Week 6 ~ Dowry Creek, Belhaven, NC to "Home" Narrows Point, Grasonville, MD

Saturday, 5/14/22 ~ River Dunes, Oriental, NC to Dowry Creek, Belhaven, NC
Today: 46.0 miles 7.5 hours ICW ST Mile: 131.8
Total: 1907.9 miles 379.05 hours

   By 7:45 we were away from the dock. Temps were in the high 60, winds calm and the skies iffy. Radar shows storms training just to our east with the center of the system circling east of Raleigh.  
Once on the Neuse, we can see the rain to our East, but it still missing us. To the west is blue skies. We saw plenty of traffic on the ICW with the majority heading North.

   

Farewell to River Dunes

     At Dowry Creek, we filled up with diesel (28.6 gallons @ $5.26/) before heading to our slip. We were only 10 slips away from Dana and Graham, SV AVANGELINE.
 

   Clouds were scattered by thickening. A shower came through the area just as Pete was walking the dog. Thankfully, it was a very brief, but definitely wet shower.
     After the boat was put back together, we sat and read for a while. We heard a yip and a big splash. A fellow boater fell off the dock. The finger docks to the north were about 3 inches lower than the main dock and fingers to the south. He made the mistake of backing up while talking with his wife. He was unhurt, but had to swim about 50 feet or so to the nearest ladder.
     We had an enjoyable dinner with Graham & Dana at Tavern at Jack’s Neck. Dinner & service were not the greatest, but the company definitely was!


Sunday, 5/15/22 ~ Dowry Creek, Belhaven to Coinjock, NC
Today:           85.0 miles           12.5 hours           ICW ST Mile: 50
Total:          1992.9 miles       391.55 hours

 
Sunrise at Dowry Creek Marina

     Our departure was delayed 30 minutes due to another broken bracket on the heat exchanger. Pete was able to replace it and did the oil and engine check. We were underway by 7 had had a good 11+ hours to Coinjock.

 

The beautiful scenery along the Alligator Pongo Canal

 

This Horse Fly visited briefly
The definition of "bug-eyed"

   It was a beautiful morning, with temps in the high 60, high clouds and gentle breezes. The ride up the Alligator & Pongo River Canal was still beautiful. We saw 2 turtles along with a doe and fawn at the water’s edge, 2 eagles, and a number of small birds including Carolina’s Wrens.
     We were against the current, only doing 6.4-6.8 mph the whole way. We were only passed by 2 motor boats heading north and 1 sailboat heading south. The clouds were spectacular!

 

   Winds picked up as we crossed the Albemarle Sound; close to 15 from the SSE. It gave us a good push between the wind and the small rollers once on the North River. Further up the river, we grabbed dinner, knowing that we were arriving late. Harris Teeter’s Deviled Egg Potato and their Macaroni Salads are really good along the franks.
     Most of the power boats that passed us once we were out of the AP Canal were docked on the eastern bulkhead of Coinjock. We were assigned to the western side once we arrived at 7:15. When I made the reservations I mentioned that we have no objection to being on the western side since we were not eating at the restaurant this visit. There were two small fishing boats, that apparently were friends. The one boat circled back to talk with the other while drifting in the canal. When they finally took note of us. The smaller boat backed up right in front of our bow as we attempted to dock.
     We secured to the dock by 7:30. Bailey was walked and then . . . the viciously hungry horse flies descended! Time to close up and head inside! We briefly read then headed to bed. It was a very long day.
 
Monday, 5/13/22 Coinjock ~ Day 2

     Since Pete needs to add additional brackets to the heat exchanger, and has a complicated work project, we received permission to stay another day. The harbor master actually turns off DOCKWA as they are so booked. That way people need to call and he can determine if they can accommodate. He turned it on at 5 so those of us on the western dock to register and pay.
     Staying was a smart move as Pete and George put in a full day. After Bailey was walked, he spent another hour working on the clamps. It is still a big mystery as to why the clamps (at $31.00 a piece) keep breaking. The only reason Pete has come up with is the possibility that the hose to the new heat exchanger is slightly smaller than the last one. He padded it with more tire rubber.
     I took advantage of the time to work on the blog and some correspondence.
     After dinner Pete found an Amazon movie called The Dressmaker with Kate Winslet & Liam Hemsworth. It was very different and very good!

