Rented canoe and paddled around Harpers Creek and Pearsons Creek at Pax River. Explored areas I had not paddled to yet. Watched a helicopter practice low flying on the creek.
Century Club: Ryan Neil
Monday, May 25, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Went with two other members of pax sail club and picked up a newly-bought sailboat in Annapolis. Conditions were very foggy with some sprinkles, so we motored the sailboat all the way to Solomons marina. Went past Thomas Shoal Lighthouse, Calvery Cliffs, and Cove Point Lighthouse. Arrived around 6pm that same day.
Monday, May 18, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Family went to the beach at Tall Timbers and I headed the boat around and practiced my anchoring skills. Boat stayed anchored for quite a while until the wind picked up. Used the slide again but water was too shallow for me. Was able to make it back to dock when whitecaps showed up in the water and tide was creating a whirlpool at Herring Creek entrance. Came back to eat a picnic on the beach and watch the sunset.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Took out pontoon with daughter and dog and cruised around Potomac looking for dolphins. Didn't see any but we saw some birds including a pelican. Daughter drew the pelican on her notebook while we headed back. Parked the boat at the Tall Timbers beach and struggled with anchoring. Left after a bit and cruised around Herring Creek. Picked up wife and son and anchored in the creek. Used the slide for the first time this year and floated around with kids.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Went to sail club at Pax River and took the ASA 101 test. Scored 100% and then took a 16.5 ft sailboat out to go over tacks, jibes and man overboard drills. Was on the water for a hour and just stayed in the marina water next to Patuxent River. Windy conditions made the MOB a challenge.
Afterwards, headed to Tall Timbers and worked on bathroom window on pontoon boat.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Rented a canoe at NAS Pax River and canoed for most of the afternoon. Wind was strong in spots so I wasn't able to head too far. Tracked about 5 km of paddling. Watched ospreys and aircraft flying around while canoeing.
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Took kids out on pontoon for over a hour on Potomac River. Wind picked up so headed back and docked the boat while kids played on the beach. Played on the beach and cold water for a while. Unfortunately, my son cut his foot on the beach so had to head back home to get cleaned up.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Arrived at marina at 6pm and took out pontoon for a quick trip on Potomac. Cruised down to Piney Point and around the cove area, avoiding crab pots. Went back and admired the sunset and calm waters and no wind. Arrived back before dark (2 hour trip).
Friday, May 1, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Took sailboat out to Potomac. Wind was almost non-existent at the inlet of Herring Creek. Talked to another sailor while in the river and then wind picked up about a hour into sailing. Wind got real strong (maybe up to 15 mph) so I let down the main sail and motored back to Herring Creek. At the dock, I finally added new battens to the mainsail. Learned from the other sailor that I had a clip holding up the mainsail boom and should let that down when underway.
Monday, April 27, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Took out pontoon on Monday but broke the bathroom window on a nail sticking out from a pole at my dock. Oh well, ordered another one. Went out to Potomac and headed north but headed back when waves picked up. Had the dog with me and cruised around Herring Creek afterwards. Was out for a little less than 2 hours. No more damage while docking.