Friday morning at 10:30 we were headed back out past the Naval Academy, along with several Naval training vessels, and down the Bay a short distance before turning towards the mouth of the West River, at which point we were able to roll out the headsail, carefully watching to avoid the numerous trap marker floats yet observe the most vibrant foliage colors we have seen on this voyage. As we were approaching our 1:15 PM anchorage in the basin near Galesville, Maryland, Kevin decided we would swap our usual routine - Debbie would be at the helm and Kevin would be at the bow. While still heading into the basin at top speed, as Kevin prepped the anchor by dangling it over the edge of the roller the locknut had loosened on the windlass and suddenly the weight of the 45-pound CQR plus 75-feet of chain gave way to gravity free-falling rapidly to the bottom, bringing Grace to an abrupt halt in the channel; while Kevin's heartbeat got a good workout and he refrained from his impulse to grab the chain, Debbie took the engine out of gear; with his great sense of humor Kevin turned around and declared "the anchor is down"; once again we were fortunate in that no other boats were nearby! As his heartbeat began to return to normal, Kevin tightened the nut, retrieved the anchor, and gave the instruction that a new routine practice onboard Grace will be to confirm that nut is tight before prepping the anchor overtime. Later, in between multiple head shakes, Kevin proclaimed what is the title of today's blog post. Shortly before nightfall as m/v Barbara pulled in to anchor beside Grace, we hailed them on the radio to welcome them to the anchorage; in a few minutes we were getting acquainted when they dinghied over to say hello and brought us fresh baked cookies; thank you Barbara and Ken!

Yesterday's 8 AM departure was with the mainsail raised in anticipation of utilizing the winds that were forecast to include small craft advisories in the afternoon. Although the wind did not do much, and eventually we dropped the mainsail, we were able to motorsail with both sails for a while in the warm sunshine. At 2:45 PM shortly after we dropped the hook next to m/v Barbara, we were extended an invitation aboard for dinner; thank you, again, Barbara and Ken for your gracious hospitality and the tour of your lovely vessel!

Today we got to see them again as we were all at the nearby West Marine. Our purchase of the day: a new toilet.

The above shot was taken yesterday as we turned towards Solomons, and is of Cove Point Lighthouse. According to the website, after years of planning, fundraising, and preservation, the finishing touches are being put on the Cove Point Lighthouse Keeper's home to be opened this summer as a weekly
vacation rental and special event site.