The plan for Easter weekend was to head 50 miles north to Fishing Bay where we could spend our last couple of days together before going our separate ways. WhiteBird, who had returned home to the Rapponoc River a month ago would also join us for the festivities. The relatively strong south winds that were forecasted for the weekend promised great sailing conditions. The original plan was to leave early Saturday morning to get through a construction area on the Elizabeth River before daily delays were imposed. However, we discovered it is never wise for 6 people to try to analyze numerous weather forecasts after a rowdy evening of games. Needless to say we missed a great sailing day and although Bev and I still had a week to go before haulout we didn't want to get stuck in Norfolk for 5 days.

Sunday's forecast promised a sporty ride up the Chesapeake in breezy conditions and as we cast off at 6:45 we were kicking ourselves for not having left on Saturday. But, you can't live in the past so we just had to make the best of the conditions on the Bay. As we pounded our way down the Elizabeth River and through battleship row the swirling winds had us doubting the forecast that promised southerly winds. However, once we cleared the harbour and all the obstacles that were affecting the true wind direction things settled down and we were off. With a single reef in the main and nearly full genny Dagny dug into the 20 -28 knot breeze as we streaked north, at times well over 8 knots. With the delays caused by bridge construction in Norfolk we figured we would do well to arrive by 6 p.m.; however, we rode the strong southerly's all day and rolled into the anchorage at 4 p.m.

As the boats gently swung at anchor in the setting sun the crews of Dagny, White Bird, 2 Outrageous and Sandbox shared memories and toasted our special friendships. Over the next couple of days we said our goodbyes as each boat went it's separate way until just Bev and I were alone to enjoy the last few miles of our trip. We chose Mill Creek in the Solomons for our final anchorage, this well protected spot is one of our favourites on the Chesapeake. Flat water greeted us Friday morning as we headed out onto Chesapeake Bay for the 25 mile trip to Herrington Harbour, it was a relaxing morning as we lingered over coffee while reflecting on another successful trip. The excellent marina staff had us safely in our slip by mid afternoon allowing us time to get started on giving Dagny a well deserved cleaning.

Today's picture is of an Osprey nest in Mill Creek.