July 17 - 19, 2014 Rock Hall, MD

The trip was an easy one from St. Michaels. We were away from the dock at 7:10 in order to make the 9:00 bridge opening at The Kent Narrows. This bridge is on US 50 just east of the Bay Bridge, the only direct link between the Eastern and Western Shores of the Bay. As busy as it is, it only opens on the hour and the half-hour for boats to pass. This route is about 15 miles shorter than other options making it the obvious cruising choice. We were also lucky to be there at near high tide, so the current was slow. We also had the wind on our nose all day, and R Island responded well to her favorite "point of sail" adding more enjoyment to the pleasant trip.

We docked about 11:00 with some help from the marina dock workers and some new friends already snug in their slips. "Traveler" an Orient 34 with Rob and Barb Kenny aboard and "Companion", a Heritage East 40 with Ron and Kathrine Sargent. After securing everything, we went to the Waterman Crab House with Mike and Lois and Rob and Barb for some local crab and a few beers. Spent the afternoon at the local laundry before having a nice outdoor dinner at the marina picnic area where they provide the tables and gas grills.

Next day we had a lazy morning and did some bike touring of town - small village about 6 blocks from the marina doing a good job of surviving on boaters and a few tourists. Lots of marina's and it's a popular stopping point just a short sail from either Annapolis or Baltimore. The group got together and had Barb-b-que beef sandwiches for the support of the local volunteer fire department.

It was Ron's birthday so after evening "dock-tails" we headed to the Bay Wolf Restaurant to celebrate and then walked up Main Street (closed off) enjoying a car show of about 40 classics. The city also offers a trolley ride for $1.00 that will pick you up and drop you anywhere in town. We used this service to and from dinner and a few other times. Ger can attest that you have to watch your head getting on and off - or the resulting damage to your skull can be painful.

The following day we went for a nice bike ride, got some supplies at the local grocery store, and had a wonderful group picnic for dinner. Judie baked her first cake. pineapple upside down, on a stove top oven that we had purchased for the trip. It was a little overcooked on the bottom but that could have been just a little too much heat. A definite treat and we'll try again.

Supporting the local firefighters..

"Dock-Tails" before dinner

The food and companionship was great!

Judie's first - but not last - cake! Goooood food.

The ladies getting ready for picnic. Judie, Barb, Kathrin and Lois.

The following morning we all left bright and early. Ron and Kathrin headed to Solomon's (55 miles) and then on to Fernandina Beach FL to sell the boat, condo, and house and relocate to Costa Rica - wow! Mike, Lois, Gerry and Judie headed north to Georgetown and Rob and Barb headed to St. Michaels and, to get a favorable tide, were the last to leave.