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September 4-5:  Looking ahead at the coastal forecast, we decided to forego anchoring in Haverstraw Bay and cruise 92 miles, 6.5 hours down the Hudson River to Liberty Landing in Jersey City.  Leaving Kingston on a perfectly calm, late summer morning, we could feel autumn in spite of the warmth and that made the day even more precious.  We savored the scents and the beautiful scenery.

We spent only one night in Jersey City allowing us to stay ahead of the forecast for building seas.  Leaving NY Harbor was a bumpy ride due to the water taxis, ferries and tugs crisscrossing the waterway.  Just outside the main shipping channel, the harbor was littered with freighters at anchor.

We arrived in Cape May 8 hours after leaving New York Harbor, a 120-mile trip on the Atlantic Ocean.  There were lots of people on the beaches, surprising for after Labor Day. There was also a lot of dredging in the ocean, replenishing some of the beaches just in time for the height of hurricane season.  

Houses across from the beach in Cape May

We recouped from two long cruising days by taking a five mile walk along the beach and through the historic district.  The ocean temperature was delightful and Donna was wishing she had her bathing suit so she could take a swim.  It was a sunny 93-degree, humid day and we were melted by the time we returned to Santorini.  A shower, air conditioned cabin and icy gin and tonic were restorative. 

A calm Atlantic Ocean, off the Shark River Inlet

September 7:  After a hardy breakfast at Saltwater Café, we reluctantly left Cape May behind and headed up Delaware Bay continuing to stay ahead of more wind and weather.  We were rewarded by another smooth journey to our anchorage in the Chesapeake City Basin along the C&D (Chesapeake & Delaware) Canal.  It was a cloudy day and very warm so we were actually relieved that the sun was not beating down on our heads during the cruise.  As we entered the shipping lane near Miah Maull Shoal Light, we spotted a pod of dolphins – always a delight! 

The Miah Maull Shoal Lighthouse, Delaware Bay

Ship John Shoal Lighthouse, transition to Delaware River

September 8-9:  After a peaceful night in Chesapeake City, we knew we had to again push on to arrive in Rock Hall early for our Power Squadron Rendezvous at Osprey Point Yacht Club or take a chance we would arrive late for our Tuesday reservation.  It was a cool morning and we knew a cold front was going to push through along with wind and rain – remnants of Tropical Storm Gordon.  We had another uneventful trip and arrived in Rock Hall’s Swan Creek in early afternoon on Saturday to anchor in Swan Creek.  The weather however deteriorated throughout the afternoon and evening, the wind and rain piled in along with a number of boats looking for safe harbor.  We called Osprey Point to see if they could take us two days early, they said they could, so we will head in on Sunday.  The wind really howled overnight and at 6:45 AM Sunday morning a nearby sailboat broke anchor.  We saw the vessel slowly head down the Creek and towards the Bay, watching and hoping the occupants would wake up and take charge before grounding.  Luckily they did and fortunately there was no danger to us or to another boat next to Santorini.  As we write, we are now safely at the dock at Osprey Point, while the rain continues unabated and the wind continues to howl.