Where is GYPSEA?

Today we had the pleasure of the calmest ocean run of the trip! With the exception of a few big rollers early on, it was smooth cruising all the way to Atlantic City from Hampton, VA. When learning about how to determine the water conditions, today was a great example of how intervals of waves (time between waves) can be as much if not more important than the wave height. With slow rollers on occasion with plenty of time before the next one (general rule is that under 8 secs between waves will be less comfortable and 12 sec or more well tolerated) they were almost enjoyable and it was fun to watch the Seakeeper gyroscope do its job.

Once again some fleeting dolphins were around but still no photo op!…crossing my fingers that I will get at least one good picture of sea life when we are on the water before this trip ends.

We easily cruised up along the Delmarva peninsula (where the three states of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia border each other). Assateague Island that spans Virginia and Delaware is know for each state having a heard fo wild horses. Wish we had time to witness that. They apparently migrate to and from the island seasonally, and likely just recently returned there.

It was 7.5 hours of cruising at 24-25 knots (27-28 mph) that got us to Atlantic City by 2. The inlet to Atlantic City was easy going and we made our way to the Golden Nugget Farley State Marina. A friend who grew up in this area emailed yesterday and offered so much history about the Atlantic City area in which he grew up. Apparently Frank Farely was a giant in politics and fostered lots of growth in southern NJ. An interesting man, and if you read or watched Boardwalk Empire you will enjoy learning more about him. https://whyy.org/articles/why-frank-farley-has-a-rest-stop-named-after-him/

My friend, who lived on Brigantine Island also shared that when he was here, the current Brigantine Bridge (built in 1972) was not there. The former bridge was much lower and often washed out by storms. He often had to go to high school in Atlantic City by boat! If anyone reading this knows of, or remembers the old Kents Restaurant in Atlantic City, it was owned by my friends father. Of course I had to look it up!  “Kents was known for its old-fashioned atmosphere and was a popular spot, especially for tourists and locals alike.” 

Once docked we followed our usual routine, Carl washes the boat down with fresh water, I tidy up inside, and start preparing what we will need for lunch the next day and put it up in the flybridge refrigerator. Carl has a sweet tooth, so I decided to make a healthy snack for him, and one that I really like as well. Another instagram recipe; mock “Snickers Bars”…recipe to follow in the pics.

I got in some exercise walking the expansive docks at the marina, and met some boaters who were quite friendly and many of whom were on a pilgrimage up north as well. Our boat buddy from RI and two other boats we have been moving along with also made this their stop.

There was a Chart House restaurant on the property and since we enjoy the one in Boston, we decided to get dinner there. I honestly could barely keep my eyes open by the end of the meal, but the casino right across the way from the restaurant was calling. I played a quick round of slots, won $100 after my investment and called it a night!

I am rocking and rolling on relatively calm seas as we now make our way to NYC! I am so excited to pass by the statue of Liberty when we head up the East River, and ironically my daughter is there on business…maybe she will wave to us from shore!

Will keep you tuned in on the Big Apple!

Beautiful calm seas for our ride today.

Except when a few rollers came by!…notice the Seakeeper shows a brief list to port (left) of 10 degrees!

Moving into waters off the coast of Maryland along the Delmarva Peninsula.

Passing Assateague Island that spans Virginia and Maryland and known for the wild horses that live and roam there.

Wild horses of Assateague Island.

Passing the iconic Steel Pier Ferris Wheel in Atlantic City.

The current Brigantine Bridge built in 1972.

The original Brigantine Bridge circa 1966.

Fueling up at the marina before we make our way to our slip.

Time for mock “Snickers bars!”

Improvised rolling pin to spread the dates and get them to stick together to form a “caramel” base. parchment paper a must in this step

Spread with organic peanut butter.

Could use crunch PB in the last step and/or add some chopped peanuts next

Melt some organic chocolate in a coffee cup in the microwave.

Spread chocolate and add a little kosher or sea salt on top and then place in the refrigerator to set for an hour before trying to cut.

All cut and good to eat! I keep them refrigerated…delicious!

Enjoyed my salmon at the Chart House, and Carl had a delicious piece of tuna.

The casino was calling and only steps away!….smelled like smoke in there so we did not stay long!

Thousands of minnows in the marina waters highlighted by underwater boat lights.