The Captains Log

2011 Trip Schedule and added trips

2011-01-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

I have placed our 2011 schedule on the Chesapeake Lights website. Click on Trip Schedule and you will arrive at the current month, then scroll to the bottom and click on the month you want and the calender will appear. Sometimes you have to click the refresh button to change months

We have a new trip " CROSS THE BAY FOR A DAY" originating at North Beach (on the western shore ) that carries passengers for a days outing at Tilghman Island and St. Michaels. It will run twice a month on Wednesdays. We will also carry passengers from Tilghman Island to North Beach for a day at the beach and the fine shops and restaurants there.
Call us with your trip needs, we love to do new things and places
1
Captain Mike

Sunset and Great circle Trips June 25 & 26 2010

2010-06-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

Yet another terrific weekend out on the Chesapeake Bay. We are still early in the season and have already had the opportunity to meet so many great folks on board the boat...

Friday night we had the privilege of celebrating an 89th birthday...actually 2 of them ...twin brother and sister..89 years young...and they were treated to a beautiful sunset as part of their birthday trip!

Saturday brought us to our first Great Circle trip of the 2010 season..an all day trip to see 10 of the Northen Chesapeake Lights...the weather was beautiful...

winds out of the south kept everyone on the foredeck cooled off with ample spray..and they were all great sports about the salt water spa treatment! The camera equipment brought on board was quite impressive...We look forward to some of the pictures

Local Boyscouts brave the Bay

2010-06-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

A few pics of our tri-light trip June 22, 2010 with the local boyscouts....All passed muster!

June 2010

2010-06-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

The weeks have flown by this month. Fantastic trips so far with equally fantastic passengers. The Friday evening sunsets have been a fun addition to our schedule. Mother nature doesn't always cooperate but we have had some spectacular colors with super photo ops.

We have done several Passage trips...weather has held out for all , although we did have one or two trips with vigorous seas , lots of spray and 2' - 3' waves rolling up The Bay from the South. We always say that our trips can quickly change from a level 1 on the water adventure to level 4!

We also had a wonderful private charter booked to celebrate a birthday...family and friends spent the day on The Passage Trip with prime weather, lots of food and adult beverages...fun time! It was a pleasure to help them make the occassion.

This past Tuesday we took out one of the locl boyscout troops, burgeoning Eagle Scouts. Mother nature gifted them with a real work out...winds out of the South and a very wet ride on the bow...these kids all passed muster...soaked to the skin and laughing all the way up and back..

Looking forward to our first 10 light Great Circle trip this coming Saturday...always good to get back up to the top of the Bay.

2010 Tshirts and hats on order and should arrive soon.

We still have available space on our August Southern Expedition trips...our maximum adventure...

Look forward to seeing you aboard!

The Captain

Memorial Day weekend 2010

2010-05-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

Much thanks to all of our enthusiastic passengers this past weekend! It was great to get out on the water to celebrate this, the first official weekend of our 2010 summer season.

We started our holiday with a sunset excursion on Friday evening...mother nature wasn't very cooperative on the actual sunset end of things but we did get our 'adventure ' on the return south as the wind picked up and the seas grew vigorous.

Saturday brought us some beautiful sunshine and a great Tri-light trip ...lots of shipping traffic on the Bay.

Sunday beat all with amazing summer temperatures and a full day of sun and spray..we ran with 16 passengers on our Passage Trip, taking in 5 of our local historic lights. The Bay was alive with sailing traffic and loads of people enjoying the holiday weekend...

All in all a terrific start to the 2010 summer season.

First Great Circle Trip of 2009!!!

2009-06-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

Once again the Chesapeake weather gods were on our side...this past saturday was our first all day Great Circle Tour of the year...a trip that takes in 10 of the Bays northern lights with a stop at Tolchester for lunch.

We ran south to Sharps Island Light first and then headed north up the bay with the tide and wind in our favor...took in a nice meal at Tolchester Marine and then headed back south...just in time to catch both a wind and tide change...

