Entering Chesapeake, carefully….
It’s mighty dark on the Bay
Wednesday May 19 - navigation through entrance at Chesapeake at dark through dawn. Wow. Carlos truly showed his navigation skills, using the technique of staying just outside the ship channel, but alongside it to keep the depth. A combination of good winds and calm seas got us to the entrance about two hours early. Once we crossed over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, we were on track to get to Cape Charles around 8am.
A dark approach to the Chesapeake Bay
We are making the run to Annapolis….
At watch, with many tankers along the port side
Yes, decision was made to go ahead and fuel up for the run up to Annapolis. We had already missed John’s party, so the only issue was to get there in time to enjoy the weekend. We fueled up on the east side of the bay, with a quick stop at the Cape Charles - Virginia City harbor for gas at 8am. Seems like we might have woke them up, the service was a little slow. But it also seemed like there was only one person in the marina. While on watch, I got six ships in my heading, waiting to go somewhere, or anchored; an actual tanker parking lot!! I will keep an eye out and turn starboard if I need to. Actually there are seven ships! Current is strong and starts drifting the boat when speed is too slow. Worked our way up Chesapeake past the Potomac.
A whole lotta crab pots in our channel…!
Moving through the bay was smooth during the day but loaded with buoys, and crab traps. They were even in the channel! Carlos mentioned that there were complaints in the forums, but so far no action. We are continuing to be hopeful to not hit any one of the offending traps. We will anchor close to the marina and dock in the AM. Shrimp burgers and bean salad for dinner. Made contact with Gizele, she plans to come and get us on Friday am. We'll bring our stuff, wash clothes and do computer work. Carleather should be by also to talk about Bia’s party. Feels like it will be a fun time tomorrow, seeing the grandkids, cleaning up the boat, sorting out clothes, checking fluids and paying the bills back home.
