Mile Zero

A day off of work is just the excuse I needed to drive over to Solomons yesterday. Calvert Marina seemed to be as good a place as any to spend a few minutes to take in the views. This is a very familiar place and a favorite haunt, you may recall, of the Plein Air artists. I've driven around the marina numerous times in the past, and there were still a few new finds.

After driving around the maintenance buildings and seeing some of the boats in the yard, I noticed a small building. I'm not sure what purpose it once served, but it's been forgotten and nature is working to claim it for its own.

There is a tremendous number of boats in and around the marina. Many still reside at their slips, others await maintenance, others are in storage mode. How long have they been waiting for their turn at a new adventure I wondered? Has it been just a few days since they stretched their legs, or weeks, or maybe even months or longer?

Since I too had owned boats, I wondered about the owners too. What were the dreams that launched the purchase of these vessels. Some of these boats are quite large and capable of long voyages. Did the sailor's desires and goals become realized, or sidelined? Did the realities of life jump up and get in the way? I wonder if the trip is about to begin. Have the treks already been taken, with stories already stored in wonder filled memories?

It's fun to think about these things and ponder your own status in life, maybe dream of your own quest.  What's adventure you seek? What form does your ship take - athletics, travel, art?

What ever it may be I hope you too find the Phunest Place on earth... You can start at Mile Zero right at Calvert Marina...

Take a look below..

Till next time,

Blessings,

Brian

Crisp and Contrasts

Holly showing some nice color

The crisp 51F air this morning brought a definite chill to my fingers, and I was early enough that only a few people were out taking in the sights. Though few, typical to Solomons, everyone was friendly and nearly all shared a "hello" or "good morning" as we passed. I still contend Solomons is a wonderful place, and an amazing ambiance for being tucked in to the hustle and bustle of the rest of the tri-county area.

Iris?

Fall is certainly in the air, though the trees are fighting against complete baldness that surely will come soon. I was surprised to find a number of blooms still hanging on and bringing color to the browns and grays that are becoming more prevalent.

Crystal Moll painted this scene in September, not much has changed

During the Solomons Plein Air Festival the yard at Harbor Island Marina played unexpected host to a painter taking in the lines of an old work boat being restored. Equally surprising is that the boat was still there. I guess the work required was greater than originally anticipated! She'll be beautiful once again soon though.







Walking through the marina, I was reminded again of the interesting names boats often have. While some take on the name of a favorite lady or matron, others speak to bravery and bravado. Some are just comical. The location of the boat's home port is often painted on the stern as well, and makes it fun to see how far some boaters have journeyed.

"Audacious"

This is the only tug I've noticed on the island. It's not very large, but from the side view two large engines are very noticeable.















Change on Solomons seems to come slowly, but there is new construction occurring on one of the waterfront lots. Two very worn old buildings are gone, and I'm sure the new will be grander. Yet, there are still some locations holding on. I loved the contrast of this shop against the backdrop of some more recent dwellings. The row boat needs a home, it's got wonderful lines and you can just sense it longing for someone to take it out and pull her through the water.

The bottom line for me, on this day, is that Solomons still has plenty to see during this fall season and cooler temperatures. It's clear though that some are starting to call it over for the season.

 



Till next time,

Blessings,

Brian