day thirty - "Welcome back!"

Sail off anchor to catch what is left of the morning flood tide.  Pretty morning.  Slow drift in light airs out of the wind shadow on Southeast Creek.  8:45 on the Chester and find a little wind.  Cold morning, slip on foul weather bibs and boots.

A few slow tacks the width of the river at 2.7 rounding Hollow Marsh Point.  9:35 on Devils Reach, but with light wind, the devil is not home this morning.  Less wind, 2.1 at 9:50.

10:10 round Primrose Point and see the SULTANA out for an education sail.  I tack behind their stern.  Forrest, the captain, shouts "Welcome back!"  

I tell him I am very happy to be back. Stronger wind on the nose toward the marina, and it feels like the tide has turned.  Several tacks on the last stretch to the marina.  Sails down.  Docked 11:15.  The trip is done.

4.58 NM

Postscript: The weather forecast proved to be all to accurate.  By midweek the winds had pushed the water up into the parking lot at the marina.  That evening had gale force winds and heavy rains.  I reached out to friends Penelope and Rob, and was graciously given a warm, dry place to sleep that night, plus an excellent dinner.

The weather cleared quickly and made for an excellent Sultana Downrigging Festival.  I was told that Saturday of the festival was the largest crowd to even attend the event.  Blue skies, good sailing, beautiful tall ships and some wonderful small boats.  It was a great weekend.