The sailing activity at the along the Western shore was vigorous..and beautiful as always...while shipping traffic was lighter than some days we did get to see a few of the tugs pushing up the Bay and one or two commercial freighters.

We had a fantastic group of folks join us...lots of good questions and loads of smiles...hoping to get pictures from some of them to share here with all of you !

Many thanks to all of our passengers who made the day so much fun...

Captain Mike

Memorial Day Passage Trip ...great fun!

2009-05-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

Mother Nature did us well this past Saturday as we set out for the 5 light Passage trip...we had a full boat of enthusiastic passengers...and fantastic weather through out the day.

The wind did pick up a bit as we headed south down the bay towards home...but these folks were up for the challenge...

Those who chose to come astern and finish the trip under the canopy were fully entertained by the die hard few who stood on the bow greeting each Chesapeake Wave with great hoots, screams and lots of laughs...while we did get a few shots of this ribaldry..our video was not cooperative and we missed most of the action...promise that the next time we will have all equipment up and running to capture these moments.

Thanks again to all who made this day a terrific success.

See you soon aboard the M/V Sharps Island

Captain Mike

It's not too early.......summer trips are booking

2009-01-27T07:42:00.001-08:00

This morning as we sit in the office, reviewing trip schedules, the Captain looking over charts and plotting for The Southern Expedition, we are gifted with a beautiful scene...

Snow over Dogwood Harbor....if you are not local you may not realize that here on our side of the Chesapeake snow is really a rare occurance. While Washington and Baltimore may be getting inches, the water temperature of the bay usually manages to deflect any fronts that may bring us winter precipitation...

On this wintry day it is hard to believe that folks are planning for their summer explorations...but it's true..just yesterday we booked passengers for our Fourth of July tour.

So if you are considering a Lighthouse tour as one of your summer outings...give us a call !!

Capt. Mike

Onancock, Virgina proposed overnight location for Southern Expedition

2009-01-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

As you may know , we are in the planning phase for the Southern Expedition Lighthouse trip scheduled for August of 2009.

As this is a two day trip we will require and overnight stay at the mid way point. We are really leaning towards the centuries old waterfront village of Onancock, Virginia.

The February edition of Chesapeake Bay magazine includes a great one page write up on this town (page 27).

"That is one of the things that makes Onancock Wharf and Onancock itself such a great place to visit. Everything from restaurants, galleries.......is withing easy walking distance of the marina."

"We found the Charlotte Hotel on North Street, where we feasted on fabulous seared Hatteras grouper. On a scale of 1-4 we gave it a 5"

We are lucky to have some old Navy friends living in Onancock who have given us a big thumbs up on the area. Carol and I will be heading down to spend the weekend in Onancock next month to check into the accomodations, the restaurants and the marina...but it sounds like a fantastic spot for our mid way overnight.

You can access the article at
www.chesapeakeboating.net

We will keep you posted as details of the trip firm up.

Capt. Mike

Pooles Island...A John Donohoo Lighthouse

2009-01-26T10:05:00.000-08:00

Many Thanks to Erik Nyfenger who traveled with us in September of this past year on The Great Circle Route.

After speaking with Erik this past week about the upcoming Southern Expedition we received and email with a few of the pictures that he shot on the trip.

While small in stature, there is just something about the Lighthouse on Pooles Island that is really incredible...it is extremely simple...beautifully balanced...the back drop of the island is fantastic against the white tower.

As we bring the boat around the southern end of the island there is one brief bit of time when the back drop is just perfect, allowing you to get the lush green foliage behind the white tower and the clean blue of the sky behind the black lantern room.

Seem a bit funny to get so excited about something this simple....well, maybe...but when you spend so much of your time in appreciation of these extrodinary, unique structures you begin to develop a true sense of what each one has to offer.....

We can't wait to get back out there !

NEW IN 2009 'THE SOUTHERN EXPEDITION'

2009-01-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

While it may seem a bit frigid and early the year to be thinking about a day out on The Chesapeake Bay we are eagerly planning for a fantastic year. For the first time in our 5 years of Lighthouse tours we are putting into the play a trip into the Southern Chesapeake.

