Up at 4:45 am. Pulled anchor at 5:45 to take advantage of the 1.5 kt. ebb out of the harbor. Of course, this was later offset some by the .5 kt. current flowing south on the Bay. Headed north in a 3 to 4 kt. SE wind - a very nice and relaxing start up the Bay. Then around 9:30, depth went from 14' to 4.8' within minutes and I was well aground. Unfortunately, there was a following wind pushing me further onto the shoal. Fortunately, the wind was light and the current was pushing me off. Once I lowered the sails, the current was able to do it's job. Of course, this was after I had gotten the dinghy out and taken the anchor aft of the boat as far as the rode would let me take it. Once back to the boat, I realized that the current had taken me off the shoal and the anchor was now off my bow. Later review of two different charts showed 18' of water so I created a hazard in Active Captain to warn others. What was amusing about the event was that I had just gotten out my navigating tools out 20 minutes before (for the first time on my trip) and was trying to plot a position when I ran aground.
Wind was 5 to 12 SE all day. Made 4 - 6 knots. Very nice day for sailing. I was able to do things around the boat with the help of Auto. Got to the Piankatank entrance around 3pm - just as the wind was picking up to SE 10 to 15. I have wanted to go into the Piankatank River for some time - recommended by Jody of CB Magazine and had thought this might have been the place I found the Island years ago with Ed and Len.
Came to inside of Gynn Island but it was pretty rough since the wind was coming straight off the bay and through the shallow inlet. There were lots of power boats on the sand bar (protected from the wind). I ended up having to anchor pretty far off the bar (for depth). It was a beautiful area but not so great this day due to the wind and chop. The entire area is nice has somewhat of a resort type atmosphere.
Finally moved to the protection of Edwards Creek for the night.
Another beautiful cruiser at anchor in Edwards Creek
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