Southbound ’17 – Travel Day 9: St Michaels, MD to Solomons, MD

FROM: The Captain

Forecast: Clouds then sun.  Winds from the north 5 – 10mph. Seas 2-3′

Distance traveled: 47.2 nautical miles

Time underway: 4 hours 49 minutes

Average Speed: 9.8 kts

Max Speed: 19.5 kts

Fuel used: 62 gallons

We awoke to 40 degrees under overcast skies and wet docks from an overnight rain that had since moved to the east.  We floated out of St. Michaels (dockmaster Roy and his pup were right there to see us off) and for the first portion of the trip as we made our way through Eastern Bay bound for the Chesapeake it was just us and the watermen who were busy setting and pulling traps.  And the traps are seemingly everywhere – you can never get complacent at the helm in the Chesapeake and surrounding waters as pot markers can pop up in an instant and you do not want to wrap a pot line around your prop.

The wind was blowing out of the north at a solid 10mph and with an outgoing tide, we had a nice and easy following sea as soon as we turned due south into the Chesapeake.  The further along we got the bigger the seas got – solid three footers, so we maintained a slightly less direct but more comfortable course for as long as possible but, of course, as we had to eventually get a bit more abeam to the seas  things got a bit squirrelly and pouring on a little extra speed kept the ride more comfortable.  We also saw our first pelican of the trip so far which we took as a sign of good luck.  Now we just need to see some dolphins.  That may take another week.

The seas laid down nicely as we approached the western shore and turned into the Patuxent River on our way to Zahniser’s Yacht Center.  Dockhand Jason was prompt with his welcoming response on the VHF and provided very detailed instructions for our approach and dock assignment.  He took his time making sure we were properly tied and gets big points as our first point of contact on our arrival.  Fixed docks again but a very reputable spot, close to town and very dog friendly.  Jasper was most pleased that there were treats waiting for him in the office when we got our lowdown on the area from the Terri and the wonderful staff here.  We can’t say enough about how kind and helpful everyone at Zahniser’s is.

The big moment of the day came with the arrival of our newest crew member, Pauly (Nuts).  Pauly is one of Jasper’s best friends so Jasper was just a little excited to see this most familiar face so far from home.  Nuts is on board for the next several days and we are all thrilled to have him as another excellent captain, mate and dear friend.