The Third Shaken Not Stirred Cruise - Ridout Creek
May 19, 2007
by Mike Meinhold
The Shaken Not Stirred Cruise hit Ridout Creek on Saturday the 19th of May. Rinn Duin set out from Podickory in a nice 16 knot northwesterly breeze. It gradually developed into a stronger wind from the west with gusts in the 20's. Ridout Creek was nicely protected and we anchored to await other Albergers. Brian Walter arrived next in Luna Blue. We pulled our anchor and rafted up to him, then all enjoyed tea in his well-sheltered cockpit as the rain began. When the rain slackened I broke out the shaking ingredients and mixed up a batch of Cosmopolitans. As we were toasting and sipping we spotted Tern Two with her crew all in raingear. Aboard were Sue Barrett, Fayne Farrar ar and George Dinwiddie - a new batch of cocktails was promptly prepared. George borrowed Brian's dinghy to fetch Gail De Moss, who had driven down. So in the end we had a nice crowd gathered on Luna Blue. We chatted, watched for rainbows and watched an otter swimming past.
Once the rain passed the night was very calm, quiet and cool. We had a nice morning watching herons and osprey fishing, doing a little minor maintenance and conversing. The raft broke up about 10 am, with Rinn Duin and Tern Two heading back to the Magothy, and Luna Blue motoring around the corner to Pat Drenning's pier.
Rinn Duin had a quick and easy broad reach up to Sandy Point Light in a steady 17 knot wind. Now we have to get her in racing condition for the Miles River Race. So all you Alberg Racers keep a weather eye out for Mad Dog Mike and the Marauders - Rabid Rachel and Mongrel Max!
