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A Pocketful of Miracles

Sometimes when the weather is particularly bad, or I'm sitting in the office they wish to be sailing, I put my hand in my pocket for my Patuxent River. Look, he's there, let me show you. It's beautiful, eh? Yes, yes, I know you can not really see. It is my metaphorical Patuxent River, experience, and memory at the same time in May for a cruise on the Bay Annapolis. He took almost a week to gather all the pieces, but now I can at any time that I love and admire its lush coastline and back bays and anchorages friendly and do not forget. . . See, there's dirt on this part. (Come on just play along, as if to see you too.) That's where I joined a group of enthusiasts Jefferson Patterson State Park for a search of the public on the site of a former plantation. And look, here, some crumbs left by Stoney Jumbo Crabcake sandwich in Broomes island. Well, there is an empty bottle hidden behind Sam Adams Vera has lost someone. Well, the river looks good any Thus, even if I can not get coffee stains St. Leonard Creek, no matter how I do. Wait, I'll say about it in minute. First, I want to show my favorite place on the River. So what can you see where he is. Well, now we are looking at the mouth River, as if we were facing the bay in a straight line is the Solomons. See? Now Solomon forget, because we are not there. I was there you have been there. So no, no go. Instead, look across the river to the left where Route 4 (Governor Thomas Johnson) bridge to the land in the county of St. Mary's. This is where we started: Town Creek. Who knew? In describing the Patuxent, guides speak of Solomon, of course (remember, we're not going there) and upload a few places, not much there, that St. Leonard Creek (we will in contact with the island) and a factory Cocu and streams, and perhaps Broomes. But Town Creek. However, the city is almost the perfect Creek for cruise ships in transit in the bay and looking for a practical scale and friendly. It is also ideal as an entry point for a tour of the Patuxent. This is the mouth of the river is easier to get, is deep enough inside for almost all world, and are friendly, charming and pedestrian. Have I made my point of view? Yeah, Town Creek looked very good to my buddy Hal and I cruise at the 5:00 Friday at the end of May, all flashing red "4" on the input stream bank warned buoy beyond a wide berth immediately spotted our target, Town Creek Point Marina. Indeed, it is difficult to detect what you are looking for, because, after a brief entry, the stream is opened in a small bay, and is immediately broken by the fall of the bridge on Route 4. Right, Town Creek Point Marina and adjacent waters Town Creek Landing Marina. On the left are dozens of fishing boats moored to the dock from little house on the land cover almost all the streams. Just after the bridge is called excellent Botel California, followed by a strip of land just enough to the road of Route 4, then an old inn and, finally, a ribbon of beach with views of the sunset on the Patuxent and good fishing. On the other hand, perhaps all looked so good because he had spent the last eight hours to recharge in a short, steep chop wildly fluctuating winds in Snippe, 27-foot Albin Vega my. After that, Omaha would have seemed right. It could be that we have been somewhat surprised by the new shoots Snippe pilot, who was intentionally damaged a disturbing trend. After an hour or if the strict edge of normal development, would suddenly and quietly Bloody Point evict us, or worse, of Calvert Cliffs. If Yes, Town Creek looked pretty good. But since the beginning won reputation. We called ahead and found our bill number (and the entry code of importance essential to the living room and showers), the Town Creek Marina Point, Buddy Winslow weekend crew of a booth at the Hall Patuxent air companies geothermal plant. As drift creeps in search of our numbers, Dale Dean, who has traveled from his boat and we were greeted opens the door, like more Porter Wagoner Grand Ole Opry to a marina dock, the effect was the same. . . and more interesting. As he fell to implement our lines, we admired the barge. Dean admitted that he liked but he was in the market for larger, now that his girlfriend had just no closet. He also admired the boat on the ticket with us, which was a 1957 37 foot Alden designed ketch owned by a guy called Dean Snyder, who put his head to say he was fitness for the last year and a half, he has gathered a collection of world-class DVD to their library. Would we borrow one. . . or two? Snyder was leaving the next day with someone in his family to see the air show with about 5,000 other boats. Good luck, I thought. Well, that was just the way across the room at Town Creek was. If someone came at two o'clock in the morning of the related work and has made there controls to ensure that the line was sufficient to permit the rise of the tide before it is in the night. All the world was friendly, helpful and curious "I think there are many pedestrians. Here's an example: Winslow and his wife Jackie