Legend has it that pirates would lure unsuspecting captains onto the shoals by placing lanterns so as to appear as the local port. Once aground they were easy prey.

Despite today’s GPS and fewer pirates groundings still do occur as the fishing vessel  illustrates.

 

 

 

 

We are on day five of our voyage south from the upper Chesapeake for warmer ports in the carolinas.  Today takes us through George Washington’s land and timber investment now known as the Dismal Swamp.

The best time to start planning a cruising lifestyle is today, and the United States Sailboat Show runs for another two days.   While Hurricane Joaquin passed well east of the Chesapeake, high water hampered our setup over the last weekend, but the waters receded in time for the Thursday VIP opening.   Only a few boats did not make the trip due to the high winds (including our own Second Wind).

The show is a great place to see the latest boats, right in the water, along with loads of gear, services and destination ideas.  In addition classes and seminars cover a host of topics and experience levels, including on water experiences for first time sailors. It is even better for meeting people and a highlight so far was to meet one of the best-known cruising couples, Paul and Sheryl Shard of Distant Shores TV fame.  They will be offering tips and advice in several appearances at the CruisingOutpost booth in the Yatch Basin area with Bob Bitchin and also in seminars over the weekend. Here you can find their full schedule.

Here are more details on the full show.  And for the sailing challenged, there  is the Power Boat show starting this Thursday.  The transformation magic starts Monday afternoon with a two-and-one-half day turnaround.  If you are not working the show, the best view is from Pusser’s deck. If you are working, painkillers will have to wait…

Change is a good thing and today the Captain embarks on a new course with fresh challenges and promising rewards.  The crew is closely watching Hurricane Joaquin as we prepare to work the upcoming Annapolis Boat Shows with setup beginning this weekend.  I predict foul weather gear sales will be brisk.  May be a good time to enjoy listening to our latest Spotify playlist “the laughing pirates songs” a great assortment of classic sea shanties, modern sailing themed songs and a few of our favorite rock classics.  We’ve renamed the playlist as many followers had trouble finding it under its previous generic title “boat songs.”

Congrats to PA’s unbeaten Red Land little leaguers on a great season as they are the U.S. Champions and on to the World Series on Sunday. They will have the chance to win for PA for the first time in over 50 years.

While many scoring records were broken that Sunday, our team came up a bit short, but a valiant effort and a great season. Congrats to the boys, their coaches, and fans.  These two fans flew the colors at the Paradise Grill in Longneck, DE a great spot on Rhehoboth Bay for you shallow drafters.

When we’re in port we get the porter we need.  And until we’re hanging from the highest yard arm, me and me stout hardies be sampling the best of YARDS.  Our favorite is the Cape of  Good Hope double IPA and not just ’cause one of our crew is heading that way come first light.  We’re toasting the Pirates and buccaneers that helped break the bondage of Britian.

We’re justing getting started, please check back in a few days