Pages

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Tangier Island, VA to Solomon's, MD

Thursday, June 18, 2015

This morning was much cooler.  (So nice!) Danny, from the Dredge, walked down and came aboard the boat.  We caught up on what we knew about old co-workers.  Danny's son had died unexpectedly a few years ago, while still working for the Dredge.

We spent some time with Chris, who loves to visit Tangier with his son on their sailboat, and the crew from MT, with their sailing vessel Euphoria.  Our new friends, on the NT Restless Spirit, departed to cruise to the north.

We got underway at 0815, going out the western side of Tangier, towards Solomons.
Though storming before daylight, with a small craft advisory through 0900, the wind had calmed a little before 0800, with its sudden drop in seas.  The ride across the Chesapeake Bay was nice.  The Nordic tug, Simpatico showed up on my AIS, and we quickly realized we were both headed the same place.

It was interesting to see this Navy target ship, sunk years ago, high and dry, and vulnerable to repeated target practice.
I loved seeing the MD/VA State sign... really, that is what the buoy is!

When we arrived at Solomons, we took on fuel at the Calvert Marina, and proceeded to anchor just to the south side of the mooring balls in Back Creek.  
Connie and Bill, off the Simpatico, came by in their dinghy to visit.  They are one year into their great loop adventure, and plan to be at the Nordic Tug Rendevous with us, and Tugnacious, in Essex next month.  
The Tugnacious crew departed this morning from Florida, headed this way to join us.  

This evening, Mary and Casey texted us, warning about bad weather headed our way.  I was watching the horizon as I picked up the RIB, which we'd launched to explore Mill Creek.
Everything was secure when the weather hit.  Though forecast at 70, I suspect the winds on the front edge were 50kts.  The boats tied to mooring balls pulled those floats underwater.  Our anchor held great!  We watched as sails ripped loose from roller furlings, and debris went flying.  The front line looked formidable.
Then the rain came (after the fiercest wind) and washed everything down.  Visibility was greatly reduced.

Then, suddenly, it was over.  A rainbow appeared, then a double.  
Weary sailors were seen about the various vessels, inspecting damage, and drying things out.  The Lord was gracious to us, and everything is good here!
  

No comments:

Post a Comment