June 24, 2014 Leaving the Potomac River

06/24:  Out of Joint Base Anacostia Bolling Marina at 0720 to catch an ebbing tide.  Added to the current downstream we got a few hours of and additional 2.2 knots speed – for free.  BTW, Bolling is a VERY well appointed, suburban installation.  Smack in the middle of the hustle & bustle of metro area DC, but bucolic.  Uneventful cruise (except for short delay due to Navy Weapons Command testing on the River) to Breton Bay, a pleasant and well protected anchorage between the 301 Bridge and the mouth of the Potomac.  Was clear, cool and pleasant.  After some late afternoon chop (@2-3 feet) arrived  at BB and on the hook at 1815 after 89 miles and 10 hours under way.  Bonnie: While the cruise up the Potomac to DC was exciting, this cruise leaving was rather nostalgic. I have spent so many years living in the DC Metro area, it frequently feels like home when I return. We cruised by St Clement’s Island---the first landing by Christians in Maryland seeking religious ffreedom. The large Cross was dedicated to Freedom of Religion in Maryland. Enjoyed Grilled Steaks and Corn on the Cob.

Point Lookout..mouth of the Potomac River

06/25: Out of Breton Bay  at 0800 under sunny skies & strong (20 Kts) south wind.  As we were heading east we had a bouncy 1^st 2 hours (3 – 4’) on the beam.  Cleared Point Lookout into bay & turned north.  The Bouncy stuff became basis for a sleigh ride north to Patuxent River and the NAS Patuxent Marina where we arrived 1300 aftyer 54 miles under the keel. Did an “in/out” pumping session – 102 gallons of diesel in & @15 gallons of  bodily wastes out.  Bonnie: Most of our sailing charters between 1979-82 and 1987-89 were out of Solomons Island—across the Patuxent from the NAS. Again, Nostalgia—where  did those little girls go?

06/26:  Following a leisurely AM we departed PAX at 1020 under sunny skies and a brisk breeze from the NW.  We had an uneventful cruise to Phillips Creek, a small tributary to the Little Choptank R. on the MD Eastern Shore. Some 31 miles and 3.5 hours later we arrived at this most delightful anchorage.  Learned something interesting on the way.  All morning long, starting with the 0530 NOAA forecast, they kept stating that a Small Craft Advisory was in effect.  Went on to predict winds in the teens with gusts to the early 20’s.  We couldn’t figure out what the threat was that warranted an advisory in the 1^st place.  Finally contacted a local boater who said…..” Oh, they always say that, every time the wind is forecast to be 15 mph or greater they put out the advisory”.  So much for reliability.  The crossing itself was about what I expected based on the NOAA forecast:  winds were in the mid-teens from the NW.  Suited us just fine as we skirted up the VA (western) shore in the lee of the winds and had 1-2 foot waves.  When we turned east to make for the Choptank we had the waves astern, again, no threat.

Bonnie:  This anchorage was absolutely beautiful…..calm private cove with only 2 homes in the distance. I rowed Jada ashore. Once we were on the beach, she bounded ashore and ran in a frenzy back and forth, sailing over dead trees, attempting to put out of the water tree branches that were secured under water---did a good job of putting her head under and actually broke a small limb free. She was in heaven and a hoot to watch