Potomac River

B

Bill and Brenda Russell

New member
Brenda and I are planning another cruising adventure on our C-Dory "Falcon". This just may be our final adventure considering the old man's age of 77 with minor heath issues.

We want to experience the Potomac, big and wide but not to long, the cherry blossoms, and of course, Washington DC with all the museums, and this time cruising slow along the 96 miles. Launching and storing our truck and trailer at Conan River Marina, Lottsburg, VA seems to be a good location.

Weather in late March, 2013 may be a little cool but holding for warmer temperatures could abort the adventure.
 
Enjoy!
When you get in the area of Ragged Point light (Fl 6s green) give us a call and, if schedule permits, stop in. C-Song will probably be on her lift at
38-09.007N
076-40.193W
Virginia side, or on patrol for the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Either way please call and let us know how things are going.

Gary Palsgrove
(804) 761-3140 cell
 
Bill, that launch point is local to us. Got a better deal for you though. I'll PM you. call me today or PM me your number and I'll call you. we have a place for you to store your tow vehicle and trailer while you're gone and a dock for you while you're in the lower Potomac area.

Charlie
 
Potomac River Adventure 2013

We plan to depart Stamps, AR. on April 15, 2013 towing our boat "Falcon" for a two day road trip to Conan River Marina, Lottsburg, VA. 22511 for a late April 16 afternoon launch. Of course the long road trip may not go as predicted.

Towing the boat through the Appalachian Mts. may not be advised and a southerly route would be a more friendly route. Any C-Dory Brats with information about this route are encouraged to give us a post.

There will be a summary post of our adventure after we return home. Call us for other information.

Bill and Brenda 870-904-0708
 
Bill and Brenda:

Hope you have a safe journey, and fantastic trip. For whatever it's worth, here are some thoughts on marinas at D.C.

We've stayed at National Harbor, Columbia Island, and the Gangplank. National was not one of our favorites. Very nice, but way away from everything unless you catch the ferry, and very exposed to wind and waves. We left after one night.

Columbia Island is near the Pentagon, and we've always had excellent stays there. Very sheltered, and you can pop out onto the Potomac for wonderful nighttime cruises up to Georgetown. If you do so, keep a close watch out for the large tour boats that come under the three bridges to the east. They are on you in an instant if you aren't careful. Lots of walking trails, but if you want to do much sightseeing, you'll have a bit of difficulty getting to the District.

Gangplank is right at the foot of the "hill", and although not quite as charming as Columbia Island, provides near instant access to most everything. Safe and sheltered, near restaurants, and a fish market that you just have to check out. Take the Circulator Bus (get a one day pass) that stops at each end of the marina, and takes you to just about everything you'd want to see (Smithsonian, monuments, government buildings, etc.)

Have fun.
 
Bill and Brenda,

We cruised up the Potomac River years ago in our Thomas Point 43 and had a wonderful time exploring Washington's many attractions. Attached is a story I wrote about the experience published in Power Cruising magazine. While we only live 45 minutes from DC by car, and we go there quite often, going by boat was much more fun. Perhaps this article will provide you with a few helpful tips and tricks.

Enjoy your cruise!
 

Attachments

This should be helpful:

Discovering the Tidal Potomac: A Cruising Guide and Boating Reference, Second Edition [Paperback], Rick Rhodes

Some of our favorite Potomac stops:

St Mary's City
Courtney's Seafood, Ridge, MD
Mallows Bay
Tim's Rivershore I in Dumfries, VA, & II in Fairview, VA

Have a great trip.
 
Potomac River Adventure 2013
April 15 to 24, 2013
Round Trip Miles 235.5

The two day road trip with "Falcon" 22 C-Dory Cruiser in tow was an exhausting 1,000 mile trip but well worth the effort.

Wednesday, April 17, 10:00 AM: Launching the boat at Conan River Marina on the waters of the Potomac River one could see the curvature of the earth, three to five miles wide and out across the Chesapeake Bay to infinity. The experience was emotional. The first anchorage was near cliffs just off the channel, N38° 24.516 W076° 59.920 in five feet of water. Two people sleeping in the V berth every night on the cruise one should expect love to be involved.

Thursday, April 18, 1:30 PM. Arrived at Gangplank Marina, Washington, DC. N38° 52.570 W077° 01.330 and the endless opportunities to see the nation's capital began with the Capitol and then on to The Air and Space, Natural History, and until exhausted.

Friday, Saturday, April 19, 20, More of the same.

Sunday, April 21, 9:30 AM. Attended services at Christ United Methodist Church. Fueled the boat in preparation for the return trip down river. Way the anchored at 4:30 PM in Canoe Neck Creek N38° 15.378 W076° 43.736.

Tuesday, April 23, 8:00AM. Pulled anchor on a foggy cool 50° morning and slowly making way following the GPS track back to the channel heading for Conan River Marina arriving there at 11:45 AM.

Where will the next adventure be, there are many places to see in this different way.

Bill and Brenda 870-904-0708
 
B & B,
Thanks for the update. Glad it was a fun trip.

Next adventure? You've only scratched the surface of the 11,684 miles of shoreline on The Chesapeake and its tributaries.
 
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