Saturday - August 31

Wow....last day of August!   My oh my this year is just flying by!   

 

A fun day with Blair and had a little fashion show - Grandma hasn't gotten much else done - forget how much these little people "rule the roost"!    She does not sleep a lot during the day - some cat napping.   Took all day to do 2 loads of laundry!  

 

 HA.....Juan had a good day working on his job list.  

 

Blair and I went for a little stroll in the neighborhood this morning (Mark and I got back at the exercising, too) and late this afternoon, we all went for a car ride to town for some take-out supper from Tripps.    Blair fell asleep immediately!   

She loves car rides, stroller rides and bath time!

 

Here's a few pics of my little Dolly

 

I love my Blue Angel bear from Uncle Ryan 

Cuddling with Grandpa  

Little Sailor Girl 

Out for a stroll wearing my new shades from Grandma

Flower Child

 

 

 

Friday - August 30

Blair is 6 weeks today and we are so looking forward to our long weekend with her.    The rest have gone on to the lake and Grandpa and I are holding down the fort!

 

Grandpa (aka Juan, the Handyman) has a job list to do this weekend....he went to town to get some supplies and a haircut.   Tackled a few things today - more tomorrow!   He's likes to keep busy, so this is good!

 

Some new pics of our little Miss

 

Still in my jammies at 11:00 hanging out with Grandma

 

Daddy's Little Girl - getting a few bald spots, Blair?

 

Sweetie Pie all ready for nite nite - still not sure if I like my passy or not?

 

Just heard tonight that our sister-in-law, Lydia's father passed away today in St. Louis.   Jim (Mark's brother) and Lydia were vacationing in their RV and in Salt Lake City.at the time.   Many thoughts and prayers with them tonight and in the days ahead....

 

 

Thursday - August 29

We're with our kids and kiddies.......good trip here from Franklin arriving at 2:00.    Blair has sure added a few pounds and filled out!     Brooke ran some errands and brought Brady home from school.   Drew and Davis had their first soccer game which they tied 2-2. 
Grandpa and I stayed home with Blair.

 

Drew and Davis - hot, sweaty and tired after soccer game 

 

Grandpa and Brady

Sweet Baby Blair

 

 

 

Wednesday - August 28

Hello from Franklin, VA where we are settled in for the night.     We left Oxford at 12:30 and Catrina is out of the water (they were not able to put her inside just yet as there are several boats to move around).   We had a great night's sleep at the Ruffled Duck and Mark had an early breakfast (7:30) and then walked to the marina (just down the street) for the lift out and other final finish up jobs..   I had a leisurely morning with a delicious breakfast (fruit plate, fresh veggie omelet, bacon and English muffin and then a mini cheesecake) and nice presentation.    Dennis and Joyce, the hosts were so warm and friendly.   After I finished eating (we were the only guests last night), Joyce grabbed her coffee and sat at the dining room table with me for over an hour just chatting away.     She has a new granddaughter, Tabytha (that's how they spell it) born on July 19th (Blair's birthday), so you can imagine we Grandmas had a lot of comparing over our new babies and all our grandchildren! 

Joyce - the proprietor of the Ruffled Duck Inn

We had some heavy traffic around Norfolk and a few rain showers off and on, but overall, a good afternoon of travel.     Had fun reminiscing about our summer on Catrina (and July in NC) - so much fun and so many memories (and calories - ha)!    But now really looking forward to tomorrow and seeing Drew, Davis, Brady and Blair - just 5 hours away!!!!

Ate dinner at Three (not Five) Guys Italian Restaurant here in Franklin - really good locally owned place!

Nitey nite!!!

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Tuesday - August 27

Rained some in the morning, but then the sun came out and it was in the 90's - got the truck loaded up (we are jammed packed) and then finished up inside jobs.     Did 4 loads of laundry (love these $1 machines).  We went to Schooners for lunch and then Catrina got her final good scrubbing for 2013!    She is squeaky clean, thanks to  Awesome Orange our "best" friend when it comes to cleaning almost "anything"!    And it's only $1 at Dollar Tree (thanks for this great recommendation from our friend, Ed in Sturgeon Bay)!!!  

Had the rest of our chocolate cake from last night as a mid afternoon snack!    Devine!!!

 

 (Tah dah.....tomorrow morning Catrina comes out and we'll be on our way to NC.)

