With repairs (and rain) complete and a favorable forecast for the next few days, we departed the Chesapeake repair yard and headed for the Chesapeake Bay. The trip through Norfolk was somewhat nostalgic as I had worked at many of the shipyards and cargo ports years ago. I had also been a part of the resurgence of the Norfolk waterfront back in the mid-80’s, and it was fun to see how it has evolved. They even got a giant Ferris wheel just this week!
As we exited Norfolk and entered the Chesapeake Bay, we had the wind and tide at our back and made excellent time to Mobjack Bay. We decided to go about 3 miles up the East River and anchor for the night. This would become our first encounter with the effects of Alberto. Soon after anchoring the sky darkened and we had hours of violent thunderstorms. The anchor held tight and all was well. However, the forecast did a 180. The southwest breeze, sunshine and warm days gave way to ugly northeast wind, rain and cool temperatures.
Not to be discouraged, the following morning, we weighed anchor and headed back out to the Bay and turned north. Rounding New Point Comfort lighthouse, we had the wind on our nose all the way to Deltaville. Upon arrival, we found the Deltaville Marina and Boatyard were undergoing renovations and had no fuel or pump out available. We tied up and used their complimentary car to go find dinner. The following morning, we found water in the bilge again! The O-rings on the heat exchanger had failed. Fortunately, parts were available in Deltaville, so repairs were quick and easy. (Did I mention that I keep breaking stuff?) The folks at Deltaville were very helpful so we decided to stay another night and relax.
Read any cruising guide about the Chesapeake Bay and you will find chapters about the horrors of the mouth of the Potomac River. It has been described as rough, churning, confused and likened to a washing machine. It did not disappoint! We washed the mud from the anchor and chain, and the waves were determined to rip the dinghy from the stern davits. (Did I mention we’re having fun?)
We ducked in to the Great Wicomico River for the night and anchored at Sandy Point. My respite was to be cut short as Bev came topside and stated she had found a better anchorage in Mill Creek. “It has better protection from the impending weather, and there’s a winery we can dinghy to.” I’ll let you read her version of that one. Let’s just say I needed all nine of those tastings!
The next morning, we made a short but rough trip around Windmill Point into the Potomac River. Anchored in Palmer Cove on the Yeocomico River to wait out the obligatory afternoon storms and spend the night. Early the next morning, we spent almost two hours beating into the wind and waves just to get out of the Yeocomico River! Once back out in the Potomac, a turn to the west brought the wind to our back and we used the staysail to increase our speed and help stabilize the boat. Our destination for today will be Colonial Beach, VA.