We stayed at Zahniser’s Marina in Solomon’s three nights. We’ve heard so much about the area that we thought it deserved the extra time. I’m glad we made that choice because we had a great time there and had plenty to do. Zahniser’s used to be a family owned business, however we were told that the owner recently sold it to Safe Harbor Marinas. Tim and I off loaded the bikes for a ride up to the Calvert Marine Museum and the grocery store. Nice museum. We had a tour of the Drum Point LightHouse and learned about skates and stingrays. Not to be left alone again, Maggie rode with us the next day to the Annmarie Sculpture gardens. They were having a Fairy Festival in the gardens, so as you wandered the paths you’d find little fairy houses set back in the trees. We had a great stroll through the grounds and saw sculptures on loan from the Hirshhorn Museum and others created by local artists. Maggie was especially excited because she got to go too. She rode in the bike box Tim made and I painted. Noooo, she’s not spoiled in the least. Ha!
One of the best parts of cruising is getting together with other cruisers and we certainly were able to do this in Solomon’s. Thanks to Barb and Don on Cavara, Lorrie and Rodger on Reality, and Rick and Mary on Exhale. We had a great time visiting and hopefully we’ll see you somewhere along the Loop.
Next, it was back across the bay to the EasternShore and a night in Cambridge. Cambridge is a small town on the Choptank River that is trying hard to revitalize itself. We stayed at the Cambridge Municipal Marina which is just a short walk to town with shops, restaurants and historic buildings. We passed on the Richardson Maritime Museum in favor of a late lunch at Snappers. I was majorly disappointed to find that JM Clayton was closed. New friends, Keith and Gail Mackey, Southern Style, told us they were able to buy some fresh, hand picked crab there just a day or two before and I had a strong hankering for some of that. Luckily I was able to get a no filler crab cake at Snappers that temporarily met my craving. This was one of our hottest days yet with a high in the low 90’s. After our town stroll, we decided to close up the boat and use up some of that electricity we were paying for and run the AC. As the evening rolled on, so did a storm. By 9:30 the sky was flashing with lightening as thunder boomed and we rocked and rolled. Luckily the wind was pushing us away from the dock and we weren’t concerned about fenders riding up.
By morning the heat had been pushed to the east and we were back in long pants, long sleeves with an extra layer. Oxford, Oxford, Oxford. Boy do I like this town. My favorite so far. Thanks Keith for the recommendation of Oxford Yacht Agency. Oxford Yacht Agency isn’t really a marina, its more a dock at a boat yard that sells and repairs boats, specializing in Grand Banks. The owner, John Shannahan, met us at 9:30 and expertly tied us up. Before we knew it, he was taking us on a tour of this beautiful, old town. We walked down quiet, tree lined streets with charming, well cared for historic homes. I think I could walk here every day and never tire of it. John pointed out parks along the Tred Avon River, various boat yards, and restaurants. He walked us through the Robert Morris Inn where Michener wrote parts of his book, Chesapeake. Robert Morris Jr. was a principle financier of the American Revolution, signed The Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the US Constitution. John also walked us by the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, reported to be the longest running private ferry in the US. Another treat was having Mother’s Day lunch at Capsize. I’ve never seen a menu that includes dishes for a 4 legged friend. Maggie was delighted.
We ohhed and ahhhed as we admired the splendid wooden boats at Cutts & Case Shipyard. Beautiful designs and workmanship.
