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Griffin Update #17: The Triumphant Arrival!
Saturday, 7:12pm, May 23, Moored 569 Highbank Road, Severna Park,
Maryland, Onboard Griffin.
 |
Playing "Titanic" in
the Chesapeake Bay. |
The bay lay down, flat as a millpond as we scooted up the last 50 mile stretch under clear blue skies. With the sun out, we played "Titanic" on the bow in our exuberance at nearing the end of our cruise. Boating traffic increased south of Annapolis on this holiday week-end. Andrew, having taken the helm for all the rough water in the south bay, handed over the conn to Steve and me for the last run home.
We pulled into Annapolis Harbor at 6:15pm and went straight to our favorite fuel pier, Annapolis City Marina. With the local discount, their fuel is the cheapest on the waterway from here to Miami, with the exception of Alligator River Marina in North Carolina. We topped off the tanks and shoved off, eager to get home. Our ultimate destination was 10 miles up river from Annapolis in our little cove.
We motored up river, relishing the familiar view. We briefly considered a high speed fly-by of George and Pat Savani's pier, but home was calling, and we didn't want to waste the two minutes it would take. After 5 months and 24 days, we were definitely ready to get home and close out this adventure.
 |
Home! Tied up safely at our pier after 5 months and 24 days cruising
2,500 miles from here to Miami, Florida and back. |
A mile from our house we entered the Narrows and slowed for the no-wake zone. Andrew broke out the dress ship flags and strung them from the bow to the top of the flybridge Bimini. With our Maryland flag flying from the bow, Ensign on the fantail, and Coile house flag from the masthead, we were quite a sight.
We kicked Griffin back up on plane for the final run in, flags flapping wildly in the breeze. We rounded the Baldwin's point and spotted our pier. A ski boat was stopped 50 feet beyond our destination. This precluded the high speed pass we had planned to announce our arrival. Prudently, we slowed, turned her bow out, and just eased her on back into her slip and tied up. A gentle end to an unbelievable adventure.
Thanks for following along on out little cruise. It was truly the experience of a lifetime.
Warm Regards,
The Griffin Crew
Southbound: Jon Coile, Russell Coile, Andrew Coile, Wendy Coile
Florida: Jon Coile, Wendy Coile, Joe Pisula, Jeff Berube, Wendy Berube, Michael Carr, Fred Riedel
Northbound: Jon Coile, Tom Harner, Andrew Coile, Steve Holmgren