Washington D.C to Colonial Beach with Peter and Sara

Friday-Monday, September 16-19. Boat travel with Pete

Our youngest son, Peter and his girlfriend, Sara arrived in DC and will be cruising a few days with us to experience our boating lifestyle.  Tom and Pete first moved the car to Colonial Beach in the morning as that is the end of the cruise for them, and they will need the car to return to the DC airport.  We left Gangplank Marina headed to an anchorage on smooth water.  Sitting on the bow of the boat, we saw military planes heading south, Ft. Washington, Mt Vernon as well as a enjoying a refreshing nap before reaching Mattawoman Creek to anchor.  Pete assisted me in setting the hook before he and Tom jumped in the water for a refreshing dip.  Appetizers and drinks were shared and enjoyed.  Sara brought cheese curds and sausage from Wisconsin which we goppled right up-a great hostess gift.  Tom and Pete experimented with crabbing- adjusting the crab pot, adjusting the float, moving the line and retrieving the pot-all of which resulted in a water logged chicken neck and no crabs.  That was ok because Tom made a low country boil dinner, complete with salted caramel ice cream for dessert.  

The anchorage got very busy in the morning as the local marina was sponsoring a "Pirate on the Hook" party as 20+ boats began to arrive.  We decided it was time to move on before we got sucked in to the mayhem.  We continued heading south on the Potomac and enjoyed a nice ride towards Port Tobacco anchorage.  With a south wind, we altered our plans and anchored outside of the channel, close to shore, just south and west of the anchorage in 12 ft of calm water.  Munchies and drinks were again served as we enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and the company. We watched the moon rise over the treetops and used the binoculars to get a closer view. It is amazing to see to craters and the texture of the moon's surface.  Pete and Sara laid on the bow of the boat and continued their star gazing.  As we retired to bed, we all fell asleep immediately-it must be the fresh air and wonderful company.

The chef prepared eggs and ham for breakfast and then the young couple went for a dinghy ride.  A slow morning was enjoyed by all before the anchor was hoisted and we traveled to our final destination.  After arriving in Colonial Beach, we dropped the dingy and cruised through the harbor, checking out houses, marinas, and other boats.  Some personal down time was enjoyed by all - naps, reading, computer time.  Tom again cooked a wonderful dinner of sautéed fish fillets -white perch from the Yecomico River.  We retired to the boaters lounge to watch the Packers football game and play a game of Sequence.  

We rose this morning to rain-and it rained all day.  Sara worked in the morning, Peter read his book and tutored his parents in shortcuts, file management and use of the computer. The rain continues so out to lunch we go to a local place and enjoy crab cakes, shrimp and oyster combo plates. Sadly, it is time for Pete and Sara to leave. They enjoyed the boating experience and say they now understand our lifestyle and why we enjoy it soooo much.  

We have had many enjoyable times on our adventure but spending time with Peter and Sara is one of the highlights. It was sad to see them go but they have their lives to return to. It was wonderful to share some time with them.

Our friend's boat, InSpeyered 2 , Al and Jane Speyer

Two buddy boats at Gangplank Marina, Washington DC

There were some cool boats in the marina. A lot of house
boats and pontoon boats like this. With such expensive
rents in DC this seems to me to be a great idea.

Peter on the bow departing DC

Gangplank Marina. A good deal in downtown DC. $ 2.00 per
foot per night plus $10 for electric. A cheaper way to
see our Nations Capital

The view from a mooring ball. Even a better deal,
$35.00 per night and use of the marina facilities.
A great view to wake up too every morning.

Capt. Tom heading out

Rotating winged aircraft

The intellectual....

Just chillin', Peter and Sara

How many crew members does it take to anchor one boat?

Cookin' dinner

Pirates on the Hook Celebration for Talk Like A Pirate Day.
Sponsored by the local marina.

Hey, I'm an engineer, I can figure this out. It's
only a crab pot.

Star gazin' on the bow. It really gets dark
on the river away from towns and cities.

Aiding the Capt. with navigational issues.

