As You Wish - Our Adventures: Sept 10 Rappahanock River anchorage

Sept 10

The stay in Hampton was longer than we expected. Wound up spending 4 nights. The wind just would not stop blowing above our go - no go comfort level. So, we got some things done. Spent the better part of a full day washing the boat top to bottom. Necessary but seems a waste as we're already covered in salt again after today's travels. Spent another day at the Air and Space Museum and the Hampton history museum. Both very well done. Then more maintenance cleaning out all the sea strainers and trying to chase down an issue with the A/C in the master stateroom. About got it narrowed down to a fault relay. And then a bike ride to the grocery store to stock up on some fresh provisions. Dinner out 2 nights along with some local craft beers.

Air and Space Museum - Langley Field is just north of towm

Today's conditions weren't ideal but sort of a "do it today or we might get stuck" in Hampton several more days. Forecast was winds at 12-15+ knots and seas 2+ feet with a short period. Wind changed direction from the NE it had been blowing for a week to E overnight along with changing wave direction, so we correctly expected confused seas. Coming out the James River wasn't too bad with waves on the bow but got sportier as we turned the corner at Fort Monroe and headed north. Choppy, whitecaps and wind-blown spray for a few hours and then things settled down after passing the York River and finally getting beyond the open waters where the bay and ocean are wide open.

Passing Wolf Trap lighthouse

Balance of the day we were able to run with the autopilot and the stabilizers making for an easier half of the day. We entered the Rappahannock heading westward towards Carters Creek. The town of Irvington is here which is famous locally for The Tides Inn. Very nice upscale resort, restaurant, marina. Dockage is outrageous so we opted to anchor in a secluded side creek among some lovely homes. Anchor down in time to listen to the Clemson vs Furman game. Then fired up the BBQ for a meal onboard. Rain in the forecast all day tomorrow so we may just hunker down here an extra day before heading for the Potomac.