Cape Charles and Deltaville Virginia Cruises , Chesapeake Bay July 2013-added photographs

(Part Two, Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River)

07/19/13:  Back on the Bay following a 25 year absence.  Following a noon dance recital by Meridian’s Fairy Tales Dance Class we departed Marina at 1500 for a leisurely (2.75 hour, 26 mile cruise to Cape Charles, VA.  Beautiful (except for HOT!) day for a boat ride; stil wind, following seas sunny & Chesapeake Bay Blue skies & water.  Secured in the Cape Charles Town Harbor by 1800; well protected but subject to reflected wave action with SW winds.  We had (and still have) SSW winds at 15, gusts to 25 so we also had 2’ + rollers in harbor.  GREAT sleeping weather following a light supper at the dockside restaurant , more crab.  Forecast for tomorrow indicates we may be weathered in until Sunday.  A friend, Brenda Caricofe (Elizabeth and Melissa’s 1^st grade teacher) told us Cape Charles is one of her favorite cities on the Bay-thus, seemed like a good first choice. Crossing the Bay incl crossing the major shipping channel. Seeing several BIG boats, we decided to “do a short” scoot across-meaning burning diesel-so as not to interfere with their crossing. Arrived at Cape Charles and were greeted by several boats on a “guy’s” fishing weekend from Deal, VA. The waves from off shore and the rockin’ and rollin’ created, were greater than any I have experienced in any marina. Jumping off the Elissa II to the floating dock was excellent balance training. There were about 10 huge tankers anchored off shore all weekend-must be waiting to unload or load on Monday. At night it was sort of eery as their lit superstructures resembled a city on the water.

                           Fairy Ballerina

Off shore duck blind

More Ospreys

3 of @ 12 tankers anchored off shore

07/20/13: A lazy lay day in Cape Charles.  Small Craft Warning until mid-afternoon, waves 3-5 out of southwest (the direction we wanted to go, possible afternoon T’storms and SSW winds at 15, gusting to 25.  Forecast for tomorrow is much better.  The Small Craft Warning kept the “fisher guys” in the marina for the better part of the day. They were very entertaining-beer at 0800 hrs-, thoroughly enjoying the “guy” time and friendships. They spent most of the day catching bait-looked pretty big to me but since they were after bigger fish, guess it was appropriate. When winds calmed down, they did venture out with some success. I loved this unexpected Lay Day as afforded us the opportunity to really explore the town. Cape Charles was “founded” by gentlemen desiring to build a railway to transport goods from the Delmarva (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia) Peninsula to Norfolk/ Newport News VA. So they built a railway down the Eastern Shore to a dock at Cape Charles. Many homes are from the Sears Catalogue. It is a pretty town with local pride, shown in most of the homes care and upkeep and a nice, non glitzy, small commercial district with shops and restaurants. We visited the local museum. Like many small towns, the museum was not fancy but provided fascinating local history. Martha Washington owned property near here. Robert E Lee was a relation. AND the biggest piece of information we learned was about the Great Crater. 350 million years ago a 2 mile wide meteor crashed at Cape Charles-the epicenter. It created the Chesapeake Bay and a tsunami that reached as high as the Shenandoah Mountains. As the water receded, rivers such as the Potomac, Rappahanock, York, James were created. There was a short video produced by National Geographic that had excellent simulated videos of what happened. I have been trying to locate a copy, so if anyone reading this does so, PLEASE let us know. Who knew? While Bill returned to the Elissa II I continued to roam the streets-and shops. I have found this is a great way to meet the locals, learn more about the area. I ended up on the beach and was mesmermised with the kite boarders. Aside from the fact I’d be scared to death and would probably die, it looks like an awful lot of fun. While I was “touring”, Bill returned to the Elissa II and met 2 couples. One had just also gone to the “dark side” and to an Albin 28 trawler, no less! Joan works with the Waterway Cruising Guide and all four live on the Mobjack Bay. Enjoyed Docktails and acquiring more local knowledge. Later in the evening, we attended a concert on the beach-enhanced by a lovely sunset.