 

Staying at the Ruffled Duck B and B tonight here in Oxford!.    It is old and nicely renovated and the hosts are originally from IL.....walked to the Robert Morris Inn for excellent dinner in a quaint setting.    This place dates back to 1710.   We sat in a booth with 3 brick walls surrounding us.

 

Our charming B and B

 

Oxford is one of the oldest towns in Maryland founded in 1683.and although the population is 650, it still thrives as a boat building and yachting center.   A wonderful getaway on the Eastern shore with neat inns and some very good eateries.    Oxford has been called "Mayberry" - sleepy little town oozing with quaintness and charm and very friendly folks! 

Monday - August 26

Beautiful deep blue skies and 86 degrees.    We started the day exercising.... breakfast and then starting tackling our job lists and packing.    Got a lot done - especially Mark (never seems to be an end to all the boat jobs - especially at end of season).    He also installed a new heating element for our hot water heater.    So....things are coming along - will soon be ready to start loading up the truck.....

 

I went for a short bike ride - brought back a chocolate shake for Mark from Highland Creamery - boy, they have good ice cream and just a tiny little place with a walk-up window by the water.

Late afternoon we drove to Easton (9 miles) and Mark did some shopping at
West Marine and Lowes.
 

We had our little "happy hour" on Catrina's bridge - last one for the season and enjoyed church bells tolling - "How Great Thou Art"!!!

 

Some of the restaurants are closed Mondays, some Tuesdays and Wednesdays here (only 5 in town).....went back to the Masthead and had awesome crab nachos.    And.....we got a slice of 7-layer chocolate cake to go....this was wonderful (saved some for tomorrow)

 

Decadent, Delicious, Delightful!!!

 

Last night on Catrina for 2013!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday - August 25

Sunny Sunday greetings......we had pancakes for breakfast and started in with the packing till around 11:15 and then moved boat to Hinckley Boat Yards - just 1/2 mile on Town Creek (we are off the Tred Avon River).    

 

We walked to Schooners for lunch - this is where we met Glen and Paula, friends from Fort Myers who were anchored out on their boat a few weeks ago.    After lunch we walked to Mears Marina to get our truck - now we've got all our stuff in one spot and just working away packing up bags, boxes, bins, etc., etc. etc.      So lucky to be in a perfect spot where we can drive the truck right beside Catrina and laundry room is right here, too.

Took a break at 5 and rode our bikes to the Highland Creamery for delicious ice cream (all homemade)!  Nice ride around town - sooo many neat homes - one thing about the homes on the Eastern Shore.....they are old, but well preserved, have shutters, porches, either wicker or wooden furniture and porch swings.   And some have white picket fences - charming!!!

 

The Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay is also called the Delmarva Peninsula bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean comprising portions of the states of Delaware,

Maryland and Virginia.

 

Instead of being called fishermen in this area, they are watermen (only catching crab and oysters).

 

A typical boat used by watermen

 

Have a great week!

 

 

 

Saturday - August 24

45 years ago tonight (also on a Saturday), Mark proposed and we were married 10 months later.   Thinking back to that time......who would've thought (certainly not us) that we 2 farm kids would end up loving the water and all this travel via Catrina and Daisy!!!!   What an adventure we've had and hopefully many more years together doing this fun stuff!!!!

 

Today was beautiful with low 80's and sunny.    We left Cambridge at 8:15 and arrived in Oxford at 10.    We are staying at Mears Yacht Haven and tomorrow we'll move a short distance to Hinckley Boat Yard where we'll be till Catrina is lifted out Wednesday (they were full tonight).   

 

Mark spent 3 hours changing oil in the 2 engines and generator.   Big job out of the way!    I walked to Hinckley and got our mail and drove our truck back here to Mears.   We drove to Easton ( 9 miles) and strolled along Harrison Street in the historic district, had some yummy ice cream at Old Towne Creamery and I got a pedicure (Mark took a nap in the truck).    We went to Saints Peter and Paul for 5:30 Mass......very nice Mass in beautiful new church (7 years old) and visiting with Father afterwards, we said we were from IL....he laughed and said "Oh, I had better give you an extra blessing"!    Good chuckle over that, but sad that our home state is in such a mess!

 

We had an awesome dinner outside by the water watching the sun set at The Masthead - loved the crab sandwiches!    We both can't get enough of this local specialty and our time is winding down here, so....stocking up!    HA!

