Voyage 2020: Chapter 2

4 May 2020, Mini Trip: First Stop - Solomons, 38 19.776 N/ 076 27.444 W

Three days ago we left for Solomon's Island for a three day stay at Zanheiser's. The marina was open for transients but most of the facility was closed. On the way to our slip, our bow roller caught on the dock. We took away a small chunk of dock and redesigned the roller (see gallery below). Not our finest hour (more to come). The Covid lock down has the streets and waterway nearly deserted. While on Cruiseheimers, we heard several of our cruising buddies, including Anthony of MV Magnolia, where he was tied up at Calverts. He sent us this picture of us as he was leaving yesterday. We first met them in Newport RI many, many years ago. We crossed paths from time to time along the waterway. Bob walked the streets. Pretty town but not much open. We met only one soul (and a cute puppy). He shared a catwalk. Bob enjoyed their daily talks. Sadly, Ann's back is getting worse she rarely leaves the boat. We are hoping for some good news on her medical issues during the summer and fall.

There are very few Roy Rogers these days. We discovered one at Solomon's about fifteen years ago. Ann got a roast beef sandwich and I got a Double-R-Bar Burger; and of course the fixin' bar. Wonderful! Yesterday, Bob hiked from the marina to Roy's for a RR Carry out. Yep, a Dbl-R-BBgr and a RB sandwich; but no fixin' bar. Actually, got our RR eats twice while were there. Tomorrow, we head for Reedville.

5 May 2020, Second Stop: Reedville, VA, 37 50.304 N/ 076 16.806 W

Left Solomon's at 0830 with a light NE wind. We had a good motor sail past the Potomac River but the wind became unfavorable as we turned up the Great Wicomico. Reedville is less than two miles up the Cockrell Creek. We usually tie up at the Crazy Crab as it is convenient and the people friendly. We always enjoy the 'Stack', the chimney from an old time Menhaden factory when the industry was booming. Today, the fishing industry uses airplane spotters, mother ships, and remote 'dories' positioning the nets. The town experiences a unique smell when the factories are running and the wind is from the South.

Just as we finished tying up Jule, it started raining with a vengeance. By 1800, the weather was settling and the Cap'n had a chance to walk the street of Reedville. We love this town but today it has all of the activity of other small towns during the Covid era. A few decades ago, we were thinking of buying property here but stores and medical services were in short supply. Friendly people were abundant. Weather will turn foul late tomorrow so we will hustle down to Norfolk tomorrow.