Sleep in a bit. Under power at 8:15, cool, clear with a breezy east wind. Tie up at the town dock, which is unmarked and I wouldn't know it was a town dock until someone pointed out to me. Get rid of some trash. Something fresh from a bakery would be nice, but checking my phone I can't find anything in walking distance.
Cast off and sails up at 9:00. I suspect I'll head up the Patuxent River for the nor'easter but wanted to check out some of the local creeks. I tack my way up Mill Creek to explore some coves. Turn east at Pancake Point and head towards Spring and Leason Coves. The coves are very well protected, some cruisers have already anchored there. But they are lined with homes. That's fine for overnight, but not great scenery if I have to spend a few days waiting out the weather.
We turn back down Mill Creek, leaving Solomons Island at 10:40. Just outside the entrance at red marker "6a" jibe to head up the Patuxent River, making 4.9 towards the bridge. Passing under the bridge see three deadrises working the oyster beds on the north shore.
11:10 jibe to Patience Point. The wind is building and I'm caught off guard by a gust, round up near the point and wait for a second gust to pass before continuing on my way around the narrow sandy spit that juts out into deep water.
Wind over the starboard quarter, it is an easy sail up the Patuxenet. Deep blue skies and bright white clouds make me wonder if the weather will be all that bad in a couple of days.
Entering St. Leonards Creek at 12:15, blue skies are gone and a chill overcast has moved in. A couple of tacks to round Rodney Point and then easy sailing in calm water up the wide and pretty creek.
12:50 I am pleased with the sight of the cliffs at Breedens Point. Topped by trees, the cliffs will offer excellent protection. In amongst the trees I can see a couple of rooftops, but really not much in the way of developement. How nice!
As I'm looking at possible anchorages, I see a small boat coming up behind me. A man on board tells me his name is Kent and he has some nice photographs of SPARTINA that he wants to send me. We exchange numbers, then talk about the weather. He mentions that he lives on the next cove to the south, tells me to drop by if I need a break from the weather.
Anchor down Rollins Cove 1:25. Set up the boom tent and wrap a line around the mast that leads to cleats on either side of the foredeck. This should help wick away rain coming down the mast. Settle in for a relaxing afternoon.
I get a text from Kent with some nice photographs. He also includes an invitation to his house with an offer of shelter, shower and a meal. I tell him I might take him up on that.
14.65 NM
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