Rick Beer State Farm
A Pocketful of Miracles
Sometimes when the weather is particularly nasty, or I'm sitting in the office they wish to be sailing, I put my hand in my pocket and pick up my Patuxent River. Look, here it is, let me show you. It's beautiful, right? Yes, yes, I know, you can not actually see it. It is my metaphorical Patuxent River, gathered experience and memory at the same time this May for a cruise on the bay of Annapolis. It took me almost a week to gather all the pieces, but now I can get anytime I love and admire its lush coastline and back coves and anchorages friendly and just remember. . . See, there's dirt on that part. (Come just play along, pretend you see it too.) That's where I joined a group of enthusiasts of Jefferson Patterson State Park for a public dig at the site of an old plantation. And look, here, a few crumbs left over from a jumbo Stoney Crabcake sandwich in Broomes Island. Well, there is a vacuum bottle hidden Sam Adams Vera behind someone lost. Well, the river looks good anyway, although I can not seem to get coffee stains Saint Leonard Creek, no matter how I try. Wait, I'll say about that in a minute. First, I want to show my favorite place on the River. Let capable so you can see where he is. Well, now we're looking at the mouth of the river, as if we were facing the bay in straight ahead is the Solomons. See? Now Solomon forget, because we are not there. I've been there, you've been there. So no, not going there. Instead, look across the river to the left right where Route 4 (Governor Thomas Johnson) bridge back down to earth in the St. Mary's County. That's where we started: Town Creek. Who knew? In describing the Patuxent, the tour guides speak of Solomon, of course (remember, we do not go there) and upstream a few places, not much away, as St. Leonard Creek (we will contact with that) and Mill Cuckold and streams, and perhaps Broomes Island. But Town Creek. However, City Creek is practically the perfect place for cruise ships transiting the Bay and looking for a convenient and friendly scale. It is also ideal as an entry point for a visit to the Patuxent. It is about the mouth of the river is easy to enter, is deep enough inside to almost anyone and is friendly, charming and walkable. Have I made my point? Yeah, well, Town Creek looked mighty good to my friend Hal and I cruise at 5 pm on a Friday in late May as round flashing red "4" on the input stream the bank gave warning buoy beyond it a wide berth and immediately spotted our goal, Town Creek Point Marina. Indeed, it is difficult to detect what you are looking for after a brief entry, the stream is opened in a small bay and then is immediately divided by the fall Route 4 bridge. To the right is Town Creek Point Marina and the adjacent Town Creek Landing Marina. On the left are dozens of fishing boats moored at the docks ranging from small house almost every field cover the stream. Just after the bridge is called excellent Botel California, followed by a strip of land just enough for the road from Route 4, then an old inn and, finally, a beautiful ribbon of beach with excellent views of the sunset over the Patuxent and good fishing. On the other hand, maybe everything looked so good because he had spent the last eight hours to recharge in a short steep chop and wildly fluctuating headwinds in Snipp, 27-foot of my Albin Vega. After that, Omaha would have seemed right. It could also be that we have been somewhat puzzled by the new shoots pilot Snipp, which showed a disturbing trend intentional damage. After an hour more or less strict edge of normal development, would be suddenly and quietly expel us to Bloody Point, or worse, Calvert Cliffs. So yes, Town Creek looked pretty darned good. However, from the beginning earned his good name. We had called ahead and found our slip number (And the entry code of paramount importance to the living room and showers) of Town Creek Point Marina, Buddy Winslow, weekend manning a booth at the Patuxent Hall for geothermal air-business facilities. As slides adrift in search of our numbers, Dale Dean who traveled from his houseboat and greeted us opens the door, looked more like Porter Wagoner Grand Ole Opry of a marina dockhand, the effect was the same. . . and much more interesting. As it came down to establish our lines, we admired the houseboat. Dean admitted that he liked him but was in the market for a bigger, now that his girlfriend had just become no closet space. He also admired the boat on the ticket with us, which was a 1957 37 foot Alden designed ketch owned by a guy named Dean Snyder, who put his head to say he has been getting back into shape for the last year and a half, meanwhile, has amassed a world-class collection of DVDs for its library. Would we like to borrow one. . . or two? Snyder was heading out the next day with some of his family to see the air show with about 5,000 boats of others. Good luck, I thought. Well, that was just the way across the room at Town Creek was. If someone came at two in the morning from the work and realized that tied up, is checked to ensure that sufficient line had allowed the rise of the tide before it went into the night. All world was friendly, helpful and curious "I think there are many pedestrians. Here's an example: Winslow and his wife Jackie are adding an ice machine in the marina, but only to be kind, for not going to charge for ice. They