Navy Parking Lot



June 1  Eyes pop open at 5:30 (without an alarm!), we unplug and cast off on our way by 5:50 through the Norfolk Shipping Channel.  It takes over 2 hours to navigate to the entrance of the lower Chesapeake.  We are hopeful we can sail a promised SE wind with our destination being the Onancock on the Eastern Shore.  After about 3 hours of making marginal process, we determined the promised onset of stormy weather necessitated our change in course to snug up to the Western shore planning to revisit a familiar bay, Fishing Bay, and a secure creek to weather out the storm.  It was a very rough ride in as the squall lines in advance of the weather were starting…but we eased our way in through the rain and secured her, popped on some of our canvas and headed below.  It was quite the storm and we were thanking God for safe passage and harbor.  


Big Boat "Rules" in Norfolk Channel

June 2  Progressing up the Western shore today to Wicomico River leaving late morning. NOAA forecast NW-W winds which would have made a good day sailing but the promising wind never arrived, so we fought wind angle and tremendous current most of the day. 



Chesapeake Lighthouse

John lubricated the wheel this morning that was a huge help as it had become super stiff.  Mill Creek became our home for the night that promises to be cool and calm.  Zucchini stuffed portobellos on the grill – yum.

A piece of our rainbow



June 3  Stayed put for a day of rest.  Lovely dinghy ride up the creek this morning followed by a nap.  John (ship’s engineer) reported an issue with our tachometer-did some analysis.  We may have to replace alternator with our spare.  I am having trouble settling into the rhythm of the trip still.  Rain shower passed as we grilled our dinner followed by the most brilliant rainbow ever and a full moon rising.  

We will explore the Wicomico tomorrow.



Many lovely homes everywhere



June 4  Cool night-ahhh.  Headed up the Great Wicomico for a motoring tour revealing lovely homes on very high banks of the river complete with grassy verge.  Small Craft Advisory today so we tucked into Cockrell Creek for some diesel and a sandwich in the café that looked like something from down island.  Smile.  The wind was delivering the promised 30mph gusts so we worked our way up to find a place to drop anchor.  Didn’t make it to town as our boat was creaking under the strong winds!  Learned from a native couple on the docks we helped tie up that there is no science to navigating the Potomac….always a bit of a trial.  We hope to round the bend into her mouth tomorrow.



Essence of Old South



June 5  A heavy dark sky greeted us this morning.  Small Craft Advisory until 2 but there is a favorable wind direction so we decide to bundle up in foul weather gear as it is in the 50s and head out.  A robust sail for the next 5 hours as we rounded Smith Point and entered the mouth of the Potomac, feeling surely this must be some of the best conditions possible in an area we have heard many a sailors story!  LDV was heeled over with steady 7-8+knots as we maxed her out and kept on our toes for mighty gusts.  We ran up with the current adding a knot or two.   Thank you Lord!!  We settle in Glebe Creek on the Coan River overlooking a working farm on one side and waterside homes and tall trees.  It is lovely and we are the only boat anchored.  We will explore in the creek by dinghy tomorrow.

June 6  John enjoyed a leisurely sleeping in today and I spent time reading and talking to the Lord.  Threatening clouds this morning with a very cool breeze…after a bit of clearing we took to the creeks exploring.  Saw our first Great Blue Heron and he was a beauty.  Allowed us to get quite close and take in the amazing detail of this magnificent creature.  John tinkered with the outboard lubricating etc. and defrosted our freezer overnight since we have almost emptied it.



Chesapeake Boat Garage



June 7  Woke early feeling rested and headed out to Yeocomico River with a light West breeze that allowed us a lovely leisurely sail.  Absolute perfection.  The day is noticeably warmer as we worked our way into the River making our way to Kinsale at the headwater.  We put down a day anchor and after a quick lunch, headed to the shore for a walk around this “little” town.  The walk was good – stopped to chat to some locals...smile!  Picked up our anchor and headed to the Southern Branch for the night.  Two things each river/creek has…high treelined banks with osprey and presumably due to the grassy banks that drift toward the water…someone mowing the lawn.  We got our first look at oyster-ing today as we passed two boats…one harvesting and one seeding a new bed.  Fascinating process which I had just read about (or I would have been clueless, I’m sure!).  I took several pics of this but had a technical glitch :(  Another rainbow tonight after a thunderstorm passed off in the distance.  Perfect end to the day.



Wonderful stop!



June 8  Crossed to the East shore of Potomac this morning with a nice wind and current (we are getting reacquainted with tidal currents) giving us a 7.5 knot sail…wonderful as I sipped coffee and enjoyed the fresh air.  Our destination is Lookout Pt Marina today at the mouth of St Mary’s River.  We need water, food, and to handle some business with a printer and fax.  It is a picture perfect day as we ate our lunch on the deck of marina restaurant overlooking Smith Creek.  It feels tropical..smile.   Great stop as tomorrow we head up the River that is known for it’s beauty.