Log of the ELISSA II: 2014 July 9 and 10 Reed Creek to the Sassafras River

07/09: Left Reed Creek at 1005 on our way to the Sassafras R. & what was supposed to be our last night on the Bay. Not so, as you will see. Change 1) We had planned to visit Rock Hall Harbor (about two hours away) for ice, dog walk & lunch. As we entered the harbor channel we lost almost all response from the hydraulic steering and rudder (barely able to make a turn). Super Navigator identified a full service Marina/Maintenance & Repair facility ashore, the Rock Hall Sailing Emporium. While I steered boat using bow thrusters she contacted them, they sent us a tow boat and we settled in to their dock wall about 1100. Was lunch hour so it was 1230 or so before a technician arrived. He quickly identified the problem – air in system and low on power steering fluid. We replaced the fluid & bled the system of air – presto- fixed. Found no evidence of a leak so am currently assuming it had not been checked/serviced since boat was new some 14 years ago. We did get the dog walked, bought ice and had lunch on board. We left at 1430 on the way to the Sassafras. This too was not to be. Change 2) About two hours later, the USCG came on radio with dire warning of approaching line squall with heavy rain, hail & high winds (gusts to 50 mph). We could see it on the horizon and had it on radar. Didn’t look horribly threatening so we continued as planned with @ 1.5 hours to go to reach our chosen shelter. Skies got darker warnings more dire. Super Navigator had been on line with Active Captain and identified several possible hidey holes along our route. By about 1630 we were within a mile of one, Fairlee Creek, where there was a Marina and a cozy anchorage. Though I really thought we could safely proceed, we turned to starboard and we snug in a slip by 1700. As it turned out, the storm did beat up on the western shore and points to our north, there was nothing to it at our location – no rain, little wind, just lots or distant lightning & accompanying thunder (poor Jada). Hindsight says it was the right decision – prudent – but I sure do wish we had gotten clobbered while safely in the Marina. So, tomorrow we will proceed to our Sassafras anchorage (now it is only a couple of hours away, for our last night on the Bay. Bonnie: The Sailing Emporium had lovely lovely gardens to wander through with Jada while we waited for repairs. It also had an extensive gift shop and a yacht broker – both with items we didn’t need, had no room for or $$$$. The one item that was very tempting BUT totally unrealistic was a beautiful trawler-beautiful lines, very nice appointments. We did check our Power Ball ticket but no go!!! The hideyhole we ducked into had a tempting anchorage but with the forecasts of gusts to +50 mph a marina’s shelter seemed best. Oh yes…I finally saw the skates off the boat—somehow had never even known to look for them until recently!! Often swimming alongside with the tips of their wings showing as they glide through the water.

Our Tow

Sailing Emporium, Rock Hall, MD

Encore - a lovely trawler

Hmmm, ya think an Ohio State Fan?!

Only 1000 miles to Key West from Fairlee Creek, hmmm!

07/10 Left Fairlee Creek at 1030 under PC skies, waves<1’, wind 5 mph out of south. On way to Sassafras River anchorage (Delaware’s only fresh water river feeding into the Bay) and our last night here before heading down the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal to Delaware Bay, Cape May and points north along the Atlantic seaboard. An un-eventful trip of 30 miles, including a fuel stop, found us on the hook in Back Creek off of Knights Island on the Sassafras. And yes, it is fresh water & yes, we swam/bathed in it. Bonnie: So many locals had told us not to miss the Sassafras as is, “one of the prettiest rivers on the Bay”. It lived up to its reputation. Our anchorage was perfect—quiet and peaceful. AND had a dinghy dock that led to paths to a restored 17^th Century tobacco plantation and home, Mt Harmon Plantation. It had closed by the time Jada and I walked up one of the many trails on the property but there was much to enjoy from the outside. It was a lovely discovery and was nice to get out and about – especially for Jada who become totally exhausted from ball retrieval!! Enjoyed grilled steaks!

Map of Mt Harmon Plantation