The first challenge of the day was to get under the first bridge to go up the Susquehanna. The book said it was 52 feet off the water. The bridge said 50 feet. Helix has a 48 foot mast according to the spec sheets. The guy at the marina said we would probably be OK on a low tide so we set out on high tide and went under the bridge. Here is the bridge.
Here is what it looks like from the boat when you need to decide if you will make it.
But we make it. Not only that but Helix and crew make it north of the 95 bridge!
After leaving the Susquehanna, we had another amazing sailing day. Periods of good 10 knot winds where we could put out all the sails and really spend time tuning them to get the best speed. Some other times it was blowing 17 knots and Steve set an all time Helix speed record of 7.3 knots (had some help from the current but we were really flying)We sailed to Fairlee creek. It is a nice big creek that has deep water and goes on for miles but has a tiny almost hidden entrance. Below is the narrow slot we came through to get in.
Once inside Fairlee creek, we got a great anchorage in a really beautiful cove just inside the entrance.
In Fairlee Creek we broke out the Zodiac and explored the beach and coves. It worked great and at low speed the battery really lasts (electric motor)
While we were sailing down to Fairlee creek, I put a fishing line out with a lure to troll and caught a huge rock fish. Some of the crew with lessor powers of deduction did not think I caught a rock fish but based on the speed with which the rod was yanked up over the rail and off the boat, it had to be a rock fish. Later in the day they had a hard time denying my second catch of a catfish.
Tomorrow we drop off Darrin at Middle River and may head to Baltimore Harbor.
Cool. God Job. Have you lost any bears hats yet?
ReplyDeleteWhich fishing rod did you lose to the almighty mystery fish?
ReplyDeletehey dad, you really need to think about mowing the lawn. It doesn't look that great and it's itchy. Not that I really care but I'm sure you do. Don't worry though because no random stranger has come up to us and said "hey your lawn looks bad" and I don't think it will. Anyway, I'm glad your having fun. Did you get to ride the dingy or was that just Mr. Mike?? If you didn't already I think you should. How was the creek.... Never mind.
ReplyDeleteThere is not mystery Alex. It was a huge rock fish. You may want to read more carefully next time. Anyway it was the second best rod not the best rod or the emergency 2nd backup rod.
ReplyDelete