Heading to Solomons

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse

October 5th- Dropped the bridal on the mooring ball first thing in the morning. Our plans were to drop the hook midway to Solomons Islands. The weather forecast for the day said  westerly winds would be increasing by the afternoon and the anchorage we picked is on the east side of the bay. This meant that if we dilly dally we'd be the recipient of beam seas. Well the forecast was somewhat accurate, they were definitely westerly winds however they began much earlier and we began to get beam seas. By the time  we turned into the Knapp's Narrow canal we were happy to be off the bay as the seas were getting uncomfortable. The captain found us a delightful little anchorage where we were only 1 of 3 boats and we were safe and snug. During the afternoon we relaxed and read on the sundeck and listened to the bird life all around. We spotted a few eagles hunting but unfortunately they were much too fast to capture on the camera. That evening there were no clouds in the sky and stars were plenty. It was a little cool almost frosty evening and we noticed a small fishing boat coming into the anchorage. Surely he wasn't going to be spending the night out in this cool weather. Sure enough, he had his anchor light on and stayed the whole night.
October 6th/8th - Early in the morning we raised our anchor and began our trip to Solomons Island. The winds had now shifted North Easterly so we were getting a little push on our port quarter when we entered the bay. The trip wasn't bad and the seas really settled as we travelled along.
 Our plan was to spend a few days in the Solomon area working on a few things and visiting our friends Ted and Nancy. Nancy and Ted McCarley had just returned home from their great excursion on the Down East Circle Loop.  Dick had told Ted that we wanted to go to the Annapolis Sailboat Show to check out navigation equipment and they invited us to join them.
Our chart plotters are small and very difficult to see in bright light. We have a navigation system on the main helm and on the bridge. All the equipment 'talk to one another'. The captain doesn't want to replace everything, he'd like to get a chart plotter that is compatible with all the current equipment. By the time we were finished looking at the boat show our eyes were crossed and brains foggy from trying to figure out what we'd really like to use on the Summer Wind. There are a ton of options on the market. We had also checked out boat mattresses and found it curious how  most mattresses begin at $1800 they must be really special! Yeah right!!
On our second day in Solomon's Ted gave Dick a hand changing his zincs on the stern of the boat. Would you believe Ted has a diving suit that was specifically fitted for him from his days in the navy and it still fits!  Very impressive  and thanks Ted! Dick was doing the first mate's job in handing all the equipment. While they were tending to their chores Nancy had offered use of her washer/dryer and I took advantage of the offering. Thanks Nancy!
We had a wonderful few days with our friends , we enjoyed cocktails on the back of their sundeck. One evening we enjoyed a great dinner at the Irish Pub, where we learned what Boxty's were and they were indeed delicious. They are like a thin potato pancake with stuffing, such as steak or veggies. Another evening we went out for Mexican fare and enjoyed another wonderful meal and it was just delightful being with our friends.

Sharps Point Lighthouse

Cove Point Lighthouse

Dick being first mate

Ted jumping in!