In Washington DC

Friends & Family,

Yesterday we left Colonial Beach and motored up to DC.  There was no wind and the water was flat.  It got a little boring but Elyse pointed out that was a lot better than the terror we have experienced at times in the past.  The win to day before was great and gave us a great push up the river. It was very pleasant.  It was also cool going past Mount vernon, George Washington's home.  We are now anchored in the Washington Channel in the heart of Washington.  Later this afternoon we will jump on the Metro and head into town.  We will probably visit Solly's, our son's bar. Now that we are sitting, it has started to warm up.  The anchorage is nice.  There are only two boats anchored in the channel.  This morning we went in and signed up with the Gangplank Marina.  We can use their dock and services for $10 a day.  Our excitement was dampened when we took our showers without any hot water.  If that continues we may pay a little more to use the Capital Yacht club next door.

John has agreed to loan his truck one day so we can run over to Annapolis for doctor appointments and to drop off our main sail at a loft to have some repairs made.  In a few weeks we will motor back down to the Chesapeake and up to Annapolis.  Spunky performed very well on the trip from the Bahamas to Charleston and then up the ICW. There are some projects in front of us.  Lots of cleaning, sanding and varnish to be completed.  I have noticed that many of the boats headed north need some work.  Part of the problem in the Bahamas is that you have to pay for water in most places.  In addition we spent all our time at anchor so water and power were very precious.

Hope all is well with you.  I will send more later.

John