MHC to Virginia Beach - 6/1

[Tuna Taxi]

It was time to bring the Tuna Taxi back to the Chesapeake Bay and we thought we had a weather window this weekend. After changing plans a few times and finally getting a ride down there, GlennW and I got down to MHC Saturday afternoon and started getting ready for the trip. The wind was howling, and seemed to be building......

John brought the Trophy in and parked next door so we had a good time shooting the bull for a while until he had to split. Dave Sikorski, BTH284 & Wildlife Management Mate stopped by after their day on the Run-Off and we had some good eats later that evening.

Sunday am, I woke at about 3am with the wind whipping through the foredeck hatch above my head. Hmmmmm. With no ride home, we were headed north just not sure if we could make it up the sound and out OI, or if we had to take the snowbird route inside. I was very pleasantly surprised, the Neuse and the Sound were choppy but no problem, and the SW wind began to shift more westerly and fall out. By the time we got to OI, the wind was light out of the west and the inlet was slick calm, with about a 30 knot ebb current! Thanks to Kevin (Succession) for the OI advice be gave me before the trip. The channel from Old House to the inlet was too wide and well marked, making me think I was missing a hard dog-leg somewhere, but it turned out that the channel is just fairly straight now. Whoodathunkit.

The ride up from OI was nice and relaxing. The WNW wind dropped out to nothing and most of the way up was slick calm. We ran over a cobia about 10 miles north of the inlet, but that is all we saw. Smooth sailing to the bay and tied up about 8 1/2 hours after we left MHC. Nice uneventful trip, just the way I like them.

I had a great time keeping the boat down in MHC this past year. I learned a lot and made some good friends. I really appreciate the friendly and helpful attitude of the pros on the waterfront, Capt Brian and John on the Run-Off, Capt Shane on Fightin Lady, Capt Tim and Rick on the Fishin Days, Capt Jay on the Deacon Blues, Capt John on the Trophy, and of course the Big Dog himself, the giant hearted Wahoonbox. It was so nice to know you could get on the radio, walk down the dock, or call them on the phone and ask a dumb question and get some great answers and advice. You guys are top notch. I plan to be down on some make-up dates this year.

All the guys I BS'd with on the dock and I got to fish with, it sure was a pleasure. Maybe I'll be able to get some of you up VB way to fish sometime.

It was sad to leave MHC in the wake, but I won't miss the drive down Rt 17 much at all.

[Dave Sikorski]

Glad to hear the trip went well. That wind sure was honkin all night at the yacht basin.

Good seeing you Saturday night, and thanks again for dinner.

Anytime you need another to fish, give me a ring!

-D

[clt_capt]

Sorry to see you leave, but glad the trip back was uneventful. Shame you didn't get a weather window so you could fish your way back up.

[O-SEA-D]

Glad you made it home safe Bill. Hope to see ya again soon.

[BTH284]

I enjoyed all the oppurtunities to fish with you this past year Bill. 2 of them will be with me for a very long time. 1st Bluefin and 1st blue marlin.

Stay in touch. Glad you guys got home safely.

[JD5652]

I know how you feel Bill....if fuel prices ever come back down out of the straosphere I would like to take the Maggie B down again....

[Wild Life Management]

Glad you made it home safe Bill. When we bring the boat north at the end of the month I plan on staying if VA Beach for a night, or well, maybe a week depending on the fish/weather. You'll have to show me a few of the "local hotspots".

[Bking]

Bill, Was great to meet you sat night.. Thanks for dinner.

See you soon in VA beach.!