June 5, 2011
Yesterday was our one year anniversary; it was a year ago that we sold the house and retired! Yikes!
After leaving Urbanna we anchored in front of St. Mary’s College on the St. Mary’s River. This is a well-protected large anchorage with plenty of depth. The college is welcoming to boaters. We can use their dock and even eat in the student café. The town of St. Mary’s was originally the capital of Maryland. We strolled through the historic city and visited the college then went to the student union to suck up as much air conditioning as we could. The area has been experiencing near record heat. During the night we slept in the cockpit until about 2AM when it finally cooled off a bit.
After leaving the St. Mary River we spent the 4 days in Colonial Beach on the Potomac River. The trip to Colonial Beach was a “should-a, could-a, would-a” day. We spent 10 hours motoring into 20 knot winds and 2-3 knots of current. We should-a spent the day anchored in the well protected harbor of St. Mary’s, we certainly could-a, and we would-a if we had only used some cruisers common sense! Our plan was proceed to Colonial Beach, anchor and rent a car to visit Stratford Hall, the historic home of the Lee family. As it turned out, it was too shallow to anchor, so we went to a dock. We were able to get the weekend rental car special and decided use the car to explore the area.
Our first day with the car, we spent the afternoon with the Lee’s. There was so much to see and understand; we continually consulted the graph of the family genealogy which starts pre-Revolutionary War. The family was very involved with the founding of our country. In fact the Lees were the only families having two brothers sign the Declaration of Independence.
Of course the Lee that we were most familiar with was Robert E.. We have learned bits and pieces about his life as we have traveled. We took a tour of the house and grounds. Francie has remarked several times that it is thrilling to walk on the same ground as so many historic figures. We try to imagine what life was like during that time era. In comparison to now, it certainly was difficult, and we are seeing it from the wealthy segment of society. Life was much more difficult for the ordinary person. The only part of their lives that we can truly identify with is the travel. A horse traveled at about 5 miles an hour and when the current is against us, so do we!
In addition to the Lee’s we visited Washington’s birth place and the James Monroe’s birth place.
June 8, 2011
After leaving Colonial Beach, we anchored in a small inlet across from Quantico. Francie was sure someone was monitoring everything we said. Despite our paranoia it was a beautiful anchorage.
Yesterday we visited Mount Vernon, Washington’s plantation. We were able to enter the plantation from the water. They have a wharf where cruise boats pick up passengers for a tour of the Potomac. There was enough room for us to anchor and use the dinghy to get to the dock. After talking to the dock master, we realized that there was not enough depth for us to stay the night. (We saw 6 feet at high tide and there is a 3 foot tide. We need at least 5and a half. ) We toured the plantation. It is an impressive restoration. The highlight was talking to Martha Washington. She was in an air conditioned room (it was really hot) and people could go in and talk to her. The actress looked exactly like the pictures we had seen of Martha. When a person walked into the room, he/she was greeted making the person feel like a guest in her home. She was personable and humorous. Not only did she chat about George and their life, but also solicited questions from the audience. The woman was an excellent actress.
When arriving back to the boat, we realized the tide had dropped almost a foot and we had to leave before we were aground. We crossed the river and anchored in front of Mount Vernon. Several times during the late afternoon and evening, we commented to ourselves, “Do you believe we are looking at George Washington’s home from across the river.” There is a maritime/navy tradition to ring 8 bells in tribute to George Washington as you pass the dock. We observed that tradition as we entered the channel to Mt. Vernon.
Yesterday was our one year anniversary; it was a year ago that we sold the house and retired! Yikes!
After leaving Urbanna we anchored in front of St. Mary’s College on the St. Mary’s River. This is a well-protected large anchorage with plenty of depth. The college is welcoming to boaters. We can use their dock and even eat in the student café. The town of St. Mary’s was originally the capital of Maryland. We strolled through the historic city and visited the college then went to the student union to suck up as much air conditioning as we could. The area has been experiencing near record heat. During the night we slept in the cockpit until about 2AM when it finally cooled off a bit.
