From Norfolk to Moon

Saturday I drove to Norfolk, Virginia. My friend Steve picked me up at the town dock in Spartina. We sailed along the Elizabeth River and passed by ships and shipyards on our way to the docks where schooners had arrived from Baltimore. After a lot of looking around and a nice lunch on the Virginia we headed back out for more sailing. Steve's friend Scott joined us on quite a beautiful, cool day and after back on shore I headed north around 4.

Spartina

Up close

Schooner rigging

Pride of Baltimore

It was late afternoon by the time I reached Annie at Winter Harbor. The sunset was outstanding. Slept well onboard at the marina and rigged early in the still morning.

Loaded and launched, we reached out toward Wolf Trap Light. Tacking north on a slow downwind run brought us to Hole in the Wall at the southeast end of Gwynns Island. A series of zig-zagging markers led to a swing bridge and a stop to pick up some gas. I by chance met a fellow named Tom working on his boat and he invited me to his cabin for dinner. I accepted and backtracked until reaching Billups Creek where I tied up. Nice conversation and baked puppy drum. I asked what we were near and he said the village of Moon. And by the way... his boat is named Eclipse. Seems an appropriate choice.

Woke early, put on the lights and headed back up the creek at 530. The sun came up as I reached the bay. There was a stiff 20 knot wind on the nose so I went to engine power. The dodger sure came in handy as we plowed into the chop. Annie's sharp bow split the waves well and I got back to Winter Harbor ahead of the approaching rain. Glad not to have a truck full of wet canvas again!

Wolf Trap Light

Sunrise

Yellow heading north and blue returning. 30.8 miles.