Barry, Barb, their friend John and his son Dylan came over to Seascape on their dinghy for a late breakfast on our aft deck. We cleaned the boat and prepared for Dora to go to visit with her family. Dolores, Dervis and her mother and father picked her up at 1500. She plans to be gone for about a week.
I went back and typed some entries for our blog. In the evening, I went kayaking with Dylan.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Saturday, July 18, 2007 - Magothy River to Frog Mortar Creek of the Middle River, MD
We departed the Magothy River at 1000. There was much more traffic on the Bay than what we have experienced previously. Many large power boats traveling in all directions created continuous wakes from all directions. We entered Middle River around 1400, reached Frog Mortar Creek at 1430 and were securely anchored at 1500. I tried to set the Delta anchor twice but it wouldn’t set and hold under a load. I deployed the Danforth with a short length of chain and nylon rode and it set immediately. I am starting to wonder why I keep messing with the Delta.
We spent the afternoon and evening at Barry and Barb’s friend’s beautiful home on the Creek. We grilled chicken and fish in their back deck. After dinner Barry and I went to the grocery store and Dora went back to the boats.
We spent the afternoon and evening at Barry and Barb’s friend’s beautiful home on the Creek. We grilled chicken and fish in their back deck. After dinner Barry and I went to the grocery store and Dora went back to the boats.
Friday, July 27, 2007 - Choptank River to the Magothy River, MD
At 0730 we took Sailor to shore on a small wooded island. We were underway by 0830. We retraced our route down the Creek and the Choptank. Chesapeake Bay was a little choppy but we were going with the wind most of the time. We saw several interesting lighthouses and the Bay Bridge was impressive. We headed west soon after going under the Bay Bridge and proceeded up the Magothy River and finally into Sillery Bay. We anchored Seascape at 1530 in a small cove of Sillery Bay. Beach Cruiser rafted to us on our anchor because there wasn’t enough room for two boats to anchor in the cove.
Barry lowered their dinghy and we motored a short distance to a small community marina where their friend, Stan was waiting for us. We all walked about ¼ mile to his house. There we meet Stan’s wife Kay and is parents who were visiting. They cooked a fine dinner and all eight of us ate around their dining table. Just before we sat down to eat, we heard that a severe thunderstorm was headed our way. Barry and I jumped into Stan’s car and went to secure our boats for wind and rain. It was raining a little by the time we got back to shore but most of the storm passed us to the north.
When we got back after dinner, I started the generator to charge the batteries and it wasn’t pumping raw water necessary to cool it. I installed the new water pump that I had purchased back when we were in Albemarle Sound.
Barry lowered their dinghy and we motored a short distance to a small community marina where their friend, Stan was waiting for us. We all walked about ¼ mile to his house. There we meet Stan’s wife Kay and is parents who were visiting. They cooked a fine dinner and all eight of us ate around their dining table. Just before we sat down to eat, we heard that a severe thunderstorm was headed our way. Barry and I jumped into Stan’s car and went to secure our boats for wind and rain. It was raining a little by the time we got back to shore but most of the storm passed us to the north.
When we got back after dinner, I started the generator to charge the batteries and it wasn’t pumping raw water necessary to cool it. I installed the new water pump that I had purchased back when we were in Albemarle Sound.
Thursday, July 26, 2007 - Solomons Island to the Choptank River near St. Michaels, MD
I was up at 0700 and made coffee. Dora got up at 0730 and we took Sailor to shore in Barry’s dinghy. There was just a narrow stretch of beach and Sailor played in the water instead of getting down to business. I had to carry him up a steep, 15 foot high eroding bluff to a wooded area to find an acceptable place for him to do his thing.
We pulled the muddy chain and anchor and got underway at 0830. Crossing the Bay the seas were relatively calm and the sky was overcast. Near the mouth of the Choptank River we turned north into Broad Creek and then branched off into San Domingo Creek where we anchored in nine feet of water at 1500. Barry and Barb picked us up in their dinghy and we motored about a mile further up San Domingo Creek to the back side of the town of St. Michaels. St Michaels harbor is located on the Miles River.
St. Michaels is one of the most popular and attractive ports on the Bay. We walked around town and ate dinner at the Crab Claw Restaurant. There was so much to see that we talked about coming back in the car later.
Coming back to the boats, it appeared that Seascape was dragging its anchor which caused me considerable concern for a few moments. I was just the perspective we had as we were coming around a bend in the Creek. We kept their dinghy to take Sailor to shore in the morning.
We pulled the muddy chain and anchor and got underway at 0830. Crossing the Bay the seas were relatively calm and the sky was overcast. Near the mouth of the Choptank River we turned north into Broad Creek and then branched off into San Domingo Creek where we anchored in nine feet of water at 1500. Barry and Barb picked us up in their dinghy and we motored about a mile further up San Domingo Creek to the back side of the town of St. Michaels. St Michaels harbor is located on the Miles River.
St. Michaels is one of the most popular and attractive ports on the Bay. We walked around town and ate dinner at the Crab Claw Restaurant. There was so much to see that we talked about coming back in the car later.
