April showers.......

may bring May flowers, but they also bring boats up out of the water.  This last month saw a few our fleet up on the hard.  Orza, Talisman, Shanty, and Fresh Air have all received their needed yearly maintenance.  Even Maraj, though not out of the water has had her mast re-stepped, making her a sail boat once again.  The weather in the last part of April had been a little unsettled, sometimes very cold and windy, sometimes rainy, mostly all three.  This slowed down the work and even the return trips, as we waited for the weather windows. 

Of course, most of the table news is that of the above mentioned maintenance.  But even with that, Brothers took time together.  Piper and Upwind enjoyed a leisurely motor on Talisman to the boat yard, and while the various boats were being worked on you could always see Brothers visiting each other and talking; you guessed it boat stuff.
 Pilot and Francine's new vessel is almost finished and he is making preparations for the trip to pick her up.   Soon Pilot and the “delivery crew”, including the likes of Country Boy and Broad Reach, will be flying out to start the trip home.  Floater is scheduled to meet them in Panama.  Their presence will be missed but this is what it’s all about. 
Country Boy, Bui, and Tortuga, along with their Captives, Frankie, Susan, and Ali, get the honors of the first cruise of the season.  Although it was as part of another club many of us are in, they were the first to leave the slips just for the fun of it. 

This month‘s tip a few was hosted By El Maestro and AJ at their house.  Eighteen of us gathered on a Friday evening for BBQ and friendship.  The party started out in the park area behind their place but the nice sunny day turned into a very chilly evening.  So we packed up the food and drinks, and took the party inside. Funny thing was is that no drinks were spilled but how did the chair get broken?  I‘m not tellin’.

Although some of our cruising Brothers and Captives have web site I thought that I would try to keep you informed of their travels.  Of course this is where they were at my time of writing and they may not be there at your time of reading, but that’s OK.

Bluestash and Diana- Leaving Guyana Cay
Limey and Holly-Abacos?
Rocket Boy and Cherrie-Just South of us in the ICW-almost home
Brise Galets and Karen- Half way to the Azores

Something I would like to do each month is give you something Brotherhood related to think about.  Please give it more than a passing thought.  I would be interested to hear YOUR thoughts on these matters.  If you write me I will publish your responses, if you would rather not be published I can write up your discussions and present them.  This is your Blog, feel free to join in the conversation.

Last Month’s thought:

What is the Brotherhood?
Many times while we are out as a group I hear people ask Brothers this question.  What would your answer be?  What is the Brotherhood to you, personally?

This is Brother Tortuga’s thought:

What is the Brotherhood to me?  In my very short time as a brother, if asked I would say that to me it is a fraternal organization in every aspect of the word.  Where our common bond is our dedication and love of the sea.  But we are more than just that, we also have a bond to each other without regard to ones religious or political views, that is based upon the individual character of the man.  Each member knows that his brothers can be counted on for support when needed.  This carries beyond our table.  It carries to all the members from every table, to brothers that you may have never met.  To be a brother you are willing to lend a hand to any other brother that is truly in need and to celebrate with them when times are good.  It is that trust and respect that makes us true brothers.  It is also that trust that made becoming a member of the "Brotherhood of the Coast" such a great honor to me.

Thank you, Brother.

 This month’s  thought is about the Octalog.

Is the Octalog really an important document or just a nice idea, and why?

Blog Re-launched!!!!!!!

Well, it has been awhile, but the Table’s blog has finally been re –launched.  And it’s good to be back in the water.
When I took on the reasonability of the blog, I thought of what I would write to start it off.  I came up with “the first thing I would like to do is”, Then I realized there were some many”first things”.  Of course I would be remiss without thanking Brother Upwind-Peter Dennant- for keeping the blog up when Brise Galets, the blog founder, went a sailin’. 
 I think the most important first thing to do is to welcome you, the reader, back to the blog and tell you a little about what I hope to accomplish. 

So what is that?

This Blog is about the Brothers of the Chesapeake Bay Table, not just about what we did at the last Tip a Few but who and what we are.  Our Brothers are active; we interact with each other away from Brotherhood events; although we always say that when two or more Brothers are together we are having an event, most have boats and use them often during the season.  We even have Brothers and their Captives living the life; cruising.  We travel to other tables near and far to commune with our Brothers and we relish the times they visit us.

