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30 September 2018 Jacksonville – Ocala

By on September 30, 2018 in Kindred Spirit III
17 September
    Love the early morning view from atop the Roosevelt Boulevard Bridge of the anchored sail boat and Jacksonville’s skyline from my morning walk. On my way back home, Bill and I met for breakfast at Bagel Love.





So much for Keto. A bit of rug shopping at a fabulous shop whose owner knows more about wool rugs than I ever knew there was to know. Then, again, boating friends, Bill and Barb, came and fetched us for lunch. Now it’s happy hour and I am in my most happy place for the first time in quite a while. We’re on the fly bridge relishing a nice breeze. It has been in the upper 90s here and just too hot to stick our heads outside. In an effort to keep our galley clean, I’m sure we will find a place where someone cooks but not me. Donna and Mary, you are acquainted with that concept, aren’t you?



19 September
     Feel as if we are abandoning a sinking ship. We are throwing things in boxes and suitcases to head to Ocala in the morning. Just hoping it will all fit in our rental car. Of course, our bikes will be the first to be loaded. Stressful but exciting time. Stand back! Two more Larkhillians on our way! The beginnings of a new adventure!

20 September
     This is our last sunrise from our beloved Kindred Spirit III. The beginning of a very emotional day.


                                      View from our fly bridge
22 September
     Man, oh, man—- do we feel and look like Tobacco Road!!!! Don’t want to unload our carnage brought from our trawler into our coach and then have a do-over of the whole rigmarole Monday when we close. It’s only 40′ so we’d need pogo sticks to get around with superfluous stuff inside. I’m eternally digging through the car for necessities and am sure our RV Park neighbors are weary of looking at my posterior as I’m upside down in the trunk trying to root out things we need.
     So excited to end this temporary “adventure” and get moved in and organized. This limbo is driving me crazy and for me, that’s a short trip.

23 September
     Tonight we had a grand reunion and long overdue happy hour with Ellen and Carl who are celebrating their 40th anniversary and George and Donna at everyone’s fave Tex-Mex restaurant, Las Margaritas.




24 September
     We just finished our 2 hour walk-through and it was a hoot! Our superintendent, Steve, and warranty guy, Butch, were outstanding!!! A stupendous experience would be an understatement.

25 September
     Today Bill rented a car to get to Greenville, SC, where our meager worldly possessions are stored—a 10 hour trip in a car.

26 September
     This morning, Bill and his best friend, Dave, took the truck to Dave’s shop to meet power lifting dudes to load important things like a drill press and other manly toys. Then off to our climate controlled storage unit for some essentials that we kept. THEN he picked up the love of his life, his little blue TR6, that he loaded on the car dolly.





27 September
     From Greenville to Ocala in the UHaul truck and dragging the dolly behind was a 12 hour trip. He was toast when he arrived home, thankfully safe and sound.

28 September
     Another day–we shopped till we dropped.  George and Donna kicked off the neighborhood festivities with a gathering in their gorgeous home. Wednesday, the moving truck delivered their things. 2 days later everything was in place, window treatments hung and even pictures on the walls. Their home looks like something from Better Homes and Gardens. Ours won’t be that ‘put together’ next year this time. Maybe Donna’s for hire.


30 September
     It was such a good feeling of “coming home” today when we sat on the 3rd row from the front at the church we plan to join. Then off again to enhance the local economy of Ocala. 
     Our closing is in the morning at 11:15! So excited I’m about to jump out of my skin! It will be like Christmas when we open boxes and bins whose contents that we haven’t seen in over a decade.  Our ragged bodies will collapse on a brand new air mattress tomorrow night.


Stay tuned for a new book—not just a chapter–that book’s closed—but a totally different adventure.


Bill and Laura
Ocala, FL



30 September 2018 Jacksonville – Ocala

By on September 30, 2018 in Kindred Spirit III
17 September
    Love the early morning view from atop the Roosevelt Boulevard Bridge of the anchored sail boat and Jacksonville’s skyline from my morning walk. On my way back home, Bill and I met for breakfast at Bagel Love.





So much for Keto. A bit of rug shopping at a fabulous shop whose owner knows more about wool rugs than I ever knew there was to know. Then, again, boating friends, Bill and Barb, came and fetched us for lunch. Now it’s happy hour and I am in my most happy place for the first time in quite a while. We’re on the fly bridge relishing a nice breeze. It has been in the upper 90s here and just too hot to stick our heads outside. In an effort to keep our galley clean, I’m sure we will find a place where someone cooks but not me. Donna and Mary, you are acquainted with that concept, aren’t you?



19 September
     Feel as if we are abandoning a sinking ship. We are throwing things in boxes and suitcases to head to Ocala in the morning. Just hoping it will all fit in our rental car. Of course, our bikes will be the first to be loaded. Stressful but exciting time. Stand back! Two more Larkhillians on our way! The beginnings of a new adventure!

20 September
     This is our last sunrise from our beloved Kindred Spirit III. The beginning of a very emotional day.


                                      View from our fly bridge
22 September
     Man, oh, man—- do we feel and look like Tobacco Road!!!! Don’t want to unload our carnage brought from our trawler into our coach and then have a do-over of the whole rigmarole Monday when we close. It’s only 40′ so we’d need pogo sticks to get around with superfluous stuff inside. I’m eternally digging through the car for necessities and am sure our RV Park neighbors are weary of looking at my posterior as I’m upside down in the trunk trying to root out things we need.
     So excited to end this temporary “adventure” and get moved in and organized. This limbo is driving me crazy and for me, that’s a short trip.

23 September
     Tonight we had a grand reunion and long overdue happy hour with Ellen and Carl who are celebrating their 40th anniversary and George and Donna at everyone’s fave Tex-Mex restaurant, Las Margaritas.




24 September
     We just finished our 2 hour walk-through and it was a hoot! Our superintendent, Steve, and warranty guy, Butch, were outstanding!!! A stupendous experience would be an understatement.

