Monday, June 16, 2008

We're Cruisers!!!!




We officially left on Monday, June 16, 2008! After farewells with our boat neighbors at Ruarks Marina in Deltaville, we set sail around 8am. Unfortunately, the sailing lasted only an hour or so, as the winds didn't cooperate. Our plan was to sail northward, up the Chesapeake, to Solomons, MD. A line of dangerous thunderstorms cut that short, and we went only as far as Smith Creek, MD, about 4 hrs short of Solomons. We missed most of the first storm, but rode out the second storm around midnight. All was well, we just wanted to keep an eye on our position.

Wickie adjusted well to boat life, but he's sure not pleased with the actual sailing. All of the motion, noises, and sudden movements have driven him to retreat in his litter box while we're underway (yes, it's clean!!! ) He comes out cautiously after we are at anchor for couple of hours. Think of walking on a heeling, rocking sailboat with no hands to steady yourself --- no wonder he's not a happy boy!

We left Smith Creek at 7am, shot up the Chesapeake to Solomons, with a wonderful breeze the whole way, actually around 15 knots, so it was a great sail. If a small craft advisery doesn't keep us here tomorrow, we are planning on Annapolis.

Oh, and prior to leaving, the square rigger sailing vessel Godspeed came into the marina for the night, complete with the cannon fire announcement of her arrival. She was beautiful to watch, all sails flying.

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