June 6, Day 346 – Reedville, VA to St. Mary’s, MD

We were up and ready to leave by 8:00 this morning. The weather forecast was calling for storms and high winds this afternoon so we wanted to be at our destination (St. Mary’s River) early in the afternoon. Our trip today was not exactly comfortable. There were small craft advisories out for the Bay and, unfortunately, much of the wave action hit us on our beam. Definitely not a comfortable point of sail, but the boat did quite well – better than her crew who had to hang on much of the time. The back and forth action also was responsible for a change in the placement of the chairs on the flybridge as they literally tried to “fly off”.

Once we reached St. Mary’s City we looked for a spot to anchor in the Horseshoe Bend area that would provide the most protection for the forecasted winds. It appeared that our first choice was not going to be the best for northwest winds, so we opted to anchor on the other side of the bend in a tiny cove.

After lunch we took the dinghy down and picked up Michel and Carole to explore historic St. Mary’s City and to look at the Dove, a replica of the 17th century square-rigged trading vessel that carried supplies for the early settlers. When the skies began to darken, we decided it was time to head back to the boats.

We were under a tornado watch for most of the late afternoon and early evening. The wind and rain finally came around 6:00, but nothing too bad as our anchoring spot turned out to be perfect. The temperature dropped 20 degrees so after the shower we opened all the doors and windows and cooled down the boat. At dusk we were treated to a wonderful sunset. Quite a bit of variety in the weather today – typical Chesapeake.

Heading out of the marina this morning, with Emotion III right behind

We passed by Smith Point Lighthouse

Here's a view from behind -- that's Virginia

... and a look forward. While they might look alot alike, at the green mark you are entering Maryland -- our home state.

Things got a little topsy turvey on the flybridge today, with the waves at our beam

This is where we wanted to anchor today, right in front of St. Mary's College, but instead we anchored across the Horseshoe Bend. Turned out to be a good idea.

We dinghied ashore to go exploring

A shot of the Dove, a replica of a 17th century boat

Judge Carole has spoken. This is a courtroom in the first Statehouse.

.. and the outside of the State House built in 1676

Taking a short break in a shady spot -- it was HOT

Seagrass and sand along the shoreline

The skies were getting dark so we decided we better head back to the boats

Big dark cloud hovering over Emotion III -- we were under a tornado watch

After the storm, Emotion III looks nice and peaceful

.... and this was our WOW sunset