Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

[Blue Crabber]

Upper Chesapeake Fall Foliage Cruise!​

A few of us over in the ?upper Chesapeake bay? thread have been throwing this idea around. So we decided to make it happen and have one last big hooray of the season.

The Date: November 1st ? No rain date. If this gets cancelled, we?ll have to wait until next year. Everyone seems to be winterizing right after this.

The Plan: Get a bunch of people together for a cruise of the upper bay and beautiful fall foliage. The peak time for the foliage should be the end of October. So hopefully we will have some amazing scenery.

The Time: 10 am ? We figure the morning will be best. This is also when the water is the calmest, normally. Plus this leaves time for out SE PA friends to join in!

The Meeting Place: Head of the North East River, near Anchor Marina / Nauti Goose or near Havre De Grace. (See alternate suggestion below)

The Boats: We have been talking about taking a bunch of boats along. However, I know there are some people that might want to come along, but not take their boat out. So there is a possibility of having some people ride along with others for the cruise. We will know better closer to the time when we find out how many people are willing to take extra passengers. Please reply and let us know that you want to come and we can try to figure out the rest from there.

The launch details: For those that will be trailering boats in, you could launch at Anchor Marina. This would be right beside the Nauti Goose restaurant. They have decent parking area and nice ramps. I believe that they charge a small fee for the use of the ramps though. There are also plenty of other ramps at various areas. Charlestown, Havre De Grace, Perryville, Port Deposit, etc. Let us know where you are coming from and we can make some suggestions!

The Route: On the following map, I have come up with a suggested route to cruise for this trip. The RED line was a primary route with the BLUE being a secondary route. This would be around a 40 mile trip at an enjoyable 15 mph cruise equaling about a 2.5 hour trip. Some of the smaller boats could break off from the larger ones and then meet at the raft up location later also.

Alternate Suggestion Whoever wants to could meet for breakfast and then we can head over and meet some more boats at Havre De Grace area. That way if some of the bigger boats don't want to come up that far they don't have to. This would also allow people to launch in Havre De Grace, Perryville, Port Deposit, etc. and meet over there as well. (If they don't want to meet for breakfast.) Then we could cruise down the west side of the bay and back up the east side.

Suggestions:

Raft - Up: It has been suggested that we try and incorporate a raft up into this cruise. We will probably decide the raft-up location that morning depending upon which way we cruise around the loop. There are several good spots to choose from. On the map I pointed out "Sands Island" but we can also choose Cara Cove for example. We will choose the best location based on the boats and the weather.

Breakfast: Whoever wants to could meet up at Nauti Goose for their breakfast buffet before we headed out on the cruise. Maybe meet at 9 am for breakfast?

What I need to know:

1. Are you coming?
2. How many people?
3. Are you bringing a boat?
4. Are you willing to take extra people on your boat?
5. If so, how many extra?
6. Do you want to meet up for breakfast before hand?
7. Are you interested in rafting up for a little?
8. Where would you prefer to meet us, at the Nauti Goose or by Havre De Grace?
9. If you aren't bring a boat but want to join in, how many people will be coming?

Conclusion: Please post your thoughts! Also, please answer the questions so that we can get and accurate count for the trip and make the final plans! We will be using this thread to make all the plans, so if you already commented on the ?upper bay? thread, please confirm here. Also, post any suggestions or comments that you might have for this trip, nothing is set in stone yet.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

Myself and possibly my wife would like the attend. However, as my boat is currently in "project" stage, we'll need a ride

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

Myself and possibly my wife would like the attend. However, as my boat is currently in "project" stage, we'll need a ride

Awesome! Right now I think I should have a couple of extra seats so I don't think that should be a problem.

Also, congrats on the promotion

Also, I talked to Scott (Skargo) and he plans on coming as well. He will be bringing 2 extra people so he will have a full boat. They are planning on meeting for breakfast.

Who else is joining in? Lets make this a great event!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

I think my wife and I may be the extra people he's talking about.....maybe not though. Either way, I'm not overly concerned about finding a seat

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

I think my wife and I may be the extra people he's talking about.....maybe not though. Either way, I'm not overly concerned about finding a seat

I think that you are right, I should have put 2 and 2 together earlier! You will like the ride of the Wellcraft better then my Four Winns anyway. Still trying to convince my wife to get the other Wellcraft that I was looking at. Getting closer!

We you be joining in for breakfast?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

I'll have to let you know on breakfast. If it's just me then most likely yes. If it's both of us, that will depend on when whomever takes the rugrat can take him.

 

[john3931]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

We are coming unless work schedule changes. There will be 2 of us for sure unless my son can get off work. I am bringing my boat. I think we are going to breakfast but that is not a definite. I forgot to say something to the wife about taking anyone with us. We would be interested in rafting up for a little. We will meet up at the Nauti Goose.
Brandon, are you going to be in contact when you are away?

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

John - Glad that you can make it and I hope that your work doesn't change, although I know how that goes.

Yes, I will be in contact while we are away. I will check iboats everyday so feel free to post in the thread or pm me with any questions!

 

[bman1bpm]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

I might ride up there, I missed the first trip over the summer. Gotta talk to mom and dad and see if they'd be interested.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

Sounds good! Keep us updated as to your plans.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

First off, I'd like to express my appreciation to BlueCrabber for doing his best to bring this idea to life. If it actually happens it will be entirely to his credit for the hard work and perseverence. I have a couple of thoughts with regards to the current cruise plans, though.

First, the speed of 15 mph won't work well for the larger boats. It will put them on half-plane and in addition to burning a lot of fuel, they will also throw a pretty big wake which will most likely make the ride uncomfortable for the smaller boats if they get caught in it. We need to either get up on plane (about 25 mph) or run at displacement (under 10 mph) or a mix of the two (which is more likely).

