Sunday, September 2, 2012

yesterday and today

Yesterday I was on the water on a very pretty day.  A nice breeze out of the north reminded me that I was beginning the final three months of my sailing year.  In September the winds begin to shift from southwest to somewhere out of the north, northeast or northwest.  The temperatures fall.  And the skies, without summer's humidity, deepen to a rich blue.  Soon I will start thinking about bringing a jacket along for day sails.


In winter I look forward to the chilly sails of spring.  In spring I look forward to the heat of summer.  And in summer I look forward to the cool breezes of fall.  I am ready for fall.

Yesterday the breezes started out light and then filled in to maybe 10 knots or so.  I was content as Spartina tacked back and forth across the river.  Joggers waved from along the shore.  A handful of boats passed through on their way south.  And I exchanged greetings with the crew of the Virginia as they worked to get the schooner ready for October's Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race.

I could have stayed out there all day, but had to head in a little early to pack for a trip.


Today I find myself in the Queen City,  feeling as if I'm living in a police state.  Hot and crowded, flashing lights and barricades.  I think I liked yesterday better.

steve


3 comments:

JimB said...

We sailed on the Albemarle Sound in very light winds Friday, but it was nice. We tried to go today, but winds were so light we anchored, put the awning up and just floated. Also nice.

It's been so hot we haven't been out much this summer. I too am looking forward to sailing during the next couple of months. Maybe to Manteo for a weekend or two.

Chris said...

Just discovered your blog today. The first photo is a view I'm very familiar with. We keep our boat up the Eastern branch of the Elizabeth River and have to wait for an opening at the Berkeley Bridge on every trip.

We took a trip up to Chippokes Plantation on the James River this weekend. I think we may have seen you sailing near the Wisconsin as we headed out on Saturday.

I'm looking forward to catching up with your blog.

Steve said...

Chris

Good to hear from you. I hope to meet you out on the river someday. And yes, I was sailing over near Wisconsin on Saturday.

Steve