Greetings From The Padded Cell

September 29 – October 7, 2012

We arrived at Calvert Marina on Solomons Island thinking we would spend a night, explore the Patuxent River and then return to the marina for the Rendezvous.  Well, we docked, met some of the other Krogen owners and decided to stay!  We’re easy…be friendly, invite us to a couple of parties and we’re yours! 

Sunday morning we got a call from Didi and Peter.  They live in Charlottesville, Virginia and were driving in this direction.  We originally met them on their boat when we brought ‘Finally’ to Florida to sell it -- 2009.  Luckily, we had rented a car for that week-end.  Off to Annapolis for a late lunch and great conversation.  Isn’t it fun to have friends that you pick up with like you saw them yesterday -- even if it’s been seven months?

At first glance it looks like a horrible accident.



On Monday Krogens of all shapes and sizes were arriving.  It was amazing to see the guys manage the docking.  48 foot and larger were on one dock with the 39 and 44’s on another.  Swim platforms were placed against the dock and the bows looked like they were woven together.  Tuesday we registered and Wednesday the activities got under way.  Meals, classes and discussion groups were available for four days from the 7:30 breakfast until dinner and conversation were completed.  Brian was pleased that I took a class called Man Over Board (how to save someone that falls off the boat).  Thirteen years ago at a Trawlerfest I took a burial at sea class……opps!  I think he just read too much into it.  The rendezvous was lots of fun.  We got some great ideas about ways to improve our boat and met a lot of really nice people. 

Now, you can see the system -- beautiful organization!

Cocktails on the dock

Dinner in the tent.

I did have one unpleasant incident during the rendezvous.  Once again, I fell out of the pilot house.  This time I only fell into the galley/salon level.  However, I hit my chest on the edge of the buffet and broke a rib.  I have had lots of surgery and painful procedures, but I don’t think anything hurt as much as this.  Nothing can help it mend.  Take deep breathes regularly and don’t get too far away from the pain killers.  To try and prevent future tumbles, Hottie Scotty is installing what he lovingly calls ‘the stripper pole’.  Pictures to follow…..  We are also having assists put on the swim platform to make it easier to get in and out of the dingy.  Brian thought about putting padding on all of the floors and hard edges and then renaming the boat “Padded Cell”.  Everyone is having lots of fun suggesting ways to preserve my body and prolong my boating days.  We will probably stay here another week to give my rib a little more time to heal. 

 Gotta smile – we’re lovin the ride!