We covered 210 nautical miles in seven days, including the extra distance tacking to windward because the wind never stopped blowing from the north. That was great for the first half but taxing for the return trip home. The trip started off overcast and misty but wrapped up with two days of glorious sunshine. Now for the details.
Day 1 - The first day of the cruise was Wednesday but because of the distance to Solomon's, we spent our first night in Dunn Cove. Denny and Stephanie invited us to join them for dinner.
Day 2 - Our first night of the CSSM cruise was in Mill Creek near Solomons. The other cruisers were Divided Sky, Elusive, Gambrinus, Moonshadow, Mystral and Shaken Knot Stirred.
Day 3 - Our second night was in Smith Creek off the Patomic River.
Day 4 - Our third night was Church Cove off the St Mary's River. This stop included a fabulous tour of St Mary's College. We had lunch in the student cafeteria followed by a tour of the new Fine Arts Center, the Science Building, the site of the original capital building of Maryland, the replica of the Dove and the site of the original City of St Mary's.
Day 5 - We left the group and joined Gambrinus for the perfect sail north to Mill Creek off Solomon's. Winds were 12 - 15 knots with higher gust and lumpy seas. We were neck and neck with Gambrinus the whole way.
Day 6 - Slightly less wind than day 5 but still northerly with adverse current made for slow progress. Our destination was Dunn Cove or arrive home well after sunset.
Day 7 - Our final trip home with some sailing but mostly motoring home.