26 May 14

Since the flood tide does not get going until after 10:30, we slept in and made a slow start, and finally got going about 09:30. Naturally, the forecast SW 5 - 10 turned out to be NNE 5 - 10, or, right on the nose, again. So, we motored all the way from Mattox Creek the 38 N-miles to Mattawoman Creek. We had the main sail out most of the way for stability and a bit of a push. After noon, we passed “Majestic” headed back down the river. I finally figured out why the main has been so difficult to furl and un-furl lately; the pulley at the aft end of the boom has broken into bits and was not rotating at all. I got the pin out and removed the damaged parts, but we will be unable to use the mainsail until I can get a replacement pulley. The pulley at the front of the boom does not look too good, but I have no idea how to remove it. Mattawoman Creek must have had 50 power boats and jet-skis zooming around enjoying Memorial Day when we came in, but they all left by 18:00 and by dark we had the place completely to ourselves and the crickets.