Rain On and Off

 Saturday, September 26

Up and out Hungars Creek to make early progress in inclement weather. Cleared entrance in fog and started WNW in 5-8 kt wind out of S. Original plan direct to Stingray Point but decided at the shipping channel to change course to SW and broad reach toward Wolf Trap Light off Mathews County. Rain started and continued until mid-morning. 

Fog in the early morning

Wing in wing through the fog

Oddly I could see better without glasses

Passed by Wolf Trap at 1130, tacked and broad reached NE as the tide started ebbing. Track took me offshore as I compensated with running downwind a few times. Downwind is not a Drascombe's best suit due to the boomless main and it is often a sloppy ride. Tacking downwind on alternating broad reaches helps to align the track at better angles to the wave pattern and thus a better ride with less slatting. The additional speed counteracts the longer distance. 

Reaching to Wolf Trap

Wolf Trap Light

Passing The Hole in the Wall below Gwynns Island the rain returned after a couple hours of mixed clouds and sun. I texted Vera and asked if tying up at the museum was available and she said sure and that there was a band on the hill. She said that she and John would be on the F D Crockett and that I was welcome to share their dinner. 

Rain started again in the mouth of the Piankatank River. Annie plied on, unfazed. We made the entrance to Jackson Creek at 1630 and wound through the narrow, reaching the museum dock and tying up for the night. The band was good as was the shrimp, hush puppies and getting to spend an evening with friends. I opted to sleep in the Crockett's dry forepeak. 

24.2 N Miles

Hard rain with Jackson Creek entrance veiled in mist ahead

Annie dockside with John's new deadrise-build ahead