25 September
     Today Bill rented a car to get to Greenville, SC, where our meager worldly possessions are stored—a 10 hour trip in a car.

26 September
     This morning, Bill and his best friend, Dave, took the truck to Dave’s shop to meet power lifting dudes to load important things like a drill press and other manly toys. Then off to our climate controlled storage unit for some essentials that we kept. THEN he picked up the love of his life, his little blue TR6, that he loaded on the car dolly.





27 September
     From Greenville to Ocala in the UHaul truck and dragging the dolly behind was a 12 hour trip. He was toast when he arrived home, thankfully safe and sound.

28 September
     Another day–we shopped till we dropped.  George and Donna kicked off the neighborhood festivities with a gathering in their gorgeous home. Wednesday, the moving truck delivered their things. 2 days later everything was in place, window treatments hung and even pictures on the walls. Their home looks like something from Better Homes and Gardens. Ours won’t be that ‘put together’ next year this time. Maybe Donna’s for hire.


30 September
     It was such a good feeling of “coming home” today when we sat on the 3rd row from the front at the church we plan to join. Then off again to enhance the local economy of Ocala. 
     Our closing is in the morning at 11:15! So excited I’m about to jump out of my skin! It will be like Christmas when we open boxes and bins whose contents that we haven’t seen in over a decade.  Our ragged bodies will collapse on a brand new air mattress tomorrow night.


Stay tuned for a new book—not just a chapter–that book’s closed—but a totally different adventure.


Bill and Laura
Ocala, FL



16 September 2018 – Great Bridge, VA – North River, NC – Belhaven, NC – Morehead City, NC – Snead’s Ferry, NC, Oxbow/Waccamaw, NC, Johns Island, SC – Cumberland Island, GA – Ortega Landing, FL

By on September 16, 2018 in Kindred Spirit III
1 – This morning we left Great Bridge, VA, and spent the night in North River, NC. Nature treated us to a beautiful sky all day. Even at our slow pace, seems as if we got to NC exceedingly quickly. Imagine because this is our Final Cruise and we want each day to s-t-r-e-t-c-h out for as long as possible.



2 – Up and at ’em leaving our anchorage and relishing the exquisite sunrise.


     Coincidentally, our sailing friends, Robert and Tracy were sailing back home in Oriental and we passed each other “like ships in the night.” They took a photo of us and we of them, however they did a much better job for us than we did.


















3 – Labor Day morning, we saw this 42 foot Grady White sporting four 425 HP outboards. Would love to see that at full throttle. Seems like he could become airborne. That will make for some pretty expensive fish.


                              Isn’t this guy the cutest little puppy!!!


     In northern NC, we found every nanometer of our boat covered in blind mosquitoes, AKA Midges. They lay black gelatinous eggs that are the devil to remove and they were everywhere those critters went. Certainly didn’t want them propagating in our domain. And even worse, they poop tiny little specks of green dots. 


     We went into Morehead City Yacht Basin to scrub the boat inside and out. Wish I’d taken a photo of our bridge enclosure and our dingy cover. There wasn’t a spot as big as a pencil point not covered by those things.  We’d put in a long, hot day and boat washing was the last thing we had any inclination of doing but there wasn’t any other choice. I multi-tasked by also doing laundry. Someone told me once that multi-tasking is the result of being scatter-brained. Could be!


     What a lovely surprise to see old boating buds, Diane and Louis, walking down the dock to welcome us. They wanted to take us to dinner but laundry was still in the process of becoming clean again and we were in dire need of showers so weren’t able to accept their sweet offer.


4 – This morning we went to breakfast with Louis and Diane to an old family owned restaurant in Morehead City. We love going to dives–not that this was one but it was definitely immensely local. All the servers know our friends–’twas like one big family. We had an enormous breakfast.


 On Tuesdays they serve chicken livers which Diane and I both love so after a brief “rest” from breakfast, we were back for lunch and had to hurry before they ran out. They’ve lived in that area for eons so gave us a wonderful tour of the city and of their home. Exquisite is the only word to describe their home. Wish I’d taken a photo.


5 – We left Morehead and cruised to Snead’s Ferry. Don’t know what it is about us and sinking boats but this one, with two Yamahas, sank just before we arrived.




6 – Sunrise as we leaving little Swan Point Marina, we headed toward Southport to visit and have dinner with our boating friends (believe it or not, we DO have friends who aren’t nor have ever been boaters) Kay, Robert, Patsy, and Rick. 



     What delightful hosts are Kay and Robert. They are unquestionably, awesome, friendly, welcoming, and hospitable friends.


7 – Good morning, Baby Moon.

                                         Southport City Marina


     We decided that we need to make tracks so are abandoning our usual cruising style of leaving at 10 AM and anchoring by 3 PM to putting in 12-13 hour days to get south of Florence’s cone.


8 – We left before first light and thankfully the current is with us. Jim Cantore just arrived Wilmington, NC. NOT a good sign!

9 – After 8 ½ hours of bucking the current almost all the way, we’re in one of our favorite anchorages.

      This is the Oxbow, just off the beautiful tannic Waccamaw River, whose shores are lined with graceful, moss-draped cypress trees. Their bases are punctuated with diminutive cypress knees. One of the loveliest areas of the waterway. 


     




     We planned to stop in Little River to visit boating friends, Mary and Larry but those plans were aborted so Mary, came out to wave as we passed and took this photo. Thanks, Mary.




10 – We blew past Wild Dunes/Charleston where we had reservations. So strange to pass places, at our break-neck speed, that we know and love when we wanted to chill there for a while.




     Anchored John’s Island, SC, south of Charleston. 12 hours. 103 miles. We’re exhausted. 3 more days just like this till we get to Jacksonville.


                  I just love the beguiling marshes and the wonderful balm they emit.




10 – Today we had several magic dolphin shows with them riding our bow wave and our wake. They would turn on their sides and smile up at us. After all these years, we’ve never grown tired of the dolphin performances.


