Up The Potomac

We decided on the Boathouse Marina in Colonial Beach as they advertised laundry facilities and we wanted (needed) to catch up on that before arriving in DC.  The marina had new floating docks and the staff were very accommodating.  The dryer, however, left a bit to be desired.  After the third cycle (hour) trying to dry the sheets, Bev brought the remaining two loads back to the boat; we looked like a Chinese laundry.  It took the entire day to do three loads, so we decided to stay a second night. 

 

Around 4 o’clock, a trawler came in and it was Loopers we met in Norfolk at the rendezvous a month earlier.  The four of us joined the marina owner on his 60’ Berger cruiser for a glass of wine then we all went out to dinner together.  Great evening of food and conversation.

 

The next morning, we were off early for the long trek up the Potomac River through the Naval Surface Warfare testing grounds.  According to their website they were to be testing today, however, we never saw any action.  We anchored for the night in Mattawoman Creek.  Entering at low tide, we saw depths of 2 to 3 feet on the depth sounder!  It was a quiet, secluded creek; perfect for winding down and relaxing. 

 

The next morning was a very early start with the idea to stop at Mt. Vernon before continuing to Alexandria.  Once again, the weather was threatening, so we decided to skip the stop and forge onward.  It always astounds me how fast a river can change from what appears to be miles and miles from any pocket of dense population and then you round a bend and Bam! you are in a highly populated and/or industrial area.  Such is the case with the Potomac River.  You are cruising along with farmland and some pretty nice estates along the bank, you round a bend and there sits National Harbor, the 12-lane I-495 bridge and Old Town Alexandria.  What a change in just a few miles!

 

We tied up at Alexandria City Marina and set out on foot to explore the town.  I think we have now walked more miles than we have boated!  Leaving Alexandria for the short run into DC takes us by the Reagan National Airport.  I felt that we may snag a plane or two in our rigging as we passed the end of the runway.  We entered the Washington Channel and secured a mooring ball at the Wharf Gangplank Marina.  From here we can walk (ugh!) to the National Mall and all the museums and monuments.