CHAPTER 1

REGION 1Head of Bay to Pooles Island

The extreme northern part of the Chesapeake Bay is more closely akin to a largefreshwater river than to a tidal estuary. The water in the upper Bay is onlylightly brackish, and as you proceed up most of the tributaries it becomesfresh. Crabs and oysters are relatively rare, and sea nettles seldom, if ever,penetrate. The area is scenic and thinly settled, at least in comparison withareas near Baltimore, farther south.

Like the tines of a pitchfork, the head of the Bay is split into four forks bythe Susquehanna, Northeast, Elk, and Sassafras Rivers. The Bohemia River and theChesapeake and Delaware Canal—or C&D Canal— form additional forksoff the Elk River. All offer secure and interesting harbors to the visitingyachtsman, with all the facilities needed for resupply or repairs. Farther tothe south, Pooles Island and Worton and Fairlee Creeks form a transition areawhere the water changes from the nearly fresh water of the head of the Bay tothe more brackish waters of the main part of the northern Bay.

Most of the Western Shore, between the Susquehanna River and Pooles Island, is arestricted area belonging to the Aberdeen Proving Grounds. Landing there isstrictly prohibited at all times; this includes swimming or touching the bottom,shore, or a pier. The entire restricted area is closed Monday through Fridayfrom 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., except on national holidays. Additional closedtimes are announced over broadcast and VHF-FM radios. When actual firing is inprogress on the range, patrol boats warn the unwary out of the area. When thearea is open, boats may navigate through it, fishing or crabbing is allowed, andwater-skiing is permitted up to within 200 meters (220 yards) of the shore. Forspecific information, call 410-278-2250, or listen to VHF-FM radio Channel 16 orCB Channel 12. A detailed map is also available from APG Public Affairs,Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD 21005.

As a direct result of the above, the approximately 15 miles of Western Shoreassociated with the proving grounds is not discussed in detail here.

EASTERN SHORE

ELK RIVER

Charts: 12273, 12274

Many consider Turkey Point, at the mouth of the Elk River, to be the true "topof the Bay." Near here, the Elk, Sassafras, Susquehanna, and Northeast Riversall join forces with the Bay. The Elk River itself offers little of directinterest to the cruiser except for a few potential day stops along Elk NeckState Park. In colonial times there was a major port at the headwaters that wasburned out by the British forces during the War of 1812. Now it is silted in andpretty much forgotten, save for a mark on the charts showing Old FrenchtownWharf. The Elk River connects the C&D Canal and the Bohemia River with the restof the Bay. However, there are still quite a few harbors and points of interestworth mentioning here.

Cabin John Creek

2 1 No facilities

Charts: 12273, 12274 (39°27.83'N 075°57.57'W)

Approaches. Less than 2 miles up the Elk River from Turkey Point, Cabin JohnCreek lies on the east shore. Although a little shallow (5 feet mean low water[MLW]), this creek is a popular anchorage with shallow-draft vessels forswimming and a convenient "duck-in" shelter for some occasions. Unfortunately,you cannot proceed very far into the creek, and it is exposed to the northwest,the most common direction for a "blow." Not unexpectedly, there are no mooringsor marine facilities. A good beach on the south side of the creek lends itselfto swimming, wading, and beachcombing.

Anchorage. Except right in the mouth of the creek, there is little roomto anchor because the water shoals rather quickly as you proceed into the creek.You can anchor in at least 5 feet of water within about ¼ mile from theentrance, but watch your depth carefully as the shoaling tends to increase eachyear.

Elk Neck State Park

2 1 No facilities

Charts: 12273, 12274

Approaches. To port as you proceed up the Elk River, most of the land ispart of Elk Neck State Park. Comprising more than 1,700 acres, the park has aquite varied topography, ranging from sandy beaches to marshlands to woodlandsthat are more than 100 feet above sea level. It is a wildlife sanctuary. Thereis no "approach" as such. Just choose a likely looking spot as you proceed upthe Elk River and pull over, making sure you are well away from the commercialchannel, and monitor the depth as you approach shore. Holding is good in sandand mud, but the wind blowing up and down the river is essentially unrestricted.

Anchorages. Although anchoring off any of several beaches is possible,there is little or no protection from the elements or the wakes from boat andship traffic. There are facilities for boat launching and rental in RoguesHarbor (39°28.11'N 075°59.00'W), about 1½ miles above TurkeyPoint and directly across the Elk River from a large housing development withlook-alike white houses placed cheek by jowl. The launching facility is designedfor small powerboats or day sailers. Other trailerables with a draft well under3 feet also can make use of the facility. Trailers and cars can be parked at aseparate area just up the hill.

You can anchor off this cove, but the shallow water and lack of protection fromweather and ship wakes make it less than a desirable anchorage. For just puttinga small boat in for the day or even windsurfing, it is a good...