Listed below you will find our initial itinerary draft.

We have had some fantastic dialog with some of our previous passengers about this trip and we welcome feedback from you as well. If the Southern Expedition is of interest to you please contact us at your earliest convenience with your questions or to make your reservation.

Of course we will also be running the full compliment of our other tours, The Tri-Light, The Passage, The Great Circle and the new Great Schooner Race Trip. Should you have interest in one of these trips or wish to purchase a gift certificate we would be happy to help you with that.

Looking forward to a fantastic 2009 Season and wishing you a terrific winter!

Capt. Mike

PRELIMINARY DRAFT SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Chesapeake Lights Lighthouse Tours
Southern Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse Expedition

We have had many requests for a tour of the Southern Bay lighthouses and in response to these requests we are in the process of researching the details of “The Southern Expedition”. Initial plans include two 2 day expeditions which will each encompass twelve historic lighthouses/replacement lights and an overnight visit to historic Onancock Virginia. Tentative dates are the first and last weekends of August.

The first day we will travel south on the Western shore to see 5 lights before turning Eastward to arrive in Onancock in the late afternoon.

We will reserve a block of rooms at a local Inn or Motel and passengers will be responsible for making their own reservations at the facility.

The second day we will travel Northward into historic Tangier Sound seeing 7 lights before arriving at Tilghman Island in the late afternoon.

The cost of the Lighthouse portion of the trip will be about $200 per person with a 16 passenger maximum. A 50% deposit will be required and a 30 day cancellation period will be applied. We would like to have all reservations taken by May 15th. We are only running 2 of these trips this season so space is limited.

Please note that while some of the lights are replacements and not the historic structures it seems logical to visit these sites as we will be traveling by them in route. We feel that the value of seeing the system that was put into place by The US Lighthouse Service will add considerably to the overall understanding of the importance of the system to commerce in the late 1800’s. We will also offer detailed narrative on the history and service of the original structures on these sites and offer photos when possible.

TENTATIVE LIGHT LIST

Day One

Cove Point
Cedar Point
Point No Point

Point Lookout
Smith Point
Hooper Island

Day Two

Tangier Sound

Janes Island

Solomons Lump

Sharkfin Shoal

Hooper Straight

Hooper Island

Sharps Island

The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race October 4, 2008

2009-01-14T08:44:00.000-08:00

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE DAY!

We had such a fantastic time on this trip that we are now adding it as a 'standard' to our annual schedule.

For those of you who are not familiar with this race it has quite an interesting history and the variety of vessels that particpate is absolutely phenomenal!

"The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race (GCBSR) was founded to promote public awareness of the Chesapeake Bay's maritime heritage and to encourage the preservation and improvement of the Chesapeake's natural resources. We accomplish this goal by donating the proceeds of the race to one or more charitable organizations involved in conservation of the natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay. To date, $104,600 has been donated to support children's education programs of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
The race begins in Fells Point, in Baltimore, Maryland, and ends 127 nautical miles down the Chesapeake Bay in Portsmouth, Virginia. Entry is open to all schooner-rigged vessels.

We started out from Tilghman around 10am and headed North up under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in hopes of catching some of the fleet as they came down from Fells Point to the start line. Our timing was perfect and we were able to get quite a few 'pre-race' photos of some of the 'big girls' as they traveled South.

While all entrants in this event must be schooner rig, this does leave quite a bit of leeway as there are many types of schooner rigs of various sizes. The contrast between some of the participants was just amazing...like the Behemoth Mystic (170 ft. overall length) sailing side by side with The Martha White (65 ft. overall length). It was also a blast to see the 'personalities' of the vessels as brought about by the crews...some in crisp matching uniform, some 'come as you are' and some just down right bawdy and having a terrific time in pirate costume or crazy hats with noise makers.

The weather was perfect including a dramatic disappearance of the wind right at the start of the race. There was about a 15 minute window during which all vessels were becalmed...when the wind did finally pick back up it made the start pretty interesting. It did take us a bit of time to figure out the starting horns for the different classes...the huge number of vessels all vying for a place at the start was almost overwhelming....In addition to the vessels in the race there were also a large number of boats, such as ourselves, who were there as spectators..it made for some interesting navigation at the mouth of the river.

