Gunkholing on the Chesapeake

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Ben

New member
Having recently purchased (August) a 22 ft cruiser, I am just finding new coves and crannies that the deeper draft boats can't quite reach. One great little cove is on the north shore of Wye Island, about 1 mile west of the bridge there is a small cove (unnamed) about 4 feet deep. It is about 100 yards across (just right for a snug anchorage).

There are many little coves like this that I'd love to explore, such as the coves on the east side of Eastern Neck Island. The great thing about the C-Dory design is that one can slip into waters that hardly any other boats can get into. On the flip side, none of the guide books mention or write about these coves, since no one else can get into them. I would love to hear from others cruising this area about nice little gunkholes that you won't find in the books. I know that sharing your favorite spots is kind of like sharing your favorite fishing hole (most people won't do it). But it might be a pleasant surprise to find another C-Dory in the same waters. I hope to generate some discussion and create a little thread that we can refer to in the future when we want to find that out of the way spot away from the crowds. Thanks to all and hope to see you on the water. Ben[/img]
 
Ben, come to our Eastern Shore Gathering in June next year. check out the pictures of the gathering for the past two years in the albums. Hopefullly Tom will run it again, we have about 30 boats there and many more owners without boats. I'm down at the mouth of the Potomac (some probably call me the MOUTH OF THE POTOMAC too), if you get down my way, stop in.

Charlie
 
At Adeline's suggestion, I got a folder from Tyboo Mike and posted three photos from Wye Island. Does anyone know how to post sub-folders and organize pictures within these subfolders? Thanks. Ben
 
Ben,
The Chesapeake is a great place to cruise in a C-Dory. There is no hesitation to share good anchorages but there are so many available with the super shallow draft of a C-Dory that it is better to suggest to try all you encounter. The vast majority of the surface area of the bay and it's feeder rivers consist of shallow waters. I circumnavigated Wye Island a few weeks ago and found the Wye Narrows a particularly good place to cruise. A push pole can get a 22' into the most protected and secluded of places safely. With the engine up 12" of water is enough to keep afloat; watch your tides.
Mike 'Levity"
 
Mike,

The push pole is a great idea. I used to use them fishing the marshes of south Louisiana. It hadn't occurred to me to try one on the C-Dory. I am curious what type you use and where you got it. Thanks. Ben
 
Ben":ghf0a144 said:
At Adeline's suggestion, I got a folder from Tyboo Mike and posted three photos from Wye Island. Does anyone know how to post sub-folders and organize pictures within these subfolders? Thanks. Ben
Click to expand...
Ben - when you are in your photo album, there will be two drop down arrows. One near the top that has “album actions” on it, the other under the photo icons in your album that has “photo actions” on it. Click on the drop down arrows and you should be able to figure it out from there. If you still have trouble or can’t quite figure a function out, post another question and some one will help.

Welcome aboard. You have yourself a great boat for gunkholing.
________
Dave dlt.gif
 
Hi Ben--- A good book for historical information and exploring the Eastern Shore, and it's unknown nooks and crannies is called-- RIVERS OF THE EASTERN SHORE--- by Hulbert Footner written in 1944 and 1972( a wealth of information). It covers 17 Maryland rivers, and information on many historical homes and building along the way( that are still standing), locations of former villages(that have disappeared), various points of land and landings, and various flora and fona, dating back to the 1600's to present day. Not to be used for navigation. I'm sure Mishner used this book as one of his sources.-----Rich
 
Ben,
The push pole came from Gander Mountain. It is a telescoping aluminum pole that accepts attachments like a paddle, a frog foot, or boat hook. Similar push poles are available from Cabellas and Pro Bass Shops. Sometimes I get the notion to attach oar locks and row my boat from a standing position in the cockpit. It seems likely the boat could be propelled 1-2 knots this way. The shallows are usually calm places with little current. Push poling and rowing allows one to move into an area without disrupting the natural residents.
Mike 'Levity'
 