are adding an icemaker in the marina, but only kind of being, for not going to charge for ice. They are kind to the environment too, planting grass natives along the coastline and the experience of geothermal energy in practice at home and lounge slipholders up ', which features two showers and a TV flat screen (psst! know where you can borrow some DVDs.) In the coming days, although not sail or anchor overnight in a stream or another, we walked through small Punto City, which he says have been largely resolved in the years 1940 and 1950 for retirees and people from all over the installations in the area of the Marina. Holiday Fix, dresses extravagant number of hydrangeas, community line two or three ways. Unfortunately, the side of my metaphorical Patuxent is a bit confusing in some places. No, no, it was time. You see, my friend Hal had to sail the next day for my husband Rick player to take charge, so to speak. This morning we Snippe nose of Town Creek to begin our trip down the River. Once we are far from immune to the earth, winds of 15 knots, gusting to 20, we hit the back (Southwest), which gives us a good push toward the center of the channel range of Patuxent. We quickly took a reef in the main, for ourselves more comfortable, you know, the Genoese, and extended further north-west of the upstream head. The wind blew the candles, and before you could say Jack Robinson, we have been creaming in center 300 meters high reach of Route 4 bridge. We have reinforced the candle end overlooking the patience to starboard and blinked in disbelief that the probe has recorded 102 feet. The Patuxent River is a shallow bay. After that, loosen the sails and settled in a beam long range and furious, excretion in some wind gusts, but otherwise, just keeping his hand on the bar to keep the boat in the borough wind. I felt a little shocked a milestone after another, all carefully orange crayon circles of grease on the cards for more research and whistled port and starboard. It seems a pity, but woe to the sailor who gets an excellent point of sailing on a well-balanced in a steady wind. Not me! Consequently, Cornu entry stream for the mill and the reasons for popular support for pedestrians and local yacht clubs and home to the excellent but no transition Blackstone Marina-fast in a blur. I do not remember if they even bothered to tell Rick. He was obviously in oh-yeah-this-is-what-sailing on all the area anyway, and not open to comments, especially the variety of marketing service. Shortly after, I was pretty sure have seen the spring Sotterly Plantation, where you can link to visit his view of this important principle of the house of the 19th century. Perhaps not. There are a number of beautiful, but significant houses scattered along old uncertifiably the banks of the Patuxent, and (I know this is heresy some) a beautiful historic house may seem a lot for the next. On the other side of the river, I saw some few ships went to the creek and San Leonardo, probably on the way for a quick lunch and an umbrella decorated Mai Tai in the rejuvenated Vera White Sands Beach Club. "We Return," I whispered Gently San Leonardo was soon back. The coastal sand just beyond San Leonardo is punctuated by short spikes versus T the long sandy beach Two miles from Jefferson Patterson State Park and Museum. These short stone pillars were built to protect the coast on the sand at the same time and the grass to reflect the appropriate range of wildlife. "I'll be back," he promised. Broomes Island Creek Island home of Bernie Fowler, the guardian angel of Patuxent River slippers Court, soon turned the eye. The class and headed home in the course after the round morning. As they slipped silently into the island (which listed in the table for the world as the head of a pterodactyl and is probably as old), I thought of suggesting that related to Stoney's Seafood House for lunch and a shot of their famous crabcakes, but he quickly changed his mind. This would have to wait. The next battle was not arrested Creek about three miles beyond Broomes Island and the same side of the River. He was particularly eager to explore this river, which wanders from the north for about three or four miles before faltering in Battle Creek Pond Cypress. The culmination of this 100-acre park is a quarter mile or less on the podium plastic and wood that winds through some of the most atrocious landscape is likely to see this side of Atchafalaya, Louisiana. The phrase "Do not let the skeeters Get You" was probably was invented here at Cypress Creek marsh battle. I went down the bridge before, and I can say is that before halfway, I swear it are creatures who look at you from behind every half-submerged cypress knee. And this place has lots of cypress knees. It is a great place to visit but my advice is coated with an insect repellent and keep moving! We quickly checked over a few miles from Route 231 bridges and cells Chalk Point Power Plant rose, rose above the shore at low altitude. Chalk Point plant, which opened in 1964 and is the largest in Maryland, the combustion of coal, gas and oil, it