Summer at Home on the Chesapeake

After completing the Great Loop, we had plans of cruising the Chesapeake Bay for much of the summer. Unfortunately, things did not turn out that way. One, Gerry worked much of the summer at his “consulting” job – building up the cruising kitty (this was a good thing) – and two, it was an incredibly hot and humid summer in Maryland and cruising and anchoring out was very miserable. We did manage to attend a few Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA) rendezvous which were great fun; a rendezvous of the Chesapeake Mainship Group, where we gave a presentation on our Great Loop trip; and we attended the MTOA Northern Rendezvous in Baltimore.

Here is Gerry and our grandson, Cameron.
We're on our way to the Mainship Rendezvous on the
Sassafrass River where we gave a presentation on our Great Loop trip

Cameron is quite the fisherman (definitely doesn't take after his Grandpa). 
Here he is with a big fish and a small fish that he caught

Our first 2 months back at home were spent on the boat as our home was still rented out. We kept the boat at a marina only a few miles from our house, but it was more of a working boat yard and had little to offer transients or liveaboards. Finally, in mid-August we were able to return to our home. We decided to keep our household goods in storage and got by with what furniture we had left in the house for the renters. All in all, it worked out well. In September we moved the boat to the Anchorage Marina in Baltimore where the MTOA Rendezvous was held. We stayed most of the month on the boat as there was a lot to see, do, and eat/drink in that section of Baltimore.

Our cruising buddies, Michael and Jana on Second Star, came from
Colorado for the MTOA Rendezvous.  It was great to see them again.

After the Northern Rendezvous (also referred to as the Baltimore Bash)
we went on the Cruise to Nowhere.  Here are some of the
boats anchored in Middle River.

Here's the beach party we all enjoyed while anchored in Fairlee Creek

More shots of the beach party

Fairlee Creek anchorage at dusk

During the summer we replaced or added a few items to Monk’s Vineyard. Upon our return from the Loop, the boat was hauled and she got new bottom paint and her hull waxed. We then replaced all the batteries and the salon air conditioning unit. The air conditioning unit failed right at the height of the heat. Fortunately, the unit in the aft cabin still worked so sleeping was somewhat comfortable. New additions to the boat over the summer included a DirecTV and Follow Me system, solar panels, a new motor for the dinghy, inflatable kayaks, an Engel portable fridge/freezer and Linda made new curtains for the windows. (Now you know why Gerry had to spend the summer working!!). It should be noted that no new fishing tackle was purchased.

New solar panels

New DirecTV and inflatible kayaks

New bigger (15hp) motor for the dinghy

Portable fridge/freezer (so we'll have plenty of food for the Bahamas)

Our plan was to head south right after the Annapolis boat shows. By then, the leaves were turning, days were cool and nights were getting right down cold. We were searching for long pants and jackets. We finally had most items crossed off our “to do” list, the boat was fully provisioned (with too much food again) and the house was all closed up. It was time – the adventure continues …

Trees in the neighborhood -- beautiful, but we're outta here!!