06-24-2023 Lots of walking and raining now heading north

We left our mooring in Annapolis, and motored the 11 mile to Harness creek, where we have spent time before.  

Leaving the busy Annapolis harbor

Harness creek has a nice anchorage, and sits at the end of Quiet Waters Park.  There is a dock at the anchorage area where Quiet Waters Park rents kayaks and paddleboards.   It is a 1.6 mile walk, from the dock to the exit of the park, on nice wooded paved trails.

On Monday, we loaded up our laundry, and packed it out the 1.7 miles to the local Laundromat.  We did laundry, and then a short distance to McDonalds for lunch, then the 1.8 miles back from McDonalds to the boat.   

Waiting on laundry

Hot muggy day.  3.5 miles round trip.    Back on the boat Dean worked on finishing up our project to convert both heads to an option for fresh water or salt water flush.    It is nice to have both options available, as the toilet flushing uses quite a bit of our fresh water reserves.

Next day, decided to head into town, and pick up an awning track we needed from a local Yacht Canvas company who was willing to sell us one.   We had ordered some and had it shipped to Oriental when we were there, but  unfortunately during installation, one piece escaped overboard 😖   We then went to the grocery store, hardware store, and McDonalds again.- I know McDonalds two times in a row - but the weather was chilly, and it is the last spot for McDonalds for the summer.  That was a 5.5 mile round trip

Much needed break

We had a duck family visit us at the anchorage - and Kris being quite fond of ducks could not resist feeding them.

Getting used to us

They then came back twice daily for feeding, and spent some time on the stern step nesting.  Left quite a bit of poop, but Kris cleaned it off so Dean would not get too upset.

They finally did grab out of Kris's hand, and even jumped up on the step with her sitting there.  Of course, she is the duck whisperer

Next day, back to hardware store, haircuts - and got subway.  Started to rain, and walked the 1.7 miles back in the rain.  3.8 miles round trip.

Saw this little guy crossing the trail while walking in the rain

Keep in mind, all these trips were made with full backpacks and additional bags being carried by hand, so not just leisurely strolls.   Really makes you think about if what you buy, or haul is worth it sometimes.

It was now time to head north, so we left our anchorage and what was supposed to be a minimal rain day, and sailed north.  Well that only lasted 1/2 a day, when the wind died, and the rain started.  It rained so hard, visibility was only about 1/2 mile, but we stayed fairly dry, and anchored for the night in the upper Chesapeake at Bohemian River.    

Thomas Point Shoal Light, leaving Harness Creek in the Chesapeake

Next morning, a motor slog through the C&D canal with the currents in our favor, over to the Delaware Bay.   During the motor trip, we noticed the port engine exhaust was putting out white smoke.  We switched to starboard engine, and Kris went and read up on why we could have white smoke.  Many potential reason, but the only one she felt comfortable doing was  quick valve adjustment, so that is what she did, and when she was done, we restarted the engine - and no more white smoke.    Kris doesn't think the valves were that far off, so could be coincidence that it went away, we will keep an eye on it.

Valve cover off, checking things out

Bridge at Chesapeake side of C&D canal, near at Chesapeake City

Usually we stop at Chesapeake City, and walk up for some ice cream at "The Real McCoy" burger and ice cream stand, but weather always dictates our travels, and weather says to push ahead.

C&D Canal Bridge, and St. Georges Bridge

Pretty boat passing us on C&D canal.

We anchored at Reedy Island, to wait for favorable currents for moving down the Delaware.  Across the bay is the Salem nuclear power plant in New Jersey.

Not the most scenic view.  Cloudy day

This morning we head out early (5:15 a.m.) to keep currents favorable as we head down the Delaware bay, and when we reach the Atlantic, we will turn and head north, hopefully sailing only and will continue on through NY city, up the East River, and onto Port Washington.   If all goes well, the winds hold, and our timing is right for the up to 5 knot currents that can run through parts of the East River, we should have a pleasant overnight trip, and not have to stop.   If we go too slow, we may have to stop and wait a day for favorable currents before going through NY.   We will see.

2023-06-18 Derek visiting - Solomons and Annapolis

 We had two nice days sailing north on the Chesapeake with good south winds.  

Derek at the helm - its been 9 years since he was on What If, nice to have him on Charm, if only for a little while.

We stopped for the night only at Little Bay, and then sailed north again up to The Solomons.

We walked to town and had lunch, got groceries, and visited Rita's for a cool treat.  Then it was off to the Calvert Museum.  As we were going in we happened across a fellow checking on the nests of a birdhouse on museum grounds.  This birdhouse, with wood boxes, and plastic gourd nests are for the Purple Martins.   

Interesting fellow to talk with about the Purple Martins, and see the nests.

All the nests had fresh hatchlings, some still had partial open eggs, so only a day old at most, probably younger

After our bird education, we went inside the museum.  It is a really nice little museum, with a variety of displays.

Actual sized reproduction of Megaladon Shark 

Calvert museum have two otters, very fun to watch

Nice outdoor boardwalk with information on local flora and fauna

Display inside museum

Finishing up the visit, nice sunny day

Next day we again had a very nice sail up to Annapolis.  This is a working vacation for Derek, since he is able to work remotely, and has been able to keep up with work in the mornings and evenings, leaving most the afternoons open for fun stuff.  He did have to spend most of our first day in Annapolis on the computer working, so we just relaxed on board, watched the other boats, and enjoyed the sunshine.

Next day we headed to Masons, for the world famous Lobster Rolls.  Last time we ate at Masons, we were with Ed and Cathy from What If, and we were in Annapolis looking at Charm to purchase.