After leaving the St. Mary River we spent the 4 days in Colonial Beach on the Potomac River. The trip to Colonial Beach was a “should-a, could-a, would-a” day. We spent 10 hours motoring into 20 knot winds and 2-3 knots of current. We should-a spent the day anchored in the well protected harbor of St. Mary’s, we certainly could-a, and we would-a if we had only used some cruisers common sense! Our plan was proceed to Colonial Beach, anchor and rent a car to visit Stratford Hall, the historic home of the Lee family. As it turned out, it was too shallow to anchor, so we went to a dock. We were able to get the weekend rental car special and decided use the car to explore the area.
Our first day with the car, we spent the afternoon with the Lee’s. There was so much to see and understand; we continually consulted the graph of the family genealogy which starts pre-Revolutionary War. The family was very involved with the founding of our country. In fact the Lees were the only families having two brothers sign the Declaration of Independence.
Of course the Lee that we were most familiar with was Robert E.. We have learned bits and pieces about his life as we have traveled. We took a tour of the house and grounds. Francie has remarked several times that it is thrilling to walk on the same ground as so many historic figures. We try to imagine what life was like during that time era. In comparison to now, it certainly was difficult, and we are seeing it from the wealthy segment of society. Life was much more difficult for the ordinary person. The only part of their lives that we can truly identify with is the travel. A horse traveled at about 5 miles an hour and when the current is against us, so do we!
In addition to the Lee’s we visited Washington’s birth place and the James Monroe’s birth place.
June 8, 2011
After leaving Colonial Beach, we anchored in a small inlet across from Quantico. Francie was sure someone was monitoring everything we said. Despite our paranoia it was a beautiful anchorage.
Yesterday we visited Mount Vernon, Washington’s plantation. We were able to enter the plantation from the water. They have a wharf where cruise boats pick up passengers for a tour of the Potomac. There was enough room for us to anchor and use the dinghy to get to the dock. After talking to the dock master, we realized that there was not enough depth for us to stay the night. (We saw 6 feet at high tide and there is a 3 foot tide. We need at least 5and a half. ) We toured the plantation. It is an impressive restoration. The highlight was talking to Martha Washington. She was in an air conditioned room (it was really hot) and people could go in and talk to her. The actress looked exactly like the pictures we had seen of Martha. When a person walked into the room, he/she was greeted making the person feel like a guest in her home. She was personable and humorous. Not only did she chat about George and their life, but also solicited questions from the audience. The woman was an excellent actress.
When arriving back to the boat, we realized the tide had dropped almost a foot and we had to leave before we were aground. We crossed the river and anchored in front of Mount Vernon. Several times during the late afternoon and evening, we commented to ourselves, “Do you believe we are looking at George Washington’s home from across the river.” There is a maritime/navy tradition to ring 8 bells in tribute to George Washington as you pass the dock. We observed that tradition as we entered the channel to Mt. Vernon.
Washington DC
Greetings from Washington DC
We arrived early this afternoon in near record breaking heat. Since the only way to run our small but beloved conditioner is to hook up to electric at the dock, we docked at the Capital Yacht Club. When the heat breaks, we will anchor out in front of the club. We have the use of the club facilities and are invited to participate in events. The club which was founded in 1892 is very low key and the people are very cruiser friendly.
This evening we plan to walk the mall and tour around tomorrow. This weekend is a 14 mile bike ride from here to Mount Vernon sponsored by the yacht club. We are thinking of joining them.
June 16, 2011
In the past we talked to people who mentioned they planned to stay in DC for a couple of weeks and then stayed a month. Mike found that a little hard to believe. There has been no place that he liked that much. Mike admits he was wrong; it is easy to spend a month in DC. We have meet people that are anchored and plan to spend the summer.
