Winds were fine S 5-9 temperatures mid 50's sunny sky - for a short sail. I just went out, across the bay and back. I sailed 2/3 of the time but did motor sail back to beat sundown since it is so early now.
Days: 1 Days to date: 105
Miles: 18.8 Miles to date: 2021.9
Marty stopped by the boat and was chatting with me as I was contemplating going out - still wanting to get my 2,000 nautical miles mark. After looking at the winds and seas I decided to wait until Tuesday to go out. But, Scott, another sailor on the pier, called to say he was coming down to go out so I figured if he could go out, so could I. I began my preparations to get underway when he arrived at the docks and saw the conditions - NW 12-20 gusting to 30 temperatures in the low 50's, sunny. He decided to cancel and I invited him to come with me. So, we headed out right after noon. It was a run all the way out to the bay with a full jib. Finally we got past Hart Miller Island and headed north - which put us on a broad reach and when we got in the wind shadow of Pools Island the seas calmed a bit as well as the wind. We sailed all the way up to Worton Creek and then sailed into the wind with a heavily reefed jib behind Pools Island and back into Middle River. Great time - Scott drove the entire way and seemed to have fun.
Days: 1 Days to date: 104
Miles: 24 Miles to date: 2003.1
Parkside to Bodkin Creek: I had to wait for the creek to rise to get out of my slip. Low tide was 7:17 but I didn't see enough water until 10:30. I reached out to Ralph and he recommended taking my time as he was also sitting on the bottom in Bodkin Creek. So, since the winds were very light I motored the entire distance. I nested outboard him and had a few inches to spare. We started getting his cover together and after a bit took a break for lunch. Then after lunch we finished the job. We watch some TV as Margaret was recuperating from knee surgery. Dinner was from Texas Roadhouse. Then I called it boaters midnight about 8pm.
Bodkin Creek to Parkside: My alarm got me up at 6:45 and I dressed warmly as I headed up to their home for coffee and bisects. I motored out and raised the jib right away. Since it was a nice point os sail I deployed the main as well and killed the engine. Sailing went very well and I change course and headed further east. Then the wind died midway across the bay so I motored back into Middle River, once again, wondering if there would be enough water in my slip. All was well and I pulled in with 7' of water.
Days: 2 Days to date: 103
Miles: 36.1 Miles to date: 1979.1
Parkside to Rock Hall Landing: I decided on a quick trip out and back to mark day 100. Winds were strong from the NW at 11-23 gusting to 30 temps in the mid 40's partly cloudy. Wow. Started out with jib only in Frog Mortar Creek. Making good speed, almost 7 knots. Fun turned to exhilarating when I got to the bay and saw 8.5 knots. Exhilarating turned to excitement after I sailed past Hart Miller Island. Excitement turned to fearful in the middle of the bay with sustained winds over 30, waves 3-4 feet and speed over ground over 9 knots. Fearful turned to terror when I was surfing the waves and went over 11 knots. Oh, and I was running out of water so I had to go from a broad reach to beam. That's when I realized that I shouldn't be out here. I was pushed sideways by a exceptionally large wave and had waves breaking onto the Dodger. I called Rock Hall Landing and Chris said I could stop to gather my thoughts. I cleaned up everything took a shower to get warm. The winds continued to howl over 30 well into the evening so I decided to stay. Thanks to Rock Hall Landing - probably why they are my favorite marina.
Rock Hall to Parkside: Up around 7 and a quick breakfast to get underway early. I was concerned with the north winds and how much water is left behind in Frog Mortar Creek. It was high tide as I crossed over the cut but saw 5'8" where normally I would see 7'. Once I got to the bay I headed north and motor sailed across the bay at full throttle. I arrived at my slip and turned around to back in. I went full throttle backing in and I was stopped about 8' from the dock. I went forward and back until I could at least jump over to the finger dock and go ashore to plug in. Once plugged in I just turned on the heater and waited until there was enough water to pull myself into the slip completely. Quite the exciting sail for the 100/101 day.
