Day 213 - May 26, 2013: Anchoring up the Sassafras River

It took longer than expected for the storm to pass over, but we thoroughly enjoyed our four-day stay in Rock Hall with Ken and Peggie. They took us by car to tour several places in the area, and we enjoyed many hours sharing meals and great conversations. Their condo dock was the perfect place to stay inside the harbor, with water and electricity and neighboring boaters who were so very friendly.

Our great hosts in Rock Hall, Ken and Peggie

Our temporary port of refuge in Rock Hall

We were in need of a cruising fix, and luckily by mid-afternoon today the winds began to abate. The weather reports showed the front had passed over, and we gained the confidence to go four hours north to the Sassafras River. It proved to be sunny, with only moderate waves, and made for a pleasant trip. This river is reported to be one of the most beautiful along the Chesapeake Bay, and the entrance to the river revealed high sandy cliffs with homes perched along the edge, some of which seemed to be barely holding on.

Home along the sandy cliffs of the Sassafras River

We turned into Back Creek, the location of the Mount Harmon Plantation, dropped anchor and took a dingy ride. This is a restored 18th century tobacco plantation which you can tour, but unfortunately it was not open. We could see the manor house and a building on the water called the Tobacco Prize House, where tobacco was pressed and stored before shipping. The scenery here is indeed beautiful and relaxing.

Mount Harmon Plantation manor house

Tobacco Prize House