Leaving the Chesapeake Bay

Returning from shore duty

     The forecasters were right. It did feel like 31 degrees at 6 this morning. However, Pete had very little time to prepare for the cold this morning.  He had set his alarm for 5:30 figuring he would start the generator and heat up the boat while he got ready for Dan’s arrival at 6.  Unfortunately, we awoke to knocking on the hull.  Pete had set the alarm for PM instead of AM!  The Chinese fire drill only lasted about 5 minutes, so Dan and Dory didn’t wait long. Once again the ride was in darkness, but the skies began to lighten.

Our view as we reentered the Chesapeake

PINNACLE enjoying the wind

Wolf Trap Lighthouse

 

 

Point Comfort Lighthouse

A close encounter with the Navy

   

    By 7, we witnessed a beautiful sunrise, pulled anchor and were underway.  The winds and currents were still in our favor, but to make time we continued to sail under power usually averaging about 7.6 mph.

  Norfolk is considered the “bottom of the Bay.” It is also a very busy port, not only for industry, but also the Navy.  Currently, there is a search on for a person overboard near the Bay Tunnel/ Bridge.  Aircraft and boats are involved in the search.  While at the helm, I noticed a helicopter coming closer doing a search pattern.  It turned to head east from the western shore and should have passed overhead.  When I looked, I saw that it had returned to the western shore and was lowering to the water. As it was very low on the horizon, I saw black smoke and no helicopter!  As I was asking Pete to check with the binoculars, we saw the helo rise over the smoke.  Apparently, they had seen something and were checking it out.  A short while later, a Navy vessel was moving very slowly from east to west across the bay, possibly another search pattern.  Our CCYC fleet was on an intersect course and the Navy vessel was increasing speed.  Just as we were about to alter course, she continued increasing speed and passed our area before we encroached on the 500 yard safety zone. Now, we head into the busy shipping channels.

We still can't figure out the purpose of this design

   

     We tied up in our slips at Tidewater Yacht Marina around 3:30.  Pete had work he still needed to complete, so I straightened up and scrubbed the salt off PEKABU. While scrubbing, I had a chance to speak with our neighbors.  They bought a used Catalina 36 earlier this year in Stamford.  Since he is still a fighter pilot flight instructor for the Air Force in Arizona, they spend 2 weeks on the boat and 2 weeks in Arizona, alternating as they work the boat down to Florida.  I wish I had their frequent flier miles!

We say "thanks!" to all the Coasties, especially our Greg

     Pete and I joined Dan and Martha aboard BRUNELLE for drinks, and examine the wonderful job Martha did on refitting the enclosure for the new hard bimini, then home for dinner. After dinner I was so tired, I didn’t have the energy to walk to the bathrooms for a shower so I showered on board. Tonight’s dreams will probably be on our beautiful ride tomorrow.

8.5 Hours (Total 26.0 Hours)
68 Miles   (Total 185 Miles)