Two Weeks Before the Mast

My two weeks aboard the schooner Windfall II (with Captain Rob, Emmet Temple, Frank Phelps & Steve Musil), were, at times, relaxing, challenging, exciting, great fun, dramatic, and truly awesome. Captain Rob and I pulled into Silver Lake harbor yesterday at noon after more than five hours plowing through 2-3 foot waves in Pamlico Sound. It was a wonderful adventure...and it was good to see the lighthouse from several miles away, and then to walk down Howard Street to my little cottage in the village.

Over the course of the last 14 days we crossed Pamlico Sound twice, motored through the Great Dismal Swamp, marveled at spectacular sunrises & sunsets, watched bald eagles soar overhead, sailed into Baltimore harbor, listened to sea shanties on the docks, raced down the Great Chesapeake Bay, were battered by gale force winds and six foot waves (at times the port side gunnel was under water), feasted on oysters and barbeque, shared stories & jokes, and learned what our vessel and crew were capable of.

I didn't have a camera, but Frank has been gracious enough to send me a few photos. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into our adventure. Click on any photo to view a larger image.

Our Sails Catch the Wind:



The Great Dismal Swamp:



Modern Day Pirates Entertain Sailors on the Dock at Baltimore:



The Sultana in the Parade of Sails:



On the Yardarm:



The Pride of Baltimore:



Two More Schooners in the Parade of Sails:



The Smallest Vessel (30 foot schooner-rigged open, row boat with Outward Bound crew):



The Windfall II Docked in Portsmouth, Va.:



Captains, Crew, & Families at the Celebration in Portsmouth:



Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke native Major General Ira Thomas Wyche. You can read the complete story here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092110.htm