Good to go
Trip Start
Jun 22, 2007
1
7
43
Trip End
Sep 25, 2007
Chesapeake City,
Maryland,
United States
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
We continued up past the memorial bridge and into "unexplored territory". At the top of C.B. we found tall bluffs beautiful trophy homes and lots of barges. We run the radar to get practice in good visibility. Using the radar is more involved than just seeing a "blip" and steering out of the way. You have to track the target, determine what it is and anticipate its behavior. This takes training and practice. We are just getting used to it.
We are actually at Summit North Marina on the C&D canal. We pulled in about 5pm when a "doomsday" storm started. Luckily, we tied up just before the rain and wind came in. It was so, so hot yesterday that something had to give. It did. Then after the storm things got a bit better.
We were happy to see that two of our friends "Autumn Wind" and "Grey Pearl" came into the same marina. All of us are heading to new england. We had an impromptu cocktail hour.
This morning, we had planned to leave at 0630 but we find the C&D Canal closed due to fog. No telling when we will leave. But in the mean time we are enjoying AC and cable. With luck, we will still leave today.
We have been talking to various friends and sources to decide on our route north. As a result of that input, we have decided to take the longer route via NYC and Long Island Sound. The inlets on the south side of LI are too unpredictable and have strong currents. We have kind have gotten the idea because so many folks are saying "why would you do that"? So our next steps will be to get to Cape May, Atlantic City and New York City. Then we will proceed east through LI Sound. I think its a solid choice.
Comments
Corroded wire.
Glad to read only a corroded wire. I take it that you couldn't determine that by inspection. You new itinerary sound wonderful; we will travel vicariously with you.
On to Long Island Sound
Hi Guys,
It was good to speak with you yesterday.
Glad to hear of your decision to go up the Sound. We think that you will enjoy it.
A couple of thoughts:
- There is a very nice marina inside Sandy Hook, behind a long breakwater, at Atlantic Highlands (bit out of your way but very secure).
- Be sure to get and use a Tidal Current Table when planning your timing for going up the East River. At max flood and ebb stage the current can reach nearly five knots. With careful planning and timing you can get a little help going up the river and through Hell Gate and then after the turn of the tide help going out (past LaGuardia Airport) to the sound.
Long Island Sound
Since you have decided to go north through LI Sound (a wise decision BTW), here are some anchoring suggestions:
You will probably want to stay in Cape May and I would suggest a marina for this one stop. The anchorage across from the USCG station is crowded and the currents are fluky.
You could make it all the way up the NJ Coast (I wouldn't try it inside), but it will take at least a very early morning wee hour departure. Anchor inside the breakwater at Atlantic Highlands in Sandy Hook.
If you decide to put into one of the NJ inlets (Manasquan or Barnegat Bay- I haven't been in there) then you can make it to NYC the next day. Take a mooring at 79th st boat basin and then see a bit of the city from the convenient subway stop there.
The on through Hell's Gate. You can then anchor in Oyster Bay.
Then cross over to the Ct side and anchor behind Shefield Island off of Norwalk.
From there the Thimble Islands near New Haven are nice.
Moving eastward, stop at Mystic and tie up at the Seaport and visit the museum. It is almost magical to walk through Mystic Seaport at night when all of the tourists are gone. Your price for dockage gives you and your passangers complete access to the museum.
From Mystic it is an easy run down to Block Island.
I will post more suggestions for Mass. and Maine as you get closer.
David