Coming back to the boats, it appeared that Seascape was dragging its anchor which caused me considerable concern for a few moments. I was just the perspective we had as we were coming around a bend in the Creek. We kept their dinghy to take Sailor to shore in the morning.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - Tangier Island to Solomons Island, MD
I was up at 0600. Barb and I went for an early walk around the Island. We departed Tangier Island at 0845. The wind was calm and the current was nearly slack so getting off the dock was easy. Chesapeake Bay was like a mill pond. A haze in the air limited visibility. We traveled at Beach Cruiser’s speed so we kept the RPM between 1200 to 1400 with an average speed of around 5.5 knots.
We arrived at Solomon’s Island at 1500. Both boats stopped at Calvert’s Marina to buy some fuel. We took on 100 gallons of diesel at $2.45/gallon ($245.00). We anchored in Mills Creel, about one half mile from Calvert’s. Barry and Barb anchored about ¼ mile further up the Creek. They launched their dinghy and ferried us to their boat for dinner. They loaned us their dinghy so that we wouldn’t have to lower our dinghy from topside. I was able to work on the internet for a while because we were able to pick up a WiFi signal.
We arrived at Solomon’s Island at 1500. Both boats stopped at Calvert’s Marina to buy some fuel. We took on 100 gallons of diesel at $2.45/gallon ($245.00). We anchored in Mills Creel, about one half mile from Calvert’s. Barry and Barb anchored about ¼ mile further up the Creek. They launched their dinghy and ferried us to their boat for dinner. They loaned us their dinghy so that we wouldn’t have to lower our dinghy from topside. I was able to work on the internet for a while because we were able to pick up a WiFi signal.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007 - Pocomoke City to Tangier Island, MD
We were up before 0500, made coffee and walked Sailor. We cast off our lines at 0600 but the Pocomoke City bridge tender wouldn’t answer us on the VHF radio. We finally called him on our cell phone at 0620 and he opened immediately. It was a beautiful cool, almost chilly, morning. The trip down the river was uneventful. Since we had planned to reach the shallow area at the mouth of the river at high tide we transected the area fine. Beach Cruiser bumped bottom once but backed off easily. It took us three hours to make it from Pocomoke City to the wide part of Pocomoke Sound. We had spent 16 nights at Pocomoke City. It was a great place to relax and take it easy.
We were planning to anchor for the evening at the mouth of Onancock Creek but as we passed Watts Island, we realized that it was a relatively short run to Tangier Island which would save us a day as we headed for the Baltimore, MD area. We called Parks Marina to see if they had two slips that could handle us. He said that he would have space after 1500. That meant that we would have to slow down and kill a couple of hours. It’s hard to slow down when you are only going five knots to start with. We called Mr. Parks again at 1430 and he told us to “come on in.”
The current and wind could have made docking difficult but Mr. Parks was at the dock when we arrived and he told us to pull up to the face dock and took our lines. Barry and Barb had fallen back to give us time to dock so that there wouldn’t be two boats trying to dock at the same time.
Seascape was docked in minutes. The space for Beach Cruiser was more problematic. Barry had to turn to port perpendicular to the current and the wind , slip past a piling and stop short of a docked boat, all the while being swept toward the dock. It looked as if he wasn’t going to make it but he swung the boat around 180 degrees and the boat was carried gently to the dock between the piling and the docked boat.
We went for an evening walk through the village and we had tacos on the aft deck in a cool breeze.
We were planning to anchor for the evening at the mouth of Onancock Creek but as we passed Watts Island, we realized that it was a relatively short run to Tangier Island which would save us a day as we headed for the Baltimore, MD area. We called Parks Marina to see if they had two slips that could handle us. He said that he would have space after 1500. That meant that we would have to slow down and kill a couple of hours. It’s hard to slow down when you are only going five knots to start with. We called Mr. Parks again at 1430 and he told us to “come on in.”
The current and wind could have made docking difficult but Mr. Parks was at the dock when we arrived and he told us to pull up to the face dock and took our lines. Barry and Barb had fallen back to give us time to dock so that there wouldn’t be two boats trying to dock at the same time.
Seascape was docked in minutes. The space for Beach Cruiser was more problematic. Barry had to turn to port perpendicular to the current and the wind , slip past a piling and stop short of a docked boat, all the while being swept toward the dock. It looked as if he wasn’t going to make it but he swung the boat around 180 degrees and the boat was carried gently to the dock between the piling and the docked boat.
We went for an evening walk through the village and we had tacos on the aft deck in a cool breeze.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007 - Pocomoke City
The four of us went for a walk on a nature trail through the woods, near the marina. After I finished washing the dinghy, Barry and Barb helped us load the dinghy topside. After lunch, I helped Barry fix a problem with the tilt for his main engine. Both of us ended up having to go in the water in order to complete the project.
I made crawfish jambalaya and we invited, Barb, Barry and Jim over for dinner. The jambalaya was a hit.
I made crawfish jambalaya and we invited, Barb, Barry and Jim over for dinner. The jambalaya was a hit.
Saturday, July 21, 2007 - Pocomoke City
Barry and I went to the library after breakfast. In the afternoon, Dora and Barb walked to Wal-Mart for a few things. We took the dinghy out of the water using the mast and boom and put it on the dock so I could wash its bottom before putting it topside. We had drinks topside and watched the sun set. Dora and I had pork chops and sweet potatoes for dinner.
