Thursday, 6/19: Destination: Bohemia Bay Lay Day

In the aftermath of the “line of thunderstorms” all rub rails without metal quarter or half-round, showed evidence of the fight. The group dynamic continued to take hold as I stayed behind to do boat maintenance and cook breakfast, while the rest took advantage of Patience leaving his Suburban behind, making it convenient for a breakfast run of their own. Meanwhile Patience and crew came down and were going to sail the river. They looked for some catboat camaraderie but there was none to be found…and I had already done the river. By the time I made up the stern tube packing gland a few flats, sorted out the cabin and ice box, they were back from breakfast and everyone was leaving to split the next leg in two, stopping back at Still Pond Creek on the way to Swan Creek. So while Patience sailed down to the Route 213 bridge, the group sailed in the opposite direction out of the river…you just can’t herd cats.

There was nothing to be done. Some made excuses about small fuel tanks and mileage; some said nothing at all. In the words of Capt Jack Sparrow, when abandoned by his crew: “…they done what was right by them…they held to the code…” Patience came back in and I assured him it was nothing he had said. Unphased by this turn of events Capt Beckley immediately offered a dinner rendezvous ashore that night to which I graciously accepted. Had the opportunity to move Wanderer to a slip inside the marina, then continued at a leisurely pace to ready the boat for the next day. Re-iced and re-fueled, then swam in the salt water pool. Read all the magazines I had brought while sitting by the pool and finished with another shower for good measure. John continued to rest and recover in the air-conditioned climate control of the second deck lounge.

At 1800, we were picked up by Guy, Biz and Dan for a night out in northern Chesapeake City…hold on to your hats. We ended up at the Channel Inn at Schafer’s on the north side of the canal. Nice setting overlooking the water, a reasonable meal including some oysters allegedly soaked for the requisite time in the local waters for them to able to be called “Chincoteague” oysters. We were not convinced, but they slid down easily. We finished on the way back to the boat at “The Real McCoy” where soft serve and “jimmies” were the order of the day. No complaints from this crew as we were dropped back off at the marina. I made for the boat while John made for the A/C.
Friday, 6/20: Destination: Swan Creek

No storms or weather overnight, a little lacking in wind, but comfortable. Up at 0600 to find Guy and Dan on the dock to see us off. Spent a little time talking Saabs, trunnel lathes and diesels before shoving off at 0700. By 0730, the deck was swabbed, the sail was up and were headed south with a favorable tide making 5-6kts.

By 0830, we had Turkey Point abeam; by 0945 we were on the south side of the Sassafras River; and by 1045 we were in the middle of the entrance to Worton Creek. Continued down the eastern shore, shifting the watch at the red #18 just below Tolchester Beach at about 1330. Rounded Swan Point Bar at about 1530, sighting what looked to be a brand new Marshall 22 under power coming out of Gratitude. Merryheart hailing from Chestertown was on the transom. Acknowledged each other then continued in to anchor in Swan Creek at 1530, finding the rest of the cruising catboat fleet. Myers and Tonic to end the cruise just as we had started it.

About 1630, Merryheart came back into the anchorage with a message from Tenacity (how nice of Rich to send a personal messenger); who had anchored in solitude at the mouth of the creek. The message was: “Would anyone like to join Tenacity ashore for dinner.” I was also informed he was getting no response from Wanderer despite the fact the radio was never turned off. (I may have to consider a mast antenna, which I have never been in favor of). Capt Crawford aboard Shoveller quickly raised Tenacity to inform that no decision could possibly be made until happy hour took place. So began Tenacity’s first lesson at herding the cats. Instead of dinner early, Tenacity picked up his hook and joined the group, while Merryheart dropped a hook to enjoy the creek full of catboats.

Just about that time, Gull, who at the last minute could not make the cruise, was sighted coming up the creek. Knowing the effort they made to squeak in at the end of the cruise, my first responsibility was to get them alongside. That opened the happy hour floodgates….kayaks were launched from Shoveller, Tenacity and Bubbly; while simultaneously the Planet dinghy got underway. Before we knew it, the cockpit was full of catboaters and snacks as the rum flowed. Eventually, Dusty came alongside as the designated taxi for the group and with much fanfare and commotion, emptied Wanderer’s cockpit. This was around 1900, a far cry from Tenacity’s well-intentioned thoughts of an early dinner.

I can only wonder what they were thinking aboard Merryheart, who shortly thereafter, picked up their hook and left. Perhaps there is no worthy explanation… sometimes things are just “catboat spontaneous.” This was one of those times.

John and I finished up the evening with the contents of “Guy’s Grenade” before camping out in the cockpit at about 2145. I’m told the group returned by catboat with similar commotion, but I heard nothing and was out cold. No injuries were reported.

Saturday 6/22: Destination: Homeward Bound

We were off the deck at 0330 as light rain came through, but sleep continued easily thanks to a light breeze and no bugs. Up at 0600 to see boats moving….Sarah K and Bubbly outbound within an hour. Wanderer weighed anchor at 0730, passing through the fleet and collecting ideas for next year’s cruise itinerary. The short list was a sail everywhere lower Choptank River cruise, or stage south and voyage to Snow Hill on the Pocomoke River. Plenty to think about.

Out of the creek by 0800 under sail and power. Passed Love Point about 0930 and under the Bay Bridge twin span in another hour. Light rain starting as we maintained about 4 kts heading southwest. Made the Rhode/West River entrance about 1230 and were safely tied up in White Marsh Creek about 1315. Another cruise down.

Epilogue

Well, it wasn’t what we thought on many fronts. We certainly saw more hot windless weather than usual and used more fuel. Wanderer probably went through 15 gallons of diesel. That’s a lot. Regardless, we did have good attendance, made it in and out of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal without incident, found a great respite at Bohemia Bay Yacht Harbour and did in fact get some limited but good sailing in. A hearty thanks to Capt Beckley for all his support….did I mention the “Cherry Garcia” ice cream pops?

On the other hand, we met new catboaters, some from out of town; had our share of camaraderie and did have some nice swim calls. The “line of thunderstorms” only served to keep everyone respectful of the weather while not tussling the group too hard. There were no catboat casualties, we brought another “catboat kid” into the fold with Domenic Cammaroto and got to spend some time swapping lies with Patience and crew.