Tuesday, 5/17/22 ~ Coinjock, NC to Great Bridge Lock, VA
Today:           36.0 miles          6.3 hours           ICW ST Mile: 12.2
Total:         2028.9 miles      397.85 hours

Coinjock Marina and
the EDNA DODD

   Departure was at 7 am; winds calm, temps in the high 50’s, cloudless skies. About 10 boats had already left, and we joined another 6 boats heading north. We could also see another 5 behind us as we as we crossed the Currituck Sound.
     The winds out of the north, freshened on the sound. Jackets were needed. The ride was relatively uneventful. We had a tug and barge following us from Currituck Sound. He finally caught up at Centerville bridge. They are having problems with the western span, so for recreational boats only the eastern span is opened. Since we were transiting with the commercial barge, both spans were opened. At the next bridge, he followed, but we let him get in front of the 2 of us sailboats. Surprisingly, the bridge tender did not open early for the barge. He took the lead to Great Bridge as he must be the first to enter the lock.
 

   Our plan was to grab space at the free dock. There was no space south of the bridge, but we were able to secure for the night at the free face dock, north of the bridge, but before the lock. Initially, it was SV ISLE OF KERRY (a Hans Christian 43 cutter) and us, but by 6 pm our face dock was full. A large trawler came through for the 7:30 pm opening hoping for dockage, but returned through the bridge searching for dockage south. We saw him come through again at 9, but have no idea what he finally did.

The rowing club came through about 4.
This was 1 of the 5 that rowed by our boat

     It was a beautiful evening. Temps remained in the low 70’s with a gentle breeze. By 8:30 the bugs made themselves known. Bailey was walked. Getting her on and off is a challenge as the distance from the dock to our catwalk is a good 4 feet. The block of wood between the pilings sits at the waters edge. The wood is about 18 inches wide; NOTE: wet equals slippery. It was tricky using the step ladder, which wasn’t high enough. Add to the fun, Bailey repeatedly, and prematurely, jumped into Pete’s arms. Upon returning, she refused to get close to the edge of the grass, before the 6-inch drop to the board. Teamwork was required. I had to pick her up and hand her to Pete.
     When the hot water heater was replaced, the guy put in an overflow tank and an isolation valve. The valve has been in the “off” position ever since. It hasn’t been a problem because we are always in a marina with electricity, which heats up the water. Being here at the free dock, there are no facilities, water or electricity. . . And we never gave thought to opening the valve to allow the engine to heat the water. I took my shower first. It was shockingly cold and very fast! Towards the end, the water became a little more tepid and bearable. Pete actually had warm water still in the hot water tank from before we disconnected the electrical and left Coinjock. I was soooo envious!
     It was a great night for sleeping. Temps dipped to 63, humidity remained low and there was a nice breeze. The only negative is that we were less than 500 feet from the bridge, the car/motorcycle noise and first responders’ sirens. Oh yea! The bridge and lock continue to open to commercial traffic 24 hours. There are 2 horns before opening, bells while bridge is open, and 5 horns before closing the bridge. Thankfully, there were only 2 tugs with barges that passed- though they did cause foot waves that rocked us, and they had high powered lights that fully illuminated both sides of the waterway (including us boats!)

Wednesday, 5/18/22 ~ Great Bridge Lock to Salt Pond, Hampton, VA
Today:           31.0 miles           7.3 hours           ICW ST Mile: 12.2
Total:         2059.9 miles      405.55 hours

     Those wonderful horns and bells woke us at 5:30. Try as I might, I was unable to get back to sleep. I relaxed with my eyes closed. Pete catnapped until 6:30.

