at a number if locations. I had the good fortune to find dipped cheesecake on a stick at a boat show on the Chesapeake last summer. I suggested to the guy he might want to branch out into key lime pie…

So, I’ve come to the realization that I will never be skinny again and will have the perpetual muffin top, but darn, ice cream at the end of a long, hot day on the ICW sure is worth it. At least you have to walk to and from the boat to find it. That should be enough exercise to work it off, right? Meanwhile, this last trip has meant some extra pounds. Back to walking! And not past ice cream shops…