Herring Bay to Skipjack Cove Marina, Sassafras River

We were the last to leave the anchorage this morning at 7:30 am; in fact everyone was gone when I first poked my head out at 6:30 sailors like to get an early start. Wind from the west as forecast 10-15 clear skies and 2 ft. seas after 10:00 am. Lots of commercial boat traffic, from Japan Switzerland and other exotic ports. We could see the Bay Bridge from the anchorage and about two hours later we crossed under the bridge. Fishermen use a rig similar to the planer boards Pastor Dave uses in Lake Michigan.

Really interesting weaving between the large freighters anchored near the Bay Bridge. Bulk haulers, car haulers and container ships that work their way up the bay to Annapolis. Much of the rural countryside could be Wisconsin, lots of large trees and a few farms with barns.

The Sassafras River is a real treat with 7 marinas and more boat than you can count of all shapes and sizes. Many sailboats at moorings, power boats rafted up just like on Lake Winnebago. Tide was at our back and so was the wind we came down the river made a U-turn and landed at the tee dock at Skipjack Cove Marina. Four dock hands were there to meet us and the Dock master Kevin. They tied us off and hooked up the electricity very efficiently. A really great reception! Doug and Kathy Timmel and their friend Jim were there to greet us as well. They all came aboard and Jim brought a bottle of rum. The reception party had started.

After showers, Tom, Alya and Adam arrived for a boat tour. Adam wants to be a captain soon. We toured the boat from stem to stern, even the engine room. Dinner at the marina restaurant featuring crab cakes that were absolutely delicious. The kids like clams and Doug treated them to a bowl of Sassafras River mud with worms, a delicacy hereabouts. (Chocolate pudding, Oreo cookie crumbs and gummy worms.) Then off to the playground here at the Marina. A storm cloud approached and we quickly left the playground, while the temperature dropped 15 degrees, the wind shifted and very dark clouds appeared. A visit to Doug and Kathy’s boat was next and they were very gracious in letting the kids visit every nook and cranny and again including the engine room. I guess us boaters are proud of our engines.