Wed-Thurs Sept 9-10 Whether Weather

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Modern weather forecasting is a marvel.  Being informed of what to expect for the coming day or week is very helpful for planning our next moves and for avoiding uncomfortable or even dangerous conditions.  We use several forecasting tools on-board Second Star.  Comparing the forecast models helps us to see the range of possibilities.  The forecasting is helpful but nature always has the final say.

The 6 am forecast updates all agree today will be brilliant sailing either north or south in the rain.  The eyeball weather analysis shows rain, but the forecast winds never appear.  

We are in the beautiful Mill Creek anchorage.  Departing here to motor up the bay in light wind seems a poor choice.  So we settle in for the day.  There are books to read and paddle board expeditions to embrace between the rain drops.





The following morning, perhaps it is Thursday, the weather forecast is for rain and light wind.  The morning shows rain, but the wind is 12 to 14 knots from the east.  Perfect for going up the Bay.  Looks like yesterdays forecast waited a day to arrive.

Our attempts to get sailing smoothly missed the mark.  We decide to switch our usual rolls so Lois takes the helm while Brent retrieves the anchor.  Missing a little detail fouls the anchor chain in the windlass requiring disassembly of the windlass to undo the mess.  Fortunately the anchor is still down holding the boat in place and in a half hour we are sorted. 

Now anchor up and moving we manage to wrap a crab pot line around one of the propellers.  Brent spends a little time with his head jammed in the motor well and feet in the air untangling the mess, all the while thankful for the motor well as without it he would be doing this task while swimming. Fortunately this is the last of the drama for the day.

Once out of snug Mill Creek anchorage that steep rough chop the Bay is famous for gives us a good shaking.  After we clear the near shore the shoals calm the waters a bit and we turn north, sails up and quite content.  We pass Smith Point Lighthouse


With it's bird party on the roof


The rest of the day is good sailing in the rain.  We left Mill Creek in the morning with a destination in mind, but when the time came to turn for that harbor we chose to hold course to enjoy the sailing and get a little further north. The day ends in charming Cuckhold Creek off the Patuxent River in Maryland.  



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