Days: 2 Days to date: 101
Miles: 37.6 n Miles to date: 1943
Parkside to Dividing Creek Wey River: Underway to Long Beach Marina for a re-fuel of 30 gallons, pump out, and water for the forward tank before motoring to Dividing Creek off of the Wye River where we were to meet up with our great friends and riggers, Suzanne and Dobbs Fryberger of Walden Rigging. Winds were from the S/SW 1-3 with temps in the low 60's but a nice sunny day so we ended up motoring across the Bay through Kent Narrows Bridge. I was trying to time our arrival until we found out it is on demand this time of the year so we just breezed right through and anchored in the middle of Dividing Creek. Dinner of grilled shrimp and rice pilaf and salad warmed us up and we sat out gazing at the stars until bed time.
Dividing Creek: We motored to the head of the creek to get closer to Suzanne and Dobbs. Around 1030 am we deployed the dinghy and rowed over to Grace where we met up with them for a short trip to the old 'dinghy dock'. We carefully walked ashore on a half submerged log with the assistance of Dobbs and then took a nice hike in the woods - because it was Sunday and the hunters were not out. It was a beautiful sunny brisk day where one really didn't need a coat. We rowed back to The Office ro lunch and relaxing time listening to nature. Suzanne and Dobbs came over around 4:30 for appetizers and conversation where they shared many of their experiences with us. They returned to their boat and we had dinner of grilled steak fillets, mashed potatoes and salad. Boaters midnight at 9 pm.
Dividing Creek to CBMM in St. Michaels: Up early to cooler temperatures but still quite manageable. Breakfast of hash browns, scrambles eggs and sausage. We recovered the dinghy and then underway for a quick trip over to Wye River East and Drum Point - had to after hearing stories from the night prior. After our quick discover tour we motored into the wind to St. Michaels and Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum slip C-4. We ordered Rum from Lyons Distillery and they delivered right to the boat. Sue went to her favorite silver store in town and the grocery store while I met with Suzanne and Dobbs and walked around the museum and then into town. We met up with Sue and she and I stayed for dinner outdoors at Awful Arthur's next to a fire pit to stay warm. Then we sampled some rum in the cockpit while before hitting the hay.
CBMM to Harness Creek South River: Sausage sandwiches for breakfast and waited for the store to open to get books that were left at the desk. There were disappointing winds after we got underway in the Miles so we motor sailed up to Eastern Bay where it finally picked up. Finally some good winds across the bay into South River and up into Harness Creek. We anchored near the dinghy dock and deployed the dinghy and rowed over. We walked Quiet Waters Park trails and back before dark and stowed the dinghy. Dinner of grilled chicken, string beans and potatoes. Relaxed and then bed.
Harness Creek to Annapolis: It was a quiet night with some light rain. We had a quick breakfast in order to get out before the heavy rain. It rained all the way to Annapolis but the temps were so it wasn't horrible. We motored past Thomas Point Lighthouse and took lots of pictures - as ususal. We docked in the City docks but over by the Naval Acadamey. It was quiet - no skateboarders. While we were in our wet clothes we walked into town, visited the jewelery store and of course Mission BBQ. We had lunch and just relaxed. Around 6 pm we walked around some more and got some ice cream Then we sat in the cockpit and watched the world go around. We watched a movie on the laptop and then went to bed.
Annapolis: The weather never cleared up on the 12th so we just stayed in port for another day. We chilled and briefly walked around town. We had crabs for dinner but they were fair to poor. Watched movies and then hit the hay.
Annapolis to Rock Hall Landing: It was a mostly calm sail across the bay with light winds from the NW. We ended up motoring the final few miles but arrived at Rock Hall at a nice time. We chilled again and ordered crab cakes from Waterman's. Movies and then bed.
