#39 May 21st to 28th

May 21st

We partook of the the wonderful breakfast at the Marina resort again this morning, checked our fluids, engine and such and were on our way 25 miles to Annapolis, Maryland.  Bill and I have been to Annapolis many times for various boat shows, as has Terry and Randy. But those times are crazy, crowded and not the normal day to day activity.  We were excited to be approaching Annapolis from the water.  And BUSY it was!!

We threaded our way through the mooring field toward the City docks, gently entered our slip right on the main channel where boats cruised up and down - - - just like we used to do on Woodward Ave. or Gratiot when we were teens!!

Oh Look!  Pussers Landing, just over there!!

So off we went. See Simpatico!

No need to explain anything here!!!

It is lunch time after all. So -- Terry orders the special -- Soft-shelled crab sandwich!!!  I hear tell, they are really good?  Somehow I just can't get my head around it. Yes that is the whole crab!! Anyway, Terry let me taste a claw. Hmmm! pretty good!

Maybe I'll try one tomorrow!

Its turned a bit cool this evening and we are going to do spaghetti and salad for supper then sit on the back deck and watch the activity in the harbor.  Maybe a mean game of cards later!!


May 22nd
This day was rainy and dreary most of the day but we managed to catch the trolley tour around Annapolis in between showers.  The best part of the day was the arrival of William and Frances. Delightful folks we enjoyed meeting when Bill and I were traveling the Dismal Swamp on our way to Norfolk in 2015. They were crewing on other friends (Ann and Tony, you met them in my blog earlier in Isle of Hope) boat. We stopped at the Service Plaza of Highway 17 Virginia. I know, thats an auto service plaza but the Dismal Swamp canal ran right behind and they had docks for boaters to use the facilities. We stayed the night there and had plenty of time to have a picnic and docktails and camaraderie.  We then all traveled together to Herrington Harbor just south of Annapolis.

William and Frances are from England and had a Halberg Rassy Sailboat they sold in 2015. They have been travelling all around and are now back to sell all of their boat "stuff" left in storage near Annapolis. We had a great visit. And I hope to meet up with them again in the future. Maybe accompany them on one of their excursions. 

May 23rd

The morning was quiet and calm, unlike the partying going on last night at Pusser's Landing!!! Fun.
Still overcast and bleak, not ABD!

This is another port that I have always wanted to visit. Here we are entering Baltimore Harbor.  There is a lot of commercial shipping enterprises as well as a project in process of refurbishing the downtown water front.

After checking in at the Fells Point Marina we tackled the boat chores and then checked out the facilities. I was trying the lock in the Laundry area -- it wasn't locked -- so I kept fiddling with it because the Harbor master said everything was to be locked.  All of a sudden, this lady is hollering at me, "Hey, don't lock that door!  We don't lock it!"  Well, you know me, I can't hear too well, "What?"  "WE DON'T LOCK THE LAUNDRY" -- no smiles, no pleasantries,!!  "I just got here, checking things out"  She ignored me and went into the laundry.  Later as Terry and I were walking back to the dock,  this lady was approaching also. "So, you said you just got here? where are you from?"  With a smile I asked her if she found the Laundry unlocked?   She looked at me for a moment and said with a sheepish grin -- "I'm Sorry"  Her name is Paula and we got along just fine after that. 

After the chores we walked up to
Fells Street for a beer at an old tavern. The streets are paved with old stone blocks that first lived in ships as ballast. and the sidewalks are brick from another time. Warehouses being turned into condos, taking on "the chic" look.

This is Terry and Randy's last night and they treated me to a great meal at Captain James Restaurant. (shaped like a ship).

Terry and Randy were great crew, and I think they sort of didn't want to leave! That's a good thing, maybe I can impose upon them again sometime.

May 24th

They are on their way and looking forward to more adventures in their future. I really enjoyed their company and wish I had known them better at Bridgeview so many years ago.

This morning I took a little excursion to the National Aquarium and then a walk around the waterfront. This is a great example of resurgence of usefulness. People everywhere enjoying the promenade and establishments that have dressed up DownTown.

I got back just in time, the rain started again.  Bob Rudary, my next crew arrived around two. We found a grocery for a few supplies before his rental car had to go back. Then We got right to work changing oil, filter and other check points after some orientation.   Time to relax and consider whether we would leave for Delaware City in the morning.

