Catskill and Home

5/28-29/26   To and at 42 12.664N,  73 51.425W    Riverview Marine    Catskill    53.6 NM

Keeping our plans fluid, we moved our reservation at Riverview up a day, taking advantage of the current that finally started  flowing N in the afternoon. The folks at Riverview promised us a spot on the dock, we just needed to call before 1700 for  our slip assignment.  The GPS indicated we'd arrive at 1800, and given the uncertainty of current (and the fact that our time calculation doesn't include every twist and turn), it was amazingly accurate.  We arrived at 1800, and Mike was on hand to catch our lines and welcome us back.  During prime boating season, he works 10 - 12 hours, 7 days a week.  Running a marina is more of a vocation than a job, and his dedication is reflected by his 5 star rating on Active Captain.

Colorful umbrellas on the Poughkeepsie waterfront

We put in a long day too - it was after 2000 before we called it a day, taking advantage of the light wind and dry conditions to get the sails down and stowed.  The forecast had record temperatures, rain and possible thunder showers on a daily basis for the next few days, and stowing wet sails is a pain.  We hadn't expected the unusually hot temperatures - into the 90's with minimal wind to cool things down. We don't know what happened to spring - this was full blown summer!  

Mural of 'Life in old Catskill' on one of the buildings on Main Street

With half a day's work before we'd be ready to have the mast stepped, we were up and at it first thing in the morning.  We were in position at 1200, and by 1300 our mast was in the cradle on the deck. Everything went smoothly and the crew was great as always.  All that was left was lashing the mast and cradle on deck to keep it stable through wakes and waves.  That done, we were more than ready to take a break.  Maybe, if it hadn't been so hot, we would have scrubbed the decks, instead we walked into town for some ice cream.

Below are some of this year's crop of Catskill Cats.  It's always fun to see the new ideas the artists and groups come up with every year.  Unfortunately, this year's winners were displayed in a store front, and the reflections in the glass made it difficult to get a photo.  The first prize cat was a 'knight in armor' complete with  visor.

Picatso Cat

Cat's Eye Cat (all cat eye marbles)

Gotham City Cat

A wizard cat with butterflies, including 1 on his nose

And Rip Van Winkle at the head of Main Street

5/30/16   To  42 54,226N,    73 41.039W    Mechanicville, NY  Town Dock    46.3NM

As forecast, rain arrived overnight.  Thankful the mast was down and we weren't stepping it in the rain, we departed while we still had a boost from the current.  Unfortunately, when the mast is down, so is the bimini, and without it, we can't zip in our connector or side curtains to keep us dry.  We made do with a plastic tarp, and were glad to see the sky starting to clear by the time we got to Albany.

Pair of eagles on the Hudson

When we took on fuel at the Albany Yacht Club, we also purchased our lock pass, which, while it would need to be signed and dated by the Lock Master, would save us time in the lock.  It was 1500 when we'd risen to the top of Lock 1, and the Lock Master was kind and gave us 3 days on our pass (issued as a 2 day pass).  The locks used to have summer hours, 0700-2230, but most likely due to budgetary issues, the hours this year are 0800 - 1800.  We could make it to Lock 4 where a short tie up is available E of the lock, or we could stop at Mechanicville, just before Lock 3 and stay on the free town dock.  Being a holiday weekend, we chose to stop early rather than risk the space at Lock 4 being full.

Doing the locks before the boat was freshly painted was less stressful, and usually we didn't have a lot of problems.  However, having a tail wind never helps, and we had a tail wind and were trying to be cautious.   A wind gust can throw off the approach to the wall, and I'm at the stage in life where I have less height and mass to fend off the lock walls  That's why we have fenders, and for the first time wished we had a fender board as well.  Don't think we dinged the paint, but the fenders required spraying with the wash down pump after every lock to rinse the grime and slime off to keep it from scratching the paint.

Mechanicville added free bathroom/showers for cruisers since we last stayed there - a great plus, especially after a day in the 90's and our shower was packed with sails and gear.  During the afternoon, the hot sun and high humidity formed some interesting cumulus clouds, and shortly after we tied up the rain began.  While we had a few rumbles of thunder and some big rain drops, the bigger cells were S of us, giving us a quick deck rinse followed by clearing.  After dinner we took a walk through town, there must be a Stewart's in every town along the canal, and they have good ice cream - it's good to have a destination. 

