The anchorage here at Portland worked out pretty well, especially since I have friends at a local marina where I can safely tie up our dinghy to go ashore. It was not nearly as rolly as Camden or Rockland, even with all the commercial traffic. The holding ground was good, the mud not too sticky, and the wave action was perfect for sleeping. This being a layover day, I got a lot done with regard to my broken windlass, blog updates, and other such activities. However, as the morning developed, the weather was so fair that I experienced an overwhelming urge to press on. The urge struck me to the point where I readied the dinghy to get underway and warmed up the engine. I ended up standing down and sticking to my previous decision as I really wanted to spend some time with Tim and Kathy because I may not see them again for some time. I cannot explain where the indecisiveness hailed from, as I am usually one to plan my work and work my plan. Perhaps it stemmed from a desire to get this boat home and reunite with my family, as I am here and they are there at home.

I put the remainder of the day to good use finalizing my plan to get home. I confirmed my crew for the off shore passages and secured plane tickets for them. I also confirmed all the legs of the journey and made sure that all the dates lined up OK with crew availability and a return home no later than Labor Day weekend. Here's the rough sail plan I ended up with...

Portland, ME - Annisquam, MA Solo passage. Moor for one night. Use Annisquam River/Blynem Canal to access direct route through Gloucster to Cape Cod.

Annisquam, MA - Sandwich, MA Solo passage. Layover in Sandwich to avoid really nasty weather predicted for Sunday.

Sandwich, MA - Newport, RI Solo passage. Layover in Newport to meet crew flying into Providence, RI airport late on 8/25. Windlass part to ship in here.

Newport, RI - Block Island, RI Crewed passage. Transit to Block Island for jump off shore to NJ. Change engine oil & final provision for off shore.

Block Island, RI - Cape May, NJ Overnight passage. This leg may be extended direct to Norfolk or Beaufort if the weather serves.

Cape May, NJ - Norfolk, VA Overnight passage. We may elect to run outside Cape Hatteras and come into Beaufort if the weather permits. Can you say Mahi Mahi?

Option 1 - Inside passage if weather window is not good
Norfolk, VA - Alligator River
Alligator River - Minnesott Beach, NC
Note: there are major fires in the Dismal Swamp so passage on the DSC and C&D canals is iffy. The locks on the DSC are currently closed.

Option 2 - Outside passage if weather window is good
Norfolk, VA - Beaufort, NC
Beaufort, NC - Minnesott Beach, NC

Of course, this is all subject to change mostly due to weather or boat issues.

After trip planning was done, I picked up a few things in town that I needed, had a few beers at Ri Ras Pub, and went back to s/v Carina to hookup with Tim and Kathy. After they got off work, I took them across the harbor in the Dixie to check out a problem on a friend's boat and then we went out to dinner. They took me to the Grill House and the food was absolutely superb. We had a great parting dinner and a good time was had by all. After dinner, it was time to hit the rack because tomorrow would certainly come early. I'm glad I stayed to see Tim & Kathy in Portland, as the business was indeed important.

Cap'n Monty
s/v Song Of The South
At anchor in Portland, ME