Oct 6, 2022 Holed up in Solomons and off to Onancock

Sat - Wed Oct 1-5 - 0 miles

Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc with SW Florida and the SC coast. But it also had an impact on us up on the Chesapeake. We were having strong NE winds as Ian marched up through the Carolinas before it eventually turned right and headed back out to sea across the lower bay. Then it just sat there. No longer a hurricane, just a nasty storm pulling in rain and winds for days on end.

Remnants of Hurricane Ian creating strong north winds

We got secured back at Beacon Marina in Solomons on Sat to ride it out and had cold gusty NE winds and rain every day before finally clearing out on Wed night. We even got a bit of sunset colors as the last of the clouds dissipated. Wish I could say we did something constructive with all that free time, but lazy mornings and early to bed seemed to become the routine.

Sunset after the storms are finally over

Thurs. Oct 6 -72 miles.

Thankfully, that is now all behind us. We started today a bit cool with sunshine, clear blue skies, the slightest of a NW breeze and a forecast into the lower 70's. We headed back to the eastern shore and the town of Onancock, VA. Had never been here before but heard good things about it being a quintessential older, smaller eastern shore town with some nice homes and a few good restaurants right up the street from the marina.

The run down the bay was uneventful. Lots of open water. Stayed clear of a few old military target areas listed on charts as "restricted areas". Covered with wrecks that were used back in the day by the military for target practice. The "Old Hannibal" wreck is a very eerie sight as you pass by. An entire ship that was set on a mud flat and used for bombing practice. The ship has been blasted in two with the front 2/3rds intact as well as the back 1/3 intact. But in between you can clearly see the destruction from multiple shelling impacts.

Old Hannibal

Finally made our way into Pocomoke Sound then turned to starboard and worked or way into the twisty channel going up Cedar Creek and ending at the town wharf in Onancock. Great little municipal marina designed for transients with floating docks and a nice new bathhouse. Did I mention that Martha once again took control of the helm while executing another stern in docking?? I'm beginning to think I've lost my role as Captain. We arrived in time for a quick walkabout to town, followed by dinner and a flight of beers at The Blarney Stone restaurant. Also located the Corner Bakery which will provide some tasty treats in the morning.