What a manic
three weeks in England:
It was wonderful to catch up with so many friends and family, and the Discovery Team showed us just what a good job they
are doing without us. The autumn colours were wonderful, and the traffic jams
and pork pies were a comforting reminder that we were back at home.
My amazing
sister Janet had organized a box at Ascot Racecourse where the whole family had
a great day – we were generously wined and dined, had unlimited rides on
the dodgems and carousel, and I think nearly all of us went home with some winnings
(about £2 in our case). Although sad to attend two funerals, at least we had
the opportunity to say a fond farewell to friends we had worked with. Friends
were amazing with their hospitality, (we ate very well indeed), but a special
mention goes to Mary-Anne and David
who were magnanimous and patient in adjusting to our ever changing plans. I
found it hard to leave, but we plan to be home again before heading through the
Panama Canal.
Back in May, when
we entered Bermuda, the immigration procedure
required that we stated the health of our rats and mice on board (I kid you
not). I imagine that all nations have their own anomalies in their requirements
for entry, but I was bemused by the question on coming in to Baltimore “Have you ever been or are
you now involved in espionage or sabotage; or in terrorist activities; or
genocide; or between 1933 and 1945 were involved, in any way, in persecutions
associated with Nazi Germany or its allies?” If I had been that kind of
character, I don’t think I’d be likely to admit it. Also for the
latter by now I guess you would be at least 90 years old, so perhaps not too
much of a threat. Anyway, our chatty Immigration Officer gave us a cheerful
welcome to the United States.
The sailing season
in the Chesapeake
is now over and the marinas which hum in summer are now empty of boats and
people. The shops have minimal trade at this time of the year and many of the
restaurants are closed. We had an easy first day sail of 60 miles to the
picturesque boating hub of St Michael, where we tried some of the famous local
crab. This historic town has many early 19th Century homes, with their
decorative verandas. As with Georgetown,
where we had left our boat, the locals put up a strong resistance and cunning when
the Brits attacked in 1812/13. By setting up lanterns in the woods and on
ships’ masts, then extinguishing all the lights in the town, the
townspeople tricked the Brits in to overshooting with their canon fire.
I love the
freedom of life on board. To be able to just anchor and explore a new area and
then move your home when you are ready is a great freedom. We are now
goose-winging down the Chesapeake
under blue skies with the shoreline glowing in its autumn glory. It’s
great to be doing 6 or 7 knots of speed with only 2-4 knots apparent wind
– it’s such easy sailing it’s almost cheating!
