A Spring Break tradition?

Yesterday we had 20-25 kt winds al the way from Baltimore to Rock Hall. Not a big deal as we were reefed appropriately, but the quarter seas were tough to handle down below. A few sent the art supplies flying about the cabin and the result was not unlike the near-knockdown we experienced last year on the way to Baltimore. A little later Swab succumbed to the motion and threw up in his bed. Katreina rallied to clean her brother up, then read to him while he lay on the cabin sole.

Having weathered all of that we were headed for the free wall tie-up and on the hunt for the G1 buoy outside of Rock Hall and simply couldn't find it. Frank used all his tools--chart, Active Captain, the appearance of the water--to find the deep channel but we grounded. Flashback to Coinjock last year! We got off for maybe 10-15 seconds before we grounded again, and were getting set toward the jetty. Good times! This time he made it off and stayed off, and we headed to a slightly less precarious anchorage on the other side of town. Still shallow, but not as crazy. The Manson set easily and we rode out the afternoon of 20+ winds in comfort.

Today we will head into town, maybe do some laundry, maybe stay another night. There's a good chance we won't ever be heading back here! Next year we may have to travel sans sailboat to avoid crazy wind and groundings!

Spring Break! First stop--Baltimore!

We decided to head north this break and explore areas around Baltimore and beyond. We sailed up Saturday under a reefed genoa and made our anchorage in the inner harbor well before nightfall. Sunday morning I was literally shaken by the Constellation firing her morning gun! We registered for the dinghy dock and headed out for a nice day of touring historic ships. We hit all four and the lighthouse and while Constellation is still our favorite, Taney was a nice surprise.

With the weather going downhill and snow falling, we spent Monday cozy and warm in the aquarium. The kids were really enjoying all the dinghy driving practice, too, as we let them ferry us around.

Tuesday we were surprised by big field trip crowds at the Maryland Science Center, but really enjoyed the IMAX film about Shackleton's journey to Antarctica. Worn out from 3 busy days we returned to the boat early to receive our annual USCG boarding. :-)

So after three days of fun, four nights of movies at the boat, and our final visit from law enforcement this morning, we are out of here! I got to use the nice, new wash down pump to rinse off the anchor as we brought it in, and now we are heading out with around 20kts on the stern. Rock Hall, here we come!

Safety for all!

This past weekend we went on our first sail since Christmas. It was nice out so we were all up on deck when our little girl asked to bring her new doll up. We quickly realized she didn't have a life jacket! So as we came up the Severn River I hit my phone to search for one. Etsy ended up being a winner, with the April Junebug storefront (http://www.etsy.com/shop/apriljunebug) offering a great jacket in 2 colors. Maybe two hours later I had an email from the seller that our purchase had already shipped! Today we got it and we couldn't be happier! Sparkle is now allowed to come on deck with the rest of the family. :)

Spring has sprung!

The forecast for this weekend called for temps in the upper 50's. Not much wind, but after 2 months at the pier it was time to get underway! We had a few cobwebs to shake off, but after a quick water fill it was an easy evolution. What better place to start the season than Annapolis?!?! Dinghy rides, the park, yummy crepes...

Party Time! K is 7!

Yep, today our little girl celebrated the big #7. After spending the night in her brother's room, she awoke to find her room completely redecorated in a flowers/butterflies/pink theme. She chose Mango's as her special birthday dinner, then we came home to stuff ourselves with cake and ice cream and open presents. She scored books, doll clothes, and the coveted key. What key? Her very own key to the marina bathrooms. She still has to ask to leave the boat, but it's the beginning of a little independence. I hope I'm ready for it!