 

 

Friday - August 23

Exercised, breakfast, 2 loads of laundry (marina only has 1 washer and dryer, so takes a while) and then for a bike ride.   We also walked to the Choptank River Lighthouse and walked thru that.  Very nice and interesting reading the history - this new replica (completed in 2012) still has that "new" smell to it! 

Some of the boats in our marina - the Cambridge Yacht Club is next door and between it and our marina there are over 450 boat slips.   Picture taken from the lighthouse.

 

 Watching the skies all morning as it got dark, then cleared and radar showed that "something" was coming??    But....nothing till late afternoon and then just a very slight drizzle.

 

We rode our bikes downtown to Gina's Ice Cream and Sweet Shoppe.

 

A leisurely afternoon of reading and then Mark grilled some delicious steaks (filet for me and ribeye for him) that we bought at the meat market yesterday.

 

Went for a walk and can't believe neither of us took our phones - duh!    That never happens.    Anyway, the skies have cleared and with the sun setting over the water, there was an orangey glow that made the Highway 50 bridge look all orange (it's a biggie) - beautiful and so sorry we didn't get a picture!    It was a spectacular sight.

 

Tomorrow we are moving on - final destination - Oxford (11 miles away).

 

 

 

 

Thursday - August 22

Whew....hot here in Cambridge!    We left our anchorage in San Domingo at 8:05 and cruised  21  miles (mostly on the Choptank River) arriving at 10:45.    Staying at the Cambridge Municipal Yacht Basin - large marina with sailboats in the majority.   Checked in, got the air going and off we went to see the town.    Pretty park-like setting near the marina and then walked down High Street with lovely large old homes.    Unfortunately, the historic downtown has really taken a hit from the economy with many empty storefronts.....sad that it's not thriving like St.. Michaels.

 

Had a wonderful lunch at Canvasback Irish Pub - Sandra was our waitress, bartender, chef and server and was outstanding!    Not too much action on the streets or in the restaurants this Thursday afternoon, so only a few other tables to serve, but she was extremely efficient with her multi-tasking!

Mark had bangers and mash (with Eastern Shore gravy - stewed tomatoes) - delicious!   Patrick will be sooo proud!!!   And my crab canvasback sandwich (with 1000 island dressing and cole slaw) was sooo good!

 

 Called and made a bunch of appointments for when we are home in 2 weeks!    Trying to get our  health and beauty needs take care of before we leave again!

 

Talbot is a familiar name here on the Eastern Shore - Talbot County, Talbot Street in St. Michaels (where it's all happening) and Easton, MD is the site of the original Talbot's Women's Clothing Store (a favorite of mine).   

 

 When we arrived here today, the Choptank River Lighthouse greeted us at the entrance.   It is a replica of the original and was completed in 2012.

 

Choptank River Lighthouse

 

 St. Michaels and Cambridge each have a beautiful Christ Church with old stone and the traditional red door.   The bells tolled hourly in St. Michaels.

 

Christ Church in Cambridge, Maryland

Annette and Brooke are so good about sending pictures or videos of Luke and Blair - love it!    We were out on the Choptank River this morning when these precious photos were texted to us from FL and NC!     This technology is soooo fun and exciting!

 

Luke is a happy boy at bath time

The Princess was hanging out with Mommy while she did laundry

 

And we did two loads of laundry this afternoon and went to the Farmers' Market where we bought peaches and blueberries.    

 

And then tonight....this came in

 

Two little sweethearts - Blair and Brady

 

 

Wednesday - August 21

 

Our NC grandsons - 1st day of the new school year

2nd, 6th and 8th grades

 

And little sister riding along with her brothers to school 

 

The Nomads were busy little beavers today starting with exercising, breakfast and then we set to work cleaning and waxing Catrina (Mark) and I cleaned and polished all the stainless steel.   Whew.....big jobs out of the way.    After 5 nights at anchor, tomorrow we are moving on to Cambridge.

 

It was pretty warm again today.......rested a bit after our chores and then took the dinghy to shore and got some ice cream, a few groceries and then walked part of the trail.   By this time, we were HOT!!!    So, back to the boat and sat on the bridge with a wonderful breeze - just had snacks and drinks tonight (+ the last cupcake I bought yesterday - yummy)!

 

We've sure enjoyed our time in St. Michaels!!!

