2014 July 8 Annapolis to Reed Creek off the Chester River

07/08: Out of Annapolis at 1005 under clear, hot skies, winds astern at 15+, waves 2 – 3 feet, another sleigh ride for most of the 3.6 hours it took to make the run to Reed Creek off the Chester River.  We were on the hook in a well-protected cove with 340-degree protection from wind and wave by 1345.  Was HOT, but nice.  Puttered around on the boat, doing a number of minor (and shamefully deferred) maintenance tasks, such as lubricating the male fittings on the some 70 snaps that hold our canvas enclosure in place.  For a lube gun I used a Chapstick dispenser.  Amazing how easy it was to get the snaps to take when I then lowered the curtains & screens.  Around 1800 we dinghied Jada ashore for both water play and potty, & returned on board for a shower & cocktails. Had dinner (Cajun pork chops) on the grill at 1930.  Just as the meat was approaching done, Mom Nature provided the day’s excitement – a line squall w/gusts up to 50 mph, torrential rain and a lively (scary) pyrotechnic display.  Quickly turned off grill, buttoned up the cockpit enclosure, deployed an additional 50’ of anchor rode and settled into the Pilot House for dinner.  Storm lasted about an hour, as did our meal (though must admit the last half hour or so meal was mostly finishing the wine).  A good nights sleep (and one more brief T’Storm) followed.  Bonnie: Leaving Annapolis Harbor required weaving around several children’s sailing classes – lots of rails in the water, turned turtles, rescues by the instructors! I posted the pictures on yesterday’s Blog about Annapolis.  I am addicted to the geometry of Bridges as we cruise under them--the Chesapeak Bay Bridge is no exception! Reed Creek had a well deserved 5 star rating…..was lovely, peaceful and as Bill described, well protected. There was a well-seasoned and well cared for Pearson sloop moored near us. While playing with Jada at the beach, a couple paddle boarded their way from their home on shore to the Sloop. Hmmm, wonder if we could get Jada to sit on one of those—of course, we’d have to master them first!!!

Chesapeak Bay Bridge

Reed Creek