Solomons Island, MD to Portsmouth, Virgina

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Tate the Navigator (You Can Teach An Old Dog New Tricks)

Island Hopper departed the dock at 8:00 AM for an early run to Portsmouth, VA. Today was one of the longest days in the travel plans south, traveling 110 miles. Temperatures were in the low 70's, winds SW 5 with clear skies. The seas are again 1-2. It was a beautiful day to be on the Chesapeake. The crew saw three dolphins on the starboard side of the boat. Island Hopper arrived at Tidewater Yacht Marina at 3:30 PM. (http://www.tyamarina.com/) The marina is located near historic downtown. Portsmouth is a quaint, historic seaport city located in southeastern Virginia - just across the Elizabeth River from the City of Norfolk. One of the most appealing aspects of the city is its pedestrian-friendly Olde Towne Historic District, where there are chef owned restaurants, trendy shops and art galleries.

St. Michaels, MD to Solomons Island, MD

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Captain Kevin at the Helm

Island Hopper departed the Museum dock at 9:30 AM arriving Zahniser's Marina at 1:15 PM.

Zahniser's Marina

Temperatures were in the upper 60's, wind Southeast 5 miles, and seas 1 -2. Island Hopper traveled 57 miles today. After docking Kevin washed the boat. Debbie & Kevin had a glass of wine at the bar, Next Door and then went to dinner at CD Cafe. CD is a local restaurant the crew enjoys during every visit to the island.

Tate, Just Relaxing During the Journey

Rock Hall, MD to St. Michaels, MD

Monday, October 19, 2009

Kevin returned the rental car to Annapolis, MD and returned to the boat for an early afternoon departure to St. Michaels. Island Hopper departed Haven Harbour for the last time at 12:30 PM. Temperatures were in the low 60's and sunny with winds North 5 -10. Seas were 1 - 2. It was actually a great day to be on the water. Island Hopper traveled 27 miles to arrive in St. Michaels at 3:00 PM. They docked at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Island Hopper Docked at the Museum

St. Michaels was a must stop on the voyage south, since it is Debbie & Kevin's favorite stop. They biked and shopped around town.

Debbie at the St. Michaels Winery

For dinner they tried a new British restaurant, Rupert's. The food was fabulous. St. Michaels didn't disappoint the crew.

Rupert's Restaurant

It is such a lovely and quaint town. The fall decorations were beautiful and made the autumn season come alive.

Getting Business In Order for Island Hopper's Trip South

Sunday, October 11, 2009 Debbie & Nancy Blum left Cincinnati at 6:30 AM for Tidy Island, Bradenton, Florida. (www.tidyisland.org) The purpose of the road trip was to deliver Debbie's car to Tidy Island, so it would be there when Island Hopper arrived at Longboat Key a month later. Debbie & Nancy drove 14 1/2 hours straight to arrive at Tidy Island around 9:00 PM. They enjoyed 7 days of relaxing and just doing what they wanted to do. Definitely a girls' trip.

Water view on Tidy Island

Dave Blum arrived on Wednesday, October 14th for the big football game and a few rounds of golf. Dave treated Nancy and Debbie to a wonderful dinner at Euphemia on Longboat Key. Thanks Dave. Still can't figure out why we had to go upstairs for a cappuccino??????

Dave & Nancy Blum at Tidy Island

Debbie & Nancy Game Day

They went to the University of Cincinnati vs USF Football game on Thursday, October 15th. Thanks to Nancy, Dave had a field pass and Debbie & Nancy sat in the athletic suite. It was a fun evening topped off with a UC win. Debbie flew out on Saturday afternoon to Baltimore, Maryland, where Kevin picked her up at the airport. After dinner they proceeded to Rock Hall, Maryland. It was cold and rainy, so they did not board Island Hopper until Sunday morning. After provisioning on Sunday they prepared to leave Haven Harbour Marina. Haven Harbour was a great destination to keep the boat for the last two summers. Playing on the Chesapeake Bay has been a wonderful experience. (http://www.havenharbour.com/)

Haven Harbour, Rock Hall, MD

Sunday, July 12, 2009 Debbie and Kevin did laundry and prepared Island Hopper for their departure tomorrow morning. They head back to Cincinnati, and will return to the boat in early August. It was a great 4+ weeks on the boat. They spent the last night sitting on the stern looking out over the water. LIFE IS GOOD! Especially when you are traveling with your partner and your best friend. MV Island Hopper traveled 758 miles this past 4 weeks. 540 Miles were traveled with Joan and Ian. 218 Miles were cruised with Ed and Barb.

Haven Harbour, Rock Hall,MD

Saturday, July 11, 2009 Barb and Debbie went on an early morning 7 mile bike ride, while Ed and Kevin washed Island Hopper. At noon Kevin drove Barb and Ed to Baltimore to catch a plane home. Debbie & Kevin had a wonderful time cruising with them. It is always nice to spend time on the water with good friends.

Herrington Harbour to Rock Hall, MD - Haven Harbour - Homeport

Even Tate Needed A Blanket For Our Cool Morning Start

Friday, July 10, 2009 Island Hopper left the dock in Herrington Harbour at 9:05 AM. Weather is another sunny day with clear blue skies. Wind North 5 - 10 and Seas 1. Temperatures are in the low 70's for a cool start. It is a sweatshirt and jacket day. Another great day for cruising. Island Hopper arrived at Haven Harbour at 1:00 PM. (http://www.havenharbour.com/)

The crew bicycled 5 miles around Rock Hall. They had a wonderful dinner at Osprey Point Inn. (http://www.ospreypoint.com/)