Sept 21 Down the Potomac and around to Solomons

Sept 20.  Tues.  - 84 miles

We decided to make a long day of it and just cover a bunch of miles taking us back to an anchorage in Breton Bay. The current will be with us all day helping push us a little faster.   Still haven't made it into Leonardtown and won't on this trip either.  Guess we'll just have to put it on the list for another trip.  

Getting ready to leave our slip at CYC Washington DC

Off the dock a little after 7.   Nothing new to report on the trip south vs the trip north.  Passed Alexandria, Ft. Washington, Mt. Vernon, The Ghost Fleet of the Potomac and made it to the Harry Nice Bridge where we once again were hailed by the Range Boat informing us the Middle Ground was again off limits.  Talked to the same ranger and gave him the route instructions.  He sent us on our way and like on our way north we were disappointed again in not seeing any military activity, not even a fly-by.  

Waters were about as calm as they come. 

Lots of open calm water and easy driving with the autopilot.   Slow going over a shoal at the entrance to the bay then picked our spot and set the anchor. Pop a beer, fire up the grill and watch the sunset before calling it a day.  Yup.  Living the good life on days like these!!

Shoreline around our peaceful anchorage as dusk approaches

Just another sunset. 

Journey for Sept 20

Sept 21/ Wed - 59 miles

We really would have liked to drop the dingy and go explore Leonardtown but we're also watching the weather. Forecast calls for rain on Thurs. along with high winds Thurs and Fri.  So today, after watching a gorgeous sunrise and having a bit of breakfast, we raised anchor and pushed on.

Sunrise was more colorful than the sunset

It was another splendid day to be on the water.  Warm and flat calm even exiting the Potomac which is known for being very tumultuous at times.  It's a wide-open area entering the wide-open Chesapeake.  On a day like today there were no issues - just lots of open non-descript water.   Highlight of the day was crossing paths with "Zora Neale".  I had exchanged emails occasionally with the owner Roy since his boat is the same model Marine Trader as our original "As you Wish".   They were just leaving Solomons headed to DC while we were doing the opposite.  He'll eventually head south to Florida so hopefully we'll meet in person sometime down there.   

Passing the Nora Zeale - sister ship to our original As You Wish

And their picture of the current As You Wish

Yet another highlight was after finding our anchorage.   We did a customary cruise around Back Creek to check out the boats at marinas but then went up Mill creek with its better protected coves in residential areas.  Found the one I thought would work best in NNW potential gales on Friday.   Dropped the hook and looked over at a boat on a nearby dock. "Suz Inn" on the stern.  We know that name!!  It belongs to the AGLCA Harbor Host. We had met Doug on previous visits to Solomons when he helped line up a marina for a short haul when we were bringing "As You Wish" #1 down the Chesapeake.  Then helped us again secure dockage at the Solomons Yacht Club when we were northbound doing the loop.  We weren't anchored 15 minutes before he was contacting us to see if he could be of any help.   We're settled in here for a few days. Then the weather turns nice again for the weekend.  Hoping that Dan, Athene and Xavier will be able to come down from DC for an overnight visit in which case we'll head over to one of the marinas.  Fall is officially here.  Cool weather coming in with this front.  Just starting to get a touch of color on some trees. 

Journey for Sept 21