Sunday morning was a windy one, and we were moored in the perfect location to watch the local sailboats races. There appeared to be several races happening all over the Sound. We watched a fleet of J24's run several windward_leeward patterns and launch Spinnakers. We reminisced about our racing days and watched for quite a while as these sailors raised and lowered their sails around the windward mark. One of these days we'll get our spinnaker back out again! When the time was right (current running into the east river) we set off for the trip through New York City. Navigation was well marked and we had no problem making our way down the river and into the bay. The water side view of Manhattan, and every other place we saw, was fantastic. We've all seen pictures in tour books or on the internet, but there is nothing like seeing it live and in person! The Statue of Liberty is really something to see. Watch for those pics to be uploaded.
From City Island and New York City we ended the day in Sandy Hook, NJ. For some reason we often find ourselves heading into the setting sun and blinded by the bright beams and salty dodger window. Sandy Hook was no exception. Anyway, we grabbed a spot to stay and were promptly told that particular mooring ball was private and unavailable. We decided to move back over to the anchoring basin, and settled in. Unfortunately the anchor did not. We were drifting.... So we pull it back up and try again... It's not holding and we don't know why. There are several other boats around us and they seem fine. Well by this time the sun is gone and we're completely in the dark. We pull the chain back in and try again. We did finally catch the bottom but found ourselves standing watch for several hours afterward just to be sure. This is not a great way to end what was otherwise a very nice day.
We logged 250 more miles last week and we're finally feeling like we're on track. The threat of cold air and snow are but a distant memory. We've not planning the annual haul out for the year and we even dug our shorts back out a few days ago. Our summer has finally begun! The outer coast of New Jersey was an easy ride with a few small inlets available to duck into. We passed Atlantic City and Wildwood without stopping and certainly saved some money by doing so. Again, these are magnificent views from the ocean side and one that few people really see. On the southern end of the state we relaxed in Cape May for two nights. What a nice, clean, friendly, fancy, tourist town. BIG homes, BIG boats, and lots of intercity inlets. Real estate prices are unreal. If you like fishing, this is the place to be. Hundreds of large boats loaded with outriggers, etc. We were the only sailboat at the Lutchs Marina. We toured the coastline on bicycles. Had great views of the sandy beaches and shops. After a nice dinner out, we relaxed on board and prepared for the next course, northward into the Delaware Bay.
After just one overnight on the anchor we were through the Bay and into the Delaware River. And here we go again, another canal. The C&D canal takes you through Delaware into Maryland and the north end of the Chesapeake Bay. YEAH! It was an easy ride and there were no locks or bridges to wait for. Unfortunately, due to the effects of the hurricane season and heavy rains, many areas on the east coast are under flood watches. This has all the rivers running high and dumping debris into the bays. We spent much of the time in the Delaware River and the canal just trying to avoid the logs and sticks floating by. We're currently anchored in the Sassafras River if you want to find that on a map. We've been sorting clutter, reorganizing some storage, and just doing some mindless chores.
The Chesapeake Bay's eastern and western shores are loaded with places to go, things to do and people to see. The Annapolis Boat show is coming up soon, we have cousins in the Chester and Baltimore areas, a sister in Cambridge, more cousins from Alexandria VA, and a niece there too. We're planning to be leaving the Chesapeake Bay in 10 days or so. We'll see where the wind takes us :)
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