Day 205 - May 15, 2013: A day on Solomons Island

Solomons Island is a small 1.8 square mile fragment of land that is at the confluence of three tributaries that flow into the Patuxent River. Inhabited since colonial days, it takes its name from a Baltimore businessman, Issac Solomon, who established oyster packing factories here shortly after the Civil War. Besides being a center for fishing, crabbing, and oystering, in the 19th century the island became known for building fishing vessels. During the War of 1812, this was the departure point for American ships attacking British warships in the Chesapeake Bay. During WWII, it supported training for amphibious landing forces. Today, it attracts tourists with numerous marinas, shops, a marine museum and restaurants.

The streets are quiet and wind around older but well maintained homes. There are several restaurants and shops, a marine biological center, and an historic oyster packing plant.

Bike riding through Solomons Island

Marine biological center

Stately home facing the water

Historic oyster packing plant

This morning, because I didn't have all the tools that were needed, a marina mechanic helped me remove the stern thruster motor. We discovered the shear pin had come loose and replaced it. When we put it back together, thankfully, it ran well.

Then Anne and I biked over to see the Calvert Marine Museum. This indoor/outdoor museum allows visitors to explore the prehistoric, biological, and marine heritage of the Chesapeake Bay. Exhibits include a marsh walk, a small craft collection, and a wood-carving shop. However, the highlight for us was a tour of the Drum Point Lighthouse, an actual screw-pile lighthouse which was moved to the museum from the bay in the late 1970s. We spent the rest of the morning at the museum before coming back for lunch on Great Laker.

Calvert Marine Museum

Drum Point Lighthouse

After lunch I had a scuba diver come by and clean barnacles off all of the running gear (main propeller, rudder, bow and stern thruster propellers). This is a necessary maintenance item in salt water and was the first time it was needed during the trip. Then it was back to see more of the museum.

Restoration of a Miocene white shark

First automated clam dredging boat

We rode over to the Tiki Bar for refreshments and then to Kim's Lotus Kitchen for dinner and Key lime pie. We justified the pie because we had ridden bikes and walked so much today!