Century Club: mike pitchford

Spent most of the day capturing, banding and installing radio transmitters on two female Osprey with nests in Mill Creek. The wildlife biologist involved (I was just a volunteer boat driver) are working to learn move about foraging locations for our summer Osprey flock.

The process begins with placing a net over the nest that snags the Osprey upon return. Another group removes any chicks to keep them shielded from the hot sun. Beside keeping the eggs warm and feeding the chicks, shielding them from the sun seems to be a primary role.

The team then untangles the snared Osprey and places a hood over their head which immediately calms the bird. From there the banding and installation of a small radio transmitter that fits like a tiny backpack is done. After that work wraps up the chicks are returned to the nest and then the Osprey is released to be reunited with the kids.

Driving the boat home from a weekend anchorage about ten days ago I got the dreaded "check engine" message on the engine monitoring screen. I could not see anything after a look see but the engine sensors dialed the engine down to 2500 rpm, one of several "safe modes" built into Cummins electronic engine controls.

Any time something liken this happens we all think, what is it, how much will it cost me and perhaps most importantly, how much down time will I experience. Fortunately, I spoke the next day to mechanic, Ken Nevis ,and he generally diagnosed the problem (small antifreeze leak causing an engine temp sensor to loft a concern to the electronic engine controls) over the phone. He promised to be out the following week and he was. A couple hours later, the leaking coolant hose was repaired and he did a couple other maintenance tasks to boot.

We did a short test run to confirm everything was back to normal. All fixed now, I am ready for an upcoming 600 mile run up to DC and then down to Norfolk for Sail/250.

The AYC Cruising season officially began this past weekend in nearby Eagle’s Cove. After having been storm-cancelled in 2024 and encountering a severe thunderstorm, with the host raft dragging through the anchorage last year – surviving intact nevertheless – this year’s cruise enjoyed near perfect conditions. It was however, not lacking in excitement (more on that later).
A total of 25 boats and 50 cruisers were registered for this season opening weekend anchorage. The fleet was divided roughly in half, with 13 boats settled in for both nights and the rest of the fleet spending Saturday afternoon and evening only.
One of the purposes of this cruise is to provide a “shakedown” opportunity at the beginning of the season. As it turned out, four registered boats did not get off the dock or turned back underway with mechanical issues. Others who made it to the rendezvous encountered various boat issues at anchor. Those cruisers were rewarded by finding those problems, and solving many of them, surrounded by and aided by fellow AYC Cruisers.
On Friday, anchored cruisers traveled to a party on the host raft in style aboard the AYC RIB, which Cruise Leaders Bill and Maria Museler carefully towed from AYC behind their new boat that had recently arrived from Washington State. Cruisers enjoyed wonderful hors d’oeuvres and BYOB drinks on a gorgeous evening surrounded by beautiful scenery and just enough boat talk to remind everyone why they own tool kits the size of small suitcases.
Saturday morning began with a kayak exploration for some attendees, while others conserved their energy for the highly anticipated annual Great Torqeedo Race. Saturday also afforded the opportunity for Annapolis Sail and Power Squadron provided USCG Safety Checks for those boats desiring them. This annual execution adds to the “shakedown” nature of the cruise. The Cruising Fleet wants to thank ASPS for their service and dedication to “Safe Boating Through Education”.
Now the excitement! On Saturday afternoon, we got to practice extreme boat handling when the host raft’s anchor broke free due to unexpectedly strong winds. With great effort, the host boat skippers and crews maneuvered the raft to avoid other anchored boats until we could deploy a second rafted boat anchor and heavy chain to arrest the drag.
Lessons learned include “don’t overload and/or unbalance the host raft!”; “if possible, use only a full chain rode for the anchor boat!”; “have at least one rafted boat running an ‘ANCHOR WATCH’ App!” Later discussions on the host raft during the Saturday cocktail party included a plan to consider putting an AYC mooing in Eagle’s Cove.
All in, it was a great kickoff for the AYC 2026 cruising season!

On Monday we drove to Lorton to load the pick-up on the Auto train for the trip to Sanford Florida. The trip was a classic multitask venture but the cornerstone was the collection of various watercraft for a trip up I 95 to the Chesapeake.

Friends who recently sold their big sailboat were downsizing to a nicely restored Rhodes 19. That boat was on a trailer in Stuart Florida. She needed to get to her new slip in Annapolis. And so a "Rhodes trip" was organized.

As planning progressed it became a multi-stop trip. Friends in Stuart has two Hobie kayaks that also needed to get to Annapolis. While I was down there with a truck i decided to also collect my little 50cc scooter that had been residing in the garage of my brother in St Augustine.

Loading took a little longer than expected or at least than planned. Those Hobie kayaks are heavy! In any case the trip went as planed each day and by mid day on Thursday we were back in Annapolis with a truckload of fun.