Annapolis is astern of us

On Monday, our plans were to make a short, overnight voyage, return to Annapolis, make last minute provisions, and leave.  But, it sure is nice being flexible!

By the time all of our chores were done on Monday, and we fueled, we decided to remain at the dock in Annapolis. 

Tuesday morning, our plans changed.  We made a final commissary run, picked up a few last minute odds and ends, paid the outstanding bills, returned the rental car, secured the vessel for sea, topped off with water, and waved farewell to the Annapolis Sailyard crew who came down to wish us bon voyage as we departed for Florida.  Yes, my friends, we are underway.

crowded waters off USNA

Tuesday was almost slick calm, and although we didn’t leave Annapolis until   1505, we only went 15 miles or so south to one of Dick’s favorite anchoring spots off the Rhode River, and anchored up for an early day.  That gave us a chance to reconfigure the dinghy for launching, enjoy a great dinner, and listen to the herons, ducks, geese, and crickets surrounding the little cover we were tucked into.  It was a wonderful evening.

Thomas Pt Shoal Light

MERCY's First Sunset at Anchor, Rhode River MD

Wednesday, at about 4:00, I rousted everyone so we could get underway before the weather blew in.  If I can’t sleep, why would anyone else want to?  Lol It gave us a chance to test out the vessel in the dark, and a little rough side sea before we pulled into the Solomons, about 42 miles further south, to a good anchorage to wait out the blow.  It is now 3:30pm, and it is dead calm.  I’m still looking for the 25-30 knot winds and the hail that was forecast, but I didn’t want to be on the Chesapeake with no good harbor to pull into in case it hit!

Dick Ring & Rudy Rudolph

We figured when we came in here, that we will be holed up here tomorrow with weather, and proceed southward when the wind dies again (probably Friday.)