are nice for the environment too, planting native grasses along the coast and put their experience with geothermal energy into practice at home and up slipholders' lounge, which features two showers and a flat screen TV (psst! know where you can borrow a few DVDs.) Over the next few days, although they were not sailing or anchored for the night in a stream or another, we walked through small Punto City, which, we he said, were largely resolved in the years 1940 and 1950 for retirees and people from all parts facilities in the area of the Marina. Fix cottages, extravagant dresses hydrangeas numbers, the online community two or three ways. Unfortunately, the coastline of my metaphorical Patuxent is a bit confusing at some points. No, no was time. You see, my friend Hal had to go sailing the next day so my husband Rick drive to take over, so to speak. This morning we Snipp nose from Town Creek to start our journey up river. As soon as we got away from the shelter of the earth, 15-knot winds, gusting to 20, hit us from behind (Southwest), which gives us a good push toward the center channel wide the Patuxent. We quickly reefed the main, only for ourselves more comfortable, you understand, the genoa and then extended again to the northwest of the head upriver. The wind filled the sails, and before you could say Jack Robinson, were grazing under the center of 300 meters high span of the Route 4 bridge. We have strengthened the candle end point overlooking the patience to starboard and blinked in disbelief as the probe showed 102 feet. The Patuxent is one of the shallow rivers of the Bay. After that, loosened the sails and settled into a long-range beam and furious, shedding a little wind in the gusts, but otherwise just keeping a hand on the tiller to keep the boat in the wind rounding. I felt a little shocked one milestone after another, all carefully with orange crayon circles of fat in the charts for more research-whizzed to port and starboard. It seemed a pity, but woe to the sailor who gets a perfect point of sailing on a well-balanced in a steady wind. Not me! As a consequence, the entry Horned streams to the mill and the reasons popular anchor for both pedestrians and local boating clubs and home to the excellent but not transitional Blackstone Marina-soon became in a blur. I do not remember if they even bothered to say to Rick. He was clearly in the oh-yeah-this-is-what-sailing's-all-over the area anyway, and not open to comments, especially the variety of marketing-department. Soon after, I was pretty sure I saw the spring Sotterly Plantation, where you can tie Visit his-mind this important early 19th century mansion. But maybe not. There are a number of handsome, but significant uncertifiably old houses scattered along the banks of the Patuxent, and (I know this is heresy to some) a handsome historic house may seem a lot to the next. On the other side of the river, I could see some few ships and went to St. Leonard Creek, probably on their way to an early lunch and an umbrella-adorned Mai Tai in the rejuvenated Vera White Sands Beach Club. "We back, "I whispered softly as San Leonardo moved quickly to stern. The sandy coastline just beyond San Leonardo is punctuated with short spikes that T compared to the long sandy beach two miles from Jefferson Patterson State Park and Museum. These short stone piers were built to protect the coast at the same time sand and grass for accommodate the appropriate range of wildlife. "I'll be back," he promised. Broomes Island Creek and island home of Bernie Fowler, the guardian angel of Patuxent River in slippers Court, soon turned to the eye. Workboats and was heading to his home in the stream after the morning rounds. As they slid silently through the island (which shown in the chart for the entire world as the head of a pterodactyl and is undoubtedly as old), I thought of suggesting that tied at Stoney's Seafood House for lunch and one of their famous crabcakes cannonball, but quickly thought better of it. That would have to wait. The next place was not stopped Battle Creek, about three miles beyond Broomes Island and on the same side of river. He had been particularly looking forward to exploring this stream, that wanders from the north for about three or four miles before petering out in Battle Creek Pond Cypress. The highlight of this park of 100 acres is the quarter mile or less on the catwalk plastic and wood that winds through some of the most lurid landscape is very likely to see this side of Atchafalaya, Louisiana. The phrase "Do not let the skeeters Get You "was probably invented here at Battle Creek Cypress swamps. I walked down the catwalk before, and I can say is that before half way I swear that there are creatures that look at you from behind every half-submerged cypress knee. And this place has a lot of cypress knees. It is a great place to visit but my advice is smearing the insect repellent and keep moving! We quickly checked against a few miles as the Route 231 bridge and plant cells Chalk Point power rose higher and higher above the shoreline of low altitude. Chalk Point plant, which opened in 1964 and is Maryland's largest, burning coal, gas and oil, the latter comes through a pipeline of 51 miles of the owner of Mirant Corp. 