We were fortunate to have reached our slip at Calvert Marina before the storm hit. The rocking and rolling that we expected when we thought Hurricane Hanna was going to hit was what we experienced for the next thirty six hours. By watching the Weather Channel (another good reason to have purchased the TV satellite dish for which I never cease reminding Captain Mark) we were able to see and follow the weather that was headed in a direct path toward us. Wind gusts between 50-70 mph were anticipated in our area requiring us to secure the Lolligag at all four corners in such a manner that would also allow us to rise and fall along with the tide. Lines secured and fenders in place so that we could adjust them without leaving the boat was vital as the winds escalated and the tide came in and departed again several times during the next day and a half. Getting off the boat onto the dock was so risky that we did not even attempt to do so until the worse part of the storm passed. Never have we experienced such rocking and rolling. All items within the boat were put away so that they did not become flying missiles. The only safe place to keep our soda cans was inside the kitchen sink as we ate our meals over the sink in an attempt to keep the crumbs contained.
When we first arrived at the Calvert Marina, there were at least six other larger boats on our dock. When we woke up the next morning, all the other boats had moved to another part of the marina in order to find refuge from the rolling and the wind. Sad to say, they did not escape the weather excitement and we felt that they risked damaging their boats in their attempt to relocate in such a turbulent wind storm. Midway through the night, the lightning, thunder and violent rains came. The storm ebbed and waned but continued for the better part of the next couple of days. Needles to say, I loved each and every minute of this storm but being tossed about did curtail my knitting plans for the time being. Knitting lace does require a calm and steady hand. The storm was the first “good” part of our saga. The second “good” part was waking up after the worst part of the storm had abated to see a mirror imagine of the Lolligag. As we had backed into our slip, The Libertad, had also backed into the slip directly across the fairway in front of us making the two red/white 32 Nordic Tugs the most wonderful sight in the marina. This just goes to show that while the Nordics are “cute” they are made to handle rough seas.
As soon as we could get off our boat safely, we proceeded to venture over to meet our new Nordic neighbors, Bob and Peggy from Annapolis. They promptly invited us inside to view their boat and then came to see ours. No two Nordics are made the same and it is so much fun to see the different configurations, upholstery and customizations that each owner has made. Bob, Peggy and crew became our new best friends at the conference and it was fun to join them each evening for dinner. In addition, Peggy plays the Ukulele and treated us to a concert one afternoon amid several glasses of wine.
The “bad” part of the week was the Trawler Fest in the water boat show. We felt that this was very disappointing. There did not seem to be a very large variety of boats even though there were quite a few boats present – they just all looked alike. Lots and lots of Mainships. There were several new Nordics that were brought in from the Annapolis dealer and it was fun to see them but we are content with our little 32.
We did however treat ourselves to an early Christmas present. We have been ogling and coveting the brass set of Weems & Plath nautical instruments for some time as we saved our pennies. After fondling them multiple times, I convinced Captain Mark that Santa would be more than happy to put them under our Christmas tree. 
Now for the “ugly” part of our story…I would be less than honest if I said that we have always found clean, sanitary and stellar marina accommodations in each port along our adventure. Restroom/shower facilities/laundry rooms have run the gamut from very nice to “do not enter without full footwear and do not dare to sit down”. However, never have I encountered such “icky and unkept” marina facilities as we had at Calvert Marina. The facilities that were available for those of us who arrived by boat were by far the worst that we have seen since leaving Chicago AND we were docked, and I am not exaggerating, over a mile from the nearest facility thereby making it necessary to use the shower and bathroom aboard the Lolligag. After unwittingly and naively entering a restroom facility after arriving at Calvert Marina, we certainly welcomed using our own resources as I knew them to be clean and free of critters. But then what added insult to injury was that Calvert Marina had no pump out station making it necessary for us to travel across the harbor upon our departure to find the nearest pump out station. While I am sure that Calvert Marina personnel think that they are giving a reduction in slip fees to Trawler Fest attendees who arrive by boat by charging us $1.00 per night per foot, I feel that with the revenue and free advertising that Trawler Fest brings to the Calvert Marina that they should have paid us to stay in their slips.
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