Bye Bye Hawaii, Aloha

[Chopper Pilot]

Well I have left Hawaii so no more vidoes of the islands. I was getting ready to move to Alabama for my new duty station but a last second change now has me stationed in the out-skirts of Washington D.C. I now live on the Occoquan River. The move was so sudden that I didn't have time to ship the boat my self. I prepped it a few days before I left, but it still had to wait a month until the moving company would pick it up so I had a friend handle it there. Now it has been on its way for a while now, thank goodness because of the multiple hurricanes hitting there as I type. Now that I am along the Chesapeake Bay, is there any guys (I am sure there is) around? Where are some good places that are good to go Boat Camping?

[RobertB]

There are several of us around. My family likes putting in the Chesapeake Bay on the south side of Baltimore (to avoid the ever increasing tolls in the tunnels, now $12 each way for me with my two axle trailer) and making our way up to Hart Miller Island. No car access, lots of shallow water, breakwaters, camping sites, and basic facilities (composting toilets in structures).
My wife and I have explored alot of the bay and found great sites the whole length. Havre de Grace and Northwest at the top end are great to visit, St Michaels and Solomons at the midpoint are nice too. We camp at Point Lookout State Park near the south end every year and they have floating docks in a small protected Bay.
There are many tributaries, especially on the east side that you can just go and drop anchor in an out of the way place (Queenstown comes to mind, on the Chester river).
The best boat ramps on the bay are at the Bay Bridge - Sandy Point State Park. I buy a yearly pass.

[NavySailor]

Hey there Chopper - and welcome to NoVA! Been here before or is this your first time?

I'm in the Woodbridge/Manassas area, moved here in 98'. I have a 1986 M25 (that I just got a few months ago) and put in at Leesylvania State Park on the Potomac. A good friend of mine lives in Stafford and just got a Venture 22 and he puts in at Quantico. We're both just river sailors at the time being.

Assuming you're active duty? If so, check out the marinas at Ft. Belvoir and Quantico. You can get some great rates for wet slips! If you are more into towing there are lots of places along VA's Eastern Shore to put in or you can always cross the line into MD. I'm personally a fan of Solomon's Island, but that's probably just because I'm used to the area around the base.

[NiceAft]

I have no slipping info. I am just posting to say I'll miss your video's I have no urges to visit Hawaii, but I still will miss your postings.

Ray

[pmmcderm]

Aloha Chopper - fair winds and following seas!

[mrron_tx]

Welcome back to the mainland I too will miss those great vids Ron. Dauntless.

[Chopper Pilot]

Thanks guys! I hope to one day make a trip to the Bahamas in the next few years. I will shoot lots of videos and pictures. I am stationed now at ft belvoir and I live in Occoquan. We will have to meet up one weekend. Not sure when my boat to arrive. Hope she makes it back in one piece.

[rszobel]

I'm not too far at all. We keep our slipped at Aquia bay marina not to far from occoquan. Up near occoquan Potomac is narrower than down by Aquia - there it is a few miles wide and about an hour and twenty minutes from 301 bridge where it really opens up. Hour and twenty at maybe 14 knots or so. A few really nice anchorages around there as well. Send me pm - I'll give you my phone or email and we can chat about area.

Welcome.

[seahouse]

Funny you should happen to post today, Chopper. I was just telling the admiral about you with a Mac in Hawaii (she has been there, I have not ) in light of those two storms. Hope your Mac dodges the bullet(s) like you have.

-Brian.