My first time.....

...ever on a sail boat, courtesy of my friend Lonnie bruner. This past Monday, he took me on his sail boat on a tour of the Chesapeake.

The day started out perfect. Not a cloud in the sky and it wasn't too hot. I was to meet my friend at his marina near Annapolis at around 9:30 or 10. Of course, I took a wrong turn and didn't realize it until I was like 10 miles down the road. So I turned around and called my friend to let him know. On the way to the marina, I stopped at a deli to get a sandwich for the trip and I needed to get some blood worms to do some fishing (we thought the wind wouldn't be that great so fishing was a back up plan). I ended up going to 7 different places because they were all out of blood worms. After back tracking a few miles to get the worms, I was finally on my way. I made it there a little after 11. I was hoping to get out earlier but it didn't happen. It's just one off those things.

FINALLY we were off! It was awesome. I was so impressed with my friend's sailing ability - seeing that this boat was given to him for free and he pretty much taught himself. You can even see a pic of us coming in to the marina with the 2 sails on opposite sides of the boat. (see pic below) I cant remember what this maneuver is called but I know it is a difficult move - apparently leaving the boat in a precarious position. if there is a gust of wind it can slap the main sail to one side...Apparently not good - LB what is that called?)

the wind ended up being awesome and we had a great sailing day filled with beer drinking, cigar smoking, wild turkey, ham sandwiches, plenty of potty-mouthed sailor songs about having sex with nuns and what not. Some biggie smalls, and Ramones, of course..

Now having done this, I can totally understand why people get into sailing. It is such an awesome experience. No motors, just nature pushing you around, and you get the chance to harness it. I see now why the cliche of sailing representing freedom exists. It is very energizing and empowering. (not to sound cheeesy)

Thanks to my friend Lonnie brunner. I appreciate the experience. Hopefully we will go again. it was a blast!

Oh, and after we were done and closed up the boat, we went to an Irish pub to get some Guinness and had all-you-can-eat Meatballs fot a dollar!! A DOLLAR! - which were very good.