So I guess I would like to use this blog to promote Brotherhood Spirit through the Spirit of the Brothers of the Chesapeake Bay Table.

So, what has been happening at the Chesapeake Bay Table since we last wrote? A lot!

Since the 2011 Raftarancho we have enjoyed 17 Tip a Fews, 3 raft ups, another Raftarancho with the Solomon’s Table. We hosted the 2012 Nation Zaf with 144 attendees, inducted 3 new Brothers, and many of our number have traveled to other tables, both nationally and international.   I thought I would spend some time talking about the past events however that would take up a lot of space, so let’s just say we’ve been busy.  And start afresh.

As always in the winter things in the Southern Chesapeake Bay slow down.  Our boats are tied to their slips for the cold winter storms (with the exception of those cruising in the warmer climes), although if you find yourself at one of the marinas will surly trip over some of us just hanging out. 
However, Brothers like to trip over each other on a regular basis.  So, this last January Brothers and Captives got together at Boogieman’s-Sam and Carol Morgan- for a wonderful evening.  Carol served up delicious gumbo, while other provided appetizers and desserts; a warm time on a chilly winter night.  

 The Tip a Fews for February seems to have all been down in the Bahamas.  You read correctly, that’s what I said.  A number of tip a fews were held between Marsh Harbor and Rum cay.  These involved the boats and crews of Hampshire Rose, Limey-Rob and Holly Sanger,   Casual Class, Bluestash-Stew and Diana Kaufman, Blue Moon, Rocket Boy-Preston and Cherrie Carraway, Pappy Jovial, Brise Galets and Karen, and yours truly Piper (crewing on Pappy Jovial.

March Found us at a brothers only meeting hosted by one of our newest Brothers, Broad Reach-Larry Bryant, at his humble abode.  As he lives on the water front it was almost as good as being on the water.  After a time of pizza, beer, and business, Broad Reach showed us his latest hot rod for us to drool over.  I don’t think that counts as envying his motor. Does it?

Brothers at sea:
Although some of our cruising Brothers and Captives have web sites, I thought that I would try to keep you informed of their travels.  Of course this is where they were at my time of writing and they may not be there at your time of reading, but that’s OK.

Bluestash and Diana- Marsh Harbor

Limey and Holly-Marsh Harbor

Rocket Boy and Cherrie-Last heard was just North of Savannah Ga. Heading north

Brise Galets and Karen- Anguilla

Thought of the Month:

Something I would like to do each month is give you something Brotherhood related to think about.  Please give it more than a passing thought.  I would be interested to hear YOUR thoughts on these matters.  If you write me I will publish your responses, if you would rather not be published I can write up your discussions and present them.  This is your Blog,  feel free to join in the conversation.

This Month’s thought:

What is the Brotherhood?
Many times while we are out as a group I hear people ask Brothers this question.  What would your answer be?  What is the Brotherhood to you, personally? 

 

Rafterrancho Found!

Indian Creek - a sleepy creek off of the Chesapeake Bay's Fleet's Bay section of the Northern Neck. It's banks are dotted by nice homes of retirees, mostly from the DC area. A big event on the creek is when a grain barge moves fully loaded from the elevators next to the creek's only marina.

Some boats from the Solomon's Table started arriving on Wednesday. But they just moved to the marina. Nothing unusual there.

Then, early in the afternoon on Thursday, Orza came calling. She took up a position between green "11" and red "12." A few smaller boats were keeping station while Orza set her anchor. The locals had no idea what was about to transpire. Stargazer was moving up the river with Talisman just behind. Stargazer moved into take the port position with Orza while Casual Class taking the starboard side. The raft started taking form. Tardis moved in next to Casual Class while the recently arrived Blue Moon tied up next to Stargazer. An hour later, thirteen boats were lashed together. Then a party broke out...go figure.

Brothers from the Chesapeake, Solomon's, Savannah & Sun Coast Tables spent the afternoon swimming, eating and catching up with each others lives. The party finally broke down just before midnight. This disappointed the crew of Bumboo who were hoping to find someone still up when they arrived at 4 AM on Friday morning.

