Long Island Sound

The Red Head crew has finally made it to Long Island Sound. First, they passed through New York Harbor.

It was Dee Dee's second time and Dylan's third. Dylan's first was with Dyna by his side - Dyna was always smiling. We still miss that sweet girl.

As always, things were hopping as Red Head passed through the harbor and on up the East River.

Good thing Dylan and Dee Dee were standing watch.

The real fun started when we snagged a mooring at Seymour's Boatyard in Northport, NY and the kids got to go .... wait for it... swimming!!!!!

The beach has "No Dogs" signs posted about but at 6:30 am no one seems to mind. Dylan and Dee Dee think they're a lot like Bonnie and Clyde - little outlaws.

There's one more morning excursion to the forbidden beach and then Red Head will continue her journey north. After all, there are more beaches to conquer!

Good Morning!

The crew on Red Head keeps pushing the envelop on wake up time in the morning. They don't care 'bout no clock. They says it's morning whenever they see the sun. While that's becoming a little problematic as we head further north into earlier sunrises, Mom did get to witness an amazing sunrise when we anchored at Cape Henlopen.

While we wait out some nasty weather in Atlantic City, NJ, this morning Dad decided to make a Coconut Date Smoothie for breakfast, a favorite with Dylan and Dee Dee. Not the smoothie so much but the bananas and dates that go into it. You may have guessed, Dad likes to give a taste.

Then, as if the crew isn't being spoiled enough, Dad decided to take a couple of the marrow bones out of the freeze to thaw as a treat for later.

Mom finally convinced him that maybe they should be put a bit more out of the way. It worked as the kids finally left the galley for their morning tussle. But later this morning there will be some real fun times...

Boatyard Dogs

Red Head pulled into Yacht Maintenance Company in Cambridge, MD last week to have a valve cover replaced on an engine along with getting an estimate for painting the whole boat. The crew was greeted by the two boatyard dogs on staff, Moose, a yellow Lab, and Bo, a Lab Beagle mix (adorable). This was Dee Dee's first encounter with a boatyard dog and she was enamored by the two "bad boys."

Moose pretty much took up residence outside Red Head crying and pacing until he could be with his new found love. It was shaping up to be a true "Romeo and Juliet" romance.

But Dee Dee quickly rebuffed his "advances."

So Moose turned his attentions to Dylan. The two appeared to be evenly situated on the dominance scale so they spent their time trying to figure out who was on top - as only dogs can do.

Much fun was had until Dylan and Dee Dee decided it was darn hot and they wanted to go back into the air conditioning. These two spoiled dogs wouldn't last long as "boatyard dogs"...

While Bo found other things to do, Moose kept his vigil outside Red Head.

Mom feared he would get heat stroke - it was blink'n hot - and was happy to see him finally take up his post a bit away in the shade.

But all it took was opening a door or even looking out the window and Moose was back. A very sweet boy.

The crew had three days of romping and fun with their new friends. Dylan and Moose mainly worked on the "who's the top dog" thing.

 

While Dee Dee and Bo chased the ball.

Bo loves the ball.

Then Dee Dee discover "boatyard toys." Mom wouldn't let her bring it onboard.

Bo still wanted to play with the ball.

It was finally time for the Red Head crew to continue north. We left early but not before Moose had taken up his post.

It was so sad to leave. Faithful Moose cried to his dad. Mom was a bit afraid he might jump in to follow.

He ran down the docks following us until we were out of sight. Don't worry Moose, we'll be back.

Patience

If you don't have patience when you start boating, you'll learn to have lots of it if you want to keep boating. Delays are a way of life. There's weather and maintenance problems and sometimes you just decide to stay a little longer because you like it. Those are the best times.

Fortunately, Red Head's crew does pretty well on the patience scale. A comfy bed and a favorite toy keeps them happy.

And of course, they always have each other.

It has been a long week for the crew on Red Head. There was engine work being done before we made our way north and on to Maine. If all had gone as planned we would be leaving New Jersey by now... sigh.

Unfortunately, the engine gods had other plans. After several failed attempts to leave Deltaville, we finally threw off the lines last Friday.

Dad was looking forward to trying out the new anchor. Three anchorages and she didn't budge an inch. Dad's happy.

Sure, we're running "a bit late" but that's alright. The kids don't mind. They take it in their stride.

If they only had that kind of patience at supper time. That's hard...

The Handsome Birthday Boy!

Today is Dylan's 10th birthday. 10 years!

We can't believe it has been that long since we brought home that little bundle of pure joy. He was lucky to have his grandma, Dyna, there to help show him the ropes.

There have been those that claim he was a bit of a devil as a puppy but his mom sure doesn't remember that. No matter, there was always Dyna there to keep him in line.

Mom remembers the little doll who won first place in a photo contest.

For 6 years, Dylan and Dyna had fun whether on land...

or at sea.

And of course, there was always swimming.

Four years ago Dylan helped Dyna cross over the rainbow bridge. Would he ever have another buddy as great as she was?

The jury is out on that one.... Just when Dylan was becoming a mature young man, Dee Dee came into his life.

Dee Dee does keep him on his toes. And keeps him young.

Dylan's adventures continued, now with Dee Dee at his side. There was the Great Loop

And coconuts in the Bahamas.

Dolphin watching.

Dinghy rides.

And don't forget the swimming!

It's been 10 years chock-full of fun and memories.  There has never been a more loyal or affection buddy. We love you Dylan and look forward to many, many more memories.