March Bluster

Yesterday was proclaimed to be a sunny warm day along the middle Chesapeake. I got up early to head  out for Gwynn's and noticed that 'sunny' had changed to overcast. But what the heck... it would still be warm. At least that's what was predicted. I found marina closed on Monday and Tuesday so I was quite alone and that was alright. There was much to sort out.

Once loaded I hooked up and crossed over the island bridge to the public boat ramp. It was high tide but a stiff cold wind was blowing onshore. So I stood there for a minute (alone) and scratched my head. Decided to lengthen the dock lines and drape them on land from the starboard side where I had decided to launch close to the bulkhead. Got wet, hustled and puppeted Annie out to the end with the wind pushing hard against us. Tied off with a couple of quick clove hitches. So far so good.

The outboard, fresh with its new juices, fired off easy. Soon we were in a short chop heading in the direction of Hole in the Wall. We passed a deadrise crew hoisting their oyster dredge. That type of fishing is limited but I suppose they were harvesting their quota whatever that might be. 

It was cold and the wind was following the creek right on our nose. I anchored, closed the spray hood and ate lunch in the lee. I sailed for a bit and made way back to the launch. The reload was "just as much fun" as the launch. Good practice. You get a lot single-handing.

Fast forward. I had rinsed off, flushed the outboard and started back to slot where I store Annie on trailer. The tires started spinning and before long we were mired up. I couldn't unhook the trailer, too low now and with 200 lb. tongue weight I was again scratching my head. Thanks to a pile of gathered pine needles in the ruts the wheels grabbed and I escaped. 

Annie performed well and is as beautiful as ever. Can I say as much for myself?