Cape Charles Homes From the Sears Roebuck Catalogue

All sizes and styles

Kite Boarding..awesome

Colorful

Railroad loading dock

Cape Charles Light and former rail car

07/21/13:  Out of Cape Charles at 1100 on a bright, sunny day, moderate winds and seas 1-3 (maybe an occasional 4 footer).  Arrived and anchored off of the beach at Ft Monroe at 1400.  Mike brought Meridian down @ 1435 and we (Bonnie, Bill and Ms M) took dinghy back to boat and boat back to slip in Marina.  Once in the dinghy, Meridian advised me that she was just a little bit scared. Assured her I’d hang onto her and all would be OK-loved the subsequent snuggle. Once aboard she was quite pleased to “drive” the boat to the Marina. Arrived and were secured by 1630.  Just in time as a vicious pop-up T’Storm briefly lashed the Harbor w/winds to 40+ and brief but torrential rain.  All in all, was a delightful interlude at Cape  Charles.  How does one sit out a storm with a 4 year old-by eating ice cream of course! Love having a small freezer aboard. A luxury I never imagined in our sailing days.

Arriving at the beach at Ft Monroe on  Sunday to pick up Meridian!

Former Ft Monroe Officer's Club Beach House

Think he has enough horsepower?

Party Time

Sandy Feet

07/30/13:  Had a late (1630 hours) departure to a delightful, secure & protected anchorage on Chisman Creek, off the Poquoson River, about 25 miles north on the western shore, about half way to Deltaville VA.  On the hook 1915 hours and had scrumptious twilight dinner at anchor.  Ah, at our first Chesapeake Bay anchorage. Quiet, peaceful-anticipating more like this over the next 10 months we are in the area.

07/31/13:  Following a pump out and pump in (30 gallons of diesel) we left anchorage @ 1000 for  41 mile run to Deltaville and the Deltaville Yachting Center. This is a 1^st class facility, competitively priced and with a Boat US 10% discount.  Arrived 6.5 hours later and were secure in slip by 1615. As we approached the slip, we were greeted and assisted by several other slip holders…..Virginia friendly! The DYC is family owned and managed. Met one couple who have lived aboard a boat for @ 35 years and had sailed everywhere. Tried a year ashore 2012-13 due to aging (maybe late 70’s); didn’t like it and had just purchased this 45 ft sloop to resume their waterborne lifestyle. The other family was from Montreal. They had sailed to the Bahamas from Montreal @ 5 years ago with their 3 children (youngest was 10 months at the time). Lived aboard for 2 years, home schooled-parents are teachers. While returning via the Chesapeake, they discovered its charms and decided to keep their 48 ft sloop at DYC. They spend their summer vacations cruising the Chesapeake cruising grounds. We exchanged those precious boat cards and when we reach the St Lawrence, we hope to visit once in Montreal. We enjoyed dinner with Joan, whom we met at Cape Charles, as the Waterway Guide Offices are here!

Big and Colorful

Old Point Comfort Light, Ft Monroe

Historic Chamberlain Hotel, Ft Monroe, VA

This ketch was returning from the Panama Canal headed for home in Maine

Deltaville's Floating houseboats with dock sfor your sloop---vacation condo! 

Sting Ray Point--where Captain John Smith was stung by a stingray!!!

08/01/13:  Planned to return to Ft Monroe in time for the traditional band concert at the Post Gazebo on Thursday night.  Forecast was SE wind 10 -15 mph, seas 1-2 feet.  Left Marina at 0900, cleared mouth of the River and found…winds gusting to 20+ out of the south (on the nose) and seas at 3 -5 feet.  Though the boat had no problems, we were not happy being bounced around. Would have been a very uncomfortable ride back to Ft Monroe. So, turned back and spent rest of day in slip with periodic rain/wind squalls.  Very wet and blustery until @ 2000 then calm & cool.  By staying an extra day, we got acquainted with another “water town” and its residents. Deltaville is small but has more marinas and boats than larger communities we have passed through. There is a small but very interesting Marine Museum-just when you think you have learned it all, local history adds another new layer.

08/02/13:  Total change from yesterday.   On the way home at 0800, smooth water (could have water skied the whole way if had skis and stamina) and were back in our slip 48 miles later at 1215.  Now back to Elizabeth to await birth of Sweeney Parsons Twins, enjoy Meridian and celebrate Melissa and Tim’s return from Iraq!

BIG and colorful