Old fire house in Mechanicville

5/31/16    To 43 33.224N,  73 24.136W    Whitehall, NY   Town Dock    47.8 NM

When Leonard turned the key on in the morning nothing happened.  And continued to happen.  Sometimes it takes several tries, but it's always started (replacing the starter motor is a very major job requiring getting under the engine).  When the simple fix of turning the engine a bit didn't work, we cleared out the shower to access the side of the engine with the starter motor (I've often wondered if the designers/builders of boats have ever needed to work on the engines  in their vessels - they're cleverly packed into tight quarters, usually with minimal access or room for repairs).  With the voltmeter leads attached,  I turned on the key to start the engine, and it started on the first try, and before Leonard got to check the readings on the voltmeter, so he still doesn't know exactly what the problem was.  Needless to say, he gave me no argument when I suggested we not shut the engine down in the locks!

We had to wait for Lock 3 to open.  Then, after we were secure and the gate closed, we waited some more.  Then the gate opened behind us.  It was not looking like an great start to the already somewhat delayed day.  Eventually we were joined by 2 power boats and a sail boat, and 45 minutes later we exited Lock 3.  Good thing we had an extra day on our pass.  We needed it, even if we really pushed, we be too late to clear Lock 12 by 1800.

The day brightener was locking through with a good sized turtle.  We've never done that before, and after a somewhat turbulent lift (up is always harder), the turtle was trying to get a claw onto the lock wall to catch  a breath - I knew how he felt since we got bounced around a bit too.

Red barn along the canal

And then this 'fixer upper' barn that has sagged a bit more over the winter

This work boat was picking up snags in the canal that had been marked with tin jugs

By Lock 5, the power boats were long gone, and the 44' sailboat was too, allowing us to lock through by ourselves which was easier and faster, and most locks, knowing we were coming, were ready for us.  It was a beautiful day - lots of sun, and warm, but not as hot has the last few days.  We arrived at the Whitehall town dock at 1830, joining 2 sailboats already there.  The Whitehall volunteer fire department were doing a training session - the fire station was next to the dock, so we had front row seats - and watched, along with most of the kids in town, as they practiced putting ladders up, scrambling through a window mock-up, practicing with their axes and other drills.

Volunteer fire fighting training

Whitehall - Skene Manor overlooking the valley

After dinner, we walked through town, hiking up to Skene Manor at dusk.  Like every other town in upstate NY, there was a Stewart's to provide dessert.  Time has not been kind to Whitehall.  This (then named Skenesville) was where Benedict Arnold's gun boats were built for various battles on the lake in the Revolutionary War.  So was the Ticonderoga that fought in the War of 1812, and the town served as a hub for canal traffic on Champlain Canal.  Railroads and highways eroded the canal traffic over the decades, leaving the town bereft of its prime industry, with more buildings becoming vacant than occupied.  Since 1978 when we first stopped here, several buildings have been demolished, and the town has struggled to survive.  The good news is the marina is under new management and trying to provide services for locals and cruisers alike.  With a good crane and knowledgeable staff, it would be a great place to step masts and help draw business to the area.

Antares in front of the Museum at Whitehall

6/1/2016  To  our LCYC mooring and home   About 62 NM

Shortly after 0800, we exited Lock 12, and were officially back on the lake.  With 60NM to go, we had a long day ahead of us, but with sunshine and light winds it was a great end to a good trip.  We certainly aren't complaining about the weather this trip.  Although the Bahamas had some significant weather this winter (80kt winds in Georgetown in January, and twice-weekly cold fronts), it occurred before we arrived, and we had fewer fronts that required hiding tactics than on previous trips.  We sailed more than any trip we can remember, and the offshore hops, other than rolling in a following sea, were easy compared to fighting headwinds, thunderstorms or fog that we've dealt in the past.  

Crew doing RR track maintenance at the S end of the lake
(an oil train accident would be catastrophic)

An unusual snag

Knowing Wednesday nights tend to have little, if any, wind for the racers, we figured Wednesday would be a good day to travel up the lake.  It was, with the wind close to calm by the time we arrived on the broad lake, we had an easy trip and were able to do some of the inevitable cleaning while we were underway.  Although we try to keep the boat clean when we travel, salt water and intense sunlight take a toll over time and everything requires a more thorough cleaning and polishing once we get back to fresh water. 

Race night at LCYC

As we headed for our mooring, we motored past the racers as they drifted on a shortened race course on the bay. We were on our mooring at 1930, washing the gunk off the mooring pennants when Beth and Wes, out for a ride in the Nautilus, the club's newly repowered, electric launch, welcomed us home.  Pierre, who was out checking moorings, stopped by to welcome us back and admire the new paint job.  Although it was a good trip, it's  also good to be home.

