Coast Guard buoy tender moving buoys in the Bay near Annapolis

But first, a brisk sail 22nm down to South River where we’d stop at Liberty Marina to drop off our screecher and jib for their get well treatment. Warrior Yachting would take those white hankies and in a few days, return them all re-stitched, head webbing replaced and capped on screecher, etc- adding up to a few not unreasonable shekels.

A coastal low, the remnants of TS Karen from the Gulf of Mexico would push its way to shore, stall a bit and make sure we paid dearly for the beautiful warm weather it would replace. Ok, so now I AM glad to have those cold weather, no grill required meals on board.

The Captain outdid himself by finding Harness Creek. A tall tree-lined bank provided complete protection from the NE winds. A dock provided access to Quiet Waters, a 346-acre park with six miles of paved trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, an art gallery, gardens, an ice rink and at the creek, Paddle or Pedal who owns the dock and operates a small-boat and bike rental. Yahoo! Finally we could touch land after nine days.

Entrance to Harness Creek- park overlooks and gazebo

The walk through the park was lovely and we came upon joggers, walkers, moms with strollers as we made our way to the entrance and then a couple more blocks to the Main Ingredient where we’d feast on a fabulous breakfast.

Our delicious gourmet breakfast- I was stuffed all day

I ordered tea presented in a wooden box for my choosing; the pot was stylish and the loose tea sat in a strainer under the lid.  Divine. With an eye on the approaching rain we pulled our stuffed-selves away from the table and walked to the Giant grocery (picture Stop&Shop) for as much as we could comfortably carry. Local boaters offered a ride but we were headed in the opposite direction. The walk was easily close to two miles; my right knee complained the next day. Sigh.

The rain approached at a turtle crawl which allowed for another brilliant sunset.

Sunset looking at the shore of the creek opposite the park