Monday Sept 21 Final Leg

 Yesterday's weather forecast was for big wind and very large waves on Chesapeake Bay.  So the plan is to hang here in the shelter of Cockrells Creek, or maybe move over to Mill Creek if we get motivated.  Either way we will be well protected from the weather.

Once the sun is well up we learn we are anchored immediately adjacent to a small private aviation runway.  There is a sudden clamor as four small airplanes fire up and take off into the wind in close sequence.  The menhaden fishery uses these planes to spot fish and then direct the ships to the fish.  But the ships are all at the dock, which we can also see from our anchorage.  We wonder what was the purpose of the planes taking off.  Before we can fully ponder the possibilities the planes return.  We can discern individual planes by the sound of their engines approaching from various directions.  In short sequence they are all landed and that will be the most interesting thing to report for our morning. 

Around noon we are discussing the weather.  We are not seeing the forecast winds, but that could be the benefit of a snug anchorage.  The weather app is forecasting and reporting 8 foot average wave height out on the bay, which we do not want to experience.  

About this time another cruiser comes in from the bay.    Over  a radio chat they report 3 foot waves, which is more in line with what we expect to match with the observed wind. 

We decide to stick our nose out there to see for ourselves.  The boat is prepped for sailing in rough conditions and the anchor comes up.  We hoist sails in the protection of land and head for the open bay.  Within minutes it is clear that a fine sailing afternoon is brewing up.  

Once out in the bay we make for Windmill Point 12 miles away.  Turning into the Rapahannock River another 15 miles takes us to our home and dock, bringing this cruise to an end.