We have been wanting to bring Magnolia to Washington DC but truthfully its a long way. To drive from Annapolis MD to Washington DC is 35 miles, to sail, its 165 miles. You see our dilemma and why it has taken us this long. With some planning an the appropriate motivation we pulled it off. Our friends Bryan & Gail live at perfect stop and a perfect stop for friends from Dahlgren to stop as well! Along with that there are numerous  family and friends in Washington and not forgetting the Pentagon Sailing Club where we learned the basics of what we do everyday. It was time to make the trek!

As we departed Hampton we were very excited about the forecast because we would be able to sail all the way to the Potomac River, nearly 55 miles distant. Yea that quickly went out the window with winds right on the nose. The heck with that so we bailed out in early and stopped in Reedsville MD.

We had not anchored in this spot since 2013 but it was one we know. Its worth taking a moment to read that story at “2013-07-11 What we learned on our passage to Reedsville”

As we rounded Smith Point we waved to our friends Bentley and Jim on Salty Paws and entered the Potomac River. It was cool and wet day with little wind. Just a day to make some miles.

It was certainly a soup day but we really were warm and comfortable inside Magnolia’s enclosure.

St. Clement’s Island State Park is one of those places we will put in our back pocket for a time through when its dryer! Looks like a great stop though.

We have equipment onboard that tells us where commercial vessels are bound…this guy was going somewhere on the Potomac to NYC. Have no idea what the heck they are shipping to NYC.

After quiet and wet night at Swan Point we were heading into more familiar waters around Dahlgren and King George County VA.

Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge – I have driven over this bridge a million times but have not sailed under it since the late 1980s when I had a bass boat and fished these waters

Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division – I worked here in the past at different time since 1982…if all goes according to plan I will only see it from this distance in the future!

Looking back south from Mathias Point towards Dahlgren.

Magnolia anchored off shore Fairview Beach, VA framed of course by a Magnolia Tree! Thank you Bryan Metts for the terrific picture.

Annette, Gail, Bryan & Mark at Tim’s II in Fairview Beach. These are the moments Annette and I live for and appreciate it when friends can take time out of their busy schedules to meet up like this!

We made an early start for Washington.

The first vessel we passed was this rather unique looking craft. It turns out it this is the “M-80 Stiletto” It was pretty cool as it passed!

Now this is certainly a different view on Mt Vernon…have to say my favorite!

Who would have thunk it…there really is a Fort Washington at Fort Washington…I never thought about it…

The new casino going into National Harbor

Another bridge I have driven across a million times…this time though we go under it. The sailing club would not let us go any further south than the bridge….

The Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria…now an Art Haven

Annette’s Sister taking a picture of Annette taking a picture of her.

Bolling Air Force Base,  homeport for the pentagon Sailing Club and where it all started for Annette and I

National Airport

National War College and Capitol beyond.

“C1 Washington Harbor”

National War College

Annette’s Sister Rochelle and Robbins – first visitors of many this fun filled weekend!

Dee from the Pentagon Sailing Club took the picture of above of Annette and I..thanks Dee!

GenIV night aboard Magnolia…wait wait how did the GenIV get aboard?

My fellow GenIV Maria with Eric and their GenV..btw not the first time I have gotten that look!

Just a sample of the many guest we had from Pentagon Sailing Club through the weekend.

“A tradition continues!” As the crew of Magnolia was preparing to go cruising, our mentors gave a us a Bahamian Courtesy Flag to hang on the office wall to keep us focused. This year we found the perfect recipients of 2015/2015 flag. Greg & Mary Jerrell. Stay focused and we look forward to seeing you down the coast

As quickly as the weekend began it was over and Magnolia was underway.

The red arrow points to the condo we had in Arlington, below is the view from there…we waited a long time to get the reverse image view!

Laura and Christopher, this one is for you, I believe its the Officers Club at Ft Belvoir.

The great thing about DC is the swag…Magnolia sailed away with a haul. Thank you David Kriescher and Mary Jerrell.

Magnolia has another 170 mile week as we head out to Cambridge to east some oysters (imported) and hit the farmers market ahead of the PSC festivities in nearby Oxxford MD over Memorial Day weekend.