2020: Chesapeake Bay to Chesapeake City MD

19 May 2020

Depart: Harness Creek off South River near Annapolis, MD 7:45

Arrive: Schaefer’s Canal Marina, C&D Canal 3:30

Distance:  56 nm

I put an extra blanket on the bed last night and felt happy with that decision when I woke to a chilly 58 degrees this morning. Although it was sunny, we had a cold north wind. Clark prefers to pilot from the upper helm, so we drove from up there.  We had the front panel of the full enclosure closed for warmth, so we had a spotty view from the saltwater residue of yesterday's travel.

Clark wanted an early start to try to escape some of the high winds predicted for later in the day. Unfortunately, we had the current against us all day as we made our way north on Chesapeake Bay. As expected, the winds picked up around noon, so we had a lot of travel with high winds of 20 to 30 knots.

It made my day to see one of the Chesapeake Bay lighthouses. I told Clark to get a good picture so I can try painting it!

Baltimore Light

We saw very little boat traffic today. Today was certainly not the first time I have been out on the water wondering why no one else was about. We did see a couple of freighters that, via AIS, we determined were both at anchor.

We have seen the Chesapeake Bay bridge numerous times either by driving on it or under it, but it never ceases to amaze me in its structure. Clark and I both got camera happy snapping pictures. Clark loves to take shots as we pass under to get architecture photos.

We did pass a few not-at-anchor boats / ships today.

I love the blue tug!

Dredging boat 1

Dredging boat 2

Security boat at dredging area at
"Power Dredge Study Area"

As we moved along, against the wind, fighting the current, and bucking the waves, we once more listened to NPR to pass the time. Clark set the boat up for the autopilot to follow a route through the bay. The water depths of 20-to-30 feet closely matched the wind speeds of 20-to-30 knots.

Suddenly, a blue flag appeared a few feet in front of the boat. I saw it and alerted Clark and he dodged it. After that, we had to stay focused as blue and white-flagged traps peppered the waterway.

At the time the flags started to appear, Clark had our route set just outside the main ship channel. He had straightened out our route to cut off a bend in the main channel. Unfortunately, that yielded traps for us to evade. Eventually, he altered our course to be within the channel to cut down on trap dodging activity.

Fortunately, at the time we were dodging traps, we had somewhat reasonable visibility. Earlier, I had carried a bucket of water up and wiped down the front panel to remove the salt-spray residue. I had Clark do a section I could not reach. I had to laugh when he spent time trying to make it perfect. Five minutes after we put the bucket away, we already had salt spray on the panel. At least it took a while for it to build up again.

As we passed by the Susquehanna and Elk Rivers, we got stronger winds and bigger splashes hitting the bow of the boat. When a big wave hit, we had serious visibility issues until the water drained away.

I went down to the pilot house where we have the aid of windshield wipers. Clark, however, stayed up top, so eventually, I rejoined him up there and watched the salt water run down the panel after each big wave strike.

We kept thinking that the winds would die down as we got to more protected areas. As we passed by some bluffs, we thought that might help. We noticed no difference. The winds gusted to 40 knots on occasion.

Bluffs on the Chesapeake

Clark considered anchoring in the Bohemia Bay area, but with the fetch blowing out of there, he decided to take a chance on the free dock in Chesapeake City. Even in the canal, winds pummeled the boat. Taking pictures today was a real challenge as the wind shook the camera!

Ships docked on the canal

Tugs - my favorite!

Bridge at Chesapeake City, MD ahead

Sadly, when we arrived at the free dock in Chesapeake City, we found three boats tied up there spread out enough to take up the entire dock. Knowing we have tried unsuccessfully to anchor here in the past, we now had to make new plans.

Sunset Delight churned up mud as Clark maneuvered the boat out of the basin and back into the canal. With no boat traffic, Clark let the boat drift while we tried to come up with Plan B on the spot. Perhaps because our boat was drifting sideways down the canal, or perhaps because he was looking for some business, the dockmaster at Schaefer's Canal Marina called us on the radio to see if we were okay.

He thought we might be in trouble and asked if we required assistance. Clark took the opportunity to inquire as to whether or not he had space and what the rate would be for a night's stay. The dockmaster had limited availability. A very large vessel, Star Ship, occupied the guest dock, so that option was out. (I wonder if the owner might be a Trekky.)

MV Star Ship

The space next to that was under construction.

Dock under construction at Schaefer's Canal Marina

The only other option was a section beyond the fuel dock that had no power availability. Clark said we did not need power. The rate for the night was acceptable to us, so we decided to come in. The dock hand said he would come out to help us dock, and Clark said, "We're fine!" Sometimes I could just smack him!

Thankfully the dock hand ignored that and ran out to help us anyway. How Clark thought we could manage by ourselves with 25 knot winds blowing us off the dock is mind boggling to me. He must think I am wonder woman or something. I had all I could do to throw the lines to the dock hand, so he could wrap a pole and come back for another.

With two lines on - one at mid-ship and one at the stern, we still sat at least 5 feet from the dock. We added two more lines, and one-by-one, by running back and forth, the dock hand reeled us in. Clark worked the bow / stern thrusters. Eventually we got the boat pulled in snug for the night. Clark had a long walk up to the office to pay!

Marina office is down there in the distance somewhere!

When Clark finally got back from his long walk to the office, the first thing I did was sanitize his credit card while he washed his hands. Then, I suggested we hang out our fender boards for the night. After that, since it was still only 4:30 or so, we actually had a chance to sit and relax before I had to make dinner. Amazing!

Later, while I was working in the galley, four people walked by the boat. We looked and, surprise, saw that a sailboat had tied up further along on the dock. I guess they saw us through the window because they waved as they walked by.  Clark got a picture of their sailboat when he took tonight's sunset picture.