Cruising for the Rafterrancho (Part 2) - 2011

When we last left our cruising couples, they were snugged into Jackson Creekafter a series of storms on Monday. Tuesday, they broke anchor, took on some very expensive fuel at Deltaville Marina and headed north. Winds were heavy from the south. After rounding Stingray Point, the boats decided to head north to the Ingrams Bay area (Cockrell creek, Great Wicomico River & Mill Creek). It was a wing-to-wing downwind run all the way.

Along the way, Hampshire Rose radioed that the were sailing south from Solomon's Island and would be rendezvousing with the others for the evening. With the strong southerly winds, we decided to tuck into Mill Creek for the evening. Rob & Holly showed up a few hours before sunset. Celebration of the Brotherhood and their good fortune followed into the evening until the insects of the night came to the party. Then it was time for bed.

With a hot Wednesday in store, the cruising couples decided a beach day at Foxwell's was the way to spend the day. Ideal SW winds came up just after noon which allowed for an excellent sailing day, tacking south to Fleet's Bay. The beach was deserted so they claimed it in the name of the Brotherhood and set to exploit it for sun, cool water and fun. Pictures were taken to capture the physical prowess of the Brothers and feminine forms of the Captives.

In preparation for possible storms, the three boats moved a few miles into the Antipoison Creek and anchored seperately for the evening. Casual Class reported in from Jackson Creek (a short way as the crow flies but somewhat of a distance for navigating). In the morning everyone would be moving to Indian Creek for the raft-up segment of the Rafterrancho.

Cruising for the Rafterrancho (Part 1) - 2011

The length of the days had been increasing daily for months. It was reaching its annual peak which could only mean one thing: time for the Summer Solstice cruise! Fresh Air and Talisman had been preparing for weeks. Despite some early morning problems getting a tender to Rebel Marina both boats left before noon, headed for Mobjack Bay.

A wonderful late afternoon was spent on the beach adjacent to the New Point Comfort lighthouse before the boats headed to the East River for an evening anchorage. The next day, plans were made to head north up the Bay...getting closer to the location of this year's (third annual?) Rafterrancho in Indian River. With hopes of a close haul up the coast of Virginia's middle peninsula, the two boats were disappointed as the wind clocked around to the northwest right around the time they made the turn around New Point Comfort. Confused and choppy seas made for an uncomfortable and slow slog so they abandoned the sails and motored north. Jackson Creek provided a great anchorage for the storms that developed over night.

Master & Commander Return - Now there are Seven

Two days of preparations had preceded the official return of our "globulaur" brother. The fleet left Rebel Marina late in the morning for a rendezvous with Pappy Jovial at noon at Lambert's Point on the Elizabeth River. There was some wind so Talisman left early to sail down the river in advance of the rest of the welcoming fleet. When the fleet caught up with Talisman, her Captain called for the start of the iron jenny. The response was negative; a problem with the starter motor left the boat with wind power only. The rest of the fleet cruised on by.

Pappy Jovial rendezvoused with the fleet at the appropriate time with the trumpeting of horns and bursts of activity on the marine radio. Some comments were made about Talisman perhaps needing a set of oars. The fleet turned around, headed back to Rebel Marina. Along the way they passed the motor-less Talisman, offering a tow. But, true to form, the crew of Talisman were determined to return to port under the power of the wind.

Once back at its new home, Pappy Jovial brought the number of Brotherhood boats at Rebel Marina to seven.

Master & Commander Return - Part 2

Brothers from the outlying tables arrived throughout the day. Even a random pirate who tried luring some of the ladies away! Everyone gathered for afternoon drinks and appetizers aboard Orza. As the sun started heading for the west, there was a dinner call for the crew. Reservations had been made several miles down the southern shore of the Chesapeake Bay at Captain Groovy's. The cat herd eventually moved down the pier toward the parking lot. Sometime later, everyone found a ride and twenty six people were on their way to dinner.

We arrived safely and the crew was seated. Libations were ordered from the professional wait staff while me

nus were reviewed. Food was ordered and the kitchen did a fine job of delivering a very large order in a timely fashion.

The brothers and captives were pleased with the service.

There was rumor that Papy Jovial had slipped into the area early and was holed up in a Portsmouth marina incognito. This was later confirmed when one of its crew members - Swedish Navigator - showed up at the

restaurant. Gary was welcomed with several sets of open arms and managed to get his order in before the rest finished their meals.

