Heading South Take Two

Saturday October 2nd / 4th-  It's very easy to tell when the captain and crew were antsy to leave. Both of us were up and dressed by 6:30am and we didn't bat an eye. Both of us went to task at getting the Summer Wind prepared for departure. As we were pulling out from Worton point we spotted another cruiser. Both of us said that looks like Shangri-La. Sure enough through the binoculars we could make out the pretty lines of the Heritage East. Dick hailed captain EDon and bid him good morning. Each captain complimented one another on their fine looking vessels. This then became a photo-op for the crew to take pictures as the captain's took turns dancing around one another to get a great shot.


Shangri-La

 After dancing around one another we went back to our original course. Shangri-La and her crew were heading for Solomons. Summer Wind and her crew were heading for St. Michaels. But they might end up meeting one another again in the near future in Washington, DC.
We had a great cruise down the Chesapeake despite the somewhat soupy conditions. Upon nearing the Bay bridge we could hear announcements of races starting and the coast guard was putting out notices over the radio of over 50 boats participating in the Poker Run. We spotted several J-boats with the spinnakers raised and heading down the bay. It looked like great fun!!
Our destination today was San Domingo Creek which is considered the back door anchorage to St. Michaels. First we had to go through Knapps Narrows. At this point the captain fueled up at $2.64/gal. We're very greatful for the help that Bob Boyle gave us for fueling. For if he hadn't been there we're not sure we could have fueled up by ourselves.
That afternoon we continued on to San Domingo Creek and dropped a hook. Took a dinghy ride into St. Michaels and walked around through the various shops. Did a little food shopping and then dinghied back to the Summer Wind. We've been here now for three days because of course 'weather'. Not as bad as Nicole, but enough to put 3-4 ft. seas on the Chesapeake coming from the north and a series of downpours. It's finally autumn todays temperature rose to 54 but there was an actual windchill to make it feel like 48,,, brrrrrrr that is cold!!
Let's pray that Mother Nature takes a nice long break!!!

Poker Run on the Chesapeake

Waiting for their start

Tropical Depression Nicole and other unwanted

Arabella

Wednesday September 29th- October 2nd - Dropped our mooring ball line early in the morning and  headed down the Severn River.  Instead of turning south for St. Michaels, our destination today was back north to Worton Creek. However this was not our only concern, believe it or not mother nature was going to take a turn for the worse starting in the afternoon. This time she was coming from the south in the form of Tropical Depression Nicole.



Tell Tale Signs in the Morning

 Well we made it to Worton in great time and because the engine had ran all morning it was easy to identify where in fact the leakage was coming from. A leaking muffler is not good for the engine room, not only because the salt plays havoc with the electrical. Carbon monoxide is a danger with a leaking muffler, so it definitely needs to be addressed. The mechanic came aboard removed the muffler and took it to the shop to have both  end caps completely redone. Because it looked like we were going to be there for a few days the mechanic put in a plug so that water wouldn't back up into the engine room.
John the owner of Worton Creek offered use of his car to explore Chestertown that afternoon, which was very generous. We took him up on his offer and went for a delicious lunch at a New York  Kosher Style deli. The owners are from New York. Interestingly , there was a group of men all good friends talking about Nicole and what her effects were going to be on the town.  That afternoon we returned to the Summer Wind and the drizzle began.
The mechanic repaired and placed the muffler back into the engine room. However we weren't going anywhere. The weather was coming in good and strong.
Tropical Depression Nicole didn't disappoint, she didn't fizzle.  We were secure, and protected from the winds, the skies opened up and water began to rise. Getting off the Summer Wind became interesting, a three step ladder had to be put beside her, and even that became iffy. We watched the water rise above the dock and then flood the marina. Our plan had been to go to dinner but there was no way to get off the boat, we were staying put. John the owner had also turned off the electric ,,, just in case.


Guess we stay aboard tonight!

 Friday morning we woke to the winds blowing now from the north. Dick always says, that after a storm we get the after effects. It was again interesting watching the water recede. That evening we did get to get off the boat and have dinner at 'Harbor House' restaurant.

Work and Play,,, Worton Creek



Worton Creek Anchorage

Sunday Sept. 19th - "Flexibility" or "Adaptability" is the key word when boating. Well we heard the NOAA report for Monday morning and made the decision not to follow the CBC cruise to Still Pond. If we wanted to guarantee that we'd be at Worton Creek marina first thing Monday morning then unfortunately we had to leave the group. NOAA was calling for a gusty day and the bay was promising to be nasty. Even though Still Pond was a hop,skip, and a jump away from Worton,,, heading into the bay in possible windy conditions didn't appeal to us. That afternoon we dropped our hook in Worton Creek and turned on our VHF to hear if there were updates with the CBC group. The topic over the radio was Monday morning predictions. It turned out most of the group decided to head to their next point Fairlee Creek for better protection from the wind. Our night was relatively quiet but at first light the captain looked out the window just in time to catch a sailboat drifitng sideways towards another boat. Luckily there were no real mishaps both sailboats were tentative to the situation.
 Monday Sept.20th -24th - The Captain called over to Worton Creek marina to let them know we were coming for in our scheduled painting and a few minor repairs. Shortly around noon the Summer Wind had been lifted out of the water and her bottom had been powerwashed in preparation for the painting.The travel lift moved her to be 'blocked and braced.'  We spent a few extra days because unfortunately we needed some parts to be ordered for the muffler that was being fixed and an electrical shorepower outlet replaced. The props and rudder were sandblasted and protected with a product called Prop Speed. The boat had been in the water for two years and there was only a barnacle or two, that's saying its a great product! The captain recommends Worton Creek because they are knowledgeable and usually quick at their tasks.

 Luckily all was not work at the marina because Joy and Brian Read (members of MTOA)  who keep their boat Sara Marie( a very cute Island Gypsy) made us feel welcome and became fast friends. Our first night there they invited us over for a wonderful dinner aboard their boat. It was a wonderful evening! The second day they took us over to where the CBC group was gathering for a wonderful dinner at Craig and Lolli's on Fairlee Creek. Each day they came over to see how things were progressing and how we were coping with being up in the air. Another evening we went to a great Italian restaurant "Luisa's" and had a great time! We enjoyed one more delightful evening with them aboard Sara Marie.

Joy & Brian

Lolli in the kitchen

 All repairs were complete early Friday morning but the bay wasn't great for travelling so we stayed one more night. Early Saturday morning we untied the lines and began our journey out of the creek when off in the distance we heard a 'Bon Voyage'. Brian and Joy were out on the dock. Thanks so much Brian and Joy!!