Tuesday - August 20

The heat is back (88) today with lots of sunshine after 2 days of clouds!    We took the dinghy to shore at 8:00 and walked the St. Michaels Nature Trail - very nice paved road (3 miles) and saw a bald eagle and 2 little deer along the way.

 

Back to Catrina for a while - later Mark took me to shore for another shopping venture.   I did my part to boost the economy here and bought a few Christmas gifts.     Strange that some of the shops and restaurants are not open on Tuesdays/Wednesdays?    Doesn't make sense when all these tourists are in town???   

 

 More and more "rich and famous" have second homes here in St. Michaels; among them,  

Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney!

 

I also bought some muffins for breakfast tomorrow and cupcakes at "Sweetie".     So many cute shops here.

 

We took the dinghy to shore and walked around downtown at 4:30 and had drinks and appetizers at The Town Dock!   

 

 

Monday - August 19

Happy one-month, Miss Blair

 

Taking a little snooze

 

After exercising and pancakes, we left Granary Creek and cruised 38 miles to San Domingo Creek near St. Michaels.    We are just a short jaunt by dinghy to shore and all the shops and restaurants in this charming town.     We had a great lunch at The Blackthorn Irish Pub and then I hit the shops.   Mark went back to Catrina and did some boat jobs

 

When we were passing by St. Michaels, the views of the homes (waterside) are unbelievable....or as Mark would say "They are GYnormous"!    And we were wondering if some weren't an inn or resort, but apparently, all private homes!   

 

Lovely homes to pass by walking into town, too, with neat porches, wicker furniture, pretty flowers and several with a red door!     AND....love that many were proudly flying Old Glory!

 

So, it was a good afternoon and looking forward to going back tomorrow.     Mark picked me up at 5 and we are really enjoying anchoring out another night or so....

 

The Chesapeake is jam packed with rivers and creeks which all feed into the big bay.   You could spend months and months here and not hit all these little hidden jewels!

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday - August 18

Rainy Sunday on the water.....after breakfast we decided it was time to start organizing and getting our "stuff" together - what we're taking home, what stays on boat, making an inventory list, etc.    Worked on that for awhile and after checking radar, decided we would go onshore and do more hiking like yesterday.     Just had a few sprinkles, bur very pleasant walking thru the woods and farmland with some very healthy crops.    

 

Along our walk, we came across this "holly" tree which is 290 years old!!!

 

 Since we couldn't get to Mass today....this beautiful setting was sure close to God's country!!     We would love to be in this area in another 2 months - all in spectacular autumn splendor!   Don and Ann had told us this Eastern Shore is truly magnificent in the fall.

 

Back to the boat for lunch, naps, reading computer stuff, and just a lazy Sunday afternoon,    Most of the rain missed us, but did get another shower late afternoon.    

 

Played Rummi-Kube with Mark beating me 2 out of 3 games.

 

Anne, Patrick, Liam, Connor and The Stanley Cup! 

 

How awesome for them to get to see this as it's making its way around the country!

 

Tomorrow, we are moving on from Granary Creek and the Wye River heading to an anchorage near St. Michaels - look out shop owners......I'm a'comin!!!!

 

BLT's for supper...    Michael and Brooke's basement is all back in order after the flood!    Yeah!!!

 

Saturday - August 17

Another winner in the weather department - as Don and Ann said last night...."this is sooo not the usual summer weather on the Chesapeake!"  We love it!!!

 

Left the Miles River Yacht Club at 9 and went a short jaunt (8  miles) to our anchorage on the Wye River.   Took the dinghy to check out where we could go ashore and do some hiking (as we were told), but could not find a good spot, so.........pulled up the anchor and went another 6 miles and at the Wye River Nature Reserve, we tied up the dinghy and hiked thru some pretty woodsy areas and in open farm country past corn and bean fields.   

 

So calm and peaceful here - one other sailboat off in the distance!

Mark grilled chicken and along with a salad and wine enjoyed our dinner on the bridge !
Life is Good!!!

 

 

 

Friday - August 16

Another pretty day and after exercising and enjoying breakfast on the bridge (Mark fixed pancakes and sausage), we were off......short time later a distress call came across the VHF radio - a man in his boat reported that a person had just jumped from the Bay bridge.   Oh my...........the coast guard was called, lots of questions asked and probably 20 minutes later, the body had been recovered by the DNR.   How horrible for that boater to witness that.    Yesterday a 35-year old female jumped to her death from the 4th floor of State Farm's Atrium.    Two very tragic stories.

