Once again, we ran out the jib after running out of the Great Wicomico River planning on a short day to Fishing Bay on the Piankatank River, just S of the Rappahanock River. We hadn't seen many sails on the horizon during the day, but joined a small fleet already at anchor behind Stove Point around 1500. The point provides great protection from an E wind, and there is deep water close to the N shore, making it an ideal spot for the NE wind forecast to come up over night. Late in the day, the number of boats at anchor, most larger than Antares, had risen to a small fleet. We suspect some may be joining either the Salty Dawg Rally or the Caribbean 1500, both of which depart from the Norfolk area after the official end of hurricane season, Nov. 1. Others we're likely to see further down the ICW.
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| Almost full moon rising above Stove Point at Fishing Bay |
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| Wolf Trap light house |
10/27/15- 10/28/15 To and at 37 19.115N, 76
27.576W SW Branch, Severn River, Mobjack
Bay 38.6NM
With the remnants of TS Patricia joining a gulf coat system heading our way, several days with fairly strong (15-20kts) SE winds and rain were in the forecast. We planned to tuck in somewhere until the next cold front arrived Thursday, bringing clearing skies and switching the wind back into the NW. After looking at the chart plotter, we realized we could make Hampton before dark if we hustled, possibly tucking into the marina we used last year that provided a secure dock conveniently located near shopping for a reasonable rate. Unfortunately, by the time I called, they were full, so it was back to Plan A, tuck up in one of the creeks off Mobjack Bay to wait out the weather. The SW branch of the Severn River looked to be the best bet - we could sail most of the way there on the NE wind, and have some protection when we departed Thursday when WSW wind was forecast for the morning. It also offered enough twists and bend for reasonable protection from the wind.
We were a bit surprised to not find anyone else tucked into the anchorages and finally chose a spot just beyond Cod Point, past most of the modest homes along the S shore. With almost no local traffic, we could anchor in the middle, with plenty of swing room to handle wind shifts, and somewhat limited fetch, but not enough to be a problem. Just before sunset (had it been shining) another sail boat arrived to drop a hook at Free School Creek, another spot we'd considered about 1 NM away.
We can now report that the rain curtains do help keep the
cockpit dry, allowing us to enjoy the view while sitting
outside. The wind blew from the E at a steady 15+kts most
of the night, keeping the batteries charged, and brought a
scattered showers. Temperature wise, it was quite warm,
with daytime highs forecast in the 70's. Dawn brought more
occasional periods of rain and a few glimpses of the sun.
We spotted an eagle perched in a tree on the point behind the
boat, a bit too far to get a picture, other than for identifying
purposes. All in all, not a bad day, just unfortunate we
can't take advantage of the breaks in the weather to go for a
walk. I read in the guide book that the home of George
Washington's grand parents is at the head of the creek,
accessible by dinghy, and serves fancy meals on weekends, but
that would require launching the dinghy, and it's not the
weekend.
Once the weather passes, we'll continue on our way, trying to work the timing right to miss bridge restrictions (many) in the section S of Norfolk including the one RR bridge where tie replacement is ongoing (closed clearance 6'!). We're hoping to find a spot at the free docks at Great Bridge, where we plan to stop and take advantage of the nearby laundromat and grocery store.
With the remnants of TS Patricia joining a gulf coat system heading our way, several days with fairly strong (15-20kts) SE winds and rain were in the forecast. We planned to tuck in somewhere until the next cold front arrived Thursday, bringing clearing skies and switching the wind back into the NW. After looking at the chart plotter, we realized we could make Hampton before dark if we hustled, possibly tucking into the marina we used last year that provided a secure dock conveniently located near shopping for a reasonable rate. Unfortunately, by the time I called, they were full, so it was back to Plan A, tuck up in one of the creeks off Mobjack Bay to wait out the weather. The SW branch of the Severn River looked to be the best bet - we could sail most of the way there on the NE wind, and have some protection when we departed Thursday when WSW wind was forecast for the morning. It also offered enough twists and bend for reasonable protection from the wind.
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| Estate to the north of our SW Severn anchorage |
A google search found this as the 'Eagle Point
Plantation' for sale at $3.95M
We were a bit surprised to not find anyone else tucked into the anchorages and finally chose a spot just beyond Cod Point, past most of the modest homes along the S shore. With almost no local traffic, we could anchor in the middle, with plenty of swing room to handle wind shifts, and somewhat limited fetch, but not enough to be a problem. Just before sunset (had it been shining) another sail boat arrived to drop a hook at Free School Creek, another spot we'd considered about 1 NM away.
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| Abandoned house a bit west of the estate |
Once the weather passes, we'll continue on our way, trying to work the timing right to miss bridge restrictions (many) in the section S of Norfolk including the one RR bridge where tie replacement is ongoing (closed clearance 6'!). We're hoping to find a spot at the free docks at Great Bridge, where we plan to stop and take advantage of the nearby laundromat and grocery store.
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