Friday, July 20, 2007 - Pocomoke City
We got up a little earlier than usual to go to the Friday flea and farmers market at the park nest to the marina. Dora bought some vegetables and I bought Guardian Service double boiler with a glass lid from the 1940’s that was in perfect condition. Dora and I went to the library for a while when Barry called to tell us that Jim, docked at the marina, had offered to take us to the Sysco store. We bought several bags full of groceries and supplies. Barry and I spent the whole afternoon at the library working on our computers. He is improving both my computer and my skills each time he works with me.
Barry and Barb fixed steak, quinoa grain with squash, and fresh corn on the cob for dinner. Dora made a salad.
Barry and Barb fixed steak, quinoa grain with squash, and fresh corn on the cob for dinner. Dora made a salad.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007 - Pocomoke City, MD
Barry, Barb, Dora and I took both dinghies up the Pocomoke River about 14 miles to the town of Snow Hill, Maryland. We left about 0800. The River is sparsely developed between the two cities. The uplands are densely wooded with cypress and other tree species. We saw at least eight bald eagles on the way up and several more coming back. The Pocomoke River is one of the least spoiled and most scenic rivers I have ever been on.T
he town of Snow Hill was similar of the towns we have visited on our trip. They are trying to improve the waterfront and downtown area to attract tourists and boaters. There were numerous fine, historic homes near the downtown, many of them very large. We had an excellent lunch at a small restaurant in the center of town. Barry and I relaxed on a park bench while Dora and Barb went through a small museum.By the time we started back, the wind had increased from the southwest. The trees blocked most of the wind so the ride back wasn’t too rough. Just before dark, a strong thunderstorm passed through. We had to scramble to better secure the dinghy just before it started pouring down rain and blowing hard. The storm didn’t last long and it was calm and cooler by 1830.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - Pocomoke City
We spent most of the day with Barb and Barry. Barry spent several hours helping me get my computer in order. They gave us a powerful antenna that will help us receive wireless internet signal from a greater distance. We went for lunch at a small café near the boat. Barb and Dora went shopping while Barry and I worked on my computer at the library. We had an excellent dinner on their boat and came back to Seascape for desert.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007 - Pocomoke City, MD
We went grocery shopping one more time since we had the rental car. We drove to Food Lion in Princess Anne because we didn’t like the meat from Wal-Mart. I returned the van to Midway Toyota around noon and they drove me back to the boat.
After lunch I went to the library. Barry Ainswarth called after I had been in the library about an hour to tell me that they should arrive in Pocomoke in about an hour. Dora and I helped them dock and secure Beach Cruiser. Barb’s daughter, Beth, wasn’t with them as we expected. She had gone to visit friends and will join them later. They came over for dinner. Dora had slow cooked a London broil with onions, squash, bell pepper, and carrots, as well as rice. We had berry pie for desert.
After lunch I went to the library. Barry Ainswarth called after I had been in the library about an hour to tell me that they should arrive in Pocomoke in about an hour. Dora and I helped them dock and secure Beach Cruiser. Barb’s daughter, Beth, wasn’t with them as we expected. She had gone to visit friends and will join them later. They came over for dinner. Dora had slow cooked a London broil with onions, squash, bell pepper, and carrots, as well as rice. We had berry pie for desert.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007 - Pocomoke City, MD
We drove to Crisfield, Maryland in the rental car to pick up our mail at the post office. I dropped Dora off at the Laundromat in Crisfield while I went about 30 miles north to Deal Island to look at a boatyard that I was told might be a good place to haul out for the winter. I liked the yard and the owner but I am conserned that the travel lift isn’t wide enough for Seascape. When I got back to Crisfield, Dora and I stopped at a yard there also. I think that the travel lift at the second yard was the same width as the one on Deal Island.
Our friends, Barry, Barb and Beth from Jacksonville called to tell us that they were on their way to Pocomoke City in a day or two on their 35 foot catamaran. We decided to stay in Pocomoke a little longer so we could visit with them. We paid the city $102.00 for six more days.
Our friends, Barry, Barb and Beth from Jacksonville called to tell us that they were on their way to Pocomoke City in a day or two on their 35 foot catamaran. We decided to stay in Pocomoke a little longer so we could visit with them. We paid the city $102.00 for six more days.
Sunday, July 15, 2007 - Pocomoke City
A couple on a 47 foot that pulled in yesterday told us about enjoying the town of Onancock, Virginia in the Onancock River. Since we still had the rental car, we decided to drive down there and check out the area to see if we might like to go there next. It was about 25 miles by car. It was a pleasant little town and a nice marina that has slips for 18 boats. We made reservations for two nights next week.
On the way back, we drove through Princess Anne, Maryland which isn’t accessible by boat. We went to Wal-Mart when we got back to stock up in preparation for leaving. The store was nearly full of Latinos that had been brought there by buses and vans to buy their groceries for the week. All of them must be migrant farm laborers. The majority were single young men but there were also young families with small children. We could sense the resentment of the locals, both black and white.
On the way back, we drove through Princess Anne, Maryland which isn’t accessible by boat. We went to Wal-Mart when we got back to stock up in preparation for leaving. The store was nearly full of Latinos that had been brought there by buses and vans to buy their groceries for the week. All of them must be migrant farm laborers. The majority were single young men but there were also young families with small children. We could sense the resentment of the locals, both black and white.