 

 

Washington D.C. Sept. 11-15, 2016

Sunday, September 11th,  Washington DC

Church at a Methodist church started off our busy day.  As we strolled along the Mall of our nations' capital, a constant reminder of September 11th was visible in all the flags were at half mast.  We decided on lunch from a food truck, as they line many of the areas and on the Mall.  On a Sunday afternoon, this is a very busy place, filled with families, couples, dogs and owners, sightseers, local residents, and us- first time visitors.  We walked the length of the mall and enjoyed the sights of the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam Memorial.  Seeing the many memorials to the founders of this great nation and those who fought to defend that freedom is awe-inspiring and inspirational.  On the walking route back to the boat, we passed the open fish market and Tom was mesmerized by the fresh fish, crabs, and oysters.  Once back to the boat, we had a planning session to organize our visit here in DC to be sure to see the things that interest us.  I'm excited!!

Monday thru Thursday,  Sep 12-15,  Washington DC

The boat was on a mooring ball for three nights in the Washington Channel.  Early every morning the helicopters start making shuttle runs to the airport.  They vary in size and kind but all fly low over the water and are very loud.  The waterfront is also under construction and renovation so other sounds include trucks, cranes, motors, hammering and pounding.  There is a lot going on here.  One morning about 645am, a skulking team paddled by.  Another day there was a run which was in the park parallel to the boat.  Each day seemed to bring something new.   

Each day different things were planned, usually in different geographical areas.  One day we landed in the northwest quadrant and visited the Ford Theater ( where Lincoln was shot), the National Portrait Gallery ( with portraits of each president) and walked to the White House ( which we could not view because of an auto accident).  Another day we went on a personal tour of the Capital building escorted by an intern, Aaron, of Congressman Adam Kinzinger( this was a great tour thru the many underground tunnels to the House of Representatives chamber); then into the Library of Congress and saw Jefferson's personnel book collection. The nights were busy too.  One evening we enjoyed a baseball game at the Nationals Park; with the next night being spent on a tour thru DC seeing the sights light up at night.  They were beautiful.  On a third day we went into Virginia to Arlington National Cemetery.  The highlights were visiting the tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.  Here there is a 24 hour guard and we watched the changing of the guard.  The procedure is very patriotic, solemn, and honorable.  It is respectful to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and our country. The cemetery includes the many tombstones, it took our breathe away, as well as the Kennedy gravesites.  On our final day of sightseeing we did the Smithsonian Museums.  The Air and Space Museum was outstanding.  The advancements which have been made in the air and space programs are unbelievable; from the Wright flyer to the Spirit of St. Louis to the drones of today; from the Mercury capsules, to landing on the moon, to privately funded rockets.  What is next?!

During our visit, we developed proficiency with the Metro system as we used it for the ballgame, our trip to the northwest quadrant, and to the cemetery.  The other form of transportation was our two feet as one day we walked over 10 miles with a five day total of over 36 miles.  It was always nice to rest and put our feet up at the end of the day!  Washington DC is a great place to visit.  We have planned for this visit from the beginning of the trip and are pleased things worked out so well.

The open air seafood market. So much seafood, where to start?

Good lookin' tourist in front of a building we cant remember and
in the sculpture garden

A walking tourist

The Washington Monument that was unfortunately
closed because the elevators didn't work as the result
of an earth quake they had in July

Sept. 11 Rememberance

Taking a break in front of the Monument.

Lincoln Memorial behind the Reflection Pool on the Mall

Another view of the Monument from the WW II
Memorial

Part of the Korean War Memorial

The Vietnam Memorial by the Wall

The Vietnam Wall. Unfortunately I found
two of my friends names on it, Phil Zummellan
and Tom McGrath.

Lincoln Memorial

At the Washington Nationals ball game. The beat the Mets.

Aaron Bowen our intern guide of the Capital Building

US Supreme Court Building

Capital Building in the setting sun

The Iwa Jima Memorial

Changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers

Julia Child's Kitchen, my idol.

Dorothy's ruby shoes from the Wizard of Oz

There were so many pictures from our stay in Washington these are just a small selection.

Matawoman Anchorage to Washington D.C.