goes through a pipeline 51 miles of the owner of the appeal of Mirant Corp. in Piney Point on the Potomac River. The bridge has a clearance 16 feet only, but that open with a tender of 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 coast Patuxent belonging to Charles County, is the town of Benedict XVI, once a bustling center of industry oyster and the river Now a pool cabanas intriguing stilts above the water, work boats and a pinch of marinas, especially for shallow-draft vessels. For those seeking of food or a snack at Pier Ray, temporary berthing for projects up to five meters is at the end of landing docks DeSoto Navy 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 from high-level storm water. It goes without saying, do not stop there, or continue beyond the bridge. Instead we put the nose in Snippe wind and left through, otherwise. I did not fight it. The river above the Chalk Point is a wonder to behold, as I had discovered on a boat trip before. Narrows significantly beyond the power lines that extend from the floor of the other side and then installed in the mile after mile of nature, as expected occasionally interrupted by small colonies, as Benedict XVI, the traces appear incidental to a maritime history alive, but long, and I suppose they are. In a small boat, a boat, canoe or kayak the upper river is a journey worth it. But all cruises have limits, and it was still need to earn back faster than the sediment after a storm. That's why part of the cost of my Patuxent is unclear. But on the other hand, my Saint Leonard Creek is beautiful and strong. This is because the wind loosen the same way He came to the entry for the second time, and, finally, I would say, "Hey let's find a place to drop anchor and then go to Vera. And he did. We are flashing red circles 14 "and a green," taking into account both the port to prevent bank Peterson Point then sent In port Mackall, the first of several excellent anchorages in the creek. We dropped the hook a dead duck behind a trawler sailing and two near the top of the handle of the Sierra de Pozo. It was a busy place, but we wanted to be in easy distance light Vera, whose white towers and recently rebuilt on the docks we could see up the creek. We paid the price with a lot of wakes of boats waterskiiers Vera Water and visitors late at night, but after the splendid isolation of our resources, upstream and down, the company of fellow sailors enjoy a beautiful day on water was not worth it. San Leonardo is popular with cruisers and locals for its beauty. In fact, sitting in the dark in Vera and more research beyond its plastic palm trees and the fountain of Venus by Botticelli-type in the court of the other points of land that marked the scene below, drew my attention, and there's no doubt that hundreds of cruise ships have been before me, by the combination of absurdity and beauty stop the scene of Vera are presented. Then, like hundreds before me, shrugged and ordered another beer. So what is so strange in a season of Polynesia in one half of the river in Maryland, after all? The next morning, before leaving St. Leonard Creek, we motor around exploring bays and coves and find a calmer anchorage for future reference. It was during this tour that Rick has forgotten that the gimbals stove only 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 on the river for several hours that day, but the wind was difficult to achieve and the clouds were building to the west, so we gave Mill Creek a quick visit, then returned at Town Creek. Rick left the party before the rain began while could return to work tomorrow. Before that the dust has settled, however, my daughter Kristen arrived, ready to turn in the Patuxent. Ah, I thought, crabcakes with visions of dancing on my head, here a young woman who loves to eat! Therefore not be surprised to learn, not just because I have already alluded to the bread crumbs remaining on the island near Stoney Broomes was our first stop. The center of the Island Creek which runs along the east side of the island Broomes, much too shallow for almost any boat, but along the edges of the bottom is rising rapidly. So Kristen and I timed our arrival at Stoney near high tide, just to be sure there would be enough water. . . and the time to do the job. Fortunately that put us at the beginning of the cycle in order to claim a lunch table outside with a magnificent view of the bay occupied. Soon all the tables were full and the waitresses were Stoney everywhere at once with a roller tray of crab-related dishes. Call it imagination or call keep it simple, I am go directly to the colossal Crabcake Sandwich. Kristen chose the dish and the Crabcake corn. I could not finish my part, but fortunately, Kristen was there to help. The girls are a great comfort. Long before the tide began to run from the creek, we were back in the river and the departure Jefferson Patterson Park-my favorite place in the Patuxent second. You will not find it in the guides, Jefferson Patterson Park, but the museum is accessible by boat. Be a good source, zoo director Mike Smolek himself, made this