Boating the Upper Chesapeake

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

We spent most of the Day Sunday at Cabin johns Cove anchored.We took our Shelty wth us. He's never been in a boat before. My wife put a doggie life vest on him and in he went. He wasn't to crazy about it so next time we'll use the surf board we have for him.He loved standing in the open doorway looking out into the water. There were a lot of Eagles flying around there too. We didn't see any of you guy's there. Next weekend will be taken up with car shows.

 

[Billdc]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

spent the weekend around sand island again, When we have new people with us I'm hesitant to go too far and we spend most of our time tubing anyway so they would not notice.

Rob, I tried that back entrance into the city yacht basin from the swan creek area. I noticed a ski boat come out of that area and 20-30' later head back in so I thought it would be safe enough to follow him. I must have been too far back to see his exact course, because I got too close to the shore maybe 300 yards from the ramp and it got very shallow I slowed down and moved alittle to the east and found the chanel again. It's very narrow from what I could tell, but I think I can find it next time. That short cut probably saves me 6-8 miles getting back to the ramp.

I should be out next weekend running from the Bush river to C Inn for lunch and stopping on the way back at Lloyds and fairlee creek until dusk. Sunday south to HMI and into the riverwatch or Wild duck for lunch. If anyone is going to be around and wants to enjoy a cold beverage, let me know.

 

[arks]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Still Pond swimming spot- not sure where you mean- go through the entrance, then what? stay to the right, or go left in the opening near the CG station ?

The deep channel at Stillpond has daymarks, not channel markers so pass them close on either side. Once thru the cut the channel follows the south shoreline, turning right just off the end of the private docks. After the turn we usually go 200-300 yards in the channel, then turn to port and find an anchoring spot out of the way.
Here's a shot of a raftup we had at Stillpond a couple years ago. My Silverton is in the center with the anchor deployed. Man, that was a GREAT weekeend!

Now, that little beach I spoke of is located RIGHT NEXT to the CG station dock, to the left of the channel. People usually take their dinghys there but I have seen a small cruiser pull right in and beach the bow.

Rob, I tried that back enterance into the city yacht basin from the swan creek area. I noticed a ski boat come out of that area and 20-30' later head back in so I thought it would be safe enough to follow him. I must have been too far back to see his exact course, because I got too close to the shore maybe 300 yards from the ramp and it got very shallow I slowed down and moved alittle to the east and found the chanel again. It's very narrow from what I could tell, but I think I can find it next time. That short cut probably saves me 6-8 miles getting back to the ramp.

Congrats for having to cojones to try it Bill. I don't think Scott has done it yet.
Yeah, that channel is pretty narrow from the marina to Apartment Cove but the edges are marked with bouys and white PVC pipe. Gotta hit the turn just right to stay in the sweet (deep) spot. The bassboats run there all the time and usually take that corner wide open. The good thing about the back channel- as you discovered- is that it's all soft mud if you stray a little.

Just about every time I'm down there we watch some poor slob launch their boat with absolutely NO IDEA all that open water back there is only 2" deep. They must think the bouys are just for looks.

 

[Philster]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

For me second Upper Chessie experience, I want to run out the C/D Canal and then down and up around Turkey Point to head to North East, MD. Anything I need to know about the channels, etc? Any other things to know, see, stop at, consume, etc?

I ran from Delaware City (from about the Delware River) practically to Georgetown on my maiden voyage. Channels were well marked (although wasn't as confident at the mouth of the Sassafras) and in Back Creek off the Sass I kicked up mud at idle speed for about 5-7 seconds (always seem like 30 mins whenever I see mud).

 

[lime4x4]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

The channels are well marked in that area. The only thing u have to be concerned about is going around turkey point. depending on weather and boat traffic it can get rough with 2 to 3 foot waves

 

[skargo]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Rob is right, I still haven't went through the back channel behind Sand island to the yacht basin, even after all the times running around there.

We anchored at the flats Sunday for our last day of vacation, we had guests that we picked up at Tydings so we wanted to stay close in case they wanted to go in.

We've been seeing a lot of eagles this year too!

