Scored

We went out to Mathews County today for a birthday celebration for a number of friends. Warm sun, cool temp, and plenty of food. I was happy to see the oysters steaming in their own juice atop an old 55 gallon drum. Fresh out of Pepper Creek about a hundred yards away.

One Billion

On my recent trip to St. Michaels, Maryland I took Annie up Harris Creek behind Tilghman Island. It was warm and mostly still and made for a perfect place to anchor, fix lunch and draw boats.

Harris Creek

Under us were oysters. I was unaware at the time but it was heartening to find out later here. The Bay was down for years but not beaten. Thanks to those who knew and acted.

Michael's Coracle

Michael and I have been sailing friends for years. Once we were coming across the bar at Cortez, Florida in his Marsh Hen and we jibed, the boom caught on the stay and we came within feet of the restaurant docks at the Star Fish Co. Can still see those wide eyes with their mouths full of fish sandwiches.

Although he no longer has the Marsh Hen he brought his recently-built coracle to St. Michaels. It was a hit. The small 'basket' boat moved in and out of the small craft as he propelled her by pulling in water in a modified sculling motion. You can find more notes and pictures here. 

Penoscot 14 times 3

I failed to mention the final manifestation of a Penobscot 14 that came through our shop in Florida a couple of years ago. The hull had been made in Miami, purchased and moved to St. Augustine where I cleaned up epoxy and added seats, rails and centerboard trunk, etc., and resold to a fellow named Doug from Gainesville who finished her out. She was launched and continues to sail in Florida turning up on the Gulf from time to time. A belated Fine Job Doug. 

Terry tying down the hull in Miami

Coming out of our shop 'midstream'

Ransom II...  tricked out in Crystal River, Florida

Track(s)

I just finished a track map of last week's trip to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It reminded me of an exploration a couple of years ago around St. Augustine, Florida where I lived. They appear to be somewhat frenetic meanderings. It happens.

Maryland

St. Augustine, Florida

Rainy Days

I was in line at the semi-annual Garage Sale at REI before 8am this morning. I have always wanted to go to one of these 'events' and it was fun. I have been a member of the coop since the mid-70s and still use equipment from those days. Although I was an avid backpacker then, the gear has commuted well to small craft sailing.

I grabbed a small folding chair for sketching when ashore, a pair of long quick-dry pants, and used my 10% yearly dividend. That equaled $0 out of pocket! I hope you have a store near you.

We are headed to the Richmond Folk Festival tomorrow. It has been going on in the rain and we are hoping it will slack off during the night. Eleanor is keen on hearing Portuguese fado and I, the Dardenelles. They are an old time band from Newfoundland, Canada. Wouldn't it be fine to sail there one day!

Bristol Channel Cutter Elizabeth off Newfoundland

When the water was flat and the autumn sun was high, I found a boat to draw under a shady tree.

Back Home

Just back from a week's trip across the Bay to Tilghman Island, Oxford, Wye Island and St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. For the most part it was light airs and unseasonably warm temperatures. In fact it was hot and still most of the time. But I had a nice time, saw old friends and made several new ones along the way.

Stay tuned for later...

Tilghman Island

Running wing and wing

Up the Wye River

Melanesian outrigger

Camping 

Crossing the Bay

Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival

Old Sharps Island Light

At the entrance to the Choptank, eastern Shore Maryland