Trip 26 - Pumpkin Trip

Parkside to Still Pond: We got a late start but the winds were still good from the south along with temps in the 60's and sunny skies. We went behind pools Island on a broad reach to a run. Winds were up to 19+ knots but it was a smooth sail. Waves were from astern 2-3 seconds 1-2 feet. We anchored in our usual spot on the north side in Still Pond and heated up the chicken in the microwave along with mac and cheese. Dinner was over at 9 pm and bed shortly thereafter. 

Still Pond to Turner Creek off of the Sassafras River: We arose to a nice breakfast of croissants in the cockpit. We had a relaxing morning and we got underway around noon. It was a nice short sail to Turner Creek and we entered without incident - a very tricky entrance. Winds were from the SW 9 decreasing to 7 with temps in the mid 60's and a cloudy day. We had chicken salad sandwiches and chips for lunch. We deployed the dinghy and took a 2 hour trip around Turner Creek and then out into the river. Back to The Office to relax and have dinner of grilled pineapple shrimp. Boaters midnight. Overnight was calm, no movement. Good anchorage. 

Turner Creek to Rock Hall Landing: Up early with coffee to get moving. We recovered the engine off the dinghy and set it ready for a tow and got underway. Sue drove out of the creek - still tricky to do. Then we made breakfast sandwiches as we were sailing down the bay. We called Rock Hall Landing but they didn't have anything available so we recovered the dinghy while underway - first time for that. Then Naomi from Rock Hall called and said they had something open up so we decided to go there again. We motored as the winds were very light from the SE and rain was on the way. We docked on a different 'T' head but all was fine. We docked next to The Prince of Tides. Very nice boat. 

Rock Hall to Rock Hall: We got under way in heavy rain and immediately made a circle around the bay and back into our slip. Too much wind and rain so we decided another day here was fine. Also, we noticed a leak indoors so we dismantled the starboard side over the galley to find the leak. I think we found it. We ate a light dinner of hot dogs and beans and watched some movies on the laptop. 

Rock Hall to Annapolis City Docks: It was a cloudy cold morning and I wiped down the windows waiting for breakfast. We got underway around 10 and had a great sail across the bay. It was a broad reach / run most of the way with an average speed 4.5 knots sailing most of the way. We used the engine to get out of the slip and dock only. We arrived in Ego Alley and found slip 16 open for us. Actually we were the only boat there that day. The sun started to come out around 2 pm but otherwise it was in the low 60's and partly cloudy. Of course we had Mission BBQ for dinner, watched a movie and then bed. 

Annapolis to Ralph's on Bodkin Creek: We arose early for a somewhat early start The winds were light from the SE but we wer not in a hurry so we raised the sails right of of the mooring fields and went on a broad reach / run out of the Severn River. After crossing under the bridge we jibed east to head towards Bodkin Creek. Sue saw a dingy adrift in the water so thinking someone might need help I dropped the sails and motored to it. Turns out it was just an errant piece of floating dock and since we were close to Bodkin Creek we just motored to Ralph's. We brought a bottle of red wind and Ralph made his signature appetizer. Dinner was from Roadhouse Steak restaurant and then early to bed.  

Bodkin Creek to Parkside: A very nice breakfast with Ralph and Margaret of blueberry pancakes. Then a very brisk trip home strong winds from the south that put us on a broad reach. I went to the east of the island so I could sail longer. Top speed was 9.7. Great practice sailing with the waves. We arrived earlier enough to pump out at Long beach marina. Then Sue went home and I worked on cleaning up the boat. I will head home on Friday for my nephew's wedding. 

Days: 7    Days to date: 77

Miles: 108    Miles to date: 1524