 

We arrived at the MRYC (Miles River Yacht Center) at 12:10.    After lunch we rode our bikes into St. Michaels (1.4 miles) and enjoyed a few hours of leisurely strolling (Mark got an ice cream cone). This is a favorite town of ours on the Eastern Shore and we plan to be back next week!  

 

Rest of the afternoon we read, did computer stuff and at 5:00, Don and Ann arrived.   Don and Mark worked together many years ago.  We had drinks on Catrina's bridge and then a delicious dinner at the yacht club!    Back to the boat for more visiting   It was a delightful evening!

 

Ann and Don

 

Excited to hear tonight that Luke rolled over!    He has that look of....

 

"What just happened"?

Blair is 4 weeks today!

 

Enjoy your weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday - August 15

Another spectacular day - sure doesn't feel like August with these 70ish degree days and very low humidity!   When we were reading about the Chesapeake and planning our trip several months ago, we kept hearing how HOT it is in the summertime.................we've been very lucky with minimal "hot" days and most of them were in July when we were in NC.

 

Mark returned the rental car this morning and then we went for a 6.4 mile bike ride on the trail!    Left Kent Island around 11 and cruised 7.6 miles to the Queenstown anchorage.   It is soo pretty, peaceful and serene.    We took the dinghy and binoculars and meandered around this woodsy area hoping to see some bald eagles, but....no luck (did see some big nests, though).

 

Went into the town dock of Queenstown and walked around this nice little town of 671 - had milk shakes at Royal Farms and just so pleasant to be out walking.    Had driven thru part of this town yesterday, but today, saw a bit more.    Sure have a lot of crepe myrtle trees in Maryland, too.

 

Mark grilled out hamburgers and we are just enjoying nature.    Off to St. Michaels tomorrow - meeting friends for dinner (Mark and Don used to work together).  

Start of the new school year for Liam and Connor

Wednesday - August 14

Oh what a glorious day with deep blue skies, sunshine and breezy.   We had some rain, thunder and lightning last night and really made things fresh and cool today - only in the low 70's today!

 

We exercised and then Mark picked up a rental car - decided we wanted to see more of this area and had places to go that were not easily accessible by foot or bike.    The air conditioning water pump went out in our bedrooms, so....a trip to West Marine for parts was first on the list, followed by a haircut for me (been almost 7 weeks and I think Stephanie took off a few lbs....  ha, I wish)!!!  

 

 Mark decided we should see the countryside and Chestertown (had planned to go there yesterday before coming to Chester, but then the flash flood warnings, so....).    We drove 30 miles in very rural areas passing thru some charming little towns (Centreville, Queenstown, Kingstown). to Chestertown - what a pretty town of 5,000+ and many lovely old homes, some dating back to the 1600's + lots of pretty flower gardens.    We found the "Evergrain Bread Company" and sat outside in the sunshine enjoying our sandwich and some great bakery goodies.  We were very close to Delaware.

 

There are two towns on Kent Island - Chester and Stevensville.    Most folks refer to the area as
The Island

 

Back to Catrina and Mark replaced the pump and we were off on our bikes to do part of the trail (6 miles).    It is so pretty thru the Terrapin Nature Center and Cross Island Trail.  Lots of trees forming a canopy - would love to see this area in the fall).    After supper, we went to 7:00 Mass at St. Christopher for the vigil of Assumption of Mary (holyday for we Catholics.)

Then to Safeway for a few groceries, back to Catrina and did face time with Liam and Connor -
first day of school tomorrow!
 

 

 

Tuesday - August 13

Our calm, peaceful sleep was interrupted at 4:15 AM when the weather radio alert came on telling about a flash flood watch in effect for our area and north of us.     We had planned to anchor out one more night, but decided to go into Chester (13 miles away) and be safe.    We arrived at the Castle Harbor Marina at 9 - still waiting for that first drop of rain!!!      It all went north of us and into NJ, so....Mark worked on boat jobs and we'll just hang out here a few days before moving on...

90% chance of rain today....but the sun came out and it was a nice summer day!    We rode our bikes (first time for me since June) towards downtown, but too much traffic and so, got on a very nice bike trail thru the woods and rode a total of  7 miles.

 

Walked to "Shells Yes Crab Cake Company" for supper - it was ok, but nothing too exciting!   We are in a nice friendly marina with several liveaboards.