Saturday, July 14, 2007 - Pocomoke City
I went to the library after lunch. I forgot that it closed at 1300 on Saturdays so I didn’t have much time. Dora got back from Columbia, Maryland around 1900. Her mother was a little better but still very weak.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007 - Pocomoke City, MD
The top take-apart hinge on the starboard solon door broke in half all of a sudden. I had a spare hinge but it was for the port door. Bob McMullen, Seascape’s original owner, may have anticipated this happening because he had purchased a spare set of hinges but he must not have been able to find the original style of hinge, so he had to buy a different hinge. This required that I use a wood chisel to enlarge the inset for the hinges on both the door and the frame. I was lucky that it happened early enough for me to complete the repair before dark or the boat would have been full if insects. It took me about three hours all together.
Dora’s mother seems to be doing a little better but the doctors want to keep her in the hospital a little longer.
Dora’s mother seems to be doing a little better but the doctors want to keep her in the hospital a little longer.
Thursday, July 12, 2007 - Pocomoke City, MD
After Sailor’s walk I walked to the auto parts store and bought a 12 volt light socket to replace the one in the overhead light in Sarah’s room. With some modifications it worked great, much better than the original one that had given me problems for years. Dora reported that her mother was a little better but the doctors want to keep her in the hospital until her blood oxygen levels are higher.
I finished washing topside and went to the library again to use the internet.
I finished washing topside and went to the library again to use the internet.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - Pocomoke, MD
Dora left for Columbia, Maryland around 0900. I went to get a haircut at an old fashion barber shop near the boat in downtown Pocomoke. The only barber was an older black man that had owned the shop for over 40 years. I asked him to not cut my hair too short and leave it full. I’m glad I did because he still gave me a pretty short haircut. As I paid him he gave me a bottle of cologne that had a sticker on it celebrating the 40th anniversary of Fontaine’s Barber Shop and a ballpoint pen.
I went to the library to use the internet in the afternoon. When I got back I started washing the upper deck. It started to rain before I finished.
Dora called around 2100. She had spent the whole day at the hospital. The doctor said she was improving but she had pneumonia and wanted her to stay until the congestion cleared.
I went to the library to use the internet in the afternoon. When I got back I started washing the upper deck. It started to rain before I finished.
Dora called around 2100. She had spent the whole day at the hospital. The doctor said she was improving but she had pneumonia and wanted her to stay until the congestion cleared.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - Pocomoke City, MD
When Dora talked to her sister in the morning, she found out that her mother had been admitted to the hospital on Monday because she was having breathing difficulties. Dora wanted to go to see her mother so we decided to stay in Pocomoke City for a week and rent a car so she could drive to her Columbia, MD, where her sister lives.
It just happened that the owner of the automobile dealership in Pocomoke City had stopped by to see Seascape on Monday. He had recently ordered a new Krogen 44 and was interested in talking to us about our boat. He was also interested in the fact that Dora had been a teacher since he had been on the local school board for many years.
We called him to see if his dealership rented cars, which they did. Two ladies came by after lunch an dropped off a Toyota van. They came aboard an did the paperwork. A weeks rental was $199.00 plus tax.
We used the van to go shopping. It felt strange driving after several months of not having a car. We studied the Maryland highway map and plotted Dora’s route from Pocomoke City to Columbia, MD. It looked like a three hour drive.
It just happened that the owner of the automobile dealership in Pocomoke City had stopped by to see Seascape on Monday. He had recently ordered a new Krogen 44 and was interested in talking to us about our boat. He was also interested in the fact that Dora had been a teacher since he had been on the local school board for many years.
We called him to see if his dealership rented cars, which they did. Two ladies came by after lunch an dropped off a Toyota van. They came aboard an did the paperwork. A weeks rental was $199.00 plus tax.
We used the van to go shopping. It felt strange driving after several months of not having a car. We studied the Maryland highway map and plotted Dora’s route from Pocomoke City to Columbia, MD. It looked like a three hour drive.
Monday, July 9, 2007 - Pocomoke City,MD
We paid for two days of dockage at $17.00/day at city hall. The first two days were free, including electricity. The city manager came by and said hello. I told him about the problem with the electric hookup and he said that he would get someone to the docks to fix it. Dora went to the post office to mail some packages and I went to the library where I was able to catch up with my blog posts. On the way back we stopped at the local hardware store and bought copper tubing to replace a water line from the hot water heater that had started leaking. We also bought a new hose that connects the propane tank to the barbeque grill. It had also started leaking recently.
Soon after we got back, two city workers came and fixed the electric plugs. It was great to be able to run everything at the same time again. Late in the afternoon I rode the bicycle to Radio Shack and purchased a Sirius Satellite Radio system for our anniversary present for each other so we can have good radio reception wherever we go.
Soon after we got back, two city workers came and fixed the electric plugs. It was great to be able to run everything at the same time again. Late in the afternoon I rode the bicycle to Radio Shack and purchased a Sirius Satellite Radio system for our anniversary present for each other so we can have good radio reception wherever we go.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Sunday, July 8, 2007 - Pocomoke City, MD
I was awake at 0600 so I got up and made coffee, washed the dishes from the night before, and studied the tide tables contained in the navigation program to see when we should leave to have high water levels in the shallow water areas we encountered on Saturday.
Dora got up at 0800 and we went for a long walk through the residential streets in the old part of Pocomoke City near the River. There were many large homes, many of them older than one-hundred years. Most were in good condition but some had been neglected for a long time and were in the need of extensive restoration.
