ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ TO CROTON ON HUDSON, NY

Sunday, May 31st, 2015

Day 300
Miles Traveled: 57
Total Miles Traveled: 4328


  We were excited about our the days trip up the New York Harbor and seeing the Statue of Liberty while cruising by on our own boat.  We left early so the wind did not have time to get New York Harbor stirred up.  We had a very comfortable ride in the both the Lower and Upper  Bays.  Shortly after going under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, the New York City skyline came into view.  There was not as much boat traffic as we expected given it was a weekend.  

New York City on right and Jersey City on the left with Hudson River in between

  The Staten Island ferry crossed in front of us just before we arrived at "Lady Liberty".

Staten Island Ferry

  Soon the Statue of Liberty was in full view.  What a site she was to see from the water.  At that moment, we felt very proud to be an American.  It felt like she was welcoming us to the city.  

Statue of Liberty welcoming us to New York City

"Seahorse" and crew in front of Statue of Liberty

  As we entered the Hudson River, we had New York City on our right and Jersey City on our left. The buildings were very impressive.  We had explored New York City by land many years ago, but, it is a different viewpoint seeing it from the water. 

our view of New York City

  Initially the Hudson River had skyscrapers, but, later the Palisades of the Hudson begin to line the banks. 

Palisades of the Hudson

  We had a nice cruise up the Hudson River to Half Moon Bay Marina at Croton on Hudson, NY.  We had several long and busy travel days and were glad to be tied up at a dock for some much needed rest and relaxation.  

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ TO ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ

Saturday, May 30th, 2015

Day 299
Miles Traveled: 95
Total Miles Traveled: 4271


  Last evening the Atlantic City skyline was aglow from all the hotel and casino's light displays.

Atlantic City hotel and casino all lit up

  We woke up early on Saturday to try and get an early departure.  Our plan was up at 4:30 am and anchors away at 5:15 am.  When the sun finally began to rise, we realized we would not be leaving at 5:15 am even though we were ready to go.  A thick dense fog had set in over the area.  Finally, at about 7:00 am the fog had lifted enough that the markers showing us the path out of the anchorage were visible.  "Horizon Chaser" took the lead and out the channel we went.  The Absecon Inlet had some 3-4 foot rolling waves, but as we got about 1-2 miles offshore they began to lessen.  The fog however did not.  We cruised most of the morning using our chartplotter and radar.  Fortunately, the seas were calm.  The fog finally lifted about 10:00 am and we had beautiful blue skies with some puffy clouds the rest of the day.  The seas remained calm with gentle rolling waves until about 2:00 pm.  The south wind had been increasing all day, as did the waves.  By the time we arrived at New York's Harbor, we had 4 foot waves with some wind chop as well.  We were "rockin' and rollin' "  The pictures below show the decline in sea conditions. 

calm seas to start the day

waves beginning to increase - some whitecaps showing up

 four foot waves and whitecaps at end of our day's travels

  As we entered New York's Lower Harbor, "Sea Moss" met us at the channel to come into Sandy Hook.  We met Clark & Evelyn of "Sea Moss" at the AGLCA 2014 Spring Rendezvous.  They also have a Mainship 350 and are starting their Great Loop trip in a couple weeks.  They have a home nearby in New Jersey.  They have been boating on these waters for many years.  "Sea Moss" led us to the nearby anchorage at Atlantic Highlands, NJ.  We were glad to finally be at anchor after a long day on the water.   

"Sea Moss" leading us to the anchorage

  After getting our anchors set we called the water trolley which took us to the marina docks for Atlantic Highlands and access to the town.  We had a great time catching up and a wonderful dinner. 

Dan & Jacque on "Horizon Chaser", Clark & Evelyn on "Sea Moss", and Angie & Dan

  


  

CAPE MAY, NJ TO ATLANTIC CITY, NJ

Friday, May 29th, 2015

Day 298
Miles Traveled: 45
Total Miles Traveled: 4176


  Due to a docking issue, we left Cape May, NJ at 6:00 am.  There were many boats that arrived at Cape May the day prior due to a great marine forecast for the Atlantic Ocean occurring the next day.  We were docked at the end of one of the docks making it difficult for several boats on the pier across the fairway to leave their dock.  They wanted to leave early in the morning, so we got up and casted off early to be out of their way.  "Mighty Fine" left about 30 minutes prior and decided to travel all the way to Sandy Hook, NJ in one day.  "Horizon Chaser" left when we did and traveled with us the entire day.  We had a beautiful morning on the Atlantic Ocean with 2-3 foot rolling waves. 

