Been a while but finally all critical repairs are done. Itchy feet said to get moving even though there are still many boat projects in progress (we are only 2 months delayed from the original plan). Dashed out of Annapolis after getting our water topped up (since we can’t make water in the Chesapeake – too dirty). Was interesting hearing from long time Chesapeake dwellers about the water – clear to four or five feet – used to be in the water constantly. That was then. Now, rarely in the water – can only see about 6 inches. General consensus – farm fertilizer and city storm runoff is harming the echosystem. Don’t know about harming it, but changing it for sure. Lots of crabs and other life but very murky, especially after a storm.
In any case, we made a run for it about noon and arrived in Sillery Bay on the Magothy River about 4 after a leasurely sail (at about 3.5 knots). We finally resorted to the motor as a thunderstorm swept toward us. As luck would have it, the big bad storm that threatened us petered out before arriving and a brand new one formed just east of us as we arrived. So lots of thunder, but just not on top of us.
On the beach of Dobbins Island in Sillery Bay when we arrived, many boats were enjoying the end of labor day with a party – finally dispersing as the light faded. All that was left was someone’s flip flops which Charlie and I discovered the next morning after kayaking to the beach for a romp. But the big surprise in the morning was when we spotted Dan (first person we met at Liberty Marina) pulling anchor. What a blast. He allowed as how he was one of the boisterous party people the evening before with members of his family and friends. He grew up in this area and happily remembered winter times when the area froze and people would drive cars to the island across the ice for a slightly more frigid party, albeit I believe there was amply antifreeze for the blood in attendance. Delight to see Dan there.