October 25, 2025 A Short Hiatus then Back on the Water

Oct. 25, 2026    Spring Cove Marina Solomons to Jackson Creek Anchorage - Deltaville               66 miles and 7.0 hours 

We're back!  After a bit of a respite, we returned to Solomons and got back on the water.   Seems the weather just hasn't wanted to cooperate with us lately.  Delayed in Portland. Delayed in Lewes.  And now delayed in Solomons.  This time another slow-moving nor'easter.  Original plan was to just stay 3 days in Solomons.  Gave us time to get our fill of Cream of Crab soup and REAL Maryland Lump Crab Cakes at the Lighthouse Restaurant.  But the more I looked at extended forecasts the more it was clear we needed to stay put. Early forecasts projected this low-pressure system swirling just off the NC coast for days on end.  Thankfully the forecast was off a bit, and the storm stayed further out to sea and eventually became sub-tropical storm Josephine.  Still caused a lot of storm surge damage and kept the Chesapeake waters stirred up for a week with 4-5' seas.  We opted to extend our stay at the marina for an additional week, got a rental car, and head home.   Made good use of our time there.  Played pickleball four mornings in a row.  Lots of good games, but my knees and back are glad that's over.  Took care of getting some Rx's refilled.  Both of us got needed haircuts. We brought home multiple loads of laundry which kept Martha busy, as well as sorting through all the accumulated mail.  She rewarded herself with a nice pedicure.  Time was up so loaded the rental car with 9 gallons of engine oil for my oil next change and assorted goodies from Costco. 

Solomons Island as seen while crossing over the Patuxent River Bridge

Another view from the bridge.  Farmland just off the island keeps the area
 feeling rural.  In the far distance on the right is Patuxent NAS.  Always good
for a few fighter jet flyovers during our stay here.

Sort of appropriate that we should see Pride of Baltimore II as we're leaving 
Solomons.  We had toured her back during the 250 celebrations in
Baltimore when we started our trip.

Today we finally got to continue our trip.  Pretty good conditions overall.  Sunny fall weather with temps just into the 60's.   NE breeze would have made it feel chillier but that was at our stern and not even noticeable.  It did however generate a 2' choppy wave at our stern, so we wallowed about for half the trip before the wind and waves both settled down.    Mostly an open water passage so not much to sea other than the other snowbirds now flocking south with the improved conditions. 

Morning glare off the water really puts a hurting on your eyes.

Marine Traffic is an app we use to see boats around us with AIS.
This screen shot as we're crossing the entrance to the Potomac River
gives you an idea of the parade of boats headed south

.

 Passed a number of sailboats.  Got passed by a couple of powerboats intent on burning up fuel.  Cargo ships, tugs, etc. Smith Point Light at the entrance to the Potomac River was the only real landmark.  Decided to try a new anchorage.  Into the Piankatank River and then up Jackson Creek and the small town of Deltaville.  Popular stopover spot for cruising boats.  Anchorage areas are available in both the north and south channels so plenty of room. We manage to snag a nice spot with great protection from the light northerly breezes.   Nice clear skies showcased the rising full moon shining bright tonight. 

Passing a sailing catamaran from Canada looking for warmer weather

Oregon Highway is a Vessel Cargo Ship.  Headed to Brunswick GA. to load up
used cars which are then sold in third world countries.

In 1868 a screw pile lighthouse was erected at Smith Point. In Feb. 1895 ice
ripped the house from the pilings and carried it away.  This Caison style
 light was built in 1897 to replace it.

As we entered Jackson Creek caught this family sending their child
up the bosun's chair.  Gave them a nice slow pass as any rocking on the
 boat is BIG rocking up high.

Moonrise reflecting off the calm waters of our anchorage

Journey for Oct. 25, 2026