12 – Mission accomplished! In 5 days we traveled 450 miles and those sweet Ford Lehman engines purred all the way with nary a hiccoup. We pulled into Ortega Landing Marina just off the St. John’s River on the Ortega River in Jacksonville, totally fried! We did absolutely nothing the first two days but sleep. Again, that was not our way of cruising but “you do whatcha gotta do” and we had to get Kindred Spirit III out of Flo’s fury. Prolly one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Could never get cool. Couldn’t take enough cold showers. But that’s behind us now and we’re enjoying our time here and are working on choreographing our move to Ocala to our new home. We will close and move in a week from this Friday.


14 – Today my little mother would be 109!!! She and Daddy both lived to age 98. This photo is of her college graduation from Florida State College for Women in Tallahassee which is now FSU. Doesn’t seem like she’s been gone for 11 years. Doesn’t being an orphan just suck!!!




Bill and Laura
Jacksonville, FL

16 September 2018 – Great Bridge, VA – North River, NC – Belhaven, NC – Morehead City, NC – Snead’s Ferry, NC, Oxbow/Waccamaw, NC, Johns Island, SC – Cumberland Island, GA – Ortega Landing, FL

By on September 16, 2018 in Kindred Spirit III
1 – This morning we left Great Bridge, VA, and spent the night in North River, NC. Nature treated us to a beautiful sky all day. Even at our slow pace, seems as if we got to NC exceedingly quickly. Imagine because this is our Final Cruise and we want each day to s-t-r-e-t-c-h out for as long as possible.



2 – Up and at ’em leaving our anchorage and relishing the exquisite sunrise.


     Coincidentally, our sailing friends, Robert and Tracy were sailing back home in Oriental and we passed each other “like ships in the night.” They took a photo of us and we of them, however they did a much better job for us than we did.


















3 – Labor Day morning, we saw this 42 foot Grady White sporting four 425 HP outboards. Would love to see that at full throttle. Seems like he could become airborne. That will make for some pretty expensive fish.


                              Isn’t this guy the cutest little puppy!!!


     In northern NC, we found every nanometer of our boat covered in blind mosquitoes, AKA Midges. They lay black gelatinous eggs that are the devil to remove and they were everywhere those critters went. Certainly didn’t want them propagating in our domain. And even worse, they poop tiny little specks of green dots. 


     We went into Morehead City Yacht Basin to scrub the boat inside and out. Wish I’d taken a photo of our bridge enclosure and our dingy cover. There wasn’t a spot as big as a pencil point not covered by those things.  We’d put in a long, hot day and boat washing was the last thing we had any inclination of doing but there wasn’t any other choice. I multi-tasked by also doing laundry. Someone told me once that multi-tasking is the result of being scatter-brained. Could be!


     What a lovely surprise to see old boating buds, Diane and Louis, walking down the dock to welcome us. They wanted to take us to dinner but laundry was still in the process of becoming clean again and we were in dire need of showers so weren’t able to accept their sweet offer.


4 – This morning we went to breakfast with Louis and Diane to an old family owned restaurant in Morehead City. We love going to dives–not that this was one but it was definitely immensely local. All the servers know our friends–’twas like one big family. We had an enormous breakfast.


 On Tuesdays they serve chicken livers which Diane and I both love so after a brief “rest” from breakfast, we were back for lunch and had to hurry before they ran out. They’ve lived in that area for eons so gave us a wonderful tour of the city and of their home. Exquisite is the only word to describe their home. Wish I’d taken a photo.


5 – We left Morehead and cruised to Snead’s Ferry. Don’t know what it is about us and sinking boats but this one, with two Yamahas, sank just before we arrived.




6 – Sunrise as we leaving little Swan Point Marina, we headed toward Southport to visit and have dinner with our boating friends (believe it or not, we DO have friends who aren’t nor have ever been boaters) Kay, Robert, Patsy, and Rick. 



     What delightful hosts are Kay and Robert. They are unquestionably, awesome, friendly, welcoming, and hospitable friends.


7 – Good morning, Baby Moon.

                                         Southport City Marina


     We decided that we need to make tracks so are abandoning our usual cruising style of leaving at 10 AM and anchoring by 3 PM to putting in 12-13 hour days to get south of Florence’s cone.


8 – We left before first light and thankfully the current is with us. Jim Cantore just arrived Wilmington, NC. NOT a good sign!

9 – After 8 ½ hours of bucking the current almost all the way, we’re in one of our favorite anchorages.

      This is the Oxbow, just off the beautiful tannic Waccamaw River, whose shores are lined with graceful, moss-draped cypress trees. Their bases are punctuated with diminutive cypress knees. One of the loveliest areas of the waterway. 


     




     We planned to stop in Little River to visit boating friends, Mary and Larry but those plans were aborted so Mary, came out to wave as we passed and took this photo. Thanks, Mary.




10 – We blew past Wild Dunes/Charleston where we had reservations. So strange to pass places, at our break-neck speed, that we know and love when we wanted to chill there for a while.




     Anchored John’s Island, SC, south of Charleston. 12 hours. 103 miles. We’re exhausted. 3 more days just like this till we get to Jacksonville.


                  I just love the beguiling marshes and the wonderful balm they emit.




10 – Today we had several magic dolphin shows with them riding our bow wave and our wake. They would turn on their sides and smile up at us. After all these years, we’ve never grown tired of the dolphin performances.


12 – Mission accomplished! In 5 days we traveled 450 miles and those sweet Ford Lehman engines purred all the way with nary a hiccoup. We pulled into Ortega Landing Marina just off the St. John’s River on the Ortega River in Jacksonville, totally fried! We did absolutely nothing the first two days but sleep. Again, that was not our way of cruising but “you do whatcha gotta do” and we had to get Kindred Spirit III out of Flo’s fury. Prolly one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Could never get cool. Couldn’t take enough cold showers. But that’s behind us now and we’re enjoying our time here and are working on choreographing our move to Ocala to our new home. We will close and move in a week from this Friday.