Saturday, September, 10. Mattawoman anchorage to Washington DC

Anchor up with mud on the chain, but no other issues.  We headed north on the River with a destination of Mount Vernon.  We left early and called ahead to arrange for space on their public dock and our plans paid off.  Both boats fit on the dock, we were there by 10am, and disembarked to tour Mt Vernon, which was Washington's home.  The estate and house was magnificent.  Washington was a wealthy man and his property, farm, grounds and house displayed that wealth. The view from the porch facing the Potomac River was very special as we got to sit in chairs and enjoy the sights.  Once back aboard we headed into Washington DC.  The airport runway ends right at the river so watching the air traffic was fun.  We found Gangplank Marina, tied to the mooring ball and settled in for our stay.  A wonderful dinner by Pam, testing a new shrimp recipe, was a hit; as was cocktails on the back deck enjoying the lights on the waterfront of our Nations Capital.

Mt. Vernon from the front

A handsome couple enjoying the history lesson

Colletta, Pam and John Short our cruzin' buddies on George's porch

The view from the front porch of the Potomac River. Spectacular!

George' teeth were not wooden but silver with assorted teeth in them

Greeek's Folly and Short Vacation take up the whole free dock at
Mt. Vernon. Very cool to visit in your own boat.

Pam and John

Leonardtown to Colonial Beach

Wednesday, September 7- Leonardtown to Colonial Beach

Pulled out by 0800 and headed across River to Colonial beach headed toward Boathouse Marina.  The water was calm which allowed Colletta to do some preparations for the guests which were to arrive today.  Followed the channel in, docked, got settled and Tom promptly began cleaning boat and getting ready for Jim and Pat Childs to arrive.  It was wonderful to see them and spend time with us.  They are vacationing on the Eastern shore of the US, seeing National Parks, and visiting their friends along the way.  This is also our first time to have another couple on board overnight so we are testing out the sleeping accommodations.  We visited on the back deck, enjoyed a shrimp alfredo dinner, the homemade cookies they brought, and even McDonald's hot fudge sundaes.  

Boathouse Marina

Boater Lounge

We had a strom front blow thru and it literaly blew my bike off
the dock. It was about 10 feet from the end of the dock and all
I saw of the bike was its wheel as it blew off the dock into the
water. We used a magnet the next morning to help locate the bike
and then a long boat hook to retrieve it. Rinsed it off with
fresh water and WD-40'd the heck out of it. The jury is still
out on how it will fare.

Thursday, September 8 - Colonial Beach

As you know, when a car is available, cruisers make good use of it.  This time we used the car to visit historical sights in the area.  We visited the birthplace of James Monroe, our 5th president and then the birthplace of George Washington, both of which are national parks.  Jim and Pat are consistent park visitors and Tom and I are catching the "bug" too.  John and Pam then joined us in the afternoon as we went to the Stratford estate which is the home of the Lees ( as in Robert E. Lee).   We ate dinner at a local restaurant, Denisons Market, which is known for its fresh fish and that is what the men enjoyed-to the amount of 30 oysters between the two of them.  They had them prepared 5 different ways and enjoyed them all, with the favorite being grilled oysters.  We made a quick food stop at Food Lion and returned with ice cream for the gang at the dock-11 of us.  A perfect way to end the evening.

the welcoming committee

Touring George Washington's birthplace

The foundation of the original home of George W.

Stafford House the home of Robert E. Lee

The grounds of Stafford House

Wandering around the grounds

On Denson's Market and Restaurant with Rocky
the owner giving me some pointers on shucking
oysters

The dock partners from Lake Michigan Yacht Club on the
docks at Boathouse marina

Late night ice cream on the docks

 

Friday, September 9 - Colonial Beach to Mattawoman anchorage

We rose early, enjoyed breakfast with Pat and Jim and then they went their way and we took off on our trip up the Potomac River.  The water was flat and the ride was peaceful and quiet.  There is very little traffic on the ride and the boating season even on the river is coming to an end.  As we pulled into the Mattawoman anchorage the water was flat and refreshingly cool.  As we attempted to anchor, the anchor did not catch even with 75ft of line out in 9 ft of water.  We pulled up the chain to try again only to find the anchor had snagged an 8 ft log.   With a line tied to the log and with the boat hook, we released the log, anchored again, the anchor set immediately.  We enjoyed swimming off the back of the boat and a beautiful sunset.