an infrequent repository of mostly new stuff
Shore Pines
Within two hours of docking in gusty grey drizzle, the sky is swept clear of clouds and blue as the deep end of a swimming pool. The cold front that brought the rain has pushed it all out ahead of it. We have a completely different day. All that remains is the wind, which blows unabated.
Continue reading “Janes Island ~ Clearing, Crabs & Crescents”
Crossing the Little Annemessex River past Crisfiled to Cedar Island.
Two Caledonia Yawls, both built by Geoff Kerr of Two Daughters Boatworks, two Marsh Cats, a Melonseed, and a Curlew.
becalmed in Daugherty Creek Canal
This is how the day begins: It is 11am on a grey and blustery Friday, and I’m am waterskiing down Daugherty Creek Canal behind a Marsh Cat. Actually, it begins with coffee and loading and launching, but whatever. I have this catboat Comfort by the tail and I’m waterskiing. In a Melonseed. That’s the important part.
All night and well past dawn, the wind blew at 25 knots out of the NNW. It’s blowing from the Bay, tearing across the marsh. The tents flap and billow, making sleep fitful.
Continue reading “Janes Island ~ Waterskiing and Grey Sailing”
Took a walk along the canal around midnight. Lights across the Bay glow on the horizon.
After all the wind and all the rain, it’s so still and so clear the Milky Way is reflected in the surface of the water.
Oyster Farm – Franktown, Virginia
I did not account for reburying the family cat.
When MASCF got cancelled due to really, really bad weather for only the second time in 25 years (talkin to you Joaquin), a number of us found ourselves with boats and gear loaded with nowhere to go. We organized a consolation trip to the Eastern Shore within two weeks – four days of camping and sailing near Crisfield.
Really beautiful. Worth watching full screen in HD.
Monsoon II from Mike Olbinski on Vimeo.
Much more info, and background on how it was shot, at
Forecast. Relevant days in red box.
Loading up for St. Michaels and the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft festival. Will leave early Thursday morning.
Tropical Storm Joaquin is aspiring to hurricane status by the weekend, about the time it’s offshore of, you know, us. Should be an interesting trip.
Speaking of interesting trips, I’ve heard from Steve recently. He’s eating crabs and sailing; if not where he thought he’d be, exactly where he wants to be.