summer a time, it was at anchor in the Hunter Mackall 40. Although cruises are not authorized to dock at the jetty the park, which is part of Morgan State University, they are invited to drop anchor and take a boat to the beach. Mackall Smolek recommended as a physical place near the anchor point and Peterson, at the corner and the Patuxent as a good place to beach seine. But tracks from the State Park would be a good thing, because it is sure to be near a road leading at the visitor center, or barn of a farm-engine, or beyond reconstruction settlement of American Indians. The breakwater in the form of T provide also helps protect wind and waves. Kristen and I Dinghies land in the canoe and kayak launch site, which is also near the village of Indians of America, a War of 1812 site and a couple of tracks. You could see very quickly that it would be difficult to find a special place in this park has not been touched by the story, if the rest of prehistoric settlements, the plantations of the 18th century or conflicts 19th century. 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. He commissioned the architect Gertrude Sawyer design 26 buildings, houses and farm buildings, for mass, which he and his wife, a war correspondent and photojournalist Mary Breckenridge Patterson, called Point Farm. Most of these buildings survive in the form of reoriented as a center for park visitors, who began life as a show barn. But it was the realization of the couple who had acquired a unique piece of property Maria Patterson seeking to donate to the State of Maryland in 1983. She realized he was extremely rich in objects and safely wanted to preserve for study. In fact, until today, after 20 years of excavations, archeologists believe that the museum has explored less than one percent of what lies buried in about 600 hectares. Which is one reason why the government has established its Museum of Archaeology here, a remarkable repository of sites across the state objects. Kristen and I spent a nice evening, walk the trails, enjoying views of the river continued 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 can not for the life of Kristen talk to your arrival. So the next day I went to wander the streets of the town of Point or view a video room while I put on my best Fedora Indiana Jones "Well, my candle, at least stupid hat, and crossed the river at Peterson Point. It is the day where I dirt while a corner of the Patuxent. I went in search of buried treasure. Not on my own, of course, but in the program archaeological park, which enables people in off the street as I get down and dirty with the projection of all things gadgets. Coming nearly nine hours of morning, I joined a small group of volunteers, including a family of five. First, Maryland Historical trustee Ed Chaney we look at the shadow few trees near the excavation and said we would work on the premises of the house slaves of the early 18th century on a farm that had belonged to Richard Smith first Attorney General of Maryland. Researchers are particularly lucky with the Smith property, Chaney said because it was part of a long border dispute and resentment in the 18th century. One of the things that came from this controversy is a detailed map of the exact location of all buildings, fields and borders. Archaeologists overlaps with a modern map, have been able to identify long-lost sites. Which is how the slave quarters site was found initially. Once the network has been designed and started the excavation, the evidence of post holes were discovered almost simultaneously. After Chaney had finished his speech, he gave us in the care of three archaeologists Park summer, we went to work shoveling sand on the detection of a barrel to something other than dirt. And, my God, when I seen enough shovels of earth, a core of die-size bricks of the 18th century resembles the vein. Stand back, Indy! We dug and sifted and sorted and talked. Was terrible, and everyone was having a great time. A professional, Annette Cook, who has a doctorate in Archaeology from the University of West Florida, had moved into the region a year ago when her husband was transferred to the Navy proximity Patuxent Naval Air Station. "I thought I was into heaven "were told to come work at Jefferson Patterson. Off-street volunteer Sandra Bell, by contrast, has a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry and retired from FDA. He completed the course in the park and learned nap stone basket in the Indian village. Now he was excited to start the display after screen the dirt 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. At some point that afternoon, I felt fairly rewarded and returned to the boat and then Town Creek. Kristen leaving in the afternoon, and I had to be ready for the arrival of my friend John, who drove from Florida for me to navigate the Potomac. We had a great time, and I even learned to take home another river. But, hey, that's another story, and I see that the time is clean and refreshing wind. So, if you pardon, I think I'll fall back into his pocket and Patuxent sailing. Will you come?

