MiICHAEL, ROW YOUR BOAT ASHORE

We interrupt this blog for an important message

. 

Obsession has taken action to wait out yet another storm/hurricane in The Solomon’s, MD. She will move from this anchor spot to a slip at Spring Cove Marina later today. 

Half Baked and Obsession will be safe in this anchorage protected in just about every direction. 

Meanwhile, other daily chores will be accomplished. Grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning heads, defrosting the freezer, banking, and just general cleaning are on the long list. Just like being home in the condo!

Not only does the laundry pile up, but so do the dishes!

We have enjoyed these past few nights on anchor though. Rhode River was practically deserted, quiet, peaceful, serene, relaxing. Everything that Annapolis wasn’t. We enjoy these nights on anchor when we can sit in the cockpit and look up at the stars in the night sky. 

I’ve always been fascinated by the constellations and the fact that there has got to be some other form of life existing somewhere out there. 

We did, however, have one special visitor: 

Escape-an O’Day 322. For a minute we thought it was Perrin, but knew better as soon as we realized there were at least 10 people on board, 6 of which were kids under age 10. 

The fish this seagull was chowing down on was almost as big as she was!

Here in the Solomon’s we have taken full advantage of having an outboard engine that purrs like a kitten, needs to be broken in, and is reliable, quiet, and easy to start and operate. There are, of course, a few new “gadgets” and perks, such as one handed steering and shifting, and even something similar to an auto-pilot! We learn new things about it every day.  The dinghy rides are back in full swing! Oh, how we have missed them! 

We will also spend some time doing this!

(A cartoon) by Kelly and Aron Hauquitz “Purrfect”)

Meanwhile, all is well with us, To all our new Catalina friends near and far, be safe if you’re in this storm’s way. To those who are preparing for a long winters nap, rest well my friends. Another season of sailing will soon be here. 

GODSPEED

TOP TEN REASONS TO CRUISE MARYLAND-NOT NEW JERSEY

We are in Annapolis. A beautiful town/city, similar to Newport. As one of my friends stated, “it could be described as downtown Newport and the Point section on Steroids”.  There are so many places to explore, walk, visit. Restaurants , shops, history. I’m sure we will return again and again. 

For this blog entry I have revived David Letterman’s segment “THE TOP TEN REASONS TO CRUISE MARYLAMD - NOT NEW JERSEY

10-‘EM ARE DUCKS! on our dinghy. Thanks, Peggie Perrotto for warning us AFTER the fact and having to clean up the DUCK POOP! Every morning I hear them quack, quacking around Annapolis harbor.. I wonder who else got pooped on? 

These two came back later with friends! We found out later that we need toluft the dinghybout if the water so they will stay off.

9-NAVIGATING TIGHT AND SHALLOW ENTRANCES. Entering Chesapeake City was interesting. The current was so strong that we literally crabbed our way in. Then navigating the shallow areas into Fairlee Creek to meet up with Arlene and Kevin on 2 Frisky was another adventure. We survived! And will do it again and again. 

Entering Chesapeake City we literally crabbed our way in. A 1-2 knot current pushing us down the canal made for a tricky entrance that we were led to believe was narrow and shallow. Luckily, it had been dredged and the depths were much easier to navigate. 

On the other hand, Fairlee Creek was almost a bump and go. I saw 4.6 ft (we draw 5.5) at one point. But we kept on moving and made it in and out safely. 

8-ANNAPOLIS WATER TAXI-This is an interesting concept. Bow loading and off loading. It came in handy when we had to load our groceries and a huge mystery box from West Marine. 

The launches aren’t as efficient as those in Newport, and can’t carry as many passengers, but they have been busy this weekend, for sure. 

7-US NAVAL ACADEMY.-a visit to the US Naval Academy revealed that John Paul Jones is a hero and holds court from a special place in an ornate (almost gaudy) crypt. The Academy itself is steeped in tradition, a beautiful campus, and the home of the Blue Angels. 

Our shuttle bus driver took the time to take our picture in front of a Blue Angel at the US Naval Academy Stadium. 

John Paul Jones sarcophagus. Little did I know that he was so revered for his bravery during the American Revolution that someone would go to all the trouble of finding his remains and constructing this crypt (made of marble) in the lower level of the Naval Academy Chapel. 

6-C & D CANAL. This beautiful man-made body of water offered majestic views of the countryside. Huge ships transport the canal as well as pleasure craft of all sizes. Quaint villages/towns, state parks and businesses dot the shoreline. It was a fun ride, with the current we hit 10mph over ground. 

One of many bridges over the canal. This one was BLM Blue. Very pretty

-Colorful house along the canal. 

Tugs moored along the canal. 

