I just thought I would share this short video. The Bay was "rolly" - and the wind had gone to nothing.....so we had to motor along to get to the next destination.
I took my camera out and held it on the deck of the boat. I'm not moving the camera at all. Keep looking at the horizon to get the feeling of motion. This motion went on for a couple of hours...ugggh. Just glad it wasn't pouring rain, too! All's well, though - we've all got good "sea-legs" so the motion is just an inconvenience, not a problem.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Chesapeake Sailing Trip Day 12 - to Point Lookout (Ridge) Maryland!
Our original "plan" included a trip across the Chesapeake Bay to the Eastern Shore. Weather, unfortunately, has turned a little less than spectacular. It's going to be a couple of rainy/stormy days - so we decided to take the safer route and just head one more day north - to the tip of Maryland. We had a nice sail, then motored most of the way because the wind was too light.
Here is the Smith Point lighthouse - it's in the middle of the bay just south of the Virginia / Maryland state line. Rather pretty in a solitary, lonely sort of way!
Not much going on in the town of Ridge, Maryland! The marina was nice enough - kept us safe and sound during the storms that blew in throughout the night. They have a very nice restaurant right on the marina - just the kind we like - just walk off the boat for dinner.
The marina dog.....
Here is the Smith Point lighthouse - it's in the middle of the bay just south of the Virginia / Maryland state line. Rather pretty in a solitary, lonely sort of way!
Not much going on in the town of Ridge, Maryland! The marina was nice enough - kept us safe and sound during the storms that blew in throughout the night. They have a very nice restaurant right on the marina - just the kind we like - just walk off the boat for dinner.
The marina dog.....
Chesapeake Sailing Trip Day 11 - to Reedville, Va
Today's trip was to head north to Reedville, Va. It was a pleasant sail...interesting marine markers as we approached the channel.
The town was once the home of a large Menhaden fishing industry, including a processing plant.
There is still a active fishing fleet.
Here we are safely at the dock. One word about this little town....it's SMELLY! We had actually been warned by some folks at Urbanna....I'm sure the residents love their beautiful city....but when the wind is blowing just right from the fish processing plant....well, let's just say it's not the most pleasant fragrance!!
Luckily, the Crazy Crab restaurant was adjacent to the dock....very nice to just walk off your boat into the restaurant!
Took a nice stroll down Main Street. Beautiful old homes - and every single one of them was nicely kept.
Fun dinner at the Crazy Crab!
Had an early night (after the game of rummy, of course!). Glad we were at the dock instead of anchored out - a huge group of thunderstorms blew thru around midnight. I went outside and saw 38 knots on the anemometer (over 40 mph). We were safe and sound in our sailing ship!
The town was once the home of a large Menhaden fishing industry, including a processing plant.
There is still a active fishing fleet.
Here we are safely at the dock. One word about this little town....it's SMELLY! We had actually been warned by some folks at Urbanna....I'm sure the residents love their beautiful city....but when the wind is blowing just right from the fish processing plant....well, let's just say it's not the most pleasant fragrance!!
Luckily, the Crazy Crab restaurant was adjacent to the dock....very nice to just walk off your boat into the restaurant!
Took a nice stroll down Main Street. Beautiful old homes - and every single one of them was nicely kept.
Fun dinner at the Crazy Crab!
Had an early night (after the game of rummy, of course!). Glad we were at the dock instead of anchored out - a huge group of thunderstorms blew thru around midnight. I went outside and saw 38 knots on the anemometer (over 40 mph). We were safe and sound in our sailing ship!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Chesapeake Sailing Trip Day 10 - to Yankee Pt, Rappahannock River
From Urbanna, we spied a neat anchorage across the Rappahannock - in a little creek.
After a VERY lively sail - tacking back and forth across the wide river to eventually get to the other side. The wind was strong and we only had our foresail out - still going about as fast as the boat is able. Nice, but you have to pay attention.
We anchored out in a little bay - all to ourselves.
There were several crab-pot floats in our little bay. Before long, the owner (we assume) of the pots came for a harvest. Neat to watch - he pulls the pot up - and throws another in it's place.
Then he drives to the next pot - all-the-while busy emptying and baiting the pot that he just plucked.
And he had two watch dogs on board if you look closely!
I wanted to dinghy over to the marina - it looked close on the chart.
Well, it was a llloooonnnng dinghy ride - thru some choppy water. But, our new dinghy kept us high and dry (well, almost)...
The marina was set back in a pretty cove (lot's of those around here!) We all had to swing, of course....
Pretty marina photo.
I stole this shot from Sharon's camera - very pretty.
Das boot - approaching from our long dinghy ride back from the marina.
Ahhh a pretty sunset - Sharon's camera has a nice sunset "setting".
After a VERY lively sail - tacking back and forth across the wide river to eventually get to the other side. The wind was strong and we only had our foresail out - still going about as fast as the boat is able. Nice, but you have to pay attention.
We anchored out in a little bay - all to ourselves.
There were several crab-pot floats in our little bay. Before long, the owner (we assume) of the pots came for a harvest. Neat to watch - he pulls the pot up - and throws another in it's place.
