June 27th- Hampton, VA to Jackson Creek, Deltaville VA

Hampton is a nice city. It would be easy to spend more time. We met a few cruisers that decided to make it their permanent land base. It was a lot quieter than it was in the fall. They have just started to reopen things. A few restaurants were open with well spaced outdoor seating. Employees all seemed to be taking precautions with masks and gloves. We haven’t been eating out but the smells enticed us. Per a recommendation, we went to Goodies deli and bar for a takeout lunch. I had a fantastic Ruben sandwich. Lynne had a BLT with about 10 pieces of bacon on it. We rolled ourselves back to the boat when finished. While in town we also picked up fresh donuts for breakfast. Not exactly health food but decadent.

Traditional fishing boats- I read something about the round stern being easier to drag nets over (by hand). In this case it’s probably aesthetic. I guess the third son didn’t go to Hampton University and decided to dredge for oysters.

Hampton- Laundry day is exhausting but the air conditioning is pleasant.

This was his perch while I was gorging myself on a Ruben sandwich.

Catalpa is a Cape Dory 28 sailboat. This Cape Dory 10 was the first boat they built in Taunton MA. The rower was a wonderful man who has done a lot of sailing in his life.

Departure from Hampton Roads. Onward! I specifically wanted to leave today due to a southwest wind and the prospect of actually sailing. Catalpa sails much better when she isn’t loaded up with so much cargo but we make due. At one point I was still able to get close to 7 knots. Ray, our autopilot, is overwhelmed at times like this so it’s all hand steering.

Our destination for the day was Jackson Creek. We like the Deltaville Marina. They have showers, ice, diesel, and just about everything else a salt brined pirate needs. I’ve got some electrical work to do. Ollie has a nice frisbee field to conquer. The boatyard has a swimming pool and Lynne is planning on anchoring in it.

Some scenes from Deltaville. This is a travel-lift. It’s used for hauling boats.

They’ve planted two big gardens.

Chesapeake fishing sharpie.

Catalpa anchored in Jackson Creek, Deltaville, VA

We are going to stay here for a few days. I realized that if I kept pressing on I’d be in NJ or NYC on the 4th of July. I’m still debating where we “should” spend that holiday. I’ve heard all of the fireworks have been cancelled, so maybe it doesn’t matter. We don’t have an itinerary for the Chesapeake. One possibility is Annapolis. On our fall migration we stopped at Solomon’s Island. Solomon’s was a favorite so that’s another possibility. Maybe both?