After a fine meal and grog, some of the crew returned to Rebel Marina for a nightcap aboard Orza. Others headed home for some rest before the main event - Brise-Galets return - on Sunday.

Master & Commander Return - Pt. 1

Brise-Galets, our cruising brother had been out for two years, literally cruising our small planet. His return was scheduled for May 1st. In celebration our Table organized a welcome home party. Word had gotten out to the other US tables and several brothers - including the US Captain - decided to come and help welcome the wandering wayfarer home.

It started Friday evening with a small gathering of three brothers - Oso, Rocket Boy and Upwind - and their captives - Marsha, Sherrie and June (respectively) - for a bit of dinner in downtown Norfolk. We met at Rocket Boy's condominium, caught up with each other before heading out for pizza. It was the perfect spring evening.

April 2011 Tip-A-Few

A killer spring storm came through early Saturday evening bringing a beautiful Sunday in its wake. We gathered for the semi-permanent April Tip-A-Few at the condominium of El Maestro and his captive Andrea Jean ("AJ"). The picnic area is accessed by a small bridge that spans a beautiful lake in the back of their complex. Pure blue skies, the bright lime green of early spring and ducks fighting over mating rights provided the backdrop for our gathering. Drinks - including the demon rhum - good food and great desserts provided the sustenance.

Conversation spanned many topics. First and foremost were taxes. Many people had recently finished the annual rite of filing their taxes with the IRS. The relief was palpable. Of course, most of the other conversations centered on boats and the springtime haul-outs thereof: blisters, failed through-hulls, blown out exhaust systems and what bottom paint to use. We also discussed the trials, tribulations and times of our brothers who are still cruising abroad. All are expected back this spring with Bernard's return from a two year, around the world cruise coming up in two weeks! If Rob & Holly stick around a while (before cruising north for the summer), we might have the whole table back together for a brief time before summer arrives.

Summer Solstice Cruise - 2010

Wherein two Brothers of the Chesapeake Bay cruise the lower Chesapeake Bay in search of a Raftarrancho...

Bui and Susan have been out on Fresh Air for a week; probing rivers and creeks off the lower Potomac. I have been working in Connecticut most of the spring, waiting for this year’s Summer Solstice Cruise and the "Raftarrancho" scheduled for the end of the week.

June and I started scheduling the week of the Summer Solstice as a sailing vacation in 2002, shortly after we purchased Talisman. Then, about four years ago, we met John and Susan during the week, stayed together and have been doing it since then. Last year, a number of the other boats in the Chesapeake Table decided to come along. It seemed we had a quorum and started talking to the Brothers of Solomon’s Island to meet us somewhere in between. That ad hoc plan turned into a first rate, on-the-water party and celebration so, we decided to do it again!


SSC- Day One: The Rendevous:

After an entire day of catch-up (I haven’t been home for two weeks) and preparations on Friday, we rose to get underway on Saturday morning. The dinghy engine overheated (the water pump was not working) spoiling a before noon departure time. Bui had a 15 hp "spare" at his house so we climbed in the truck to fetch it - problem solved. We left Rebel Marina just after noon with a feeble breeze from the SW and not much hoe for improvement.

The wind swung to the NE as we patched Buckroe Beach and started to fill in a bit. There was promise after all. Just north of Grand View, there was a solid wind: the sails went up and the motor was silenced. An hour later, the wind blowing 15 - 20 knots and bending to the east. We had the current and the wind off our starboard quarter and Talisman is averaging 7.5 to 8 knots. It has turned out to be a fine day for sailing!

Talisman arrived at Jackson Creek in record time. We found Fresh Air in the western branch of the creek. Refreshments, a fine meal and a discussion about Day Two’s destination ensued. A hot sultry day for the Bay meant the coolest place was likely to be right in the middle of it; We decided on Tangier Island.

SSC - Day Two: Moving to the Middle:

The weather predictors got this one right: hot, humid and no wind. We started out of Jackson Creek just before the Coast Guard buoy tender cut of the narrow entrance to work on 3R. Talisman’s depth sounder was acting up and she snagged the bottom just after the buoy tender moved the number 10 marker. Hardly into the Bay, we stopped the engines an hour later to cool off with a swim in the Bay. This would happen two more times before making Tangier.

