Norfolk to Annapolis

Leaving Norfolk Harbor, USS Wisconsin, Nauticus

Friday May 14th, 2010 Portsmouth Basin - Shortly before 8 am we said our good-byes to Bud and Elaine and headed out of the Portsmouth Basin. Our destination this morning was Deltaville, VA. It was a grey, and windy morning and we knew were not going to get the 1-2 foot seas that NOAA was predicting. However they were supposed to be north winds which meant they'd be on our nose which we don't mind. Left the Elizabeth River and the Navy were up and very active, various 'US warships' were coming and going. We entered the Chesapeake and found a rocky-rolly situation but manageable. Early afternoon we tied up at Dozier's Regatta Point Marina. They are a great marina with many amenities such as a laundry room, spa like showers, pool and a loaner car to go into the small town for West Marine and groceries.  Then when all your work is done, they have great rockers on the porch that over look the marina, where you can rock and relax.Talk about making the Captain and Admiral both happy!! We took advantage of the loaner car and visited the little town. That evening we had dinner aboard the boat and settled down for the night.

A Peaceful Place to relax

View from the porch

Saturday May 15th , Dozier Regatta Point Marina - Do we stay or do we go? There were circular weather fronts out there making a mess of the Chesapeake. NOAA predicted the winds to settle down later in the morning so we delayed our departure for a few hours. Again, NOAA didn't quite get it right, the 1-2 ft. seas were more like 4-5 when we entered the Chesapeake.  Again the waves were on our nose so the Summer Wind handled them well, and so did we.  Instead of making the trek all the way to Solomon's we diverted our destination to Olverson's Lodge Creek marina off the Yeocomico River which is just off the Potomac River. By the time we reached the Potomac we were ready to turn off. It just wasn't our type of fun. Shortly before 5pm we tied up at the marina and showered. They were having a "Take me out to the ball game celebration" and invited us to participate. We had an absolute blast and indulged in some great BBQ, also relaxed and forgot about our miserable afternoon! We did a little dancing, enjoyed watching the Siegel's perform their Bridge Tender song.  Olverson's is a great marina which is based on fun, participation and family atmosphere. Their covered docks are decked out in lights of every color all put out by the cruisers. Not only that Freddy and Cass offer one free night to MTOA members!!! Thanks Freddy and Cass!!

Karen & Jeffrey singing Bridge Tender song

Jane, George, Freddy, Dick

Sunday May 15th - Olverson's Creek Lodge - We checked NOAA again to see what the weather was possibly going to do today. Nothing seemed to be concerning near us, so we headed out. Boy what a difference a day makes! The Potomac and Chesapeake were smooth like glass. Our destination today was Solomon's, MD an anchorage in Back Creek. The temperatures rose to 80 degrees, back in tees and shorts!! Early afternoon we dropped the hook and took the dinghy down. Headed into shore to walk around Solomons. We've stopped here several times so we were quite familiar with the town. Took the dinghy back and decided to venture around and see where the little creeks went, enjoyed the scenery with the homes and birds and tall trees, not to mention the great weather! It was warm enough to grill outside we enjoyed a glass of wine on the back deck and grilled. Checked NOAA before tucking in to confirm the weather.

Exploring Back Creek by Dinghy

Leaving the Summer Wind for a dinghy ride

 Monday, May 16th-18th- Solomon's, MD - Rose very early around 5:30 am because there were chances of 'showers' early afternoon. Our plans were to head for Annapolis to enjoy dinner with Debby and the girls, so we wanted to beat the weather. The temperatures were not very pleasant,darn it,back into our long pants and jackets. There were several boats travelling with us and the chatter over the radio was the unpredictable weather, one day 80 degrees the next 60 at best.  Our trip was rather uneventful until the last hour and the showers began to fall, oh well we tried to beat it. Normally we tie unto a mooring ball but neither one of wanted to ride in a wet dinghy. We tied up at the Annapolis City Dock wall and it was a very smart decision.  Spent a couple of hours waiting for the rain to stop and then explored Annapolis for a good spot to eat dinner. There were many good choices and we found Maria's Sicilian Ristorante. However before walking through the town, the ice cream shop beckoned us,, yes that's right 65 degrees and we caved! After our indulgence we toured the historic little city of Annapolis. Later in the day Debby and the girls met us at the Summer Wind and we walked over to Maria's and pleasantly surprised by Chris! We had a delightful dinner!Thanks Flynn family!  

The next day's weather was horrible, rain and wind just not the kind of weather for travelling. So we stayed put! Not a bad place to be stuck. During a weather lull Dick washed down the deck of the boat, yes even with all the rain it was much needed! In the afternoon we walked over to the  Maryland State Capital building and found the Thurgood Marshall Memorial. The Naval Academy was skipped this time, but we'll be back to explore another time. What an amazing history can be found in Annapolis. That evening we settled down to a nice hot pot of homemade chili for dinner aboard the Summer Wind.   

Thurgood Memorial

 The State Capital Building of Maryland

View from Ego Alley

The Captain Expressing his feelings about the weather!