We traveled with a list of all participating

vessels and their photos and had great fun looking them up as we spotted them, determining home ports and reading the histories.

After watching the start of all classes we had the privilege of traveling south in the company of The Virginia , The Pride of Baltimore and Woodwind as they sailed neck-n-neck down past the tip of Kent Island. Once again the photo opps as we traveled with them were just incredible...the late afternoon sun from the western shore really gave us some nice silhouette shots.

Look for the 2009 Great Schooner Race on our Trip schedule and phone early to book your 'berth'!!

You can learn more about the history of this event and pre-race activities at http://www.schoonerrace.org/

Sharps Island/Tilghman Island Fathers Day Trip

2008-07-17T08:07:00.001-07:00

A great way to spend Fathers Day. This was the first year that we ran a trip on Fathers Day and it was really a great experience.

We traveled out of Knapps Narrows into the Bay and South to Sharps Island Lighthouse. The families were entertained with narrative about the Bay, The Poplar Island restoration project, local fishing and crabbing methods and our abundance of Bay Wildlife and waterfowl. The younger children were quite interested in the Captains helm station and had many questions about how he knew where we were. You're never too young to learn the fine art of navigation!

After traveling around the lighthouse and telling some of it's tales and history we ran up the Choptank River and the East side of Tilghman Island and came in under the drawbridge.

The nesting Osprey population has provided us with ongoing entertainment this season as we have the privilege of watching them build the nests, wait patiently for the babies to hatch, fiercly protect the new babies from the gulls and ever threatening passing vessels. Now the babies are big enough to sit up on the edge of the nest and call eagerly for the next meal. Soon we will be treated to first flights...both failed and successful!

Thanks so much to the families who shared Fathers Day with us.

We are always happy to consider private bookings for special family events, reunions, office outings...just give us a call to discuss rates and your date.

Capt. Mike

29 June 2008 Thomas Point Shoal Light Tours

2008-07-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day on the Chesapeake Bay!

A fantastic group of folks came aboard for the chance to visit Thomas Point Shoal Light up close.

We were treated to some of the amazing weather that has hit us this summer...sunshine and a fantastic Bay breeze. We were also able to take in some fantastic shots of the Sailing vessel 'Woodwind 2" as she came out of the Annapolis Harbor.

No matter how many days you spend on The Chesapeake she is never dull...ever changing and full of surprises.

We will continue to take interested folks, history buffs, curious visitors to Maryland and Lighthouse fans alike, out for the chance to climb aboard Thomas Point Shoal Light through the end of September. Call us now to reserve your spot for this unique opportunity!

Captain Mike

07 June 08 Great Circle Route

2008-06-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Bay never fails to provide us with new and exciting ways to see her and this trip was no exception.

If you have spent anytime on our web site then you already know that The Great Circle Route is the trip for our true 'die-hard' lighthouse enthusiasts. This trip takes in 10 lights of the Bay plus a chance to see some of the smaller shipping channel range lights in action as we travel north above the Bay Bridge.

When we left the dock on this morning the visibility was extremely tight....we were socked in with heavy wet fog ...not uncommon for a hot summer morning. We headed north up through the Poplar Island Narrows towards the Eastern Bay expecting the fog to lift at any moment but on this day it wasn't going anywhere.

While this made the navigation fairly tricky it also lent a sense of excitement to the trip. Our passengers were really great fun....and participated fully as look outs on the foredeck. The lack of visibility made every light that we approached a real surprise as they would loom up at us out of the fog in a way that we have not seen before.
The conditions remained this way through the morning....our approach to the shipping channel and under the Bay Bridge was unbelievable...we were actually under the bridge before you could see any of the structure.

We stopped at Tolchester for our lunch and by the time we had eaten and headed back north around Pooles Island the fog had lifted and we were treated to an amazing sunny hot afternoon...the bow spray was a welcomed refresher.

