Monday, July 25, 2011
Anniversary of Seth’s passing.
3-14-11 thru 3-15-11 At the last moment, a window of good weather opened up, allowing a winter climb in the Catskill’s, NY. With the demons of the year before still haunting me, it seemed surreal, as I retraced the fateful climb on Blackhead Mt. (3940’). Parking at the same spot on Big Hollow, passing Batavia Kill lean-to, finally reaching the summit. A chill went up my spine as I realized where we had gone wrong. I could feel Seth’s presence as I searched for the spot we had bivouacked. The large distinctive cedar tree led me right up a cliff to the hallowed spot about 200’ below the summit. It was calm and quite cold, but the snow conditions were similar, 5-7 feet deep, but very little in this wind-blown spot. My emotions got the better of me as I set up my tent for the night. I woke at sunrise to a cold, crisp morning, with just a hint of clouds floating between the peaks. Absolutely stunning! Rest in Peace Seth.
Spring 2011 Sailing Chesapeake Bay on “SERENITY”, (22’ sailboat).
5/24 thru 6/3 My good friend and brother Mark Moen and I set out for a real vacation leaving the “rat race behind”. The launch went flawlessly out of Sandy Pt., MD. As usual the weather dictated much of our trip. Taking advantage of the one day of predicted north winds we headed south with the tide, nonstop throughout the night. With light winds, we decided to try out the new 230% jib, which is almost as long as the boat. Nervously, Mark took the first watch after sunset. Getting past the Patuxent River and just outside of the shipping channel gave me a secure enough feeling to get some rest. At 2 AM the shout “fish trap” had me in the cockpit within seconds. Mark’s keen night vision had spotted the obstruction just in time for us to jibe and clear it within a few feet. Through out the Bay, Maryland and Virginia have placed unlit and mostly unmarked nets giving fish and oysters a chance to regenerate, but never in this deep of water. By noon the wind had died completely, so we motored into the Little Wicomico River, a secluded little anchorage just south of Smith Pt. off the Potomac River.
We had made it far enough South to be able to zig zag our way back home, exploring new as well as favorite spots along the way. Heading ESE, with sails close hauled, we were just able to clear the southern tip of Tangiers Island turning North into Tangiers Sound. Sailing along the western shores of Tangiers and Smith Islands we got a birds eye view of the two remaining inhabited islands of the Bay. As we sailed into anchorage in Deal Island Harbor, you really got the sense of the eastern bay’s remoteness and charm. The dilapidated, abandoned marina on the north end, contrasted by the small, still viable waterman’s town to the south. All sailors need shore leave, so after navigating through Kedges Straits we set a course NW to Solomons Island. We Secured an overnight slip at the Tiki Hut where the party overflowed from the outdoor bar into the adjoining dock.
With Mark still sound asleep, I pushed us off into a light, but cooling breeze, rounding Drum Point, heading NE. As evening loomed the wind shifted, sending us into Castle Haven, off the Choptank River, a tropical-like setting with bluish-green water, and sandy beach, almost paradise.
Running aground is never fun, but at High Island, off the Rhodes River, on a Sunday, with hundreds of boaters watching, it is embarrassing at best. Of course we got off easily, and then anchored close to the invisible sand bar watching other unsuspecting boaters meet the same fate.
The summer like heat tipping over 90 degrees convinced us to jump in the water, dragging behind the boat as the auto helm kept us on course. Acquiring a slip at the Waterman’s Crab House in Rock Hall MD, wasn’t hard since there was no electric hook up or any other amenities for that matter. No worries for us though, as we snuck into the pool across the street to cool off. Having cooked many a good meal on board, Mark gave me a night off, inviting me to a steak dinner at a local Pub.
Fort McHenry always gives you a welcoming feeling as you head up the Patapsco River, toward Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Pier 5, next to the light house museum is a great spot to tie up especially if there is a concert at the Pier 6 Pavilion. With our trip winding down, the big city hustle and bustle brought us a little closer to reality.
A relaxing morning sail out of Baltimore quickly turned into a white-knuckle affair, as the winds increased from the SE, pushing us uncomfortably close to the rock jetty at North Point. Falling off to a course for Hart-Miller Island, with a lee shore, kept us on our toes. Anchoring in 3 feet of water was fun as we used our toes to dig up delicious bay clams. A heavy storm kicked up in the evening, bringing with it heavy rain and winds, prompting me to put out a second anchor.
A stiff NW wind brought us to Fairlee Creek with it’s very tricky and shallow entrance. The gap entering the small harbor was only about 20-feet wide with a really strong current. We spotted a large yacht run aground, but finally, after what seemed forever, it freed itself with the rising tide.
Coming out of Fairlee in the morning against the tide was tough; we barely got out, and then ran uncomfortably close to shore.
The whole challenge of sailing is what makes these trips so much fun and rewarding. After arriving to Sandy Point we had mixed feelings of accomplishment, vs. the reality of getting back to our normal lives. Can’t wait to get back on the water!
We had made it far enough South to be able to zig zag our way back home, exploring new as well as favorite spots along the way. Heading ESE, with sails close hauled, we were just able to clear the southern tip of Tangiers Island turning North into Tangiers Sound. Sailing along the western shores of Tangiers and Smith Islands we got a birds eye view of the two remaining inhabited islands of the Bay. As we sailed into anchorage in Deal Island Harbor, you really got the sense of the eastern bay’s remoteness and charm. The dilapidated, abandoned marina on the north end, contrasted by the small, still viable waterman’s town to the south. All sailors need shore leave, so after navigating through Kedges Straits we set a course NW to Solomons Island. We Secured an overnight slip at the Tiki Hut where the party overflowed from the outdoor bar into the adjoining dock.