's appeal in Piney Point on the Potomac River. The bridge has a vertical clearance of only 16 feet, but that open with a call for tender of the bridge. At the foot of the bridge on the right side of Calvert County, Point is empty. On the left, in the short stretch of the coast Patuxent belonging to Charles County, is the town of Benedict XVI, once a bustling center of industry oystering River and now an intriguing pool cabanas on stilts over the water, work boats and a pinch of marinas, especially for shallow-draft vessels. For those in search of food or a sandwich at Pier Ray, temporary berthing for projects up to five meters can be found at the end of the unloading docks of DeSoto's Marina next. Ray is in the shade of a large banana and venerable, clearly a master of survival in a place that has seen more than its share of high-level storms water. Needless to say, did not stop there, nor continue beyond the bridge. Instead we brought Snipp nose through the wind and left through, otherwise. I do not fight it. The river above the Chalk Point plant is a wonder to behold, as I had discovered on a previous trip boat. Narrows significantly beyond the power lines that extend from the floor to the other side and then installed in the mile after mile of nature as planned occasionally interrupted by small settlements, as Benedict XVI, seem adventitious traces of a lively but long maritime past, and I suppose they are. In a small boat, a boat, a kayak or canoe, the upper reaches of the river is a trip worth it. But all cruises have limits, and it still was accumulating need-to-dos faster than the sediment after a storm. So that's why some of the cost of my Patuxent is quite blurred. But on the other hand, my St. Leonard Creek is nice and strong. That's because the wind loosened the same way he came on entry the second time, and, finally, I would say, "Hey let's find a place to drop anchor and then go to Vera. "And we did. We walked around flashing red 14" "and then green 1" taking into account both the port to avoid bank Peterson Point, then passed to the port of entry Mackall, the first of many excellent anchorages in the stream. We dropped the hook a duck blind behind a sailing trawler and two near the top of the Sierra de Pozo Cove. It was a busy place, but we wanted to be within easy distance light Vera, whose white towers and recently rebuilt the docks we could see up the creek. We paid the price with a lot of boat wakes from waterskiiers, wakeboarders and visitors Vera late into the night, but after the splendid isolation of our means, upstream and down, the company of fellow sailors enjoy a great day on the water was no punishment. San Leonardo is popular with cruisers and locals alike for its beauty. In fact, sitting in Vera in the dark and looking more beyond its plastic palm trees and the fountain of Venus by Botticelli-type in the courtyard of alternative points of land that marked the scene downstream, caught my attention, and there is no doubt that hundreds of cruise ships were before me, by the combination of absurdity and beauty stop the scene of Vera are presented. Then, like hundreds before me, is shrugged and ordered another cold beer. So what's so strange in a season of Polynesia in one half of Maryland river after all? The next morning, before leaving Saint Leonard Creek, we motored around to explore its coves and inlets and to find a little quieter anchorage for future reference. It was during this tour that Rick forgot that the stove gimbals just part time and three quarters and poured a cup of hot coffee on the carpet in the cabin. We left San Leonardo and dithered around out on the river for a few hours that day, but the wind was difficult to achieve and the clouds were building in the west, so we gave Mill Creek a quick visit and then returned to Town Creek. Rick left the evening before the rain started so that could return to work the next day. Almost before the dust settled, however, my daughter Kristen arrived, ready for their turn in the Patuxent. Ah, I thought, crabcakes with visions dancing in my head, here is a young woman who loves to eat! Therefore not be surprised to know, not only because I have already alluded to the crumbs vestigial bread on the island near Stoney Broomes was our first stop. The center of the Island Creek, which runs along the east side of Broomes Island, much too shallow for just about any boat, but along the edges of the bottom comes up quickly. So Kristen and I timed our arrival at Stoney for high tide nearby, just to be sure there would be enough water. . . and time to do the job. Happily, that put us at the beginning of the cycle in order to claim a lunch outdoor table with a great view of the bay occupied. Soon, all tables were full and Stoney's waitresses were everywhere at once with a roller trays of crab-related dishes. Call it imagination or call keep it simple, I went straight for the Crabcake sandwich colossal. Kristen chose the plate and the Crabcake corn on the cob. I could not finish my part, but luckily, Kristen was there to help. The daughters are a great comfort. Long before the tide had begun to run out of the cove, we were back in the river and the departure of Jefferson-Patterson Park, my favorite place in the second Patuxent. You will not find this in the guidebooks, but Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum is accessible by boat. Be of good authority, zoo director Mike Smolek himself, made this summer a while it was anchored Mackall in the Hunter in 40. While cruises are not allowed