Second Wind on the Great Loop and Beyond

Thursday, May 24. Because we had long-standing reservations in Baltimore for Memorial Day weekend, we decided that we could still get in another day on the Chesapeake's Eastern Shore. We've come to realize that it is the smaller, relatively undiscovered towns and cities that we have enjoyed the most. On the Chesapeake Bay, many possible stops fill this description. Even though St. Michaels has been discovered, it is still a charming and worthwhile stop, especially since one of the Cambridge locals, a Sea Tow operator, told us a short cut to get there, called "The Back Door." We anchored out with our buddy boat Happy Destiny and dinghied in. Because the Cowhig's dinghy is still suffering from the pounding we took after we left Norfolk, it took two trips. We enjoyed seeing the swans in their natural habitat.

The main streets of St. Michaels are lined with lovingly restored historic homes, restaurants, and cute shops. But the main attraction is the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. We spent most of the afternoon exploring every aspect of boating on the Chesapeake. I especially enjoyed touring the Hooper Strait lighthouse. By 4 p.m. we realized that another picnic dinner was what we all craved, so we stopped at a local grocery store and picked up some sausage to grill and an array of snacks. Don't ask. I will be going back to Weight Watchers when we have finished the Loop.