Full moon...prepare for heavy weather...end Day 7
Wallace's Sailing Adventure on "Arbella"
Mike and Vicki Wallace
Tue 2 Jun 2015 22:05
37:21.8N 76:09.7W The day started…at 0200 for the Captain…with a priceless Full Moon, and glimmering reflection right "on the beam"! Later, the "minstrels" aboard entertained each other….you don't see anyone else around, do you? Then the "tuff stuff" began….the horizon had a very dark cloud front that was truly "ominous"! Everyone went to full foul weather gear (or "oil skins" at the old salts call them) and pfd's (automatic personal flotation devices)….further, all sails were shortened and all lines were sheeted tight! The front hit with some very heavy rain, increased winds, waves breaking over the bow and into the cockpit….and all while we check and double check our fuel calculations. As we entered the Chesapeake Bay, around 11pm, the rain kept up quite heavily!! Fortunately, we found exceptionally light traffic on the Bay. But…with sind on the nose, and speed at times down to 3 knots with current also against us, the Captain made the call that we would not have adequate fuel to get to Annapolis, and we made plans and a route to "duck in" at the Patuxent River, on the Western Shore, and get fuel at Spring Cove Marina about mid-day. We will then continue up the Bay to Annapolis, and expect to get to Aberdeen Creek about 1800….almost home!
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