Finally! Bon Voyage!

After so many dreams, lots of studying, some elbow grease, a few upgrades and a few setbacks, we are ON OUR WAY!

We finally have our new Spade anchor. It was a quick change-out from the Fortress to the new one, and the back-up is conveniently stored for quick access if needed. 

The last few days were calm and suitable for anchoring practice (with the Fortress) along the upper east shore of the Chesapeake Bay. I did nearly all the motoring while Pete managed the ground tackle. Pete was not happy with the first anchor-snubber as he tried to use the older, stiff inherited line, so another 35-feet of 5/8-inch three-strand nylon is now part of our upgraded ground tackle. 

This week’s unexpected delays allowed for a serendipitous meeting with an old salt, Chip Belmont. His Albin 35 is directly across from ours at North Point Marina. He has done the Great Loop twice! (..and many other travels!) He offered to share his vast experiences, so we sat down for at least an hour reviewing his log book, his recommendations, and his memories of life on the water. We took feverish notes, exchanged boat cards, and hope to see him again!

On Sunday, before our trawler training, we attended Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Chesterfield. Reverend John A. Grasing gave an inspirational homily. This service celebrated First Holy Eucharist (a.k.a., First Communion) for about a dozen children. He was wonderfully engaging, wandering the aisles, asking challenging questions of the congregants (who readily spoke out), and provided heart-warming and humorous answers and analogies. He offered special blessings to the students of Washington College, who are starting summer vacation next week. He also indulged us, as we wanted him to bless our rosary that will be placed prominently in the lower helm. We came away feeling spiritually ready to start our trip.  

After Mass, we enjoyed brunch at The Kitchen. To be sure, this quiet little rural area has some outstanding restaurants! Among them: Fish Whistle, the restaurant at Osprey Point, and Bay Wolf. 

Last evening, we hosted “Doctails.” We shared a beer with “Cap” who has treated us like family. We brought out the Reverie stemware and a bottle of Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel (which we found at Bay Ridge Wine and Spirits, Annapolis!) and toasted with Lori Campbell, Marina Manager, and new friends Dominic and Sherri Mantoan.    

We left Rock Hall, MD, this morning at first light. Winds were light (7-11 knots) with a slight tidal influence. We had a very easy cruising day to Chesapeake City, MD, where there’s a sheltered cove for anchoring. (We traveled 43 miles.) After lunch, Pete napped and I sketched the bridge. I reached out to the Chesapeake City Harbor Host, Foster Schucker (who has completed The Loop) and he (and wife Susan) graciously met us to share some recommendations. 

We enjoyed a light sunset dinner before retiring early. Tomorrow will be a longer day, about 60 miles. We hope to make Cape May, New Jersey.