We would like to thank everyone of the passengers from this trip....and invite them to send some additional pictures of our foggy morning together! It was a real pleasure having you all aboard!

Capt. Mike

Mother Nature runs the show 31 May 2008

2008-06-13T05:34:00.000-07:00

Safety is always our number one priority...we watch the weather reports, keep a tight eye on the radar and tune in to the Coast Guard weather updates...but even with all of these measures sometimes mother nature still rules.

After we returned to the dock with the 9am passengers we could see that there was a storm front to the North. After much debate and review it seemed that we could still get in the 12 o'clock trip and not let down the 12 passengers who were waiting anxiously in the barge house.

We had a great run out to the light, passengers disembarked and we anchored off the shoal to wait for the completion of their tour. Within 10 minutes it became apparent that the storm was not going to hang North as we had hoped.

The lightning was absolutely incredible...a bit daunting but spectacular.

We secured the boat to emergency standards and just rode it out. The storm moved by quickly and the worst had passed by the time that the tour was finished.

We were most concerned about the folks in the lighthouse and the possibility that they might have been very uncomfortable or nervous during the storm.

When we docked at the light to pick everyone up we were met with cheers and a very jubilant group. They were all so excited to have been in the lighthouse for such a show. Jokes flew back and forth about having been the one and only group to have such an exciting experience. Someone commented that they were the 'first people to ride out a storm since the last lighthouse tenders had manned the light!'.

While this is not something that we would intentionally repeat we were certainly thankful to have such an enthusiastic group of passengers who were so willing to roll with the situation and come away with such a great attitude.

For these folks the once in a life time visit to the interior of Thomas Point Shoal Light really WAS once in a lifetime.

Capt. Mike

Thomas Point Shoal Light VIP Tour 31 May 2008

2008-06-13T05:04:00.000-07:00

The 9am trip this Saturday was reserved for the Mayor and Council members. The Annapolis Maritime Museum invited these folks out so that they could have a full appreciation for what this historic landmark and it's restoration bring to The City of Annapolis. A great time was had by all!

The weather and visibility were perfect for this trip...allowing for the best views heading out to the lighthouse...and terrific photos as well.

The group was really enthusiastic and interested in hearing about the light, the growth of The Annapolis Maritime Museum and the fantastic opportunity that this light presents to the visitors and citizens of Annapolis.

Many thanks to Mayor Ellen Moyor and council members for joining us and for their support of this amazing landmark.

Special thanks to Dale for sharing all of his photographs.

Capt. Mike

Memorial Day Weekend trips....a terrific time had by all!!!

2008-06-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

PASSAGE TRIP

25 May, 2008
1230

wind

seas

A fantastic trip up the Bay. We did have to run against the wind which made for some heavy sea spray but at least one of our younger passengers took full advantage of this! Heading out to the bow several times and placing himself directly in the spray wearing a huge grin the entire time.

Our trip this day included two families with their sons and it was really a pleasure to have these young men on board. They were really well mannered and still managed to had a great time...of course at one point between light houses they discovered the best napping spot on the boat.

It was also lovely to be part of the birthday celebration of their grandfather...a momentous occassion to be sure. Hopefully the event will be added to his excellent collection of life memories.

A great thank you to Alan Romefelt and his family for their continued patronage!

Capt. Mike

Gunston Day School Passage Trip

2008-05-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

21 May '08
wind
seas

Five light Passage Trip
Bloody Point Light, Sandy Point Light, Baltimore Light, Thomas Point Shoal Light, Sharps Island light

It was our privilege to be included in the list of fantastic year end events scheduled for the Gunston Day School (Chestertown, Maryland) end of year 'field week'.

We enjoyed the company of 10 of the students who participate in the camera club (as well as that of their two instructors.)

Sea conditions were a bit challenging but everyone trooped through.

We are looking forward to viewing the CD compilation of the 'best' of their photos from the weeks adventures and hope that we are able to have them join us again next year.

Wishing all of the seniors the best in their future endeavors.

