We learned a few things about living in cold, damp, rain drenched weather. Bashing our way up Delaware Bay introduced saltwater into Evergreen where it could find entry. The following few days were cold and rainy due to the effects of hurricane Ian. Record cold temperatures and several inches of rain made life on Evergreen complicated. Condensation began to form in our clothes lockers. It was particularly bad in my lockers. Eventually I was storing sweaters in garbage bags to keep them dry. Any trips to shore involved bailing out the dinghy in full foul weather gear.

Before leaving Chesapeake City we burned- half of our lamp oil, half of our propane, and 3/4 of our fire wood. We were definitely feeling like we needed to escape the cold damp weather. Onward!

October 5th- Chesapeake City to Wharton Creek MD

I was getting tired of trying to think of novel ways to dry out the boat. The wood stove was the winner but we were going through combustibles at an alarming rate. Time to leave. The weather wasn’t really great but the gusty wind was out of the north and would blow us toward our destination. South.

The Admiral spying the entrance to Wharton Creek. The chart is wrong. The buoys are right.

The rain stopped. The moon came out. We could hear Canada geese migrating late into the night. It turned out to be a beautiful night anchored in Wharton Creek.

The next morning we fueled up with diesel and filled our water tanks. Ollie got a short tour of the surroundings.

October 6th- Wharton Creek to West River MD

SUN!!

There was no wind on the bay but the sun was out and the weather dry. Every clothes pin was employed in the endeavor of drying our stuff. Our transistor radio appeared out in the cockpit and a local rock station enlivened the day. Evergreen’s diesel chugged along happily. It’s amazing how a change in weather can improve morale.

Cargo brick.

Thomas Point Lighthouse.

West River was the choice for an anchorage at the end of the day. There were a few marinas around and we were thinking about getting a mooring so we could use the showers. We got there a little late and decided to anchor out in the river. Ollie’s evening commando raid was at the Chalk Point Marina. The neighborhood was a nice place for a walk.

Sunset at West River

October 7th- West River to Solomons Island MD

Another day of (mostly) motoring in warm, dry weather. We made good time to the Patuxent river. The last hour or so we were able to hoiste all sail and actually sail up the river. The sails needed to dry out too.

Solomon’s Island is a favorite of ours. It’s filled with cruising sailboats and we enjoy the whole vibe. Plan “A” was to eat at the marina restaurant. When we arrived the mooring rates were much higher than our last visit, with a change of ownership at Zahnisers Marina. We opted for dinner at home. I grilled up the last steak and Lynne made pasta and olive marinara.

We’re spending a few days here. The marina has nice showers. A good laundry facility. Ollie has a small field he’s laid claim to for daily ball fetching exercise. The marina also runs a shuttle to the grocery store so this will be a big provisioning stop for us. We need food. Maintenance must continue.

Moonrise on Back Creek at Solomons Island. Almost the Harvest Moon.