Bill and Laura
Jacksonville, FL

31 August 2018 Solomons, MD – Slaughter Creek Marina – Cambridge Marina – Oxford Yacht Yard – St. Michaels Marina – Solomons – Hills Bay, VA

By on August 31, 2018 in Kindred Spirit III
16 August
     
     We’re flying at 8.3 kts across the bay from Herrington Harbor to Solomons Island. We’ve got The Force with us and we’re really cooking!  Look at that speed. Could it be that we’re cruising down hill?

     All of us descended on Solomons Island Yacht Club in time to join the local
members for cocktails. We followed our whetted appetites across the street for dinner at The Pier. Mother Nature treated us to a wonderful Patuxent River sunset. 





17 August
    Again tonight we joined the locals at SIYC for cocktails which became a VERY happy happy hour. We then adjourned to the Lighthouse Restaurant and Dock Bar for dinner. 
18 August
     Morning sky from Solomon’s Island Yacht Club.


     
                             

                                   Cute little Dragon Boat rowers









     Before our departure, we had fun watching Dragon Boat Races in Solomons this morning. That looks like some hard work.

     Seems as if this 2 week cruise will be a caloric gastronomic experience of eating our way around the Chesapeake.
19 August
     Onward to Slaughter Creek Marina. Austin, TX, has a Slaughter Creek named after someone but can’t dig up the origin of MD’s Slaughter Creek, but there’s gotta be a story there.
     As we were all enjoying the salt water pool, the marina owner appeared with trays of Orange Crushes that were absolutely tantalizing and so refreshing.
20 August
     Arrived Cambridge today and are checking out the RAR Brewing Company as we sample their craft beers and evaluate their fare.

     Then on to The High Spot for dinner and more Dark and Stormys with 24 of our bestest friends. We’re all about supporting the local economy.
21 August
     Seems we need a carrot to pull our bods out of the bed and into our walking duds for our group 7:30 walk each morning. This morning we savored a repast at Blackwater Bakery where they served up waffles, omelets, and freshly made cranberry and blueberry muffins with eye-opening dark roast coffee.
     When we decided to sell our boat, I wanted a gold pendant as a permanent reminder. Chesapeake Jewelers made this for me and delivered it yesterday. They did a magnificent job. The fly bridge full enclosure supports appear filigreed. I am absolutely THRILLED! They have a site if you’re interested in custom made jewelry. Michael’s design work is spectacular.















                          Not a speck of make up and I don’t even care!!!
22 August
     Farewell to quaint little Cambridge and we’re all steaming on to Oxford.  Other than this 2 week cruise being a blast with 20+ fun people, we’ve gotten quite a bit of exposure with our For Sale signs. Yesterday we showed her 3 times and this morning another couple came over—with a bottle of wine!!!
     Dinner tonight at Capsize and everyone raved about their meals. A bonus was the homemade ice cream right next door.

                                                 Just trying to get my puppy-fix
     Following our morning walk, an invigorating way to start the day, we had breakfast at the Robert Morris Inn. The inn, which is a tribute to the architectural beauty of the 18th century, was constructed by ships’ carpenters before 1710 with wooden pegged paneling, ships’ nails and hand-hewn beams.  About 20 years later, an English trading company bought the house as a residence for Robert Morris who represented the firm’s shipping business in Oxford.

23 August

     This morning was cool as our walking group traipsed through this little village making for a very enjoyable beginning to our day. We stopped at The Market for a freshly baked and still warm muffin.

     After getting everything buttoned down, we pulled out one at a time with most of us headed for our last 2 nights of this cruise to St. Michaels.
     St. Michael’s Marina erected a tent for our cocktail hour adjacent to the pool, then we shuffled off to dinner at the marina restaurant.
25 August


                 Cute and tiny little island house. I could live here!
     This was Farmers’ Market day and I latched on to some wonderfully acidic tomatoes after our walk which led us down a Rail-Trail asphalt path. Carpenter’s Saloon was the perfect place for a breakfast fit for a lumber jack.


     The guys headed to the old car museum and the shoppers of the family hit every single shop on both sides of the street.
     In the evening we congregated beneath our tent then returned to the Saloon for dinner. This was our Swan Song.



26 August

     The real grand finale was Crepes by the Bay after our walk. We were seated outside beneath a tent and the food—from presentation to tantalizing our taste buds, was exquisite.
     “Parting is such sweet sorrow” as we bade our cruising friends farewell. Each of us aimed the pointy part of our trawlers in a different direction with intentions of our wakes crossing again.
     We had a beautiful day of crossing the bay but were most eager to drop the hook soon’s the water became shallow enough at Solomons. We anchored at the entrance to Back Creek where we cherished the rocking and swinging all night. 


     The rising moon was red, huge, and beautiful! My photos never do nature justice.



27 August

     Washburn’s Boatyard has done work for us several times in the past and they’re excellent so we paid them a visit for some things that needed attention.

28 August

     The service man was there bright and early. I was on the bridge with my coffee and a book but Rip Van Winkle was still studying the backs of his eye lids. The repair was accomplished and we headed again to Curt and Judy’s dock in Lusby. We’re just like a bad penny and we keep showing up.  
















     In the evening we were at the yacht club for happy hour where we met a couple on their way to their home port in NC aboard their 28′ Rosborough. That’s such a cute little boat. The Larsens, another couple, and Bill and I went to a new Thai restaurant for a delicious dinner. I expect Thai Seacoast to do well.


29 August


     Judy and Curt kindly loaned us their car to provision, do laundry, and run umpteen errands which took us 7 hours. We were pooped after that spree and getting everything stowed. We enjoyed a glass of wine with them then headed to a pizza joint. Think I was in bed and asleep before 8:30. We were toast!


30 August


     T’was sad to say goodbye to Judy and Curt, other friends there, and Solomons itself, but it’s time to head south. We fueled at Calvert Marina and are loving every second of our cruise across the bay. 