Milt Parks met us at his marina. We inquired about fresh peelers. He said Dan Dise was our man and shouted across the street (the main channel through Tangier). Dan wasn’t in but Milt told us to keep an eye out...Dan was sure to be back but it was Father’s Day Sunday so he probably wouldn’t be there long. Twenty minutes later a man in a Carolina Skiff tied up. June and I took our dinghy to see Dan. Two dozen peelers from the refrigerator, cold and ready to go for $40.

Dinner would be served. But, it was still early and hot. We decided a circumnavigation of Tangier’s lower half was in order with a beach stop on the southern tip. The dinghy’s were deployed for the mission. New to Bui and Susan is a small white, curly poodle named Captain Morgan. "Morgan" was learning to be a boat dog. He was a fast learner. He tore up the beach, got himself wet and took himself for a swim. Not bad for a rescue dog who just learned how to swim the week before!

We zipped across the sand bar that extends down to Tangier Light and up the eastern coast of the island. Back at the marina, the crabs were breaded, fried and consumed by the worn out sailors. The air conditioned boats provided shelter from the humid evening.

SSC - Day Three: The Heat Goes On:

It is the day of the summer solstice: 7:28 AM (EDT). We are not early risers and we are usually the last to leave an anchorage (this works on these oppressively hot days as the hottest portion of the day is spent on the water). We woke mid-morning, headed for town - two blocks away - for supplies, a visit to the Museum and an ice cream cone before making ready to leave in the early afternoon. It was another stinker of a day: hot, humid with a light breeze that didn’t amount to much. It seemed that the mid-summer weather pattern had established itself early this year.

We decided Onancock Creek was to be our next destination. A small jaunt, we were there after a few hours. On the way into the long river, we met up with Lenny and Beth on Jazzy Lady, another boat from Rebel Marina and long time friends of Bui & Susan. We formed a three boat raft in the basin, then decided a dinghy ride (moving air!) down the river to a jellyfish-free beach was in order. We dined slightly after sunset as it was too hot to eat before then. Then we settled in, praying for a breeze to keep the air moving through the night.

SSC - Day Four: Across the Bay

It was a miserable night: the fans in our aft berth kept the air moving but the nighttime temperatures never got low enough to give us any relief from the previous day's heat. The girls wanted to cruise Onancock's small shops so a shore party was formed. When we returned, noon was upon us. We discussed staying in Onancock but I needed relief from the heat be it swimming or air conditioning. I suggested a trip across the Bay to Foxwell's, a small spit of land to the north of Windmill Point, just east of Little Bay (outside the Antipoison River). There is a isolated beach area there which is frequented by boaters. It has protected waters but will allow most winds from the Bay to flow over the boats at anchor there. But, beyond that, there was the prospect of swimming in the Bay on the way across. The Plan was set. We left just after 1 PM.

SSC - Day Five: Westward Ho!

With the wind firmly established at the half way mark between the eastern and western shores of the Bay, all three boats disengaged motors and hoisted sails. While 12 to 14 knots of wind propelled the boats and helped cool us down, it was still hot air that blew.

As we sailed into Little Bay (just south of Fleets Bay), we found that the wind made for a choppy anchoring environment. We pushed on into Antipoison Creek where better shelter was to found. We rafted, ate and relaxed. Just after dark, the wind disappeared thus condemning us to another uncomfortable night with all fans under deck on high.

SSC - Day Six: Beach Day

Jazzy Lady left at dawn, headed for Solomon’s Island. The crews of Fresh Air and Talisman rose later in the morning and decided a beach day was in order. We left Antipoison Creek and headed back to the beach on the west side of Foxwell’s. The day brought a mixture of different of boats and people with one thing in mind - submerging themselves in the water to ease the effects of another sweltering day. Our favorite visitor was the thirty four foot sailboat with two older men and eight teenage boys. It was a week’s cruise for some type of task badge. Anchoring consisted of an approach to the beach concluding with the keel hitting the beach about ten feet from the shore and everyone aboard lurching forward in the process. The anchor was taken to the beach with rode not secured to the boat. That was corrected shortly before the start of the ebb that paralleled the boat with and against the beach. We later found out, from one of the young trainees, that the senior instructor was in possession of a PhD. We never found out what field it was in but we know it was not in seamanship!

