Voyage 2023: Chapter 2

15 May 2023, On to Oxford, 38 41.808 N/ 076 10.302 W

As the crow flies, Oxford is only 5.5 miles from St. Michael's. As the fish swims it is a bit more; like 13 nmi. It was hazy but cool. Not much wind, but I managed over 5kts with jib and jigger, and a bit of motor (always a motor for this solo sailor). When we came to Oxford in the past, we always tried to anchor on the Strand. This early in the season, maybe a total of 3 boats are anchored for a day or so. In a summer weekend, Trippe Creek is the place to anchor. Some brave souls anchor in Town Creek, but we have never been known to be brave. The town has an English flavor with their gardens, neat stone and wood fences. I went to an Episcopal Church (Holy Trinity) as there were no Catholic churches nearby. Of course, I messed up on the times and got there a half hour late as I also didn't judge the times to dinghy to shore nor walk to the church. Oh well, next time. Last stop in Oxford was Doc's Sunset Grille. It was about a mile walk from the Strand to the Grille but only a 10 minute walk from the church. Food was good, staff was friendly and efficient, and place was not crowded (at first). Afterwards, I waddled back to the dinghy dock, motored back to the mother ship, and collapsed. Super tired.

17 May 2023, Oxford to Solomon's, 38 19.854 N/ 076 27.57 W

Before I left Oxford, I had bring the dinghy motor back on board. Every arrival I bring it down, every departure, I bring it back up. It is definitely a pain for a solo old salt sailor (SOSS). The weather continues to be neither a hindrance nor much of a help as we crossed the Bay from the Eastern Shore to the Patuxent River towards Solomons. For this visit, I signed up for a mooring ball, but this time it was different. Zahnisers was bought by Safe Harbor. For the cruiser, it means better slips (floating) to be finished in a couple of years, nice bathrooms, and at least for now, poor service at a much higher price, including (what looked like to me), poorly maintained mooring balls. Enough bashing. I did all the thing that we used to do, including Roy Rogers, the shuttle to the grocery store. I picked up my first ball two years ago while Ann was steering. All good memories. Mattie and I stayed for two days. Next stop will be Reedsville, VA.