Crew Bill, Sarah, Guy and Ollie didn't
reach the fuel dock at Annapolis Landing Marina until after dark, but
the party began immediately. Provisions and gear were loaded and
stowed even as the party broiled around the activity. Local guests
from the marina joined us in Kelly IV's cockpit as we toasted the
cool evening and discussed our plans for the following day. No one
actually timed the party's conclusion, but we did depart the fuel
dock before the marina needed the space in the morning.
Our newly gained local knowledge
included news of a horse farm on a beautiful anchorage at the north
end of Gibson Island, Magothy River. Although we made that our
destination for the weekend, we decided a swim stop at Dobbins Island
(definitely on the way) would prove fun as well.
Above video by Bill Paviol
Above video by Bill Paviol
Ollie at the helm
There was enough breeze that Kelly IV
sailed with her main and jib under the imposing Bay Bridge, then
motored into the Magothy and anchored off Dobbins Island. The
weather was bright and clear so the crowd was easily a couple hundred
or more people, families, youths, young adults, cruising oldsters and
everyone you might imagine has access to a small boat. There were
even a couple large motor yachts anchored to watch the activities.
Given the large crowd, it was no surprise to see the representatives
from Maryland DNR, USCG, and the Maryland State Police cruising the
waters and beach. Although we witnessed them board a nearby
sailboat, there were no scenes that would make the papers. In fact,
Bill took a number of great videos showing the festivities.
Once lunch and swimming were concluded,
we raised anchor and headed the last two miles to Eagle Cove. After
a brief dogleg through the protecting shoals, we emerged into a
sizable bay with plenty of depth and room for many boats. In fact,
Kelly IV was probably one of about twenty small yachts to anchor
there. Even so, there was still plenty of room for everyone's water
toys and we were not to be left out. Bill, Sarah and I lowered the
dinghy, rigged her sail, leeboards and rudder, then took turns
sailing the little pudgy between the wide open spaces amongst the
anchored vessels. Sarah particularly enjoyed sailing close ashore to
see the horses up close.
Pudgy sailing by Guy Stewart
Bill sails the Pudgy
Horse farm north of our anchorage
Guy on foredeck enjoying the beautiful anchorage
Eagle Cove sunset by Guy Stewart
The meal that night was an extravaganza
including alligator, tuna and sauces prepared by chef-extrordinaire,
Bill. It was delicious and there were no leftovers!
Ahi tuna steaks ready for the grill
Sarah and Ollie enjoying the fine dinner meal
Sunday proved to be another grand
weather day, but the forecast predicted otherwise so Kelly IV
departed early to ensure an easy trek back and a simple
disembarkation of crew and gear. The early departure put us back in
Annapolis by 10am and the weather was perfect for a trip through Ego
Alley. We made the trip twice and tied up at Pusser's for a couple
drinks and relaxed conversation before returning to Back Creek and
the workaday world.
Bill on foredeck as we sail past Greenbury Point, by Guy Stewart
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