Annapolis to New York

It's the last day of June and we are presently in Connecticut ,in a marina in the pretty town of Essex.This historic town is about 5 miles up the long Connecticut River.
 Finally we are back  to tell you about our journey up the Chesapeake Bay, across the Chesapeake-Delaware Canal and down the Delaware Bay to Cape May and up the Atlantic Ocean into New York harbour.
 With our repaired sail on board we left Annapolis on June the 13th. We motored north on the scenic  Chesapeake Bay, past  Baltimore and on as far as Sassafras River.We had this quiet anchorage to ourselves and when the wind died down after supper we were able to host the sail up and furl it nicely back into the mast.From here we made it through the C and D. canal to Delaware Bay.This is where the U.S. customs vessel came along side of our boat proudly flying the Canadian flag. The officer was very helpful,asked for our cruising no. and destinations and said we didn't need to call them again until Atlantic City.  Since St. Augustine, Fl., Bill has called U.S. customs each time we anchor or dock in the next state.We found the entrance to Cohansey River and planned to anchor in the first loop of the meandering river.We were greeted by thousands of green eyes . These are a type of horse fly that breed in these salt flats in June. While I swated flies we decided to follow this interesting, winding river to a marina we could see further up.Well it was worth the trip because the battle against flies dimished and the people on the docks invited us to come into their marina.The price was right aussi.We went for a walk and discovered farmland and a tree and shrub nursery.
 The next morning  we were able to enjoy a great sail to the bottom end of Delaware Bay, and then motor around the peninsula to  Cape May harbour.This resort town has miles of beautiful beaches and resort facilities. Also a quaint and touristy town.We enjoyed a lobster dinner here and meeting up with Steve and Debbie. We had met Steve in Marsh Harbour , Bahamas when we came back there  from home at Easter time.  We were able to share the Sunday with the PCA congregation . Thank you Joe and Nancy for picking us up.

Chesapeake Bay bridge near Annapolis MD

Farm along the Chesapeake

Chesapeake City at the C&D Canal

View from Adriana 1 to the Marina on the Cohancey River

Sailing in Delaware Bay

Shawnie in Cape May NJ

Atlantic Beach at Cape May

Victorian Mansion Cape MayAdd caption

Atlantic City Skyline NJ

Manasquan Inlet NJ

Statue of Liberty as seen from Adriana 1

N



World Trade Centre Ground Zero

Dinner at Restaurant 101 in Brooklyn NY

Times Square

Elissa and Ryan in a Broadway Theatre

Shawnie and Elissa in Central Park NY

 Tuesday saw us back on the Ocean to a great anchorage at Atlantic City.We  shared this big anchorage with 6 other sailboats. After a stop at Manasquan's new marina[Hoffman's] and getting provisions here, we  worked our way north to New York. Wow, we could could hardly believe we were that far on our trip and that we would be spending time in this big centre with---  first, Ryan and Elissa and then with Malcolm and Cindy.We motored around Sandy Hook through the channels to the New York harbour anticipating an intimidating busy seafaring place but except for many ferries criss-crossing the waters we met no challenges and soon found our marina on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, right across from Manhattan. We stayed at Liberty Harbour Marina.Well protected and no current..This was Thursday, June 21st. From our marina we could see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the very dominating Manhattan sky line.All so amazing.Midday Friday our first guests arrived.It was so exciting to see Ryan and Elissa. After a lunch on board  and a serious thunderstorm --we walked  6 short blocks to the PATH ;this subway goes under the Hudson river to the World Trade Centre site.We walked the ground zero  memorial park and site. The photo may help you see this memorial. Very touching! We took photos on Wall Street. Trinity Church and more. Then the skies grew dark again. Good time to stop for dinner. We asked a man about a good place to eat. While talking it started to rain and this man says- go on my bus. He was telling us the best and less expensive place to eat is in Brooklyn. Before we knew it we were on our way to Brooklyn via bus .And the friendly bus driver dropped us off right in front of a great eatery.. After supper it was back on a subway to WTC -to the PATH and 6 blocks home[onto Adiana 1]The next day back to Manhattan. I think by now we were getting a little used to people everywhere. On the ferry to Ellis Island[two -thirds of the American immigrants from 1892-1924] came via this island]], then past the Statue of Liberty to New York[Manhattan]. Here more site seeing , more people.Some highlights were-- Time Square, Broadway with all it's live theatres, Central Park to name a few.On Sunday, our highlight was going to Messiah Fellowship Church[URC]downtown Manhattan.Worshipping and fellowshipping[with a lunch]with them was a blessing.

 Sunday evening it was goodbye to Ryan and Elissa. and enter Malcolm and Cindy. We hope to share those stories before we leave this port since  we have great WiFi now.We are here 'tilTuesday.  

   

Ellis Island NY

More on Chesapeake Bay esp.Annapolis, Maryland.