Since we left on October 7th last year, we've traveled 4286 NM by the ship's log, which is probably fairly accurate, given the current either slows us down (more log miles) or gives us a boost (less log miles).  So, the miles traveled are approximate values.

In comparison to  other trips to the Bahamas:

Years       Miles traveled   Eng Hrs    Gallons of Diesel used

2005/2006     incomplete data

2006/2007      4393           595           304

2009/2010      4500           638           269

2013/2014      4346           587           264

2015/2016      4286           555           279

  
Lynnea

To New York City and Beyond

5/26/16    Offshore

Weather wise, this leg along the NJ shore was the nicest we've had aboard Antares, long overdue and much appreciated.  We've had more than our share of foul weather handed to us, starting with the initial trip N when we arrived at Sandy Hook simultaneously with  a nor'easter. We've also had thunderstorms, rain, fog, headwinds, big confused seas, you name it, we've had it, so its long been one of our least favorite legs (along with Delaware Bay).  With a 1-2' southerly swell and a SW wind, it felt more like sailing on the lake than the Atlantic. And we sailed whenever there was enough wind to keep the speed above 3.5kts.

Coast Guard helicopter practicing sea rescues off the coast

During the afternoon, we encountered several vessels heading N, cross our course about a NM away, then turn around and pass us going S, sort of in the middle of nowhere.  I'd heard on NPR (where else?), something about ongoing beach erosion and replenishment since Sandy and subsequent nor'easters, and saw several dredge lines anchored about 1.5 NM offshore with dredges shuttling between them. With light wind and calm conditions, we avoided the possibility of running across more dredge lines by heading further offshore.  We wondered what the ships were doing, and if they were part of the dredging project.  We were relieved not to see any further N than Barnaget Inlet.

Big tug moving a dredge at speed offshore

The slightly more offshore course we plotted was poplar too, as we encountered a couple of tugs and tows,  passing within 0.5 NM (which feels really close in the dark).  After watching and tracking them, visually and with radar, both captains hailed us to make sure we knew they were there and their intentions. Apparently not all small craft respond to their hails - the one captain thanked me for responding.  Somehow these things seem to happen in the dead of night, and what would be easy in daylight, is harder in the dark when it is more difficult to judge distances.

I was surprised when we passed the sea buoy off  Barnegat Inlet.  It didn't appear at any range on the Navonics chart on the plotter, but did on our old paper chart, indicting it's been there for years.  Guess we can't always rely on electronics to keep us out of trouble.

Sunset off the New Jersey shore

3/27/2016     To 41 26.850N,  74 00.229W    Cornwall on Hudson    178.5 NM both days

The sunrise pushing through the clouds and haze,  a welcome sight after a night offshore

The West Bank light house on  Chapel Hill Channel in the lower bay

We had kept our speed down so as not to fight a ebb tide in New York Harbor.  We turned in to the Sandy Hook Channel at 0630, one hour before slack water, expecting a 0.7 K current against us as per our Navonics chart. What we got was 1.5 K which went up to 2.0K by the time we arrived at the Verranzano Bridge at 0830, when it should have been very close to slack water.  On the bright side, the current change moves up the Hudson River faster than we can travel and it caught up with us as we got to the George Washington Bridge. We spent the rest of the day with a flood current pushing us up stream  making up for the delays entering the harbor.

Passing under the Verrazano Bridge with Ft. Wadsworth overlooking the Narrows

The forecast morning showers passed well N of us, so other than a few clouds and hazy conditions, it had been a good trip.  The sun was attempting to make an appearance as we passed through the Big Apple, although a fairly heavy haze hung over the area and would persist as long as the S wind (or lack of it) blew.  Air quality alerts were announced on NOAA, and the haze provided less than ideal conditions for photography.  We didn't let that stop us from taking pictures, it's our excuse for the 'soft'  focus on many of the shots (the camera doesn't focus as well in hazy conditions), the other is trying to hold a camera steady while negotiating the chop from all the boat wakes.

Traffic passing the Statue of Liberty

I was looking for a bird when Leonard said he saw an osprey!

