August 2002 - Moving South

We left Newport Harbor in Rhode Island on a north wind. It was perfect for the almost 400 mile passage to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. However, once out of the protection of Narragansett Bay, the wind became northeast and with it right behind us, we were rolling side to side. The autopilot that had just gotten fixed in Newport didn’t work, so Willy the Wind Pilot wind steering unit went right to work, and though we were running almost true downwind, it handled the steering quite well.

Being as close to the coast as we were - never more than 100 miles - has its advantages and disadvantages. If we got in trouble, it wasn’t far to find a port. But we never got off soundings and we were still in the coastal shipping lanes. I never really got into the rhythm of the seas, so important for my mental health.

About 60 miles from the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, a Navy warship passed us and then hailed us on the VHF radio. We were told we were in a firing zone and to proceed immediately out to sea or risk harm to our vessel and ourselves. Yes, the Navy firing at us would be risky. Dave asked them to give us a course change since we were going into the Chesapeake. I was swearing because going around their firing range meant another day of passage, and the weather was deteriorating. After much hesitation and dead air on the radio they finally told us that we could continue on our present course since they weren’t planning to fire anything until late the next day. Why does the Navy have a firing range at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay?

On the way up the bay to Hampton, VA, we passed a nuclear submarine. What a sinister looking craft! There was a patrol boat escorting it, guarding against surprise attacks. We passed within 100 yards of it and the underwater disturbance it created soon tossed us around like a cork, even though there was no noticeable wake. When a large powerboat, doing about 18 knots, approached the sub in a passing mode, the patrol boat hailed him and demanded, “Slow your progress and change course IMMEDIATELY.” I am sure they are always alert to another USS Cole type attack. We had no such warning. I suppose if Tigger attacked the sub, we would bounce off like a Nerf ball. They must have known that. I must admit that I got my camera out and when the patrol boat was by us, I lurked behind the weather cloths and sneaked a few pictures of the scary looking ship.

August 2002
September 2002
October 2002
November/December 2002
January 2003
February 2003
March 2003
April 2003
Summer 2003
Winter 2003-2004