Birthday in Baltimore!!!

We really did make it to Baltimore! We were hoping to get here sooner, however heat, fatigue, weather and engine issues took their toll so we ended up taking a bit longer than we thought... But am getting ahead of myself.

We had a great day Saturday, getting close to Norfolk seeing osprey fledglings on almost every channel marker as we went along. We crossed the Currituck Sound, went up the North Landing River with no problems and went through the lovely tranquil (except for ski boats and PWC) Albermarle Norfolk canal and into the Elizabeth River to Portsmouth. The idea of going through our first lock with several other boats was kind of intimidating and the bridge and lock were only open going northbound on the hour with the lift bridge opening coordinated. We had just missed the opening! We decided to stop right there at the Atlantic Yacht Center in Portsmouth until Sunday morning. This was an unexpected treat as it was wicked hot and we could use the AC all night...hurrah.
The bridge and lock at sunset. Wind Spirit's reflection at the dock.

We were the only boat to go through at 7AM Sunday morning, and the Bridge and Lock Masters were extremely accommodating. We had no problem as it is only a 12 to 18 inch lift. Such a very gentle introduction to locking!

We went on through Portsmouth, and Norfolk, seeing an amazing number of cranes and huge naval vessels as we went along. We also had to go through quite a few lift bridges here.
Then we headed out through Hampton Roads passing a naval warship coming in with all guns manned, and finally into the Chesapeake. We went north and anchored in the East River in Mobjack Bay. Had a small windy front come through with no rain but the temperature dropped about 20 degrees. This was wonderful as it had been very hot all day, and when we went to turn on the generator it made a very loud noise so we had no power that night for refrigeration or air conditioning. This was the third Monday with engine issues...we hope it is the last Monday with engine issues. We both slept out in the cockpit and it was lovely and peaceful with a full moon and gentle breeze ruffling the surface of the water.

We were able to make an early start again the following morning and sailed up to Deltaville which we had visited in 2008 looking for a boat. We stayed in the Dozier Regatta Point Marina on Broad Creek. After touching the bottom coming in we found the deep channel and made it through fine. The marina was very convenient with wonderful amenities including a pool which we did enjoy and a courtesy car too! Deltaville is a yachting center so lots of repair people there and we were able to get the generator repaired. The repairman thought a jellyfish had been sucked against the water intake blocking it long enough to break the impeller. Bill had a good lesson in how to replace it. We ended up spending the day, did laundry, swam, relaxed and ran errands after the generator was repaired. We also enjoyed two beautiful sunsets.

The Doziers who own this marina write excellent guide books for cruisers which we haven't used (as had bought a different one). It is also the home of Captain Bob's guides to the ICW which we had used. We enjoyed meeting Jack Dozier.

The generator delay made things a bit tight getting to Baltimore for the Friday birthday party so we hurried along very early the next morning at 6 knots and hour with some sail support when the wind was right. The wind changed a lot as we headed north and sometimes sailing was feasible and sometimes not. The wind and waves were growing as we headed north. The waves were at 4-6 feet when we were about ready to stop. We sailed into the peaceful calm loveliness of the Solomons. What a wonderful place! We will spend more time there on our way back south and visit the museum and research center. Calm waters with homes along them and lots of boats and marinas. Anchoring is easy and convenient. We found a spot in the entrance of a bay with some breeze and enjoyed sparkling light on the water as well as a great sunset.


Tried to get an early start on Thursday AM as we had a long way to go! We needed fuel and the marinas didn't open until 8...or so, so we just waited. Rested and fueled we headed out just before 9. The wind was perfect to sail for a good while, and we were approaching Herring Bay. Bruce called on the cell phone to tell us there was a wicked front heading in the direction we were approaching, and he thought we should stop in Herring Bay or in one of the marinas there. We had seen the clouds building, but didn't know even from NOAA how severe it was. Just as we made it into the bay we were hit by a blast of 30 to 40 knot winds and then heavy rain. We just caught a corner of the storm. It was over quickly for us. Wind Spirit is very solid and handled it just fine. We decided, as it ended and we could see more clouds ahead of us that we would just head into the Herrington North Marina.

Bruce offered to drive down about an hour to get us and take us to the house, and he and Bill could come back Saturday and sail to Baltimore. So we made it for the birthday party on Friday! Pizza and cupcakes and ice cream and fun and games and a happy six year old! Have had a great few days with Bruce and Kelly and the boys.


Saturday Will and I drove Bruce and Bill down to the marina. They sailed Wind Spirit into Baltimore to the Anchorage Marina where we will be for about a month. Kelly and I met them and we all went out for dinner nearby. We hope to spend lots of time with Will and Andrew, and actually will sit for them starting Saturday when Bruce and Kelly go to Nicaragua. We will also get our visas for our trip to China next month. Hope to see some friends while we are here in DC, Jay and Lori, and Jean and Henry on the Eastern Shore too as well as have a sleep over with Will on the boat.

We just came back to the boat for a couple of days of work and reorganizing. May not blog too much while we are here, but will start again as we begin our trip south. Thanks so much for your interest and support as we continue our adventure.