Thurs Oct 1: Colton's Point to Lookout Point anchorage (via Point Lookout Marina for gas)

In which we say goodbye ...

We had planned to get fuel at Coltons Point, but the pump was on the fritz and once we heard that 100 gallons would take 2 hours to pump we decided we were not THAT relaxed about time passing...

We walked over to Meander and said a heartfelt good-bye to our friends.  They are tired of the cloudy skies and colder temps and so are headed back to Portland. They too have been frustrated in their attempt to do The Loop, so we may hook back up at the start of next year's attempt.

Gorgeous day, finally.  Look how sparkly the water is!

 

We motored slowly down the very shallow channel back out to the Potomac and made a left turn toward Smith Creek.   It was a beautiful day with a light wind blowing.   Reports were for some pick-up to the wind but it was from the north so we felt confident with our decision to move back towards the main Chesapeake Bay.   We turned up Smith Creek and stopped into Point Lookout Marina for 120 gallons of diesel fuel. 

We assessed the wind situation and in order to cut tomorrow's travel time down, decided to cruise down to Point Lookout and anchor close to the state park.   If you look at the map to the left you will see that we were anchored right at the mouth of the Potomac river!   Amazing that a week ago Rick was worried about the tides, currents and potential "washing machine" like waters....we had a pleasant evening, a beautiful sunset and a wonderful moon rise.  The moon was full (the Harvest Moon) and we both love watching a full moon rise.

As the evening progressed the wind, as predicted, started to rise and eventually the wind was blowing about 15 - 20 mph with gusts even stronger.  Unfortunately the wind didn't seem to be coming out of the north as predicted.   It was going to be a long rough night....eventually it felt like we were sleeping (or trying to sleep) in a washing machine.   It is always amazing that the anchor holds us so tightly.   This is a 20,000  lbs + boat and we held tight all night long despite fluttering around like a kite on a string.