Difficult Times

     The month of August has been one of the most trying times of our lives. Sharon and I did take 2 weekend cruises in August, one after the loss of my sister Linda, the other cruise was also a "mental health" weekend because of other events that have been playing out during the month. And it doesn't end there, just recently we were delivered with yet another emotional setback when a family member was hospitalized unexpectedly. Hopefully, September will bring favorable closures to those things that have been testing our fortitude. Looking forward, October offers some great times to be gunkholing on the Bay. Cool temps at night and the prospect of good fall foliage color due to the weekly rains this summer should provide for some interesting times.

Flashback (Honeymoon Suite)

   The day after our wedding, Sharon and I left to go on our honeymoon in the Four Corners region, the Grand Canyon being our ultimate destination with other scenic stops in the surrounding area (states). This photo was taken in Monument Valley. Our customized van served as our honeymoon suite for those 3 weeks, I guess that you can say we have always been adventurous or crazy.

Still Hav'n Fun

     It has been 2 weeks since our last blog entry so I thought I would post something from this past weekend. Last Friday, Sharon and I drove down to the boat together, which usually only happens when the boat is on the hard. The weather forecast for the weekend was to be hot with increasing humidity, so we decided to head up to Comegy's Bight. The openness of Comegy's Bight would surely provide a breeze and just as we hoped it would, the gentle breeze cooled the boat for sleeping that night.
     Saturday's weather called for thunder storms, and as predicted the thunder storms popped up that evening, a severe cell passed to the north and later a strong cell formed to the south. We on the other hand, had a brief shower and strong winds to raise the chop in our anchorage. After listening to the forecast on Sunday which called for more thunderstorms than the previous night, we decided to seek safe harbor in a anchorage that offered a little more wind protection, so we headed down to Reed Creek where this photo was taken. Yep, your right, the storms never formed, we had little or no breeze and because we were closer to land we had bugs - you know, the kind that bite. But you know what - we're still hav'n fun.

Flashback (Words of Wisdom)

     You will have to bear with me while I try to explain this photo. In 2006, we were with our friends Jeff & Wendy at their condo in Ocean City, MD. Close to their condo is the night club Seacrets. On one of our nights clubbing, we were at Seacrets, and for reasons left to your imagination, Sharon had to visit the "Powder Room". There, for some unknown reason was a blackboard in the ladies room. Well, one thing led to another and Sharon left a message to inspire the younger generation. Then to document her inspiration, Sharon captured the moment with a photo to share with us.

Common Addiction

     If you find yourself being bored with sunsets, forget about the notion of being a serious cruiser. As we enjoy the close of the day, we notice others on their boats also being captivated by the event.

Life is Good

     Yes, Life is Good, especially when you can prop up your feet and enjoy a view such as the one pictured here. When Sharon and I are looking for a anchorage that provides great scenery, we choose Millstone Point on the West Branch of the Langford Creek on the Chester River.

Limited Access

     The headwaters of the West Branch of the Langford Creek have limited access for boats due to the low water depth - about 18 inches. This low water depth provides for some excellent kayaking into areas that most people do not get a chance to enjoy.

Fourth of July Celebrations

     Friday the 3rd of July was the start of Sharon's vacation. As Grant was in New Mexico at the Philmont Scout Ranch for a 2 week hike, we had Sky with us. One of our "dog friendly" anchorages is Conquest Beach, "across" the river from Comegys Bight. On Friday night, we were treated to Rock Hall's fireworks, which I charted to be 5 miles away as the crow flies. Although we did not have the audio portion of the program, we did have an excellent view due to the low humidity. Then, on the 4th of July, we were again treated to not one but many fireworks displays, and from the same anchorage of the previous night. To the east was the fireworks from Chestertown (7 miles away), and to the west we could get a glimpse of the show from the city of Baltimore, across the bay. Then, to the north, we saw fireworks from a unknown community, and to the south of Chestertown was yet another display. And then there was the amatuer fireworks display from the shoreline that amused us for some time. So you might say we had the best seats in the house!

Comegys Bight

      Comegys Bight could be called a "bay" on the Chester River and also a anchorage that no one uses. This past weekend Sharon and I enjoyed a spectacular 3 days there. Although the anchorage may not provide protection from storms, it does offer an openness that most cruisers will pass up.

Double Feature

      Every sunset has its merits. This sunset in the above photo would not make the top one hundred. So what made this evening's sunset so memorable? How about a mirror image of the sun in the east!

      As the sun was setting in the west, the above photo captures a full moon rising in the east. Impossible to view at the same time (east vs. west - unless you have eyes in the back of your head) but still a moment to behold. These 2 photos were taken just moments apart from each other. The contrast of colors is accomplished by using different settings on the digital camera, sunset scene vs. night scene.

Skate (a.k.a. Cownose Ray)

     On the first night of a week long fishing trip I caught this Skate. No official time on how long it took to play this Skate, but it was estimated at 20 minutes on 10lb. test monofilament line. Landing it was just as big of a challenge. First, the Ray had no desire to swim into the net. Did I mention the net was too small? And when we did net it, it took 2 of us to lift it onto the cockpit deck. The Ray was returned to Langford Creek with no injuries other than a sore "lip".

Paddle Time

     Grant was needing to "stretch his legs" a little, so he thought a trip around Shaw Bay would help burn off a little of that excess energy that he had stored up.

Test Drive

     Jesse taking the new dinghy for a test drive. He thought it was a convertible sports car and if he cruised the neighborhood long enough he could locate a few eligible ladies.

M/V Ark Angel

     In the dictionary next to "Bristol Fashion" you will find a picture of this boat. If you are going to cruise the bay with good friends, why not do it with some style.