As in the past, the passage through the harbor was interesting.  Between harbor control, the big ships and all the ferries, the VHF provides a constant commentary.  It would be interesting to know the location of all the various wharves and channels scattered around the harbor, as most aren't indicated by name on the chart.  The traffic and the wakes don't allow a lot of time sightseeing.  One ferry crossing from NJ to the city appeared to be on a cable, not deviating from whatever route on his plotter indicated making a close pass in front of us.  It wouldn't have been so irritating if he hadn't then made a wide curve to get into the slip at the NY terminal.  A Staten Island ferry was upset with another sailor crossing his path in the East River - guess you shouldn't mess with the ferry schedules.

A 'stitched' photo of the NYC skyline including the Brooklyn Bridge on the right
(pardon the bow, the boat moved)

New Jersey sky line with a reflection of the new World Trade Center and the iconic Colgate Clock

Beautiful old architecture

Versus modern architecture - See Durst Tower 

As we passed Pier 88 where the Maritime Museum is located, the tug, Margaret Moran, got yelled at by the security boats when he did a close approach to the docks.  He obviously wasn't listening to the VHF when they requested (multiple times) to stay outside the patrol boats.  Perhaps because he was so much bigger,  the patrol boats respectfully requested he not come so close in the future.   He said something about 'just sightseeing...', turned around and headed S.

Margaret Moran being pursued by a security boat by Pier 88

After arriving early for the flood at the Narrows and through the harbor, we began to make better time when it turned to our favor, with the bridges arriving in a timely manner  - the George Washington at 1145 and the Tappanzee at 1355.  It was much to early to consider stopping at Nyack with the current helping us along.  Instead we headed for the anchorage at Cornwall on Hudson, a bit N of West Point, with an ETA of 1800.  A long day, especially since we'd been underway since 0900 the day before, but it was easy going and there was amazingly little debris in the water (just enough to keep a lookout).

Hudson River scene near Bear Mountain

It's pouring!

Mist rising after the rain

We watched the cumulus clouds began to build to the W during the afternoon, and after passing under the Bear Mountain Bridge, sprinkles arrived.  Radar indicated most of the heavy rain was N of us, but given the humid, stagnant air, cells were popping up quickly.  At West Point, it didn't just rain, it poured, and while we didn't see flashes, we heard a number of rumbles nearby.  We must have done something right, as the skies were clearing as we approached the anchorage.  Just before 1800, the anchor was down and we called it a day.

Lynnea

To Cape May and North

5/25/16    To  38 56.927N,    74 54.516W    South Jersey Marina face dock    74.5NM

We were underway by 0530, a bit early for the current push through the C&D Canal, but had the advantage of an earlier stop at Cape May.  The current caught up to us before the end of the canal, adding about 2kts to our boat speed. While we've seen few cruisers heading N the past few weeks, we were swamped with trawlers and power boats headed E in the C&D, making me wonder if' we'd encountered a  group out for a cruise - there were at least a dozen of them.  As we approached St. George at the E side, we heard a big ship horn blow several times, but with a curve in the channel, we couldn't see anything behind us.  It was a freighter, trying to get some of those pesky power boat to move out of the center of the channel!
 

Sun rise at Rogue's Harbor on the Elk River

A bucolic pastoral scene heading to the C&D Canal

Might makes right!

Seeing the big increase in traffic, I called to reserve a slip at Utche's Marina in Cape May, and was told  they were full.  Checking Active Captain, we called South Jersey Marina where we got a transient slip for the night.  The gal was busy trying to rearrange dock space to accommodate more boats, and when she called back, mentioned the reservation before us was for a power boat, M&M, from S. Burlington - small world.

Delaware Bay showed a more docile side for once - light winds, but not W as forecast. We ran up the main and got an occasional boost, but motor sailed most of the day to arrive before dark. It made for a more pleasant passage better than the 3' seas and headwinds that we've had on some of our trips.  The current, however, ran against us more hours than we liked, even though we cut across the flats where it tends to be lighter.  By mid-afternoon, it began flowing out again, increasing our speed (evening out our speed to about 5.5 kts). Along with all the power boats, and big ship traffic on the bay, at least 6 other sailboats were headed down the bay.  Most of them appeared to have sailed out the bay rather than take  the canal with its 55' bridges.  Not only will the marinas be full, the anchorage will be too.  Looked like lots of folks planned to take advantage of the light southerly winds forecast through the end of the week to hop offshore for points N and E.

The tide was dropping when we approached the breakwater by the ferry dock, and encountered a dredge in the channel.  We watched as the trawler ahead of us waited, and was told to keep to the green side of the channel - we did too.  I guess the shoal that built where the ferries back out of the slips needed to be removed (we touched there once, trying to keep clear of a ferry).  There were several other skinny spots in the canal in need of dredging too, with several readings dropping to 8' mid channel.  Obviously, the 55' bridge clearance wouldn't be an issue for us! 

