Chesapeake Bay

I have a bit of catching up to do on this blog.  We left Chesapeake, VA last Saturday, March 31.  From this point on it is all new territory for us on the water.  We have spent countless hours studying charts and gathering information from other boaters as to what to expect as we travel north on the Loop.

We were a bit apprehensive thinking about going through Norfolk today with all the Navy vessels and barge traffic, but we had a beautiful sunny day and breezed through Norfolk enjoying the view of the numerous naval  ships docked there.  

Because pee breaks are necessary, I take the helm when needed and actually enjoy the challenge of staying on course.....one marker at a time!

Planning ahead, knowing each day's route, where we will stay the night, and never taking eyes off the charts is most important to having a great day on the water.  Wind plays a key factor and can make the ride relaxing or sporty.  The Chesapeake is known by many of our friends who tell us it can be too sporty to be on it at all.  Today it's calm and easy.

Lee circled Wolf Trap Lighthouse so I could get some shots.  It was built in 1821 to warn of shoals nearby.  It's for sale if anyone is interested.

  
We found our anchorage in Chesapeake Bay in Cherry Point near Deltaville, VA.  I'm up on the bridge managing the sticks and Lee sets the anchor from the deck below.  We have good holding here even though the winds have picked up to between 15 and 20k.  I know he will be up during the night to check the anchor making sure we aren't dragging off toward shore somewhere.  There is a gorgeous full moon with stars and satellites to enjoy after our first successful day cruising new waters.

EASTER SUNDAY

The Chesapeake showed her colors early today as we started toward Solomon's Island.  We had following seas (waves pushing us) most of the day then calmed down until we pulled up to the dock at Zahnisers Marina.  We spent the warm evening walking into this quaint little Maryland town, with it's daffodils and forsythia in full bloom, to find a seafood restaurant, of course, and dined on bacon wrapped scallops and tuna steaks.  Then to walk the mile long boardwalk and back to Shangri-La.  Good grief.  We've been traveling on the water, live on the water........and where do we head for?  The waterfront!

Monday and our final day of this 3 day weekend brings us 40 degrees with wind and rain.  The Bay is showing her color today and we experience 4 and 5 foot waves.  O.K. time to get serious about stowing the valuables!  Wine glasses first, a stack of plates, fruit and veggie bowls, utensil holder, more wine glasses (these go into my purse for cushion).  With each wave we hear a new THUMP.  What's not tied down?  Sofa is covered with anything that moves.  Oh, no!  Run-a-way tomato!!  Thinking I'll postpone baking bread today.

We have set our way points on the GPS and the auto pilot is on.  Shangri-La takes many waves over the lower helm where we are driving from.  Thank goodness for Rain-X.  You know, the stuff that makes the water just sheet off the windshield?  Lee was smart enough, as usual, to put it on our windshields.  Works like a charm and no wipers needed!  Which is good because we took ours off!

We have charted our course to run outside the shipping channel, but the last half of the day we'll be running together with these huge ships!  We have an AIS app (Automatic Identification System) on our IPad which allows us to view shipping vessels within a 2 mile radius with their names, heading and what kind of vessel they are, whether cargo, freighter, tankers, etc.  We can contact them to ask their intent as to which side they wish to pass us or we pass them.  The bigger the vessel the faster they go!  We could not catch up to them if we tried.  Some of the captains are women which I think is very cool!!

Blueberry cheesecake makes for an energizing snack

At the end of that day we were very thankful to arrive safely at Selby Bay Marina in Annapolis where we are now letting down and watching the weather for this weekend when we are set to leave for the C and D Canal. (Where the Chesapeake and Delaware River join)  A 75 mile cruise to the north end of the Chesapeake Bay will be another long day but this is our life.  What we do.  What we love.  Never two days the same.  

Eat Life!