Morning on the Atlantic Ocean

  As we neared Atlantic City, NJ, we noticed a Coast Guard helicopter following a TowBoat US boat.  They were doing training drills for offshore boat rescue.  It was very interesting to watch.  They raised and lowered a coast guardsman several times down to the moving vessel.  

Coast Guard training

  We actually were able to see Atlantic City for about 20 miles before we arrived.  The highrise casinos where difficult to miss. 

Atlantic City, NJ

  We made our way through Absecon Inlet and turned into Rum Point Basin for a nice protected anchorage.  "Horizon Chaser" had been here before and led the way.  We arrived in time to have lunch on board and then took the dinghy over to walk the Atlantic City boardwalk.  We admired all the casinos and shops.  "Horizon Chaser" also joined us. 

entry to Steel Pier

Atlantic City boardwalk

  As we walked through several casinos, we noticed that there were not a lot of people sitting at the slot machines or the card tables.  One casino's buffet restaurant was closed down.  Also, along the boardwalk, several stores and restaurants were permanently closed.  It became apparent that Atlantic City was not the busy casino town it used to be.  

  After walking the boardwalk, we took the dinghies over to another casino, The Golden Nugget, and had some dinner.  Afterwards, it was back to our boats to plan the trip up the rest of the New Jersey shoreline.

CHESAPEAKE CITY, MD TO CAPE MAY, NJ

Thursday, May 28th, 2015

Day 297
Miles Traveled: 72
Total Miles Traveled: 4131


  We traveled with "Mighty Fine" and "Horizon Chaser" through three states today - Maryland, Delware, and New Jersey.  First, we traversed the rest of the C & D Canal and then entered the Delaware River.  

C & D Canal

end of C & D Canal with ocean freighter in the Delaware River ahead

  The winds were light and the seas were calm.  We couldn't have asked for better conditions.  Shortly after passing Ship John Shoal Lighthouse, the wind and waves began to increase.  

Ship John Shoal Lighthouse

  As we neared the end of the river and got closer to Delaware Bay, we began to see some 2-3 foot waves, but they were more like ocean swells and not the choppy waves seen on the Chesapeake Bay.  We entered Cape May Canal and docked at Utsch's Marina in Cape May, NJ.
  We walked about 1.5 miles to the nearest grocery store for provisions.  After getting our supplies, we decided to split the cost of a cab and get a ride back to the marina since it was nearing dinner time. 
  Today was our anniversary and we decided to go out to eat.  Craig & Donna on "Mighty Fine" and Dan & Jacque on "Horizon Chaser" treated us to dinner at Lucky Bones Backwater Grill.  The lobster and shrimp pizza was very good.  We had a great time celebrating with our boating friends.     

CHESAPEAKE CITY, MD

Wednesday, May 27th, 2015

Day 296
Miles Traveled: 0
Total Miles Traveled: 4059


  We decided to stay at Chesapeake City for another day since the wind and wave conditions on Delaware Bay would be better the next day.  We took advantage of the extra day and went to the C & D Canal Museum which is located right next to the anchorage.  On the short dinghy ride over, Dan & Jacque of "Horizon Chaser" noticed the tip of a log sticking out of the water.  They were able to lasso the log with a line and tow it to the dinghy dock.  Given its size, getting it out of the water was impossible.  There was a small boat ramp just a few yards away, so "Snagboat Dan" towed it over and Craig and Dan (of "Seahorse") were able to pull it out of the water.  It was a very large log and would have caused some significant damage to a boat prop if hit.  The US Corp of Engineers have an office here and several of its workers put it in a truck and took it away.   

"Snagboat Dan" towing the log to the boat dock

the infamous log - a prop's worst nightmare - 

  After getting the prop busting log taken care of, we proceeded on to the museum to learn more about the C&D Canal.  In the mid 1600's, Augustine Herman (a Dutch mapmaker) observed that the Chesapeake Bay and the Delaware Bay were only separated by a narrow strip of land.  He proposed that a waterway be built to connect the two bodies of water to shorten the water route by 300 miles from Baltimore to Philadelphia.  No longer would vessels have to go all the way down the Delaware River, out into the ocean, and then all the way up the Chesapeake to get from Philadelphia to Baltimore.  In 1804 construction began.  After several long delays due to financing, the canal was finally complete in 1829.  The initial canal was 14 miles long, 10 feet deep, and 66 feet wide.  Four locks were used to pass vessels through the various water levels.  Teams of mules and horses towed the watercraft through the canal.  Loss of water in the locks due to evaporation, use of the lock, and leakage, was a problem.  A steam operated pump had to be installed to lift water into the upper part of the canal.  The museum is housed in the original pumphouse.  Inside the museum, the original steam operated pumping engine and waterwheel remain for visitors to admire. 

