We have had a very busy two weeks since our last newsletter. In fact I was stunned to realise that so much time has elapsed.
A QUAINT TOWN
After leaving Portsmouth we called into York Town Virginia which dates back to the 1600's and has many original and well maintained buildings. We explored the town with fellow Aussies Carol and Peter on 'Jack Tar' and Harry on 'Malua' and of course enjoyed a few farewell drinks in the local bar before departing the following morning and going our separate ways.
York Town and Andrew, Harry, Peter and Carol waiting patiently for a drink.
REVISITING AMERICAN FRIENDS
Whilst in Virginia, we called in to see John and Jeannie whom we met in the Bahamas last year. Having sold their boat they are now land dwellers totally occupied with projects at home. We moored 'Eye Candy' on their wharf and spent a very pleasant evening catching up. We ate outside in a glorious setting and enjoyed mud crabs caught on their wharf. How fortunate to be able to walk to the bottom of the garden and pull up dinner.
John also very kindly drove us to Tiffany Yachts (twenty minutes by car but three hours by boat) to discuss some interior work for 'Eye Candy'. We are interested in new cushions for the saloon area and bedding. We are also considering some new canvas outside.
MORE FUN WITH NEW FRIENDS
We joined the OCC (Ocean Cruising Club) four day Rally travelling from Solomons to Annapolis. The forecast was for heavy rain but I'm pleased to report that on this occasion the incorrect forecast worked in our favour. We had a few showers during the Rally but nothing to dampen the spirits of the cruisers involved.
The first night was a welcome dinner hosted by an OCC member who lives in a condominium complex. We had access to their very stylish meeting room giving us the chance to relax in air conditioned comfort and meet new friends. The second night was a boat raft up in a secluded bay for cocktails and nibblies. The third night was a BBQ at a member's waterfront holiday home. As you can see by the photos we had a sing along; not quite sure how I got dragged into that one. Then at sunset we enjoyed the Scottish pipes played by Martin on 'Caduceus' and accompanied by the howling of the host's dog.
OCC Rally and new friends
We are now in Annapolis preparing to come home early July. We have been anchored in Salt Works Creek outside the home of Mike and Marguerite on 'Ithaca' whom we cruised with in the Mediterranean. We arrived here last Wednesday and enjoyed a wonderful dinner on their veranda over looking the water.
Mike and Marguerite were off to a reunion for four days but gave us access to their home and car in their absence. I greatly appreciated the use of the laundry in preparation for closing the boat down for the season. We also appreciated the use of the car for shopping and boat business. Andrew has organised a rig inspection for tomorrow and possibly some welding. He also wants to replace the bearing in the steering and of course there is always the obligatory trip to the West Marine store.
I have been using the time to remove everything from the lockers, sort, clean and pack up. It has been a busy week but we are now in good shape. This morning we moved our boat onto Mike and Marguerite's dock at the bottom of their garden. They are coming to 'Eye Candy' for dinner which will be terrific as we really haven't spent much time together. They are a perfect example of retiring from the cruising only to become frantically busy back on land.
Once again we have been struck by the overwhelming hospitality of the American people. We have been made feel very welcome and their generosity of spirit has been greatly appreciated. I don't know about "God Bless America" but we have often thought "God Bless its people".
Marguerite and Mike and Eye Candy on their wharf
On Friday Andrew's son Matthew and wife Mim, and his daughter Sarah and partner Brad are coming are visiting us for a few days. Matt and Mim will return to New York late Sunday in time for work on Monday but Sarah and Brad will stay until Wednesday before continuing their holiday in Washington DC. We are now ready, having spent a few days rearrange things on the boat to accommodate four extra adults; it's all the stuff collected along the way that is the problem.
We are both looking forward to their visit and let's hope the weather co operates with a week of sparkling skies.
Love Candy xx
At 12:33 PM2/06/2013 (utc) our position was 38°19.88'N 076°27.59'W
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