I've come to the conclusion that NJ fishermen are as bad as their weekend boating brethren in FL.  Given the narrowness and length of the canal, it should be a 'no wake' zone from our perspective, but the fishermen fear they might lose 'that big one', and head out at full throttle and usually in the middle of the channel.  They're equally anxious to get back to show off their catch on return.

The Jersey South Marina was tucked up the creek, a bit closer to town, but with ample water to navigate and do a 180 to tie up.  As advertised, the dock hands were helpful, we  topped off fuel at our slip and the bathrooms were way above most cruiser's norms (one review said they thought they were in a Kohler showroom). This put it beyond our normal $2/ft limit, but hey, it was only for a night, and the showers were really nice. 

When the guy checking us in learned we planned on walking to the store, he said they'd take us in the van in the morning, it was a service included with the dockage (along with the fancy bathrooms).  I was looking forward to some exercise, and declined.  I pointed out to Leonard there wasn't much difference in 'doing it ourselves' regarding towing, and walking to the store, but I'm not sure he bought my reasoning.  It was 3+miles round trip, but a pleasant, interesting walk past some historic buildings.

Sunset overlooking some of the docks at Cape May

The marina 'gave' us a $10 certificate for breakfast that Leonard couldn't resist, so shortly after 0700, we checked out the menu.  Blue cloth napkins indicated pricey, which it was since everything was a la carte, but breakfast was good, and we could watch as the various vessels departed.  We departed too, after a short walk to the fish market just across the way for some fresh, local flounder.

5/26/16    Off Shore

As we headed out the harbor, we watched as a CG vessel charge off the dock toward the bay, throwing a big wake.  We wondered if it was an emergency, but hadn't heard any chatter on the VHF.  We later learned it was a practice - but if their wake caught someone off guard, it could have turned into a real mission if someone fell overboard or was hurt.

Anchored vessels at Cape May

Not surprising, our timing was less than perfect (as we knew), and the water was flowing in as we headed out the inlet.  The current wasn't bad until we reached the end of the breakwater, where the current was boiling.  Leonard did a higher rpm test of the engine to get us out - no stutters made him happy.  Fortunately it was a short inlet, most of which had been fine, and we were soon on our way.

The dominate word in forecast for the foreseeable future was S, with winds around 10kts, making it a good time to get past NJ.  While  it would be possible to 'day trip' in and out along the coast, the mention of thunderstorms as the weekend progresses and the smooth condition of the sea, had us inclined to get it over with in one hop.  It's a 120NM to the Verrazano Bridge, or between 20 - 24 hours depending on our speed.  With some luck and timing, we might catch the morning flood tide (much shorter than the ebb!) into the harbor and anchor off the Palisades N of the city.  Other options would be to tuck in behind Sandy Hook to wait for a flood, or stop at the anchorage behind the Statue of Liberty.  With a holiday weekend ahead, we expect to see a lot more pleasure and fishing vessels plying the waters, keeping us on our toes.

Hitch hiking female magnolia warbler on the outboard

As we motor sailed (the jib was helping) along the New Jersey shore, we were visited by a hitchhiker.  These little guys are always welcome to use us as a rest stop.  This one I think was a female magnolia warbler, but somehow, what I see never looks quite like the photos in my field guide!  As always, I'm open to verification and/or correction.

By noon, both sails were up and the engine off.  It was nice to be sailing and not listening to the engine chugging along.  Another boat, flying a spinnaker was heading N too.  If the wind and weather hold, it would be a good passage.

Lynnea

Annapolis

5/23/16   To   38 58.375N,  76 29.173W    Annapolis Municipal Mooring #60    52.0NM

The rain gradually ceased as we motored up the bay.  With insufficient wind to sail, the engine got a good workout, and preformed flawlessly sans hiccups or stutters, much to our relief.  We appear to have found our payback zone for all the 'good' current we've enjoyed most of the way N.  It's a bit of a double whammy of the flood current not coinciding with much of our transiting time, and runoff in the Chesapeake watershed making its way to sea.  Even when we should have a few 10ths of a kt flood, the GPS on the chart plotter indicates around -.4, making long days just a little bit longer.  Maybe Delaware Bay, where the current runs stronger, will be kinder to us (and have runoff too).