Rock Hall to Parkside: Quiet night. Much nicer weather. We departed after saying good by to Chris and Joe. Motored out and across the cut with the main sail up. Then motor sailed west far enough to make a port tack up the bay. As we were traveling, the wind kept shifting to the south and allowed me to get across the bay into Middle River. We then dropped the sails and motored in as I as concerned about arriving at low tide because of the NW winds. We hit the pump out at Maryland Marina and then motored to the slip where we had a little of over 6' of water. Good docking. Katie called and we chatted ant then Sue headed home to PA.
Days: 7 Days to date: 99
Miles: 124.2 Miles to date: 1905.4
Parkside to Chester River: I got out before low tide as it read 5.7 feet. Winds from the NW 8-10 gusting to 20 on a sunny sky temps in the mid 50's. I let out the jib right out of the slip and sailed out of the creek, out of the river all the way across the Bay. I raised the main after getting half way across as the winds finally dropped to less than 10 knots. Finally in the Chester River I dropped the sails and motored into Queenstown Creek. I followed the channel and previous tracks from the summer but ran hard aground. It took quite an effort but I finally got off and abandoned my thoughts of going into the creek. So I anchored in the southern part of the Chester River paying out extra chain to compensate for the changing tide. Dinner was reheated spaghetti and southern string beans. Turns out is was a quiet night.
Chester River to Worton Creek: Awoke up to temps of low 50's so I turned on the heater and cooked breakfast of hash browns, sausage and eggs to warm the place up. I left around noon and sailed down the river and up the bay to Worton Creek. I decided to drop the hook here as it was getting dark. It was a great sail but I did have to run the engine for almost 2 hours to recharge the batteries. I anchored outside Worton Creek and all was fine. I had no service so boaters midnight to get warm. Dinner was re-heated chicken chow mien on the stove. Temps stayed in the 50's outside and almost 69 inside.
Worton Creek to Parkside: I relaxed at anchor in a warm sunny day. I was trying to decide where to go as the wind was starting to build - mostly from the south. I started out trying to go on a run but it wasn't enough so I headed south and sailed home on a close haul to get home and plug in. Docking in the dark went fine.
Days: 3 Days to date: 92
Miles: 68.8 Miles to date: 1781.2
Parkside to Dobbins Island: I got a late start after filling the main water tank and visiting the Parkside pump out. David is turning off the water this weekend and shutting down the pump out. Winds were predicted to N 10-15 cloudy with temps in the upper 50's. I started sailing in Middle River and headed down the bay on a run. I had the preventer system deployed which saved about 5 accidental jibs and simplified the one major one that I did on purpose. Sailing was great with some speeds into the 8 knots range. I headed for Dobbins Island for a nice anchorage. Once again, hamburgers on the grill, noodles and peas and salad for dinner. I turned on Buddy at about 7 pm and ran until 11:00 to warm it up before going to bed.
Dobbins Island to Bodkin Creek: I arose early and thought it was the end of DST so I changed the clocks and crawled back under the covers - turns out later it was not the end of DST. I finally rolled out around 9 am and had a big breakfast of eggs, sausage and toast. Winds were predicted to be light from the North with temps in the upper 50's and a sunny sky so I decided to explore around in The Office where I had been in the dinghy. First I wnt around Little Dobbins Island and then into Grays Creek. I bumped bottom along the edges but when inside there was almost 10 feet all around. Then I motored to Cornfield Creek and also saw plenty of water even at low tide. Then I headed out of the River and tried to sail home. Since winds were slow I decided to anchor out in Bodkin Creek to make Sunday's trip shorter as rain was predicted later in the afternoon. I didn't visit Ralph as Margaret was scheduled for knee surgery and couldn't have guests. Dinner was grilled bratwurst and leftover peas and salad.
Bodkin Creek to Parkside: Ok, today was end of DST and I was up by 7 so I made coffee and got underway as soon as possible. I was expecting 10-12 knots of wind from the SW with 1-2 foot seas and rain to begin around noon. Well, the rain showed up early as well as the stronger winds. I was being bounced around by the waves and wind so finally I turned to a wing on wing - only possible because of my preventer system. In the process I hit 10.4 knots as top speed. Docking took 2 tries as I hit the northern piling due to the southerly winds. All tired and very cold I took a warm shower and went to bed.
