ICW Mile Marker 0, we made it!

October 4 we left Annapolis and crossed the Chesapeake Bay for Cambridge off the Choptank river. This is the town James Michner used when he wrote Chesapeake. Harriet Tubman was born south of town. We came it late, got diesel and pump outs and stayed at the Municipal that night. October 5, we moved over to the city free docks in the creek, so we could walk to town and see the sights. Normally free docks do not have electrical service or water. It was quiet and lovely there. We only had 2 other boats tied up with us. We had a yummy seafood dinner (crabs for me) from Snapper"s.

 

Oliver in Cambridge free dock

 

Cambridge

 

October 6-9 was spent anchored back on the West side of the Chesapeake at Solomon's It was mostly rainy and cold while we were there. We anchored across from a Holiday Inn that had a dinghy dock we could use to get Ollie ashore. It was quiet and beautiful and a good place to rest and try to stay warm. I even did some baking. The oven warms up the boat nicely.

Solomons view anchored.

Anchored, another view

"so tired from all those dinghy rides"

October 10 we took off for Deltaville, Virginia. We planned to stay at Regatta Point Yacht Center that the Dozier's own who write all the Waterway Planning guides we use and Skipper Bob. We again arrived after 5:00 but there was staff waiting for us. While there they had a wine and cheese party for all boaters. They also had 3 courtesy cars so we made a grocery run and West Marine. The 11th Oliver woke up and would not put any weight on his rear right leg. We took it easy for a couple of days and it is much better. We ended staying an extra 2 days, but what a lovely place to get stuck. We were near Stingray Point where supposedly John Smith was stung by a stingray and Pocahontas nursed him back to health.

Oliver at Regatta, leg almost back to normal.

The 14th we headed south hoping to make Hampton. It was another long day,  but we made it to Old Point Comfort. It used to be an army post, but is now open to the public.

Wolf Trap light

One of many schooners we saw

Old Point Comfort light

 

The 15th we made it through Norfolk Harbor to Norfolk. Saw many dolphins and pelicans, so we are getting farther south. We past the navy ships going out in the morning, went past many more and motored into Waterside Marina. We had storms coming so we opted for docks versus dropping anchor.

Back of USS Wisconsin

Waterside marina

Mermaids are all over.

Dale and Ollie touring Norfolk

front of USS Wisconsin.

The USS Wisconsin can be toured now. It part of Halsey's 3rd fleet and has seen 3 wars. It is 880 feet long, beam (width) 108 and draft 36 feet.For comparison, we are 39.3feet, by 13'1'' and draw 5 1/2. The guns are amazing and nicknamed "quad 40's.

Navy boat being worked on across from our marina

WE plan to take off tomorrow to start down the Intercoastal Waterway. Love to all.