to moor at the pier only the park, which is part of Morgan State University, they are welcome to drop anchor and then take a boat to the beach. Mackall natural Smolek recommended as a convenient place to anchor and Peterson point, right around the corner and the Patuxent, as a good place for the beach seine. But other state park beaches would be very good too, since it is sure to be a nearby road that leads to the visitor center, or farm barn-motor, or beyond the reconstruction of Native American settlement. The T-shaped breakwaters also provide good protection against the wind and waves. Kristen and I Dinghies land in the canoe and kayak launch site, which also is near the village of Native Americans, a War of 1812 site and a couple of trails. We could see very quickly that would be difficult to find a special place in this park that was not touched by the story, if it is the remains of settlements prehistoric, plantations of the 18th century or 19th century conflicts. Even the buildings are historic in its way. same name Park, Jefferson Patterson, a diplomat born in Ohio, bought the property in 1932 for use as an experimental farm. It commissioned the architect Gertrude Sawyer design 26 buildings, houses and farm buildings, for mass, which he and his wife, war correspondent and photojournalist Mary Breckenridge Patterson, called Point Farm. Many of these buildings survive in the form of repurposed, as a center of visitors to the park, which started life as a barn show. But it was the realization of the couple who had acquired a unique piece of property that asks Mary Patterson to donate to the state of Maryland in 1983. She realized that it was extremely rich in artifacts and wanted to safely preserved for study. In fact, until date, after 20 years of excavations, archaeologists estimate that the museum has explored less than one percent of what lies buried in the almost 600 hectares. That is one of the reasons that the State established its Museum of Archaeology here, a remarkable object repository sites throughout the state. Kristen and I spent a happy evening, walking the trails, admiring the view of the constant river through the trees and trying to resist the temptations of the gift shop. There was one more thing I wanted to do in the park, but I could not for the life of Kristen talk you arrive. So next day I left to wander the streets of City Point or view a video the room while I put on my best Indiana Jones fedora "Well, my candle, at least dorky hat, and went across the river to the point Peterson. That is the day I dirt all over a corner of my Patuxent. I had gone in search of buried treasure. Not on my own, of course, but as part of the public park archeology program, that allows people outside the street like me to get down and dirty with all kinds of screening devices. Arriving near nine in the morning, I joined a small group of other volunteers, including a family of five. First, Maryland Historical trustee Ed Chaney picked us up in the shade of some trees near the excavation and said we'd be working on the site of the homes of slaves in the early 18th century on a farm that had belonged to Richard Smith, first Maryland Attorney General. Researchers are particularly lucky with the Smith property, Chaney said, because it was part of a long and rancorous border dispute in the 18th century. One of the artifacts that came from this controversy is a detailed map of the exact location of all buildings, fields and borders. Archaeologists overlaps the map with a modern and have been able to identify long-lost sites. What is the way senzala website was found initially. Once the network was designed and began the excavation, evidence of post holes were discovered almost simultaneously. After Chaney had finished his speech, he gave us in the care of three of the park archaeologists summer we went to work while shoveling sand detection over a barrel for something other than dirt. And, my God, when I've seen enough shovels of dirt, a thimble-size brick core of the 18th century looks like the mother lode. Step back, Indy! We dug and sifted and sorted and talked. It was terrible, and everyone was having a great time. One of the professionals, Annette Cook, who has a degree in archeology from the University of West Florida, had moved to the area a year ago when her husband was transferred to the Navy the nearby Patuxent Naval Air Station. "I thought I had entered heaven" said about coming to work at Jefferson Patterson. Off-street volunteer Sandra Bell, by contrast, has a doctorate in analytical chemistry and is retired from the FDA. He completed the course in the park and learned flint nap basket in the Indian village. Now I was starting enthusiastically through screen after screen of dirt in the search of. . . well, anything. It was, as a member of the family of volunteers Wyatt said Gilly, an activity that comes with its reward system. At some point that the noon, I felt rewarded enough and returned to the boat and then to Town Creek. Kristen was leaving that afternoon, and I had to be ready for the arrival of my friend Jean, who drove from Florida to sail with me to the Potomac. We had a great time, and I even got to bring home another river. But, hey, that's another story, and I see that time is cleaning and freshening wind. So if you pardon, I think I'll slip back into his pocket and Patuxent go sailing. Want to come?