Days: 3 Days to date: 89
Miles: 54.2 Days to date: 1712.4
Parkside to Hawk Cove: I went grocery shopping and then headed out. I motored as there was no wind in the Creek or River. I met up with Catfish on the way out and he agreed to raft up with me for dinner. I anchored in my normal spot in Hawk Cove and Catfish rafted to my portside after a bit of confusion. I grilled steak and made a salad with stuff Catfish brought over along with potatoes. We had an interesting discussion and he headed back to his home slip around 11 pm. Bed for me.
Hawk Cove to Whitehall Bay: It was a quiet night and I slept well. After a full breakfast I got underway with very light winds from the N with temps in the low 60s and cloudy sky. I tried sailing for about 2 hours and finally gave up and motored to Whitehall Bay - the location of my first JSO event years ago. Grilled pork chops, rice and salad for dinner and of course ice cream for desert.
Whitehall Bay to Strawberry Point: Calm night but the winds did pick up significantly around 5:30 with no issues. I had hot cereal and a banana for breakfast and then got underway to explore. First was Whitehall Creek. There was plenty of water and lots to see. A number of nice anchorages such as Minnow Creek and Ridout Creek. I went as far as Red 8 and turned around. I did not go up Meredith Creek as construction was underway. Maybe someone is dredging. Next was Mill Creek where the entrance was quite narrow but all was fine - shallowest point was around 7 feet if you stay within the markings. The Navy MWR marina is here - not that great looking. Further us was Cantlier's Riverside Inn - had a great reputation for crab cakes - also didn't look great. Also some nice anchorages in this creek. Finally I headed out of Whitehall Bay and raised the sails getting the to bridge very slowly. After a couple of hours I turned on the engine and headed home. I went all the way up Middle River to Catfish's marina as he left his hat onboard the night before. While the chart said I was in 2' of water it was actually almost 7. Good to know. Then I headed home but decided to drop the hook at Strawberry Point for the night. Dinner was grilled hamburgers, peas and rice and ice cream for desert - of course. Sept all night.
Strawberry Point to Parkside: I set my alarm to get me up at 6:45 but it was pouring rain, dark, and 57 degrees so I reset the alarm for another hour and went back to bed. Ok, finally up by 8 I fired up 'Buddy' to warm up for breakfast. Donning rain gear I finally got underway for the short trip home but still got soaked. Docked fine - now had to dry out.
Days: 4 Days to date: 86
Miles: 63.5 Miles to date: 1658.2
I convinced Jared to come down for one last trip. Winds were 6-9 but from the south and we were heading, you guessed it, south. So we motor sailed all the way to The Magothy River back to another favorite place - Dobbins Island. We anchored, settled in with a few drinks and then had grilled steak with potatoes/onions and a salad. More drinks, conversation and then finally boaters midnight.
It was a quiet night - a bit warm so I actually opened a hatch. Today the weather is partly cloudy, calm seas, temps 63-68 with winds from the west at 4-10. We started with eggs and sausage for breakfast and then deployed the dinghy and engine for a quick trip around the "little island" and back into Grays Creek. Back to The Office and recovered the engine and dinghy and headed out of the River into the Bay. The wind was all over the place both direction and strength all day as Jared drove us home. We mostly sailed but turned the engine on a few times to keep going. Finally in the late afternoon we got some strong NW winds at about 10-15 knots. We tacked up to Pools Island and then sailed into Middle River. Finally we dropped the sails as we turned into Frog Mortar Creek. Smooth docking in light northerly winds. Jared gathered his stuff and headed home. I had a call scheduled with Katie.
Days: 2 Days to date: 82
Miles: 50.2 Miles to date: 1594.6
I motored with Marty on his sailboat, Far Fetched, to Annapolis. He is hauling out for the winter and getting work done.
Days: 1 Days to date: 80
Miles: 0 Miles to date: 1544.4