Sailstice Weekend--Quiet Waters and Good Parties

This weekend we tried something a little different.  I bugged out of work on Friday early, grabbed some Honey's Harvest pizza and a couple of bottles of wine to-go, and we got underway!  There wasn't a ton of wind, but we managed to sail most of the way to Harness Creek before sunset.  It was a spectacular solstice sunset with a bright moon.  

Saturday morning we were perfectly placed about 100 yards from the paddle dock at Quiet Waters State Park.  After a lazy morning and breakfast on deck, we headed ashore.  This park is so nice!  We scored a geocache before finding the big playground.  I really can't wait to come back.

After lunch and a quick swim at the boat we ran the gauntlet of boats anchored in the channel of the creek, then got to experience the excitement of the South River on a busy Saturday.  We returned home in plenty of time for the HHS slip holder party.  As always, great food (chicken tikka, bruschetta, oysters, BBQ) and tons of drinks.  Met some fun folks!

Mini Mariners

This summer we were able to take advantage of the Mini Mariner sail camp offered at our marina by The Sailing Academy.  I know what you're thinking--"Don't you live on a boat?  Don't your kids know how to sail???"  Well, truth be told our kids aren't nearly as excited about learning from us as they are about learning from some fun teens!  The kids have reported that it was tons of fun, and we're happy with their increased knowledge of sailing terms and principles.  Win-win!

I did it! First Trek Across Maine complete!

Since most sailors like clean air, this post fits the blog!  This weekend I participated in the American Lung Association New England's 180 mile Trek Across Maine with about 2,200 other cyclists.  It had been years since I'd ridden and this ride presented a great way to get back into riding while helping a great cause.  I rode with two friends as part of the LL Bean corporate team.  The whole event was awesome, with great support from a dedicated crew of volunteers, wonderful views, and fantastic weather.  I can't believe I did it!  It was really just an amazing experience with a fantastic group of people.

There is an elephant in the room, or at least in my head.  About 45 minutes into the ride on the first day the girls and I witnessed a horrific accident that took the life of Trek cyclist David LeClair.  Even tonight I'm still not sure how we managed to get back on our bikes and get back on the road after that, but we did.  I think we were all hoping we would hear that somehow he was ok, but by the first rest stop news was spreading.  I was moved by the actions of his team, the Trek leadership, and all the riders.  Trek organizers are retiring the number he wore, and we all rode wearing red ribbons in remembrance of him today.  I doubt I will ever forget the sights and sounds of that accident, but I will also never forget the resiliency and determination of the Trekkers.

"Never lose sight of your vast ignorance."  D.L.

Summer...finally!

We kicked the weekend off Friday night with a fantastic "Crapper Blowout" pier party, funded entirely by the sale of our neighbor's ElectraSan toilets.  Ribeye, lamb, chicken, sea bass, shrimp, burgers, grilled asparagus, salads, apps, wine, and beer--yummy!

Saturday I went for a bike ride before we hit the water for a fabulous day of sailing. We dropped the hook in Trippe Creek near Oxford, MD and went swimming. It was a little cool at first, and the kids and I each got a little jelly sting, but it was awesome.  After a nice cookout and dinner on deck, we headed into town for ice cream.  The boat is finally cooling off below 80, the Captain is reading stories to the kids on deck, and the sunset it amazing.  Perfect!