Return to the Chesapeake to the Solomons Islands

Our trip down the Potomoc was much better than our previous trip as we had clear skies and calm waters. We could see a cripsy view of Mt. Vernon and its vivid yellow building. We also passed the bridge that had been imploded and the barges that were picking up the scraps. We arrived at a different marina in Colonial beach,The Boathouse, which was more friendly and accomodating than the CB Yacht Center. We grilled steaks as a large thunderstorm brewed and a relaxing evening. The next morning we continued down the Potomoc River in calm waters. David heard that the area where the river meets the bay referred to as "the washing machine" but we experienced placid water. The Chesapeake Bay is very pleasant and the trip great. We arrived at our next destination in the Solomon's Islands at the Solomon's Island Yacht Club's marina. A private club that the AGLCA harbor host, Doug, got us a slip. The club has around 200 members and is small but energetic. We enjoyed meeting members on a Saturday night and had $2.50 beers in their colorful clubhouse.

I was so inspired by their collection of over 500 burgees (boat club flags) that I immediately called our home club and asked the manager David if we could send one! The SIYC will in exchange send one to us, which also inspires me to see if LBC can start our own collection for the Crow's Nest! A project for when I am back in Louisville. The Solomon's Islands are small and there are many small inlets and coves with very nice homes and boats. We had a great view of the boats coming into our active area from the Patuxent River. There is a large Naval Air Station close by as well that had impressive planes flying over us. Interesting history of the area too. Dating back to the Native Americans settlement around 1100 BC to Cpt.James Smith exploring in 1608 and Naval battles in 1812. Most interesting to me is the story of the Patuxent Ghost Fleet after WWI. Four very large (700') German steamships which were "prizes" from the Allied victory, were stored along the shores.