Editorial

On Chesapeake Waters, Let the Adventures Begin

We’ve had scary moments in our boats, though perhaps not as harrowing as some of yours.

There was the time kayaking in the winter when we got lost in dense fog way out on the water. Which way do you paddle? Of course, a big wind blew up.

We’ve been in our share of squalls in our powerboats, lightning and thunder all around. Don’t tell the Volvo pros that we dropped anchor and hunkered in the cabin.

There was a night or two broken down out on the water with power (and anchor lights) mysteriously gone. We were at fault, but we survived.

We won’t tell you about the time we threw out our new anchor only to realize the line was not attached.

There are many risks on the water, a truth to remember as the boating season begins anew.

That is why in this issue we bring you the tales of Al McKegg, a veteran captain on waters near and far.

The call of the water brought many of us here, and the adventures awaiting the denizens of Chespeake Country know no bounds.

We’ve spent recent weekends prowling boatyards, sharing the anticipation of scrubbing, scraping boaters. Looking for a new vessel? (We are.)

Meanwhile dockside, folks are beginning to enjoy the fruits of their labors these spring evenings. Behind those smiles is the comfort of knowing that six months of boating stretch ahead, seven months for hearty sorts.

In case you missed it, charter boats and private boats from cruisers to canoes are bringing in huge, seemingly healthy rockfish that belie the worry about an ailing species.

Worried about gas prices? We’re blessed here with miles of shoreline beckoning canoes and kayaks.

There are plenty of ways to get connected to the Bay and without the risks that Kat Bennett has been describing in her dispatches on the Volvo racers, which continue this week.

Nonetheless, we should point out that along with the joy of boating come risks, something that Bay newcomers don’t always know.

So if Chesapeake waters — or boating — are new to you, before you go out, sign up for one of the many boating safety classes perennially listed in 8 Days a Week in our pages.

Then you can truly leave your troubles behind on land. You forget about electricity rate hikes, and pollution when you climb aboard. Even gas prices, once you’ve filled your tank. Even getting close to a boat chases landlocked worries away.

We know. In this space we intended to write an editorial with the title, BGE and Our Gutless Politicians.

But were too busy scrubbing the deck.