Century Club: Mick Meckler

We have spent most of our sailing in the mid to upper bay with only a quick trip to Solomon's Island or Deltaville VA. So, time for a grand trip down the bay to Norfolk VA and a possible day trip into the Atlantic Ocean. Since Jen is a high school orchestra conductor she is able to spend time with us over the summer. She is also great behind the camera as the pictures above all came from her. 

Middle River to Dobbins Island on The Magothy River: We didn't get underway until late afternoon as we finished up some shopping and cleaned topside one last time. Finally we shoved off in about 15 knots of wind in Frog Mortar Creek. Not only were the winds much stronger out in the bay but also from our intended direction - south. So we motor sailed to our destination of Dobbins Island in The Magothy River. We anchored around 7:30 pm and had grilled steak, brussel sprouts and potatoes for dinner. A quick phone chat with our other daughter (Katie) and it was off to bed - around 10:30. 

Dobbins Island to Dunn Cove off of Harris Creek. Very quiet night - a bit warm but overall sleeping weather was good. Up to a breakfast of pancakes and sausage and started our preparations to weigh anchor when we spotted some very dark skies and strong storms over the Bay Bridge. So we waited for about an hour and finally got underway. This timing proved excellent as we dogged rain storms all the way behind Popular Island through the cut and into Harris Creek motoring through Knapps Narrows Draw Bridge. Once in Harris Creek it looked like another storm was heading our way so we sailed for one more hour and then headed up the creek to Dunn Cove. There were 5 other boats in the cove so we took some time finding our spot. We cooled down with a drink before dinner of marinated chicken on the grill atop noodles and squash. After dinner we played a game and finally called it bedtime. Calm night. 

Dunn Cove to Spring Cove Marina Solomon's Island. Up to an overcast sky, calm waters, light SE winds, and a simple breakfast of coffee and cereal in the cockpit. It was nice and quiet until we observed commotion on a nearby boat. Upon closer inspection we saw what they were overjoyed about - a pod of 5 dolphins exploring the cove. We followed them as they popped up and down around the boat while searching the area. Of course we took many photos with timing being the greatest challenge. After we cleaned up from breakfast we deployed the dinghy and did some exploring of our own around the cove. We recovered the dinghy around noon, cooked some hotdogs on the grill and motor sailed all the way to Solomons Island into the wonderful Spring Cove Marina. While paying the bill we arranged for the free shuttle to Capt Jim's to get steamed crabs for dinner. After dinner we played an on-line game (Skribbl.io) with Jen's boyfriend and then boaters midnight struck around 10:00. 

Spring Cove Marina to The Great Wicomico River. Up early and did chores as Sue and Jen visited the store. Finally we filled the water tanks and then emptied the holding tanks with the pier side pump out. We shoved off to the fuel dock for a top off of the diesel tank as well as the dinghy gas tank. There were good winds 8-10 knots but from the S/SE so we motor sailed most of the way as we dodged some major storms with only getting some cooling rain now and then. We tried anchoring in Sandy Point (strong recommendation from a friend) but couldn't get the anchor to stick so we went around the bend and finally found a spot off of Rogue Point that we felt secure. Dinner of pork loin on the grill and cucumber salad. We sat outside to cool down until 11 pm and went to bed. Another calm night. 

The Great Wicomico River to East River on Mobjack Bay.  Sunny sky, winds 10-15 from S/SW upper 70's lower 80's. We got underway with intentions of arriving at Mobjack Bay and since we would be going into the winds we motor sailed. Arrived around 6 pm, anchored and payed out almost 100' in 15' of water because of a very strong current and southerly winds predicted to be gusty in the upper 20's. After a cooling swim call (finally no jellies) we were greeted with dinner of grilled salmon and spinach. 

