August 4-August 6                      Cape May, New Jersey

As promised, Glenn came and finished the job.  With an affectionate goodbye, he left us with a wave as we journeyed across the bay for fuel.  Our tanks needed a considerable amount (their capacity is 1056 gallons) and we often comment that “we are spending the children’s inheritance “as we watch the fuel gauge go higher (they do not seem amused by this).

Beautiful weather with a cool breeze greeted us as we entered the Patapsco River, lined with enormous naval vessels, tankers, and commercial buildings.  We soon passed historical Fort McHenry and the Francis Scott Key Bridge and were once again in Chesapeake Bay.  A leisurely cruise of approximately five hours brought us to the C & D canal.  Lined with small marinas and lovely homes, the canal’s tranquil atmosphere belies its very important function as a major shipping lane for tankers, watermen, and recreational boaters traveling from the Atlantic Ocean via Delaware Bay to Chesapeake Bay. 

We docked midway through the canal at Summit North Marina, which is tucked into a small creek next to a lovely, wooded state park.  It was a quiet, peaceful spot and we enjoyed dinner on board.

Leaving early to take advantage of the good wind conditions, we soon saw the giant nuclear funnels which signal the entrance to Delaware Bay.  Although it is a straightforward cruise to Cape May, it is essential to stay alert and observant as one navigates the bay.  As a main thoroughfare to the Delaware River with numerous DuPont industries lining its shores almost to Philadelphia, the bay is a conduit for import and export shipping.  We saw many vessels of all kinds and sizes either anchored or moving through the water.  In addition to the boats, many markers, scientific measuring devices, and reefs are scattered throughout the bay.  The area is noted for turbulent weather with dangerous winds, therefore, the wise mariner looks for favorable conditions before starting a journey.  We had heeded the warning and enjoyed a great day on the water.

The entrance to the Cape May Canal, leading from the bay into Cape May Harbor is almost indiscernible from the water.  Our GPS located it without difficulty.  We were greeted by several daring parachutists who were being towed by boats.  To our amazement, one landed expertly on the swim platform of the tow boat.

Persistent problems with our auto pilot were annoying and somewhat frightening.  Several times, with me as the pilot, it seemed to lock as I changed direction and continued to move as in a circle.  Finally, the same thing occurred with David at the helm so the problem was acknowledged  to be something more than “pilot error.” We hoped to find expert help at Cape May.

Our arrival at South Jersey Marina in Cape May was almost like a homecoming.  We had enjoyed several visits here in recent years and loved the facility and the active atmosphere of the marina and the lovely resort city.  A beautiful 125 feet yacht with a glistening black hull and white superstructure was docked next to us and resembled a giant Orcas whale.  Almost every slip was filled and we were pleased the dockmaster had found a great space for us to enjoy the view and the delightful breeze.  After the heat of Baltimore, Cape May was a welcome change!