Snowbirds

Moonbeam
David and Lynn Wilkie
Sun 23 Oct 2011 20:02

 

37.32.435N  076.20.273W

 

Fishing Bay

Wednesday morning we headed away early in grey gusty conditions and made our way to Trippe Creek but the forecast was miserable and Lynn’s flu had returned with a vengeance so we headed into Oxford Town Creek and rented a slip at Campbell’s Boatyard at Jack Point.    www.portofoxford.com

 

 

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                                                                                                                           The locals at Oxford did not have much to say.

                                                                                                                    

 

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There are several ‘marinas’ in the creek plus many houses with private docks but ashore life seemed pretty quiet off season. The yacht next to us was called ‘Skerryvore’ and belonged to a gent who was originally from Edinburgh. I explored on bicycle but unfortunately the renowned ice-cream shop was closed- www.scottishhighlandcreamery.com   - honest!

Friday the weather was much improved and we headed back into the Bay and had a glorious sail south west to Solomons.

 

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We now felt we were joining a migration as we counted 25 other “snowbirds” heading to warmer climes for the winter. We anchored in the same spot we had claimed in early June and enjoyed a very peaceful night.

Saturday morning we looked for John Andrews ( Siara ) on his new boat but he must have headed away for breakfast. I imagine he will not be keeping the name “Blonde Ambition”!

Despite a selection of potential anchorages we headed back to Mill Creek on Virginia’s Northern Neck which is one of our favourite anchorages anywhere. Lovely and sheltered and perfect in autumn colours. Another quiet night with fish jumping all around us.

 

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Sunday we dragged ourselves away from Mill Creek and motorsailed south to Fishing Bay on the Piankatank River and anchored in glorious sunshine.

 

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We have covered 140 miles since leaving Herrington Harbour but unfortunately the ‘NEW’ autopilot drive will not release the steering when going to ‘standby’ so Monday will be the start of another set of discussions with Raymarine as once again it is a hydraulic problem.