     We cruised about 50 miles which is a long day for us. The bay can sometimes be nasty and then it’s called the Chesapuke but it has been most wonderful for us each time we’re on the bay. We anchored in Hills Bay right off the Piankatank. We had a little wind and a nice rain shower which enhances sleeping on the water.



31 August


     We weighed anchor at first light this morning in hopes of visiting with our granddaughter in Norfolk then making it to Great Bridge—both of which remain to be seen. 


     Today marks the end of a most wonderful month of cruising as we head to FL.


Bill and Laura Bender
Cruising the Chesapeake Bay

i

31 August 2018 Solomons, MD – Slaughter Creek Marina – Cambridge Marina – Oxford Yacht Yard – St. Michaels Marina – Solomons – Hills Bay, VA

By on August 31, 2018 in Kindred Spirit III
16 August
     
     We’re flying at 8.3 kts across the bay from Herrington Harbor to Solomons Island. We’ve got The Force with us and we’re really cooking!  Look at that speed. Could it be that we’re cruising down hill?

     All of us descended on Solomons Island Yacht Club in time to join the local
members for cocktails. We followed our whetted appetites across the street for dinner at The Pier. Mother Nature treated us to a wonderful Patuxent River sunset. 





17 August
    Again tonight we joined the locals at SIYC for cocktails which became a VERY happy happy hour. We then adjourned to the Lighthouse Restaurant and Dock Bar for dinner. 
18 August
     Morning sky from Solomon’s Island Yacht Club.


     
                             

                                   Cute little Dragon Boat rowers









     Before our departure, we had fun watching Dragon Boat Races in Solomons this morning. That looks like some hard work.

     Seems as if this 2 week cruise will be a caloric gastronomic experience of eating our way around the Chesapeake.
19 August
     Onward to Slaughter Creek Marina. Austin, TX, has a Slaughter Creek named after someone but can’t dig up the origin of MD’s Slaughter Creek, but there’s gotta be a story there.
     As we were all enjoying the salt water pool, the marina owner appeared with trays of Orange Crushes that were absolutely tantalizing and so refreshing.
20 August
     Arrived Cambridge today and are checking out the RAR Brewing Company as we sample their craft beers and evaluate their fare.

     Then on to The High Spot for dinner and more Dark and Stormys with 24 of our bestest friends. We’re all about supporting the local economy.
21 August
     Seems we need a carrot to pull our bods out of the bed and into our walking duds for our group 7:30 walk each morning. This morning we savored a repast at Blackwater Bakery where they served up waffles, omelets, and freshly made cranberry and blueberry muffins with eye-opening dark roast coffee.
     When we decided to sell our boat, I wanted a gold pendant as a permanent reminder. Chesapeake Jewelers made this for me and delivered it yesterday. They did a magnificent job. The fly bridge full enclosure supports appear filigreed. I am absolutely THRILLED! They have a site if you’re interested in custom made jewelry. Michael’s design work is spectacular.















                          Not a speck of make up and I don’t even care!!!
22 August
     Farewell to quaint little Cambridge and we’re all steaming on to Oxford.  Other than this 2 week cruise being a blast with 20+ fun people, we’ve gotten quite a bit of exposure with our For Sale signs. Yesterday we showed her 3 times and this morning another couple came over—with a bottle of wine!!!
     Dinner tonight at Capsize and everyone raved about their meals. A bonus was the homemade ice cream right next door.

                                                 Just trying to get my puppy-fix
     Following our morning walk, an invigorating way to start the day, we had breakfast at the Robert Morris Inn. The inn, which is a tribute to the architectural beauty of the 18th century, was constructed by ships’ carpenters before 1710 with wooden pegged paneling, ships’ nails and hand-hewn beams.  About 20 years later, an English trading company bought the house as a residence for Robert Morris who represented the firm’s shipping business in Oxford.

23 August

     This morning was cool as our walking group traipsed through this little village making for a very enjoyable beginning to our day. We stopped at The Market for a freshly baked and still warm muffin.

     After getting everything buttoned down, we pulled out one at a time with most of us headed for our last 2 nights of this cruise to St. Michaels.
     St. Michael’s Marina erected a tent for our cocktail hour adjacent to the pool, then we shuffled off to dinner at the marina restaurant.
25 August


                 Cute and tiny little island house. I could live here!
     This was Farmers’ Market day and I latched on to some wonderfully acidic tomatoes after our walk which led us down a Rail-Trail asphalt path. Carpenter’s Saloon was the perfect place for a breakfast fit for a lumber jack.


     The guys headed to the old car museum and the shoppers of the family hit every single shop on both sides of the street.
     In the evening we congregated beneath our tent then returned to the Saloon for dinner. This was our Swan Song.



26 August

     The real grand finale was Crepes by the Bay after our walk. We were seated outside beneath a tent and the food—from presentation to tantalizing our taste buds, was exquisite.
     “Parting is such sweet sorrow” as we bade our cruising friends farewell. Each of us aimed the pointy part of our trawlers in a different direction with intentions of our wakes crossing again.
     We had a beautiful day of crossing the bay but were most eager to drop the hook soon’s the water became shallow enough at Solomons. We anchored at the entrance to Back Creek where we cherished the rocking and swinging all night. 


     The rising moon was red, huge, and beautiful! My photos never do nature justice.



27 August

     Washburn’s Boatyard has done work for us several times in the past and they’re excellent so we paid them a visit for some things that needed attention.

28 August

     The service man was there bright and early. I was on the bridge with my coffee and a book but Rip Van Winkle was still studying the backs of his eye lids. The repair was accomplished and we headed again to Curt and Judy’s dock in Lusby. We’re just like a bad penny and we keep showing up.  
















     In the evening we were at the yacht club for happy hour where we met a couple on their way to their home port in NC aboard their 28′ Rosborough. That’s such a cute little boat. The Larsens, another couple, and Bill and I went to a new Thai restaurant for a delicious dinner. I expect Thai Seacoast to do well.