East River to Cape Charles VA. Another simple breakfast of cereal and coffee and enjoyed nature at anchor. Sue made tuna fish sandwiches for lunch and Jen and I tidied up the boat before we set sail for Cape Charles. Since the wind was from the NE at 12-15 on a nice sunny day it was a great port tack all the way across the bay through the anchorage of very large ships awaiting transit up the bay into Cape Charles. We motored into the town docks and backed into the slip and tied up in this very pleasant marina. Our friends, Kevin and Amy drove from Norfolk VA bringing a splendid Italian dinner from their local restaurant. We walked the docks and into town after dinner (ice cream store closed) and then they returned home and we retired for the evening. 

Cape Charles Town Docks to Norfolk Naval Base. Eggs and sausage and fruit was the meal to get us started. After another visit to the pump out we motor sailed across the bay to Norfolk. We encountered lots of activity upon reaching Thimble Shoals and heading into Hampton Roads such as a submarine up close (within 1,000 feet), gun boats, and very large cargo ships. We headed into Willoughby Spit and eventually docked in the MWR Naval Station Norfolk Mariana - a benefit of retiring from the Navy. A very nice marina with new floating docks and long finger piers. Kevin and Amy picked us up for a tour of the base (mostly for Jen) and a wonderful dinner at their place. They returned us to The Office and we went to bed. The trip to Norfolk from Middle River was 236 miles. 

Virginia Beach. A relaxing morning with eggs and sausage we waited until Kevin and Amy arrived around noon and then headed out for a trip over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel to the Atlantic Ocean. Once again the wind was against us and we motored most of the way. There was enough wind when we were in the ocean so we did get the opportunity to say we finally sailed in the ocean. We had lunch underway provided to us by Amy and then dinner down below after docking. 

Norfolk to Stove Point Neck Piankatank River. The day prior we met Kevin and Amy and who drove us around Va Beach so we could show Jen where we lived and worked many years prior. Crabs at their house and back to The Office. Up early, did self service pump out, and then motored out of the harbor into the busy area around Norfolk. Our destination - Deltaville - was a straight shot up the river but very light winds from the NW and a great distance so we one again motored the entire distance. After trying several marinas in Deltaville with no answer so we decided on anchoring  in 9' of water off of Stove Point Neck. No jellies so we enjoyed a cooling swim before grilled shrimp, rice pilaf and salad for dinner. Afterwards we relaxed and cooled down in the cockpit until the real midnight this time. 

Stove Point to Cornfield Harbor off of Point Lookout on the Potomac River. Up early again and watched the sun rise. Quick breakfast of cereal and coffee so we could get moving as it was to be a long day. We started out with great winds from the NW at 10 knots. After getting to the middle of the bay the winds started moving north pushing us more easterly. Then the waves increased to 4-5 feet and the tide was against us. So much for sailing home, so we again started motoring in the now very hot sun and humid air. We had hopes of getting to Pax River but decided on the Potomac River instead. We anchored in Cornfield harbor off of Point Lookout after dodging the minefield of crab pots expecting to take a cool swim. No luck as jellies were quite large and plentiful. At dinner we decided to travel during the night as it would be much cooler. So we cleaned up from dinner, took a few photos of the beautiful sunset and headed on our way for our first night sailing as a family. 

Cornfield Harbor to Parkside. Sue and Jen started once we left the river and arrived in the Bay. I stayed topside until they felt comfortable and then went down below to get some sleep. As planned, I took over the helm around 1:00 in the morning with my daughter staying up with me to help stay awake. We were enjoying the cool evening when suddenly the engine just quit. Yikes, what is it? A quick look into the fuel tank highlighted the absence of fuel. Now, what to do my daughter asks? Well, we have sails – let’s raise them. So we sailed until after sunrise when we arrived in Herring Bay and reached out to Towboat US who provided us enough fuel to get us to Annapolis where we topped off and made it home safely to Middle River.

