Sherry Pickett

Early start today paid off as we had current with us almost the whole trip. Calm conditions on the river, very hot and humid by the time we docked. We were blown away by the beauty of the Hudson River and the incredible Palisades (rock walls). Passing by the West Point Military Academy we lost count of the number of army helicopters flying low over the river. We saw a float plane land and spotted many “Canalagators” floating downstream but managed to avoid them all. Several bridges along the way are also interesting and amazing homes built high up on the hillsides give you lots to look at. The Hudson River has been a very pleasant surprise as cruising the river is easy and its beauty was unexpected. We arrived at the Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston, NY and are docked (rafted with Thaleia) here for two nights.

Left early to try to minimize current against us but had more current than expected against us all day. Slow speed through NYC Harbor was quite enjoyable because there’s so much to see. It’s very quiet the rush with all the tugs, barges, big ships and ferries! As we were taking all the obligatory pictures of Lady Lib (which truly is exciting) we notice that anchored just up the river from her were several Sail GP boats. Totally geeked out over Sail GP Canada 🇨🇦 😊. Totally missed the fact ahead of time that they’re racing in NYC this weekend. Motored all day, wind picked up late afternoon from directly behind. The Hudson River north of NYC is very beautiful. Really enjoyed our cruise up river today. Anchored near Half Moon Bay Marina. Love the hills all around.

Very calm trip, fast trip down Delaware Bay with current. Lots of big ship traffic but able to stay just outside channel out of their way. Sea state was flat the entire trip. We had minor adverse current as we came to the bottom of Delaware near Cape May then 2kts against us for a short time as we arrived at Sandy Hook entrance near NYC. Sunset and sunrise were extremely red, I believe due to the air quality from forest fires in Manitoba. The moon although not full provided lots of light overnight. Magical morning at sunrise, while looking at the sky line of NYC saw two whales surface near the boat. Nice trip with SV Thaleia.

A beautiful day on the C & D canal. Timed the current well so it was a fast and short trip to our anchorage just south of Delaware City. Stopped here so we can time the currents for our passage down Delaware Bay tomorrow morning.

After three weeks in Annapolis Harbor we finally started heading north again. Sailed 75% of the trip which was really nice. Winds were a bit gusty, bat a bit choppy. Overcast but overall good conditions. Anchored at Ford Landing in the Bohemia River with our buddy boat SV Thaleia. On route we saw a tall ship replica of a Swedish vessel: “Kalmar Nyckel (Swedish for 'Key of Kalmar') was a Swedish ship built by the Dutch[a] famed for carrying Swedish settlers to North America in 1638, to establish the colony of New Sweden. The name Kalmar Nyckel comes from the Swedish city of Kalmar and nyckel meaning 'key' in Swedish. The name was also a tribute to Kalmar Castle which was a symbol of power during the time of the Swedish Empire when Sweden was a military great power. A replica of the ship was launched at Wilmington, Delaware, in 1997.”

Update 22 May: Decided not to pursue trucking the boat home. Will move on toward the Erie canal when we get some good weather and more news about when it will open. After spending the weekend at the dock we moved into the mooring field on Sunday, just in time to get one of the last mooring balls as many boaters were arriving for the USNA graduation week and air show. We were able to watch the Blue Angels “Arrival & Circle” for two hours Tuesday morning then Rehersal in the afternoon. It was very impressive! The scheduled air show for Wed. was cancelled due to weather. Also enjoyed another day sightseeing in Washington DC. 16 May: Another rainy day in Annapolis. Downpour started just after docking. Since the news yesterday that the portion of the Erie Canal we need to transit to get home to Lake Ontario will not be opening for at least 4-5 more weeks we will be staying in Annapolis for at least the next week. The canal opening was scheduled for May 16 but has been delayed due to high water levels and now structural damage and other repairs are needed to the canal (on its 200th Anniversary) Opening day celebrations and events have had to be postponed. We are looking at options for getting us and the boat home, lots of facilities and services here. As we are 11 months into our one year trip we are really looking forward to getting home asap. It’s been a great adventure but time to get back home 🏠 Considering shipping the boat on a truck and flying home. Decided to come into a marina for a few days to make it more convenient to take care of laundry etc.

Very calm morning on the beautiful San Domingo Creek. Motored to Annapolis but had some assist from the sail very briefly. Wind was picking up a bit just as we arrived in Annapolis. Took a mooring ball in the Front Forty close to the US Naval Academy. Expecting lots of rain and wind tomorrow so will be staying here for a few days. Enjoyed a walk around town and dinner at Davis Pub with the crews of Second Star and Thaleia. Nice to see the town not in boat show mode. Looking forward to spending the day here with Suzanne & Joe (SV Patience) on Wednesday!

Flat calm conditions, motored all the way. Travelling with Second Star and Thaleia. Beautiful estates along the shores here. Had a lovely afternoon walk around this quaint little but busy town. Unfortunately not enough time to check out the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum but it looks like it would be a great museum to visit. Tons of restaurants, chose Foxy’s by the water with live music. Very nice calm evening on anchor. Settling in to watch the Leafs Panthers game.

Motored all day, motor sailed for a short time. Arrived at beautiful Mill Creek (Solomons) where we were invited to dock at the home of Harry & Kati, friends of Susan & David. We rafted to SV Thaleia (Eva & Tomas from Sweden 🇸🇪) and then tied up Second Star across the sterns of both boats. Enjoyed a fun evening aboard Thaleia.

Very light winds and calm seas. Motored all day. Saw a few pods of dolphins. Unfortunately the town is pretty run down, many vacant stores. At 5:30PM couldn’t find an open store or restaurant. Seems we’re a little early in the season. Had hoped to take a ferry to nearby Tangier Island but the service doesn’t start until the end of May. Marina docks and staff are very good. Given free slices of cake from Smiths island bakery which was delicious!