Heading back down the Potomac, again to find that some days are better than others. Actually, some hours of a day are better than others. It started out to be beautiful. Looked at DC through the back windows with blue skies and sunshine. Planned a long day – about 78 miles. Late in the afternoon, Ed remembered a place we had passed on the way up the Potomac – an island with a large cross on it. We found it on the charts – St. Clement’s Island. We anchored off the island and took the dinghy in to explore. Turns out the cross marked the site of the first Catholic Mass in English America in 1634. This is where people had landed and eventually started the Maryland Colony. On the island, there is a replica of a lighthouse and a bell tower which gave warnings in foggy weather. Pretty place – walked the island then got back to the boat to head for an anchorage for the night.
The Cross on St. Clement’s Island.
Went to Canoe Neck Creek to anchor. Found a lovely spot. Put down the anchor – couldn’t get it to set. Pulled it up, tried another spot – couldn’t get the anchor to set. Tried another spot – same result. We tried 7-8 spots with no success. By this time, the moon was up, the sun was pretty much down, we were tired and hungry and didn’t know what to do. We were now in a channel, but fortunately no boats moving about. I finally said “drop it and we’ll drag it until it catches on SOMEthing! “ It finally did, but not a comfortable night as there was lots of water movement through the channel that night. This is why people usually travel fewer miles and stop by early afternoon. Lesson learned.
Next two nights at a beautiful anchorage in Jultand Creek, just south of St. Marys, MD. Quiet and peaceful. TWO nights because when we tried to leave, the Potomac kept slapping us back. Can’t fight it.
On to Solomons. Docked at the Solomons Island Yacht Club. Wonderful people there and SO welcoming. Had a bit of a surprise when we first docked. we weren’t even tied up yet when a Coast Guard rep approached and asked us if we wanted a safety inspection. Let me think – can I say no to such a request? We welcomed him and his trainee on board and were pleased to pass inspection.
This happened to be the Yacht Club’s season opening weekend. They had lots of festivities and invited us to join them. To top it off, the Tiki Hut was re-opening after being closed for a year. This is apparently an icon on Solomons and the turn out of people was phenomenal. So much to do! Additionally, the local Catholic Church was having a “Dancing Thru the Decades” dinner dance. We HAD to go. Lots of fun and lots of dancing. Turns out the pastor was a priest at a church Ed’s family attended in the 70’s in Bowie, MD. He actually remembered Ed’s parents. Small world.
Ed and his new priest buddy – Fr. Michael Wilson.
The memorial for seafarers on Solomons Island. The yacht club had a very reverent memorial service on the opening day of their season.
Fire boats in salute to the mariners. The two boats slowly rotated.
The Solomons Island Yacht Club opening day. The flags represent the US, state of Maryland, the city, and one for each of the officers of the Yacht Club.
It was also opening weekend for the Tiki Bar. We were here early before the crowds. The road in front of the bar was closed. Many people came by boat, so there were lots of boats in the harbor, going every direction. We were glad to be tied up at the yacht club.
Fun,fun,fun! Hopefully the minor setbacks will fade away as you continue