Towards Norfolk, Virginia

September 28, 1991

Early the next morning, we raised anchor under sail and pointed towards Oxford.

The winds were gusting to twenty knots and Blue Grace really came into her own with these winds.

As we rounded the tip of the St. Michaels river, we tacked many times, with everyone really getting the big boat feeling of sailing that they were hoping for. As we reached as close to the wind as possible, the water began to break over the rails, and with each tack, we headed up to a course that would allow us the same feeling.

Later that evening, anchored off Oxford, John decided it was time for him to take control of the social desk and called out, "Let's go Crabbing"

What this involves is taking a piece of string, tying a piece of chicken around it and simply dropping it over the side and waiting. Highly stimulating, but the excitement starts when you catch the first crab.

We were skeptical at first, but after John pulled up two in five minutes, Patrick and I quickly jumped in to play. And the contest was on.

By dinner, we had netted sixteen good sized, soft shell crabs and decided they would be included in the meal so I dropped the crabs into a bucket of boiling water and "Voila", we had a fresh seafood dinner.

Early, very early this morning, we lifted anchor and set sail towards Norfolk.

As we entered the Chesapeake Bay again, now in the daylight, we realized how close we were to the Chesapeake Tunnel, which only the night before was simply a series of lights, seemingly much closer.

The fishermen are out already and more coming by the minute. We pass quite close to several and exchange pleasantries. "Good Mornings", you know.

We are entering Norfolk and as we pass within city limits, we see a group of Naval Cadets in training, their boat going very slowly in less than 5 knots of breeze.

Again, we wave, and I realize that we will soon be stopping for a two day rest. Time to visit Norfolk.