Log Book: November 2nd

Conditions: 12mph S

Location: Urbanna, VA

Dad pulled up the anchor this morning at 7:30 am. The morning was already warm from the Southernly breeze, even before the sun arose. We had a gorgeous sail. It wasn't long until we were turning up the Rappahannock River to Urbanna. The trip took us about 5 hours and we set foot on land around 12. By that time the sun had come out in full force and we were roasting in jeans. The Oyster Fest wasn't just about oysters but vendors, art, and rides as well. The first oysters we had were roasted, almost everywhere we went the oyster options were roasted, fried, or raw. Raw was by far the best, although the oysters here are not as salty as the ones in New England and no where were they served with lemon. The roads were full of people everywhere and the locals said that this was the event of the year here in Urbanna (like a sailfest in November). Not far up the road we were stopped by the parade marching through the center of town. The local high school band was there, mini cars and trucks, clowns, unicycles, and a number of other strange things that I'm sure you can only find in Urbanna. We next wondered into the art section of the festival. Drawings, metal work, paintings, and glasswork surrounded the streets as well as clothes! We stopped in a hat tent for awhile so I could test out my favorite hat styles. None of them really worked for me. Before long Dad and I found a bar. The place was packed not only because of the festival but also because of the football game, the Virginia Cavaliers were playing. At the bar we met some locals who told us the history of the festival and about the area. We had a great time meeting new people and returned to the boat feeling positive. Urbanna was a three hour detour for us, a little out of the way but it was worth it. Tomorrow we'll try to make up some time and cruise to or close to Newport News. The news says there will be a strong northernly wind to help us along our way.

What we ate: 30 oysters, homemade cream soda & root beer, the best french fries I've ever had, & crab pot pie
Spotted: Southern belle Kate, jump roping unicyclist, tons of art