On to the C & D Canal and Cape May, NJ

We soon discovered that we were in for another rough ride going north on the Chesapeake until we reached the C & D.  The canal that connects Chesapeake Bay with the Delaware River is referred to as the C & D.  Another 40 degree cloudy day with 3-4 footers. Lee is driving from the lower helm but Gennie (our generator) decided not to cooperate today so we have no heat in the salon for this ride. The microwave works so the egg casserole and hot chocolate tasted wonderful.

There are several massive cargo ships anchored in front of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge waiting for instructions to continue to their destination.  We cruise on by those massive vessels and pass ahead of them under the bridge.

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The Chesapeake Bay Bridge doesn't seem so big until we pass under it!!

As beautiful as the Chesapeake is, it was a relief to get into the much calmer waters of the canal.  Within 7 hours Sam, the young zealous dock hand, catches our line and we are safe and secure at Summit North Marina halfway through the 14 mile canal.  

We generally plan to arrive at our day's destination by late afternoon.  It allows us to "let down" and enjoy our new surroundings.  We were still "rockin" from the day's journey as we staggered down the dock and traversed the hill above the marina to Grain H2O, the only restaurant for miles.  I LOVE cooking our meals, but sometimes it's fun to try something from a different menu.  And sometimes I'm just too tired to cook. It's so nice when I hear Lee say those three endearing words, "Let's eat out!"  I never argue.

Lee has timed our trip down the Delaware so we ride with the tide. To catch it at the right
time, we need to leave Summit North Marina by 5:30 a.m. the next morning.  Glad we don't make this a habit!

The coffee maker kicked in at 4:30 a.m.  Temp is 34 and it's tough for me to follow Lee out of our warm bed.  However, I realize how important it is to leave on time today, so like the good First Mate that I try to be, I inject myself with some caffeine and begin preparing to get underway.  It's pitch dark and although our navigation lights are on, I stand at the bow, arm held high shining a flashlight on the dock and along the banks to help guide Lee out of the marina until we enter the C & D Canal. There are lamps up and down both sides of the canal guiding us through until the dawn breaks. It's a pretty sight we would have missed had we not left at this hour.

Dawn on the Delaware River

Dawn comes as we reach the Delaware River.  We have timed it right and ride the 4 knot tide letting the swells push us along.  We pass several large barges and tugs along the way.  Lee has a special fondness for tugs.  We have dozens of photos!

The mouth of the Cape May Channel is very narrow and shallow. To add to the challenge today, there are dredging barges blocking half of the channel!!  Being very careful not to broach the boat as we are getting pushed by swells on the Delaware, Lee did an amazing job entering the channel averting the barges.  My heart didn't stop pounding until after we passed under 2 narrow railroad bridges.  Our beam is 15 ft. (width).  The bridge supports were about 17 ft. wide.  I went inside the cabin and held my breath.  We squeaked through. I'm sure it was because I went inside the cabin and held my breath.

Utsche's Marina was built by Mr. Utsche (naturally) 60 years ago and is still owned by the family.  We were told by the dock hand that they don't have their dock water turned on at this point.  No laundry, no showers or bathrooms available.  This has been the only drawback to being ahead of the Looper group.  We carry 300 gallons of water on board and if we conserve, we can last 2 weeks on that.  Hoping I can wash both sides of my dishes soon!

Utsche's Marina in Cape May is at the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean and a very pretty spot with short walking distances to restaurants and shops.  Lee treated us to dinner at the Lobster House where we had the best seafood meal to date!  It comes highly recommended by boaters and we know why.  Cape May is a resort town but is very quiet right now as we are ahead of the tourists.  We are here for 13 days.

A bit lonely here at Utsche's!

Some of the resort condos in Cape May

Very pretty little area

Next to our marina is a dock where shrimpers come in and out every day with their daily catch

The seafood shack next to the Lobster House Restaurant had an abundance of any kind of seafood your little heart could desire

At low tide we could walk from our marina to the Lobster House and seafood shack even if it was a bit of an obstacle course.

As with every day that passes we continue to EAT LIFE!