Maryland to Maine

We left VA and headed to the eastern shore of Maryland. Our route took us through Norfolk VA which brought back memories of our sailing days. We went through/ over the Bay Bridge tunnel and thought of all the times we had sailed into the Chesapeake on our journeys with Geo Nova. We drove to our campground that was located half way between Salisbury and Ocean city. We were here for 10 days. It was nice to be in one place for that time. In Salisbury we went to a Brewery and the Ward Museum of Waterfowl Art. There was also a brewery near the campground. We didn't have any luck with the other half of David's B&B, no bakery. We spent 5 days exploring the history and birds of the area. There is a new state park/national monument dedicated to Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.  We also visited Furnace Town, a living history museum that used to make steel in the early 19th century. The water pipes for Philadelphia were made here. 

We enjoyed going to local birding sites. No new birds were located for us but did see over 70 species, some we hadn't seen for years. 

Scouting out local places to get great crab cakes and crab soup paid off with some delicious meals. That was the menu for 3 days! 

David had his bird carving class for 4 days in Ocean City. He carved and painted an Eastern Screech Owl. He enjoyed his teacher and her husband. They both had lots of knowledge to share about bird carving. The first 2 days of David's class were rainy so Diana stayed at the campsite. She crafted and walked in between rain showers. She also got the housekeeping caught up along with laundry. One day Diana dropped David off and explored the countryside looking for quilt shops. She found one that satisfied her crafting needs. She also explored the shops along Ocean City's 3 mile board walk. Most were not open for the season yet, but a yarn/ cross stitch shop had just opened so another new project is in the works.  

After the last day of class David had to go to the World Carving Championship to pick up a t- shirt. They were setting up so we were able to get in and walk around to check out some of the birds that had been entered in the compilation. The table with the international competition had a bird that came from Russia. It was an eagle, with a 5 foot wingspan that had a snake in its talons. This likely be on next springs itinerary. 

The next morning it was on to Cape May NJ. We took the ferry across Delaware Bay which again brought us back to when we were here on our boat. We spent 2 days at the local birding sites hoping to catch the bird migration. We were a couple of weeks too early but still saw lots of birds and enjoyed it. One day we joined a bird walk sponsored by the local Audubon group. 

From here it was on to Aunt Irma's & Uncle Lou in Roosevelt, NJ. We found a campground about 10 minutes from her house. What a great surprise for us that she had her sister Ellie and husband Jerry for dinner too. They drove over from Long Island NY. So we had a wonderful visit with everyone and got to give Ellie a hug on her ninety second birthday. 

The next morning we got up early and headed for our last leg of the trip. On to Maine. We arrive back home around 4. The temperature was 45 degrees and Diana said turn around! We had a friend open the house so the heat and water were on so moving in wasn't such a shock. 

Setting in has been slow because we have had to go down to Massachusetts multiple times to help out Diana's Dad. The weather has been cold and wet and when the sun peeks through the black flys swarm. Despite all that things are getting done. Wouldn't you know it the weather is supposed to be better next week, that's when I go back to work. 

This has been a busy week for us. Diana's dad in Sterling MA has some issues so we have been down 3 days to help him get into an assisted living home. We are exploring all options for him and will eventually get him moved and settled in a new living situation. 

Song Sparrow Cape May NJ

Swan Examining Her Eggs In The Nest

Cape May Light

Remains of Original Steel Furnace at Furnace Town Maryland

Ferry Comming into Lews Delaware

This how you rake with the Black Flys

Davids Screech Owl