Solomons Seen: Disappointment Averted

Awaking to a day holding lots of promise might be a recipe for disappointment. The Solomons Screw Pile Regatta continued today, and the plan was to take photos of the finish of the race. The race was scheduled to finish right along the Solomons Riverwalk providing a great view of the boats and crews. Being told that the finish was likely to be around 1:00 PM, I arrived early and waited patiently. The finishing buoys were set and all looked well. Well, except for the light breeze. Still my camera and I were ready.

if you look close.. the chain is off!

I happened to run into a friend, and sailor, who knew the inside scoop. Her husband and son were out racing, and informed her the finish was now more likely to be 2:00 PM or later. Disappointment gave way to hunger offering an opportunity to find a welcome relief from sitting in the heat and humidity. The relief was short lived.

Returning to the same spot on the Riverwalk, I quickly noticed the buoys were gone. Not a good sign. Not wanting to give up I continued to shoot what I found available in the overcast light. The light was soft, but gray with a tinge of blue. Nice light for close-ups but not so fabulous for distance work.

A beautiful Heron in flight

Taking in the sights, shooting randomly and walking to the end of the island, I finally did locate the buoys. Not good. They were now at least a half a mile out in the river. Worse, I saw boats that were under power and on their way back to port. It took the longest lens I had to see the boats still sailing in the bay. Given the heat, and the distance of the boats, I packed it in. Things would turn around pretty soon though.

The Osprey were taking in the sights too, and this is about as close as I got to the 'action'

There were very few spectators, this couple was well prepared

Ashley helps keep an eye on things.

Hot summer days and industrious kids equals lemonade stands- right? Well, today there was such a stand on the main road into Solomons Island. Hot and tired, and not sure whether it would be worth the stop, I drove past. Curiosity got the best of me and I turned around. I’m so glad I did!

I soon found out that Henry J’s Lemonade is a serious operation. Henry J is a likable young man with a zeal for his business. This stand has been going for three years! You have to understand the thoroughness of the stand. Both pink and yellow lemonade are available or $1.00 per glass. The drinks are tasty and cold, and hit the spot on a hot day. Beyond that, the customer service is beyond compare. Henry J has a website! Not only that but you can leave your email address with him, and be entered into his VILD Program. Very Important Lemonade Drinkers (VILD) receive coupons for future discounts!!! Amazing!! Henry J had sent me an email just several hours later. He thanked me for stopping by, told me about VILD and get this – there is a link to Survey Monkey so he can receive feedback!!! Awesome! This young man is going places, and his sights are squarely on college. Check out his web site henryjlemonadessomd.webs.com. And if you visit Solomons, he’s open during big events – like today’s Screw Pile Regatta.