BLOGS BACK !!!!!

The crew of Charis escaped the surly bonds of Ft Walton on 27 April 09 and land cruised via camper to the Solomons to find CHARIS snug and in fine shape after a winter in her shrink wrap. Thank goodness the bottom did not need sanding this year so 3 days of painting and touch up and in the water she went on 12 May.

The crew "coasted" through most of May getting settled in and putting things away in places where they will never be found. An hour voyage and overnight in St. Leonard Creek found all systems in working order.

The pace picked up as we prepared for the arrival of Joan's brother, John and sister-in-law Paula, who arrived 2 June and were greeted by two days of torrential rain. Never the less, we threw off the lines and headed for St Leonard Creek and then into Mill Creek getting in practice for a run across the bay. We were able to get a quick dinghy ride between rain drops. The sun finally came out and we were off on a delightful 3 day cruise across the bay to Oxford and St Michaels in almost ideal conditions. Nice dinghy trips, walks, sightseeing, dinners aboard and ice cream cones ashore punctuated the days and a great time was had by all. Continued cool weather afforded a last day trip to DC to cruise the mall on bikes and take in the spring grandure of our nation's capitol.

Fast on the heels of John and Paula's departure was the arrival of Vicki Thornell and Margret Henry having taken a detour from their trip from FWB to Ohio. The tide was a bit high so they were dinghyed (is there such a word) aboard. We managed to make an over night at anchor in St. Leonard Creek with a real dinghy ride up the inlets, a cool glass of tea at Vera's and upon return to the dock, a crab cake lunch at the Pier.

Sat the Japanese PBS crew arrived to interview Larry about a Tibetian caper some 50 years ago, which sent the girls on an exciting tour of all Joan's hangouts .... laundramat, grocery store, park, Navy rec center, etc.

Sunday, as we waved the girls good-bye as we waved hello to Gail and Butch Nelson who came over for lunch at Woodburns. Another brief dinghy ride and of course, the traditional ice cream cone on the boardwalk.

A call earlier from George Jolly saying he was coming too, so Tues evening Larry picked him up at the Holiday Inn dock. We had a delightful evening catching up on all happenings back in FWB.

Would you believe that in 2 years of cruising we have had two folks aboard for the night .... what happened? Loved every moment.

After more than 5000 miles and 650 hours under way the past two summers, we are slowing down and hope to simply explore some of the many cruising destinations the Chesapeake Bay has to offer. Included will be 10 days or so in Washington some time in Aug. Pictures and tales will be considerably less dramatic than the last years but still showing this life we so enjoy.

We are up to date as of this moment. Pictures can be found at picasaweb.google.com/lropka