Sometimes when the weather is particularly bad, or am I sitting in the office they wish to sail, I walked into my jacket pocket and Patuxent River. Mira here it is, let me show you. It's beautiful, eh? Yes, yes, I know, you really can not see. It is my metaphorical Patuxent River, a meeting experience and memory, one by one in May for a cruise on the Bay Annapolis. It took me almost a week to assemble all the pieces, but now I can get in when I want and I admire her side and return to green coves and anchorages, friendly and remember. . .

See, there's dirt on this part. (C'mon, just play along, pretend that you see also.) That's when I joined a group of enthusiasts Patterson Jefferson State Park to an excavation in a public place old plantation. And look, here, a few crumbs left by a jumbo sandwich Stoney Crabcake in Broomes Island. Well, there an empty bottle hidden behind Sam Adams Vera someone miss. Well, the river looks good anyway, even if I can not get coffee stains of St. Leonard Creek, irrespective Try it.

Wait, I'll discuss in a moment. Firstly, I want to show my location Favorite River. Let me if you can see where you meet. Well, now we are looking at the mouth of the river, as though we were in the Bay of research in the Solomon island is right. Did You See? Solomon forget now, because we are not there. I been there, you've been there. So no, we're not there. Instead, look across the river from left to right where the road 4 (Governor Thomas Johnson) returns to Earth Bridge in St. Mary's County. This is where we begin: Town Creek.

Who knew? In describing the Patuxent, guides speak of Solomon, of course (remember, we're not going there) and in some places more far upstream of St. Leonard Creek (We will contact the island) and Mill Cocu and streams, and perhaps Broomes. But Town Creek. However Town Creek, almost perfect for cruise ships transiting the bay and looking for a convenient and user-friendly scale. It is also ideal as an entry point for a tour of the Patuxent. It is near the mouth of the river is easy to enter, is deep enough inside for almost everyone and is friendly, charming and walking. Have I made my point of view?

Yeah, well, looked very good Town Creek Hal my partner and I cruise at 5:00 Friday at the end of May, round flashing red "4" on inflows, the bank warned the buoy beyond a large margin and was immediately given our objective, Town Creek Point Marina. Indeed, it is difficult to detect What you need, because, after a brief entry, the flow is opened in a small bay, and then is immediately divided by the fall of the bridge on Route 4. Right ago Town Creek Point Marina and adjacent Town Creek Landing Marina. On the left are dozens of fishing boats moored at the dock from small house almost every area covering the creek. Just after the bridge is called excellent Botel, California followed by a strip of land just enough to the road of Route 4 and an old inn and, finally, a ribbon of beach with views of the sunset over the Patuxent and good fishing.

On the other hand, it might be so because they had spent the last eight hours to recharge a short steep chop and wild fluctuations in winds Snippe, 27-foot Albin Vega My. After that, it would have looked like Omaha. Could also have been somewhat surprised by the driver of new growth Snippe, which showed a disturbing trend intentional damage. After an hour or strictly orderly development of the edge, it would be very sudden and sends us into silence with blood point or, worse, of Calvert Cliffs. So yes, Town Creek looked pretty good.

However, from the start it deserves its reputation. We sought and obtained in advance on our ticket number (and Above all, the entry code to the living room and shower), of Town Creek Marina Point, Buddy Winslow weekend Manning a booth at the Patuxent room air Plant for Geothermal Energy business. As you drift slides in search of our numbers, Dale Dean, who has traveled from his barge and opens the door we felt welcomed while Porter Wagoner Grand Ole Opry in a marina dock, the effect is the same. . . and much more interesting. A measure which has got to establish our lines, we admired the barge. Dean admitted that he loved himself, but he has been on the market for greater now that his girlfriend came running out space in the closet.

He also admired the boat glides beside us, 1957 was found to be 37 feet Alden designed ketch owned by a guy named Dean Snyder, who poked his head out to tell us who has been in the fitness Since a year and a half, meanwhile, has amassed a collection of world-class films for its library. Would we like to borrow one. . . or two? Snyder ran the next day with some of his relatives to see the air show along with about 5,000 other ships. Good luck, I think.

Well, this was the way through Room at Town Creek was. If someone came at two o'clock in the morning, work and realized that bound, is checked to ensure which allowed the line is sufficient for the rise of the tide before it is in the night. Everyone was friendly, helpful and curious "I do not get not many passersby. Here's an example: Winslow and his wife Jackie are adding an ice machine in the marina, but only to be good because it does not load by ice. They are kind to the environment too, planting native grasses along the coast and put their experience into practice in your home and geothermal slipholders "Cenacle, which is delivered with two showers and a flat screen TV (psst, I know where you can borrow some DVDs.)

