Solomons Island, MD, September 6 - 7, 2014

September 6 - 7, 2014

Galley in disarray!

Salon table, chairs, vacuum, and trash can "relocated"

The crossing from Tangier Island to Solomon Island was another challenging crossing.  When Sally left the flybridge to retrieve some drink or food she was met by a "re-arranged" salon.  The dinner table and chairs were repositioned, the reading materials on the side table were dumped on the floor, and the galley contents had been re-positioned.  No damage but a mess!  Sal decided to leave things where they were as picking up in beam seas was pointless so she took some pics so the Captain could appreciate the mess.

Satellite dish array at NAS Patuxent

Flying low

As we approached the entrance to the Patuxent River on which Solomons Island is located, we passed NAS Patuxent on the south side of the River.  A huge array of satellite dishes were positioned near the beach and lots of huge hanger buildings were located there.  There was a constant flow of varied aircraft, including some of the Navy's latest models, landing and taking off from the Naval Air Station.

Rural setting and bridge across the Patuxent River

Snugged in by a congenial dockhand at Spring Cove Marina, Solomons, MD, we were directed to the marina office for orientation where we found an Olympic-size swimming pool, a darling gift shop, individual bath house/shower units, and an upstairs laundry/lounge and book exchange. My afternoon was designed for me! I quickly donned my swimsuit and headed back to the pool for laps, but not before a brief tour of the gift shop. 

Entering the pool, I dodged water obstacles (otherwise known as pool entrants with drinks in hand) who were oblivious to my intent. As I finished my last few laps, dockhands spooled out the lap lane divider which obligated me to a few more lengths to acknowledge their effort (which became my effort as well...but I enjoyed every minute of it!) Leftovers onboard ended our day; I'm always grateful for leftovers and for a husband who is willing to eat leftovers!

One of the Chesapeake's many light houses

Lots of heavy trawlers and cruisers being repaired here.

I arose early Sunday morning, anticipating an early departure to accommodate smooth 'sailing.' Not to be; the forecast (as interpreted by Captain Clay) indicated a noon departure which gave Clay and me opportunity to explore this island community which was largely isolated from the rest of the state until the Allied command chose Solomons as an amphibious training base during WWII. Lots of history here! Our morning walk took us along the single town street that meandered along what was described as the island's spine. Interspersed along the boardwalk were historic markers which called to Clay, "Come read me." (All historic markers call to Clay, causing destruction/interruption in his cardio workout, for heaven's sake! Water fountains call him, too! Maybe I'm just too focused?) As we passed shops, restaurants, churches and wandered through a residential area, it was evident that Solomons had grown steadily with tourism driving much of its economy.

Another beauty!

A peaceful crossing?

We departed Spring Cove just before noon, bucked wide bow waves on our trip north (I seem to handle the bow waves much better than beam waves!), then turned into the Choptank River to arrive at our next destination, the Cambridge Municipal Yacht Basin, late afternoon. We were to spend a week here in Cambridge, MD, the site of an MTOA (Motor Trawler Owners Association) Northern Rendezvous. The marina was a hub of activity with numerous boats all arriving this late afternoon; dockhands scurried about, catching and securing lines; and radio Channels 16 & 68 were buzzing with conversation outlining fairway and docking instructions. Glad to be here!

Cute decorated fire hydrants

Coming soon...an email summarizing our week in Cambridge, MD.