29 August


     Judy and Curt kindly loaned us their car to provision, do laundry, and run umpteen errands which took us 7 hours. We were pooped after that spree and getting everything stowed. We enjoyed a glass of wine with them then headed to a pizza joint. Think I was in bed and asleep before 8:30. We were toast!


30 August


     T’was sad to say goodbye to Judy and Curt, other friends there, and Solomons itself, but it’s time to head south. We fueled at Calvert Marina and are loving every second of our cruise across the bay. 



     We cruised about 50 miles which is a long day for us. The bay can sometimes be nasty and then it’s called the Chesapuke but it has been most wonderful for us each time we’re on the bay. We anchored in Hills Bay right off the Piankatank. We had a little wind and a nice rain shower which enhances sleeping on the water.



31 August


     We weighed anchor at first light this morning in hopes of visiting with our granddaughter in Norfolk then making it to Great Bridge—both of which remain to be seen. 


     Today marks the end of a most wonderful month of cruising as we head to FL.


Bill and Laura Bender
Cruising the Chesapeake Bay

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August 2018 Cape May, NJ, Chesapeake City, VA – Severna Park, MD – Herrington Harbor Marina and Resort – Solomons Island Yacht Club, MD – Slaughter Creek, MD –

By on August 19, 2018 in Kindred Spirit III
1 August

     As Robert Burns said, “the best laid plans of mice and men….” We spent 2 days in Cape May’s torrential rain hoping for a break in the weather so we could cycle the area. Long ago we rode our bikes here and it was such fun that we were hoping to have a re-run…but not! Decided we’d stop again on our way south so departed marina this morning with the intentions of spending tonight in Atlantic City. NOAA said seas were 1 foot or less. NOAA just doesn’t knowa and it’s not the first time we believed their “fake forecast”. We went out into the Atlantic and after an hour of feeling we were in a washing machine, we turned back. We got in high seas once before because we relied on NOAA.

Here ’tis Tues and neither the ocean nor Delaware Bay looks ‘friendly’ for another week…so here we sit. By next week it’ll be too late to resume our travels to Long Island Sound so in a week, we’ll retrace our steps heading south.Of course, this messes with Bill’s meticulous spread sheet (which troubles him) but it’s always cast in dilute Jello is is changed several times a day. He just commented that his spreadsheet looks “soft”. We’ll stay here till Monday when Delaware Bay should be user-friendly and then we’ll head south. We planned on meeting trawler friends in LI but not this time and that’s really disappointing.

2 August
     
     This boat, in the slip next to us, sank last night and owners are trying to raise her!!!??? Meanwhile, jugs of fuel, anti-freeze, all manner of carnage from inside floated out and away. We’re amazed that the EPA nor any environmental agency has even been down. This is damaging our oceans and environment and I’m more than a little bit upset!!

 3 August


     An update to last night’s saga. Despite the mammoth brand-new bright and shiny crane and the other trucks with crew, BIG counter-balance weights, and working after hours—the cost was only $5,500!!! 

We thought it would be much much more. The boat owner told us that this morning. He’s young and a trooper. He’s been working on that tub all day by himself. No wonder he’s thin and toned and fit….


6 August
     Morning, Y’all, from Utsches Marina, Cape May, NJ

     We had a delightfully peaceful cruise across Delaware Bay landing in Chesapeake City, VA, for a night or two for calm nights at anchor.

8 August

    
     Pretty little historic houses on our walk to breakfast this morning.

        Our cruise today took us to Severna Park and to our Marathon, FL, sailing friends’ dock. We met Tom and Elinor years ago when we were next slip neighbors. Tom’s an avid cyclist and we rode with him in the Keys as well as on the B and A Trail while visiting them in MD. They’re always wonderful hosts and enjoyable company.

           Their Meridian and our Kindred Spirit III as seen from their deck


                       Sunset on the Severn from Tom and Elinor’s deck

9 August
  
     This morning we had a 6:30 AM ride with Tom and enjoyed a coffee at The Big Bean situated along the trail.

        While at Tom and Elinor’s, Mike, a friend with whom I used to work, was in the area to celebrate his mom’s 92nd birthday. He came over for a boat visit. T’was fun catching up on our lives in the decade plus since we were both gainfully employed.

13 August


     Our last full day in Severna and a wonderful one. I went with Tom on the best ride I’ve ever done since we’ve been riding our Bike Fridays 13 years ago. I felt wonderful, it was fun, and there was NO whining. The route was a new one—on the B&A Trail and through some historic neighborhoods. I came home on an endorphin high. 


14 August


     Since the ocean was unfriendly to us couple weeks ago causing us to abort our trip to LI, we were left with loose ends for a few weeks. We connected with the Chesapeake Bay Cruisers for a 2 week cruise of 8-10 boats and we’re havng a ball! The organizers have done an incredible job of lining up marinas and restaurants. We knew just a few couples since we’re rarely in this area but have met new friends and are having the time of our lives. Definitely the best group cruise we’ve ever taken. We departed Solomons today and are cruising the bay. 


     Our first 2 nights are in Herrington Harbor Marina and Resort and what a spectacular place with approximately 700 slips.


15 August


      Cocktails this evening on the cusp of Herring Bay while docked at Herrington Harbor South. Foremost is a great pool with designated lap lanes. I was using fins and kick board and “they” deemed my kick board, a ‘flotation device’ which is outlawed! Was expecting them to call my fins a ‘pool toy’. Whatever! Just for a day and more than happy to have a pool with lane lines. No T but flip turns weren’t a prob. Joined a group at 7:30 for a walk. Was so accustomed to Tom’s 6:30 launch that we felt like we were sleeping in. Fun place and a fun buncha boat people.