We left our beach in the middle of the afternoon and headed up to Ingram’s Bay. One of its smaller tributary’s - Towles Creek - is home to Ingram Bay Marina which occupies the entire south shore of the small creek. The crews of the two boats would have air conditioning this night!

SSC - Day Seven: Stay Where It Is Cool:

The heat continued, unabated. Thursday arrived with heat warnings all along the East Coast (it hit 103 degrees in Richmond later that day). There was no wind so we stayed put, seeking shelter inside our air-conditioned salons. But, Fresh Air was running low on Miller Light and other supplies were needed. With the borrowed work truck from the marina (no air-conditioning!), we formed a provision posse and headed toward the Wal-Mart in Kilmarnock. Now, you normally won’t find me spending much time in a Wal-Mart. But I was more than happy to hang out and shop in the cooler environs of this superstore than anywhere outside. Eventually, we headed back. Captain Billy, the charter fisherman and owner of the marina had just returned from a two day, offshore charter with fresh tuna. A little negotiating secured a number of tuna steaks for supper.

We knew some of our fleet was gathering early for the Raftarracho just a few miles south. We considered leaving to join them but opted, instead, for a second night of air-conditioned rest.

SSC - Day Eight: South To The Raftarrancho

Overnight, a weak cold front moved over the area bringing slightly cooler temperatures along with northerly winds which carried us down the Bay in short order. Our destination was the second (annual?) Raftarrancho in Dymer’s Creek. Both boats arrived and joined the raft which was already in progress.

[Editors Note: The festivities of the Raftarrancho are covered in a separate post...]

Memorial Day Raft Up - 2010

There was a lot going on with the Brothers of the Chesapeake Bay table in late May: Ailing family members, a boat out of water, a damaged limb and other similar impediments or obligations resulted in a small turnout for this year's first warm weather three day holiday weekend. But, that's not necessarily a bad thing.


The crews of Casual Class, Orza (including Brother Boats and Tricia) and Talisman met a School Neck Point in the Severn River (a tributary of Mobjack Bay) on Saturday, May 29th for rest, relaxation & comaraderie. Casual Class was first at the anchorage. Upon arrival, there was an engine problem that the other boats were made aware of as they arrived. A threaded joiner piece of the wet exhaust systems plumbing had sheared just where it entered the mated end. But no one wanted to delve into it on Saturday. After scheduling repairs for Sunday morning, dinner was prepared and served. The crews mellowed as they danced into the night.



The next morning, four brothers assessed the situation and assembled available resources for the repair. A four inch piece of wet duty, high pressure, flexible piping was fitted into place with appropriate sized pipe clamps. The engine was started and exhaust was again ported out of the boat in the normal fashion without leaks. While we toasted our success, we realized it was now approaching noon. We had discussed moving the raft to the East River but after assessing the peaceful anchorage, we decided to stay put. Swimming, dancing, eating, drinking and napping consumed the rest of the day. It was, indeed, a restful day.

On Monday morning, after breakfast, we broke the raft to head home. Casual Class left first, deciding to motorsail against the southwesterly breeze. Later in the day, Casual Class contacted Talisman and ORZA (who - as usual - was the first back to the marina). Their repairs had failed and they needed help getting in from the lower bay area, just outside Ft. Wool. Fuego was dispatched for the tow. But they hadn't calculated on how much fuel they would need for the task. As Fuego approached Fort Wool with Casual Class in tow, they placed a call to Talisman inquiring about fuel. Talisman had five gallons of gasoline on board which would insure Fuego's return, if needed. As Talisman grew closer, she pulled in behind the connected boats as backup. Casual Class was given a temporary berth at Rebel Marina until more durable repairs could be affected. The weekend had been a success!

Spring Fling 2010

The Chief Blogger apologizes for the inactivity on the site in recent months: I've been out of town on business for most of the spring. May 21st was a homecoming for me. I had been working in Connecticut for the previous two weeks and was scheduled to come home briefly for the weekend. Coincidentally, there was a Tip-a-Few scheduled to begin about the time of my arrival. Junebug picked me up from the airport and we were on our way to the home of Matt & Gracie.