Then he drives to the next pot - all-the-while busy emptying and baiting the pot that he just plucked.
And he had two watch dogs on board if you look closely!
I wanted to dinghy over to the marina - it looked close on the chart.
Well, it was a llloooonnnng dinghy ride - thru some choppy water. But, our new dinghy kept us high and dry (well, almost)...
The marina was set back in a pretty cove (lot's of those around here!) We all had to swing, of course....
Pretty marina photo.
I stole this shot from Sharon's camera - very pretty.
Das boot - approaching from our long dinghy ride back from the marina.
Ahhh a pretty sunset - Sharon's camera has a nice sunset "setting".
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Chesapeake Sailing Trip Day 9 - to Urbanna, Va
We're back online for now! I nabbed Sharon's camera - and I have her permission to use these photos!
Buddy relaxing in the evening....
We're relaxing too! Notice you may see a few more photos of me for a little while now that someone else besides me is taking some of the photos!
Discussing something about the sails, no doubt.
Navigating!
Isn't this a great photo of Sharon and Buddy?
On to Urbanna - there was a really tall bridge spanning the Rappahanock River - 110' clearance...since our mast height is only 65', we clear this one easily. So, we were having a nice sail and we decided that we could sail thru it instead of dropping the sails. Never have been able to do that before!
I know this is a strange photo - it's me lying on the deck, looking straight up as we sailed underneath the bridge. A very neat angle!
We had been sailing for hours - and we noticed this butterfly following us. We were sailing along at about 6 or 7 knots - and this little fellow flew all around us for several minutes. I had no idea they could fly that fast for so long. OK, we're easily amused!
We arrived to the very nice town of Urbanna - we knew where we were, but they were kind enough to label the entrance channel for us.
Some nice folks that were on the dock helped us settle into a slip for the evening.
We had a really yummy dinner at the marina restaurant - I shared soft-shell crabs with Sharon - the best I've ever had (no surprise, this is supposed to be the crab-capital!)
Just thought this was a pretty shot of the kayak-er's shot from the back of our boat.
Walked into town for a quick provisioning trip. Pretty, old houses. Everyone we met has been really friendly. (And this time, the lady gave us directions - said it was about a 1/2 mile - and she was correct, thank goodness!)
Just wandering around at the Town dock....
Buddy relaxing in the evening....
We're relaxing too! Notice you may see a few more photos of me for a little while now that someone else besides me is taking some of the photos!
Discussing something about the sails, no doubt.
Navigating!
Isn't this a great photo of Sharon and Buddy?
On to Urbanna - there was a really tall bridge spanning the Rappahanock River - 110' clearance...since our mast height is only 65', we clear this one easily. So, we were having a nice sail and we decided that we could sail thru it instead of dropping the sails. Never have been able to do that before!
I know this is a strange photo - it's me lying on the deck, looking straight up as we sailed underneath the bridge. A very neat angle!
We had been sailing for hours - and we noticed this butterfly following us. We were sailing along at about 6 or 7 knots - and this little fellow flew all around us for several minutes. I had no idea they could fly that fast for so long. OK, we're easily amused!
We arrived to the very nice town of Urbanna - we knew where we were, but they were kind enough to label the entrance channel for us.
Some nice folks that were on the dock helped us settle into a slip for the evening.
We had a really yummy dinner at the marina restaurant - I shared soft-shell crabs with Sharon - the best I've ever had (no surprise, this is supposed to be the crab-capital!)
Just thought this was a pretty shot of the kayak-er's shot from the back of our boat.
Walked into town for a quick provisioning trip. Pretty, old houses. Everyone we met has been really friendly. (And this time, the lady gave us directions - said it was about a 1/2 mile - and she was correct, thank goodness!)
Just wandering around at the Town dock....
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Chesapeake Trip Day 8 - to Deltaville, Va
Today was a nice long sail up to Deltaville, Va - home of a huge boating population. Apparently, there are 4 boats here for every person that actually lives in the small town.
Very pretty and rural.
Capt. Buddy at the helm!
Not alot going on here - we were a couple of miles from the town itself - so we called a local restaurant to come pick us up....here's Vinny - our favorite bus-boy of the evening. Very friendly to transient boaters in this town. We had a nice seafood meal and in for a early evening.
Very pretty and rural.
Capt. Buddy at the helm!
Not alot going on here - we were a couple of miles from the town itself - so we called a local restaurant to come pick us up....here's Vinny - our favorite bus-boy of the evening. Very friendly to transient boaters in this town. We had a nice seafood meal and in for a early evening.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Chesapeake Trip Day 7 - to Yorktown, Va
We spent the morning in Hampton touring the Va. Air and Space Museum....nicely done museum - geared for school groups.
I know, silly person!
We had met several folks last night that were in town for the Regatta...they take this stuff serious!!
Beautiful sail up to Yorktown....all the commercial traffic vanished.
The entrance to Sarah Creek - where we'll meet up with Sharon and Buddy.
I know, silly person!
We had met several folks last night that were in town for the Regatta...they take this stuff serious!!
Beautiful sail up to Yorktown....all the commercial traffic vanished. 
