The long span since our last blog is because we went home for a week, put the docks in and had a wonderful weekend with our kids in our home on lake Muskoka. Jenn's boyfriend, Eric, also joined us and we went cycling, took in a blues concert in  Gravenhurst, and Jenn bought a road bike.  

Andrew drove back down with us on June 5th and we have been cruising ever since with occasional days at Spring Cove Marina to stock up and enjoy the pool during the hot afternoons, and we attended a meet and greet of members of the marina. Andrew and a new found buddy went on a bit of a tear of the town of Rock Hall and sampled some of the local brews and bands. Andrew has adapted well to ship board life and it has been a pleasure having him around. He starts as dessert/pastry chef in a new up-starting Italian restaurant in the Byward Market in Ottawa when he gets back.

We have now pushed Windspell to new limits (and ourselves) sailing in 25 knot winds and 3-4 foot seas with shortened sail-plan (double-reefed main, staysail and furled genoa ) and she is very stable and sea kindly as well as being extremely sturdy.  We feel very safe in her hands. Also, we had visited new anchorages with Andrew thus increasing our repertoire.  We visited the Magothy Rover anchorage across the Bay from Rock Hall for one night.  We returned to Rhode river, and did not run aground on High Island this time!  We went for a quick swim, but the presence of jellyfish and rays "dampened" our spirits for this activity.  We had a wonderful sail on the day the Tall Ships were coming north to Baltimore.  We sailed south to intercept them while on our way to Wye Island.  Since they were heading north with the wind on their nose, they didn't have their sails up.  We saw several Tall Ships, including Indonesia's 191' Dewaruci; and Mexico's Cuahtimoc-a 270' Barque.  

From the East Wye River anchorage we sailed over to St. Michael's where we anchored in front of the stately Inn at Perry Cabin, then dinghied ashore to explore the town and Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.  The Americans love their old boats which have been lovingly restored.  The beautifully restored houses are over 300 years old!  It's a lovely quaint town.  

We are back at the marina in preparation for Andrew's departure tomorrow.  Fortunately, there is an air show on for the War of  1812 Sailabrations 200 and we get to see the Blue Angels (equivalent Snowbirds for Canadians) as they set up to fly over Baltimore harbour.  Since we brought our bikes down this time, we have also been able to enjoy bike rides along the country roads passing through cornfields.  

till next time,

Donna & Walter

Heading towards Rhodes river south of the Bay bridge

War of  1812 Tall ship celebration, Mexican Navy Tall ship

The crew on their laptops in the main salon

Ship's cook

Indonesian Tall ship

Locally built schooner on a broad reach

Ashore at Wye Island nature reserve

Windspell anchored at St. Michaels  in front of the Inn at Perry Cabin

Traditional Skipjack oyster dredger and Chesapeake lighthouse with adjustable leveling legs, St. Michaels, Chespaeake  Bay Maritime Museum

Maryland waterman baiting his crab lines with  razor clams

Early morning out on the bay, crabbing