Portsmouth VA to Solomons MD

Portsmouth VA to Solomons MD

From the Dismal we moved on through 2 centuries into the heart of industrial Norfolk/Portsmouth.

Our night on the Portsmouth North Landing FREE DOCK – was punctuated by some mildly inebriated youths singing sea chanties for this girlfriends, but otherwise we had perfect weather to stretch our shore legs with several walks through the old town. Of course we managed to wander in a few of the quaint shops along High Street as well.  We would have made it to the Hill House museum if we hadn’t had to wait for our spot on the wall to be vacated.  When we pulled in our first stop was the FREE pump out station and as we were finishing a small boat snagged the spot we had been planning to tie on the dock.  So while they had lunch in town, we enjoyed a nap and rest on Erben Renewal – still tied to the pump out dock!  In the end we moved into the overnight spot and all was good.  Only loss was the tour at the Hill House which closed about the time we finished tying up.  That makes just another reason to return to this wonderful port that is so welcoming to cruisers.

We hurriedly left with a favorable tide the next morning for an exposed anchorage off Mobjack Bay in Brown’s Bay – perfect spot to observe marsh life.  The exposure was designed to enjoy the breezes which were supposed to keep the temps under control rather than rock our house, and when the wind finally shifted to the expected south – we did have a fairly calm night.

The next night found us in Mill Creek – a scenic spot off Ingraham Bay.  This anchorage came highly recommended which was easy to understand.  It was an easy in and out off the Chesapeake and protected on all sides while being roomy enough for many boats in 10 feet of water.  The scenery was mostly natural with only a few homes peeking out at us.  Even though the breeze was still blowing on the big bay, we were calm and snug all night – pleasantly without nuisance bugs as well.

Memorable Light Houses on the Bay – we especially enjoyed passing Smiths Point since it provided some protection from the persistent southerly swells – Cats agreed!

off the Potomac - 

An early start and favorable tide got us into Calverts at Solomons MD early afternoon.  It was nice to park behind Morning Star – but we thought our luck was out again when Randy and Cindy did not appear to be home.  Thankfully they returned and we had a few minutes to catch up before they had to move their boat.  These fine folks are main players in the annual Krogen Rendezvous madness.  Randy is an expert dock master – lining up 30+ Krogens Boat Show style on the Calvert Docks.  Cindy is dear to my “feet” as she gifted me a pair of Keen sandals that I have worn almost constantly since last October.

We have been catching up on chores – that is laundry and provisioning for Julia and stabilizer diagnostics, belt changing and oil hauling for Steve – before heading up to the Delaware Bay and on to Cape May. Later…..