Melonseed Aeon with her topsail flying.
photo by Kevin Brennan
Today it’s 97 degrees. In the shade.
But back in May of 2013 wind off the still winter-cooled waters of the Patuxent was almost chilly.
I remember well when these pictures were taken. The day was old by the time we all arrived and launched. Some had been delayed by work or mechanical issues, but the early arrivers content to wait until everyone was ready. The light low as we pulled away from Broome’s Island on the Patuxent. That was the year of the 17 Year Cicadas, and the the water was littered along the way with twittering and buzzing bugs, twitching on the surface in the last throws of their brief and bellicose lives. Many still buzzing in trees along the shore with that throbbing cadence that sounds so Southern to my ears. Big rockfish, already engorged, still half-heartedly rolled the surface to swallow another and submerge.
photo by Kevin Brennan
We were making our way toward Sotterley Creek for the night. A short, easy crossing, and a beautiful evening. Kevin B circled back to check on me, as he often must, and took these wonderful photos as we passed each other. I had the topsail up for the first time, and set unusually well. In the last one, I in my Melonseed and Mike in his Haven crosse a carpet of glitter that quickly turned to gold.
photo by Kevin Brennan
The next day we would spend the morning and afternoon ashore, walking the grounds of Sotterley Plantation. An almost magical day, that seemed more dream than real.
Thanks again for the photos, Kevin.
