Cape May, New Jersey to Cape Charles, Virginia

When we last left you boys and girls...We had a portside visit from Capt Harborwatch's friends Trudi and John, who were weekending at Cape May. We headed up the Delaware Bay the next morning, Monday October 15th, to the Chesapeake, via the (C&D) Chesapeake and Delaware canal. We caught the tide change around the tip of New Jersey, up to the C&D canal. At one point, there was a parade of sailboats and tankers, catching the favorable tide. We docked in Chesapeake City, Delaware, at the western end of the C&D canal, adjacent to the "Tiki Bar". Capt Mud's little Sis, Judy, joined the party for a dinner (and insight to Cap Mud's ancestors) on shore.


Then off to Annapolis. We tied up to the dock of Capt. Mud's old drum and bugle corps buddy, Billy. There elegant historic home in Annapolis harbor, afforded a beautiful view. He and his wife Judy were gracious hosts allowing us to stay several days while we replaced Malabar's wounded dingy. The time in Annapolis allowed us an inspiring visit to the Naval Academy.



Traveling across the Chesapeake, we set out for the famed St. Michaels on the eastern shore of Maryland, there we visited the Chesapeake Maritime Museum. ( George Bush was coming in the next day for a speech and lunch with Dick Cheney, we were not invited to lunch so we left).



Then zigzagged back across to the western side of the Chesapeake to the Patuxant River and Solomon Island. We were intercepted by an motley crew on a Viking ship, waving sabres and shields. (They offered to purchase Malabar's first mate, but Capt Haborwatch refused...asking for a higher price)..The Capt's meeting was held at dinner on the pier on Saturday over drinks (MaiTai and Rum Runner)...



Sunday morning, we set out once again to transverse the Chesapeake, past Tangier's Islands (and numerous crap pots) to Onancock...as the Indians call it "a foggy place", on the eastern shore. This time we were dinner guests of Mrs. Mud's school mate, Eileen and hubby Hans. Heritage dropped anchor, Malabar opted for the town dock. On Monday morning they set out on through fog and vistas of a pristine port.




Heading south along the eastern shore, we reached Cape Charles, Virginia. There, the Floridian resort of Bay Creek offered a respite before setting out to cross the wide Chesapeake headed to Norfolk, Hampton Roads and Portsmouth Va....