We are currently still in Annapolis. This is definitely the sailing capital of America.Thousands of boats mostly sail boats.Also a place to repair sails. Ours needed some work. It came back repaired today.We will likely move on tomorrow or Thursday.
  We left Deltaville, Virginia last Wednesday and headed across the Chesapeake Bay to Onancock, a quaint little town with a great restaurant. We were surprised by a visit from folks on a trawler. The neat part was that they, Ben and Hanneke are from Fergus ,Ontario and that they had anchored beside us at Kilbear Park in Georgian Bay about 8 or 9 years ago.Bill remembered sharing a coffee on their trawler there.Small world. .From Onancock we went west again across the Bay to an anchorage in the Solomon's Island area. This must be the 2nd sailing capital in America. Lots of marinas and many sailboats. This is when Chris and Juanita  confirmed that they wanted to visit us in Annapolis. We were pretty excited to say the least.With winds and currents in our favour we were in Annapolis around 1p.m. on Friday..Ready to receive our guests who arrived later in the p.m.What a treat to see them all.   Seeing Annapolis by water without a boat show going on, gave us a totally different perspective of this busy, popular sailing community.From our boat we could watch young sailors training in their dingy sailboats, schooners taking people out on tours and other tour boats.The water  taxis were kept busy taking people from their boat or marina to the historical town of Annapolis[Capitol of Maryland]. We enjoyed  their services too.The 2 youngest ,Michael and Nora travelled free. Chris and the kids had their private tour on our dingy with 'papa' as their tour guide a few times.Lots to see and explore. The flowers , the architecture, the detail on the store fronts etc. captured our attention too .The ice cream cones were also a hit  with it being such warm sunny weather.We were all able to fit into Chris and Juanita's navigator to go to Church for Sunday worship at Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Annapolis.
We were thankful for  this opportunity and for what we learned..
  Yes, we were sad to have to say goodbye  again ,but the adventure continues with New York City being the next big highlight. And more family planning to come to visit us there.

Main St Annapolis

Harbour View

Schooner tour

State Capitol in background

School children on an outing

Sailing lessons June12/12

 

Myrtle Beach to Detlaville,VA

Leaving Southport, South Carolina we took the ICW to a great anchorage at Wrightville Beach, near Wilmington, S.C..on Tuesday, May 22.  Wrightsville beach is 'right' on the ocean. We were anchored in this popular anchorage with many other boats. With 'Japheth' on one side and 'C'est le Vie'on the other.With currents and winds we all did a lot of swinging. It was strange to see us almost on top of each other at one time of day and than totally away later in the day. Jeff and Ann on C'est Le Vie came over to see us by dingy to say they were heading home to Beaufort, N.C.Since we were going there  next they gave us some tips and ideas. We met the folks on Japheth at the Museum the next day.  We learned some more about their experiences. Thursday was our day to head north to Beaufort .We chose to go the ocean route while others opted to go the ICW that day with concerns about winds and currents. The weather turned out better than expected and we  motor sailed to our next port.Beaufort is a delightful town with a beautiful waterfront,lots of restaurant. All the homes along the water front are from the same era and well cared for. 2 story white frame with verandas. They are all heritage homes and the owners are required to maintain them to the town requirements.The Marine Museum and the boat building shop were highlights. We went back on Saturday to see things we had missed. on Friday.We met up with German friends we'd met in Charleston. Also met with fellow Canadians from Montreal. Beaufort was great but it was time to move on. .
 Monday, we took the ICW to an  quiet anchorage in Slade Creek, near Belhaven. From there we moved on  under or through more bridges,rivers and canals.I think it was in this stretch the antenae on the top of our mast tickled the bridges on 3 occasions. Along the way we'd see trees and marsh areas and then we'd see  homes and small communities.and a few times we would be surprised by a long stretch of golf course along the waterways. Once in a while we would encouter a tow pushing a single barge. Nothing like the huge barges on the mid American rivers.  Tues, May 29 we anchored in South Lake just south of a big sound..The next day we crossed Albermarle Sound just before the wind and rain set in. We were thankful the heavy rain didn't last too long since the waterways were winding and lots of markers to watch for.That evening we tied up to a long dock  at Great Bridge thinking it could be the free dock the 'Skipper Bob book' talked about . But when Bill went for a walk he found an office and found out there was a fee.
 That eve. we were surprised by a visit from Tom and Chris on Polar Pacer-also Canadians we'd met in Charleston.
 Our dock at Great Bridges was just before a new lift bridge and our only lock on the ICW.. . After doing this bridge and lock[only a 1.5 foot drop] we soon were getting into the built up area of Norfolk and Portsmouth.-barges,-bridges[ road and railroad], lots of industry. Besides this it is also a navy base and shipbuilding centre. We had to wait at one bridge for at least 15 minutes for a train carrying Virginian coal [over 200 cars] to cross. Before long we were in our marina right at the beautiful waterfront of Norfolk.In  some ways it reminded us of Chicago.We were greeted by Peter and MarieClaire, our German friends. who had arrived at this marina the day before.
 Since we arrived late morning we had time to explore Nauticus another historical and marine museum.We also boarded and toured the naval warship 'Wisconsin'.These ports are at the bottom end of Chesapeake Bay.This would mark the start of exploring and sailing these amazing waters. From Norfolk we and other sail boats passed many Naval warships with warnings to stay our distance-- out the busy channels to the open waters of the bay. We had a great sail north to Deltaville.A small place but definitely a boating capital for many boaters-- it has so many marinas. And from our marina we have a view of Rappahannock River and many sailboats out sailing . We were thankful to get into our marina before a major thunder storm. We rented a car for Monday and Tuesday so we could visit Colonial Williamsburg , Yorktown and Jamestown.We did!!

One of the golf courses along the ICW

Our Anchorage at Wrightsville Beach NC

Boat works at Beaufort NC

Heritage home on Front St Beaufort

Adriana 1 sharing Great Bridge lock with a barge

Series of bridges we passed through entering  Norfolk

Shawnie on the fore deck of  the Wisconsin a war ship used in desert storm

War ships in Norfolk Harbour

We met the Virginia in full sail on the Chesapeake

Regatta Point Marina in Deltaville Va our present marina

Shawnie and Bill in Colonial Williamsburg

Govenor's Palace, Williamsburg

 'til next time.