Very yummy

After lunch, it was of to the Annapolis Naval Academy for a walk around the campus and visit to the museum.

Impressive buildings on the campus.

I neglected to take any photos inside the museum, but you can see many online and at the Naval Academy museum website.    Lots of interesting information.  Favorites were learning about how the phrase "going to the head" came about, and what a seat of ease was, and viewing the many many model ships in the museum.

Of course after a hard day of walking and museums, you need ice cream, so stopped at the Red Bean coffeehouse and ice cream - it did not disappoint.

Enjoying a yummy treat - Red Bean Ice cream - worth a stop for sure if your in Annapolis

The next day happened to be Annapolis Juneteenth celebration with a parade, festivities, and fireworks.

We went in to see the parade with Ed and Cathy (What If).

Most all the groups were very small - liked the little guy here with the drums, almost bigger than him.

One of the largest groups was the Bald Boss Community - They are a group that "Supports men, women and children living with all forms of alopecia and help empower them to rock their BALD crown with confidence like a BOSS."

Big group of three wheelers in the parade

Interesting parade, but it was time for food again so we went off to Derek's pick of "The Big Cheese", deli.   It was an excellent pick, with some truly incredible sandwiches - another recommended spot if you are in Annapolis.

We finished the day by taking the dinghy to the end of the creek where we are moored to catch the fireworks show.

In the dink, watching the show

Very decent show - thought this was a cool photo

Derek left at 10:30, after the show, and caught an Uber up to Baltimore, as his flight was for 6:00 a.m. the next morning, and it made sense to get a hotel close to the airport for the night, versus trying to find a ride at 4:00 a.m. from Annapolis.   

We had a great visit, and sad to see him leave.    

We will move today, off the mooring, and do some laundry, and figure out our next plan.

2023-06-10 Derek's Visit and Norfolk Harborfest

We had a nice pizza dinner with Breathe at the Deep Creek Lock at the north end of the Dismal Swamp.   Next morning, to our surprise, another Manta showed up.  SeaQuell was also traversing the Dismal Swamp.  We had a short but nice visit while waiting for the next lock opening.  

Charm, Breathe and SeaQuell tied up waiting for the lock opening

Charm heading into the lock, a nice sunny day

Our buddy boat Breathe tied up behind us at the lock

Dean waiting for lock to start dropping water level to match the level seen behind him.

We made it into Norfolk with no issues, and found a nice spot to anchor.

Next day we cleaned the boat, and got ready for Derek, who got in late that evening.

We forced Derek out of bed sooner than he wanted, and walked to town, and McDonalds for lunch.  Toured the town, and stopped at a few places, then back to boat to relax.

Derek and Kris Hanging out with Ronald

Dean and Derek

Next day we headed into town with our friends Ed and Cathy on What If, to see the Chrysler Glass Museum, and Art Museum.  Both free and easy walk from Norfolk dinghy dock.  Both the Glass making building and the Art museum were very nice, and well worth the trip.

We watched a glass blowing demonstration

Hard to imagine this is made from glass

So many striking glass pieces.

Quite the sculpture outside the museum - all aluminum

We walked through the largest display of glass artifacts you can imagine - did not take photos - sorry

Then the rest of the museum - which as a collection of items from many different cultures, and some modern as well.

Derek is too large to fit Japanese samurai outfit .

That's a lot of belts

Ed, Cathy, Derek and Dean

The Norfolk Harborfest started on Friday.  It began with a parade of boats. 

Parade start, impressive volume and height of the water spray

Like the old sailing ships

You can see the cruise ship in the background dwarfs even very large boats.

After the parade, we went to land to see the festivities.  Lots of food vendors, street performers, shops, and live music.  Spent some of the time with Ed and Cathy.

MightyMike the strong man juggling bowling balls

We also toured some of the sailing ships we saw in the parade

Cool carvings on the old ship stern

Every good trip to town involves ice cream

Woke the next morning, and Dean was outside, watching a boat that seemed too close, and sure enough around 8:00 it was close enough to hit us.  We fended it off, and then Kris pounded on the hull to wake the people up, and after the guy stumbled up still looking sleepy, we asked them kindly to move.  They didn't, and only pulled in some chain, but were further from us.  Once the current and wind were inline, and we felt comfortable we would not be hit by them again we headed back for day two of  Harborfest.  We ate junk food, and saw some street performers.  

Dean and Derek helping out the "Red Trousers" acrobatic show, by holding ropes

Watched the Coast Guard rescue demonstration with Ed and Cathy, and happened to sit and watch right next to a young lady, whose husband was flying the helicopter.  Cathy and her had a good chat as Ed and Cathy's son Ben is in the Coast Guard down in Puerto Rico right now.

The helicopter can  get quite low to the water

Lifting rescue diver back into helicopter

We met up with Breathe toward the end of our Harborfest visit, and Breathe and What If stayed to watch a street performer we had already seen.   

We headed back to the boat to watch the final on water demonstration called a Tug Muster.  Watched the large tugs have a pushing contest.

The red tug won hands down

We also stopped to visit with Ed and Cathy later, so Derek could see What If again.

Ed, Derek and Cathy, on What If, last time this happened was May of 2014

Back at boat we watched the craziness and people tried to anchor in an overfull anchorage around us.  Kept an eye on What If, as the guy that hit us was close to them, and What If still at Harborfest.   

Lots of boats everywhere in the anchorage - What If on right side of photo

That evening treated to drone and firework show.

Drone show included boats, oyster, jellyfish and this crab

Saw American flag, and this fighter jet

Very close to fireworks, made for spectacular view

Many different fireworks

We will pull out today, and start heading north, up the Cheasapeake.