No22 End of Season at Deltaville

Hi from Clare,                                                    Sunday 30th June 2013

THE END OF ANOTHER SEASON
We are anchored in a lovely bay outside the Chesapeake Boat Works in Deltaville were we will haul the boat tomorrow. We fly home on Thursday 4th July for approximately three months. We are hoping to see some of the Independence Day fire works from the air.

Our 90 mile trip south from Annapolis to Deltaville was broken up with a two day stop over at Solomon Island where we caught up with Kiwi friends Brenda and David on 'Bandit'. More eating, drinking and good company - it's a tough life.

Andrew, Clare and David


NECESSARY MAINTENANCE
But it is not all fun and we have spent the last week in hot and humid conditions doing all the usual annual maintenance jobs in preparing for leaving the boat. We have also organised canvas and cushion people to do some work on 'Eye Candy' in our absence. I will send photos when we return.

The Chesapeake is tucked away from most hurricanes and the Chesapeake Boat Works is well protected by trees. The locals say that strong wind is not a problem here so 'Eye Candy' should be safe.

A WELCOMED BREAK
So we are enjoying our last weekend of freedom on the water. Yesterday we took the dinghy up a nearby river. There are many lovely homes on small waterfront acreages. The tree lined river was flat calm; the sun was shining, the fish jumping, and birds cheeping. Each property had a jetty with a small boat and an outdoor eating area facing the water. We couldn't help but comment once again how lucky the Americans are to have access to such peaceful and picture perfect waterfront locations. The locals waved as we passed by, they looked happy and relaxed and in this setting and why wouldn't they be?

SO WHAT'S NEXT
More work for both of us but we don't mind. We consider ourselves blessed to have completed a fabulous season and have the health to plan another one.

We are looking forward to coming home and seeing you all.

 

We are ready for home

Love Candy xx

At 1:20 PM25/06/2013 (utc) our position was 37°32.40'N 076°20.15'W

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No 21 Annapolis and the Kids Holiday

Hi from Clare,                                        Thursday 20th June 2013

A BRIEF HOLIDAY - DAY 1
The four kids (young adults) arrived last Friday around midnight after driving to Annapolis from New York. Tired and all as they were we still managed a few drinks and a chat before turning in.

Saturday morning the adventure began and we took the boat into Annapolis harbour so the kids to go to the Naval Academy and have lunch at Pusser's bar a popular waterfront attraction. It is situated on Ego Alley named such due to the number of power boats (with bow babes) cruising the narrow waterway in full view of the crowd.

 

Heading into Annapolis (Mim's our bow babe)

We spent the afternoon strolling around beautiful Annapolis city in sparkling weather. By late afternoon the harbour was awash with boats and very choppy so we headed a few miles north to the less frequented and calm waters of Weems Creek. Here we found Carol and Peter on their Aussie yacht 'Jack Tar' and after rafting up along side the six of us clamoured aboard 'Jack Tar' with drinks and nibblies in hand to share a sundowner.

 
 
 

Around Annapolis City


DAY 2
The following day we went up a few bays to the very popular Cantlers Crab Restaurant for Father's Day lunch. The only bookings are for parties of ten or more and so we just rocked up and hoped for the best. We managed to get a spot on the Restaurant's wharf for 'Eye Candy' but there was an hour and half wait for a lunch table and who knows how long for lunch. Our time was limited so we ended up getting take away (unfortunately the take away menu does not include crab) so we ate in the cockpit. By mid afternoon we had to return to Annapolis so Matt and Mim could drive back to New York in readiness for work on Monday morning.

 
 

Lunch out at Cantlers

DAY 3

On Monday morning we (Sarah, Brad, Andrew and I) motor sailed twenty seven miles to the township of St Michael's which was settled in the early 1600s and still has some of the original buildings along the waterfront. It is a very peaceful anchorage and a pleasant town to visit. The rain came down and we spent most of the afternoon ducking between showers. We ate ice creams and the mosquitos ate Sarah.

 
 

St Michaels town and anchorage

DAY 4
We returned to Annapolis the following day in the pouring rain. Andrew was the only one on deck (no point in us all getting wet). Sarah, Brad and I lounged on the couch and read. We did manage to hand up food and hot drinks to the Skipper who was thoroughly wet through by the end of day.

DAY 5
Sarah and Brad headed out to Washington by bus the following morning. It was still very wet underfoot but thankfully the rain stopped long enough to board the bus without another bucketing.

So as you can see the holiday was all too short, but nevertheless it was still terrific to be surrounded by family. We certainly noticed the quiet when everyone left.

Last night we had dinner with American friends Prue and Burt on 'Exeburant'. Prue had a leg of lamb that she said was too big for the two of them. We of course were happy to help out; it was delicious. It was also great to catch up as we haven't seen Prue and Burt since December 2012.

SO WHAT'S NEXT
We are having an easy day today as Andrew has pulled a muscle in his back. He isn't feeling himself, or any body else for that matter.

Tomorrow we will start making our way back to Deltaville to pack the boat up and head home in early July. We are looking forward to seeing family and friends.

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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