New spreaders, an electrical overhaul, and Asterias sets sail. It is a testimony to how little we have been out in a year, that we (Carl, the kids, and I) thoroughly enjoyed whispering down the Severn under the bimini on a warm, virtually windless August day. We were enjoying the quiet glide until shortly after these photos were shot. I decide to shake out the mizzen for full effect and perhaps another fraction of a knot of speed. The sail cover was 1/3rd off when I was stung 4 times in the face by a paper wasp. No big deal, I rushed below smeared on toothpaste and applied ice while searching the 1st Aid Kit for bite treatment. In a few minutes, I was back in the cockpit marveling that there was very little pain. I grabbed the helm, and Carl went aft to throw off the sail cover and evaluate raising the mizzen. He barely dropped the cover to the deck, before I called him back to the cockpit. My ears were ringing, and I felt dizzy and shaky. I went down below for the medical supplies and returned topside with my heart pounding, my breath short, and my vision severely blurred and closing in from the periphery. I didn't tell Carl, but I couldn't even see the antihistamine he placed in my hand. We cranked the engine and called my parents who were out kayaking, leaving a message to meet us at the dock. We weren't far due to the lack of wind. Carl cranked in the yankee and dropped the main (thank goodness for lazy jacks and roller furling). I concentrated on not passing out: taking deliberate yoga-style breaths; using an ice water on my forehead, neck, cheeks, and trickled down my back; and willed myself to stay conscious. My parents met us at the dock. I was still lightheaded and nauseous, but my vision was clear, my heart had calmed, and breathing was easier. After a few hours relaxing in the air conditioning with ice packs on the bites, I am no worse for the wear.
