Bill and Boop's Great Adventure: Fourth of July at PIB

After going home for a final trip to drop off the truck, Bill's long-term friends, Don and Mary Long (aka Mom and Dad Long) brought me back to the Battery for the Fourth of July weekend. We wanted to sail over to Put in Bay to join our friends for the holiday. All the mooring balls were taken, but Daragh spoke to the boat next to them and they said they were leaving Saturday morning and would give us their spot. So we left early Saturday and sailed to the Bay. It was really windy, 15 knots, gusting to 19, so it was a great sail over. When we got there, the people were not ready to leave yet. I was driving so Bill could be on the forward deck to pick up the chain and hook us to the ball. I was a nervous wreck! The mooring field was packed with boats and the high winds were pushing us a bit. I had to keep up the speed to maneuver. THEN on top of that, there were several other boats circling around like sharks closing in on the bait. A 38 foot boat cut right in front of me! AKKK! Luckily, I didn't hit anyone and we managed to get the ball right after the good samaritans cast off. As soon as we were hooked up I went below and burst into nervous tears and had a glass of wine. My legs and hands were literally shaking like a leaf. Everyone said I looked like a pro, but it sure didn't feel that way! The lesson learned was that I COULD drive this huge boat and keep it under control. Hopefully, by this time next year, I WILL be a pro and not break down like a silly little girl. Oh well.

Mom and Dad Long on the trip to the Bay (I'm a relaxed skipper at this point!)

Circling around the Bay, waiting to pick up a mooring ball.

I kept telling myself "breathe, release, breathe, release."

John and Daragh "dressing their boat" for the holiday.

We took the gang in to see Mike "Mad Dog" Adams (a must-do if you are ever at PIB). He plays music and tells jokes in the afternoons at the Round House Bar. John gave him a note about our adventure and he asked us questions then had everyone do a toast in our honor. Made us feel like celebrities! :)

The fireworks were spectacular! They put them off at the mouth of the Bay, right by the mooring field so it looked like they were coming down on us. Really a fantastic show.

We all went back to the Battery on Sunday and had a final pot luck dinner together. Great weekend with great friends!