Sometimes when the weather is particularly nasty, or am I sitting in the office they wish to be sailing, I reach into my jacket pocket and Patuxent River. Mira, here it is, let me show you. It's beautiful, right? Yes, yes, I know, you really can not see. It is my metaphorical Patuxent River, meeting a experience and memory one by one this May for a cruise on the bay of Annapolis. It took me almost a week to put together all the pieces, but now I can get in any time I want and I admire his lush green coast and return to its coves and anchorages friendly and just remember. . .
See, there is dirt on that part. (Come on, just play along, pretend you see it too.) That's where I joined a group of enthusiasts of Jefferson Patterson State Park for an excavation in a public place old plantation. And look, here, a few crumbs left over from a jumbo Stoney Crabcake sandwich in Broomes Island. Well, there is a vacuum bottle hidden behind Sam Adams Vera that someone missed. Well, the river looks good anyway, although I can not seem to get coffee stains of St. Leonard Creek, no matter how try.
Wait, I'll tell you about that in a minute. First, I want to show my favorite place on the River. Let me so you can accommodate see where you are. Well, now we're looking at the river mouth, as if we were in the bay looking in there Straight Solomons Island. Did you see? Solomon forget now, because we are not there. I've been there, you've been there. So no, we do not go there. Instead, look across the river left, right where Route 4 (Governor Thomas Johnson) returns to the land bridge in St. Mary's County. That's where we're going to start: Town Creek.
Who knew? In describing the Patuxent, the tour guides speak of Solomon, of course (remember, we're not there) and some places not much more far upstream as St. Leonard Creek (we will contact with that) and Mill Cuckold and streams, and perhaps Broomes Island. But Town Creek. However, Town Creek practically perfect place for cruise ships transiting the Bay and looking for a convenient and friendly scale. It is also ideal as an entry point for a visit to the Patuxent. It is near the mouth of the river, is easy to enter, is deep enough inside to almost anyone and is friendly, charming and walkable. Have I made my point?
Yeah, well, Town Creek looked mighty good my friend Hal and I cruise at 5 pm on a Friday in late May as round flashing red "4" on input stream, the bank gave warning buoy beyond it a wide margin and immediately saw our goal, Town Creek Point Marina. Indeed, it is difficult to detect what you're looking for, because after a brief entry, the stream is opened in a small bay and then is immediately divided by the fall Route 4 bridge. Right There are Town Creek Point Marina and the adjacent Town Creek Landing Marina. On the left are dozens of fishing boats moored at the docks ranging from small house almost all field covering the creek. Just after the bridge is called excellent Botel California, followed by a strip of land just enough for the road from Route 4 then an old inn and, finally, a beautiful ribbon of beach with excellent views of the sunset over the Patuxent and good fishing.
On the other hand, perhaps it was so well because they had spent the last eight hours to recharge in a short steep chop and wildly fluctuating headwinds in Snipp, 27-foot my Albin Vega. After that, it would have looked like Omaha. It could also be that it was a little bewildered by the new shoots pilot Snipp, which showed a trend disturbing intentional damage. After an hour or so strictly to the orderly development edge, it would be very suddenly and silently sends us out with blood Point or, worse, Calvert Cliffs. So yes, Town Creek looked pretty darned good.
However, from the start he deserves his good name. We requested and obtained by ticket number in front of us (and most importantly, the entry code to the living room and showers) of Town Creek Point Marina, Buddy Winslow, weekend manning a booth at the Patuxent Room air for your business-geothermal energy facilities. As slides adrift in search of our number, Dale Dean who traveled from his houseboat and opens the door greeted us seemed While Porter Wagoner Grand Ole Opry in a marina dockhand, the effect was the same. . . and much more interesting. As he got to establish our lines, we admired the houseboat. Dean admitted that he liked himself, but was in the market for a bigger, now that his girlfriend had just run out of space in the closet.
He also admired the boat in the slip next to us, 1957 proved to be a 37 foot Alden designed ketch owned by a guy named Dean Snyder, who stuck his head out to tell us who has been getting back into shape for last year and a half, meanwhile, has amassed a world-class collection of films for its library. Would we like to borrow one. . . or two? Snyder headed the next day with some of his relatives to see the air show along with about 5,000 other boats. Good luck with that, I thought.
Well, that was just the way across the room at Town Creek was. If someone came at two in the morning from work and realized that tied up, is checked to ensure that had allowed enough line for the rise of the tide before it went into the night. Everyone was friendly, helpful and curious "I do not receive many bystanders. Here's an example: Winslow and his wife Jackie are adding an ice machine in the marina, but only to be kind, for it will not charge by ice. They are nice for the environment too, planting native grasses along the coast and put their experience into practice geothermal in your home and slipholders 'Upper room, which comes with two showers and a flat screen TV (psst! I know where you can borrow a few DVDs.)
