It was good to sleep in this morning, we needed it. However we were tied up beside a tugboat which started its engine at 0800 and headed out shortly after that. Good heavens its Sunday! As we had electricity, we put our electric heater on last night, not because it was cold but we needed to dry things out, everything had a damp feeling. The wind did blow last night and I was glad Jorge didn't have to worry about the anchor. He was up though, checking on the lines to deal with the tide.

The sun shone all day and the temp was mid teens, a very pleasant day.

Unfortunately when I went to do laundry, someone else had beaten me to it, so I had to wait. At least there were 2 washers and 2 dryers.

We met a fellow last night (Marc) while having dinner in the marina pub. He has been restoring a 41' Bristow for the past two years and he and his wife are planning a trip south this winter. He was kind enough to come by this morning and offer us a ride into Norfolk as he was going that way. Never one to pass up an opportunity to shop, I went with him. Wal-Mart grocery store! Fresh fruits and veggies as well as luncheon meat are items always on my list, especially because one never knows where the next grocery store will be.

When I got back to the boat, Jorge was going nuts with the fresh water hose at the slip. He had the dinghy up on the dock, had scrubbed it until it almost looked new again and then proceeded to hose down every exposed part of CS'ta Time. That should do us until the next cargo ship passes which will probably be tomorrow. LOL. It was also time to change the oil so that was done as well.

This is a guy thing, water from the stuffing box is sprayed on the hot trasmission, evaporating, leaving the salt behind. We have our own salt maker.

The marina at Norfolk.

 

The dock leading to our slip at Norfolk.

CS'ta Time and dinghy squeaky clean.

 

After all the work was done, it was shower time.

There was a young Canadian couple here from Halifax, just married and on their honeymoon, who recently bought a 22' sailboat from this marina. They are starting a trip and hope to get to Guatamala. A tad small of a boat for my liking but hey at least they're doing it. Ahhhh... to be young again...

As the happy hour with Marc became inevitably long and the clock showed 7 pm, we decided to stay another night at the marina. Tomorrow we will probably start down the Dismal Swamp Canal (boaters version of bushwacking)

Jorge wants me to give you a site so you can see our encounter with these rogue waves. Jorge is holding on for dear life to the boom. See it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml5wBgV7iMs

Now that is what I call a wave! :-)

As usual for a moving day, we set the alarm for 0700 and woke up to that and the Royal Canadian Air Force! You got it, a flock of Canadian geese were flying overhead, honking away. The anchorage otherwise had been quiet and calm.

We weighed anchor around 0800. We were barely out of the anchorage and we knew the weather was not as predicted. The winds were 17 knots gusting to 20 (not 5 to 10) and the waves were more like 3 feet (not 1 to 2). At least everything was on the nose, like a bucking bronco, much better than a rolling from side to side motion. Breakfast for me was a non-drowsy Gravol with ginger. I am happy to report my tummy was under control all day. Jorge had to fend for himself as I did not want to chance going below today too often. At one point we put the geneo up but the wind direction took us way off course so we furled it in. Oh well. We had doubts about continuing and thought of finding a spot to hide out in but decided to push on. The waves did settle down a bit but the wind remained strong. We had periods of rain off and on all day as well. As the wind, waves and current were against us, it was a slug fest between Mother Nature and ourselves but we endured. I won't say "conquered" because we were beat by the end of the day.

0830 - conditions stronger than what were predicted.

 

We got into the bay outside Norfolk around 1700 and had about another half hour or so to our destination. As the winds were supposed to increase to small craft advisory conditions tonight and we were tired, we opted to take a slip. As we were about to enter the waterway to the marina, a very large cargo ship passed by quite close. Picture below. About 1 or 2 minutes later his wake hit us. Jorge turned the boat into the waves to take them on the nose. Boy were they big! Unfortunately we had one of the windows open in the dodger and the waves came crashing over the bow and side of the boat right into the cockpit. Of course the companionway was open as well, so water even got into the boat. Between yesterday's waves and today's waves, well we were wet from bow to stern inside and out!

This is the guy whose wave soaked us!

Welcome to Norfolk - military battleship.

 

Tying up at the slip was not easy either. The fingers between the docks were only about 6 feet long, with large pilons at the end to tie up to. A fellow boater caught our bow line because there was no way I could have jumped off. We had a difficult time tying up to the stern pilons as well. Not an easy feat but we accomplished it. We opted for electricity tonight. Showers, laundry and a pub on site. The laundry facilities will be well used tomorrow as so much clothing is salt water soaked.

