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When the boat was secured, we availed ourselves of the shower facilities and than headed for "Annabelle's in the Holiday Inn. We had discovered it when we stayed at the Holiday last year when taking part in the 50th Anniversary Cruise of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (CGAUX). During the "Happy Hour" drinks are $1.00 and there is a good hot hors d'oeuvre table.

When we returned to the boat we found a 25 ft. Bayfield, which we had met in the Albemarle, in the next slip. Upon inquiry we learned that it had engine trouble and had to run slow to avoid overheating. Finding nothing wrong with the engine, a diver was employed to check the prop. It was found to be fouled with a large plastic bag. This had caused the engine to labor and overheat.

The ICW, as well as all other waterways, is full of plastic bags, cans, bottles, timber, etc. which is a source of danger to boaters and the environment. All boaters and fisherman should refrain from discarding their rubbish overboard.

The Elizabeth River from Portsmouth to Chesapeake Bay is lined with Naval shipyards and dry docks. Many aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines and other Navy ships can be seen. There is heavy traffic, tugs, lighters and ships on the river.

Several Army hovercrafts overtook us. The first one took us by surprise, the noise was deafening.

The river was rough but we were surprised by the high seas and wind as we entered the Chesapeake. Our destination was Windmill Point Marina at the mouth of the Rappahannock but due to sea conditions we put into Back River.

The Waterway Guide listed several Marinas in Back river but we failed to find any of those listed. We finally secured a slip at a boat repair facility. Marinas seldom erect signs to indicate their location. Many Marinas listed in the various guides are non-existent.

Continuing north, we encountered a squall, wind to 30 knots and seas to 10 ft., passing the mouth of the Potomac. The boat handled it well but it was a rough ride. Not wanting to try our luck any further we put into Indian River and secured a slip at the Chesapeake Yacht Basin.

The Marina operator was somewhat of a character. The Marina carries a large inventory of ship stores and everything is computerized, but when you ask for an item the operator forgets the computer and starts looking. The conversation during the search is unique. It is always the other person who put the item in the wrong place, no wonder it can't be found.

The weather continued bad, small craft warnings, and we stayed in port. The town of Kilgorem is about 1 1/2 miles from the Marina. We tied the dirty clothes bag to my folding bicycle and took turns riding to town. One would ride, the other walked, for about a 1\4 mile, then change places. While waiting for the clothes to wash and dry, we bought groceries. When we loaded the bicycle with the clothes bag and the groceries there was no room for a rider. We pushed the loaded bike back to the boat.

When the weather cleared we continued to the Great Wimico River. This is the homeport of the Menhaden fishing fleets. The boats were at anchor on both sides of the river.

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