 

 

Monday - August 12

Hot sunny greetings from Davis Creek on the Chester River.....we had thought we would stay in Swan Creek another night, but then.......after exercising and breakfast, we took the dinghy to Rock Hall.   Tied up at the very nice Harbor Haven marina and walked 1+ miles to downtown - small little berg of 1600+, but a cute coffee shop and a very nice ladies shop "The Hickory Stick".    Mark meandered down the street to West Marine and we met up at Java Rock for

 "cool" refreshing drinks.    It is steamy today and not much breeze.   Most of the boats in this area are from MD, PA and DE.

 

So, after we were back on Catrina decided to take off (24 miles) to another pretty anchorage eating lunch along the way   We are on the Chester River and had a nice,pleasant trip past farms and some big homes - very rural setting.

 

Talked to Ryan yesterday and still not sure about the Blue Angels future - 2014 schedule is posted online, but have not gotten the go-ahead that the season will happen!    The Wall Street Journal had an interesting article that I thought you might like to read....says it all very well!   Here's the link.

 

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324653004578650634151749080.html

 

Mark grilled out Italian Sausage - it's just us here at Davis Creek tonight - so peaceful and pretty!

 

 

 

Saturday-Sunday - August 10-11

Hello from Swan Creek near Rock Hall, MD – we traveled 20 miles today across to the Eastern shore.    Had a very fun weekend with our nephew, Tom from Arlington, VA.   He arrived Saturday morning and we enjoyed showing him around Annapolis.    Started off with a dinghy ride from Spa Creek to Back Creek to Davis’ Pub for lunch.    Every time we come to Annapolis, we make sure and eat at this out-of-the-way-nothing-fancy-but-good food-place.   We’ve never come by boat before, so this was a first.

Enjoyed our crab cake and Reuben sandwiches and then just rode around showing Tom the sites…..

Chart House of Annapolis

Back to Catrina and took off on a foot-tour starting with the Naval Academy – watched a short video about the Plebes and  what they go thru during their 6-week orientation which just finished and why their families are visiting this weekend!   Browsed at the visitor’s center and off to walk downtown Annapolis and the historic area.   Tom loved it all…………..what’s not to love and enjoy about Annapolis    He also brought awesome weather!

 

Tom at the Annapolis waterfront

 

We walked to St. Mary’s Church for 5:00 Mass and then to the Chart House for awesome dinner – this is one of our very favorite restaurants (wherever there is a Chart House) 

 outstanding food, service and ambiance.

 

After a delicious meal topped off with chocolate lava cake

 

Sat on Catrina’s bridge and enjoyed the people, traffic and Annapolis nightlife 

a very happening place on Saturday night.   

 

Night time in historic Annapolis with capital in background 

Woke up to a few sprinkles Sunday morning, but quickly cleared and was a beautiful day.    Walked to the Hard Bean Café for breakfast and also bought some veggies  at the Farmer’s Market.    Said our good-byes to Tom…………….always enjoy our time with him and especially fun to share Baltimore and Annapolis this summer!

 

 

 Thanks for coming, Tom

Till next time Annapolis - thanks for the memories!

 

We left in Catrina around 10:30 and got to Swan Creek at 1:00.   Lots of people anchored out and several boats rafted up – brings back memories of many years ago us doing the same at Clinton Lake.    As the afternoon moves on, boats are gradually leaving – weekend is about over and time to go home!

Here are a few grandchildren photos…..

Pretty Baby Blair all ready for a Saturday outing on the boat

 

Davis and Blair enjoying a Sunday morning cuddle

 

Our sweet and silly IL grandsons having breakfast out on Saturday morning

 

It is such a pretty evening and so calm and peaceful here in Swan Creek - after all the hustle and bustle of Annapolis, this is nice!   When we arrived, there were 30+ boats anchored out and now down to 10.   Hoping to anchor out more these next few weeks.

 

We had a picnic supper on the bridge - BLT's, marinated veggies and fresh bing cherries!   Missy, my friend from Arizona called and so good to catch up with her!   

 

 

 

Friday - August 10

Hot, steamy greetings from America's Sailing Capital - and that is true with so many boats everywhere!    Once again the storms missed us - skies were very dark around 2:15, thunder and lightning, radar looking nasty and weather radio coming on with alerts!   But all blew over (3rd straight day) - no complaints!

