June 16-17 Solomons Island Chesapeake Bay

Our next stop is Solomons Island, one of the Chesapeake's Bays most famous gathering spots for boats. The trip starts at 6:30 am as we pull anchor. Thunderstorms are predicted for the afternoon and it is our intent to beat their arrival and be tied to the dock by the time they arrive. We accomplish that at 12 noon, 45 sm later. We weave our way up the Creek at Solomons and pass many many marinas and restaurants to our destination, Spring Cove marina. Our slip is right next to Tom-Kat. We learn that Lamb Chop (Tim & Jan) and Gypsy Time are docked at the Marina next door. John & Pat of Gypsy Time had a pretty scary experience. Their canvas was ripped off of the top of their boat in a recent storm as they were tied to a mooring ball. The wind laid the boat on its side briefly and blew the top off. They have gone home to Canada while the boat is being repaired. It is pictured above

On Tuesday, John from Our Time, wanted to do some work on his boat and neither one of us had a jig saw onboard. So the conversation to my dockmate on the other side went something like this-"is there a hardware store in town?--yes but it is too far too walk-can I ride my bike-yes but it is a long way-here take the keys to my truck-the True Value store is down the road a couple of miles on the left" So off John and I went in a pretty expensive Expedition not even knowing the owner and it was the first time he had met us--but that's the way it is in the boating community. He had just arrived from North Carolina to stay on his boat because come to find out ZZ TOP was having a concert nearby the Marina tonight. (We could hear it from the boat-glad I didn't pay any money to go). Anyway mission accomplished with the the purchase of the jig saw, groceries were procured, and a trip to West marine all made easy by Mr. anonymous. This evening, Bob & Sue(Tom-Kat) and their daughter Katy, Tim & Jan (Lamb Chop), Gail & John and Judy and I had a very enjoyable evening at a nearby restaurant. Tomorrow will be a special day for Judy and I. We will complete our Great Loop closure as we approach Herring Bay, our next stop!