Independence Day in Rock Hall

It's July and we're still in the bay. Why you ask? Well, after the Sabre Regatta, we had a decision to make. We have to go to court on July 13 in Glen Burnie to defend ourselves against a frivolous lawsuit by the "creatures" that bought our house last summer. So, do we stay around and sweat it out in the bay until the 13th or do we go the New England and then have to come back? We've decided to stay.

The sail from Annapolis to Rock Hall turned out to be more than we expected. The early morning breeze was fairly light, but once we go north of the Bay Bridge, the wind picked up and so did the waves. We took a few waves over the bow back into the cockpit. It was more than the kitties had ever experienced so far. They both buried themselves in the quarter berth (amongst the cushions and other stuff). They faired pretty well, except Atlas had his nose pressed against a 12-pack of Sprite which turned his nose green from the dye on the box!

After a mostly uneventful trip back up the bay from Solomons, we find ourselves on this Independence Day in Rock Hall, MD almost directly across the bay from Baltimore. But what a different world. Despite it's proximity as the crow flies, it is without a doubt one of the more remote towns on the Eastern Shore. Rock Hall's Main Street has two blinking traffic lights. During the week, Rock Hall is a sleepy, laid back waterman's town. However, on the weekends, the town is transformed by the hundreds of boaters who flock here mostly from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. And on the 4th of July, the place gets really crazy. One of the locals who drove us back to our boat after dinner in Rock Hall told us that many businesses make 40-50% of their yearly income over the course of this one weekend.

Rock Hall seems to relish it's role in celebrating our independence. Beginning early on Friday, the weekend is packed with activities highlighted by a real small town parade and the largest privately funded fireworks display that you've ever seen. It seems as though everyone in the entire county was involved in the parade in some form or fashion. The Shriners with their boat- mobiles, the daycare center and it's 55 gallon drum train, a bed and breakfast float, and Joyce's favorite, the Durdings Ice Cream float where they dipped and handed out red, white and blue ice cones as they paraded down the street. And to be sure, Joyce got one!

We along with Joyce's parents watched the fireworks from the cockpit of our boat in Swan Creek. It always more interesting and pleasant viewing fireworks this way rather than fighting the traffic and the crowds. We think there's something magical about watching the reflection of the fireworks on the water.

We'll cruise the upper bay for the next week or so where the water is fresher and thus nettle free. It's supposed to be hot but, that's to be expected for July in Maryland. At least Atlas has found a way to stay cool staying close to a nice cold can of Honey Brown.

And now for the boat name of the week. ‘Busted and Disgusted' appeared on the transom of a waterman's boat. I guess that sums up his state of affairs quite well.