No Health

      We are in Annapolis after the first part of our cruise south and there will be no mention of my health. Oh, wait, that was a mention. Sigh. Anyway, there's no need for an update as there's no change. That's good. So for the first time in a while this entry will be like they used to be: just about our travels to and from Florida. 

     We got underway from Old Lyme after a few breezy, cold days and my last weekend of work at the Museum. It was still breezy and cold but not quite as breezy or cold as it had been. The wind was going to be from the north or northeast and the current was going to change in our favor soon after we got to Long Island Sound. After passing north of Long Sand Shoal we turned towards Port Jefferson. The wind and seas were behind us so the two to three foot waves were not uncomfortable. Our SOG was very good, also. It only got rough as we neared PJ. We borrowed the same mooring we grabbed last fall but this time we were not asked to move. When we left PJ the next morning it was quite sporty. Waves came right down the channel and bounced and slammed us all around. When we got around Old Field Pt. it was slightly better. Slightly. We discovered our man overboard pole had left the boat somewhere off PJ. The lines and shock cords couldn't take the pounding and it took off. We made a general announcement about the pole on the VHF so people would not think someone went overboard and start a search. Been a while since we lost something expensive. Usually when we have major expenses it's because we hit something. 

     We stopped at Port Washington for the night and grabbed a formerly free mooring. I guess they are still free when no one comes around to collect. We never go looking for someone to pay. The moorings were not full but most were taken. We saw a number of boats we've seen along the road in the past. The next morning was less breezy and a little warmer. We had to leave at first light to insure we had a good current at Hell Gate and through the City. The East River was calm but the Upper and Lower Bays were choppy. Upper due to wakes, Lower due to the wind. We got to Atlantic Highlands, NJ before noon to rest up for our upcoming overnight passage. The wind was from a good direction and was forecast to ease overnight but we decided we'd wait for calmer seas as Teddy moved farther away from us. An unusual sight was 'smoke' off the Freedom Tower. The cool, early morning air was damp but not hazy or foggy. The sun reflecting off the glass warmed the air near the building and made a very localized cloud like fog that drifted away from the skyscraper making it look like it was smoking. Eerie considering what building it was and the history there but it was a fascinating phenomenon.  

     When we got underway for our New Jersey offshore passage it was almost calm with a breeze on the beam or slightly aft. Seas built to one foot and almost on the bow. As the day progressed seas built to one to two feet and more and on the nose. Overnight it was cool but not cold and not too windy. Steering was easy but sleeping was not. It was just lumpy enough with 2ft seas to make it uncomfortable below. Oh well. Daybreak found us right at Cape May. Seas were not bad and on the port side stern. Would have been worse if we were going into the waves. The current was against us nearly all the way up the boring Delaware Bay. It only turned in our favor at the Salem Nuclear plant but was back to against us as we entered the C and D Canal. Eventually it was neutral  as we got to Chesapeake City where we anchored. We had an easy day going to Worton Creek the next day. It was near calm with good current. The next passage, to Sillery Bay on the Magothy River, was even calmer, again with good current. We had a Blue Jay join us for almost an hour as he rested on the bow. When he flew off we were miles from where he joined us. Wonder if he could or needed to get back to where he started. Never know, I guess. 

     Anchoring in Sillery Bay was pleasant for one night before we headed to Annapolis. We waited for a rain shower to go by and got underway. The larger Bay was a bit lumpy but not uncomfortable and we still had a favorable current. It was a quick trip anyway. We went into Back Creek in Eastport but found all the moorings and anchoring spots were taken. No boat show this year and it was still full. We then went over to Spa Creek. Surprisingly, this area was not as crowded. Usually it fills first. We took a city mooring for a week. Closer to town but a little further from groceries and marine supplies. Oh well. The other interesting event was going through the Spa Creek Bascule Bridge that connects Annapolis to Eastport. A quick search said it had a 62ft horizontal clearance. No way! When we went through we found about 5ft on either side of our 24ft beam. Very tight. We've gone through tighter bridges but this was close enough. One way water traffic for sure. Post passage research showed the opening was 40ft. Seemed less. 

     So we'll stay put for a week or so. We'll do some maintenance, restock groceries and medications and get fuel and water. About the time we are ready to go the weather is forecast to be good (probably will change) and the current pattern will change to against us not with us (will not change). We shall see. Next posting may not be until we get to Florida but it could be sooner if adverse events occur. 

     Not that that ever happens.