The entrance to Sarah Creek - where we'll meet up with Sharon and Buddy.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Chesapeake Trip Day 6 - to Hampton, Va
Short post today! We had to wait at the Smithfield anchorage for the tide to come in. One area would be too shallow for us on the route out at low tide. While waiting, we did some boat chores - and I spied this little duck family. So cute going from here to there....
Destination today is Hampton, Virginia - home of the Cousteau Society and the Virginia Air and Space Museum. On the way, a warship kept calling warning boats to stay away. We must have looked harmless because he didn't bother us. Cool to see up close. There were actually men at the guns.....
Very nice anchorage at the Hampton Public docks. Right across from the Air & Space museum (we'll do that tour tomorrow).
OK, this is definitely vacation material - we had a little oops while doing some of those boat chores. A port window was left in the open position whilst someone washed off the deck. This is easy to do because the screens make it difficult to see whether the window is open or not.....so, some soapy river water got splashed onto our berth immediately below the window.... needless to say, the sheets needed to be washed. I asked at the dock and was told that there was a laundry "about a 1/4 mile" from the marina. So, we stuffed the sheets and some other laundry into a bag and set out on foot armed with directions (just two turns, sounded simple enough).
Well, I have now google-mapped the location and it is 1.4 miles from the marina!! We walked thru what appeared to be the Hampton, Va housing project - then thru a strip of junky auto repair/tire places. Even stopped to ask a mechanic if we were going in the correct direction. He said, yes, just beyond the next red-light. About 6 city blocks later we found: Spin Queen!!
Actually one of the nicest laundrymats I've ever been in. Haven't actually been in one in years. Most marinas have a washer and dryer. The Hampton Public docks apparently do not... so, laundry was accomplished in a speedy fashion. Back to the boat - it was almost dark and threatening to rain. Wouldn't that have been ironic if we'd gotten our clean laundry wet carrying it "home"??
And rain it did!! Getting ready to dinghy back to the marina.
This is cool - "it's a small world" - we needed 80' of a particular line to replace one of the lines on the boat. I had called the local West Marine store in Hampton and sure enough, they had the line we needed. I inquired how far away the store was - and the fellow said that it was several miles away - but that he would be glad to drop the line by after work at the marina for us! How cool is that? Plus, it turns out - he's from Siler City!!! Bill Northington - if I caught his name correctly. What a country!
After a dinner of Grilled Mahi Mahi fish tacos with Chipolte sauce (double yum, by the way) we went over to the Air and Space museum for an IMAX showing of the new Star Trek movie. Nice movie - and really neat on that huge screen. OK- when I started writing this, I didn't think we'd done much to write about. Tour Air and Space and Cousteau tomorrow - then on to Yorktown to pick up Sharon and Buddy!!!!
Destination today is Hampton, Virginia - home of the Cousteau Society and the Virginia Air and Space Museum. On the way, a warship kept calling warning boats to stay away. We must have looked harmless because he didn't bother us. Cool to see up close. There were actually men at the guns.....
Very nice anchorage at the Hampton Public docks. Right across from the Air & Space museum (we'll do that tour tomorrow).
OK, this is definitely vacation material - we had a little oops while doing some of those boat chores. A port window was left in the open position whilst someone washed off the deck. This is easy to do because the screens make it difficult to see whether the window is open or not.....so, some soapy river water got splashed onto our berth immediately below the window.... needless to say, the sheets needed to be washed. I asked at the dock and was told that there was a laundry "about a 1/4 mile" from the marina. So, we stuffed the sheets and some other laundry into a bag and set out on foot armed with directions (just two turns, sounded simple enough).
Well, I have now google-mapped the location and it is 1.4 miles from the marina!! We walked thru what appeared to be the Hampton, Va housing project - then thru a strip of junky auto repair/tire places. Even stopped to ask a mechanic if we were going in the correct direction. He said, yes, just beyond the next red-light. About 6 city blocks later we found: Spin Queen!!
Actually one of the nicest laundrymats I've ever been in. Haven't actually been in one in years. Most marinas have a washer and dryer. The Hampton Public docks apparently do not... so, laundry was accomplished in a speedy fashion. Back to the boat - it was almost dark and threatening to rain. Wouldn't that have been ironic if we'd gotten our clean laundry wet carrying it "home"??
And rain it did!! Getting ready to dinghy back to the marina.
This is cool - "it's a small world" - we needed 80' of a particular line to replace one of the lines on the boat. I had called the local West Marine store in Hampton and sure enough, they had the line we needed. I inquired how far away the store was - and the fellow said that it was several miles away - but that he would be glad to drop the line by after work at the marina for us! How cool is that? Plus, it turns out - he's from Siler City!!! Bill Northington - if I caught his name correctly. What a country!
After a dinner of Grilled Mahi Mahi fish tacos with Chipolte sauce (double yum, by the way) we went over to the Air and Space museum for an IMAX showing of the new Star Trek movie. Nice movie - and really neat on that huge screen. OK- when I started writing this, I didn't think we'd done much to write about. Tour Air and Space and Cousteau tomorrow - then on to Yorktown to pick up Sharon and Buddy!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
