Planned to start from Cape May Harbor at low tide (9:30 am) and let the incoming flood wash us swiftly up Delaware Bay. When I checked the depth at 7:30 we had 3.6 feet of water (just enough to float) rather than wait for LOW tide we decided to get going while we could.
Out of the harbor, through the Cape May Canal (about four miles, no locks), past the ferry terminal, always wise to be cautious here, the ferries are big, and when they back out you get one sharp blast of the horn and they are moving, this one was still pushing in against the ramp..
Sharp right into Delaware Bay where the tide was still running out, and it did so for the next six hours.
But the weather was fine, sunny and warm but not hot and little wind.
We crawled past Ship John Shoal, it was in sight for about five hours.
Late in the day we crawled into the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (20 miles, no locks) and met these two coming out
On the left a busy mother pulling a reluctant child along by his ear, the little guy looked a bit beaten up, had caught the wrong end of a fight somewhere.
Last of Delaware’s bridges
First of Maryland’s
into Chesapeake Bay (tide going out here) and home. At the dock at 7:30 – 11 slow hours and 86 slow miles today, greeted by the neighbours with a glass of wine and BBQ. No pics. Too busy.
Trip? 1,533 nautical miles, 95 locks, 73 elapsed days (48 travel day.s). Averages – 6 engine hours per travel day or 33 n.m., almost 2 locks per travel day.
At first glance the trip cost little more than living at home, dockage, food and wine, eating out and fuel included (running one boat rather than three road vehicles etc.).
Boadicea's Chariot 
LW- Presuming this is your last post on the voyage, thank you. It has been a fascinating diary and a most enjoyable read.
OZ
Thanks OZ, Yes the “Last Post” for this trip. I have been getting some feedback from some local folk who have been following along, one couple who were planning to do the trip next year (in a sailboat). His comment “Thanks for the story I learned a lot of things not to do” . Her comment “Not very interesting being inside all those locks” I’m not sure their trip is still being considered. Sometimes it is best not to know what is around the next bend.
Thanks LW, I have enjoyed the photos and prose. Can’t wait for next year. Where we going?
TR: I am thinking (just thinking) that it may be a good idea to take the boat South before Winter sets in here (ice, snow, freezing rain an’ all, etc.). The Bahamian out islands, I like very much, Marsh Harbor (Abaco?) in particular. Now to persuade the crew, who is off visiting grandchildren and catching up with family gossip today. ‘Tis only 1400 miles or so each way and no locks (well only one).
Just make damn sure you take lots of piccies and post them in a blog.
OZ
Thanks LW, I’ve really enjoyed this trip. Going south for the sun sounds good.
Welkom tuis LW
Thanks for a great series, did we ever get the elbow joint on the generator replaced or is it still held together with Vaseline, a bandaid and elastic bands?
Morning Soutie: The generator exhaust is still waiting delivery of it’s permanent replacement. In the meantime the epoxy/cooking foil and beer can combined with six hose clamps already has fifty hours without problems. I must remember to take a picture or two before I make the final fix.