My boat is with Matt Ford(thanks Rob!) and hopefully I will have it back shortly.

I love boating! When is the next Iboats raftup? Anymore thought to a weekday raftup?

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I'll be out this Friday and Saturday, and at the sand islands at least one of those days, maybe Lloyd's or Still Pond the other day. It'd be great to raft up if anyone is out; post your plans here or on the Facebook Chesapeake Boater's page.

 

[joncrisler]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Thanks Arks- I understand now where the good spots are at !!

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

The deep channel at Stillpond has daymarks, not channel markers so pass them close on either side. Once thru the cut the channel follows the south shoreline, turning right just off the end of the private docks. After the turn we usually go 200-300 yards in the channel, then turn to port and find an anchoring spot out of the way.
Here's a shot of a raftup we had at Stillpond a couple years ago. My Silverton is in the center with the anchor deployed. Man, that was a GREAT weekeend!

Now, that little beach I spoke of is located RIGHT NEXT to the CG station dock, to the left of the channel. People usually take their dinghys there but I have seen a small cruiser pull right in and beach the bow.


Congrats for having to cojones to try it Bill. I don't think Scott has done it yet.
Yeah, that channel is pretty narrow from the marina to Apartment Cove but the edges are marked with bouys and white PVC pipe. Gotta hit the turn just right to stay in the sweet (deep) spot. The bassboats run there all the time and usually take that corner wide open. The good thing about the back channel- as you discovered- is that it's all soft mud if you stray a little.

Just about every time I'm down there we watch some poor slob launch their boat with absolutely NO IDEA all that open water back there is only 2" deep. They must think the bouys are just for looks.

Nice Pic Rob! We cruised down to Still Pond over the 4th weekend on Saturday night when everything was so calm! Beautiful area that is on the top of my list to head back to!

I love that back channel from City Yacht down by Swan Creek and to Locust Point. I have traveled it a few times and prefer to use it rather than the main channel unless I am headed to Sands Island.

For me second Upper Chessie experience, I want to run out the C/D Canal and then down and up around Turkey Point to head to North East, MD. Anything I need to know about the channels, etc? Any other things to know, see, stop at, consume, etc?

I ran from Delaware City (from about the Delware River) practically to Georgetown on my maiden voyage. Channels were well marked (although wasn't as confident at the mouth of the Sassafras) and in Back Creek off the Sass I kicked up mud at idle speed for about 5-7 seconds (always seem like 30 mins whenever I see mud).

Lime answered this one already and hit it right on. The Channel is well marked. Give yourself a wide berth around Turkey Point, it can get shallow in there. I remember a "mayday" call from a boat last year that didn't stay far enough away and hit a rock. The farther up you go, the narrower the channel gets, just follow the markers and you will be fine.

Are you headed to the Nauti Goose restaurant? Good eats and always busy with boats. They have free docks out front to tie up to.

Rob is right, I still haven't went through the back channel behind Sand island to the yacht basin, even after all the times running around there.

We anchored at the flats Sunday for our last day of vacation, we had guests that we picked up at Tydings so we wanted to stay close in case they wanted to go in.

We've been seeing a lot of eagles this year too!

My boat is with Matt Ford(thanks Rob!) and hopefully I will have it back shortly.

I love boating! When is the next Iboats raftup? Anymore thought to a weekday raftup?

Glad to hear that Matt was able to look at your boat quickly. Seems like a great guy according to Rob.

About that raft-up, lets throw some dates out, we would love to join in!! How about sometime in August?

 

[Philster]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Nauti Goose? Wasn't headed there, since I don't know anything there, but that sure sounds like a suggestion if they've got good eats!

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Now that the name has you interested... If you are looking for a place to eat or grab a bite to eat, that would be about the only place to do it up there. It is at the head of the North East River, which is what you will be in once you come around Turkey Point and head North. Follow the channel to the no wake zone and you will see the Restaurant dead ahead. Blue awnings above the windows. There is a big marina to the right that should be pretty busy. The restaurant has 4 docks coming straight out from it. (Although, i think 2 might be for the marina use.)

