Log of the ELISSA II: Up the Potomac to Washington DC

05/20: An early (for us) start found us under way at 0730 heading west on a course for the mouth of the Potomac River, Was about a five hour, 37 mile trip under partly cloudy skies. Seas were more than twice (3-5’ vs NOAA forecast of 1-2) for the first 3 hours until we reached the lee of the western shore. Both of us thought the other had dogged the main hatch and the ports so had little concern when we’d take a wave over the bow! DUH…rule number one on a boat: NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING! Thankfully it was a warm sunny day and early when we docked so we could dry out cushions, towels, etc on the docks!! Thanks to Active Captain and our Waterway Guide we found a gem of a marina about 8 miles upstream on the Yeocomico River. The White Point Marina is family owned and operated 2^nd generation now in charge and 3^rd generation is actively involved. It is full service (all types of marine maintenance/repairs) with spotless facilities in a very quite, rural setting. It is nice to be back on the Potomac, scene (albeit 100 miles downstream from actual) of our youthful sailing activities. Bonnie: This is a lovely spot off the Potomac and the facility and personal services are excellent. Was rather nice arriving someplace early to enjoy a long walk with Jada and then I rode my Bike through bucolic countryside and roads (saw one car) to Kinsale---a small historic town. Not many commercial establishments but lovely homes to admire. Wish I had started earlier to have included a ride to historic Yeocomico Church-since 1706 it has continued to have Sunday services. It is located in the middle of the country surrounded by fields and woods. Dinner: Sautéed Curried chicken breasts with Madras lentils and vegetables.

05/21: Left White Point Marina late (@ 1130) for long run to Goose Bay Marina (on the Tobacco River about 50 miles north of the Potomac mouth. Arrived at 1900 just in time to button up and enjoy a vicious display of wind, rain, lightning & thunder. Retired fairly early as we planned an early departure to beat forecasted storms in DC area tomorrow afternoon. Bonnie: Was a lovely cruise up the river-no storms forecasted so I set our sights on an anchorage up Port Tobacco River off Chapel Point State Park. The Chapel is St Ignatius-established by the Jesuits in mid 1700’s and has continuously been a Jesuit parish to this day. There was to be a boat ramp so we could go ashore and visit the chapel. Scouted the anchorage and there was no boat dock –I had planned to row ashore—but suddenly the wind picked up, skies darkened so we scooted to the nearby marina. Was also a camp ground of camper trailers. Some were pretty basic and others quite fancy with stone patios, gazebos, small gardens!

05/21: Out of Goose Bay at 0635, calm wind, flat seas and fog. Visibility fluctuating between ¼ and whole mile. Most channel markers were > than a mile distant so we steered for the target (marker) on the electronic chart & sure enuff, once we were w/in half a mile or so, there it was, visible to naked eye. By 1000 sun burned thru, lovely morning and less stressful when able to see. An interesting phenomenon was acres and acres of flotsam, trees, limbs, logs, portions of small buildings – you name it – floating downstream. Apparently several days of heavy rains caused coastal flooding and the flood waters picked up anything that would float and plunked them down in the river. It was awesome to approach an area we know well from the water. Everything looked familiar, but strangely so. And BTW, Mt Vernon is magnificent when seen from the water side. Bonnie: I never had thought much about arriving in DC via the Potomac—was just a unique way to get there. Oh my—what a delightful way to arrive! Having lived in the Metro-DC are off and on for 11 years of my life, in a way I found myself “coming home”. It was exciting discovering places along the way that I had distinct memories of. Being a beautiful day added to the pleasure. We arrived at the Capital Yacht Club Marina as 3 readily identified helicopters, accompanied by a “green” helicopter with missiles flew overhead and we passed a “green” power vessel that had a missiles or two attached to its bow! The Marina staff and fellow boaters are incredibly friendly and helpful. We are 10 min walk from L’Enfant Metro station, 10 min walk from the Tidal Basin and right next to the Water Street Fish Market—not fishy smells but great spiced crab/shrimp smells!!

We got settled in and then took the Metro to meet Melissa and Tim for dinner near their apartment.

George Mason Memorial, Alexandria VA