0700 seems to be the time to set the alarm when we are moving and today was no different. The small craft advisory was still in effect although the timeframe had shortened, it was supposed to be over by 1400 instead of 1700. We decided to take our chances and go for it. The first couple of hours were okay, winds about 5 to 10 knots and waves about 2 feet. I had some catching up to do on the log so I went below and started my work. Bad idea in these waves! I quickly got back to the cockpit and took the helm from Jorge. I thought by keeping myself focused I would be okay. I went below again to make another coffee and tea. Again a bad idea. By this time we were close to the mouth of the Potomac River and the wind and waves were coming from that direction making travelling and my tummy quite uncomfortable.

While I was at the helm, we got hit by three waves on the bow that seemed to come out of nowhere. Honestly the waves were previously hitting us broadside. The v-berth hatch was open a crack. I have no idea how so much water could have gotten into the boat! Jorge quickly went to work, just what we needed - salt water inside the boat. After being below for a time, he began to feel queasy and came up to the cockpit for fresh air and stabilization.

The waves were now about 5 feet and I gladly handed the helm over to him and tried to compose myself. It didn't work. I had a few mouthfuls of Jorge's ginger ale and that didn't help either. However after relieving myself of the ginger ale and last cup of tea, I began to feel better. The ginger ale helped Jorge and he was fine all day.

Oh yeah, it was rough!

Kim sliding around in the cockpit due to the waves.

The dinghy in the waves.

After putting the opening of the Potomac River behind us, the waves settled down to a respectable 2 feet and the winds calmed (previously gusting to 17 knots). We had the geneo out and were motor sailing. Actually the winds died by about 1600 and we had to roll in the geneo, the waves were still about 2 feet.

We headed into the bay we wanted and went up a creek to anchor. We found a perfect spot, protected from the wind direction for the night, and set the anchor shortly after 1700. So relieved to be in a quiet calm anchorage after a rough day on the water!

We woke up to the alarm at 0700. Jorge had a horrible night - up at least three times that I can remember and for no apparent reason. The water was as flat as a pancake, there was no wind, and the anchor was holding well, we just had a bit of rain overnight. He also complained of a headache, a rare occurrence for him (and no it wasn't too much wine the night before). I guess it was just one of those nights. As the wind speed and direction forecast had changed to unfavourable, we decided to stay another day in Back Creek, Solomon's Island. By mid morning Jorge felt much better and we began our day. We reevaluated the route and weather to Norfolk for the next couple of days. There is a small craft advisory in effect tomorrow right in the area we have to travel. It will be another judgment call tomorrow morning. We also read ahead regarding the next part of the ICW, do we take the Dismal Swamp Canal or the Virgina cut route? I think we are favouring the Dismal Swamp. Both are about equal distance in length but the Dismal Swamp is less travelled because of its shallow depth (6.5 - 8 feet) but more scenic to our taste.

After lunch we went to the Holiday Inn for showers. $2 to land your dinghy which also included showers (they supplied the shampoo, condition, soap and body lotion), use of the pool (closed for the season), trash disposal and use of the lounge, dining room, etc. You can also leave the dinghy there all day and walk into town (closer than going from the museum.) Not a bad deal!

On the way back to CS'ta Time we noticed many more boats in the anchorage - most of them flying the Canadian flag and all we had seen in Annapolis! Appears everyone has the same agenda. We stopped at one boat, Sea Angel, who we had first met in Atlantic Highlands, and invited them over for happy hour. They arrived after their showers and we had a nice visit. They have come from Minneapolis, through Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and the Erie Canal, and we thought we came from a long distance!

Supper was a steak dinner, the one we were supposed to have as a celebratory dinner when we hit Virginia. Oh well, since we did not move today, guess I will have to come up with another one. Chicken is always my back up meal so that will have to do! LOL.

Nothing exciting today, so no pictures.

The weather person certainly hit his/her mark today. We woke up to overcast skies and as predicted no rain and not a breath of wind today. Temp was about 22C.

We had one of those mornings where everytime we started to do something, something else caught our attention so we started doing that until something else caught our attention so needless to say the morning was gone and nothing got accomplished!

We had lunch and then took the dinghy to shore. We wanted to visit the Calvert Marine Museum and that we did. It was very interesting. There were three sections to it: local maritime history including three and five-log canoes, paleontology of the Calvert Cliffs and estuarine life of the Patuxent River. I was quite taken with the lighthouse. Apparently there were two families with five kids who occupied the lighthouse (at different times). I couldn't imagine. Summer and winter, brrrrr. Somedays I take no pictures, today I took a gazillion. Enjoy!

Lighthouse that was relocated (same style lighthouse as in yesterday's blog.)

Stingrays in aquarium inside the museum.

Skates in same aquarium.

Jorge the pirate.

Kim the mermaid.