Second, the route is good except for the bottom leg. If it is rough out, that area could present some problems. I would propose that we head north around Turkey Point and maybe make a run up the canal, or into the Bohemia. If we do go south, then I think we should go into the Sassafrass and head up towards Georgetown. We could do a raft-up in LLoyds Creek on the way back. It's got an interesting entrance. Of course, if it's calm out, making a nice run down to Poole's Island and Wharton and Fairlee Creeks could be fun, too.

Whatever, if I make it down I'll just be happy to be out on the water. The foliage is really just an excuse.
--
Stan

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

First off, I'd like to express my appreciation to BlueCrabber for doing his best to bring this idea to life. If it actually happens it will be entirely to his credit for the hard work and perseverance. I have a couple of thoughts with regards to the current cruise plans, though.

First, the speed of 15 mph won't work well for the larger boats. It will put them on half-plane and in addition to burning a lot of fuel, they will also throw a pretty big wake which will most likely make the ride uncomfortable for the smaller boats if they get caught in it. We need to either get up on plane (about 25 mph) or run at displacement (under 10 mph) or a mix of the two (which is more likely).

Second, the route is good except for the bottom leg. If it is rough out, that area could present some problems. I would propose that we head north around Turkey Point and maybe make a run up the canal, or into the Bohemia. If we do go south, then I think we should go into the Sassafrass and head up towards Georgetown. We could do a raft-up in LLoyds Creek on the way back. It's got an interesting entrance. Of course, if it's calm out, making a nice run down to Poole's Island and Wharton and Fairlee Creeks could be fun, too.

Whatever, if I make it down I'll just be happy to be out on the water. The foliage is really just an excuse.
--
Stan

Hey Stan - Thanks for posting your thoughts. I appreciate hearing your input.

I think we can figure out how to make it all work out. I threw out the 15 mph suggestion because Rob (Arks) suggested it in a PM as the cruise speed he likes, 15 mph or less. Hopefully there will be enough boats that we can do what everyone wants. Some people could do the suggested route. Some could head other areas as you suggested. I like the idea of checking out some new areas myself. And you are right about the Turkey Point area, tends to be a bit choppy. Then we can all meet back at a raft-up spot if we so desire.

Hope that you can make it down for the trip. Keep us posted as to whether or not you can make it and where you would like to meet. Breakfast or not, etc.

Thanks again for the input. As we get closer to the time we can nail down some more specifics.

 

[arks]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

I'm still up for this cruise but for the past couple weeks my schedule has been nuts, working 14-16 hour days. Doesn't leave much time for anything else but sleep!
I need to get my genny re-installed (hopefully tomorrow- in the rain.....) and put some go juice in her. Since the transmission rebuild I've only run her once, and that was only for about 30 minutes.
I also want to put up my bridge enclosure. It'll make the flybridge really comfy if the day turns out sunny but cold.

As far as speed, Stan is right. I think you guys with speedboats should NOT try to include "Winter Dream" in your route because our speed differential is just too great. I'm perfectly happy to run around north of the Sassafras with some passengers then meet up with you later in the day for a raftup. I'm NOT taking my boat into Lloyds, though!
Rob

 

[skargo]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

I am in, as long as my fight with these kidney stones stones is over. I sent Brandon a message via facebook. I like the route, we pretty much do that route, and more every time we go out.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

I'm up for whatever everyone else wants to do, I was just asked to post my thoughts, so I did. That Saturday is Halloween and I have three little kids, so coming down the night before looks like a no-go.

 

[skargo]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

Do we have a confirmed list of who's going? 1 week from today and I am STOKED.
The leaves are beautiful, here in Jarrettsville, 20 miles from HDG. We had planned on going out today, but my kidney stones have put those plans to rest. Looks like a small craft advisory until 2pm today as well.

Extended weather says sunny and 61?, so if that holds up should be a nice day for November 1!

Like I said earlier, I like Brandon's route but of course, if the water is rough, or we have smaller boats then the plans should change. Personally, I care more about being out on the water, with good people than any specific route.
If it is calm, a run to Still Pond would be nice too, we went there a week or so ago and that place is really neat.

Looking forward to seeing you guys, but at the same time it makes me sad because this will be the last trip for us this year, there will be stabil in the fuel, and I have my winterizing stuff all ready to go.

 

[john3931]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

I hope this goes off as planned. I am so excited. However, being new to boating and never been to the area I am pretty much scared to death. lol. I am relying on everyone else's experience. Even though I feel my boat is ready for the task it is not proven. I know no one is just going to take off and leave anyone behind, but I just need to know what is going to happen. When talking about little boats and big boats what category will I be in?
I guess what I am asking is that I am still pretty much a virgin and I want to make sure you are gentle with me.
I don't need my hand held but just don't want any surprises.

Oops. Almost forgot. When we know what the weather is going to be like, I would like some advice on how to dress for the occasion.

 

[skargo]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

John,
you will be fine, there are a few knowledgeable old salts going to help those of us with less experience.
I myself have made 20 trips this summer using this route and more. I personally wouldn't leave you, and if you want, we can be your "buddy boat", as for dress, I'd wear some light layers topped with a wind breaker, you can always take stuff off if it gets warm, but if you don't have enough and it's cold...

Should be fun! Can't wait to see that Sun Hatch!

 

[john3931]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

Thanks Skargo,
I feel like a kid before Christmas.
But the mechanic in me is being a worry wort.

 

[skargo]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Bay Fall Foliage Cruise

John,
if you want to come to Lapidum where I launch, we could meet you, and roll out together to meet the others. I think from Columbia it may be a slightly shorter drive than going to North East.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sou...096,-76.328888&spn=0.526478,1.234589&t=h&z=10