After leaving St. Mary’s and the Potomac River, it was north on the Chesapeake Bay in route to Baltimore and Philly. Our first overnight was the small town of Solomon’s, Maryland. It is home to more boats than we have seen in such a condensed space. Marinas line every ounce of shoreline and leave very little fairway to maneuver. We stayed two nights and visited the marine museum by water and the town by bicycle. Our dock neighbor provided some excitement by somersaulting over the railing of their trawler as her husband was leaving the dock. It was amazing how many people appeared from seemingly nowhere to lend a hand. All ended well with just a bruised ego and one lost flip-flop.
Next up was a trip across the Bay to the small towns of Oxford, Cambridge and St. Michael’s on the Eastern shore. If one were to lose their map, they would think they were in New England. All three were great little towns made for walking, shopping (Mom & Pop shops), looking at boats (Hinckley yard), and, of course, eating ice cream.
We then traveled back across the Bay and into Annapolis, MD. What an awesome place! The history of the early days of the U.S. as well as the Naval Academy. Everything here is steeped in tradition. It is very humbling to visit these places.
After two days in Annapolis, it was on toward Baltimore. We passed under the Bay Bridge that connects mainland Maryland to the Eastern shore. Once through, we turned up the Pasquotank River and into Bodkin Creek. We tied up at Pleasure Cove Marina which was a small but well-equipped marina. The staff were very helpful including one of them lending us his truck to go find parts. We stayed two days and bid farewell to Dale, who had been with us for almost 3 weeks. We had a blast! We left the marina and anchored one more night in the creek.
Sunday morning, it was up early to make our way up the Pasquotank River into the historic and very busy Baltimore harbor. As we approached the Key Bridge, we were in a procession of vessels that included a cruise ship, a car carrier, us and a tug pushing a barge. On their way out were two more tugs and a container ship.
Baltimore was great! The city has created a safe, fun and welcoming waterfront area that stretches for several miles. While there, we stayed in two marinas, visited Fort McHenry, the National Aquarium, the B&O Railroad Museum and Camden Yard. We also partook of the awesome culinary delights of the city.
After four days of big city, we needed the relaxing atmosphere of a small town again, so it was back across the Bay to Rock Hall, MD. We tied to a mooring ball at Swan Creek Marina, took a tram into town for $1.00 each, found ice cream, groceries, and got a haircut.
Big cities may have a lot to offer in terms of history, food and things to see, but small towns are rich with personality and a calmness that makes you feel very welcome and comfortable.