R Island: June 26 - July 7, 2014 Some Family Time (Revised ending)

We left Crisfield on Thursday headed for Reedville VA to meet up with our son Gary and our grandsons Gavin and Jonas. Sometimes it takes a few side trips. The wind and the waves we both high and from the wrong direction so we ducked back into Onancock Creek and anchored just short of the marina in a quiet cove across from green marker 37. Had a quiet afternoon and evening.

One sailboat joined us in our anchorage.

Next day, Friday, we headed to Deltaville to re-supply as there is no easy grocery store to get to in Reedville. Same wind and waves. Stayed at Dozier's Regatta Point Marina, barrowed a courtesy car, stopped at the IGA and the seafood shop, and had a nice Saturday getting the boat ready for company. Sunday we got up early, did our customary pump of the waste system and headed north. Arrived at Buzzards Point Marina in Reedville about 11:00 and found out that we were in "technology hell". The wifi was very weak and only worked if you were sitting up at a picnic table on a small hill near the office. One bar on the cell phone and definitely no TV. The closest restaurant was 5 miles away, no loaner car, and nothing was open on Monday and Tuesday. "This is Reedville folks - we're pretty laid back here.." was the dockmaster's explanation.

The gang arrived about 1:30 on Monday. Gary brought all the fixings for grilled sausage and salads, so we fired up the grill and ate till we were stuffed. The boys really like sausage! We called it "lupper", as it served as lunch and supper. Later we watched the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie and hit the sack.

Our first large ship on the Bay - a car carrier headed to Baltimore.

Fishing boats at the fish oil and "other products" plant at Reedville.

The picnic table on the grassy hill for wifi.

On Tuesday, it was up early (for Gavin), and we caught the 10:00 ferry for a 90 minute ride to Tangier. Tangier is an old waterman town on Tangier Island in the middle of the Bay. In 1960 the population was about 1500, and as the waterman's plight continues downward, the current population is about 500. They have a volunteer fire dept., medical facilities, small airport, and several restaurants and souvenir shops for tourists. We had great crab cakes at the "Fisherman's Corner" and then took a guided golf cart tour of the island - about a 15 minute ride. The island also has a great museum about the local history. Many of the explanations that accompany the exhibits, are hand written by the local folks. There was a lot of information and Gavin, in particular, tried to take it all in. We needed to be back at the boat by 2:15 for a 2:30 departure, so not a lot of time on the island. There are 2 Bed and Breakfast places and it would be fun to spend the night.

Tangier's Marina

public docks

oldest church

They only plant them 3 feet deep as the water table is 4 feet.

Photo of hurricane Sandy impact

in it's hay day!

small Maryland Blue Crab.

crab trap

popular overnight place

lunch spot.

trash can by the ferry docks

Watched the second "pirates" movie before hitting the sack. Hurricane Arthur started it's northerly trek, so we rented a car, readied the boat in Reedville and headed for Gary and Amy's house for the holiday. By the time we got everything ready to leave on Wednesday, stopped at 5-guys for lunch and Walmart for prescription refills, we got to Annandale about 4:30. On the 4th, we had fun playing games and relaxing before heading out to watch the DC fireworks show. Amy had located a great viewing spot at the "Air Force Monument to 911" overlooking the Pentagon and Arlington Cemetery with a great view of the Mall area of DC. Gary and Ger got there about 5:00 to stake out the spot and everyone else arrived about 7:00. Had a great time and we could also see many fireworks from other communities. Some of them went on until the ride home after 10:00.

The crowd begins to assemble...

The Air Force Monument to 911

fuzzy picture of fireworks and the Washington Monument. Camera lessons required.

Saturday the boys left for their mother's place and the rest of us went to the Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian, and then out to dinner at "Rosa Mexicana" for a fantastic dinner and smooth tequila. On Sunday, after a great "Amy outdoes herself" breakfast, Judie and Gerry returned to the boat stopping at West Marine and the grocery store on the way. Since we had a car, we drove into Reedville proper and found a pleasant surprise! Wonderfully restored/kept homes and "the Crazy Crab" restaurant wit excellent shrimp and grits, and crab cakes.