It was calm and already getting hot. When we got back, I switched to the secondary circuit on the boat so we could run the air conditioner and I ran the primary circuit off the inverter to keep the refrigerator and freezer running. This was necessary because the dock had only one 30 amp electric plug that was working and it was questionable. I switched it back in the evening when it was cooler and recharged the batteries. In the afternoon, I topped off the reservoir in the hydraulic steering unit on the bridge and filled one of our propane tanks at a convenience store within sight of the marina, across the bascule bridge.
On our evening walk we met Bill Ullmann the owner of a boat two boats down from us that had a 39 foot double-ended sailboat that he had built himself, except for the hull. He built it in a hanger in North Dakota over several years and sailed it down the Mississippi River the Caribbean as far as Venezuela. He has a home in Pocomoke City and keeps it at the dock there for $500.00 per year. He offered to drive me to Crisfield to pick up our mail and save up the seven hour run in the boat. It is only 25 to 30 minutes by car.
Dora got up at 0800 and we went for a long walk through the residential streets in the old part of Pocomoke City near the River. There were many large homes, many of them older than one-hundred years. Most were in good condition but some had been neglected for a long time and were in the need of extensive restoration.
It was calm and already getting hot. When we got back, I switched to the secondary circuit on the boat so we could run the air conditioner and I ran the primary circuit off the inverter to keep the refrigerator and freezer running. This was necessary because the dock had only one 30 amp electric plug that was working and it was questionable. I switched it back in the evening when it was cooler and recharged the batteries. In the afternoon, I topped off the reservoir in the hydraulic steering unit on the bridge and filled one of our propane tanks at a convenience store within sight of the marina, across the bascule bridge.
On our evening walk we met Bill Ullmann the owner of a boat two boats down from us that had a 39 foot double-ended sailboat that he had built himself, except for the hull. He built it in a hanger in North Dakota over several years and sailed it down the Mississippi River the Caribbean as far as Venezuela. He has a home in Pocomoke City and keeps it at the dock there for $500.00 per year. He offered to drive me to Crisfield to pick up our mail and save up the seven hour run in the boat. It is only 25 to 30 minutes by car.
Saturday, July 8, 2007 - Crisfield to Pocomoke, MD
We pulled out of Somers Cove Marina at 0815. We had to go way south of Pocomoke Sound around Watts Island and back north again because of shallow shoals. We arrived at the mouth of the Pocomoke River at 1300. The last portion of the channel in the sound before the mouth of the River was very shallow. For about a quarter mile it was so shallow that the depth sounder was blank. The last depth reading we had before it went blank was 4.9 feet. Seascape draws five feet or maybe slightly more. We must have been sliding over the bottom. Once we entered the River the depth improved and at times exceeded 35 feet.
After a few miles in the river I began to wonder if we had picked up a crab trap or something because we had slowed down considerably. I reduced speed and shifted into reverse thinking that might free anything we might have entangled. As I shifted, we both heard a “clunk” so I shifted back to neutral. I wasn’t sure what it was but as a precaution we anchored and I got in the water and checked the rudder, propeller and shaft for any problems. I didn’t bother with a mask but went under and felt with my hands. They were clear of any lines and the propeller blades were undamaged. I then checked the engine room and found no problem there either.
When I got in the water I realized there was a fairly strong current which was the reason for the slower speed. The transmission shifted into forward and reverse OK so we pulled the anchor and went on our way. I still had some concerns about what caused the sound.
We arrived at the dock in Pocomoke City around 1545. There was no one there and the space we were told to dock didn’t look long enough. Instead, we tied up at the end of the long face dock. After we were docked, we noticed a sign stapled to the piling indicating that the space was reserved for someone else. We walked down to the space we were told to dock and I paced it off. It was about 47 feet between the bow sprit of one boat and the dinghy davits on the other. Since there was no wind and minimal current we decided to give it a try. Probably due to sheer luck, but I managed to get Seascape in the space in one try without touching either boat. I couldn’t have done it without the bow thruster.
There were two 30 amp plugs next to the boat but one didn’t have power and the other was very loose and wasn’t making a good connection. I finally got it to stay connected well enough to power the primary circuit. Once we were secure, we went for a short walk around town, had leftovers for dinner and went to bed.
After a few miles in the river I began to wonder if we had picked up a crab trap or something because we had slowed down considerably. I reduced speed and shifted into reverse thinking that might free anything we might have entangled. As I shifted, we both heard a “clunk” so I shifted back to neutral. I wasn’t sure what it was but as a precaution we anchored and I got in the water and checked the rudder, propeller and shaft for any problems. I didn’t bother with a mask but went under and felt with my hands. They were clear of any lines and the propeller blades were undamaged. I then checked the engine room and found no problem there either.
When I got in the water I realized there was a fairly strong current which was the reason for the slower speed. The transmission shifted into forward and reverse OK so we pulled the anchor and went on our way. I still had some concerns about what caused the sound.
We arrived at the dock in Pocomoke City around 1545. There was no one there and the space we were told to dock didn’t look long enough. Instead, we tied up at the end of the long face dock. After we were docked, we noticed a sign stapled to the piling indicating that the space was reserved for someone else. We walked down to the space we were told to dock and I paced it off. It was about 47 feet between the bow sprit of one boat and the dinghy davits on the other. Since there was no wind and minimal current we decided to give it a try. Probably due to sheer luck, but I managed to get Seascape in the space in one try without touching either boat. I couldn’t have done it without the bow thruster.