5-INEXPENSIVE DOCKAGE, CHEAP MOORINGS, FREE ANCHORAGES. I can’t help but constantly compare Newport with so many of the places we visit. Port Washington-2 free nights. $25/night after that includes launch service. Free pump out too. Atlantic City-$300 for a slip at The Golden Nugget, Farley State Marina. Electricity, water, use of pool, clean heads and laundry-$2/load.  Utsch’s Marina-(Cape May)-$2/ft. Goody Bag and friendly staff. Chesapeake City-free town dock, free dinghy tie up close to town. Annapolis-$30/day for 7 nights, free, clean showers, convenient dinghy docks (even during the Boat Show).

The first 3 pictures show the progression of the Boat Show as it “crept” out into the mooring area. We are now only one row of moorings away from the show boats at the docks. 

Tuesday and Wednesday nights the kids race race 420s outside the harbor, then sail back through the mooring area when done. 

4-BEAUTIFUL WEATHER. Since we left Cape May we have had just gorgeous weather. We have had 2 evenings of Thunderstorms. Cohansey River and Annapolis. One day of the hot buggies, but the rest of the days have been just perfect. 

3-ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW. It has been so much fun watching the Boat Show come alive. We have had a ringside seat from our mooring in the Front Forty. The atmosphere is one of excitement, anticipation, hard work, and serious play all rolled into one big party for 4-5 days. And... after all the sailboats leave on Monday the powerboats will start moving in. I hear it’s like an orchestrated event. . 

2-A NEW MERCURY OUTBOARD ENGINE FOR OCD. Our 18 year old Tohatsu has served us well until this point. It has a few issues-like being difficult to start, not idling properly and just stopping. We have tried everything, David even took the carburetor out and cleaned it. We have talked nice to it, cursed it, and finally will bury it in the aft lazarette until we can figure out what to do with it. The replacement is a 4 stroke (eek!) 8hp Mercury (don’t panic Mom and Dad) with a 3 year warranty.  

1-THE PLACES WE WILL GO. . St. Michael’s, The Solomon’s, and do much more to come. 

 

THEY SAY St Michaels is beautiful. 

There’s a rumor that  Solomon’s Island might beat out Cuttyhunk as one of our favorite  place. 

Twinkling of lights, sound of gentle waves kissing hulls at rest, halyards and lines clanking against the masts with the sway of the boats and gentle night breeze.  Ahh!  The peace of a harbor at rest. (John Kaull, 10/5/2018)

ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT LIFE IS BUT A DREAM

Our trip down the New Jersey coastline  was a study in patience, and determination. It was an opportunity to meet new friends. It was a slow trip, it took longer than we expected, but along the way we enjoyed the sights and sounds of some of the places we have read about in planning this Retirement Dream Cruise on Board Obsession. 

So, Zin has taken pen in hand, and singing in her best voice, she’ll tell you about The Jersey portion of our trip. 

ZIN,“Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream.

Merrily, merrily merrily merrily, 

Life is but a dream.”

ZIN,“Make new friends, but keep the old 

One is silver and the other is gold.”

Traveling in a sailboat is a slow way to get anywhere. Obsession only travels at 6.5 - 7 knots on a good day. It takes careful planning, studying, and much determination to get from one place to another. 

The Windy App on their iPhones and iPad predicts wind and waves. It has proven to be a fairly reliable source of information. 

When Obsession arrived in Atlantic Highlands Janice and David knew they would not be moving on for at least a few days. They were safely  anchored in Bob423’s (a new friend we have yet to meet) Favorite Anchor Spot. 

After having stayed in Port  Washington for so long they were ready to continue on. It was three days later that they found a weather window that was favorable enough for an 81 mile, 11-12 hour trip down the coast to Atlantic City. 

ZIN, “Row, row, row your boat...”

These two Canadian boats were moored near us in Port Washington. They anchored close by in Atlantic Highlands too. We haven’t seen them again. But I’m sure we will. 

During the course of the three day wait Janice and David spent time meeting new friends and discussing possible options for the AH-AC trip. The sailing community is a friendly one, and they share and seek information, advice, stories and boat cards. Dave and Michelle arrived in Atlantic Highlands on “Half Baked”, another Catalina 42 on Monday. They had sailed their Catalina 42 from Lake Erie, through the locks (after un Stepping the mast) then The Hudson River (after re-Stepping the mast). 

Janice and David spent Tuesday evening aboard their boat, sharing pasta, wine, and stories and a rainbow after a day of pouring rain. They made plans for an early morning departure for Atlantic City. It’s comforting to know there’s similar boat out there headed in the same direction. 

ZIN, “Make new friends...”

The trip from to Atlantic City began at 6:40 am and ended at 5:40pm. A long, 11 hour day of motor-sailing. Despite concerns of high seas and winds, the conditions weren’t too bad. 

ZIN, “Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream...”

It was September 19. Janice’s Birthday. The sunrise as they lifted anchor and headed for the tip of Sandy Hook gave promise of a good day. The long day was made more enjoyable for Janice because she received so many birthday wishes on FB as they headed down the coast. She also kept in touch with new friends (that she has never met in person) on FB reporting on conditions and offering encouragement.