The Captain

Thomas Point Shoal Light; first run of 2008

2008-05-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

17 May 08
1200
wind
seas

After a fantastic opening season in '07 in partnership with The Annapolis Maritime Museum we had been anxiously awaiting our first trip to The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse this year.

The weather was beautiful and tides and wind cooperated to make this first trip absolutely smooth.

We ran the noon trip with a full complement of passengers and museum staff.

If every trip of the '08 season comes out in this fashion it will be a stellar year indeed.

Join us out of Annapolis every other weekend this season to join the ranks of those who have witnessed the history and restoration of The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse first hand. The schedule of trips can be viewed on our website 'trip calendar' or visit www.annapolismaritimemuseum.org for further details.

We look forward to having you aboard for this once in a lifetime experience.

The Captain

First Passage Trip of '08 under our belt...

2008-05-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

10, May '08
Underway:1230
WX: cloudy, w-NW @ 12kts
Seas: 1-2ft.

Saturday, May 10th marked the first Passage Trip out of Tilghman Island for Chesapeake Lights Tours.

There was some question of whether or not we would be able to run as mother nature had a mind of her own and the day began with cold temperatures and fairly significant rains.

At departure time the rain had eased off and all passengers boarded in eager anticipation.

We headed out of Knapps Narrows and up through the Eastern Bay on the leeward side of Poplar Island. Passengers were treated to some up close views of the nesting ospreys and The Chesapeake Bay waters.

Our lighthouse route began with Bloody Point, and then we proceeded north up the Eastern Shore of the Bay. Seas were rough but not unpleasant. Passengers were afforded photo ops of three tankers awaiting approval to enter the Baltimore Harbor, always and tremendous site just due the to sheer size of the vessels.

We passed under the Bay Bridge, visited Sandy Point Light and Baltimore Light and then headed back South to Thomas Point Shoal Light. At this point in the trip we were gifted with a shift in weather conditions as the sun came out, temps warmed and we traveled with the wind astern. Passengers enjoyed a new perspective taking in the sun and bay breeze from the foredeck.

We finished the trip with our visit to Sharps Island Light.

Timing was perfect on this trip as shortly after returning to the dock the weather turned foul again.

Thanks to the fantastic group of folks who joined us on Saturday. As always, the personality of our passengers makes a tremendous difference in the success of our ventures!!

"Dear Captain Mike and Kate,
A great big THANK YOU for an absolutely wonderful afternoon on Saturday May 10. The four of us had a terrific time. I have never in my life felt so totally comfortable so quickly with people I just met. I hope someday to travel the bay with you again. Have a great summer!

Carole"

The Season Gets Underway...

2008-04-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

Spring on Tilghman Island is defined a bit differently than in other spots...and we kind of like it that way.

The local watermen are busy on the boats, scallop rigs come off and clamming rigs go on, crab pots can be seen loaded on the back of pick ups and trailers on their way to the dock, there is painting and repair and new flags are run up.

The talk at the local fuel dock is of water temperatures and first crab catch.

The boat yard is buzzing with sanding and scraping and the smell of bottom paint going on. The travel lift is in constant motion as one Captain after another deems his vessel ready to go into the water.

The opening of local Rockfish season puts a new face on our Island as well. The harbor, quiet over the long winter months is suddenly filled with boat trailers and the ramp is a steady stream of visiting fishermen launching their boats.

All of this creates a feeling of excitement and anticipation of another beautiful summer season on The Eastern Shore.

We are not immune to this....I have eagerly anticipated the beginning of the boating season since about February...and now here it is.

The motor vessel Sharps Island was launched April 15th and we are quickly approaching the point we will call 'finished' and ready to carry passengers.

This Saturday, May 3rd is our first run. Leaving the dock on Tilghman by 0630hrs we will head over to The Annapolis Maritime Museum for a day of docent training aboard the boat and at Thomas Point Lighthouse.

The following Saturday, May 10th we run our first Passage Trip on the Bay, visiting 5 of the historic lighthouses.

I am looking forward to another fantastic season and the opportunity to share the beauty and history of The Chesapeake Bay and all she offers.

Welcome aboard!

Captain Mike