JUNE 4, 2007...Solomon Islands

The morning was overcast and the weather report was questionable. All the marine reports had high winds out of the west at 20+ kts., and to us Lake Erie boaters this means an uncomfortable ride.

We made a quick run to the hardware store for a drain screen that Dave found on Sat. and ML wanted a 5 year supply. We have been looking for them in every port and they were just what she wanted.

The sun broke through at around 10:00am and the bay looked calm. The report was for 20+ kts. winds from the west all day. Our concern was crossing the mouth of the Potomac River going north and the waves building in this 10 mile stretch. For you boaters, this is like crossing Saginaw Bay, just a little shorter distance.

What a surprise when we got out on the water...it was one/two footers and a smooth ride for 70 miles. Crossing the Potomac was smooth...where were the waves. NOAA was wrong again! The run was about 3.5 hours at 20 kts. and we arrived at Solomon Islands around 2:00pm. We toured the harbor (15 marinas) and finally decided we had reservations at the best facility...Solomon Yacht Center. Floating docks, pool, bikes and diesel fuel at $2.38/gal. tax in. The only problem is the fuel pump is designed for sail boats and took for ever to pump 400 gals. The pump-out is also not working, but we can make it a few more days. The bath/showers are well maintained and connected to the dockmaster house.

A quick wash down of the boat, and we biked to town. It is a great little town with a mile long board walk across the street from the shops. There also is a gourmet grocery store, liquor store, and West Marine. What else could one ask for.

Dinner was at DiGiovanni"s in town on the water. The Italian food was to die for; and we have enough for lunch. The couple running the marina just moved her from Tenn. and provide transportation to the restaurant. We decide to walk home after desert! The Dockmaster is captain Toby. Well worth the stop...in fact so good we may stay in port on Tuesday!

Weather looks good...hot...for the rest of the week and we are planning a stop in Annapolis before going on to Balitmore. Our time with the Hackenbergs has gone to fast. LIFE IS GOOD!

Pictures are; light house is Point No Point. Notice the outhouse on the back...flushing must have been exciting, especially in the winter. Solomon Islands has done one of the better jobs with there water front. Church was in the middle of town and the bar looks like the weekend center of entertainment.