Thomas Point light house off the South River

Sign by a replica of Thomas Point light house at the Annapolis Maritime Museum

As we worked our way N, the cumulus clouds began building on both sides of the bay.  The last batch of rain had swept in from the E, off the ocean, rather than following the usual westerly flow, so I wasn't sure which batch of clouds I should be watching.  We started 30 minute radar checks, and watched as a number of fairly nasty cells built around the region, from Philadelphia to S of Norfolk, tracking W, and NOAA issued one storm warning after another for much of  Chesapeake Bay over the VHF.

One of the tall ships sailing past the Naval Academy with a tour group

We tucked in between 2 cells as we headed into Annapolis, and it looked like we'd be home free - on a mooring and settled when any weather arrived.  There was an unexpected snafu - all moorings N of the bridge on Spa Creek were full.  It was a Monday, there haven't been that many cruisers, and with crummy weather all weekend, what were these people thinking?  A call to the bridge tender informed us the next opening (restricted hours) wouldn't be until 1800, leaving us with 25 minutes to back and fill as the clouds got darker and darker.  We had the connector in, helping to keep us dry, but the side curtains obstruct visibility more than we like, especially in close quarters.  We were doing circles between the mooring field, the Eastport docks and the docks by the burnt out shell of the Annapolis Yacht Club house.  The good thing was we weren't the tallest mast, and there was protection from the boats on the docks when the initial 25kts of wind arrived.  We did a lot of slow circles.

Work on the Annapolis Yacht Club building damaged by a fire

Most of the moorings beyond the bridge were empty, so once we cleared the bridge we picked up #60.  We'd have bridge noise, but it would be a short dinghy ride to the closest public landing (most streets have public docks).  Unfortunately it was still raining, and I'd been looking forward to crab cakes from Chick and Ruth's Delly.  I was thrilled when the radar showed a break in the rain, so when it arrived, we launched the dinghy and rowed ashore.  Yes! Crab cakes and an apple crisp crepe from Sofi's  for dinner!

Antares on the 'other' side of the bridge - St. Mary's church and Charles Carroll House

The bridge was noisy.  It's relatively easy to adapt to the whirring sound of tire tread over grates, but the bridge was under repair, with 3 or 4 large metal plates over work areas that sounded like drums as the cars went over.  However, if you're tired, even that sound merges into background noise.  There was a bright side - although the moorings were rated for 35' (not easily visible), the harbor master had no problem downsizing Antares a foot, and these moorings were $25/night, while on the other side of the bridge (rated for bigger vessels) were $35 for our length. He pointed out that dinghy dock by the Academy would have been packed. 

2/24/16    To  39 27.951N,    75 58.802W    Rogue's Harbor    51.2NM

Linterman's new vessel

I'd need a ladder to paint the bottom with this 8.5' keel!

We decided not to spend another night in Annapolis to take advantage of improving weather.  Knowing we needed to be off the mooring by noon, we ate a quick breakfast and went ashore to check out Mary and Chris Linterman's (friends from LCYC) new boat in Eastport.  Suffice it to say it's a big (46') go fast boat (twin wheels and rudders) and quite a change from Moon Shadow, their Erickson 35.  Mary said it was responsive, fun to sail, and they did over 9kts in 10-15kts of wind on the sea trial. We might reach 9 kts (briefly) surfing down a wave in strong winds and following seas.  They planned to arrive late Tuesday night, get the boat launched Wednesday and head straight for Newport.  We knew they'd be too busy to visit, and we'd need at least a day's head start if we hope to see them in Cape May.  It was interesting to take a look at the boat on the hard.  With 8.5' draft, it's not a boat for the Bahamas, but they are thinking about cruising the Med, and it would be great for crossing the Atlantic and Europe.  We'll keep in touch with them, and wish them a smooth maiden voyage. (They'll wave as they fly past us on the Delaware.)

Part of the fleet watching the practice run of the Blue Angel's air show

We caught the 1100 bridge opening, and were surprised to see all the moorings still full - usually someone departs in the morning.  As we turned to head toward the bay, we were faced with a flotilla of anchored and slow moving vessels, and a number of patrol vessels.  We'd wondered about the additional small red and green buoys when we arrived, apparently it was a channel for traffic during a Blue Angels air show scheduled for Wednesday.  Seems we arrived during graduation week at the Academy.  It looked like Burlington harbor before the fireworks.  We did catch part of the practice airshow - they buzzed the channel as we headed out, and watched them practice as we continued on our way.  The last thing we need is more unspent fuel on our deck, which looks like it has a case of pox, courtesy of the fighters buzzing us in the A&P Canal and Alligator River.  It requires a lot of elbow grease to remove from the non-skid deck.

