Log of September 8, 2008

Monday Sept 8

7:00 Glassy calm morning. Beautiful cool clear weather.
Set out promptly, motoring to BBY to p/u Lisa & Doc.

8:15 Breakfast on the dock in Center Harbor.

8:45 Set out for North Haven

9:40 Set out again for N. Haven having returned for forgotten luggage.
Motor sailed most of the way to be sure to get the 3:30 ferry (which Ryck & Jenn needed to catch).
Had hoped that the SW breeze would turn southerly but it didn't. Route we took was down Jerrico Bay & thin Stonington for a scenic flyby. Tied up in N Haven around 3 at the Casino YC. Were able to buy ice but little else except some muffins for tomorrow morning and a chart placemat for general amusement.

4:30ish (16:30) headed for Perry Creek with crew of Lisa, Doc, Betsy & George. Anchored further in than usual having taken advantage of the high tide to explore safe locations.

5:30 Enjoying wine and snacks in beautiful setting. Blue yawl, blue ketch & trimaran for company. No mosquitoes.

6:30 Getting chilly, still no mosquitoes.

During wine + snacks we was a wonderful aerial engagement between a bald eagle and an osprey. When we first saw them, the eagle was in hot pursuit of the smaller bird, both of them twisting, diving and jigging. Doc got the binoculars on them in time to see that the osprey had a fish in his claws. The eagle bore down and snatched the fish away and soared away. The osprey in hot pursuit.

This was a bit of a rushed day, between doubling back in the morning and the wind not cooperating. But despite all, it worked out well, with a lot of good scenery, a look around North Haven village, excellent company and finally ending up in Perry Creek. For the record, my memory is that the fish dropped into the woods and neither bird ended up with it.