Left Solomons this morning to a brilliant sunrise (see photo). We are finally going into uncharted waters since we’ve never been south of the Potomac River before. Let’s hope the world really is round!
Had a ‘high speed’ run down the Bay (8.5 kts) and actually (and finally) left the state of Maryland! We were enjoying the cruise when suddenly a Navy Range Control boat pulls along side and calls us on the radio. Their bombing range was going “hot” shortly and we should turn more south. About 30 seconds later there were two very loud ‘booms’. Pam (who had not heard my conversation with them) thought our mast had fallen down. This was not in the Navy’s normal bombing area….good thing the boat was there.
We are in Reedville, VA for the night, the only boat anchored here. Reedville use to be a major fishing center on the Bay. It still has a large processing plant for Menhaden fish. When we visited the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, we saw a documentary on catching these fish. Each net full contains 300,000 fish and they are processed into fish oil and animal feed. The smell is kind of overwhelming at the plant. Fortunately, we are upwind now. Not much else going on in this little town on the Northern Neck of Virginia.
Not sure how far south we can get with Wilma apparently headed up the coast next week.
Photo: Reedville, VA house decorated for Halloween.
2 comments:
Dear John & Pam,
It is great to follow your progress. John Yates said that you were in Oxford last weekend - I am pleased that your compass now appears to be working correctly and you are now heading south!
Wishing you fair seas!
Angus.
We enjoyed your descriptions of down the Bay to Norfolk. Reedville is one of our favorite places. Dismal swamp is neat with one turn but you don't have to slow down for it. Someone told us you can stay at the Elizabeth City marina for free for a few days after exiting the swamp. Molly & Wally* stonedeyhle@verizon.net
NOTE our new E mail address.*
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