October 11th- Solomons Island, MD to Mill Creek, VA

Our last day in Solomon’s was extremely productive. The boatyard shuttle transported us and most of our treasures. We filled up with food and booze. West Marine and True Value were also on the list. Most important, was a stop at Captain Smith’s Seafood Market. We procured some red snapper, crab soup, and the best crab cakes we’ve had (so far).

The trip down the bay to Mill Creek was uneventful. Since we had some miles to cover we hoisted the dinghy up on the fore deck. Evergreen cuts through the water better when not dragging the dinghy. Our speed is better and I imagine our fuel usage to be lower. The down side: there is more weight in the bow where the boat doesn’t need it. I believe the pros outweigh the cons. We’re still working on our “dinghy hoisting” technique but it’s working out.

We crossed the Potomac river and entered Virginia.

Point No Point Lighthouse. I believe the little building is the outhouse. Just imagine that on a January morning.

Mill Creek is ridiculously peaceful. Eagles hunting jumping fish. Great Blue Herons doing whatever Great Blue Herons do. Lynne saw two foxes playing on the beach during the morning commando raid. There is a little peninsula with a beach that we bring Ollie to.

Ollie has fully utilized every berth in the boat.

Evergreen anchored in Mill Creek.

Admiral dodging wildlife on the morning commando raid.

October 12th- Mill Creek, VA to Jackson Creek/ Deltaville,VA

This trip down the Chesapeake has been so different from the whole New Jersey/ Delaware part. Calm winds, warm days, benign weather. We’re still having cool nights but nothing compared to a week ago.

We had a short ride today. Captain and crew were up early and finished the day around noon at Deltaville. Jackson Creek has a tricky entrance but we have experience with it so the navigation wasn’t problematic. We were coasting in with a very low diesel tank so I was planning on docking for fuel. Both a huge catamaran and a tri-maran were tied up to the fuel dock, filling the whole pier. We gave up on fueling and dropped the hook. We’ll get diesel before leaving.

Rain and an unfavorable south wind are predicted for tomorrow. We are going to stay at the Jackson Creek anchorage an additional day. We’ve contracted with the Deltaville Boatyard for use of their facilities. It’s a nice yard with good showers and laundry. We may go on an adventure in the loaner car. There is a good fish monger in town. On site is a restaurant and brewpub which is open tomorrow. I really like a good sandwich with a dark beer! We are prepared for a rainy day.

We have been seeing pelicans for the past couple of days. Today I saw my first pair of dolphins.