There is so much to do. Because there are so many places that do not charge an admission, it helps our budget. We are within walking and biking distance of the mall. This morning on our walk, we passed by the Washington Monument, stopped by the White House and walked between several of the Smithsonian Museums all in 40 minutes. It is amazing to see the places that have been so frequently referred to in the news and daily life. One day we rode our bike to Old Town Alexandria, a center of commerce before Washington DC existed. After securing bus passes, we figured out how to get to the National Cathedral and Georgetown. Sometimes we feel like such country bumpkins, “Lookie over there Francie, why that there’s …..”
We have listened to music, attended a panel discussion on National Security (moderated by Ann Compton from ABC news) at the National Archives and visited a multitude of museums and governmental buildings.
The yacht club is wonderful and treats us like members. We joined the bike trip to Mt. Vernon. Once we arrived our bikes were ferried out to 4 awaiting motor yachts and we had a barbeque. It gave us an opportunity to meet some of the members.
We arrived early this afternoon in near record breaking heat. Since the only way to run our small but beloved conditioner is to hook up to electric at the dock, we docked at the Capital Yacht Club. When the heat breaks, we will anchor out in front of the club. We have the use of the club facilities and are invited to participate in events. The club which was founded in 1892 is very low key and the people are very cruiser friendly.
This evening we plan to walk the mall and tour around tomorrow. This weekend is a 14 mile bike ride from here to Mount Vernon sponsored by the yacht club. We are thinking of joining them.
June 16, 2011
In the past we talked to people who mentioned they planned to stay in DC for a couple of weeks and then stayed a month. Mike found that a little hard to believe. There has been no place that he liked that much. Mike admits he was wrong; it is easy to spend a month in DC. We have meet people that are anchored and plan to spend the summer.
There is so much to do. Because there are so many places that do not charge an admission, it helps our budget. We are within walking and biking distance of the mall. This morning on our walk, we passed by the Washington Monument, stopped by the White House and walked between several of the Smithsonian Museums all in 40 minutes. It is amazing to see the places that have been so frequently referred to in the news and daily life. One day we rode our bike to Old Town Alexandria, a center of commerce before Washington DC existed. After securing bus passes, we figured out how to get to the National Cathedral and Georgetown. Sometimes we feel like such country bumpkins, “Lookie over there Francie, why that there’s …..”
We have listened to music, attended a panel discussion on National Security (moderated by Ann Compton from ABC news) at the National Archives and visited a multitude of museums and governmental buildings.
The yacht club is wonderful and treats us like members. We joined the bike trip to Mt. Vernon. Once we arrived our bikes were ferried out to 4 awaiting motor yachts and we had a barbeque. It gave us an opportunity to meet some of the members.
Touring in DC
June 19, 2011
Our friends Aldona & Bob arrived from Chicago today. It such a warm feeling to be with someone who knows you for more than a few weeks or months and still want to be around you! While catching up on events, we started visiting the long list of places we plan to see with them. They have been to DC before and have selected their favorite places that are a must see for any tourist.
June 26, 2011
Even after our friends left, we continued to explore DC. One night we took our bikes to see the Korean Memorial. It is very moving especially with the pin light highlighting the expressions of the soldiers as they patrol an area.
Today we were up early doing boat chores and going into the yacht club to do laundry. We are both somewhat sad since we are leaving in the morning. We are just getting comfortable with the subway and bus system. Since we have become familiar with the streets, we can ride our bikes when the metro is not convenient.
The list of places that we visited is quite lengthy, but so is the list of what we never had time to see. I know it is a cliché to say time slipped through our fingers, but it did. Our nation’s capital is truly a wondrous place to visit. The monuments, the capital, the museums, the governmental buildings are just a part of the Washington magic. The people have been fantastic. Numerous strangers seeing us holding a map in hand and looking perplexed asked if they could help us. Bus drivers holding busses as we frantically ran toward them or greeting us as we entered the bus is another magic part of Washington. Our first time on the subway, a gentleman not only helped us get the correct train, but stayed near us to make sure we got off at the right stop. We could have stayed several more weeks, but we have commitments. It is also time to move on to the next adventure.