Thus ended our trip. While many things went extremely well and we had a great time, we did lean some valuable lessons. While many cruisers already know this, I and I thought I knew it, the first thing you remove from the boat before a long voyage is the schedule. We were pushing ourselves for unrealistic distances which limited our actual sailing and demanded either motor sailing or motoring. Also, we returned home to pick up another guest. It would have been more rewarding to have flown that guest down south and then we all travel north together. Check fuel levels often - while I am very diligent about my fuel level - I actually measure the depth of the tank and calculate the gallons - I did not take into consideration the extra work the engine was doing pushing against the wind and tide and currents. We burned almost double the normal consumption rate. Plan to sail at night when it is hot and humid. While we eventually did this, it would have been more comfortable had we done it sooner. 

All in all, it was an experience which we hope to repeat - without mistakes - in 2021.

Days: 11    To Date: 23

Miles: 461.1    To Date: 633.3

Well we finally purchased a dinghy and engine to aid in our near costal explorations. I was able to load the dinghy on the bow and the engine (with help from friends from our marina) on the stern rail and finally get underway by 2 pm. I had friends waiting for me at Still Pond to practice launching and recovering the dinghy by myself as well as enjoying the nice sunny weather. Since I was in a hurry and winds were from the north I mostly motor sailed. Finally anchored in Still Pond and then Marty and Stephanie rowed over to me and we worked on the process of launching my dinghy and my engine and then recovering. Finally after a number of successful attempts and the dinghy in the water we headed over to their boat for a potluck dinner and conversation. Headed back to The Office  around 10:00 PM and called it boaters midnight and went to bed. A bit rocky overnight but cool and breezy. 

Up early with a simple breakfast and coffee. I took the time to explore Still Pond Creek with the new dinghy (The Cubicle). I also took this opportunity to swim under the boat and examine the damage to the rudder and determined it was mostly a 'flesh' wound and will have it fixed when I am hauled out for a bottom paint in July. Then I recovered the dinghy and engine by myself and headed home. 

A quick trip but lots of fun. 

Days: 2    To Date: 11

Miles: 31.7  To Date: 171.4

Another quick trip for an anchorage in Still Pond and an overnight at Rock Hall Landing with our daughter and her boyfriend. Cool weekend in the mid to high 60's with winds from the NW to W ranging 5-12 knots. Mostly partly cloudy to sunny. 

Late start on Saturday as we did a quick wash down of topside and had waffles and sausage for breakfast. Finally we left the docks at around 11:30. We motored out of Frog Mortar Creek into Middle River where we hoisted the sails with winds of about 10 knots on a close reach. Eventually we ended up on a run and arrived at Still Pond. This time we went to the southern part of Still Pond. It was quite crowded and we turned and decided to anchor in the northern side. I have hit something there before (sometime in 2016) and was careful when transiting. Having believed that I was clear of the obstacle, I rapidly accelerated. BAM, BAM BAM. Ouch. Not good. We weren’t moving. I reached out to a trusted colleague who recommended we take soundings all around the boat. Plenty of water all around. So he recommended I ‘punch’ the engine to ‘hop’ off the underwater structure. That worked, the keel was no longer stuck – unfortunately it was now stuck on the rudder. Double ouch. Once again we punched it and finally became unencumbered of everything. We quickly motored to our anchoring and checked for any leaks on the rudder post etc. All was well - except maybe my pride. Anyway we relaxed with grapefruit slushies and my wife's 7 layer dip. Then dinner of filet mignon, shrimp skewers, and asparagus. Light rain every now and then ended the evening. 

Quiet night but chilly (57 degrees outside). We warmed up the cabin with a breakfast of eggs and sausage and toast. Finally underway around noonish and there was no wind so we motored to Rock Hall Landing 'D' dock. Dinner from Waterman's Crab House, played games and hit the hay. 

Up early after a quiet night to little wind again. Motor sailed across the bay to the Pleasure Island Cut and then into Middle River. 

Days: 3    To Date: 7

Miles: 17.2 To Date: 109.2