With Mark still sound asleep, I pushed us off into a light, but cooling breeze, rounding Drum Point, heading NE. As evening loomed the wind shifted, sending us into Castle Haven, off the Choptank River, a tropical-like setting with bluish-green water, and sandy beach, almost paradise.
Running aground is never fun, but at High Island, off the Rhodes River, on a Sunday, with hundreds of boaters watching, it is embarrassing at best. Of course we got off easily, and then anchored close to the invisible sand bar watching other unsuspecting boaters meet the same fate.
The summer like heat tipping over 90 degrees convinced us to jump in the water, dragging behind the boat as the auto helm kept us on course. Acquiring a slip at the Waterman’s Crab House in Rock Hall MD, wasn’t hard since there was no electric hook up or any other amenities for that matter. No worries for us though, as we snuck into the pool across the street to cool off. Having cooked many a good meal on board, Mark gave me a night off, inviting me to a steak dinner at a local Pub.
Fort McHenry always gives you a welcoming feeling as you head up the Patapsco River, toward Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Pier 5, next to the light house museum is a great spot to tie up especially if there is a concert at the Pier 6 Pavilion. With our trip winding down, the big city hustle and bustle brought us a little closer to reality.
A relaxing morning sail out of Baltimore quickly turned into a white-knuckle affair, as the winds increased from the SE, pushing us uncomfortably close to the rock jetty at North Point. Falling off to a course for Hart-Miller Island, with a lee shore, kept us on our toes. Anchoring in 3 feet of water was fun as we used our toes to dig up delicious bay clams. A heavy storm kicked up in the evening, bringing with it heavy rain and winds, prompting me to put out a second anchor.
A stiff NW wind brought us to Fairlee Creek with it’s very tricky and shallow entrance. The gap entering the small harbor was only about 20-feet wide with a really strong current. We spotted a large yacht run aground, but finally, after what seemed forever, it freed itself with the rising tide.
Coming out of Fairlee in the morning against the tide was tough; we barely got out, and then ran uncomfortably close to shore.
The whole challenge of sailing is what makes these trips so much fun and rewarding. After arriving to Sandy Point we had mixed feelings of accomplishment, vs. the reality of getting back to our normal lives. Can’t wait to get back on the water!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Father's Day Weekend Climb in the Catskill Mountains, NY with my Sons
Friday 6-17-11 drove up from VA to Spruceton, NY. By noon we were on the trail headed for Rusk Mt. (3680’). We dropped our packs when we arrived at the dry stream bed that goes more than half way up. The climb was quite steep and the recent rains made the going on mostly rock very slippery. Being an unmarked trail we kept track of the heading especially when thick vegetation had us really bushwhacking. After a quick summit snack the thunder and then torrential rain got us underway. It was very hard to backtrack, so we went on compass heading alone, which got us back, but about 100 feet away from our gear. We continued on the Spruceton trail toward Hunter Mt. (4040’), which became quite steep as we reached 3000’. Arriving to the lean-to by late afternoon, we were surprised at the location near a ridge, with an incredible view. With a long day behind us we enjoyed a good meal, good company, then we passed out by sunset.
By 9 AM we were on top of the Hunter Mt. fire tower, with fog obscuring most of our view. The sun finally came out as we arrived to Devils Tombstone lean-to where we laid out our damp clothes on the roof to dry, while we climbed South West Hunter Mt. (3740’). We were pleasantly surprised to find a nice path following a ridge right to the summit. After eating salami and crackers for lunch we gathered our things and headed for West Kill. Martin and Ben (my sons) have come a long way as hikers, finally able to carry their own gear and then some, while keeping a stiff pace. Arriving at Buttermilk Falls we were really tempted to jump into the large pool under the falls. With the cool air temp. and frigid water temp. we opted for a cool drink and our final climb up West Kill Mt. (3880’) instead. The 5 mile round trip was tough and quite steep. The summit is considered one of the best views of the Catskills, and it did not disappoint us. We could even see the Hunter tower that we had come from that morning, and it looked so far away. By late afternoon exhausted and hungry we reached Diamond Notch lean-to where we collapsed after having hiked and climbed about 15 miles.
What a great weekend. Fathers day morning we got up early and hiked out, then on the way home stopped for our usual celebratory meal out, at an old hole it the wall that had excellent food. Thanks Boys
By 9 AM we were on top of the Hunter Mt. fire tower, with fog obscuring most of our view. The sun finally came out as we arrived to Devils Tombstone lean-to where we laid out our damp clothes on the roof to dry, while we climbed South West Hunter Mt. (3740’). We were pleasantly surprised to find a nice path following a ridge right to the summit. After eating salami and crackers for lunch we gathered our things and headed for West Kill. Martin and Ben (my sons) have come a long way as hikers, finally able to carry their own gear and then some, while keeping a stiff pace. Arriving at Buttermilk Falls we were really tempted to jump into the large pool under the falls. With the cool air temp. and frigid water temp. we opted for a cool drink and our final climb up West Kill Mt. (3880’) instead. The 5 mile round trip was tough and quite steep. The summit is considered one of the best views of the Catskills, and it did not disappoint us. We could even see the Hunter tower that we had come from that morning, and it looked so far away. By late afternoon exhausted and hungry we reached Diamond Notch lean-to where we collapsed after having hiked and climbed about 15 miles.
What a great weekend. Fathers day morning we got up early and hiked out, then on the way home stopped for our usual celebratory meal out, at an old hole it the wall that had excellent food. Thanks Boys
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