Wed Oct 14: Rock Hall Marina to Hartge Marina Mooring Ball (Galesville, MD)

 In which we hold a contest ...

We are now in the 'end days' of our 2020 crusing season. We need to end up back at Coltons Point Marina around Oct 16th and begin the  decommissioning process (basically unpack the boat and get it ready for winter).   

Our first planned stop along the way back was the West River at Galesville, MD just south of Annapolis.  We thought about going back to Annapolis but decided to explore a new area.

We cruised back south from Rock Hall under the gigantic route 301/50 bridge that connects mainland Maryland with Kent Island and the Eastern Shore.   South of the bridge there are often large cargo ships at anchor waiting to continue up to Baltimore or some other port to take on or off load cargo.  We passed three big ships on our way today.

At Annapolis we passed by our old friend the Thomas Shoal Light house.

 

As we entered the West River  we saw this derelict boat that has been taken over by the ospreys for a giant nest.  Now that's a good use of a derelict boat.

 - and

We found our mooring ball at the "historical" (according to them) Hartge Marina where we felt awfully  close to the moored boats around us.  But all was well and we didn't hit anyone - even when our exhuberant boat swings all the way around and their (more boring) boats stay put.  

We put down the dinghy and motored over to the local waterside restaurant to have dinner and watch the sun go down.  These water front restaurants are all over the Chesapeake Bay and it is fun to sit and watch the boats - and the people.  We once again had crab dip (seems like the staple - no wonder there is crabs fishing all over, we keep eating different kinds of crab dishes).  I ordered a half dozen oysters on the half shell to confirm that I do indeed enjoy them while Melanie tried not to feel nauseous (Mel here - yucky, rubbery, slimy, etc).

Crab dip and excellent crusty bread.

And to top it all off we were able to order Smith Island cake one more time to finish of our visit to the Northern Chesapeake Bay!

This is a local specialty called a Crush, that I though Mel should try.  It's basically flavored vodka, triple sec and juice the flavor of the vodka.  This one is an Orange Crush. The menu let us know that we could buy a 64oz jug for $32.  Yikes - that would not be a happy Melanie tomorrow.

A Watermelon Crush - and then she was cut off.

Now that the dingy motor is fixed it's easy to start.  I can even do so with a beer in one hand! Drinking and driving, I'm afraid.

After we got back to the boat we held a contest to see which of our loyal readers would win a 4-day cruise on the Blue Horizon with us in 2021.  AND EVERYONE WON!!!  So don't forget to reserve your days - operators standing by...