Mary's car is in for service so I was fortunate to drive her to and from work.  When I picked her up she suggested we go for a sail.  As one who NEVER argues with the one in power, I agreed.  By the time we slogged our way through the Beltway's rush hour traffic is was about 5:30pm when we arrived at the boat.  It took maybe 15 minutes to get the sail cover off, halyard attached to the main, engine started and dock lines off.  The wind was just barely blowing, maybe 4-7 knots.  But we sailed out of West River and on to The Bay reaching a top speed of 4.3 knots!  But there was nearly no one else out and those who out seemed to all be returning.  We were the only sailboat going out.  We pressed on.  By 7:30 we were well past the Red number 2 marker for West River and heading out toward the Green Can 1A.  A the wind settled we turnaround and started back.  Neither Mary or I was complaining, this was a beautiful evening and we were really enjoying it.  I furled sails as Mary drove us toward the dock.  We arrived just as it was starting to get dark.  A quick check of the lines and off we went, it was now approaching 9pm.  We settled for a wonderful dinner at Pirates Cove. She had fried Oysters and I had Broiled Crab Cakes.  Of course it was a late drive home but both of us were a peaceful tired.  Sailing on a gentle evening in our home waters, this was a night for the memory books.

Joe McCary

Aeolus II

West River, MD USA

The Chesapeake Bay