 

 

  
 

Glimerton & RR #7 Bridges

   The plan was to get up by 7 and catch the 7:30 north bound lock opening of the lock. However, my notes in the guidebook somehow were reversed (Please note that it never was a problem on our other trips through here), so we had to circle until the lock opened for north bound traffic at 8. We had 90 minutes to make the 5-mile trek to the Railroad 7 and Glimerton bridges. We were there with 15 minutes to spare. Unfortunately, there was a scheduled train at 9:30, which passed on time, but the RR bridge didn’t open until 9:55. Only then did the Glimerton open.

SV ISLE OF KERRY

     Water traffic on this part of the Elizabeth River always requires our full attention. Ships, tugs, mini tugs, Naval police, dredges, and cruisers are all vying for their part. Today was no different. Just as we were passing the Naval repair yards, SV ISLE OF KERRY was doing about 6.5 knots and had just passed us. They were continuing on their course when a tug and barge pulled away from a dock on the eastern shore and cut right in front of ISLE OF KERRY without and radio or horn warning. The sailboat had only about 50 feet to make a shaft turn to starboard to miss the barge! A Naval sub was just docking at the port base. Security was holding station as the gates were still opened. A number of cruisers had to be told to transit the far side of the channel. Just off of Hampton Rhodes, an aircraft carrier was anchored, patrolled by more Naval police. Once we were heading up the bay, the announcement made for the carrier beginning is outbound trip to sea.

  
The Lift RR Bridge, the mini tug LITTLE SAM, and a view of the Naval Ship Yard
 

 
Naval vessels under reconstruction

                          Crazy docking                                                     Fresnel glass lens from a lighthouse

Different perspective of a ship - Different dredging blade  - Ordinary Red 8 with friends    

Yup! A PINK Container ship!

3 of the numerous Naval ships currently in port

"Items in the rearview mirror are closer than they seem!" - Singer, Meatloaf

Old Port Comfort Light

     We pulled into Salt Pond at low tide. The channel into the Pond can get a little thin along with the turn into the alley in front of the marinas. We were lucky with sufficient water under our keel. We were fueled and docked by 1:30.
     Pete had a busy work afternoon, so I took advantage and headed up to do laundry. They have 2 washers, 2 dryers. For some reason there are different prices between washers. Someone else had clothes still in the washer, after the cycle completed. I placed her items on the drier and used both washers, she came back as I loaded up the first drier, and loaded her wash into the other dryer and started another wash. That left me to dry one load at a time. Got back at 6, but nice sitting on the covered porch enjoying the low 70’s temps and a cool breeze.
 

Bailey worked hard today. NOT!!!

   After dinner watched the Big Fish. It had quite a stellar cast and was a typical Tim Burton, quirky, but enjoyable film.

Thursday, 5/19/22 ~ Salt Pond, Hampton to Deltaville, VA
Today:           39.0 miles           5.8 hours           ICW ST Mile: ----
Total:          2098.9 miles      411.35 hours

     Winds kicked up overnight. They were predicted to be 20-25 mph with gusts 30+. They were still blowing at 6:30 am. After checking forecasts, we decided to wait until 9 to make the decision to stay or go. By 9, it was obvious the winds had changed directions by about 60 degrees and were now out of the WSW at about 15 and were lessening. We left at 10. The waves were only 1-2 feet, and the winds were 10-15. If our main was functional, we would have had a good sail. However, the new mail sail to replace the torn one, is still in the box. We need a rigger to check our rigging for a problem at the top of the main and for a very tight drum on the jib. We will probably book a few days in Zahnisers’s for the rigger to do his magic.
 

