VIRGIN ANCHORING

July 20,2013--- Partners in Command class taken at Vinings Marina.  After classes from 9am to 3pm, last minute decision made to cruise south to Deep Creek (approx. 8 miles) and anchor overnight for our first anchoring expedition.  Very hot weekend.  Winds 10 knots.  While transitting south on the Elizabeth River, met head-on, a commercial vessel traveling in the opposite direction.  Huge 400 foot cargo ship, taking up the entire channel.  The vessel's master radio'd a message to "south-bound pleasure craft".  Scott and I both looked at each other and said "is he hailing us?"  As we were the only craft around, we deduced that indeed he meant us.  The only option for us was to turn around and go the other direction.  When we cruised over to the side of the channel to let him pass, we were hailed by 2 Navy security boats guarding the Navy boatyard waterfront.  They advised us to get into the channel, but we found that difficult with the behemoth taking the lion's share of the passage.  Got past that situation, made it to Deep Creek-- a lovely protected anchorage off the ICW.  Successfully anchored, spent the rest of the evening swimming in the 90 degree water, although it was quite brackish.  My suit turned tea-colored.  We were surrounded by lots of small pleasure craft until night-time, then total seclusion.  The little guys went home for the night.
   Dinner was egg salad sandwiches with fresh tomatoes.  That was the quickest thing for me to make up and grab on our way out that afternoon.
   Joyce and Wolfgang joined us and we had our first rafting up experience.  Lots of fun.  They only stayed for a brief swim and a quick cocktail.  We celebrated Wolfgang's new job, then they were off.

Our friends Joyce and Wolfgang
in their C-Dory

   Did some motoring with the dinghy, Cathleen getting some practice.  Lovely Sunday morning, all alone, swimming.  Uneventful cruise home, successful initial attempt docking.
   Exhausted.