Enjoying The Seven Seas Cruising Association GAM

After leaving the Sassafras River, we sailed/motored to Swan Creek; near Rock Hall, MD on the Eastern Shore to spend a couple of days and get together with Island Packeteers that we met last year, Hayden & Radeen on Island Spirit. We met for breakfast, and hung out at their dock at Spring Cove Marina. On Monday, we crossed the Bay & went into Back Creek in Annapolis so that we could do laundry, go to the grocery store, & West Marine....and since we were a very short dinghy ride from Davis' Pub, we went there for dinner! Back Creek is very convenient; but very crowded to anchor. It was very calm, so that made it easier. On Wednesday, we weighed anchor and motored (no wind) to the Rhode River where the SSCA GAM is happening this weekend. We wanted to get there early to get a good spot to anchor, since we knew it would get quite crowded. Actually, this area is huge, and a hundred boats could easily anchor here. There are many seminars to attend, meals, and lots of people; new friends & old to spend time with. Pam & Frank on "Blackfoot" who we met last year are here so we are enjoying their company, Bill on "Loon" who we traveled with down foggy Long Island Sound with, came in last night, and many others that we have seen along the way ....it really is amazing how you keep rejoining cruisers that you have met in other places. We will be here til tomorrow, when we will head over to the South River; about 10 miles, to visit Jonathan & Yvonne; friends on "Speranza".

Ildi & Jay from "Gypsy'

 

Enjoying the Sassafras River

We spent the last 3 days on the Sassafras River in Georgetown, MD. We picked up a mooring ball for 1 day; so that we could do laundry at the marina, take showers, and use their bicycles to ride into Galena, MD. We also spent time with folks on "Gypsy"; Jay & Ildiko, that we originally met in Oyster Bay, NY. We have been regulars at The Granary Restaurant for dinner - Shrimp Nite on Wednesday & Lobster Nite on Thursday! Today we decided to stay an extra day since the wind would be right on our nose to Rock Hall MD; our next stop. Next week we will be going to the Seven Seas Cruising Association GAM (a get together for cruisers), in the Rhode River, near Annapolis.

Big Ship

 

Elbow of the Cross Ledge

 

Barge in Tow

 

Sights on the Delaware

 

Back in The Chessy

We didn't hang out in Cape May for a lay day. After a good nights sleep, we left Cape May Harbor at 0815; and headed to Delaware Bay through the Cape May Canal. The Bay was quite calm compared to our trip up the Bay last year. Of course, there was almost no wind and what little there was, was right on our nose. And....the current was against us almost the whole way. If we had waited for a favorable current; we would have had to wait several days to leave. It was a beautiful day on the water; and by 1700 we carefully transited the narrow channel by Reedy Island and dropped the hook for the night. We were the first boat to enter the anchorage, and were joined by eight others within an hour. Yesterday, we had a favorable current in the AM to finish our trip to Chesapeake Bay ... another day with little wind. We decided to motor up the Sassafras River to spend a couple of days. We finally put "Porty" together; launched him, and went to shore in Georgetown, Md after eight days on the boat. We had dinner at The Granary - very good food and reasonable prices (it was family night) - all dinners $9.99!

O.K. - Now We Are In Cape May!

We left Sandy Hook NJ at 0815 yesterday, motorsailed 58 miles and anchored in Meyers Hole, Barnegat Inlet, NJ last night. Today the skies slowly became blue, as we made our way to Cape May Harbor - a 70 mile trip. We weighed anchor at - 0615; just before dawn, and motorsailed at a high rate of speed; nearly 8 knots to arrive at Cape May Harbor at about 1630. I think we are going to hang out here tomorrow - it has been 6 days since we have gotten off the boat. Today we saw dolphins, pelicans, and maybe a whale!

Change of Plans

As of my last post, we should have been in Cape May or even the Chesapeake by now but....the weather dictates all plans. We did leave Point Lookout LI on Tuesday, September 8th with Sandy Hook NJ as our destination. We motored the whole way since there was no wind. With anchor down by 1500, our plan was to leave once this nasty weather system coming up the NJ coast exited. The weather took its time getting here, finally the wind picked up on Wednesday morning, and has been increasing ever since bringing with it lots of rain. Today is Friday and the wind; now blowing about 30 knots; gusting to 40, should be subsiding by evening. We were well prepared with filled water tanks, and lots of provisions; so we have just been hanging out on "Kismet"; anchored off of the coast guard station in Sandy Hook. We'll keep you posted!

Jamie & Liz

 

More Sights

 

Sights Along The East River

 

Visiting Mom in Point Lookout, LI

We had a wonderful trip down through HELLGATE into New York Harbor, and to Point Lookout, LI last Monday. The current was with us pretty much all the way so we made very good time. Not much actual sailing. Since our arrival here, we anchored in Reynolds Channel across from Jim's Mom for a couple of days (very pretty, but a very strong current)and then moved into the East Marina in Point Lookout for another four days; til we depart on Labor Day. They don't usually have transient slips available, but fortunately there was a spot for us. We greatly appreciated their helpfulness. Yesterday we pulled out the Sailrite machine (60 lbs) to repair several areas on our jib sunbrella cover that was damaged in 30 knot winds. We had to relearn how to use the machine, the needle broke once, we had to view the instructional video, call the company and after MANY hours of trial and error, the sail was repaired! We were very proud. We are also doing the usual boat chores, WITH POWER & WATER available. Jamie & Liz came for a visit, and today John & Linda (Jim's brother)will be here. Our plan is to leave here on Monday and travel directly to Cape May NJ - an overnight trip - weather permitting!