17 May, 2021. Big flat water of the middle bay

52 SM; 7.5 hours

 Early get up and go morning.  Another favorable weather day forecast on the bay.  Seems to be an unusual late spring/early summer event with the high pressure remaining firm over this portion of the east coast.  Not complaining as we have been beat around with winds and waves before and don’t intentionally intend to repeat.  Cloudy and chilly morning as we cast away from the Solomons Island mooring field at 0650.  Fog was forecast across the region, but visibility not supposed to be less than a mile.  Clearing the confineds of the creeks and rivers we were met with a surprisingly bumpy swell from the SE.  It did blow with showers around last night and with the big open bay, a long fetch for even 10-12 mph winds to kick up some waves.  Nothing serious, turning north a bit of swell on the starboard beam creating a gently roll but all in all OK.  

Entering the Patuxent—big smooth river mouth

Dodging a little bit, but planned our course far enough east before turning north to avoid several restricted/prohibited areas:  Calvert cliffs nuclear plant, LNG delivery station, and a couple of military areas.  About two hours north, thank goodness we were not sailing as we would have been in “irons” for sure.  Nearly dead calm, gentle swells where the sky and the water blended together; up/down, left/right was disorientating.  Not complaining!   Our little 27 foot boat chugging along at 7 MPH was quite happy in a glassy smooth Chesapeake bay.

Amazing day on the bay

Early in the afternoon, we were able to make out the outline of the bay bridge over 15 miles away.  Amazing, I was shocked visibility was that good today.  Inching off the miles, approaching Annapolis, MD a very congested area for a Monday.  Large cargo ships anchored south of the bridge, recreational boaters and of course sailboats.  Visit Annapolis

Annapolis in someways was more congested than other ports we have visited.   With the Naval academy along the waterfront, numerous marinas, nooks and crannies tucked off the harbor, mooring fields and water taxies/tour boats running helter-smelter.  We were headed to a mooring ball but first needed to fill our fresh water tank.  Annapolis dock master who also handles the mooring fields directed us to a slip located in the Ego Alley.

Annapolis basin—ego alley

Anyone who have been to Annapolis knows this location.  Restrauants on one side, pedestrians all along both sides and at the end.  This is the original Annapolis waterfront.  Everyone watches from here.  We pulled in got our water and backed out and turned around looking like pros without fuss or muss.  More luck than skill maybe but favorable weather and currents helped.  Less than a mile further around the corner,  we secured to the pendant of  mooring ball #51.  It was 1430 when the diesel and all electronics were secured.  Shortly, the dock master arrived in a big RIB and registered us and took our money.  $25/night which is a decent price for this neck of the woods. Showers and free dinghy dock included.

We splashed Kaos the dinghy and motored back around to Ego alley, securing the dinghy at the end.  We stretched our legs and walked around the waterfront, store fronts and over to the state house.

Maryland state house

Hum—no duck poo

Shooing away the mallard, we untied Kaos and make our way back to Serenity.  Stir-fried veggies, mashed potatoes and left over grilled hamburger made for a great supper as we watched water traffic pass along side.  Will be tourist for a day or two, do laundry, get groceries and a few items for the boat before resuming our northward journey.

3713 SM traveled; 1685.3 hours Hobbs