Venture Bound from DC to Annapolis. One Year On The Boat Days 8-10

Days 8-10.                                                                                                                                                                  May 6-8, 2024

After fun days in DC, we sailed back down the river then north to Solomon’s Island. We sailed about 120 miles with no stopping. It was an all-day cruise. We had lunch on the boat and enjoyed the familiar scenery along the way. By the time we docked and settled in it was happy hour. We cheered to a successful cruise.

We stayed at the Safe Harbor Zahnisers Marina. I am really becoming a fan of the Safe Harbor marinas. They are all getting renovated with new docks, clean facilities, good locations, and nice people. Dave greeted us and helped us dock, gave a us a lay of the marina and made some great suggestions on where to eat. We followed his suggestions and walked to the CD Café for dinner. The name of the restaurant doesn’t set the tone of the food that it presented. We expected a casual menu. We found a menu with high end choices like Scallops, NY Strip Steak au Poivre, Pork Shrimp Pad Thai, Jumbo Lump Crab and Roasted Hushpuppies and more. We had the Shrimp Fettuccine and the Pan seared Beef Tenderloin Filet which were amazing. I highly recommend this.

The next day we spent time cleaning and working on Venture. Took a nice 3 mile walk around town. It’s a lovely town which looks like it could be rockin’ in the Summer. Lots of bars and restaurants. Even a Tiki Bar. The Tiki Bar has expanded and has a large area with beach sand, a stage for live music, dancing and the food looks good. We met more people at the Lighthouse restaurant that had just recently retired as well. They were so much fun.

We wanted to take a tour of the J.C. Lore Oyster House Calvert Marine Museum, but they were closed. Still early in the season, I guess. Maybe next time.

The next day we thought we had seen pretty much all of Solomon’s Island and decided to head north. This town is a growing town. Lots of renovated and new homes. I think it would be a nice stop for anyone on the Great Loop or if you are looking for a weekend getaway on the Chesapeake Bay.

On Wednesday we took off for Annapolis. Home. It was supposed to rain on Thursday, so we decided to do one more night on the boat at a mooring ball in town. We snuck in. We only told a few people we were coming in. It turned out to be an incredible night. Had a drink at AYC and dinner at McGarvey’s Saloon. One of our favorite places. We got back to Venture just in time to see the Wednesday night sailboat races finish. The mooring field is at the end of the race. It was exhilarating to see the sailboats maneuver their way through the moored boats without hitting them (US!) or the other racers. It was quite a treat. The evening ended with an incredible sunset. I really do enjoy staying on a mooring ball in Annapolis. To be able to see the city, the USNA, Eastport and all of the other boats is very special to me. And then to see the sunrise followed by the sound of the Reveille bugle call from the USNA. So special from the water.

And the best part of coming home was spending time with my family for Mother’s Day. So grateful for them. We were missing a few but they were there in my heart. We got a little parting gift as well…..some more goodies from. www.eatgratefull.com

We spent the next few days at home preparing for our trip North. Our friends from Colorado flew in to sail with us for the next week. Can not wait to spend time with them on Venture.