Kitchen inside the lighthouse.

Bedroom inside the lighthouse.

The privy.

An outside picture of the privy (original one had no bottom, things landed in the water!)

Study/den in the lighthouse.

Guest bedroom, usually used by the lighthouse inspector, (private privy aka commode.)

Spiral staircase leading to the "light".

 

That's us on the top floor with the light.

 

The museum has a river otter exhibit. It was nap time when we visited it.

 

Replica of an Atlantic sturgeon.

Skeleton of an extinct shark, closest relative is the great white.

Comparison size.

 

After visiting the museum we walked about a mile to the grocery store and beer store. I was short an item for tonight's dinner ($40.00 later, never grocery shop when you are hungry) and Jorge was out of beer. It was an enjoyable day and I am glad we got a chance to visit the museum.

 

Tomorrow we move again. We received an email today from our insurance company in Canada that it is okay to head south before Nov 1 so the push is on! We have to be back in Canada for 7 - 10 days the middle of November so we want to get as far south as we can to make up for the week or so we will be unable to travel while back home.

How does that song go? "On the road again  . . ." Jorge got out of bed when the alarm rang at 0600. I reluctantly got out of bed at 0620, oh how I hate early mornings! We weighed anchor at 0650 and headed out of Annapolis harbour. I must admit the sunrise was stunning, rivalling all the sunsets. I just don't want to do them too often. LOL.

Leaving Annapolis.

Lighthouse built on a rock island.

The morning was cool but the day turned out to be very sunny and surprisingly warm although we were layered with clothing all day. It was surprising to have lost some of the sea legs in such a short time. My pouring of hot water and milk for the morning coffee was already a bit rusty with the motion! The winds started off calm and we motor sailed most of the way to the Patuxent River. As we were approaching the river, the skies started clouding over and seas building but nothing too uncomfortable. We proceeded to Solomon Island which was our destination point. We had decided on anchoring in Back Creek (I have come to the conclusion every town has a Back Creek). We chose a spot towards the very end of the creek, very little traffic and well protected from any winds although it is supposed to be a calm night. Jorge dropped the hook around 1430 and we settled in for the night. We were just off an airforce base where they test flighter planes for the Navy so we had a few fly bys during the day. I tried to get a picture but by the time I got the plane focused and took the shot, well it was gone and all I got was cloudy sky! Photographer I am not.

By suppertime the skies were clear of planes, the waters calm but we did get a sprinkling of rain. After such an early morning, a full day of wind and fresh air, a relatively early dinner and a couple glasses of wine I was pooched! Tomorrow is a stay put day. We plan on visiting the local maritime museum at one of the marinas and possibly a walk into town. Weather is for cloudy skies but no rain and no wind. Sounds like a good day to be on land!

It was sooo nice to see the sun today and it was sunny for the total day, temp close to 20C. Jorge and I decided we would leave Annapolis tomorrow and continue on our journey. We spent most of the morning pouring over the charts to see what our plan of attack will be. We checked the weather, the wind, the current, and charts. I think we have a good handle on things.

I packed another picnic lunch for today and we headed into town just before noon. We had showers and Jorge went back to the boat show. I did laundry. I finally got smart, there was one washer and one dryer in each washroom and as the ones in the ladies' washroom were busy (laundry seems to be a pink job), I used the ones in the men's washroom when I knew no one was inside. It has only taken me two and a half weeks to figure that out!

Annapolis loves colonial history, a real live tourist attraction.

This is for our friend in Australia.

 

We got back to the boat late afternoon and planned tomorrow's departure. I had to make a trip to the grocery store (well not really but the one we visit makes an amazing olive bread and creme brulee so I had to go). Jorge stayed on the boat while I did the shopping. Once I got back, we weighed anchor and passed under the Spa Creek bridge at 1800. It opens every half hour except during rush hour in the morning and late afternoon and we wanted to be free to go at our convenience in the morning. Besides the closest marina was on the other side of the bridge and we needed fuel and water. It made sense to us to do the bridge, get our fuel and water and then anchor off the Naval Academy seawall for the night, so we did.

 

Lynn and Sally left the anchorage at 0700 this morning and arrived at the same destination we plan on going to by 1430 so we should do it in the same timeframe as the conditions tomorrow are supposed to be similar.

 

It seems strange to be getting ready to set sail again. Annapolis was becoming like home! We were so comfortable here with everything but the cold weather will be coming and there are many, many more spots I am sure that will be just as comfortable (and warmer).

 

The following two videos are on the way back to CS'ta Time following the boat show, showing the harbour master's boat, Spa Creek and the anchorage.

 

 

 

Our anchorage off the Naval Academy, Annapolis.