Up the Potomac and not a wave in sight

It has been about 5 days since I last had a chance to post a message he and in that time we have covered quite a bit of ground. We left Saint Michael's on a beautiful day with a good NE wind about 10 knots. We had to motor for about an hour to get out of the river but after that, we had an excellent sail for about 5 hours crossing the Bay and stopping at a fabulous Marina in Herrington Harbour. Their grounds were manicured and covered with beautiful plantings and for the first time, the plants were what I would expect in the south - palm-type plantings. There was a huge pool (they are all closed at this time of the year), exercise rooms, tennis courts, etc. Tiki bar and wonderful restaurant where I kept up my tradition by having crab cakes. I could have stayed much longer but I am pressing to get to Norfolk before unpleasant weather arrives later in the week.
Our next stop was at the boating centre of Solomon's Island where I had my first experience docking among pilings and a very short fixed dock. With some help from the gas attendant we made it in unscathed. This marina had seen better days but it provided a secure spot for the night. I was able to do without the engine for about half of today's trip; the rest of the time, the wind faded and to keep up speed, the "iron Genny" was enlisted. Caja and I continue to remain healthy. We are still able to get up at 6:30 each morning and get in our 30 minute walk.
The next day was another hot and relatively windless one. We motorsailed the whole way and stopped at Point Lookout Marina which again featured pilings and fixed docks. It was easier to get in this time since there was absolutely no wind and we drifted right to where we had to be. They did have a restaurant on-site and I enjoyed another seafood dinner and watched a gorgeous sunset. The only problem with this place was that it was about 13.5 miles off the beaten path; up the Potomac River towards Washington D.C. Two and a half hours that will have to be made up tomorrow morning. Oh well, c'est-la-vie. This is a huge river.GRAHAM....THE PELICANS HAVE ARRIVED; THERE WERE DOZENS AND DOZENS OF THEM. I TOOK A FEW PHOTOS - I WILL TRY TO POST ONE FOR YOU AND MEL.
On Monday, Thanksgiving in Canada, we did not pause to celebrate but got going early again and enjoyed another beautifully warm but windless day getting down to Ingram Bay Marina. This spot was inside a short creek off Ingram Bay but only a short distance off the direct route south. The marina is relatively small but the location is perfect. When Caja and I did our walks we started to notice a difference in the vegetation. There are many large fir trees. There are still loads of flowers blooming and we see exotic-looking grasses with puffy heads on them. I will again try to upload photos of some of these.
Today, Tuesday the 14th was a short day for us. Because we were close to the direct route and our next stop was only about 25 n.m. away, we arrived at another really nice marina - Regatta Point Yacht Club shortly after 2 p.m. They had a courtesy car to use so I grabbed it and made a run to West Marine and to the local food store which were each about 3 miles away. Yes, there has been a casualty on Resolute. The snap shackle that connects the main sheet to the traveller lost its pin. You might need a translation. See a sailor.
This place, however, has Wi-Fi and that it why you will hear from me today. The last place I stopped was so much out of the way that my cell phone would not connect. It seems that we are getting back into civilization although, not having cell service is really not that much of a handicap; at least it shouldn't be.
Caja becons; it's time to grab a beer and get started on dinner. I have a really long day planned for tomorrow- about 35 nautical miles - depending on tidal currents about 8 hours.
ttyl

Mike