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.