26 May, 2021. Mile 0.0 of the NJ ICW

 

37 SM; 5.5 hours

Reveille at 0500.  Not a bad night at the anchorage; not too bouncy or rolls.  Seemed cloudy but not quite light enough to tell.  Local weather forecast no mention of FOG.  After a cup of coffee I poked my head up and could not see my hand in from of my face.  We had planned on early start to beat predicted strong winds and complete the transit of Barnegat Bay    Last night’s anchorage video

Around 0700 visibility began to improve and at 0730 we raised the anchor and with 1/2 mile visibility and good eyeball contact on the day markers set out.  Turned out a great day.  Plenty of water depth, only a small no wake zone at the end and tidal currents almost a push all day.  And, about 0930 it really began to clear up.  Stronger winds did not arrive until we were anchored again.  Most of today’s bridges were tall enough we just passed underneath, but a few needed opening.

Narrow with a 4 knot current 

Only partial opening

We also passed through the narrow Mt Pleasant canal. The ebb was wild, there were two foot standing waves; at idle we still passed along at 6 mph.  Almost like white water rafting.  Just before passing through the canal we transited a short no-wake zone.

Nice water front home

We have anchored in a protected, tho a bit skinny piece of water.  Glimmer Glass anchorage map. A moderate risk of severe thunderstorms forecast for tonight.  So we are glad to be here.  We are at the end of the NJ ICW.  A short 1/2 mile is the Manasquan Inlet and our open ocean run to NYC and the Statue of Liberty anchorage.  6.5 hours no current travel time.  Weather tomorrow, is questionable.  It may be doable, but with a very strong southerly blow this afternoon and forecast most of tonight before the winds change and decrease, the seas are kicking up pretty good.  Will the sea state-swells and period, be calmed enough by tomorrow morning to set off?

3973 SM journeyed; 1725.7 hours hobbs