Annapolis in a storm
06 October 2006 | Annapolis, Md
Jim Lea
Yesterday we sailed into Harness Creek, just south of Annapolis, where we decided to anchor for our visit to Annapolis. We chose it for a few reasons. First, the weather forecast was for winds of 30 knots (gale force) with gusts to 40 knots out of the north-east, and Harness Creek appeared to provide good protection in a nice high shore. Second, it offered good access to Annapolis without being in the middle of the action (read chaos!), and third, it was off what seemed to be a nice location on shore, a park with a nice landing for our dinghy. So we arrived, not sure if the creek would be empty or jammed with boats with the same ideas as we had. But there were only four other boats there when we arrived, so we were able to choose a nice location for our anchorage. Arriving mid-afternoon, we went ashore and walked up through the park (about 1.5 miles) to the nearest West Marine for a few supplies, then returned to the boat just as the rain began. And it didn't let up for 36 solid hours! During the night the wind picked up as predicted, and by morning it was howling. So we just stayed put for most of the day. Our plan had been to go to the Annapolis Boat Show (biggest in the world!!!), but in that wind and rain, I was reluctant to leave the boat, and it would have been a miserable time at the show. But Fraser's time had run out, so early in the afternoon I rowed him ashore and walked up through the woods to the Park Visitor Center where he caught a cab to Annapolis, from where he caught a train to Baltimore, then back to Havre De Grace, where we met him last week, to pick up his truck and head back to Ottawa.
But we just sat out the day reading and doung a few odd jobs. With the drop in temperature, wind and rain, we were grateful for the Espar heater, running constantly to keep us warm and dry. The forecast was not for better weather, but for worse, so in late afternoon we set a second anchor to ensure we wouldn't drag in the high winds. And so did the other boats in the creek. For dinner we decided on something warming, and made Spaghetti Bolognese. Very tasty, with a nice Italian red wine to go with it.