ZIN, “Make new friends, but keep the old...”

Eleven hours later Obsession limped into the dock in Atlantic City. For the second time in 3 years the Raw Water Heat Exchanger let go. David caught it in time, they sailed the boat most of the way in, turned the engine back on just long enough to maneuver into the slip where friends were waiting to catch their lines. 

ZIN, “Row, Row, Row your boat...Make new friends...”

New York City may be the city that never sleeps, but, Atlantic City is the city with many lights. Janice loves lights. Any kind of lights. 

The pool at The Golden Nugget

Obsession Constellation all solar powered)

And for the next 3 days she and David tried to enjoy the lights of The Farley Marina at The Golden Nugget Casino and some of the amenities. 

The view of the marina from our table at the Chart House. 

ZIN, “Row, Row, Row your boat, gently down the stream, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.”

After a visit with Bill James, a high school classmate of Janice’s, and meeting a new friend, Mark, the mechanic, Obsession was back in running condition and ready to go the next day. 

ZIN, “Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver, the other is gold.”

It was difficult to get a picture of Atlantic City as we left and It was

another extremely slow trip to Cape May. The rain and waves made for a long and lumpy 6 hours. 

ZIN, “Row. Row, Row your boat...”

This boat was also anchored near us in Atlantic Highlands. Janice and Lisa chatted on FB a few times over the two days we were at anchor in Cape May. We probably will see them again. Two days of rain and howling winds. Sleeping wasn’t easy.  Janice spent time on FB sharing weather conditions with others traveling the New Jersey Coast. Once the rain and wind ended they headed to Utsch’s Marina for fuel, water, a walk on solid, non-moving ground and a quiet night dockside.

Sunset from the Marina

It’s a friendly marina, (but a bear to maneuver in) with helpful workers and other travelers waiting for a window to travel. We met Ken and Connie and Dorothy on “OZ” a Gulfstar 44.  They are headed North back to Toronto where Oz will be put on the market. Her owners are moving on.  They are going to buy an RV and travel on the cement highway. 

ZIN, “Make new friends...”

The trip around Cape May was not nearly as treacherous as Janice feared, but still more than 6 hours.  David’s outlook was much more optimistic, and his predictions proved true. We pushed on to Cohansey Cove. 

This is a screenshot of our track into Cohansey Cove and where we ended up anchoring. We weathered a thunderstorm and heavy rain in this very protected anchorage. 

Blue skies, sunshine, light winds, calm seas. Many lighthouses and large ships.

Cohansey Cove was a respite from all the anxiety of Atlantic City and Cape May. 

ZIN, “Row, Row, Row your boat gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily merrily life is but a dream.”

Sunrise as we left Cohansey Cove for Chesapeake City. Janice and David were really energized by a perfect forecast of wind, waves, tide and clear skies.

 The presence of dozens of tankers, cargo ships, tugs and barges is a bit overwhelming, but they also serve as a guide and companion in this huge, heavily traveled Delaware River. Calls on the radio are answered with prompt and concise information. 

ZIN, “Make new friends...”

The C&D Canal was a beautiful ride, with lush green scenery, a few boats passing by (most boats travel with the tide like we were), 6 bridges.

 It is similar in design as the Cape Cod Canal. Janice and David were finally relaxed. 

With the favorable current they made a quick passage and anchored in picturesque Chesapeake City. 

ZIN, “Row, Row, Row your boat gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily merrily life is but a dream.”

Chesapeake City is a quaint, picturesque, sleepy kind of town. The 18th century houses with brightly colored flowers in window boxes, wooden park benches, beautifully manicured lawns and gardens remind me of my Snow Village. It’s a compact little town with a FREE town dock and promenade. Lots of fun things to explore. 

We are anxious to meet up with old friends, Toby and Rachel Barrett in Hampton, VA, Bill and Jane Mather in NC, Bill and Carol Chace in SC and more we hope. 

And new friends, Arlene and Bob Prescott, Merri and Doug Purdy, Melvin Buster Bellwood and so many more that we will share stories and boat cards with. 

MAKE NEW FRIENDS BUT KEEP THE OLD. ONE IS SILVER AND THE OTHER IS GOLD!

We have FINALLY escaped New Jersey, barely touched Delaware and are now in Maryland. The total trip from Atlantic Highlands to Chesapeake City by the numbers can be summed up this way: (estimates-not exact numbers)

Miles traveled- 200

Hours traveled - 30

Fuel Consumption - 40 gallons (one full tank)

Water consumption - 4 cases plus ten 1 gallon jugs (for coffee and ice cubes)

Twizzlers consumed - 2 bags

Wine and Rum Consumption-we won’t tell!

Money spent-PRICELESS

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT GENTLY DOWN THE STREAM. MERRILY, MERRILY, MERRILY, LIFE IS BUT A DREAM.