In the next days, but no sailing or anchored at night in a stream or another, we walked through small City Point, which we are told, has been largely resolved as in the 1940s and 1950s by retired and facilities everywhere Marina. Holiday Fix dressed hydrangeas line numbers extravagant community of two or three ways.

Unfortunately, my side of Patuxent metaphor is a bit confusing in some places. There was no time. You see, my friend Hal veil had to leave the next day, my husband Rick has led to take over, so to speak. That morning, we nose Snippe of Town Creek to begin our journey on the river. Once we are far from immune to the earth, winds of 15 knots, gusting to 20, we hit the rear (southwest) gives us a good push towards the center channel off the Patuxent. We quickly one reef in the main, just to make us more comfortable, you understand, then extended the boom and turned to the northwest of the upstream head. The wind blew the candles, and before you could say Jack Robinson, was painted in the center span 300 meters from the Highway 4 bridge. We have strengthened the candle end point overlooking the patience to starboard and blinked in disbelief that the probe recorded 102 feet. The Patuxent is not one shallow rivers of the bay.

After that, loosen the sails and settled into a long-range beam and furious, paying a little over gusts of wind, but otherwise just keeping his hand on the bar to prevent the boat from the borough in the wind. I was a little shocked a milestone after another, carefully colored pencil bold orange circles on the maps for more research, whistled at the port and starboard. It seems a pity, but Woe to the sailor who gets an excellent point of sailing on a well-balanced in a steady wind. Not me!

Therefore this entry Plant Cocu and streams, the popular anchor motifs for both pedestrians and local yacht clubs and home to excellent but no transition Blackstone Marina, was soon in the blur. I do not remember if they even bothered to tell Rick. It is clearly in the oh-yeah-this-is-what-domain all-over sail anyway, and not open to comments, especially the variety of marketing service.

Soon after I pretty sure I saw the dock Sotterly Plantation, which can be attached to the visit of the sound-ing remains important in the early 19th century. But he can not. It are a number of beautiful, but uncertifiably significant age homes scattered along the banks of the Patuxent, and (I know it is heresy some) a beautiful historic house may seem a lot for the next.

On the other side of the river I saw a few ships and went to St. Leonard Creek, probably

as a quick lunch and an umbrella adorned Mai Tai in the rejuvenated Vera White Sands Beach Club. "We will be back, "I whispered softly San Leonardo has responded quickly to the stern.

The sandy shore just beyond San Leonardo is punctuated by peaks more T shorter than the beach at two mile long State Park Jefferson Patterson and the museum. These short stone pillars were built to protect the coast on sand and grass at the same time to receive the appropriate mix of wildlife. "I'll be back," he promised.

Broomes Island Island Creek, the home of Bernie Fowler, a guardian angel to Patuxent River in tennis shoes, suddenly veered to the eye. The class and headed his home in the stream after their morning rounds. As they slipped silently into the island (see the chart for the world to lead a pterodactyl and is probably as old), I thought to suggest that we attached to the house of Stoney seafood for lunch and their famous ball crabcakes, but quickly changed his mind. This would have to wait.

The neighbor does not stop Battle Creek, about three miles beyond of Broomes Island and in the same side of the River. He was particularly keen to explore this stream, which wanders from the north for about three or four miles before being diluted in Battle Creek Cypress swamp. The highlight of this park of 100 acres is the fourth of a mile or two of training Plastic-wood that winds through some of the most atrocious landscape is likely to see this side of Atchafalaya, Louisiana. The phrase "Do not let the skeeters get "was probably invented here in Battle Creek Cypress swamp. I went down the bridge before, and I can tell you that you are front Halfway, I swear that there are creatures that look at you from behind each knee cypress semi-submerged. And this place has a lot of cypress knees. This is a nice place to visit, but my advice is smearing the repellent and keep moving!

We quickly tired a few miles from Route 231 bridges and piles of the Chalk Point power climbed higher and higher above the line of lower ribs. Chalk Point plant, which opened in 1964 and is the largest of Maryland burning coal, gas and oil from the latter through a pipeline 51 miles of the owner of the appeal of Mirant Corp. in Piney Point on the Potomac River.

