The Shakedown Cruise on Memorial Day Weekend led by Bob Smith to Mill Creek, Virginia, was an absolute success!!!
Four boats participated: Dave & Jeana on Nomad, Bob and Chel on Bela Sera, Bill on Misty, and the Reitzs on WindRose (visiting boat).
The weather and wind cooperated (north wind going down and a south wind coming back--perfect). We rafted up in Mill Creek around 4 pm, had a rousing cocktail hour, then scattered for the night. The next day, we investigated the anchorages in and around Mill Creek and met again at the Rt. 200 bridge at Glebe Point near the Athena Winery.
Bob ferried us all to shore in his new RIB and we walked the 1/2 mile to the winery. We tasted every wine they had and still managed to go on the walking tour of the winery operations.
Back on our boats, we headed to Reedville to anchor for the night. We wandered around town and found an ice cream store with an outside table to accommodate all of us. There we sat in the fading light of the afternoon, eating ice cream, chatting and grinning about our cruise weekend. Nomad had tied up to the dock at Crazy Crab restaurant, so we walked back there and shared appetizers and drinks. It was a lovely, quiet, still night in the anchorage.
Monday's strong south winds made for a wonderful sail back by the sailboats. Nomad, a 30-foot powerboat, zipped back early in time to stop for lunch in the Coan River and then explore the Shannon Branch of the Yecomico river before heading back to her slip at Tall Timbers Marina.
Next cruise is
June 28-29 to Coles Point, VA, led by Dave Johnson aboard Nomad.