Check out the website, worth a stop if you are in the area:

http://www.nautigoose.net/tp42/Default.asp?ID=268065

Also, the North East community park will be to the left as you enter the no wake zone. Playground, etc for the kids if they need a break from the boat. There is a floating dock for access to the park if needed.

Have fun!

 

[Billdc]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Brandon,
your in NE more than most. Is there a place to dock so I could walk over to Steak and Main? I love that place, but never have the patience to load the boat and drive there from Port Deposit.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Brandon,
your in NE more than most. Is there a place to dock so I could walk over to Steak and Main? I love that place, but never have the patience to load the boat and drive there from Port Deposit.

Hey Bill! Well, that might be true, but only because my parents have a condo so that gives me free access to a private ramp

Now as far as Steak and Main, you're starting to make me hungry! That is a great place, sadly not on the water. (Woody's is another great restaurant just up the block but again, not on the water.) Your best bet would be to dock at the community park (on the left as you enter the no wake zone) and walk into town from there. Would probably be about a 1.5 mile round trip walk. Might be good for a guy like me after eating all that food! Here are some images to help in navigation:

Overview of area:

Detailed View:

 

[Philster]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Excellent info! Now I am hungry and stuck at work.

 

[skargo]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

The Steak and Main was on the Food Network's "Man Against Food" and is owned by the previous owner's of the goose. We love the goose too, and want to try out the Susky Grille in Port Deposit, on the water, just above Tomes Landing.

Not sure if we will make it out Sunday, depends on if my carb gets done or not. I had some flooding issues and had to fiddle with the choke to get the boat fired up. So I decided to have it rebuilt by Matt's guy while Matt has my boat.

I'm down for anytime pretty much, for our raftup. There are some people I haven't seen in forever ahem*BlueCrabber and Bowman! Let's do it! Summer won't be here forever ya know!

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Not sure if we will make it out Sunday, depends on if my carb gets done or not.

Scott, I guess that means we'll miss you again this Friday/Saturday. I guess it's not meant to be...

 

[Billdc]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Brandon,
I don't remember the city docks in NE, thats what I was looking for. I knew I'd be in trouble if I tried to dock at Nauti Goose and then walk to town.

Dbreskin, I'll be at Lloyds on Saturday afternoon, 2ish, I will look for you.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

The Steak and Main was on the Food Network's "Man Against Food" and is owned by the previous owner's of the goose.

I didn't know it was owned by them, but let me tell you that they have awesome food! I normally ask for the bar menu and get the pit beef sandwich - amazing!!! Also, you have to try the crab and asparagus soup, much better than it sounds!!!!

want to try out the Susky Grille in Port Deposit, on the water, just above Tomes Landing.

Tried it a few weeks ago when we where in town. Prices are ok, food was very good, service was horrible. Second time I ate there and the service was the same both times. The place was pretty empty but it still took almost an hour for 5 peoples lunch orders to come out. But when it did come out, it was very good!

I'm down for anytime pretty much, for our raftup. There are some people I haven't seen in forever ahem*BlueCrabber and Bowman! Let's do it! Summer won't be here forever ya know!

Lets do it! I am throwing out a suggestion of a couple weekends. Post your thoughts. When we have enough people and dates together, we can start an official thread for it.

Time:
At this point I am good for any weekend in August, Saturday or Sunday. In fact, if maybe I will stay on the hook overnight depending on when it is.

Place:
I have one of the small boats so I will run just about anywhere. I think in the past Arks said he would prefer anything above Turkey Point. Shane had mentioned Cabin John Creek. Are you up to that Rob?

Lets make this happen!

I haven't seen in forever ahem*BlueCrabber and Bowman! Let's do it! Summer won't be here forever ya know!

Sending you a PM now

 

[skargo]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Scott, I guess that means we'll miss you again this Friday/Saturday. I guess it's not meant to be...

You never know!

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

You bet. Like I said, it is on the left by the park as you enter the No Wake zone. 1 floating dock around 50' probably with i think 3 slips on the back side. Yeah, I wouldn't try the Nauti Goose idea