Mike and Beth's Adventures

Two Army Surplus Landing Craft at our  May 30th, 2022 We exited Chesapeake Bay today.  We hated to bid it adieu.  We thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring it's nooks and crannies.  There are so many, it would take a lifetime to explore them all.  We visited the spots we hoped to see. We saw Portsmouth and Norfolk with their shipyards and vibrant waterfronts.  We also enjoyed Deltaville and the Solomons.  Two places that anyone who loves boats has to have on their list.  Next up was St. Michaels, a large dose of colonial, mixed with traditional shipbuilding, and enhanced with good food and beverage with cute BnB's.  This was followed with a week long stay at Chesapeake Beach to visit family and friends.  So great to enjoy each others company.  From there we explored Chestertown and stumbled into a large community event with fireworks and a re-enactment of the Chestertown Tea Party.  The bay definitely put it's best foot forward.  We encountered fog, but never the sloppy, unc

Erie Canal Locks between Waterford and Oswego Erie Canal Information Canal information from the NYS Canal Corporation  Profile and Mileage Table – New York State Canal System Marinas and Public Docks Erie Canal Maps Navigating the Erie Canal Features (bridges, Locks, etc.) along the eastern portion of the Erie Canal are listed by mileage. Travels with Tug44 - Erie Canal Travels with Tug 44 - Oswego Canal New York State Wineries Accessible by Water (3rd Ed. – June 2014) Hudson River Information Hudson River Guide 2015.pdf (hrbyca.org) A good source of current information on the Hudson is a monthly free magazine called "Boating on the Hudson" published by Beacon Publishing Corp. in Verplanck, NY.  Their web site is: www.boatingonthehudson.com/ A free pocket guide listing restaurants, lodging, and planned activities.  www.experiencethehudsonvalley.com Additional Hudson River Resources Travels with Tug 44 - Hudson River Additional  Great Loop Cruise Planning Information Great La

The Chestertown Tea Party Sometimes you stumble into situations you will remember for a long time.  Our visit to Chestertown Maryland was such an occasion.  We wanted to explore a port a bit off the normal Looper route.  So we travelled up the Chester River to visit a town founded in 1706.  In colonial times it was on the main route between Philadelphia and  Washington and located in a major tobacco growing area.  Through the revolution it was a major seaport.  After the revolution, the farmers switch to growing wheat and their farming techniques caused the river to silt in, restricting the size of ships which could call at their port. Today, it is a town of less than 6000 people and it is the county seat of Kent County as well as the home of Washington College, founded in 1782. What we stumbled into was the annual re-enactment of the "Chestertown Tea Party".  Local lore is that in May 1774, after the Boston Tea Party, the locals, upset with the tax on tea, held their own Tea

St. Michael's Waterfront May 25th, 2022 St. Michaels is a "must visit" Chesapeake Bay location.  A strong effort has been made to preserve the historic town core and host a maritime museum to showcase the traditional watercraft of the area.  It is a step back to an earlier time.  As it is one of the earliest colonial towns, some of the buildings are in excess of 300 years old.   Blended with the historic structures are many good restaurants, ice cream shops, pubs and of course, shopping.   The fact that there is something for everyone is what keeps people coming back. One of our favorite activities is to walk the streets of the compact city core and just let the history and vibes soak in.  One can't help but think about what life was like back when the buildings were first constructed and most residents earned their living off the bounty of the bay.  There is a rugged functionality to everything.  Only a limited selection of materials were available to construct house

Beth's son and his family live in Chesapeake Beach May 18-26, 2022 Beth's son and his family live near the Chesapeake Bay.  We were lucky and able to spend a fun week with them.  Beth got plenty of "grandkid" time with each of the kids and we were able to shuttle them to school, soccer and piano practice.   Additionally, we were able to visit with one of my friends I've known since junior high and also some friends who we meet when we traced the route of my father's WW2 85th Division through Italy. This stop was all about connecting with friends and family. Beth's son and his wife were great hosts.  They have  a wonderful and talented family. We were in town for their daughter's birthday  Nothing like a birthday party of kids on a sugar high! A pinata bashing was part of the fun All attendees had a chance to create their own tie dyed shirt A trip to a nearby beach was also in order... Beth's son shows off his tie dyed shirt We would like to thank B

Oxford's City Park May 17th, 2022 Oxford was our first stop on the eastern Chesapeake shore.  We found it a to be a pleasant one night stop.  You approach it first on the Choptank river and then transition to the Tred-Avon river.  It is out of the way a bit, which helps the town maintain a calm demeanor.  It was wonderful to have a fog free day and calm seas.  We motored at 8 mph and Amy Marie delivered 5 mpg fuel economy.  It was a 39 mile  hop from Solomon's, so we arrived in time for a late lunch. We have come to expect Osprey nests on the Navaids.  I suppose this is prime real estate, as fishing is handy and predators are not going to bother the nest. Oxfords presents well as you approach town.  It is located on a peninsula so has a windward and lee side.  We chose to anchor on the lee side for a more restful evening. The Capsize Restaurant was located on the lee side.  It offers tasty food, cold beer, and has an ice cream shop on one side.  Pretty convenient if you ask me!