Blue Angels in tight formation

With a late start and fighting the current, we planned to get to as far as possible for the night, putting us in a reasonable position to catch an East flowing current through the C&D Canal in the morning Wednesday before heading down the Delaware Bay.

Once the current finally stopped running against us, we pushed a beyond the Sassafras River, hoping to reach Cape May on Wednesday.  It would be a stretch, some 70NM, especially if we continued to fight the current at the same rate we had on the bay.  It was disheartening to see the 'extra' 10NM (compared to the actual chart plotter track) we traveled during the day.  That's an extra couple of hours at our speed!

Rogue's Harbor wasn't much of a harbor, but more a place where we could get out of the channel, have enough depth and swing room for the night, and would offer protection from N-NW winds if needed.  It was near Elk River State Park, across from the interesting, but unsightly, trailer/RV park across the river (Leonard told me to look the other way), and was 10NM closer to Cape May.  There was a dock at the park, but we were too tired to attempt to take either Antares in to the dock, or launch the dinghy to go exploring.  It was a very quiet night, much appreciated after the noise from the Annapolis bridge.

Up the Bay

5/20,21/16  To  38 07.427N,  76 24.940W    Smith Creek off the Potomac River    75.7NM   

With the knowledge that a more significant cold front would arrive Saturday, we hoped to get as far up the Chesapeake as possible before tucking in and waiting for it to pass.  Ideally, we would have liked to gotten as far as Solomons Island, but even with the extra hours of daylight in the spring, 80+NM would be a stretch.  My guess about runoff was correct, a .5+flood was  more like a -1.2 ebb as we headed N.  Even with a sunrise departure, there weren't enough daylight hours in a day. 

Sunrise as we depart our Back Creek anchorage

The ultimate in duck blinds

The forecast (depending on which forecast you believed) for an E wind in the afternoon was wrong, so we didn't have the bit of extra speed we get sailing.  The morning started with light head winds, and by afternoon the bay had an oily, smooth surface that comes with a dead calm, and as the overcast spread, it was difficult to differentiate the sea from the sky.  It was easy motoring, and after the early morning  fishermen rush to get out to where the fish were biting, there was little traffic.  There were surprisingly few bobbers to dodge, just enough 'singles' to keep us on our toes.  The ones we saw out on the bay appeared to be strays, but it only takes 1 line to wrap a prop.

Cormorants sitting on 'G1' at the entrance of the Potomac on a windless afternoon

After looking at various places to tuck in, we decided to check out Smith Creek, the first creek on the N side of the Potomac that looked promising - a narrow entry, but lots of coves to tuck into, out of the wind when it arrived.  Getting that far was a 14 hour day.  George Washington certainly didn't toss a silver dollar across the mouth of the Potomac!  At 10NM wide, it seems to take forever to get across.  Fortunately, with no wind, it was an easy. but still just under 3 hours thanks to an ebb current and an angled course to reach Smith Creek.

A panorama of our cove up Smith Creek

While we ate dinner, 2 other sail boats arrived, looking to join us.  They provided entertainment when one ran aground on his approach, and the other attempted to pull him free with a line.  Eventually he got off and both anchored outside of us.  We would have felt much better if they'd backed down on their anchors instead of just shutting the engine off after dropping the hook.  Part of the reason we sought a snug harbor was the forecast for winds in the 20-25kt range, and we don't want neighbors dragging into us. 

Our trusty Yanmar had occasional hiccups during the day, changing rpm unassisted, not a reassuring sign, indicating a change of fuel filters was due.  This is best done when anchored, so we kept our fingers crossed, held our breath, and continued on our way.  A job to tackle in the Saturday while we sat and waited for the weather to pass. 

Saturday morning, after clearing the back cabin (aka the garage) Leonard found a broken hose clamp on the fuel line, an easy fix, and removed the Racor filter to replace it, but couldn't remove the clear cap, a vital step in the process.  ARGH!  We drained the old filter and cleaned it as much as possible before reinstalling it, hoping it will function until we reach Solomons.  Looking for a replacement unit on line, Leonard discovered our unit has been deemed obsolete, lucky us.  We'll visit a mechanic (lots in Solomons or Annapolis) to see if they can get the darn thing apart in a vise or with a special tool.  Meanwhile we'll do some measuring to see which of the 'new' units will fit in the space available.  As we know, cruising is the art of fixing things in exotic places.

