From the Sassafras we motored North to the Chesapeake
& Delaware Canal, which is what ocean going ships use to get from the
Chesapeake Bay to the Delaware Bay, thus the name. A short way into the canal
lies Chesapeake City which is home to the Corp of Engineers that maintains the
canal. We anchored in the basin with a good view of the bridge and canal. After
rowing over to the dinghy dock, we set off exploring on foot. The town has
quaint buildings, painted in bright colors that would be perfect for a model
railroad. Beth found a fiber shop and the owner showed Noah how to spin wool
from a black sheep into yarn on a spinning wheel. Bought some yarn made from
bamboo as something unique. Dinner was overlooking the canal on some outdoor
tables outside at the Chesapeake Inn. We expected half-price burger night,
but it turns out that is no longer an offering. Ended up splurging and having
steak topped with crab and lobster cakes.
& Delaware Canal, which is what ocean going ships use to get from the
Chesapeake Bay to the Delaware Bay, thus the name. A short way into the canal
lies Chesapeake City which is home to the Corp of Engineers that maintains the
canal. We anchored in the basin with a good view of the bridge and canal. After
rowing over to the dinghy dock, we set off exploring on foot. The town has
quaint buildings, painted in bright colors that would be perfect for a model
railroad. Beth found a fiber shop and the owner showed Noah how to spin wool
from a black sheep into yarn on a spinning wheel. Bought some yarn made from
bamboo as something unique. Dinner was overlooking the canal on some outdoor
tables outside at the Chesapeake Inn. We expected half-price burger night,
but it turns out that is no longer an offering. Ended up splurging and having
steak topped with crab and lobster cakes.
The Corp of Engineers has a small, free museum
dedicated to the history of the canal. It turns out that it has had many
improvements over the years. Originally it had locks and the canal was above
sea level. It leaked and they built a huge waterwheel powered by two steam
engines that pumped over a million gallons per hour into the canal. There was a
neat model of it and then Noah found the sign pointing to the door that lead to
the real thing. If you are ever near Chesapeake City, it is worth the stop to
see the preserved pump station.
dedicated to the history of the canal. It turns out that it has had many
improvements over the years. Originally it had locks and the canal was above
sea level. It leaked and they built a huge waterwheel powered by two steam
engines that pumped over a million gallons per hour into the canal. There was a
neat model of it and then Noah found the sign pointing to the door that lead to
the real thing. If you are ever near Chesapeake City, it is worth the stop to
see the preserved pump station.
There is also live info on the ships transiting the
canal available on their web site. http://www.nap.usace.army.mil/sb/c&d.htm
canal available on their web site. http://www.nap.usace.army.mil/sb/c&d.htm
Noah continued school work en route to Chesapeake City.