Martin, who is from Switzerland, invited us to his boat for dinner. We are anchored next to him. He made a delicious meal and sent Francie off with a bar of Swiss chocolate!
June 27, 2011
The anchor was up by 5:30 and the tide & current were with us as we left Washington. We were planning to just travel to an anchorage 30 miles way, but the weather tomorrow looks bad so we are taking advantage of today’s calm weather and traveling 71 nautical miles. It is a 13 hour trip, but it will be worth it if we have to sit out a day or two because of bad weather.
About 50 miles into the trip as we passed Dahlgren Navy Base and we were hailed on the VHF by the Navy to alter our course because we were entering a live fire range. Earlier we had thought that it might rain because we could hear thunder in the distance. That thunder was live fire. We couldn’t see anything but could certainly hear it. At one point Francie called the range boat again because we suspected that we were once again wandering into the “hot” range. The voice, on the other end of the VHF, acknowledged our suspicions and we hurriedly altered course. We expected to see water splashing in the air as bombs cascaded around us, traveling at 5.7 knots for hours gives us plenty of time to create vivid images. The reality was some noise in the distance and Navy range boats keeping track of us so we didn’t meander the wrong way!
Our friends Aldona & Bob arrived from Chicago today. It such a warm feeling to be with someone who knows you for more than a few weeks or months and still want to be around you! While catching up on events, we started visiting the long list of places we plan to see with them. They have been to DC before and have selected their favorite places that are a must see for any tourist.
June 26, 2011
Even after our friends left, we continued to explore DC. One night we took our bikes to see the Korean Memorial. It is very moving especially with the pin light highlighting the expressions of the soldiers as they patrol an area.
Today we were up early doing boat chores and going into the yacht club to do laundry. We are both somewhat sad since we are leaving in the morning. We are just getting comfortable with the subway and bus system. Since we have become familiar with the streets, we can ride our bikes when the metro is not convenient.
The list of places that we visited is quite lengthy, but so is the list of what we never had time to see. I know it is a cliché to say time slipped through our fingers, but it did. Our nation’s capital is truly a wondrous place to visit. The monuments, the capital, the museums, the governmental buildings are just a part of the Washington magic. The people have been fantastic. Numerous strangers seeing us holding a map in hand and looking perplexed asked if they could help us. Bus drivers holding busses as we frantically ran toward them or greeting us as we entered the bus is another magic part of Washington. Our first time on the subway, a gentleman not only helped us get the correct train, but stayed near us to make sure we got off at the right stop. We could have stayed several more weeks, but we have commitments. It is also time to move on to the next adventure.
Martin, who is from Switzerland, invited us to his boat for dinner. We are anchored next to him. He made a delicious meal and sent Francie off with a bar of Swiss chocolate!
June 27, 2011
The anchor was up by 5:30 and the tide & current were with us as we left Washington. We were planning to just travel to an anchorage 30 miles way, but the weather tomorrow looks bad so we are taking advantage of today’s calm weather and traveling 71 nautical miles. It is a 13 hour trip, but it will be worth it if we have to sit out a day or two because of bad weather.
About 50 miles into the trip as we passed Dahlgren Navy Base and we were hailed on the VHF by the Navy to alter our course because we were entering a live fire range. Earlier we had thought that it might rain because we could hear thunder in the distance. That thunder was live fire. We couldn’t see anything but could certainly hear it. At one point Francie called the range boat again because we suspected that we were once again wandering into the “hot” range. The voice, on the other end of the VHF, acknowledged our suspicions and we hurriedly altered course. We expected to see water splashing in the air as bombs cascaded around us, traveling at 5.7 knots for hours gives us plenty of time to create vivid images. The reality was some noise in the distance and Navy range boats keeping track of us so we didn’t meander the wrong way!