August 4:
Indian Creek, VA to Cape Charles, VA
(Approx. 38 Miles)

We are wakened at 0630 to the sound of Gene making breakfast (egg-beaters and coffee). After checking the weather, we board Alt Escape and prepare to depart. The shrouds seem to be working themselves loose. Every few days of sailing, they need to be tightened. Kohl takes care of that chore as I reattach the rudder and clean up the cabin. It’s amazing how quickly things get out of place.

One of our discoveries this morning is that the previously-thought-dry starboard locker isn’t. Seems we’ve been heeling a bit more than normal, and about a quart of water has found its way into the locker. Everything is wet. Luckily we don’t loose much food, just a box of crackers and a roll of paper towels. But now we suspect every compartment and place everything high--out of the reach of water.

1000 and we are about 2 miles east of Wolf Trap Light (37°24N, 76°08W). We are in the southern Chesapeake Bay now, and you can no longer see from one side to the other. The shoreline is still visible although faint. Winds are 10-12 knots from the aft port quarter, and the waves are about 2-3 feet.

Conversation has turned from weather and work to Buddhist philosophy and the guiding principles of Robert E. Lee. Much discussion about our place in the universe and how we should relate to one another. I don’t know if it was the sun (a thrice a day coating of sunscreen is now mandatory), but some of this discussion actually made sense at the time.

With a short day of sailing (and all the world’s problems solved), we cover the 38 miles in a little over five hours. We anchor south of Cape Charles, with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel clearly visible in the distance. After a little cleaning up of the boat and a drink to celebrate the conclusion of the first leg of our trip (130 miles south in 3 days), we jump in the bay for a swim. Not having seen a shower in a little more than three days, I break out the Head and Shoulders and give the hair a once over. The shampoo does ok in the salt water, but not great. But hey, I got three days of guck out of my hair!

We are surprised and delighted by the evening’s entertainment--Dolphins! They are feeding in the water near our boats. Easily a dozen dolphin swim within 50 yards for 15-20 minutes. We look on their appearance as a good omen. Kohl inputs the next days marks in the GPS, and I read a bit of a book before turning in just after sunset.