Slo Pace: Exploring the Chesapeake – Part II

I now understand why some boaters say they spend the entire summer cruising the Chesapeake Bay. Besides all of the stops right on the bay, there are endless rivers with small towns or big cities to explore, or just spend a quiet day (or more) “on the hook” (at anchor). We are only able to sample just few locations, even having most of May to spend on the bay.

We are now in what can be loosely described as the “middle of the bay”, with each stop having its own distinct characteristics and alluring charm.

Solomons Island, MD – We had the pleasure of meeting up with one of our new looper friends for dinner at this stop. Unfortunately, our looper friend’s husband had fallen on their boat and was recovering from an injury to his back and ribs. They are putting the loop on hold for this year and will enjoy cruising the east coast and down to Florida after hurricane season. We hope to reconnect with them next year if we return to cruise the gorgeous Canadian waterways. We honestly didn’t see much of the town, except for Dave’s bike trip to the hardware store…see his post for the details on his awesome generator repair while we were at anchor the night before. Captain Dave can do it all!

Oxford, MD – Oxford boasts having the oldest running Inn in America, the Robert Morris Inn, at which the crews of Betty Gail and Slo Pace enjoyed a most excellent dinner. We were also able to order a slice of the renowned Smith Island Bakery cake, and also got a slice of to go to enjoy the next day. Nine layers of cake heaven. Oxford also boasts having the longest running ferry service. It takes cars and people over to St. Michaels (see the next stop below). Murphy greatly enjoyed this stop as there was a nearby dog park for him to chase balls and play with other fur babies. It was a great day for all.

St. Michaels, MD – We anchored in a quiet cove behind the historic district and dinghied into town. This stop is known as a “must do” for cruisers. Is it the brewery, winery or rum distillery, or the coffee house with the best ever hot chocolate or the ice cream shoppe with its ice cream made from milk at a local diary or all of it? Of course, we enjoyed it all plus excellent Crab Nachos at Gina’s. (We were there for 2 nights to fit it all in). And, a looper who is a captain on one of the harbor cruises provided a 90-minute complimentary harbor cruise for the crews of Slo Pace and Betty Gail, which helped educate us on the history of this town as well as a tour through the Maritime Museum, complete with a walk-through of a restored lighthouse.

Deale, MD – Did someone say boating is a big deal on the Chesapeake? There must be slips for at least 1,000 boats in Deale – all taken. Given this is just one location on the Chesapeake, I can’t imagine how many total slips there are on the Chesapeake Bay. My picture captures just one small area in Deale full of boats. The locals must be so excited – boating weather is here.

Annapolis, MD – Navy town! We snagged a mooring ball just in front of the historic waterfront area and dinghied into town. We enjoyed local dining and walking to the State Capital where we learned Thomas Jefferson was appointed plenipotentiary. Not knowing this word, after a quick Siri inquiry, we learned the Continental Congress appointed Jefferson as plenipotentiary to negotiate commerce and amity with European powers. Jefferson joined Benjamin Franklin and John Adams in Europe in this endeavor. As we learn more and more about the creation of our country (or should I say “relearn”), it truly is amazing what our founding fathers put into place many years ago.

To note, there was an incredible statue of Justice Thurgood Marshall, right in front of the building where he successfully argued many cases leading up to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision (which he argued as well). He served as a Justice on the Supreme Court from 1967 – 1991.