Since we reached Beaufort, our simple wardrobe solution of one set of salty shorts and shirt and one relatively clean one, became insufficient.  We'd become accustomed to warm sunny days with highs in the 80's and have had a rude awakening to cool, cloudy days with showers where,  if we're lucky,  the high may nudge into the low 70's and the wind feels distinctly cool sans sun.  Long pants, sleeves and fleeces replaced layers of sunscreen, so we must be getting closer to home.  We are currently in a no mans zone squished between 2 high pressure systems where the sun is unlikely to reappear until the highs move out to sea, with rain part and parcel of every forecast - we've been taking sunshine for granted.

5/22/16    To  38 20.252N    76 27.604W    Back Creek, Solomon's Island    33.9NM   

Although the weather forecast wasn't promising, we hoped they'd over estimated the wind speed, and headed on our way, as did the 2 boats that had joined us in Smith Creek.  We were anxious to solve our fuel filter issue and nudge a bit closer to home.  We ran the jib out as we headed down the Potomac, but once we turned the corner at Cape Lookout and headed up the bay, it was right into the wind and seas.  As luck would have it, the wind stayed between 10-12kts, preferable to the 15 forecast, keeping the seas between 2'-3'.   While it wasn't fun in the persistent drizzle and showers, the conditions were manageable.  Leonard wished he'd sprayed the connector with a bit more water proofing, another job for the 'to do list' if the weather ever clears (maybe by Tuesday).

Point No Point light house on a very gray day

We crossed fingers and toes that the engine would get enough fuel for us to reach the anchorage at Solomon's.  Suffice it to say the engine stuttered enough times to make it a bit of a stressful day.  Leonard was wishing we'd continued N on Friday when the seas were flat, but who knows what issues we might have encountered then, at least now we could sail if the engine quit, which wouldn't have been a viable option Friday.  Using our unlimited towing with Boat US would be our last resort since we're of 'do it ourselves' school of boating.  We could have launched the dinghy and outboard once we got close enough to port and in the lee of the shore along Drum Point out of the bigger seas and lashed it on the hip.

We made it, and had the anchor set before 1530. While we were underway, Leonard came up with an idea to get the fuel filter apart by McGivering a vise out of some wood pieces we have on board, and got right to work once we were settled.  He succeeded getting the unit apart and installed a new filter.  Once we bled any air out the fuel line, the engine started - a positive sign.  We'd find out if changing fuel filters (we have 2) resolved the problem once we are underway and the engine was working under a load.  We need to take on fuel, with less than a 1/4 tank, and I suspect sloshing the bottom of the tank only added to the already overloaded filter issue.

Early morning reflections of Spring Cove Marina (between rain drops)

5/23/2016  Underway for Annapolis

It rained off and on most of the night, and was still raining when we woke up.  I'd hoped to hike to the store bright and early, before the marina opened, but neither of us was in a hurry to launch the dinghy and hike several miles in the rain.  It was still raining after breakfast, but the radar promised it would let up before long, so once the marina opened, we went to the fuel dock.  We considered asking if we could tie up for a few hours while we hiked to the store, but decided we'd just head on our way to Annapolis. 

Solomon's Island Back Creek anchorage -  I've long admired this boat house and garden

Being only 45NM, it should have been an easy day, but the current god joined ranks with the runoff god, concocting a 1.5 kt current heading for the mouth of the bay.  The wind god didn't help either, although the wind was lighter than Sunday, it was still out of the N at 5-10kts, with 2' seas, which tend to knock close to a kt off our SOG.  With a bit of relief from the ebb current, we may reach Annapolis by 1900, another long day.  So far, we haven't heard the engine stutter, a good sign that problem has been fixed. To be on the safe side, we plan to pick up another secondary filter (we have another primary on board) in Annapolis, just in case.  We have a lot of motoring between here and home!

Iconic Chesapeake work boat hauling pots on the Patuxent River

This fish trap offers a convenient pelican perch and food source

Everything here is cloaked in bright spring green, thanks to all the recent rain.  From what I heard on NOAA, the area had below normal precipitation for the year at the start of May, but is now around 2" over.  It's rained 17 days since May Day (not including today).  We've been thoroughly spoiled by the beautiful sunny weather we enjoyed most of the trip.  The other 2 words that are part of the forecast for the week are 'light' and 'variable', most likely limiting our ability to sail and cover the necessary mileage between anchorages.  From our perspective, L&V is preferable to head winds.

Lynnea