In the next days, although no sailing or anchored out at night in a stream or another, we walked through small City Point, which we were told, was resolved in large As in the years 1940 and 1950 by the retirees and the ubiquitous facilities Marina area. Fix cottages, dressed in extravagant numbers hydrangeas line community of two or three ways.
Unfortunately, the coastline of my metaphorical Patuxent is a bit confusing at some points. No, it was time. You see, my Hal sailing friend had to leave the next day, so my husband Rick drove to pick up the slack, so to speak. This morning we Snipp nose of Town Creek to undertake our river trip. As soon as we got away from the shelter of the land, winds of 15 knots, gusting to 20, hit us from behind (southwest) gives us a good push toward the center channel wide the Patuxent. We quickly reefed the main, just to make us more comfortable, you understand, then extended the jib and turned to the northwest of the head upriver. The wind filled the sails, and before you could say Jack Robinson, were brushed under the center span 300 meters from the Route 4 bridge. We have strengthened the candle end point overlooking the patience to starboard and blinked in disbelief as the probe registered 102 feet. The Patuxent not is one of the shallow rivers of the Bay.
After that, loosened the sails and settled into a long-range beam and furious, shedding a little during wind gusts, but otherwise just keeping a hand on the tiller to prevent the boat from rounding into the wind. I was a little shocked one milestone after another, carefully colored pencil fat orange circles on the charts for more research, whizzed to the port and starboard. It seemed a pity, but woe to the sailor who gets a perfect point of sailing on a well-balanced in a steady wind. Not me!
As a result this, the entrance to Mill Cuckold and streams, the popular anchor motifs for both pedestrians and local boating clubs and home to the excellent but not transitional Blackstone Marina-soon passed in a blur. I do not remember if they even bothered to say to Rick. He was clearly in the oh-yeah-this-is-what-all-over sailing's area anyway, and not open to comment, especially the variety of marketing-department.
Soon after, I was pretty sure I saw the dock Sotterly Plantation, which can be attached to the visit of this historical mansion-cally significant early 19th century. But maybe not. There are a number of handsome, but uncertifiably houses age significant scattered along the banks of the Patuxent, and (I know this is heresy to some) a beautiful historic home may seem a lot to the next.
On the other side of the river, I saw a few boats that went to the creek and San Leonardo, probably in his
form of an early lunch and an umbrella-adorned Mai Tai in the rejuvenated Vera White Sands Beach Club. "We will be back," I whispered softly as San Leonardo moved quickly to stern.
The coast sand just beyond San Leonardo is punctuated with spikes shorter than T off the two-mile long beach of State Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. These short stone piers were built to protect the coast at the same time sand and grass to receive the proper assortment of wildlife. "I'll be back," he promised.
Island Creek and Broomes island home of Bernie Fowler, the guardian angel of Patuxent River in tennis shoes, suddenly veered to the eye. Workboats and was heading to his home in the stream after their morning rounds. As they slid silently through the island (seen in the graph for the whole world as the head of a pterodactyl and is undoubtedly as old), I thought of suggesting that we tied up at the Stoney Seafood House for lunch and one of their famous crabcakes cannonball, but quickly thought better of it. That would have to wait.
The next place that does not stop was Battle Creek, about three miles beyond Broomes Island and in the same side of river. He had been particularly eager to explore this stream, that wanders from the north for about three or four miles before petering out in Battle Creek Cypress marsh. The highlight of this park of 100 acres is the fourth of a mile or so of plastic-wood drive that winds through some of the most lurid landscape is likely to see this side of Atchafalaya, Louisiana. The phrase "Do not let the skeeters get" probably was invented here at Battle Creek Cypress marsh. I walked down the catwalk before, and I can say that before you're half way I swear that there are creatures that look at you from behind every cypress knee semi-submerged. And this place has a lot of cypress knees. It is a great place to visit, but my advice is smearing the insect repellent and keep moving!
We quickly annoyed a few miles as the Route 231 bridge and the batteries of the plant at Chalk Point power rose higher and higher above line of low-lying coast. Chalk Point plant, which opened in 1964 and is the largest of Maryland, coal burning, gas and oil-the latter comes through a pipeline of 51 miles of the owner of Mirant Corp. 's appeal in Piney Point on the Potomac River.