Wolf Trap Light

   We motor-sailed with the jib, maintaining about 7 mph with the current against us.
     The black flies visited the cockpit for hours, but then they started biting. Had to put Bailey down below, screen up and went big game hunting. Found and killed 12 flies down below before Bailey could finally settle.
     We were secure in the dock around 3:30. Pete and Bailey went for a walk and tried to pay the bill. After waiting about 15 minutes they returned to the boat so Pete could get back to work. I spoke with Betty & Heather, then I headed back to the office to pay our bill. I, too, waited 15 minutes for the dock hands to return. I finally paid at 4:30, as they were closing for the day.
     After her dinner, I was helping Bailey off the boat, she jumped before I was ready to pick her up of the catwalk. Though it was only about 24 inches, as she landed her hind quarters collapsed. She injured/exacerbated the right leg. She could barely put any weight on the leg and walked very slowly. Pete had to carry her down the stairs.
     Pete worked until 6. Then we headed up to have dinner at Deltaville Raw Bar & Tap Restaurant here at the marina. This is the first time we have been here and the restaurant has been open. We were surprised at their fairly extensive menu. They were busy with both the indoor/outdoor seating. They ran out of hamburgers for their Thursday Special, so I enjoyed my salad and Crab Cake Sandwich while Pete had Rubin with fries. We both had the Raspberry Cheesecake for dessert . . .YUM!
     Pete ordered the coaxial cable for TV dome for delivery at Narrows Point Marina, so we will be reading and/or watching internet movies for a while longer.

Friday, 5/20/22 ~ Deltaville, VA to Solomons, MD
Today:           75.0 miles           9.7 hours           ICW ST Mile: ----
Total:         2173.9 miles       421.05 hours

  Up and underway by 7:20. Morning cool (68) slight breeze and hazy. AND. . . the files are back! We were against the current most of the day. It wasn’t until we crossed the Potomac that we caught a light wind AND the current. Doing 8.5-8.7 is w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l! That increased speed help as we were able to dock before Zahniser’s closed at 5.
   

Sights leaving Deltaville

  Ospreys building nests - Smith Light  - The WM TENNISON  from the Maritime Museum

     Once dinner was done, we watched All Roads Lead to Rome. It was cute and very predictable. Zahniser’s has OnSpot WiFi, but it is very slow; slow for simple tasks and definitely too slow to video stream.

Sunday, 5/21/22 ~ Solomons to “Home,” Grasonville, MD
Today:           55.0 miles          8.2 hours           ICW ST Mile: ----
Total:         2228.9 miles     429.25 hours

     We departed at 7:04 for the final leg of our 2021-2022 cruise. It was already a warm, 82 degrees with a 5-10 mph breeze out of the WNW. That breeze built slightly that we were able to motor sail for about another hour or so, but then the breeze dropped to maybe 5 mph. definitely not enough to fill the sails.
     The flies were once again, an annoyance all day long. Bailey tried to put up with their constant irritation, but after an hour asked to go down below with the screens in place. It took a good 25 minutes to search & destroy a good dozen flies. Unfortunately, it is a losing battle in the cockpit. We both spent the day swiping them off our legs, arms, faces and heads, while Bailey, the wiser, relaxed unbothered down below.
     In the area of the Lower Choptank River on the Bay, Pete spotted 2 fish “dancing” on surface of water. They looked to be struggling. We wondered if the oxygen levels of The Bay might be an issue. The waters of the bay seem unusually clear, without the brownish tinge from the tannins.

  

 

On The Bay

   This was our hottest day during our trip north. At times there was no breeze, which reminded us that we are on the Chesapeake for the hot, humid and sometimes, breathless summer.

  
New hotel and house boat for rent in Kent Narrows

 
Back to the water traffic - Our final bridge of our 2021-2022 Cruise!

     Docking with a 10-12 mph from the SSW on our starboard beam, made it a bit more challenging, but it was our dock lines increased the challenge. The lines didn’t weather well over the winter. They are very stiff and the starboard spring line spent a major part of the winter in the water. Apparently, when the sail boat next to us secured their lines, they also retrieved our water logged and very icky line. All lines need to be replaced.

     We had some problems getting electricity once plugged in. We called the office and Turtle had to flip the breakers by the meters. Both 30-amp lines worked initially, but the main house line kicked off around 4:45. We had to be very conservative with power as the battery charger on the house line also wasn’t working. We will alternate between house power and AC cords. It won’t be a problem showering and heading to bed early. We can relax and not be concerned about traveling (by boat) tomorrow. Of course, there are some errands and grocery shopping that will be addressed tomorrow.

     We’re “home!” Now to tick off more chores off our lists.  October and our next cruise south isn't that far away!

     

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~   K & P