Cruising Chesapeake Bay

Splash time at Jenning's Boatyard, Reedville VA

A fine old cat boat sailing in Reedville.

While anchored in Reedville, we visited the Fishing Museum. Here we learned a lot about the menhaden fishing industry. We are also glad that we learned about pound nets - a method of trapping fish that flow into the maze of nets as the tides change. We're glad that we knew what these were before we saw the "fences" in the water as we set sail across the Bay.

A pound net up close. These are a good reason not to sail at night on Chesapeake Bay.

St Thomas Lighthouse

Sleepy Onancock on the Eastern Shore was our first port-of-call outside of Reedville. Onancock Wharf is on the right.

Sailing across the Bay, we were able to try out our new Monitor wind vane, dubbed "Becca". Notice that there are no hands on the helm, but we are gently rolling along. Why did we name our vane 'Becca'? Our daughter-in-law could probably tell you. When she cruised with us to Key West, she helped steer - often getting well above or below the course. The vane does the same thing. But they both steer tirelessly, without complaint and help get us where we are going.

Crisfield was our next port. After one day at anchor, we got a slip here to escape from some very hot, humid weather. (We can use our central A/C system when we have shore power). The state marina facilities were excellent and there are lots of places in the town that are within walking distance. A great place to spend a few days!

Reflections in our dorade (left) Cat boat on Leeds Creek (right)

Molly relaxing at sundown, Whitehall. (left) Sun canopy at work, Indian Creek. (right)

St. Michael's Lighthouse (left). Alexandra at anchor at St. Michael's Inner Harbor (right).

St. Michael's was a favorite spot on our cruise. The Chesapeake Museum, marked by the lighthouse, is really nice. We loved all of the boats on display!

Skip Jack - Maryland's state boat (left). Cabin Cruiser, beautifully restored (right).

A "push boat" in action (right). The small boat tied at the rear of the sailing vessel has just enough room for an engine. Sunset at St Michael's (below).

On to Baltimore... Baltimore Lighthouse

We spent a week in Baltimore visiting old friends. John and I built a new dodger for Bob and Barbara. The marina allowed me to set up my sewing machine in one of their buildings. What a great place to work! With the help of John and Bob, the dodger was completed in one week, including making a pattern and ordering materials!

Here it is after all the work is done. Guess we didn't stop to take many pictures while we were busy working on it.

I did some of the sewing outdoors on a picnic table. This little squirrel teased Molly, who was on her leash near the table. Silly squirrel!

Time to return to peace and quiet... Misty morning, Rhodes Bay (left) Sunset, Rhodes Bay (right).