On to Baltimore

We finally left Brewer Pilots Point Marina after waiting for calm weather on Oct. 3rd and after securing a mooring in Oyster Bay, Brian and Ama rode the launch out to EXILE with two pizza's in hand.  Catching up that evening was fun and plans were made to get together the next night at Canterbury's Oyster Bar. In order to get a little closer to NY so the current would sweep us through the East River we moved the boat to Manhasset on the 5th and took a slip at Brewer Capri West Marina. We were so happy that Brian and Ama came to visit us there as well and brought us a fantastic Italian dinner. It's so nice to be able to enjoy a quiet evening onboard with them. 

Entering Oyster Bay

Ama and Brian came to visit each night we were in the area

New York City is always a treat to see from the water. All of the air, land and sea activity is always amazing, as is Lady Liberty.

That's us, going under the Brooklyn Bridge

Leaving New York City

From there we left for the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club and picked up a mooring for the evening. We left very early the next morning because we knew we had a long day ahead offshore to Atlantic City, where we once again tied up to the fuel dock at Kammerman's Marina, another family run business that we tend to stay at when traversing New Jersey. Due to the strong current, there were several people on paddleboards essentially "going nowhere" but getting a good workout. Interesting to watch.

The forecast looked good to move the next day to Cape May, so we took the opportunity since we had to make it to Baltimore for the work that Jeff had coming up beginning on the 17th. Nothing like a schedule... We took a slip at Utsch's Marina where we ended up spending four nights due to rain and high winds. Hurricane Matthew had worked his way up the coast and we were feeling the effects. It was a great place to get "stuck". Their welcome package contained a few goodies. When I went to their website recently, look what I found THERE!   What a surprise!

We're the blue dot

Hmmmm... Hurricane Matthew took a big bite out of St. Augustine (as well as other places as most know) which was where my car was located during the storm. We stayed in touch with friends who reported to the cruisers net and learned that many, many vessels had been damaged and/or "relocated" by the strong winds. Several marinas sustained some severe damage. Fortunately, Camachee Cove's was very minimal. We left for the Delaware City Marina on the 12th. The entrance to this marina is narrow as you can see. We ate dinner at Crabby Dicks, one of two restaurants nearby. They had a good idea for the upcoming election.

The next day we didn't have far to go so we left leisurely at 9am headed to the Worton Creek Marina via the C&D canal, located on the eastern shore of the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Nice mom and pop place but they didn't have 50 amp service and all their available splitters were being used. It really didn't matter as the temp was comfortable for sleeping. We took a dinghy ride around Worton Creek to check out the sights.

Blue Heron hanging out on the dock

You don't see this everyday

A huge flock of geese in this beautiful yard. Uh-oh...

Onward the next morning to Rock Hall, Maryland where we visited on the trip north. I love this little town and the Rock Hall Landing Marina. We went to a shop we had stopped in previously to pick up a few more Veggie dip packages and found a great pillow to replace the one we had which had become old and worn. I love it! It coordinates so well with our comforter. Dinner at Waterman's Crab House was quite good. 

At 11:30 the next morning we left Rock Hall Landing and sailed to the Magothy River near N. Ferry Point and anchored for a quiet evening aboard and a beautiful sunset.

Good morning Rock Hall

Who's the captain?

Sunset anchored in the Magothy River

The Baltimore Air Show kept us from entering the harbor until it was over so we anchored along with many other spectators and enjoyed watching and capturing some great photos. At one point it seemed they were so low they might take our mast out!

Cigarette boats adrift after rafting up using only one anchor

Full afterburner mode

Sleek... UFO?

Seagull wannabe Blue Angel?

Upside down, rightside up and very close!

They're heading our way!

Headed home after a great show

When we were allowed, we entered the harbor and took our slip at the Baltimore Marine Center at Inner Harbor. We planned on being here for at least three weeks for some business Jeff had. This was the culmination of all those many trips to Dallas for the past couple of years. The first week we were there, I flew to Florida to take care of business after Hurricane Matthew blew through. My car had been submerged in 2 feet of saltwater when the surge came through so it was a total loss. I visited with friends each day and spent each night in a different home. Thanks to all of you for your great hospitality!

It looked ok on the outside

Not so much on the inside...

Water, water everywhere = one big moldy mess

After a week, I was back in Baltimore. Negotiations with the insurance company began and finally an agreement was reached.

The newest Navy destroyer Zumwalt is on the right

Our backyard for three weeks

USS Carson City. It's the newest high speed troop transport boat

The jet drives stirred up all the harbor muck

This was a big event. Lots of folks taking pictures of the departure

Bon Voyage

Another 9/11 memorial

It was time to relax and enjoy a dinner at Bo Brooks with the team members and friends. This is where you can order steamed crabs by the dozen. We ordered three dozen which were brought out on a tray and dumped onto the table which was covered in brown paper. Smashing these crabs can be a little messy, so the accompanying buckets included wooden hammers, bibs and various utensils. 

The next day while the jury deliberated, Jeff and I went to the National Aquarium. We saw a dolphin show, a jellyfish exhibit,  (I never knew there were so many different kinds!) a rain forest and an Australian exhibit. It was very impressive. If you're ever in the area, it would be a great place to visit. See more information about it HERE.

The Pride of Baltimore

We had dinner with my cousin Gail and her husband Wayne that night and caught up on family goings on. They drove up from Annapolis to see us. Thanks guys! Great seeing you.

On Monday, the 7th of November we had the boat hauled to have the bottom pressure washed and so that Jeff could put the max prop we had sent to Washington to be refurbished, back on. Our plan is to pick up where we left off three weeks ago and resume our journey south. Hopefully it won't get too uncomfortably cold along the way. Who would have thought we'd still be in the Chesapeake on Election Day 2016. A visiting navy ship from Brasil departed on our last day in Baltimore. As they were leaving, a band onboard was playing "Dancing Queen" and other tunes. 

Listing a little.... John Cecere can you determine the reason?