The Gunkholer’s Cruise promised destinations dependent on “weather and whim” – and the weather was definitely a factor as we set off into the hottest week of the year yet. The week was a microcosm of the larger cruising “scene” as boats and people came and went. Although all would have very happily dialed down the thermometer and upped the wind factor, fun and new experiences were had by everyone there.

Calypso (Nica, Julian, and Madeleine Waters, with Jeremy along for the first day), Sophie (Bob, Alicia, and Melissa Mac Wright, with 3 guests) , and Infusion (Charlie, Stephie, Brie, Chip, and Ned Maurer) set off from FBYC on Sunday morning for Pirate’s Island (aka Little Bay at Dymer Creek). After an afternoon of beach time and even a beach barbecue, we all headed back to respective boats for sleep.

Monday dawned with November Mike promising heat indexes in the 110 degree range. A brief skipper’s meeting had Sophie heading back to FBYC and the promise of air conditioning and a pool, while Calypso and Infusion escaped the biting flies on a short trek to Grog Island, where the afternoon was pleasantly whiled away on the sandbar. The open anchorage proved a good idea as a calm breeze kept us comfortable.

Tuesday the 2 boats moved to Henry’s Cove, a VERY open anchorage on Indian Creek – but as there was no wind, that was no problem. Dinghy exploration was the order of the day; Calypso’s big dinghy proved a great platform for a fun fast ride to the far reaches of the creek. Skippers headed to find ice and the kids all had a blast playing pirates on Infusion. As dinner was cooking, Calypso was hailed on the modern-day VHF (a cell phone) and Schiehallion, towing a 16’ green canoe as her tender, soon came into view. Brad Miller had embarked on his first ever cruise!

Wednesday morning dawned hot and extremely hazy, and Infusion’s refrigerator problems proved too vulnerable to the heat. Infusion headed back to FBYC as Calypso and Schiehallion motored off towards Reedville. In visibility (invisibility?) of less than 2 miles made the trip somewhat surreal, although a pod of dolphins feeding and multiple swimming crabs made for some fin diversions. The big dinghy came in handy once again as we were able to anchor in the mouth of Mill Creek and still make it to Reedville with time to breathe in the cool air at the ice cream parlor and at the Fisherman’s Museum. 7 pm found Schiehallion opting for an evening sail back to FBYC rather than face the heat for another evening.

Calypso finished the week with a wonderful sail to Grog Island on Thursday and then a motor to Fishing Bay on Friday, when the weather finally broke as Jeremy joined us at anchor at around 11 pm. The best sail of the week came on Saturday when we beat to Stingray Point light in 20 knots of wind on our way to Yopps Creek and the Family Cruise, where we joined Wings, Ishky Baha, North Star, and Battlewagon (Brad enjoyed his cruise so much he talked Battlewagon into going on the weekend!) for a great party raft-up.

We’ll look to try this again next year, perhaps far earlier in the year!