First – Before I post anything about our trip – I want to say that our hearts and our prayers are with all of Joplin. As most know, Joplin was hit by a massive tornado on Sunday May 22. Our family is okay. However, Mike and I have many friends that have lost their homes. We know several families that have lost a loved one. While there is massive destruction, Joplin will survive. Joplin will build back and be stronger than ever. While we may not be there, please know that we are definitely there in spirit.
On a much lighter side - Yesterday (May 24) we left Solomons Island, MD. We had been staying in the Solomons Harbor Marina since Friday evening. We had planned to only stay a day or so. However, since we were able to have cable we stayed a little longer. We were able to keep informed about the storm by watching CNN and the Weather Channel.
We had a really nice stay at Solomons. On Friday and Saturday nights there was a band at the Tiki Bar right off the stern of our boat. It turned out there were a few other loopers staying there as well. We visited with “Free to B”, Rock Chalk and Sweet Pea. We also ran into others at the neighborhood West Marine. It’s fun being able to catch up with the other loopers and hear their stories. I even got to eat pizza one night. Thanks Jim and Dale! Mike was out numbered!
Our neighbor, Tony, had a 43’ sailboat “Gypsy Crickett”. I finally was able to see the inside of a large sailboat. It was beautiful and had lots of space. More than I had imagined. Still think I prefer the trawler, but who knows…..! Tony had retired from the Navy and was currently being contracted by them. He’s a drone pilot. Mike kept telling him that he was an “oxymoron”. He was down for the week while his wife was in Arkansas. He and his dog “Wolfie” took the Gypsy Crickett out to go fishing by themselves. That seems like a lot of boat to take out by yourself.
One day Mike and I decided to walk to the store. It turned out to be a little farther that we anticipated. And a lot hotter! We also bought more than we should have since we were walking. We did make it back though - with Mike carrying a 30 pack on his shoulders! We’re going to get bicycles! SOON!!!
We took several dinghy rides around the marina. There are several marinas that really run into each other. Lots of boats! Too bad there wasn’t a store with dinghy access!! Did I mention we’re getting bikes soon!! Thought so.
We left Tuesday around noon. You know we really need to start getting out earlier! Anyway, we left around noon and had fair seas (no waves!). We took it slow and steady. We had decided to cross over to the eastern shore to Cambridge. We tied up to the city dock free of charge. We were able to contact a good friend we have there. Susie McDonald met us at the boat. We had a ball catching up on everything and even went out for Mexican. I hope she enjoyed it as much as we did.
We had originally planned to go north to Annapolis from Solomons. However we were told that it is Commencement Week and with it also being Memorial Weekend, be decided against it for now. Our plan B was to across to Cambridge, on to Oxford and St Michaels. This is all on the east side. Then later next week, we will cross back over and check out Annapolis. We’ll spend a few days in Annapolis then head to Baltimore. I want to spend some time there. All the guide books tell of lots of cool things to see and do there. After we leave Baltimore, we will head on up to Chesapeake City and the C&D Canal. The Canal will take us over to Delaware Bay. Everyone says that once we get on Delaware Bay, we just keep going. No good place to stop or will we want to. We’ll keep going until we get to Cape May – a good days trip. Then we’ll head up the Jersey Shore toward New York. I’m looking forward to Atlantic City. I may just have a little put back to give to the casinos there.
Well, we’re spending a real lazy day here in Cambridge. The weather is beautiful and the dock is free. Can’t beat that! We checked things out in the dinghy this morning. Must have worn us out, because we both took naps afterward.
Having steaks tonight on the grill that have been marinating. You have to do something to the steaks around here. They aren’t the best. Now if you want crabs, they’re everywhere! They even serve crab pizza! - No, didn’t try it.
Well, until next time.
Admiral “C”
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