Annapolis Dec 19 blizzard

Beginning around 10 p.m. Friday night the snow began to fall.  It fell and fell and fell until the wee hours of Sunday.  Official accumulations for the Annapolis area were 18"+.

Departing Ferrity Saturday morning required a careful easing of the main hatch, a sliding hatch that I assumed covered with snow.

I eased it open just enough to crook a hand out and brush away the snow.  Ease more, brush, repeat.  Less than a bucket of snow fell into Ferrity's galley.  Or down my neck.  Once outside I paused to savor the near whiteout conditions of the continuing snowfall.

Saturday's photos.

From there it was a matter of clearing a path across the cockpit (photo to right taken from companionway) and up the starboard side.  On Saturday morning the snow was a mere 12 inches deep but falling steadily.

On Sunday, I awoke to bright sunny skies - no point in rising afore the sun.  Rather than wade once again through knee-deep snow, using a shovel I carved a path to the parking lot.  A careful trek across the sortta cleared parking lot led me to the Backyard Boats office and COFFEE.

After coffee I joined fellow liveaboard Dan for a trek to Eastport's Boatyard Bar & Grill for a hearty breakfast.  Cabin fever forced neighbors from their homes and the restaurant was busy.

By noon the temperature soared to 33 degrees although the 13 - 17 mph wind drove the windchill towards 20.  Snow plows worked the parking lot and some areas began to melt, perfect for formation of a sheet of ice tomorrow morning.

The morning after (Sunday)

Fortunately, winter doesn't begin until tomorrow.  Yikes!!!

P.S. The knee-deep snow tore at my flip-flops as I headed to the shower but that's just one of the challenges of living aboard a sailboat in winter.