Starting Our Trip South

We had some really great days for travel, returning from downeast Maine. We were able to enjoy some good sailing on clear, sunny days. The only unusual day was going from Biddeford Pool to our intended destination of Salem. It was clear and sunny with a light wind. As soon as we left the protection of the harbor, we encountered very large, steep waves, which, given our direction of travel, were on the beam. The problem was an Atlantic storm well out to sea that was generating very large seas. It was the roughest ride we have ever experienced on Ariel. We decided to stop in Gloucester and hope for improved seas the next day. The seas improved, and we moved on to Plymouth to stage for a favorable current through the Cape Cod Canal.

We really enjoyed the fast trip through the canal. The canal has bike and walking paths on both sides. We used to take our bikes there and ride along the canal, even though it was 50 miles from our home. We went through on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, so there were many people out enjoying the day.

We knew we would be in Onset through Thursday for a doctor appointment that day that Linda had scheduled. We decided to use the opportunity to do a major re-provisioning, so we rented a car for a couple of days. This was the largest food provisioning we have done since our initial provisioning over a year ago. We have started getting ready for the Bahamas.

We are now hunkered down, still at Onset, for heavy rain and occasional high winds in the northeast, including the passing of Kyle well offshore with the highest winds on the east side of the storm.

Our plan when the weather improves is to then push hard until we get to the Chesapeake.