The party was already underway on the back porch: appetizers were out and the grill was full of barbequed delights that would soon be ready for consumption. It had been a warm late spring day and the warmth lingered as the sun made its way toward the western horizon. Brothers and captives were busy catching up with one another while the dogs ran around everyone's feet.

The top of Matt's grill was opened to reveal that dinner was ready. Slowly the assembled crowd made their way indoors to select the items they would dine on. One of the dinner conversations centered on Matt's Fat Boy motorcycle in the garage. We all agreed there would be a show & tell right after dinner. Everyone was impressed with the stock chopper in the garage...the fat rear tire aft of the dark red gas tank and trim that surrounded the large chrome engine. Junebug climbed on board to model the fine machine.

We talked about the upcoming inter-table raftup sheduled for the week of the summer solstice. Last year's raftup in Mill Creek was such a success that word had spread throughout the US Tables. As a result, many more Brothers will be attending this year's event which will be held in Dividing Creek, off of Fleets Bay. The group also decided that there will be a Memorial Day raftup on one or more of the rivers feeding into Mobjack Bay. The summer boating season had arrived and everyone is ready to get out on the water and celebrate their love of the sea.

December 26, 2009 – Boxing Day at the Chesapeake Table

[Contribution from Brother Cruz...]

One of the Chesapeake Table’s most popular Tip-a-Fews (Boucan) is the Annual Boxing Day celebration that takes place on the day after Christmas. This year, 29 Brothers, Captives and guests jammed into my condo to celebrate Boxing Day one more time. Boxing Day originates back in medieval Europe. It was a time when the royalty met with the servants to give them their Christmas gifts. In reality, they gave the servants gifts that they did not want so they may have been known as the first “re-gifters.” The Chesapeake Table, in keeping with this tradition, gets together for a party (go figure) and a chance to re-gift some of those useless little gifts that people give us throughout the year. I am sure that all of these gifts were given in good faith to the original recipient but you have to wonder what the hello-Pete were they thinking? Anyway, you know a Boxing Day gift when you first get one.

This Boxing Day started at 1500 on Saturday afternoon with folks bringing leftover food dishes from Christmas Day. Sherry Carraway made a wonderful seafood chowder and we also had a spiral ham. After feasting and drinking, we drew numbers for our White Elephant package selection. Now we do this every year so we had to add a couple of extra rules (guidelines) to the normal White Elephant procedure. First, you cannot bring a gift from last year. Second, you must take your gift with you when you leave as I sure don’t want all that crap left in my house. Well, I did not check that everyone took their gift when they left and it came back to haunt me. It seemed that Preston Carraway (a.k.a. Rocket Boy) went though my bedroom to the toilet and accidently dropped his gift which was a rooster crowing alarm clock. Preston told me the next day that he could not find the clock as it was dark in my bedroom. What do you know but that the rooster started crowing under my bed at 0420 the next morning? Next time I will make sure that I see everyone leave with their gift at the end of the party.

A fun time was had by all and we will definitely do this again next year.

Orza!

Scott AKA Cruz

Emergency Party!

What is necessary to qualify for an Emergency Party at the Chesapeake Table? Just the occasion of Brothers from another Table stopping by. It is that simple. That is all it takes.

With the 50th anniversary of the Brotherhood in the United States just celebrated in our nation's largest city and the founding of the first Table. Our Brother Heinz Scheel and his Captive Brigetta were stopping by to visit briefly with the Tables of Brotherhood USA as they headed south along the East Coast. Their U.S. travelling chaperons, Albert and Alise Seidl, were insuring their safe passage...at least to Savannah.

We gathered at the new home of our Captain, Cruz, perched high above the Elizabeth River and the Intracoastal Waterway's Mile Marker Zero. It had been two years since Heinz & Brigetta last visited the Tables of the USA.

With the full press of Old Man Winter's face against the window, boating activities had dwindled to almost nothing. We were all seeing less of one another as we were prepared to produce Thanksgiving and Christmas for our families. Our travelling Brothers gave us the opportunity to keep the fires of our friendship stoked for sparsely lit days of the year. We were glad they had stopped by on the lower Chesapeake Bay.