Back in Annapolis and it feels good to finally get here after a rough day. Departed Sassafras River as planned at 0600. It was still dark, but no city lights to make things confusing. The forecast for wind was SW 10 - 15. What I got was SW 15 - 25 for the first 5 hours, and that put me heading right into the wind waves that were mostly in the 2' - 4' range, but every once in a while a series of waves would come through that were 6 feet or better. And when that happened, I would stuff the bow into the wave and the anchors on the bow roller would get cleaned off. That kind of shit brings the boat to a complete standstill and getting 25,000 pounds moving again with a little 44 hp diesel takes a while. Taking these waves head on was stupid and when the channel widened I started tacking back and forth with the staysail up and that made the ride much more comfortable and in the end, even though distance through the water was greater, I made up some time.

I had hoped to arrive at 1300, but it was 1500. As it turned out, the prime real estate for anchoring in quiet creeks close by is now totally occupied. I don't know if arriving a couple hours earlier would have made a difference, but I am betting if I would have made it yesterday, I would have had a better chance. By the way, I spent an extra day in Sassafras River because of high winds that were worse than today. Oh well, it doesn't really matter because I couldn't do anything about it anyway. So I am actually anchored very close to downtown Annapolis right next to the US Naval Academy, and near where the boat show is going to take place. The downside is the boat wakes, and according to Maryann, the partying goes on loud and late during the show. Good, if that is what you are looking for, and I might be for one night. I just hope I can get some sleep in spite of it all.

Will be hanging out here through the 13th. I haven't taken a sunrise photo in a while, so I caught one as I was leaving the Sassafras River.