There were two 30 amp plugs next to the boat but one didn’t have power and the other was very loose and wasn’t making a good connection. I finally got it to stay connected well enough to power the primary circuit. Once we were secure, we went for a short walk around town, had leftovers for dinner and went to bed.
Friday, July 6, 2007 - Tangier Island VA to Crisfield, MD
I was awakened around 0630 by the sound of an engine running nearby. The people on a 44 foot CSY sailboat docked Perpendicular to us were trying to leave but our bow was blocking them from backing out and the wind and current were keeping them from springing it out. They were very anxious to leave so I woke Dora up . I got Seascape ready while Dora walked Sailor. We were off the dock by 0715 and on our way to Crisfield, MD.
The wind was blowing 15 to 20 mph out of the west causing us to roll a little crossing Tangier Sound. We arrived at Crisfield at 1030 and docked at Somers Cove Marina which is a huge marina run by the state of Maryland. A young woman directed us into a slip that proved to be too narrow for Seascape and we wedged to a stop about half way in. She finally put us on one of the numerous face docks. The docks were built in sections over the years, many of them in 1962. Some have old creosoted pilings that are weeping tar got all over one of our dock lines.
We checked in and found out that they didn’t have wifi as indicated in the cruising guide and charged more, because it was a weekend, than the guide listed. All in all, we weren’t impressed by the marina or the town of Crisfield, especially when they were charging us over $81.00 for the one night stay.
We walked around town, went to the grocery and drug stores and did the laundry. By evening we were tired and ready to go somewhere else. Unfortunately, our forwarded mail had not arrived at the post office so we will probably have to come back to get it in a week or so.
We made plans to go south on Chesapeake Bay’s western shore to the Pocomoke River and up the River about 14 miles to Pocomoke City, MD.
The wind was blowing 15 to 20 mph out of the west causing us to roll a little crossing Tangier Sound. We arrived at Crisfield at 1030 and docked at Somers Cove Marina which is a huge marina run by the state of Maryland. A young woman directed us into a slip that proved to be too narrow for Seascape and we wedged to a stop about half way in. She finally put us on one of the numerous face docks. The docks were built in sections over the years, many of them in 1962. Some have old creosoted pilings that are weeping tar got all over one of our dock lines.
We checked in and found out that they didn’t have wifi as indicated in the cruising guide and charged more, because it was a weekend, than the guide listed. All in all, we weren’t impressed by the marina or the town of Crisfield, especially when they were charging us over $81.00 for the one night stay.
We walked around town, went to the grocery and drug stores and did the laundry. By evening we were tired and ready to go somewhere else. Unfortunately, our forwarded mail had not arrived at the post office so we will probably have to come back to get it in a week or so.
We made plans to go south on Chesapeake Bay’s western shore to the Pocomoke River and up the River about 14 miles to Pocomoke City, MD.
Thursday, July 5, 2007 - Park's Marina at Tangier Island, VA
Dora went shopping and I worked around the boat. I changed the oil and filter in the Ford Lehman after 100 hours of running (3554 on hour meter). We decided to go back to Fisherman’s Corner for dinner since we had such a fine meal there on our anniversary. Dora had a salad and crab soup and I had broiled flounder. It was excellent as before. It rained on the way the way to the restaurant but we didn’t get too wet because it wasn’t far.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Wednesday, July 4, 2007 - Park's Marina, Tangier Island, VA
We went for a long walk around the Island after breakfast. As I said, Main Street is narrow but the branching streets, or lanes, are even narrower, barely the width of one golf cart. The houses are close together and most have the front fenced to the edge of the lanes giving them the appearance of cattle chutes. Many of the homes have their relatives buried in their front yard. Cemeteries are scattered randomly about town.
It was interesting setting on the aft deck and watching all the boating activity; large crab boats coming to the dock to buy menhaden to bait their crab traps or dropping off their catch, ferry boats loading or dropping off passengers and supplies, or islanders just using their boats to get around town.
The wind blew hard from the south southwest all day and NOAA was predicting more of the same for tomorrow. We decided to stay another day and wait for the wind to subside.
We sat on the forward deck and watched the Tangier Island fireworks. It was a good show for such a small village.
It was interesting setting on the aft deck and watching all the boating activity; large crab boats coming to the dock to buy menhaden to bait their crab traps or dropping off their catch, ferry boats loading or dropping off passengers and supplies, or islanders just using their boats to get around town.
The wind blew hard from the south southwest all day and NOAA was predicting more of the same for tomorrow. We decided to stay another day and wait for the wind to subside.
We sat on the forward deck and watched the Tangier Island fireworks. It was a good show for such a small village.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007 - Reedville to Tangier Island, VA
We were underway for Tangier Island by 0910. It took us about three hours to reach the Island because we were going slow to try to catch the slack tide to make docking easier. When we got there the tide was still running strong. No one would answer the radio at Parks Marina so I turner Seascape around in the narrow congested channel to head into the current and eased up to the face dock while Dora handled the dock lines. We were secure to the dock by 1230.
