Day 68 & 69 Ocean City, NJ to sandy Hook, NJ

Monday & Tuesday June 2-3, 2025

MONDAY

Apparently, we dragged a bit overnight, and with the tide slipping out, we woke up perfectly perched on a sandbar. And yes, we anchored near an island literally called “Drag Island.” What could possibly go wrong?

A Not-So-Smooth Start at Drag Island (Yes, Really)

Well… the plan was to get up early and hit the ocean while it was still calm. Coffee brewed, anchor routine underway, all systems go—and then… surprise! We’re aground.

Cue the call to TowBoatUS.

Our rescue arrived and quickly decided that the only way to get us free was a bit of creative engineering—he spent two hours using prop wash to dig us out and create a makeshift channel. Low tide didn’t do us any favors, but eventually, we were floating again.

As if that wasn’t kind enough, he offered to lead us out to the ocean and even showed us a shortcut—

Off we go again… chalking it up as just another chapter in the adventure! ⚓😅🌊

The ocean was beautiful today. Calm winds for most of the day made our 5.5 hour trip very pleasant. We made our way into Barnegat, NJ to anchor for the night.

TUESDAY

After a restful night’s sleep, we set off early once again, the ocean calling us back to its rhythm. Our first stop was Manasquan for fuel—but what should have been a quick pit stop turned into a test of patience. Something was clearly off with the pump; it trickled at a glacial pace, taking nearly two hours to load 177 gallons of diesel!

Eventually, we were back on course, rewarded with a smooth, serene ride up to Sandy Hook. The seas were kind, the skies clear—a picture-perfect day on the water.

We dropped anchor for the night and soon reunited with our friends aboard Goldilocks, along with a Canadian couple they’d been cruising with. Together, we took the dinghies ashore and capped off the day with a lively dinner full of laughter, good stories, and even better company. A fantastic evening to end a truly memorable day.