The bridge has a height of only 16 feet, but opened with a call for tender of the bridge. At the foot of the bridge on the right side of Calvert County, is casting Point. On the left, in the short stretch of coast Patuxent belonging to Charles County, is the town of Benedict XVI, once a bustling center of industry and now the river is a haven oystering intriguing of huts on stilts over the water, work boats and a pinch of marinas, especially for shallow-draft vessels. For those in search of food or a sandwich at Pier Ray, temporary berthing for projects up to five meters can be found at the end of the dock landing DeSoto Marina next door. Ray is in the shade of a banana large and venerable, clearly a master of survival in a place that has seen more than its share of storms and high tide.
Needless to say, did not stop there, nor continue beyond the bridge. Instead we brought Snipp nose through the wind and came across it the other way. I did not fight same. The river above the Chalk Point plant is a wonder to behold, as I had discovered on a previous trip boat. Narrows significantly beyond power lines that extend from the plant to the opposite shore and then installed on mile after mile of nature as planned, occasionally interrupted by small settlements, as Benedict XVI, seem adventitious traces of a lively but long maritime past, and I suppose they are. In a small boat, a boat, a kayak or canoe, the upper reaches of the river is a trip worth it. But all cruises have limits, and was accumulating still need-to-dos faster than the sediment after a storm.
So that's why some of the cost of my Patuxent is quite blurred. But on the other hand, my Saint Leonard Creek is nice and strong. That's because the wind loosened the same way he came on entry the second time, and, finally, I would say, "Hey let's find a place to drop anchor and then go to Vera. "And we did. We walked around flashing red 14" "and then green one", given both to port to prevent bank Peterson Point, then passed to the port of entry Mackall, the first of many excellent anchorages in the stream. We dropped the hook a duck blind behind a sailing trawler and two near the top of the Sierra de Pozo Cove. It was a busy place, but we wanted to be within easy distance light Vera, whose white towers and recently rebuilt dock we could see up the creek. We paid the price with a lot of boat wakes from waterskiiers, wakeboarders and visitors until late Vera night, but after the splendid isolation of our means, upstream and down, the company of fellow sailors enjoying a great day on the water was no punishment.
San Leonardo is popular with cruisers and locals alike for its beauty. In fact, sitting in Vera in the dark and looking beyond of plastic palm trees and the Venus-Botticelli-type font in the courtyard to alternative points of land that marked the scene downstream, caught my attention, since no Undoubtedly, hundreds of cruise ships were before me, by the combination arrest of absurdity and beauty scene Vera presented. Then, like hundreds before me, is shrugged and ordered another cold beer. So what's so strange at a resort in Polynesia a river in mid-Maryland after all?
The next morning, before leaving Saint Leonard Creek, we motored around to explore its coves and inlets and to locate a silent few anchors for future reference. It was during this tour that Rick forgot that the stove gimbals just part time and three quarters and poured a cup of hot coffee on the carpet in the cabin.
We left San Leonardo and dithered around in the river for several more hours that day, but the wind was elusive and the clouds were building in the west, so we gave Mill Creek a quick visit and then returned to Creek Town. Rick left the evening before the rain started so he could return to work the next day. Almost before the dust settled, however, my daughter Kristen arrived, ready for their turn in the Patuxent. Ah, I thought, crabcakes visions dancing in my head, here is a young woman who loves to eat! Therefore not be surprised to know, and not only because I have already alluded to the bread crumbs vestigial in Broomes Island near Stoney was our first stop.
The center of the Island Creek, which runs along the side Broomes Island this is quite deep enough for just about any boat, but along the bottom edges appear quickly. So Kristen and I timed our arrival at Stoney's for nearly high tide, just to be sure you have enough water. . . and time to do the job. Fortunately, that put us at the beginning of lunch cycle in order to claim an outdoor table with a great view of the bay occupied. Soon, all tables were full and Stoney's waitresses were everywhere at the same time frame with a mountain of crab-related dishes. Call it imagination or call keep it simple, I went straight to Colossal Crabcake sandwich. Kristen chose the Crab cake plate and corn on the cob. I could not finish my part, but luckily, Kristen was there to help. The daughters are great comfort.
Long before the tide had begun to run out of the cove, we were back in the river and the departure of Jefferson-Patterson Park, my place Patuxent second favorite.
