#37 May 8th - 15th

May 8th

Having spent 2 days in Norfolk and two days in Old Port Comfort we were ready for a move. Although it was ABD! Clear and Sunny. We knew there were residual effects from the storm. We decided to cast off at 0645 while the winds were still sort of "asleep". Our run to Deltaville is only 46 miles today and proved to be a bit rolly when we got out into the Bay but we moved along at a brisk 8.3 kts.  Actually arrived at 1130. Of course I was handed a dilemma! I had to back stern to the dock while the wind and current played around with Simpatico.
AND, of course, our little boat commands attention wherever she goes and there were more than several people watching as I "performed ".  I should have sold tickets!  All went well and I didn't touch a thing!😌

Tom and Coletta Kataras, on Greeks Folly are here in Deltaville having some work done on their boat before continuing their "Loop". The four of us traveled down the rivers together in 2014. Great folks and it is great to connect with them again. The came to greet us when we arrived.

Bernie was having mixed emotions (at least I hope he was) about leaving the boat. Here is where I change crew yet again. We set to washing the salt crusted residue off the boat and while I cleaned the inside, Bernie attended to and fixed a pesky little leak at the Pilot House roof hatch.  All packed we are awaiting the next contingent to arrive.

Terry and Randy Clark arrived in the late afternoon. Dockmates of ours at 13th street, Port Huron, gave me the heads up about Terry and Randy wishing to fill my crew roster. They, many years ago, at Bridgeview Marina in Sarnia, Ontario were docked behind us on a sailboat named "Hogsbreath". One thing led to another and we made connection. It's really wonderful how our little boating world of friends stays in touch. Thanks, Bob and Helen!
 We made intros all around as Bernie gave Randy the low-down on Simpatico.  Gear was stowed and off we went to a celebratory crew-change supper.

May 9th

Bernie is off to the airport; T and R offered to take him since they are looking for a boat to keep in Florida, they were going to visit marinas along the way back to see what might be available. Did I mention, they presently own a Nordic Tug 32 in Sarnia. Another great reason to crew for me!
The weather is looking a little bleak this day and we are wondering if  tomorrow is going to be a good day to travel.

May 10  The weather has turned bad, with thunderstorms and high winds. No travelling today.

May 11

Ugh!Again!  Nasty, overcast, cold, rain and WIND! So we spend another day at dock, but it was time well spent. Randy checked out the boat and all it's little crevices, oils and fluids.  Even found a a few screws loose!😉😉   The weather cleared a bit in afternoon so we did trip into "town" for incidentals, a stop at a Marine antique/used stuff store, and to the Fish shop. What really took our eye here were the huge mounds of oyster shells around an "old" cemetery.  They sell a LOT of oysters!!  And turns out the cemetery belongs to long time residents/families of the area. Hallowed ground!

May 12

Four days in a marina is quite enough thank you. We decide to have a look at conditions early morn.
0615 just at daybreak, we feel content to continue our journey. This time on to the Potomac River and Washington DC.  The first 5 hours proved to be challenging to catch the seas at the right angle to be relatively comfortable.  We settled into a great rhythm, Horatio being the only occupant that was a little put off by the ride. Once we reached the Potomac 1015 out of the Bay we were relieved to have a smoother way of it with Easterly winds and incoming tide behind us. We traveled 10 hours and anchored close to shore beneath huge cliffs; completely sheltered from the prevailing wind. Rained most of the day reducing to drizzle this evening.  After supper we played some cards for about 10 minutes!! Exhausted from the day we went to bed early.

May 13th

0830 we are underway with overcast skies - still! - but no rain. Boy we sure do get spoiled with ABD's.  the river is calm in spite of a bit of wind and I, personally, am very excited about approaching Washington on the Potomac river. Our nations capital never ceases to stir pride in me.

We passed Mt Vernon, George Washington's home on the Potomac (we will stop for a visit on way back), Old Fort Washington.  Built in 1808 it protected Washington for a little more than 9 years before being demolished by the British in 1814. Before the attack was complete our own garrison blew it up to keep it from the British.  It was subsequently rebuilt beginning just a few months later and has been standing watch for over 200 years. Look it up - quite a history.

Finally the District comes into view.

Its hard for you to see in this picture but the Capital, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial and Lincoln Memorial are  visible.

We arrive at our dock 1530, 7 hours later. Just blocks from the Washington Monument and the Great Mall.  This waterfront area is undergoing vast, reconstruction. Another grand opening due in October of this year.

Huge pedestrian pier being constructed behind us.

Retail, Residential, Office, and commercial space being constructed all up and down the Waterfront

Daughter Terri came in late afternoon to see us.. She lives just 8 miles from here. We had a little refreshment and conversation and took in Jenny's for supper, Chinese, very nice and excellent cuisine. Not your typical carry-out.

May 14th

Finally, ABD!  Terry and Randy were ready to "do" DC by foot at 8:30am.

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 Terri(daughter) and her friend Mary(Orndorff)Troyan , husband Victor and son Archie came for a visit.  They are friends from High School, 4-H Horse days. It was great to see Mary and her family again. Archie her 7 yr old was all over the boat. Seemed to find it fascinating.

 They couldn't stay long as Archie had a hockey game at 10:30. I chided Mary, "Oh, Oh, I see a Hockey Mom in the budding!"
After everyone left, Terri and I just relaxed in the warming sun for a  few before heading out to her house, a few groceries, playing with the dogs and sitting on her patio watching the activity on the lake.

 A very nice peaceful relaxing Mothers Day. She did take me to a very nice restaurant for dinner.
I was back to the boat around 8 pm and Randy and Terry were still out and about. They were full of stories and very impressed with all they observed.

May 15th

ABD!! Crew got a bit of a later start today in their sight seeing but on their way by 10 am. The construction activity is ramping up and I am feverishly trying to get my blog done.  We will probably meet up somewhere for supper and we are hoping to head back down the Potomac tomorrow.