A Grandson is Born! 9.21.2011

Meet Matthias Benjamin Nickoloff! Our fifth grandchild!

View from above 9.11.11

When we got back to port after our short trip to the Magothy, our friends Dan and Jaye hoisted me up to the top of the mast to fix my wind indicator. I took the opportunity to check all of the rigging and all looks good! Thanks Dan and Jaye! Great views from 42' above sea level!

Magothy River Raft Up 9.10.11 - 9.11.11

Eileen and I met up with three other boats in the Magothy River on Saturday and spent the night rafted up! We absolutely had a blast! We met up with Sailnet friends, shared food, drinks, and stories! Unfortunately, the winds were very light so we motored both ways. The story of the passages can be summed up in one word..."DEBRIS!" Tropical storm Lee moved through the Mid Atlantic and Northeast this week. This storm dumped over a foot of rain and overflowed river banks etc. The Conowingo Dam operators opened 48 of the 50 flood gates and it sent a s**t load of debris our way. Here are some pics of what I'm talking about!

We were the third of four boats to arrive

All tied up!

We all had appetizers for dinner. The food was plentiful.

Just caught the sun going down. The scenery was magnificent.

and...we woke up in pea soup! Still, a great overnight trip!
Before we parted ways on Sunday morning, we had some quiet time together. In remembrance of our fallen brothers and sisters 10 years ago, we played Alan Jackson's "Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning." It was really an emotional time as we all just sat, listened and processed 9/11 in our own way.

Labor Day Weekend 2011

Eileen, Jamie and I busted out for a weekend away. A much needed weekend away! We provisioned up Domingoman and sailed 27 NM South to Herrington Harbor South, our favorite marina in Herring Bay. This is the same marina where Eileen and I ended our 4-day trip in early August. We had a blast. Here are some images from our trip!

Heading out of Back Creek in a parade of sailboats

Eileen on the Starboard rail listening to some music


This powerboat was a little too close for comfort. Of course, we were the stand-on vessel.

Fish on! We caught this bluefish and it was hysterical...Shiloh started barking at it as I was reeling it in!

Jamie on the low side

My second mate making sure Shiloh stays put

Some impressive boat speed!

Jamie's breakfast biscuit on Sunday morning

Reflections!

We converted the salon to a berth for Jamie. It was so much easier for him being in the salon vs. the V-berth.

Here is a video of our approach to Herring Bay. We were on a screaming close reach all the way from the mouth of Eastern Bay. We sailed above 7 knots for over an hour in 13-17 kt winds. This was really really fun!