Dear Rich,

I will check out that book. They do have it at my local library (just checked on-line). Thanks for the tip. I have been reading a similar book to the one you mention: The Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake by William B Cronin. It was just published this year, but gives a fairly detailed view of all the major islands on the bay, going through their history of settlement and usually their eventual abandonment and demise. It is amazing to see how quickly these geologic processes take place. Most of these islands are eroding or washing out at an alarming rate, due to many processes, but rising sea levels being among the most powerful. If you look at any of the charts for the bay you will see extensive shoaling near almost every shoreline, these shoals mark the previous extension of land. It is odd to realize how quickly firm ground can revert to open water. These sinking islands also should provide good Gunkholing opportunities as well. I will certainly post regarding my future explorations. Thanks again for the tip on the book, I will look it up. Ben
 
Hi Ben--- I purchased the book-RIVERS OF THE EASTERN SHORE- from Riverby Books-- www.riverbybooks.com they have two used book stores in Washington DC (202)543-4342 and in Fredericksburg, Va. (540)-373-6148. They actually have a seperate book section devoted to the Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding area, every time I stop in they always have new(old) books regarding the Chesapeake Bay, I recently purchased a book devoted entirely to Smith Island (past to present )history. All of their prices seem to be very reasonable, and most hard backs still have the dust cover. Most books are less than $10.00 ------Rich
 
Hey, Ben! We are confirmed Left Coasters here, but absolutely LOVED our all-too-short experience gunkholing on the Chesapeake (and Potomac) on Otter (courtesy of Tom Callahan) in June 2005...for sure, go to the Great Eastern Shore CBGT next June, this is an experience not to be missed...

One of my favorite shots, Halcyon and a workboat, early in the morning...

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Ben, ex-Snowdon looks good in your care. We're glad to see you and your family on the water, obviously enjoying the boat. And as you see from these responses, this group is a wonderful part of the experience you will have. Enjoy the thin water open to you now, and if you are ever on the Rhode River, make sure to poke around the corner into the coves behind the islands, across from where Jane works at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. it's a nice place, and plenty shallow if you get back toward the head of the river. Season's greetings to you and your family. Bruce and Jane Holly
 
Hey Ben, I didn't realize that the former "Snowden" was in your care now. Bruce and Jane came down to our place in the summer of 2004 with Tom and Kathy on Otter. Here's a good picture of your boat leaving to go home....

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This was taken just before he went on the wrong side of a green channel marker and ran (softly) aground :oops: , much to his embarassment. We miss you on this site Bruce, you're welcome to chime in anytime.

Look forward to meeting you, Ben, on the bay or at a gathering..

Charlie
 
Hi Bruce,

We have really been enjoying the boat; as you may remember I am a sailor at heart, but I have really appreciated the greatly increased cruising range due to the increased speed. Also I love to get away from the crowds and get back to nature, which is much harder with a 5 foot draft of a sailboat. I am looking forward to trying out a push pole as was mentioned above and getting a little inflatable kayak to poke around on.

We are trying to get the most out of the boating season, in fact I am not really "winterizing" except to empty the water tank and porta-potty, so that we can get out on a moments notice. We still haven't settled on a name but we are thinking about Bon Temps as a remembrance of our last home in New Orleans. If you really start missing your old boat just let me know, I'd happy to let you take it back out. I know you would take special care of it. It is good to hear from you. Ben
 
Bon Temps sounds like a good name.
I just got back from two months down in the Big Easy, doin' my ting with FEMA and all--spent my days in St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parish, and stayed in the Warehouse district. The French Quarter and much of the Uptown area are coming back now, or were relatively unhurt by flooding and wind--but out where I was was really tough. Good people though.
Keep on enjoying the boat, Ben, and I hope you get to Langford Creek this year, if that's where the rendezvous is going to be--the Chester River is beautiful. Lemme know when you want your trailer back. Bruce
 
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