Tangier Island is connected to the mainland only by ferry. There is a waterway through the island connecting the main body of Chesapeake Bay with Tangier Sound on the east. Its way of life revolves around fishing and boats. Its relative isolation adds to its appeal. Tangier Island, 3.5 miles long at its longest and 1.5 miles at its widest, was first settled in 1686. During the Revolutionary War, most of the people on the island were British sympathizers. Many if not most of the people living there today are direct descendants of those early settlers.
We went for a walk down Main Street which is no wider than 15 feet. Everyone gets around on golf carts but even then it’s tight for two carts to pass each other. Crab shanties and docks line the waterway through the island.
We went out to dinner for our anniversary at he Fisherman’s Corner Restaurant and had baked crab which was delicious.
Tangier Island is connected to the mainland only by ferry. There is a waterway through the island connecting the main body of Chesapeake Bay with Tangier Sound on the east. Its way of life revolves around fishing and boats. Its relative isolation adds to its appeal. Tangier Island, 3.5 miles long at its longest and 1.5 miles at its widest, was first settled in 1686. During the Revolutionary War, most of the people on the island were British sympathizers. Many if not most of the people living there today are direct descendants of those early settlers.
We went for a walk down Main Street which is no wider than 15 feet. Everyone gets around on golf carts but even then it’s tight for two carts to pass each other. Crab shanties and docks line the waterway through the island.
We went out to dinner for our anniversary at he Fisherman’s Corner Restaurant and had baked crab which was delicious.
Monday, July 2, 2007 - Cockrell Creek off the Wicomico River, VA
I got up at 0630 and made bacon and eggs for breakfast. The wind was blowing from the north stronger than predicted. We took Sailor to shore at the Fisherman’s Museum, loaded the dinghy and engine topside, and we were ready to depart by 0830. It took me a long time to raise the anchor because the chain was clogged with mud that was difficult to wash off.
When I had the anchor out of the water, Dora started to motor down the creek. Just as I had finished washing the mud off the deck, I felt us bump bottom. Dora hadn’t swung wide enough at one of the bends in the creek and we slid up on one of the bars extending out into the creek from shore. We tried to back her off but I was worried that if the skeg and rudder were dug in, we might bend the rudder if I used too much power. Instead, we lowered the dinghy and engine from topside so that I could carry the Danforth anchor out to the center of the creek and drop it. We pulled the anchor tight with the windless so we wouldn’t blow further aground as the tide rose and waited. After about an hour we felt Seascape start to rock a little with the waves. I pulled on the anchor with the windless while Dora gave bursts of power with the engine and we slowly slid her off the bar.
By the time we were free, it was too late to go to Tangier and catch the slack tide for docking. We decided to tie up at the Reedville Marina and spend the night and leave Tuesday morning for Tangier. The small marina is associated with a restaurant and the restaurant is closed on Mondays. There was a small sigh that said to leave the dockage fee in the mail slot at the restaurant ($1.00/foot).
There was a 65-70 foot Hatteras motor yacht from Vero Beach, Florida already docked in front of where we pulled in. He had used both 50 amp plugs in the power pedestals located fore and aft of his boat, leaving only one 30 amp plug for us to use. After we were secure, I walked over to the Hatteras and asked if he needed both 50 amp plugs since we were left with only one 30. He said yes and turned his back to me and walked away, with no explanation at all. I guess you should expect that from a rich ass hole from Vero Beach. It would be terrible if he could run only one or two of his air conditioners.
We were talking to a fellow on the dock looking at the boats and he invited us to come to a fried chicken dinner at the American Legion Hall. We hadn’t decided to go but on Sailor’s afternoon walk we passed the hall it looked like fun so we decided to stop for dinner. We tied Sailor to a tree and had a good Southern fried chicken with all the fixings. I bet there were 300 people there.
When I had the anchor out of the water, Dora started to motor down the creek. Just as I had finished washing the mud off the deck, I felt us bump bottom. Dora hadn’t swung wide enough at one of the bends in the creek and we slid up on one of the bars extending out into the creek from shore. We tried to back her off but I was worried that if the skeg and rudder were dug in, we might bend the rudder if I used too much power. Instead, we lowered the dinghy and engine from topside so that I could carry the Danforth anchor out to the center of the creek and drop it. We pulled the anchor tight with the windless so we wouldn’t blow further aground as the tide rose and waited. After about an hour we felt Seascape start to rock a little with the waves. I pulled on the anchor with the windless while Dora gave bursts of power with the engine and we slowly slid her off the bar.
By the time we were free, it was too late to go to Tangier and catch the slack tide for docking. We decided to tie up at the Reedville Marina and spend the night and leave Tuesday morning for Tangier. The small marina is associated with a restaurant and the restaurant is closed on Mondays. There was a small sigh that said to leave the dockage fee in the mail slot at the restaurant ($1.00/foot).
There was a 65-70 foot Hatteras motor yacht from Vero Beach, Florida already docked in front of where we pulled in. He had used both 50 amp plugs in the power pedestals located fore and aft of his boat, leaving only one 30 amp plug for us to use. After we were secure, I walked over to the Hatteras and asked if he needed both 50 amp plugs since we were left with only one 30. He said yes and turned his back to me and walked away, with no explanation at all. I guess you should expect that from a rich ass hole from Vero Beach. It would be terrible if he could run only one or two of his air conditioners.