Bill and Laura
Herrington Harbor

14 August 2018 Cape May, NJ, Chesapeake City, VA – Severna Park, MD – Herrington Harbor Marina and Resort

By on August 19, 2018 in Kindred Spirit III
1 August

     As Robert Burns said, “the best laid plans of mice and men….” We spent 2 days in Cape May’s torrential rain hoping for a break in the weather so we could cycle the area. Long ago we rode our bikes here and it was such fun that we were hoping to have a re-run…but not! Decided we’d stop again on our way south so departed marina this morning with the intentions of spending tonight in Atlantic City. NOAA said seas were 1 foot or less. NOAA just doesn’t knowa and it’s not the first time we believed their “fake forecast”. We went out into the Atlantic and after an hour of feeling we were in a washing machine, we turned back. We got in high seas once before because we relied on NOAA.

Here ’tis Tues and neither the ocean nor Delaware Bay looks ‘friendly’ for another week…so here we sit. By next week it’ll be too late to resume our travels to Long Island Sound so in a week, we’ll retrace our steps heading south.Of course, this messes with Bill’s meticulous spread sheet (which troubles him) but it’s always cast in dilute Jello is is changed several times a day. He just commented that his spreadsheet looks “soft”. We’ll stay here till Monday when Delaware Bay should be user-friendly and then we’ll head south. We planned on meeting trawler friends in LI but not this time and that’s really disappointing.

2 August
     
     This boat, in the slip next to us, sank last night and owners are trying to raise her!!!??? Meanwhile, jugs of fuel, anti-freeze, all manner of carnage from inside floated out and away. We’re amazed that the EPA nor any environmental agency has even been down. This is damaging our oceans and environment and I’m more than a little bit upset!!

 3 August


     An update to last night’s saga. Despite the mammoth brand-new bright and shiny crane and the other trucks with crew, BIG counter-balance weights, and working after hours—the cost was only $5,500!!! 

We thought it would be much much more. The boat owner told us that this morning. He’s young and a trooper. He’s been working on that tub all day by himself. No wonder he’s thin and toned and fit….


6 August
     Morning, Y’all, from Utsches Marina, Cape May, NJ

     We had a delightfully peaceful cruise across Delaware Bay landing in Chesapeake City, VA, for a night or two for calm nights at anchor.

8 August

    
     Pretty little historic houses on our walk to breakfast this morning.

        Our cruise today took us to Severna Park and to our Marathon, FL, sailing friends’ dock. We met Tom and Elinor years ago when we were next slip neighbors. Tom’s an avid cyclist and we rode with him in the Keys as well as on the B and A Trail while visiting them in MD. They’re always wonderful hosts and enjoyable company.

           Their Meridian and our Kindred Spirit III as seen from their deck


                       Sunset on the Severn from Tom and Elinor’s deck

9 August
  
     This morning we had a 6:30 AM ride with Tom and enjoyed a coffee at The Big Bean situated along the trail.

        While at Tom and Elinor’s, Mike, a friend with whom I used to work, was in the area to celebrate his mom’s 92nd birthday. He came over for a boat visit. T’was fun catching up on our lives in the decade plus since we were both gainfully employed.

13 August


     Our last full day in Severna and a wonderful one. I went with Tom on the best ride I’ve ever done since we’ve been riding our Bike Fridays 13 years ago. I felt wonderful, it was fun, and there was NO whining. The route was a new one—on the B&A Trail and through some historic neighborhoods. I came home on an endorphin high. 


14 August


     Since the ocean was unfriendly to us couple weeks ago causing us to abort our trip to LI, we were left with loose ends for a few weeks. We connected with the Chesapeake Bay Cruisers for a 2 week cruise of 8-10 boats and we’re havng a ball! The organizers have done an incredible job of lining up marinas and restaurants. We knew just a few couples since we’re rarely in this area but have met new friends and are having the time of our lives. Definitely the best group cruise we’ve ever taken. We departed Solomons today and are cruising the bay. 


     Our first 2 nights are in Herrington Harbor Marina and Resort and what a spectacular place with approximately 700 slips.


15 August


      Cocktails this evening on the cusp of Herring Bay while docked at Herrington Harbor South. Foremost, (for me!) is a great pool with designated lap lanes. I was using fins and kick board and “they” deemed my kick board, a ‘flotation device’ which is outlawed! Was expecting them to call my fins a ‘pool toy’. Whatever! Just for a day and more than happy to have a pool with lane lines. No T but flip turns weren’t a prob. Joined a group at 7:30 for a walk. Was so accustomed to Tom’s 6:30 launch that we felt like we were sleeping in. Fun place and a fun buncha boat people.


Bill and Laura
Herrington Harbor

31 July 2018 Callao, VA – Washington, DC – Lusby, MD – Baltimore, MD – Sassafras River Anchorage – Chesapeake City – Cape May, NJ

By on July 31, 2018 in Kindred Spirit III

     I am absolutely just biting my tongue to keep from having a fit and falling in it.  Was just getting ready to publish blog with I mistakenly hit Command Z and it is GONE!!!!!  Tons of pictures and tales of your g…

30 June 2018 Solomons, MD, – Washington, DC, – Greenville, SC, – Ocala, FL, Calleo, VA, St. Mary’s, VA

By on June 30, 2018 in Kindred Spirit III
2 June
     What a fun day to end the week. Yesterday and today we watched the Blues from the dock and no matter how many times I watch them, it’s always a thrill and makes me have “wet eyes”.











AND, another celebration is this pool! First time I’ve swum since May 2017, and it felt fabulous. Almost like uniting with a long lost lover. 



3 June
We’re on our fly bridge enjoying the gentle rocking provided for us by torrents of wind and rain and watching the Grand Banks and Kadey Krogen dancing around their mooring balls. It’s once again sweat shirt weather.