The bridge has a height of only 16 feet, but open to a tender of the bridge. At the foot of the bridge on the right side of Calvert County, is cast Point. On the left, in the short stretch of coast belonging to Patuxent Charles County, is the town of Benedict XVI, once a bustling center of the river industry and now a haven intriguing oyster shacks on stilts above 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 of up to five meters is the end Wharf Landing Marina near DeSoto. Ray is in the shade of a large banana and venerable obviously a master of survival in a place that has seen more than its share of storms and high tide.

It goes without saying, does not stop there or continue beyond the bridge. Instead we have stuck my nose in the wind Snippe and came across it the other way. I did not even fight. The river above the Chalk Point is a marvel to see, as I discovered on a boat trip before. Narrows beyond power lines that extend from the factory to the opposite shore, and installed on mile after mile of nature, as expected, sometimes interrupted by small colonies, as Benedict XVI, seem adventitious traces of a maritime history alive, but long, and I suppose they are. In a small boat, a boat, kayak or canoe, the Upper River is a journey worth it. But all cruises are endless, and he had accumulated still need to back faster than the sediment after a storm.

That is why part of the cost of my Patuxent is unclear. But on the other hand, my Saint Leonard Creek is beautiful and strong. This is because the wind loosen Just as it came to the entrance for the second time, and, finally, I would say, "Hey find a place to drop anchor then go to Vera. "And we did. We walked flashing red 14" "and then a green" light for both the port to prevent bank Peterson Point, then past the port of entry Mackall, the first of several excellent anchorages in the creek. We dropped the hook in a Duck death behind a trawler sailing and two near the top of the handle of the Sierra de Pozo. It was a very busy place, but we wanted to be in the light easy remote Vera, whose white towers and a pier, recently renovated, we could see up the creek. We paid the price with a lot of boat wakes waterskiiers of water and visitors until the end of Vera night, but after the splendid isolation of our resources, upstream and below, the company fellow sailors enjoying a beautiful day on the water was not worth it.

San Leonardo is popular with the cruiser and the people of the region for its beauty. In fact, sitting in Vera in the dark and beyond plastic palm trees, and police-Venus Botticelli-type in the court for other points of land that marked the scene below, caught my attention, because no Undoubtedly, thousands of cruises were before me, by the combination of absurdity and the arrest of the scene of beauty Vera presented. Then, like hundreds before me, is shrugged and ordered another beer. So what is so strange in a resort in Polynesia a river in mid-Maryland after all?

The next morning, before leaving St. Leonard Creek, we motor around exploring bays and coves and find a quiet place anchors some for future reference. It was during this tour that Rick has forgotten that the gimbal stove only part-time and the shed and three-quarters of a hot coffee cup on the carpet in the cabin.

We left San Leonardo and cord around the river for several hours that day, but the wind was elusive and the clouds were building to the west, then we gave Mill Creek a quick visit, then returned to Creek Town. Rick left the night before the rain started so I can return to work the next day. Before the dust settled, however, my daughter Kristen arrived, ready to turn the Patuxent. Ah, I thought, crabcakes visions dancing in my head, here a young woman who loves to eat! Not be surprised to learn, and not only because I have already alluded to the bread in the remains Broomes Island, near Stoney was our first stop.

Downtown Island Creek, which runs along the side Broomes Island is quite deep enough for just about any boat, but along the edges rapidly appear below. So Kristen and I timed our arrival at Stoney high tide, just to be sure you enough water. . . and the time to do the job. Fortunately, we are at the beginning of lunch cycle so I can claim a table outside with a magnificent view of the bay occupied. Suddenly, every table was full, and Stoney waitresses were everywhere at the same time with a mountain of dishes crab related. Call it imagination or call keep it simple, I went directly to Colossal Crabcake sandwich. Kristen chose the crab cake plate and corn on the cob. I could not finish my part, but fortunately, Kristen was there to help. The girls are comfortable.

Long before the tide began to run out of the cove, we were back in the river and the start of Jefferson-Patterson Park, Patuxent my second favorite place.