We exercised and looked across the water at a sailboat which had a young gal doing her thing - either pilates or yoga on her mat at bow of boat.   We NEVER see other boaters or RVers exercising?    A year ago when we were in Maine, we talked to a guy from Arizona who was doing some weight lifting and he agreed (we were first ones he saw, too....)   So...now a first on the water!

I did some laundry and cleaned inside of Catrina and tidied up.    We walked around trying to decide where to have lunch - sooooo many choices.    And then, Mark noticed  the Blue Angel flag flying at Factor's Row, so............that was a no-brainer and in we went!    We have our loyalties ya know!!!    Only been open 2 months, but busy and very good (I had shrimp and grits and a peach sangria - Mark loved his BLT with unusual bread and lots of bacon!)

Good spot to eat in Annapolis + they are flying the Blue Angel flag

And speaking of the Navy, the plebes (1st year students) were out and about today in big numbers with their families as it's "parent weekend".   

 

We sat up on the bridge and read our books and people watched!    The skies started looking dark again and boy, this time we got it!   5:00, the winds picked up and very heavy rain   So many people caught in the storm and running like crazy for some protection.

 

New pictures of my babies

 

Blair - 3 weeks today

 

Luke - 4 months

 

We went for a walk this evening - people out and about everywhere!    Stopped at one of the coffee shops - Mark had a many layered chocolate cake concoction (I had a few bites) - very rich and good!

 

 

Thursday - August 8

Happy 4 months today to Luke!!!    Gosh, he's growing up too fast....

 

We've had quite a day - Mark fixed a nice breakfast of eggs/sausage/English muffins and then Enterprise picked him up and off to get rental car.    We left Annapolis around 9:45 and drove to Dundalk to pick up our truck which I drove following Mark and we were off to Oxford, MD.......we crossed the long Chesapeake Bay Bridge to the Eastern Shore and enjoyed some rural Maryland scenery.     The trip took about 2 hours from Dundalk and GPS routed us to the ferry?  

Hmmmm....but sure enough, we got on the car ferry in Bellevue and took about a 1-mile little jaunt across the Tred Avon River to Oxford.    It was lunch time, so decided to find Schooners which our friends Glen and Paula had enjoyed a few days ago.    We figured they were out of the area by now....but lo and behold, as we sat down at our picnic table, we spotted "Freestyle" anchored out!   Surprise!   Mark called them, they came over in the dinghy and we had a great visit and caught up over delicious lunch (us) and drinks (them).....you just never know.    They've been traveling from Fort Myers since April and now heading back home.  We saw them at Isle of Hope, GA, and hoped to meet up again, but didn't think it was going to happen?    And tah dah....there they were in Oxford!

After lunch, we walked to the Hinckley Boat Yard and Mark signed papers for Catrina to be lifted out August 28th and stored for the winter.    Then to the ice cream shop by Schooners (all home-made) for excellent cones (butterfinger, chocolate rum raisin, Belgium chocolate and butter pecan).    YUMMY stuff!

Surprise meeting in Oxford, MD with good friends!

 

Said our good byes (will meet again this winter in Fort Myers), we left the truck in boat yard, and came on back to Annapolis.    Stopped at Whole Foods for a few things, dropped rental car off at Enterprise and Hilary gave us ride to the boat.    Whew.....back to boat at 5:15, grabbed some laundry, got that started, then to Catrina's bridge for some cheese/crackers/wine.    More people watching, but skies got dark, thunder and lightning.....had a slight drizzle, but nothing much (all went north of us).

 



Wednesday - August 7

We are in Annapolis - 32 miles from Baltimore today on rough choppy waters!    It was very grey and overcast when we left around 9:30, and although rain was predicted, haven't seen any yet.    We are smack dab in the heart of downtown Annapolis in Ego Alley - love it here amongst all the shops, restaurants, people strolling past (most with an ice cream cone in hand) and steps away from the Naval Academy.

 

After lunch we gave Catrina a good scrubbing and the sun came out and just a very pretty afternoon.    I browsed some of the shops and Mark had a few errands - disappointed that the hardware store which is sooo close is now gone!

 

Had tacos for dinner (I know this is a major shock that I cooked)!     Been eating out so much and have plenty of food onboard, so.....lots of good eating in this charming town!    Have some favorites and some new spots, too.

 

Went for a walk - so nice out and people enjoying this breezy evening before the rain comes (radar looks nasty).

