September 11

After getting fuel at Centerport Harbor we headed to Port Washington. Another day of wind in the wrong direction which means motoring. We got to meet up with Milt and Maryann Stamm and had a wonderful dinner with them. From our boat this evening we could see the twin lights glowing up into the sky honoring the fallen. 11 years ago today.

September 12

At 6:30 am we dropped the mooring line. We headed to NYC. It was fun going under all of the bridges we used to drive over to go to Long Island or NYC. Seeing everything from the water is quite a different perspective. We timed the current right and went through Hell’s Gate then on through NYC. It’s a sight! When we got through the city there was Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Can you imagine arriving on a steamer years ago and seeing her for the first time?

Now it’s time for another overnighter. We leave the city behind and head out between Long Island and Sandy Hook NJ. There isn’t wind so we motor again. Eventually the wind does come up but on the nose so another long motor to the Delaware River. We arrive at dawn. We head up the river to an anchorage at Reedy Island just before the C & D canal.  So 30 hours after leaving Port Washington we finally get to relax, take a shower and make a nice dinner before falling into bed to get some well-welcomed rest.

September 14

This morning it is pea soup fog. We watched the sunrise and the fog roll in. We will leave at 9:30 to catch the tide going through the canal. Thankfully the fog lifted enough so we could see the 100 foot opening in the wall we have to go through to get back in the main part of the river. There were at least 10 other boats all heading to the C & D.  It took about 2 hours to get through the canal. It was first proposed in 1661. It opened in 1829 and had a set of 3 locks. It is now an open water way. Once in the Chesapeake we have to follow the channel here because the water is so shallow.  The wind is on our nose again so we motor to the Sassafras River. Once on the river we are finally were able to sail up to a beautiful spot to anchor in 8ft of water. It’s a hot afternoon so we are soon in the water for a swim and clean the water line of the boat.