Swan Creek Rendezvous with the PSA

John and I have done the "hurricane rendezvous" six times now starting back in 2001 and we're never disappointed.  This year the Budesheims suggested we meet them in Swan Creek on Friday since we're retired and can do it.  Thanks to them, we had a lovely sail down the bay, a lazy broad reach at first with a fair tide and gentle northwest wind which by the end, kicked up to 20 knots giving us an exhilerating close reach when we turned to cross the bar.  It was our first time in Swan Creek this season and it felt like coming home. The sunny, dry, cool weather reminded us of those perfect days in New England minus the rocks, tidal currents and lobster pots!  Good Day Sunshine had just arrived before us and were tied along side of us within minutes. There were just a few boats in the anchorage making for a delightfully peaceful and relaxing evening.
 
The cabin temperature on Saturday morning was 59 degrees and the wind was blowing around 15 knots in the creek...another perfect day for the other PSA members joining us.  Well, it would have been if they were able to leave at dawn.  Unfortunately, the wind died by mid-day so it was a motor ride for Dick and Mary Cusick on Irish Blessing, and Steve Mitchell with friends, Debbie and Allen on Inner Voice.  Our commodore and first mate, Ed and Joan, deserve  special attention for their superior effort in joining us. Dolce Vita's engine is inoperable due to a cracked block so Ed jury rigged his dinghy's 5-hp outboard to the boarding ladder (see photograph).  It took them 7 hours to get to us as their top speed was only 3 1/2 knots!  Happy hour started before 5 and never really ended.  For the first time, appetizers served as dinner for us, at least.  Good food, conversation and boat tours ket us going until darkness chased everybody back to their boats.
 
Special thanks to Allen for his yummy chocolate biscotti and to Debbie for delivering them to each of the five rafted boats...good exercise for the yoga instructor!
Although a five boat raft is quite manageable, we hope in future years to attract the attendance we used to enjoy in the past.
 
Anne and John Martin