backside of the C & D Canal Museum
the original pumphouse

the original steam operated pumping engine that moved the waterwheel

the original waterwheel used to move water to the upper levels of the canal

   

  After touring the museum and having some lunch, Dan changed the Racor fuel filter while Angie worked on the blog post.  Anticipating some rain, we ate leftovers aboard.  Of course, it never did rain.  Dan & Jacque of "Horizon Chaser" dinghied over for a nightcap and we enjoyed another Cheasapeake City sunset in the cockpit of "Seahorse".

another great sunset at Chesapeake City, MD

ANNAPOLIS, MD TO CHESAPEAKE CITY, MD

Tuesday, May 26th, 2015

Day 295
Miles Traveled: 58
Total Miles Traveled: 4059


  We enjoyed our stay at Annapolis, MD, but the weather was right to continue up the Chesapeake Bay.  Our first mooring ball stay was a success, and, we enjoyed being able to dinghy to the different docks around Annapolis.  This was the most we had used our dinghy so far and enjoyed using it as our "family car". 

our mooring spot in Spa Creek at Annapolis, MD
"Mighty Fine", "Seahorse", and "Horizon Chaser" all in a row

Our flag flying as we left the US Naval Academy behind
Thanks to those who serve to protect our freedom!!

  As we left Annapolis and headed south, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge was in full view.  When it was first constructed in 1952, it was the world's longest continuous over-water steel structure.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

  Today ended our travels on the Chesapeake Bay.  At its northern end, we continued up the Elk River, which took us to Back Creek, and, the start of the Chesapeake & Delaware (C & D) Canal.  This canal provides a safe and time saving passage between Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay.

Back Creek and approaching the C & D Canal

  We stopped at one of the few places to tie up at a marina or drop an anchor on the C & D Canal, Chesapeake City, MD.  The anchorage is well protected with room for quite a few boats.  There were already about five boats anchored when we arrived, and "Seahorse", "Mighty Fine", and "Horizon Chaser" made eight,with room for more.  There was a small park area with picnic tables and a dinghy dock next to the anchorage.  A pitch-in dinner picnic was organized with "Mighty Fine" and "Horizon Chaser" - it was a fabulous feast.  After dinner we took the dinghies to town for some ice cream and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. 

picnic dinner
Jacque, Donna, Craig, Dan, and Dan
Angie - photographer

great sunset while enjoying some ice cream

     

ANNAPOLIS, MD - MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION

Monday, May 25th, 2015

Day 294
Miles Traveled: 0
Total Miles Traveled: 4001


  HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!  
  What better way to celebrate Memorial Day than with a Memorial Day Parade in Annapolis.  

Beginning of Annapolis Memorial Day Parade

  After watching most of the parade, we took a trolley tour of Annapolis with Dan & Jacque on "Horizon Chaser".  The tour was mostly focused on the historical buildings and architecture of Annapolis.  Annapolis has more 18th century structures than any other town in the country.  Lasting an hour, it provided us with a good overview of the city. 

on the Annapolis Trolley Tour

  For lunch we went to a well know spot called Chick and Ruth's Delly (yes it is spelled D-E-L-L-Y).  They serve scrumptious homemade pies and we just couldn't refuse.  We all tried a bite of each pie.  They were all very delicious.    

Homemade pies at Chick and Ruth's Delly
Caramel Walnut Apple, Nestle Crunch, and Banana Split

  Continuing the Memorial Day celebration, we toured the United States Naval Academy.  Established as a Naval School in 1845, there were 50 midshipmen and 7 professors with 10 acres of grounds.  In 1850, it became the U.S. Naval Academy.  Over time, both the grounds and the student body expanded.  Currently sitting on A 338 acre complex, it now houses approximately 4,400 midshipmen and 600 faculty members.  The grounds are beautiful with lots of grass, flowers, and trees.  Bancroft Hall, the largest dormitory in the United States, has some great architectural features. 

Bancroft Hall

  Within Bancroft Hall is an amazing Rotunda and Memorial Hall.  Memorial Hall has many memorials to fallen navy men and women.  There are beautiful chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and painted murals of ship battles on the upper part of the walls. 

Rotunda inside Bancroft Hall

Memorial Hall inside Bancroft Hall

 Another building with great architectural detail is the Main Chapel.  Unfortunately, since it was a holiday, this building was not open.  We could only enjoy it from the outside. 

