June 16, 2026 Made it to Baltimore

Tuesday June 16, 2026 Solomons to Baltimore 74 miles and 8.2 hours

Strange weather patterns with hot air, cool air, light winds, strong winds, SW winds then NE winds. Sunday and Monday turned out to not be good travel days, so we stayed an extra day at Solomons. Gave us a chance to meet Peter and Kelly on MisKelculation. Loopers who will soon be crossing their wake at the Statue of Liberty.

New friends Peter and Kelly as we head to the SIYC bar for refreshments

Small Craft advisory in effect for Sunday and Monday. Winds 20 kts gusting to 30. Average wave heights of 2-3 feet (which means occasional 4-5 footers). Things were settling down by Tuesday morning as we left Solomons and passed Calvert Cliffs - famous for finding ancient megalodon sharks teeth. A bit choppy with some winds in the morning, but wind would be dying down and switching direction during the day allowing the waves to drop off. Started the day on the flybridge but found the chop and wind driven spray and 70 degree temperature a bit much, so took solace in the pilothouse for a few hours until things calmed down about noon.

Calvert Cliffs

Rounding Cove Point Lighthouse as we make our way out onto the bay

Big waters continue in play. We're traveling along the main shipping lane. Pass a couple southbound freighters and an anchoring area for inbound cargo ships. Normally enjoy seeing the iconic Thomas Point Lighthouse around the Annapolis area but a bit too far off today. The bay starts narrowing down and we're able to see land on either side. Continues to narrow until we're passing under the double spans of the Bay Bridge.

Southbound bulk carrier

Another bulk carrier on the move.

Headed for the main opening of the Bay Bridge

Gentle arching of the western side of the bridges

In between the two spans looking to the eastern shore

Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse comes into view and then we're passing the Baltimore Harbor Lighthouse as we make the turn to port and headed up the Patapsco River. Both these lighthouses are now privately owned. At over 125 years old and only accessible by water, it's truly a labor of love to try and keep them in decent condition. Cross by the remnants of the old Francis Scott Key Bridge which was destroyed in 2024 when a cargo ship hit it. Terrible tragedy with six construction workers killed. Thankfully they got the road closed in time to prevent any civilian fatalities. Seems like slow progress on the replacement which is now scheduled for completion in 2030.

Sandy Point Shoals Lighthouse

Baltimore Harbor Lighthouse

A part of the original Key Bridge still awaiting demolition

Fort McHenry lies ahead splitting the river. Civil War military prison but more famous as the birthplace of the US National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner", which was inspired by the fort's defense of Baltimore against the British during the War of 1812. We go slightly to starboard and follow the branch towards downtown and find the outer harbor marinas at Canton and Fells Point. A quick call on the VHF and we contact Wayne the dockmaster at Anchorage Marina. We'll be in slip B-44. A nice 60' slip with floating full length finger piers on both sides. SWEET. Ease As You Wish stern in without drama. We'll be tied up here for a month. Time to give the boat a much needed deep cleaning. We'll get a rental car for a quick trip home for a few doctor appointments then return in time for the America 250 Tall Ship and Blue Angel Flyovers scheduled for the following weekend.