You will not find this in the guidebooks, but Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum is accessible by boat. Be of good authority, zoo director Mike Smolek himself, who was limited to summer while it was anchored in its Hunter Mackall 40. While cruises are not allowed to moor at the pier only the park, owned by Morgan State University, are welcome to drop anchor and then take a boat to the beach. Mackall natural Smolek recommended as a place suitable for the anchor point and Peterson, just around the corner and the Patuxent, as a good place to beach the boat. But other state park beaches would be very good also it is not certain to be a track nearby that will take the visitor center, or farm barn-motor, or reconstructed past indigenous settlement. The breakwaters T-shaped also provide good protection against wind and waves.
Kristen and I Dinghies land in the canoe and kayak launch site, which also is near the village of Native Americans, a place of war in 1812 and a couple of trails. We could see very quickly that would be difficult to find a place in this extraordinary park that was not touched by the story, if it is the remains of prehistoric settlements, the plantations of the 18th century or 19th century conflicts. Even the buildings are historic in its path.
same name Park, Jefferson Patterson, a diplomat born in Ohio, bought the property in 1932 for use as an experimental farm. Was commissioned the architect to design 26 buildings Gertrude Sawyer-houses and farm buildings of the farm, he and his wife, war correspondent and photojournalist Mary Breckenridge Patterson named Point Farm. Many of these buildings survive in a repurposed as the park visitor center, which began life as a barn show.
But was the realization of the couple who had acquired a unique piece of property that Mary Patterson asked to donate to the state of Maryland in 1983. She realized that it was immensely rich in artifacts and wanted to safely preserved for study. In fact, to date, after 20 years of excavations, archaeologists estimate that The museum has explored less than one percent of what lies buried in the almost 600 hectares. That is one reason that the State established its Museum of Archaeology here a remarkable object repository sites throughout the state.
Kristen and I spent a happy afternoon, walking the trails, admiring the views of the river continued through of trees and trying to resist the temptations of the gift shop.
There was one more thing I wanted to do in the park, but I could not for the life of that Kristen speaks to you in coming along. The next day I left to wander the streets of City Point or watch a video in the living room while I put on my best Indiana Jones fedora-It Well, my candle, at least dorky hat and recrossed the river to Peterson Point.
That is the day I was dirt all over a corner of my Patuxent. I had gone in search of buried treasure. Not on my own, of course, but as part of the program in archeology public park, allowing people outside the street like me to get down and dirty with all kinds of screening devices.
When you get close to nine in the morning, I joined a small group of volunteers, including a family of five. First, Maryland Historical trustee Ed Chaney picked us up in the shade of some trees near the excavation and explained would be working on the site of a slave quarters in the early 18th century on a farm that had belonged to Richard Smith, first secretary of Justice of Maryland. The Researchers are particularly fortunate with the Smith property, Chaney said, because it was part of a long and rancorous border dispute in the 18th century. One of the artifacts out of this controversy is a detailed map of the exact location of all buildings, fields and borders. Archaeologists overlaid the map with a modern and have been able to identify long-lost sites. That is how the slave quarters site was found initially. Once the network was designed and started the excavation, evidence of post-holes were discovered almost simultaneously.
After Chaney had finished his talk, he gave us in the care of three summer by archaeologists of the park, we went to work while shoveling sand detection over a barrel for something other than dirt. And, my God, when I seen enough shovels of dirt, a thimble-size brick core of the 18th century looks like the mother lode. Step back, Indy!
We dug and sifted and sorted and talked. It was terrible, and everyone was having a great time. One of the advantages, Annette Cook, who has a degree in archeology from the University of West Florida, had moved to the area a year ago when her husband was transferred to the Navy the nearby Patuxent Naval Air Station. "I had entered heaven, "he said about coming to work at Jefferson Patterson. Off-street volunteer Sandra Bell, however, has a doctorate in analytical chemistry and retired from the FDA. He completed the course in the park and learned flint nap basketry in village India. Now he was enthusiastically booting screen ground after screen looking for. . . well, anything. It was, as a member of the family of volunteers Wyatt said Gilly, an activity that comes with its reward system.
Sometime around noon, I felt rewarded enough and returned to the boat and then to Town Creek. Kristen was leaving that afternoon, and I had to be ready for the arrival of my friend Jean, who drove from Florida to sail with me to the Potomac. We had a great time, and I even got to bring home another river.
But, hey, that's another story, and I see that time is cleaning and freshening wind. So if you'll excuse me, I think I'll slip back Patuxent candle in your pocket and go. Want to come?
About the Author
By Jody Schroath, Senior Editor for Chesapeake Bay Magazine. For more great articles and photos on boating, sailing, fishing, and cruising, visit http://www.ChesapeakeBoating.net
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