 

Just a few of many sailboats and their crew back in after a Wednesday night race!

Tuesday - August 6

Rainy morning in Baltimore.....caught up on e-mails, read, printed out a bunch of Blair pics for my little photo book and just hunkered down in Catrina.

 

Mark took the water taxi and toured Fort McHenry....the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner.   he enjoyed the history lesson and tour very much.    The Fort played a critical role in the War of 1812. 

 

  When the rain let up a bit, I took the umbrella and walked 2 blocks to Whole Foods - fun browsing!

 

Rain stopped, but very dreary with some light fog and humid this afternoon.   We did a load of laundry at the marina - very nice here with great boater's lounge - comfy chairs, big-screen TV, and inexpensive washers and dryers ($1.25 per load - that's a good deal) 

 

We walked to Little Italy (mainly looking for some good pizza and a glass of chianti).....there are 31 restaurants in Little Italy (according to the brochures) and we walked the streets checking out menus, etc.    Amazing that no one serves pizza at night (some at lunch time)?    We ate at Amicci's and had some great salad, pasta and chianti!!!   Turned out to be a real pleasant evening! 

 

Luke is really into Daddy's laptop!!! 

 

Tomorrow we are off to Annapolis - great 3 days in Baltimore!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday - August 5

Another pretty start to the day - clear blue sunny skies and low humidity!    We exercised, Mark walked to Lamill Coffee (in the 4 Seasons) very close to our marina and brought back pastries and coffees which we enjoyed on Catrina's bridge.     I took off for Fells Point around 11 and enjoyed several hours of browsing the area - love these old row houses, sooo many restaurants (bars, saloons, taverns, outdoor cafes) tucked here, there and everywhere!    Think we could stay here for months   and not hit 'em all!    So impressed with the beautiful old architecture and what they've done with these industrial buildings - very upscale condos, apartments and office buildings!

 

By early afternoon, lots of clouds rolled in (same as yesterday) and the wind really picked up!    My big purchase of the day was my 2014 calendar at Barnes and Noble.

We walked several blocks to The Thames Street Oyster House for excellent dinner.    A friend, Sue from back home had recommended it when she was here in late June (same time as us, but didn't realize till later).    When we checked into the marina yesterday, Cory gave us brochures for all the restaurants for Fells Point and other sightseeing spots.    He said we really should eat at The Thames Street Oyster House?    Well, with soooo many places to choose from, we were surprised he would mention this same place.    What a WINNER!!!!   And we had a really good waitress!   This place has been in business for only 2 years and already has a 4.5* rating!

After last night and now tonight, 2 highly recommended places for your Baltimore dining experience that we give are...................

Bond Street Social
and
The Thames Street Oyster House

and on that note....nite nite

 

Sunday - August 4

What a spectacular day after all the rain!    Woke to sunny, blue cloudless skies.    We took the dinghy to shore and walked to 10:00 Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.   Felt good to walk 4.5 miles (round trip) after being on the boat for 2 days!

 

Mark going into church

 

Mark did a bit more cleaning of Catrina's water line and around 1:00 we left for Baltimore - lots of boat traffic this pretty Sunday and strong, gusty winds.    The sailors were out in abundance!  

 

This is off Hart-Miller Island (huge anchorage that sometimes will have over 1,000 boats on a busy weekend).   Families out swimming, grilling out, having fun and even have a barge with snacks and drinks nearby!

 

  We did 25.5 miles and are at the Inner Harbor East Marina in Fells Point.    This is on the Patapsco River across from where we stayed 5 weeks ago - more new territory to explore!    When Philip lived here in 2000-2001, he took us to Fells Point - neat area and plan to check it out tomorrow.

 

We walked towards all the restaurants/shops and had a great dinner at Bond Street Social - what a neat experience with excellent drinks (white sangria with blueberries in ice cubes) and tapas as we sat outdoors this gorgeous evening.   Desserts were extra special and unique, too.....I had 4 mini snickerdoodle cookies filled with salted caramel gelato - divine!!!   Mark had some sort of chocolate brownie (very dense) layered with caramel (decadent)!

 

We had planned to stay here for 2 nights, bur after checking in with the marina, they have a special for 3 nights, so.....why not?    Lots to see and do here, so hanging around till Wednesday!

 

Sat on Catrina's bridge, had a glass of wine and enjoyed the beauty of the Inner Harbor.