Leg 5, Day 7 – Solomons Island to Magothy River

We began the day knowing that Annapolis was still within our grasp but that we’d still be south of the bridges making for a longer leg back to our home base. We decided to go a bit further north both for reasons of shortening our last leg and because we had not yet had an “anchoring moment”. Seems we were either on the move through the night or conditions were such that we were secured to a dock in a harbor.

Kim is skipper-for-the-day as we prepare for our passage to Magothy River, just across the bay from our home destination.

The engine has been somewhat finicky, wanting to stay in the lower RPM’s to keep from overheating, and with calm winds expected later in the day we figured we better get an early start. We had our fair share of large ships along the way causing for some quick modifications of our course to keep clear.

As we rotate through the one-hour schedule of crew duties (navigator, helm, lookout, deck hand, and assistant navigator) there is also the rotation of dinner preparation. Later tonight will be my time to shine… or fail. Fortunately my wife Janet has assisted me with finding a manageable one-pot concoction that hopefully won’t stretch my un-culinary skills.

Early in this leg is our opportunity to brush up on material to prepare the crew for taking the ASA 106 written test. By the time we reach Magothy River all pencils are down and Captain Jochen is checking papers. Only he knows if diplomas will await us when we return to home base.

It’s 07:00 so we’re on our way. Next stop, Magothy River.

Our tracks show that the wind wasn’t going to cooperate to achieve our ideal route.

To prepare for the ASA 106 certification Skipper Kim quizzes us on possible test questions.

Thinking hard… thinking hard… got it!

Ships that pass in the night… I mean day.

Mike has eyes on his dream boat (not).

Captain Jochen uses the time to get a jump on checking the tests.

The sea is getting rather glassy so, with very little hands-on duty needing attention, the education continues.

It’s 19:00 and we’re coming up to the William Lane Jr. Memorial Bridges.

A view of the twin bridges that you don’t see very often (unless you’re a fish).

Not really sure why Mike always seems to have the helm as we navigate the bridge crossings. Just lucky, I guess.

Meanwhile, down in the galley I’m preparing the much-talked-about (or worried-about by myself) kielbasa dish with potatoes and peppers. If timing is right it should be ready as we drop anchor in Magothy River. Art suggests adding a glass of wine. Done.

Mike works our way through the channel back to Magothy River.

Scouting for a spot at 20:15 to anchor before the sun falls.

Anchor’s down. Time for that kielbasa dinner.