Water Torture

Solomons Island:  5 Aug 10

Chesapeake Lighthouse

Our first obstacle on entering the Patuxent River was to avoid going anywhere near a huge Navy Base on the southern shore.  It, of course, came to us.  Booming jets practicing landing drills roared overhead, using us as pretend target practice.  We could almost see the smiles on the pilot’s faces as we ducked and tried to move just a little faster. 

Idyllic Anchorage

Our next challenge was a sudden thunderstorm creating great gusts (35mph) trying to flatten WJ3 out.  Fortunately we had no sail up as WJ3 had been having a few engine “issues” (dirty fuel).  GS was sent forward in this storm to set up the anchor in case “we” suddenly had no forward propulsion.  Gee, thanks…

Early morning on Back Creek

Eventually, but not soon enough, the Motleys made it in to safe harbour, passing by Tow Boat US escorting a hot water boat that had earlier sent out a Mayday call.  We tried not to stare judgementally, but what the hey, everyone else at a nearby marina was gawking, so why not?  Finally at the end of Back Creek we dropped the hook.  “No good,” said Cap’n Ready for Action, “there’s only 4 ½ feet of water here".  What?  We draw 5 ½ ‘ – how did that happen?  GS was sent forward again as lightning flashed and the heavens opened up (our Cap’n was safe and dry under the bimini) to haul up the anchor and then reposition it in deeper water.  Gee, thanks…..

So here we sit just outside the Holiday Inn in an idyllic little creek waiting for northerlies to give way to more friendly southerlies.  We’re taking photos to send to Hornsby Council.  We think the Hawkesbury waterways should look like this, ducks and geese included…..

From: Reedville, MD  Lat/Long: 37 50N  76 16W  Date/Time: 5/8/10: 0800

To: Solomons Island, MD  Lat/Long: 38 20N  76 27W Date/Time: 5/8/10: 1750

Time Taken: 47nm (10hrs)  Distance (this year): 73nm (15hrs)

Distance Total (since 2008): 3713nm  (714hrs)   Fastest Speed: See Note**

Weather: Winds SW-W  5-10kts; Seas 1-2ft; overcast

(** Mostly motoring with a little sail at times; avg 5-6kts)