You will not find it in the guides, but Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum is accessible by boat. Please be good authority, zoo director Mike Smolek himself, who was limited to the summer when it was anchored in its 40 Hunter Mackall. While cruises are not allowed to moor to jetty park, owned by Morgan State University, are invited to drop anchor and then take a boat to the beach. Mackall Smolek physical recommended as a suitable place for the anchor and Peterson, just around the corner and the Patuxent, like a good place to beach the boat. However, other beaches in the State Park would be nice so it is not certain to be the one that will track near the visitor center, or barn Farm-engine, or reconstructed settlement indigenous past. The breakwater in the form of T also provide good protection against wind and waves.

Kristen and I Dinghies land in the canoe and kayak launching site, which also lies near the village of American Indians, a place of war in 1812, and a couple of tracks. We could see very quickly that it would be difficult to find a place in this amazing Park has not been affected by history, if it is pre-historic remains of settlements, the plantations of the 18th century or 19th century conflicts. Even the buildings are historic on its way.

the same name Park, Jefferson Patterson, a diplomat born in Ohio, purchased the property in 1932 for use as an experimental farm. Was the architect commissioned to design 26 buildings Gertrude Sawyer houses and farm buildings of the farm, he and his wife, war correspondent and photojournalist Mary Patterson appointed Breckenridge Point Farm. Many of these buildings survive in a redesigned as the center of park visitors, who began life as a show barn.

But was the realization that the couple had acquired a unique piece of property that Mary Patterson asked to donate to Maryland in 1983. She realized he was immensely rich in artifacts and wanted preserved safe for study. In fact, to date, after 20 years of excavations, archeologists believe that the museum has explored less than one percent what is buried in nearly 600 hectares. This is one reason that the state has created a museum of archeology few outstanding sites repository of objects across the state.

Kristen and I spent a happy afternoon, walking the trails, admiring views of the river continues through trees and trying to resist the temptations of the gift shop.

There was one thing wanted to do in the park, but could not for the life of that Kristen spoke of you to come along. The next day I left to wander the streets of the town of Point or watch video in the living room while I put on my best Indiana Jones fedora-It Well, my candle, at least stupid hat and recrossed the river for Peterson Point.

This is the day of my dirt around my corner of Patuxent. I went in search of buried treasure. Not on my own, of course, but the program in archeology public park, allowing people outside of the street like me to get down and dirty with all kinds of screening devices.

When you get close nine o'clock in the morning, I joined a small group of volunteers, including a family of five. Firstly, Maryland Historical trustee Ed Chaney us seek the shade of trees near the excavation would be working on and explained the site of a slave quarters in the early 18th century on a farm that had belonged to Richard Smith, first secretary of Justice Maryland. The researchers are particularly fortunate with the property Smith, Chaney said, because it was part of a longstanding dispute and unforgiving frontier in the 18th century. One of the objects out of this controversy is a detailed map of the exact location of all buildings, fields and borders. Archaeologists map overlaid in a modern style were able to identify sites for long lost. Thus the slave quarters site was found initially. Once the network was designed and began the excavation, evidence of postholes were discovered almost simultaneously.

After Chaney had finished his speech, we gave custody of three summer by archaeologists of the park, we went to work shoveling sand on the detection of a barrel to something else than dirt. And, my God, when I saw enough shovels of dirt, a core of die-brick 18th century companies like the vein. Stand 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, has a BA in Archaeology at the University of West Florida, had moved to the region a year ago when her husband was transferred to the Navy's Patuxent Naval Air near the Station. "I had entered heaven," he said before coming to work at Jefferson Patterson. off-street Volunteer Sandra Bell, however, has a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry and removed from the FDA. He completed the course in the park and has taught basketry in the nap stone India village. Now he has been enthusiastically start screen after screen looking soil. . . well, anything. It was, as a member of the family of volunteers Wyatt said Gilly, an activity that comes with its reward system.

Around noon, I I felt fairly rewarded and returned to the boat and then to Town Creek. Kristen left the afternoon, and I was ready for the arrival My friend John, who led Florida to sail with me to the Potomac. We had a great time, and until I came to bring home another River.

But hey, that's another story, and I see our time is cleaning and freshening wind. So, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll fall Patuxent candle in your pocket and go. Will you come?