Epilogue

This was a wonderful trip — not the start of the Great Loop that we originally planned — but, a great trip never-the-less.  As Linda continues to explain to others: we set out for an adventure, and boy, did we have one — just not the one we were anticipating, which made it all the more fun to experience! Having the openness and flexibility to experience it as it came was a remarkable gift to each other. The scenery was beautiful, the people were personable, and the weather for the most part, was great. We learned much more about the United States and Canadian history during our revolutionary war and the war of 1812. With our companion — the brick —we learned more about church history as well. Of course, we became more knowledgable about our boat and boating; to include locks, bridges, navigation, trip planning considering tides, currents, wind, rain, distance, and fuel consumption. In addition, Linda proved that traveling with a “disability” is a not as hard as we initially thought. In her case, we just needed a little more attention to our meal planning. We completed the Triangle Loop. The Great Loop may be in our future — or not. We have so many adventures beckoning it is too early to tell what we will try next.

Day 103: Chesapeake Bay Marina to Whitehouse Cove Marina, Poquoson, VA (39.3NM, 3.3 Hours)

Returning to Whitehouse Cove
in Poquoson, VA

We reviewed the weather and marine forecast for this morning, and for Friday the 12th (our 27th wedding anniversary date), and Saturday the 13th (a surprise homecoming dinner with Brian’s Mom, Ella). Once again, it was obvious that the forecasters weren’t certain what would happen today or the next three days based on the dramatic change in the forecast overnight. We couldn’t tell if the wind and waves were going to be moderate or bad, and if there was to be rain or not. We decided to depart and make our destination decision while underway. We found that the winds were greater than the forecasted 5-10mph and were from the south vice southwest. Hence, the waves we encountered were greater than 1-2 feet. We decided to press for Poquoson, VA and spend our

Brian & his Mom, Ella

anniversary in our local area. After three and one half months of cruising, neither of us felt we were being short rifted. Brian even tossed in a promise for another spa date for the both of us, then cancelled our reservations with the Tides Inn, worked with Craig Brown, dock master and at Whitehouse Cove Marina, for a slip, made dinner reservations with Fins in Newport News for our anniversary dinner, and turned off our AIS so Brian’s mom couldn’t track us returning so soon. She has been following us through her desk top computer the entire trip and learning about the local areas we have passed through. Nick greeted us when we arrived, helped us tie up, and transported us home for a quite celebration. In fact, Nick volunteered to be our chauffeur as we celebrated our anniversary. Both our sons had prearranged a dinner date with their grandmother for the evening of the 13th to enable our surprise return. They picked her up in one vehicle, while we traveled to the restaurant in another. The look of astonishment when she arrived at our table was priceless, and worth the added effort to pull it off. Our sincere thanks to Chris and Nick, and the wonderful hostess and staff at Carrabba’s in Newport News, Va.

Day 102: Onancock Town Warf and Marina to Chesapeake Boat Basin, Kilmarnock, VA (30NM, 2.4 Hours)

Historic Christ Church,
Weems, VA

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Interior of Christ Church

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Christ Church 3-Tiered
Pulpit

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Linda & the Brick at the
Historic Christ Church

Up for an early start today…with lines released at 06:24am for our 20 minute ride out Onancock Creek to the Chesapeake Bay, anticipating a two hour ride across to the western shore.  The creek was smooth and very little breeze could be felt.   However, we knew from the marine weather forecast from the internet and VHF marine radio that the wind would be 5-10 knots from the north and waves would be 2-4 feet on the bay — no sweat.  We naturally couldn’t see the western shore, but a nearly full moon was plainly visible and was in the perfect spot to lead us in the direction we wanted to go.  Even though we had our route on the chart plotter navigation, the moon made a wonderful navigational marker in the sky.  Again we throttled up to keep our bow high.  Yet, the voyage was smoother than expected and in just over two hours we had traversed Fleets Bay and were in Indian Creek idling up to the Chesapeake Boat Basin.  Linda called and spoke to George who was gracious enough to accept us with only 20 minutes notice.  We docked and registered and took some time to relax.  At 11:00am we checked out the courtesy van.  We headed

Brian & the Brick at
Grace Church, Kilmarnock

for the recommended burger place, but were pulled to the Smoking Joe’s BBQ that had a plethora of gluten free options for lunch.  It has been a long time since Linda has been able to eat BBQ.  Afterwards, we visited Grace Episcopal Church in Kilmarnock and the Historic Christ Church in Weems for some pictures.  The museum at the Historic Christ Church was open, and we took a brief tour of the museum and the 1735 church that is in pristine colonial condition.  The church is under the care of the Foundation for Historic Christ Church that is made up of members from Grace Episcopal Church, Kilmarnock.  Unfortunately, we had to cut our visit short because our two hours with the car was up and we needed to get back.  The value of having a courtesy car is precious to us, and other boaters.   Tomorrow we will head to Urbanna and Irvington sometime in the morning.  No rush.