Bill and I sailed with Bob and Nancy many summers in the North Channel when our kids were growing up along with 3 other boats from Bridgeview. Bob and Nancy's boys, Matt,Tom and Chad(son of John and Mickey Anga) and our son John had lots of fun playing "army men" on the rocks, learning to wind surf and jumping off the BIG cliff in Mill Lake off Collins Inlet, North Channel East of Kilarney.  John and Mickey's daughter Ericka and Kelly were doing the teen girl things along with the wind surfing and the BIG cliff.  Those were GOOD times.  Of course, the folks were having good times too, dinners on the rocks, pina coladas, camaradarie. . . . . 

May 25th, 26th

This day we are about to leave the Delaware Bay and travel through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. It is blowing a bit, but cloudy and rainy and dreary. After checking the weather we realize that the long term forecast is for numerous squalls and fronts are going to plague our route to New York. and there may be more than a few layover days. The decision is made to leave today for the C & D, bypassing Georgetown up the Sassafras River. I had wanted to stop there and visit old friends from 13th Street, in Port Huron. Since I must be in Croton on Hudson by June 1st, 2nd at the latest we pushed on. The first 4 hours were wild, pounding into the surf and rain but as we traveled further North the Bay narrowed and the seas became much smoother til it was like a walk in the park. A long day, 67 miles, 9 Hours.  Bob's first run was sort of a 'trial by fire' introduction to the sturdy little vessel Simpatico.

Delaware City Marina, turn left after leaving the Canal. The Harbor Master had very specific instructions to enter his marina -- "Turn left at buoy 12 leaving it to port no more than 40 ft. away, head directly for the ferry boat until you reach her, then slightly port and continue along the row of boats. to the fuel dock"   He did this with every boat that entered the Marina. Because -- the currents inside are constant all the time one way or another and strong.  Of course the little canal is narrow and shallows opposite his docks He and his team are very competent; and since we were leaving ? in the morn they turned us around to face out which would be against the current for better control.

The marina is just one VERY long dock. and he puts them in 2 ft apart to get the maximum number of boats in there. Not only because he likes the business but there are many boats that need his facility for their departing point for the South run down the Delaware Bay to Cape May.

Another great thing the Harbor Master does is give a weather briefing every evening at 5 pm. It looked good for the next day , but alas, was not to be.  The 26th we wanted to leave but the forecast changed and another storm ran through. So, we wait it out.  All the boaters met on one of the boats after the weather briefing to tell stories and decide if they are going to go the next day. All the boats and crew were fellow "Loopers".

May 27th

We have a good report. 5 knot winds all day and little waves.  The tide started its ebb at 5 am and we were on our way with four other boats at 5:30 am. Caught this beautiful sunrise as we entered the Delaware Bay headed for Cape May.

The passage was very easy, the tide pushing us and the winds light we traveled 50 miles in 5 and a half hours. Over 8.5 knots most of the way. Wonderful!

Entrance to the Cape May Canal

May 28th

Atlantic city was the destination of choice today but seas and winds were still very mild and we were also getting good speed. Going to Arrive at Atlantic City by 10:30 in the morning. Too early to stop, especially with the conditions so perfect.  So we didn't get to stop at the Trump casino Marina. Darn!

Out to the Ocean and the final destination of the day. Barnaget Bay.

As our approach to Barnaget Inlet drew near, we could see breakers inside the jetties. The guides all stated that this inlet is sometimes difficult. I can see why, even on a calm day the waves and tide coming in begin to sort of slosh from one side to the other of the breakwalls.  It's like an agitator washing machine.  So, I was busy and didn't get a picture. Bob was busy too, watching the other boats and calling out the bouys for me.  It was Interesting to say the least -- and this was a calm day!!

It was a long day for us but glad we did it because another storm was predicted for tonight. Time for a Rum and snacks and bit of relaxing, reading.   Supper was cooked in the crockpot  -- beef stew -- then we planned our routes for the next day.  It is amazing how bushed you feel after a passage; the average bedtime has been 9:30 on these passage days since Baltimore. This is the part of the trip I was most apprehensive about. Heard lots of stories about how some folks had to layover 3 or 4 days or more before travelling up the Jersey shore. We have been very fortunate. Hope the it continues.