A few weeks ago we were motoring our Maxum 2400SCR from the Back River, where it was stored for the winter, to the Middle River here in Essex MD, where we were going to be turning it over to a broker for sale.  It was the first time we had been out on the water this year and it was a gorgeous day.  Cool and sunny with calm waters, just a perfect ride.  We got to talking about how this would be the last time we would be out on the water until the the restoration on the Cape Dory was done.  Considering that we've yet to start, with the exception of buying things, we came to the conclusion that we were likely going to miss an entire season out on the water.  Not an appealing prospect.  The next thing we knew we were looking at boats.  We just wanted something small and inexpensive, that we could keep in the yard on a trailer and get out every once in awhile.  We knew the kids would enjoy a little runabout when they are visiting so that they can ski and ride in those tubey things.  So a day later we welcomed yet ANOTHER boat into the family.  We call her "Toys 'R Us" (for what should be obvious reasons). A 2006 Bayliner 175 runabout.



Last week we took her out for the first time.  It was quite windy and choppy in the Bay so we only stayed out for about an hour and a half.  She is not at her best under those conditions.  We took a lot of pounding.  This weekend was calmer so we went out today again.  We figured better today than to wait until tomorrow when there will probably be a long line at the boat launch ramp and tons of traffic on the water.  We made the mistake of putting the bimini up in the yard.  As we were pulling it out, a tree limb hit the bimini and mangled the beezeezus out of it.  One pole bent, one pole broke, and a bracket ripped right off the boat.    Okey dokey, so we'll have no shade.  We can deal with that.  Then we get to the boat ramp and there's a Coast Guard inspector there at the ramp with his little clipboard in his hand.   We had forgotten to put the life jacket bag in the boat.  So Lance walks home to get that (we only live 4 houses down the street from the park where the launch ramp is).  Then the inspector wants to see the boat registration, insurance, yada yada yada.  Do we have that with us......NO.  So it's my turn to walk home and get them.  Finally we get our inspection sticker and we're off.

We had read in Chesapeake Bay Magazine about a place to eat in Middle River called the Wild Duck Cafe.  Actually its at the Maryland Marina in Frog Mortar Creek, just off Middle River.  They have Dolly Parton crabcakes. Do you get a mental picture?  They are huge.  So we motored over there and had lunch.  The food was great, the service was good, they have free dockage right out front and the prices were very reasonable.  The marina is nice too.  We added it to our list of prospects for dockage when the Cape Dory is finished.






There are boats rafted up and anchored absolutely everywhere in our area for the Memorial Day weekend.  It might have been nice to just drop the hook and chill out for the day, but we didn't really prepare for it, and since we didn't have our shade, it might have been a little too much sun for us.  Going past Hart-Miller Island, there were so many boats anchored off the beach, it looked like a parking lot.  A good time was apparently being had by all.  With the exception of the sunburns, it was a very pleasant day on the water.  We still can't wait to get the Cape Dory underway and when we do the little Bayliner will probably find its place as a ski boat when the kids visit, but in the meantine, it's sure nice to be able to get out there.

Hope everyone has a safe and pleasant holiday weekend.
Becky