Delaware City, at the northern end of Delaware Bay, was the eastern terminus and first lock location of the original Chesapeake & Delware (C&D) Canal in the 1800's.
Built in 1829, the original C&D Canal was limited to barges and schooners. Progress, as well as increased ship sizes, required a new route be chosen for the 14 mile C&D in 1894.
Today, the Delaware City Marina occupies the only remaining stretch of the original C&D Canal.
Spiritus is tied to the facedock with many other looping trawlers.
This restored waterfront promenade was part of a bustling commercial district that included steamboats and passengers, the shipping of millions of peaches, and a thriving sturgeon roe (caviar) industry.
The Delaware City Hotel was built around 1828, conveniently located across the street from the first lock of the original C&D Canal.
As luck would have it, an ice cream parlor is a short walk from Spiritus along the promenade.
Loopers listen intently to Harbormaster Tim's lesson on current & wind forecast. At its southern end, Delaware Bay is extremely exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. The effects of current and wind, when not properly understood, have put many boaters in jeopardy.
In order to take advantage of the strong southbound current, we departed Delaware City shortly after sunrise. It was "smooth sailing" all the way down the Bay to Cape May, New Jersey.
Passing the lighthouse at Miah Maull Shoal meant our day's journey is almost complete!
Canadian Loopers, Ken & Trudy, aboard their 36' Grand Banks, Satisfaction.
Satisfaction cruised beside her "twin", Spiritus, down Delaware Bay with her steadying sail.
The Captain at work!
Approaching the beaches at Cape May, New Jersey.
From a distance, they look almost as nice as the beaches back home!
Loopers gathered for "docktails" at the marina in Cape May after the Delaware Bay transit.
Our stay in Cape May was short, as we decided to leave the first morning after our arrival.
The weather forecast predicted the wind to pick up considerably if we stayed longer, making a journey up the coast improbable for several days.
After a pleasant five hour trip up the Jersey shore in the Atlantic Ocean . . . . . .
. . . . . . the world-famous Atlantic City came into view.
The famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, built in 1870, was the first of its kind in the world.
Over 4 miles long, it is wider than a two lane highway. . . . . . it is HUGE!
This beach is just too inviting for The Captain . . . . . .
. . . . . to pass up an opportunity to catch a wave . . . . . .
. . . . . . or for the First Mate to pass up another ice cream stand!
Riding in a Royal Rolling Chair is a unique way to experience the boardwalk.
Truly a "green" amusement ride, these chairs are powered only by human strength!
All that surfing and watching Rolling Chairs being pushed up & down the boardwalk tuckered out The Captain and made him hungry for some funnel cake.
Donald Trump's Taj Mahal is one of many "over the top" casinos in Atlantic City.
At Harrah's Casino, we heard a free concert by the band "Evolution".
Sitting on the deck by the marina, soaking up the warm sunshine, cold beer, and great rock & roll music.
These guys had so much fun performing!
Spiritus was docked directly next to the city aquarium.
Besides the normal display of regional sea life, they have a very active educational youth program.
This Steel Pier Diving Bell, on display at the aquarium, was used for many decades as an amusement ride on the boardwalk.
Dropped off the pier into the water, it not only provided a thrilling ride, but also an up-close look at the ocean floor.
As darkness falls on Atlantic City, we take one last look from the flybridge of Spiritus . . . . . .
. . . . . . before retiring for the night. Sweet Dreams, everyone!
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