The Boathouse Marina

07/17/2026

Northern VA Smoke Forecast
The current smoke forecast for our area indicates that wildfire smoke is impacting air quality across our region. This smoke is likely to be more visible in the afternoon. The good news is that conditions should start to improve into Saturday as winds change and rain helps clear some of the smoke.
Have a good weekend!

06/20/2026

SUNDAY IS FATHER’S DAY!
We all have heartfelt stories about our dad’s. When your father is no longer with you the moments we look back upon become even more important and treasured. So as the weekend stirs my memories this post is for you Daddy.
I was a “Daddy’s Girl” from the first day I sat on his lap and was old enough to feel protected. I will always remember the night we also became friends as well. I was sixteen; I had just walked in the door from my first date. My mother was in bed. Daddy was sitting at the kitchen table, he turned smiled and said “come sit down, we will split a beer and this package of Twinkies, and you tell me all about your date." Daddy was a romantic at heart! I think he was in love with my mom from their first date maybe from the first day they met. She was his Duchess and he was her Duke – nicknames they had given themselves.
My father was a military hero, no question about it but from him I learned of love, relationships and to value my accomplishments, to learn from my mistakes, not to take myself to seriously and when things get tough, push through and think "Airborne, Airborne, All The Way!" I have used that same expression with my daughter over the years. Here are a few other things that truly made this wonderful man exceptional. He was chivalrous, knew how to treat woman and taught his son the same. His love was unconditional so he didn’t take even the smallest jesters of kindness for granted. He taught me that honesty is important in everything you do. When you take care of people they take care of you. It is ok to be wrong, because it helps you make things right. Remember and try to respect that every one's path to happiness is different. Find your passion and strength…."Airborne, Airborne, All The Way!" Thank you, Daddy. I hope there is a Father’s Day celebration in heaven. Here’s to you Daddy!

If your father is alive reach out to him this Sunday –if he has passed on share one of your favorite memories with family and friends and here on our site if you like. To all, have a grand Father’s Day!

06/09/2026

REMEMBER...
OUR GRAND OLD FLAG, IT'S A HIGH-FLYING FLAG AND FOREVER IN PEACE MAY SHE WAVE!
This coming Sunday June 14th is Flag Day. Please take a moment to inspect any United States flag you are currently flying. Is your flag in good condition to represent our country proudly? I strongly appreciate what our flag represents. My father served in the U.S. Army, assigned to the 101st Airborne jumping into Normandy on D-Day and also served in combat during the Korean War retiring after 31 years of service to his country. Daddy was extremely patriotic and taught his family to respect our country and its most important symbol the flag. Please fly our country’s flag with pride on Sunday June 14th.

Did you know that there are special rules for taking care of our flag? The U.S. Flag Code is an official set of guidelines (not laws) that dictates how a flag should be flown in order to show it the respect and honor that it deserves. Learn all about American Flag Etiquette here and hoist the flag this Flag Day!

06/09/2026

WHAT IS THAT BIG STAR? It is actually two stars.
Venus and Jupiter, the two brightest objects in our night sky after the moon, will appear to "kiss" about 45 minutes after sunset. In reality, of course, the two planets are hundreds of millions of miles apart. Were there any beings on them, they'd have no idea that, to us on our blue planet, they appear to be joining together. But here on Earth, the two will appear to merge into one for a brief hour or so.

06/04/2026

GET YOUR STEAM POT READY!
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Virginia Institute of Marine Science have found sharp increases in the numbers of male and juvenile blue crabs after years of declining numbers and an especially harsh winter. The survey, conducted annually since 1990, samples 1,500 sites in the Bay and its tributaries from December to March. This year, it estimated there are 349 million blue crabs in the Bay, a 46% increase over the estimate of 238 million crabs last year.
Two-thirds of that total, about 228 million, were juvenile crabs, a 121% increase over last year’s tally. That comes after six years of declining juvenile numbers and the 2025 survey recorded the second-lowest abundance of young ever found. In addition, the survey estimated 37 million adult male crabs, a 42% increase from last year’s record low near 20 million males. Those are the highest numbers of male and juveniles since 2019.

05/22/2026

MEMORIAL DAY TREAT
The red, white and blue make these the perfect little sweet bites for Memorial Day
YOU WILL NEED
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
30 mini fillo shells (available in the frozen food section of most grocery stores)
Raspberries and blueberries for garnish. Optional- For that final touch dust with powdered sugar and a mint leaf
INSTRUCTIONS
Beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form; set aside
Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until well blended
Fold in whipping cream
Use a decorating bag to fill 30 fillo shells with cream cheese mixture (no pastry bag, carefully fill with small spoon)
Top with raspberries and blueberries as garnish
Optional- For that final touch dust with powdered sugar and a mint leaf

05/21/2026

MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial Day weekend is approaching. This weekend is known as the unofficial start of summer, with families gathering for barbecues, travel, and outdoor activities. More importantly Monday, May 25th is a solemn day of remembrance that has been observed for over 150 years. We as Americans should pause, reflect and honor the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military.

05/19/2026

This is National Safe Boating Week
May 16 through May 22 2026
This annual observance, led by the National Safe Boating Council in partnership with the National Weather Service and the U.S. Coast Guard, is designed to promote responsible boating practices ahead of the busy Memorial Day weekend and the 2026 boating season. The week emphasizes key safety measures such as always wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, filing a float plan, checking the weather before and during trips, never operating a boat under the influence, and taking the required boating safety course
Let’s all have an enjoyable experience on the water! BE SAFE!

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in 76 percent of recreational boating fatalities, and that 87 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets in 2024.

05/13/2026

05/13/2026

HAS YOUR BOTTOM BEEN PAINTED LATELY? To clarify I am referring to your Boat Bottom! Regular application of bottom paint and proper selection of paint type ensure long term protection and smoother more efficient operation on the water.
This time of year you can find members of our Boathouse Marina yard crew doing something they do great…bottom painting boats. In addition to preventing marine growth, bottom paint protects the hull from corrosion and damage caused by prolonged exposure to saltwater, freshwater, and U-V radiation, all extending the lifespan of your boat and reducing costly repairs. Scientific studies show that bottom paint can reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%. It also helps prevent cavitation, which can damage engines and propellers. Here are a few images from this week’s work. If we can help you with your bottom or other boat maintenance stop on by The Boathouse Marina