Solomons Seen: Jellys, Bees and Blooms

This trek around the island took me west along Solomons Island Road, rather than my usual eastward circuit. The stroll took me past the end of the River Walk, past the sole sandy beach where there are some catamarans stored or perhaps abandoned. In an effort to participate in the latest FitBit craze, I walked on watching my steps increase. It wasn’t a very aerobic walk simply because there is always something to grab your attention.

For instance, on the River Walk a visor, like you might see on a golf course, was laying on the deck next to a water bottle. My thought was that the couple tending to a toddler in a stroller had left the items there temporarily. Yet, on my way back they remained right where they were. I can’t help but wonder if they are still there tonight. So, if you have a Calcutta visor and a Lockheed Martin water bottle you might be just be able to go back and claim them.

The Crepe Mrytles are in bloom now. There are many such trees in a variety of colors all around southern Maryland, and Solomons is no exception. The pink blooms were on trees right in the parking lot along the water, as too was the white one. The close up of the white flowers and unopened buds made me think of popcorn!

There were other flowers to note just past the trees. The entrance to the beach as some vegetation before you reach the water. There was a beautiful flower there.

The farm on the shore has often captured my gaze. There are so many sight lines to admire here. The view just past the beach along Solomons Island road provides a glimpse of the tops of the barns with the Thomas Johnson Bridge gracing the upper horizon while the field provides for a beautiful contrast of green foreground.

The trek up Woodburn Lane and then Calvert Street presents numerous quaint houses and just a hint of Back Creek. These house sport some wonderful gardens with lots of color.

From there Zahniser’s Marina is a short walk up C Street. If you want to see some amazing water craft, mostly sailboats you won’t be disappointed. Based on my timing, it seems that their restaurant The Dry Dock opens at 10:00 am on Sunday mornings. It’s been a while since I’ve been to the Dry Dock, but my guess is there must be a wonderful Brunch served as there was a line waiting to get in.

There are so many gorgeous yachts at the marina, yet there was something that surprised me a little. The slanted masts of a wooden schooner stood in contrast to the aluminum poles on the majority of the craft.

The schooner gets a bit lost in this photo, but right in the middle you can espy her if you look closely

It is always amazing to see just how large some of these vessels are. The mast of one boat that was in dry dock stood out above the two shop and trees.

The moon trying hard to reflect a little light back to earth

Heading back to Solomons Island Road and walking further north west to the Calvert Marine Museum brought a new sight.. an ARK! I’m not sure at all what the purpose of this structure, but it’s an interesting sight none the less.

At this point it was time to turn around. On the way back a solo shoe and a can of Sprite were perched on stairs to a property. How awesome was their evening? We’re left to guess at the story behind these scene.

One last visit to the beach, this time walking on the beach. It’s fun to imagine just what story the Cats hold. Imagine, if you will, these creatures are grown from the ground. They emerge from the grass nearly ready to sail. Or perhaps this wild Prindle Cat is lurking in the tall grass ready to pounce on an unsuspecting soul, shanghaiing them into service as her captain.

The Prindle Cat ready to strike!

look! a catamaran growing out of the ground!

There were some Trumpet Vines along the edge of the parking lot near the beach, and a big bee was climbing down into them, raiding them of their pollen. After cropping and zooming in, you can see the yellow pollen on the legs of the bee. Then the fast beating of the wings, making them nearly invisible to the camera, and she’s off to the next trumpet.

IF you look closely, you can see the pollen on the leg of the bee

The Jelly Fish are back now, and there were a few very near the edge of the river where it is bounded by a jetty. It took some manipulation of the image, but I found these images captured them pretty well.