4/25- 5/1 Up the Chesapeake Bay through Virginia and Maryland

April 25
We crossed into Virginia today on the Currituck Sound which is just west of the Outer Banks. A rainy, calm day.  Went through the Great Bridge Lock with a big barge and some other sailboats.

We were able to use the south ferry basin in Portsmith again to tie up for the night downtown- free dock!

April 26
Got up early and took a long walk around Portsmith! Needed a break from the boat. Weather report for the Chesapeake Bay not too good, so debated with our buddy boat and decided to go ahead and see what it was like out there.  Got to the mouth of the bay and winds were 20 plus knots coming from the direction we were heading- north!  We got to see an aircraft carrier and its guard boats coming into port.  They broadcast on the radio to stay at least 500 yards away. Very impressive!

Pepromenon dwarfed by aircraft carrier!

Tried to head up the bay, but we were getting beat up smashing into waves! Turned into Back River after just 20 miles for the night.  We typically make 60 miles per day.

April 27
More wind and waves from the north! Made it just 30 miles today to Jackson Creek off the Piankatank River south of Deltaville.  Picturesque anchorage with cottages on shore! Poor Bob needed a nap!

April 28
More north wind!  Finally calmed down at 3pm and we left to cover 20 miles and get up to Mill Creek on the Great Wicomico River.

April 29
Today the bay is like a lake!!  Left at 6am and we were treated to a beautiful sunrise.

We motor sailed up to Solomons Island and entered into Maryland waters. Picked up a mooring ball at Zanhisers and borrowed their bikes to cruise around town.  Warmer today.

April 30
Another calm day on the Chesapeake and back to our home cruising grounds.

Thomas Point Light

On up to Annapolis, one of our favorite weekend destinations.

Annapolis Harbor

   

Races outside Annapolis

Spinnakers up!

So, of course we headed to Middleton Tavern for oyster shooters and then to Bob's favorite restaurant, Ram's Head on the porch.

Oyster shooters

Porch at Ram's Head with wisteria in full bloom

May 1
A short trip up to our home port, Rock Hall and back to Spring Cove Marina. It has been 6 1/2 months since we set off to sea!  What a terrific trip it has been!

2,606 nautical miles!