Mike
10/09/2009, Solomons Island, MD

Well, I got out of Annapolis on schedule and promptly sailed into a full-blown gale. It wasn't forcast to be that bad, but a couple of hours after I left, I noticed that the wind and waves kept building and soon the Coast Guard was broadcasting gale warnings on the radio. Soon after that I saw my first 50+ knot wind gust and waves began breaking over the bow.

Being the brave sort, I imediately looked for the closest port and pulled into Herring Bay. Since I didn't feel like trying to set my anchor in 40 knots of sustained winds with higher gusts, I wimped out and tied up at the marina.

On Thursday, the weather was much improved and I sailed down to Solomons Island and anchored in Back Creek for the night. I planned to continue south on Friday but they had issued a Small Craft Advisory and were forcasting strong southerly winds (right on the nose) and four-foot seas. Not as bad as the other day but unpleasant nonetheless. Since the wind was supposed to change to the west on Saturday, I decided to stay put. Enough excitement for one week!

Furthermore, in the last three days, I've managed to break my thermostat in my refridgerator (it still works I just can't turn it down), the cover to the filter on my shower sump, and my laptop. (I'm typing this on a borrowed computer)
It seems like everything I touch stops working. I'm half-afraid to go to the bathroom!

Anyway, updates may be a little sparse until I get somewhere to get my laptop fixed.

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Mike
10/06/2009, Annapolis,MD

Just when I had finally decided that the needed part for my refridgerator was, in fact, just a mirage, it finally arrived. I won't bore you with all of the details but lets just say that I pray whomever is in charge of shipping for that vendor never gets a job in the live organ donation system.

My new evaporator plate is being installed as I type this. I won't get all technical on you but I'll say that the evaporator plate is what makes my refridgerator-freezer a refridgerator-freezer, instead of two insulated fiberglass boxes. If all goes well, I will be leaving in the morning. As much as I've enjoyed spending the last month here in Annapolis, I'm very happy at the prospect of moving again.

As I move south, I'm setting a goal for myself to spend as much time at anchor as possible, rather than stopping at marinas every night. Consequently, my updates may be a little sporadic. I'm mentioning this here so that you can help keep me honest. My first planned stop at a marina will be this weekend in Norfolk, VA. Until, then....GO BEARS!

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09/28/2009, Annapolis

Here's the latest on the refridgeration system. The local contractor says they'll have the needed part at their facility on the first and will install it right away. Hopefully, I will now be on my way on the third. I will be sure to post regular updates complete with pictures as I flee southward. The leaves are already starting to turn up here..... a clear indication that its time to go!

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Mike
09/15/2009, Annapolis, MD

Well, the refridgeration issue is still being remedied. Naturally, it's a little more complicated than first thought. (Isn't it always?) No worries, I've got two more weeks before I leave.

In the mean time, I've been enjoying the annual fall traditions, including the arrival of:

A.) Slightly cooler and less humid days.

2.) The start of the NFL regular season. (Even if the Bears did lose and my favorite player is out for the season!)

and

C.) Sam Adams Octoberfest beer!

My plan as I head south this year, is to spend less time in marinas and more time anchored out. This makes having a properly functioning refridgeration system crucial. I'll let you know how things are progressing.

.......by the way, is it me or did Cutler look like he's been drinking out of Orton's water bottle?? Sheesh!

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Mike
09/08/2009, Annapolis,MD

Well, as I mentioned in my previous posting, Norma is back in the water. I have one more significant boat job to accomplish before heading back south for the winter. My refridgeration system has been a little under the weather and needs some attention. Once that's done, I'm all ready to head out.

The plan is to hang out here for the next three weeks or so. Then, I'll start moving south while keeping an eye on the hurricane activity. My rough plan is to get to Florida sometime in November and to be back in the Bahamas by December 1st. We'll see how that all works out.

Thank you Pete and Jim for posting comments and thanks to those who sent emails. It's nice to know that people are still listening. Here's another pic that I took while sailing up the Chesapeake.

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Mike
09/03/2009, Annapolis, MD

Well, here she is with her newly raised water line and new bottom paint. She went back into the water today after getting her hull buffed and waxed. I think she's feeling better now and ready for another year.

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