Main Chapel at US Naval Academy

  After walking around the beautiful grounds, we stopped at the US Naval Academy Museum.  One of the more interesting exhibits was the bone model ships.  During the wars of the French Revolution and English Empire thousands of French sailors and soldiers were captured, taken to England, and incarcerated.  To pass the time, they began making hand-crafted items from simple materials such as wood, straw, and bones from beef rations.  One item many of the French POW's made was ship models.  Often made of bone and very intricate, they would be sold at the local market.  The prison could use the profits to buy food and clothing.  The one pictured below is of the flagship "Victory".  Built in the early 1800's, it is said to have taken fifteen French POW's two years to make.

Bone Model Ship "Victory"

  For more information about the U.S. Naval Academy go to: http://www.usna.edu/About/


  We enjoyed this Memorial Day exploring the beauty and history of Annapolis and we would like to give Dan's Uncle Joe Dougherty recognition for his ultimate sacrifice as a Naval Aviator defending our freedom.       

SOLOMONS, MD TO ANNAPOLIS, MD

Sunday, May 24th, 2015

Day 293
Miles Traveled: 52
Total Miles Traveled: 4001



  We again were traveling with Craig & Donna on "Mighty Fine" and Dan & Jacque on "Horizon Chaser".  As we were leaving Solomons, MD, we saw a statue on the shoreline of the Patuxent River.  Our tour guide Craig on "Mighty Fine" pointed it out.  Its name is "On Watch" and stands to commemorate the World War II U.S. Naval Amphibious Training Base.  Over 60,000 troops trained at Solomons during the war.  Very appropriate for this Memorial Day Weekend. 

"On Watch" statue

  We saw two more lighthouses on our trip today.  One was on land and the other was out in the waterway. 

Cove Point Lighthouse

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse

  As we neared Annapolis, MD the number of boats, particularly sailboats, began to increase.  Many of the sailboats had brightly colored sails.  There was some wind today - a sailors delight.

sailboats near Annapolis, MD 

  After turning up the Severn River, the U.S. Naval Academy came into view.  Most prominent was the dome of the Naval Academy's Cathedral. 

headed up the Severn River - U.S. Naval Academy ahead

  We turned up Spa Creek and downtown Annapolis began to come into view. 

downtown Annapolis, MD

  We continued up the creek and had to try and hold position while waiting on a low bridge to open.  This bridge only opened on the hour and half hour.  We arrived about 15 minutes after the hour, so Dan had to maneuver around other boats, canoes, paddle boards, and water taxis while waiting for the opening.  Finally, the bridge opened and we proceeded up the creek to the mooring field.  This would be our first time on a mooring ball.  A mooring ball is a large float that is attached to the bottom of the waterway.  There is a line attached to it that you connect to your boat.  It is sort of like anchoring, but you don't have to use your own anchor.

  Once we were secured on the mooring ball, we put our dinghy in the water and went to check in with the harbormaster for the mooring field.  Annapolis is a very boat friendly city.  Many streets end on the water, and, at most of them there are dinghy docks for public use.  Downtown Annapolis was a "sea of people" since it was Memorial Day weekend.  Lots of shopping, eating, and drinking was occurring.

downtown Annapolis, MD

buildings in downtown Annapolis, MD  

  We walked around downtown for a while and stopped for appetizers and then dinner with Dan & Jacque on "Horizon Chaser". 

DELTAVILLE, VA TO SOLOMONS, MD

Friday, May 22nd to Saturday, May 23rd, 2015

Day 291-292
Miles Traveled on Saturday: 63
Total Miles Traveled: 3949


  Friday afternoon we relaxed by the marina pool.  That evening we had a BBQ with Craig & Donna of "Mighty Fine".  We bought some steaks and corn on the cob at the local grocery store using the marina's courtesy van.  After a great dinner, we played three games of Farkel.  Angie won all three games - again.  

Farkel Champion

  Saturday, we were planning on staying another day at Deltaville and attend the Seafood Festival.  When the morning started, the marine forecast for the Chesapeake Bay was not good.  But, by later that morning, it had dramatically improved. We decided to take advantage of the good travel forecast and head further up the Chesapeake Bay.  "Mighty Fine" and "Seahorse" left the docks hoping the forecast was correct.  This time the conditions were better than the forecast.  We had very calm winds and seas for the Chesapeake Bay.

Calm waters on Chesapeake Bay

  During our journey today we left Virginia and entered Maryland.  It seemed like just yesterday we were in Florida.  We enjoyed our cruise as we made our way to the Patuxent River.  We exited the Chesapeake Bay at this river and headed up Broad Creek to our final destination of Calvert Marina in Solomons, MD.  We arrived about 7:00 pm and immediately put a load of laundry in the washer and started dinner.  The rest of the evening was spent finishing the laundry, reviewing charts for the next travel day, and posting the blog.

arriving at Solomons, MD