Voyage 2023: Chapter 2

12 May 2023, Off to the Eastern Shore Again, 38 46.182 N/ 076 13.716 W

Got the boat configured for solo departure much like our departure in April. We were again lucky to have a wind favorable (8 kts@WNW) for an easy getaway. Of course, once the motor started, Mattie was in the cabin for the duration. Wind was light in a favorable direction, so we motor-sailed out of Herring Bay, across the Chesapeake, into the Choptank River, finishing in the San Domingo Creek, often called the backside of St. Michael's. We dropped the anchor in our now normal solo method in around 10 feet of water with a 5:1 scope. I will save the dingy stuff (i.e., pumping, splashing, loading motor) for tomorrow as this solo old salt is tired. Mattie and I stayed out in the cockpit and enjoyed the sights. We saw many watermen with their crab lines, including the iconic Grey Ghost.

13 May 2023, Exploring St Michael's from the other Side, 38 46.182 N/ 076 13.716 W

Day 2 on the San Domingo Creek saw me solo (no cat) heading for the free dinghy dock. Dinghy dock needs some work (only 2 cleats on a dock that has room for 15 dinghies. The walk from the dock to Talbot St. was not too long. I walked to the museum, checked the prices, and decided to visit after I had breakfast. Lots of memories!! Ann and I would often come to St. Mikes in our weekend sailing days when we were young. I got misty-eyed a couple of times but that is another story.

When I entered Carpenter's St. Pub, I was asked if I wanted a free beer. I painfully said 'no' as I promised someone no more booze until the late afternoon.They were doing a photo shoot for an advertisement. I chatted with the son of the owner who helps when he is not busy being a MD State Senator. Nice guy. He wanted to 'comp' me my breakfast, but the waitress didn't get the message. The thought is what counts.

As I promised, I went to the Maritime Museum, and guess what? More memories; we stayed at the member's dock many times in our early days of cruising. Beautiful place with a screw pile lighthouse (Hooper's Strait?) as the centerpiece. I walked to the edge of the museum to see my anchorage of several weeks ago. There it, is but with boats this time. Glad I went earlier.

There is beautiful story in one of the buildings about MV Isabel and two generations of owners. The story starts in 1940 and ends in 2000. It is beyond my limited skills in writing. Suffice it to say it is a love story that includes Isabel. Misty-eyed again. After seeing Isabel, I left the museum and headed back to the dinghy dock. This church has always received a picture from my camera.