4 June
     Dusk is settling in and we’re on our fly bridge reflecting on our lives, this day, and friendships. The only sounds are the chirping of crickets and the throbbing of the crab boats’ engines, returning with their day’s catch.
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7 June
We had an interesting day today and both occurrences were serendipities. We’re both over-due a filet mignon. Haven’t had once since Brunswick, GA. We’d seen good reviews for Jerry’s Place which we found in a tire store in Prince Frederick. Soon’s we walked in, Jerry was there to greet us, asked if this was our first time, inquired as to our fave seafood…. Told him we were really puckered up for a steak. Said he didn’t have those but had the best crab cakes in…the world. They brought us menus and a small bowl of kale, one of stewed tomatoes, and one of small pieces of haddock. Bill ordered haddock and I, a 6 oz crab cake. I was quite underwhelmed with the crab cake. A pickle came with it–all for close to $30. Seemed more like an appetizer. Bill loved his fish but $60+ for lunch was a tad on the pricey side, me thought. And we drank water—tap water!!! Staff was friendly and when we left and had exited the restaurant, the hostess came running after us asking how we liked it and told us about things to do and see in the area. Quite a friendly bunch. Interior’s quite eclectic. Jerry personally greets everyone who enters his portals albeit a mite steep for lunch…and faucet water.

Then we went to Cove Point Lighthouse which sits on a 7 acre point of land in one of the narrowest parts of the Chesapeake Bay. It was built in 1828 and is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse and the 5th oldest on the Bay. The docent was a very interesting little man who told several humorous tales and showed a video. We weren’t allowed to climb the stairs to the lantern room but I thought the pattern the stairs made was interesting.

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7 June
This is what it looks like when you have your ducks in a row.








8 June

     We found a nearby 7 mile hike today through the woods and the only sounds were birds communicating and the leaves crunching beneath our feet. This tree aspires to be a letter and the little patch of bright green moss catapulted me back to my childhood when I’d pretend it was fairy carpet. I love a stroll through unadulterated nature.

9 June
     
     A late lunch with Nancy, Ted, Martha, and Charles at Kingfisher’s where we enjoyed great food, great company, and tons of hysterical laughter. Thanks, Nancy for choreographing that.

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13 June

     We’re out for a nostalgic cruise and a respite at anchor. 


     We cruised past this is a restful point at Calvert Marina on our way to brunch.
Our cruise to Cockold Creek (there’s gotta be a story behind that name) was calm and peaceful. We anchored for brunch alfresco, napped, read, played in the water, and returned to our slip in time to meet Judy and Curt at Solomon’s Yacht Club for dinner. 

      Our approach to the Patuxent River Bridge. The Blue Marble is for Blue Mind endeavor.

A tall ship arrived next to the yacht club. 

   
Our wake after going under the bridge.


     We arrived home just in time to see a crimson sky lit from the setting sun. Nothing beats a day on the water and with boating friends—the best kind of folks.

14 June

Since we love DC, we don’t need much of a reason to go there to we thought a visit to the Apple Store would be enough of an enticement.

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We drove from Solomons, parked, and took the Metro and our feet to visit old haunts. The day was filled with lots of nostalgia as we revisited our home marina and some of our fave places in Washington. It was like returning home. Everything and everywhere is just so familiar to us. We walked ten miles without even realizing it. The ethnic and cultural diversity is one of the aspects of the city that I really appreciate and find so enticing.

15 June

     Long time cruising friends, Peg and Jim, cruised through on their way home to Pasadena, MD, and were at friends’ dock on Mill Creek–Judy and Curt. We took happy hour over to their boat and had a fantastic evening catching up on our lives since last we met. 

17 June
     I met with a group of 30 members of our trawler organization for dinner at Solomons’ Pier Restaurant. Great food, view, and fellowship.

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21 June

     The pre-drywall walk-through of our new home in Ocala went well. Tentative move in date is mid-September.
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24 June
     This is most certainly a cultural experience! The Chesapeake Cowboys ramming their boats. Hotter than blazes. Thankfully that’s checked off our bucket list.

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25 June

     At noon-thirty, we departed Calvert Marina, Solomons, MD, after 8 weeks of being there to clean and clean and clean and provision. Can’t explain the joy that fills our souls to feel water moving beneath our hull! Didn’t take long to realize that the bay wasn’t welcoming so instead of it being the Chesapeake, we’d prolly have to rename it the Chesapuke Bay. So off we went to find a protected anchorage–which we did where we were at anchor for 3 days and 2 nights waiting out the bay. A great time of reflection, reading, and painting.

27 June

     We’re on our way and the wait was well worth it. The bay was as calm as it could be and was a wonderful day upon the water.

     Certainly a photo op not to be missed. Every time we cruise by here I take another picture. Of course, they all look the same—just with different year’s dates.
     Our day of cruising was blissful and as we pulled into Lodge Creek Yacht Club/Olverson’s Marina, it was just like coming home. We’ve met so many wonderful people here over the years and have had such great times. We always anticipate our return. Twas fun getting together with Tom and Betty on Southwind. It’d been a long time since we’d seen them making for a get time of…again…catching up.

28 June

     The Chesapeake Bay Cruisers planned a huge gathering will with wonderful foods and of course, adult beverages. Visiting with old friends and making new ones constituted a very enjoyable evening. 

29 June

     Today’s the 72nd birthday “of my lover and my best friend.” Of course he got coffee in bed—as always, and the royal treatment all day of not having to lift his finger to do a thing—but brush his teeth. Mid afternoon we boarded Freddie’s boat (he’s the marina owner and has a heart as big all all outdoors) for a 2 ½ hour cruise to St. Mary’s College, VA, for their 4th of July concert by the Chesapeake Orchestra and their fireworks extravaganza.















      It was spectacular and equally so was the cruise home on the Potomac River that was as smooth as a baby’s butt and the full moon reflecting off the water. 






     Freddie was a great captain who’s plied these waters all of his life and navigates them flawlessly. On board was Richard and Sandy, 2 of his friends and old (not in age) trawler friends, Lolli and Craig. Because of my poor photographic skills, I can never photograph the moon as beautiful as it is. 
     For once in our lives and I’m blaming it on “extraneous circumstances”, we don’t have a detailed itinerary due to a period of being in limbo but you can be certain that July will be another entertaining adventure.

Bill and Laura
Calleo, VA