Splashdown and on to Solomons Island

June 18 - 24, 2015

As our stay at Zimmerman Marine had extended to over two weeks we suddenly had something to look forward to: the arrival of our friends Ken and Ann on M/V Charis.

We had met them even before we started the loop at a gathering in 2013 in Cape Coral for Loopers and wannabes. Their refrigerator on the boat had died and they ordered a new one to be installed at Zimmerman’s.

We had the rental car and so we all went out to dinner that night and in the following days we took them to all the little byways that we had been exploring.



Ken and Ann with us at Cocomo's in Deltaville, VA

The next day was Father's Day and we all went over to Kilmarnock so the dads could have some wood grilled burgers - a big hit. Afterward we went to the Historic Christ Church to get a little taste of the history of the area.

Historic Christ Church in Irvington- roof is being repaired

Ann and I try out the high back pews - not so comfortable

Three tiered pulpit has a sounding board over it

On Tuesday, June 23, Serenity was all put back together, had new bottom paint and was ready to go back in the water! The big blue truck, Sisyphus, picked her up and started the slow ride back down to the water.

Alex attaches the chains to hold the truck in place while the hydraulic
trailer backs the boat even further

Almost there!

She is back in the water and her newly polished hull is sparkling!

We moved back aboard and we had to wait twenty-four hours to let the hull sit in the water before the final alignment could be done. On Wednesday John and the trusty mechanic, Bob, took her out for a sea trial. John said the ride was so smooth it felt like a new boat!

 

June 25, 2015

It was exciting to get underway again and we were eager to get going at first light and leave the little narrow channel at high tide. Our timing was great and Ken and Ann on Charis were right behind us.

 

Charis, with her bright blue hull, follows us out of the channel at sunrise

Charis passes us in the early morning light. We had to go south out
of Mobjack Bay before turning north on the Chesapeake

After rounding New Point Comfort Lighthouse we were on the broad bay

 

Serenity on the move on a beautiful morning           photo by Ann S.

Smith Point Marina - not much there but it was a welcome haven for the
night with thunderstorms expected

 

Captain’s Log June 25, 2015

Departed: Zimmerman Marine, Mobjack Bay, Cardinal, VA at 5:55 am.

Engine hours: 7.2 hrs. – 733.8 total for trip
Actual hours: 7 hrs.
Miles covered 57.37 - Total for trip: 5207
Arrived: Smith Point Marina, Reedville, VA. 12:55 pm.
Weather: clear, wind light and variable. Temp mid-70s and climbed to mid-80s. Left early to ride high tide out of marina, nice ride, repairs on the boat were good. Vibrations are gone! Getting into Smith Marina a little challenging to find the channel but with help we arrived without going aground.  

Friday, June 26

The forecast was for a breezier day, but we really wanted to get to Solomons Island where there would be a lot of places to walk and restaurants to visit, so we set out. As soon as we turned onto the bay it was a bit rough with 2 to 4 footers and we rocked quite a bit taking lots of waves over the bow, but it was doable. We had to pass the large mouth of the Potomac River and then the waters calmed down a bit as we approached land.

Charis entering the Patuxent river

This was a big day for Ken and Ann because they would be finishing their great loop! They had started over three years ago from Solomons Island and had traveled it in sections every year and this was their last leg. They were crossing their wake as they entered the area and it was the culmination of a lot of hours traveling and many miles covered.
It was a rough and bumpy day out on the water, but not our worst. Our big moment was entering another state - we were now in Maryland.

Celebrating with Ken and Ann

Now they can fly the gold flag and are officially Gold Loopers!

A welcoming sign at the entrance of Solomons Island
"God Bless Y'all Real Good!"

Captain’s Log Jun 26, 2015

Departed: Departed Smith Point Marina, Reedville, VA at 0715 a.m.
Engine hours: 5.1 hrs /total on trip 738.9
Actual Hours: 5 hrs 15 minutes
Miles covered: 39.47 total for trip 5246 
Arrived: Zahniser’s Yacht Center, Solomons Island, MD
Weather: Clear, temps in 70s, north wind 15-20 and occasionally 25

Departed Smith Point and came into the Bay. North wind initially gave us beam seas of 2-3 footers and gradually bigger. We turned North as soon as we could and tacked a bit as we proceeded across the mouth of the Potomac River. Seas were 2-3 and occasional 4, short time between them gave us quite a pitchy ride.  They did calm a bit once past the mouth of the Potomac but still rough all the way to Solomons Island.