We were talking to a fellow on the dock looking at the boats and he invited us to come to a fried chicken dinner at the American Legion Hall. We hadn’t decided to go but on Sailor’s afternoon walk we passed the hall it looked like fun so we decided to stop for dinner. We tied Sailor to a tree and had a good Southern fried chicken with all the fixings. I bet there were 300 people there.
Sunday, July 1, 2007 - Anchored in Cockrell Creek off the Wicomico River, VA
The wind was blowing 10 to 15 knots from the north when we got up. We read in the cruising guide that the Reedville Marina has bicycles for rent. Since the grocery store was nearly two miles away, we thought we would rent them to go to the store. I asked the owner of the marina about the bicycles and he said just take them but it is easier to get to the store by dinghy. He drew us a map on how to get there and where to land our dinghy. It was a small “mom and pop” store but we were able to buy most of what we needed.
On our trip to shore in the evening, we went back to the Reedville Marina restaurant and had drinks and steamed clams as appetizers. The wind had laid down by evening so we made plans to go to Tangier Island on Monday.
On our trip to shore in the evening, we went back to the Reedville Marina restaurant and had drinks and steamed clams as appetizers. The wind had laid down by evening so we made plans to go to Tangier Island on Monday.
Saturday, June 30, 2007 - Anchored in Cockrell Creek, Reedville, VA
We had a slow steady rain during the night and it was overcast in the morning. We went to the Reedville Fisherman’s Museum and stayed for several hours. It was a first rate museum with interesting displays and exhibits. Some of the material was propaganda for the menhaden industry but it was informative and we enjoyed seeing everything.
Later, we took the dinghy to the other side of the creek to buy some fresh fish at Cockrell’s Creek Deli and Seafood. Most of the rest of the day was spent on chores or napping. Our cell phones worked for the first time in over a week so we were able to call our friends and family.
Later, we took the dinghy to the other side of the creek to buy some fresh fish at Cockrell’s Creek Deli and Seafood. Most of the rest of the day was spent on chores or napping. Our cell phones worked for the first time in over a week so we were able to call our friends and family.
Friday, June 29, 2007 - Deltaville to Reedville, MD
We cast off from Fishing Bay Harbor Marina at 0930. It turned out to be relatively easy to back Seascape down the fairway after all but it was calm with no current. We went out the mouth of the Piankatank River to Chesapeake Bay around Stingray Point. We passed the Rappahannock River an proceeded northeast up the Wicomico River. It was a fine day to be on the water, cool (65degrees) and overcast with one to two foot seas from the northwest. Once we were in the river we turned north into Cockrell Creek. We anchored in the middle of one of the branches of the creek in nine feet of water.
Dora was injured while playing with Sailor, of all things. She was standing in the passageway between our stateroom and the solon when she bent down to pick up one of Sailor’s toys at the same time he was jumping up the stairs. His head struck her face very hard giving her a bloody nose. We applied an ice pack to stop the bleeding and keep the swelling down but she was in pain and it still looked pretty bad for a while.
In the afternoon we went for a rides in the dinghy around Cockrell Creek. There was no public dock to land the dinghy so we tied up to the Reedville Fisherman’s Museum dock and walked down Main Street.
In the latter part of the eighteenth century, Reedville became the center of the menhaden fishery, with 15 large processing factories and 60 ships to supply them. The Great Depression and over fishing killed the industry. Now there is only one factory operating with the relics of the past decaying on the waterfront.
However, it is still a great place to visit. The smell of the processing plants were once odious but the remaining factory has a high smoke stack and has taken other precautions to minimize the odor. The industry was once so profitable that numerous old mansions line Main Street. They have been preserved or restored to their previous splendor.
Soon after we got back from our dinghy ride, a couple rode by slowly looking at Seascape. I stepped out on the aft deck to say hello. Steve and Ann have a weekend home on Cockrell Creek and a Willard trawler. The graciously offered to take us for a tour of the creek in their boat and show us their trawler. It turns out that they also have a 27 year old daughter named Sarah. When we got back, just before dark, we gave them a tour of our boat.
Dora was injured while playing with Sailor, of all things. She was standing in the passageway between our stateroom and the solon when she bent down to pick up one of Sailor’s toys at the same time he was jumping up the stairs. His head struck her face very hard giving her a bloody nose. We applied an ice pack to stop the bleeding and keep the swelling down but she was in pain and it still looked pretty bad for a while.
In the afternoon we went for a rides in the dinghy around Cockrell Creek. There was no public dock to land the dinghy so we tied up to the Reedville Fisherman’s Museum dock and walked down Main Street.
In the latter part of the eighteenth century, Reedville became the center of the menhaden fishery, with 15 large processing factories and 60 ships to supply them. The Great Depression and over fishing killed the industry. Now there is only one factory operating with the relics of the past decaying on the waterfront.
However, it is still a great place to visit. The smell of the processing plants were once odious but the remaining factory has a high smoke stack and has taken other precautions to minimize the odor. The industry was once so profitable that numerous old mansions line Main Street. They have been preserved or restored to their previous splendor.
Soon after we got back from our dinghy ride, a couple rode by slowly looking at Seascape. I stepped out on the aft deck to say hello. Steve and Ann have a weekend home on Cockrell Creek and a Willard trawler. The graciously offered to take us for a tour of the creek in their boat and show us their trawler. It turns out that they also have a 27 year old daughter named Sarah. When we got back, just before dark, we gave them a tour of our boat.
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