We ended up staying at Summit North Marina an extra day (Day 43), as the weather once again, dictates all plans. Exciting things like washing the boat and a couple of little fix-its were the agenda, since we were not moving.
Tuesday morning, (Day 44) the alarm awoke us before 5 am, as we had to take advantage of the current in the C & D Canal, and especially the Delaware Bay. The right tide can make our boat feel like a high performance speed boat and a wrong tide feels exactly like we are still tied to the dock like when we tried to leave Elizabeth City, NC. Bear in mind, we cruise, on a good day just over 7 knots.
Ten knots is awesome.
The last bridge on the C & D Canal 
These barges “own” the canal. My job is to say youza boza and stay out of the way. 
Power plant near the end of the Delaware Bay.
The trip through the Delaware Bay could have been a little intimidating, because of how vast it is. Had the visibility not been so good today, we would not have been able to see land at the widest point. Having land in site is like having my mom’s chicken and spaghetti at Christmas time….very comforting.
We arrived early afternoon in Cape May. The little marina, Utsch’s, was pretty weathered, with mostly fishing boats, but they welcomed us with open arms…once they verified our credit card was good. The little town, a huge tourist spot, was packed with hundreds of people. We met a couple who had been at the previous marina and asked them to join us for a trip into the town. The marina manager told us the best restaurants to try, so we caught the free (tips only ) on the electric car and took off. We walked around town and then settled on Louisa’s, a little restaurant that holds about 20 people. The service was great, the staff friendly, and the food outstanding. We enjoyed the time with our new friends Steve and Debbie, who live in Baltimore. The good things we have heard about this area are true.
Our Cape May parking spot. 
Beautiful home in downtown 
In all humility, we think our boat is pretty. 
Downtown Cape May. Much like City Market Savannah.
We soon figured out that Steve and Debbie, as well as, friends we caught up with again, Joe and Sue, were all going to Atlantic City the next morning. We decided we would go “outside”, meaning out of the intercoastal waterway because the weather forecast was perfect. Fair winds from the West and following seas made our day delightful. I was quite impressed by the infamous Jersey shore. As a bonus, we learned why folks enjoy doing the buddy-boat thing. It’s nice having friends in site, just in case you need assistance.
Steve and I enjoyed meeting you both and spending time together in Cape May! Love the blog and hope to see you on your way south.
Likewise, Debbie. The trip is fun and challenging, but what is making the memory are the relationships along the way. We love just reaching out to folks and getting to know them.
Today, we literally changed our game plan. As you know we started out doing the Loop, but felt we had gotten too far behind. But we have talked to more people who have convinced us it is not too late for completing the Loop. That said, this morning, we jumped on the boat and headed up the Hudson River. We are just South of West Point and plan to see it tomorrow. It has been on my list since the day we started the trip. So, we won’t be headed South down the Atlantic Coast after all. We are talking about the Fall Rendezvous in October and hope to attend. We will probably make reservations and then cancel if we cannot make it, as it always sells out immediately. I hope we can see you there, as Steve said you guys are regulars at those events.
Lets stay in touch regardless. We would love to show you some southern hospitality if you ever find yourself in Savannah. We also have a great barn dance in West Georgia, just South of Atlanta, if you want to enjoy some real southern culture. It is October 12. If you would consider it, we will soon be getting the invitations out! Fair winds and following seas to you both! Wes and Amanda