August 8, 2022- cruise to Olverson's Marina in Lottsburg, Kittiwake's winter home

 We cruised the two hours to Olverson's Lodge Creek Marina on August 8.  This is what feels like our home marina.  We bought Kittiwake there in the Fall of 2017, spent a few weeks getting some things done, adding our own dishes, linens, other things that make it our home away from home.  We also winterized all the water lines, since she would be sitting in the water all winter.  They do get some cold weather, but usually it is only short lived, a few days. 

I left Dan working on the boat and traveled to San Diego to visit with a dear friend, Laura Gogola, who had Stage 4 cancer.  She had moved there from Michigan to be near her daughter.  I'm so happy I had the opportunity to make that visit - Laura passed away just a few weeks later.

My return trip from San Diego to Reagan Airport in D.C. was interrupted in Denver, when my connecting flight was cancelled.  That's ok, I know someone who lives in the area, my sister!  Unfortunately, she was not at home, but my brother in law was there and welcomed me.

Dan and I rented a car and traveled home to arrive before Labor Day.  We had a big outdoor dinner for my whole Michigan family on Labor Day.  We do enjoy traveling, but it's always good to come home, too!

Later that month, my good friend, Peggy, and I traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan for an event called "Art Prize".  Art work is displayed across the city, mostly downtown, from people all over the globe.  Amazing works!

The rest of the Fall was spent at home, nesting, reading, planning our next cruising season!

August 7 to 8, Reedville, Virginia

 After a two hour cruise, we arrived in Reedville, Virginia, on Virginia's "Northern Neck".  We were able to dock at Crazy Crab, a very nice restaurant.  We had a nice dinner, had the opportunity to visit with the owner.  They are now only open three days a week.  According to the owner, he is doing better financially only being open three days a week, than when he was open for seven days!

The town has some beautiful old homes, and a very good ice cream place,  Chitterchats.  Of course, we had to sample the ice cream!

August 6 to 7, Tangier Island

 We first visited Tangier Island on our initial cruising time, 2019.  A truly unique place with interesting people and history.  Mr. Parks was the owner and operator of the 'marina'.  Charming man, in his late 80's at the time.  It turned out to be a sad occasion for us, because our beloved American bulldog, Max, had had an almost drowning event in Crisfield, Maryland before we came to Tangier Island.  We had to leave Tangier in a hurry to get him back to Crisfield and to a veterinary hospital, where he died a few days later.

Anyway, this time at Tangier Island was a totally different experience.  Mr. Parks, sadly, had died the previous year.  Apparently a younger relative is running the marina now, but there was only a box where you are to place your dock fee.  The docks are in terrible shape.  There was very few spots where our boat could fit, and someone on a small fishing boat had blocked access to the best spot.  We opted for a shaky dock, where we had to pull in bow first - makes it difficult to get on and off the boat.  Electrical connection seemed to work.

The island has not been prospering in recent years.  I'm sure Covid had a huge toll.  The one grocery store was closed.  The two restaurants near the docks were closed.  We did go to the more 'fast food' place and had a bite to eat and some ice cream.  We biked around the main part of town, but, having seen it all the last time, we decided we didn't need to spend any more time there.  If we come back, we will probably not bring the boat, but leave it in the very nice marina in Crisfield and ferry over to the island.

I feel for the folks that live there, some for generations.  Until they started allowing tourists to come, only a few decades ago, the livelihood of the residents was fishing.  The island is literally washing away, losing land every year.  It may not be here at all in 50 years.  

From Tangier Island, we cruised 3 hours to Reedville, Va. on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay, on Virginia's 'Northern Neck'. 

August 4 to 6, Onancock, Va.

 After about a 4 hour cruise, we arrived in Onancock.  We enjoyed this cute little town for 2 nights and a full day.  As is our habit, we explored the town by bike, then had a meal or two to sample their restaurants. 

On Saturday, August 6, we cruised to Tangier Island.

August 3 - 4, Cape Charles, Virginia

 We finally got underway after being stopped in Norfolk, Cobbs Marina and Morningstar Marina, getting the Kittiwake all spiffed up and ready to cruise again.  While at Morningstar, we got to see our friends from earlier in the cruise, Tony and Donna Lagera on the Tranquility Eh!  We always enjoy their company!

Cape Charles is one of those charming small towns on the Chesapeake Bay, this one and the next stop, Onancock, on the eastern shore.  We explored the town on our bikes, had a couple of meals, viewed some nice artwork by a local artist.  Our time in this marina was marked by the only time in the entire ownership of the Kittiwake that I fell into the water!  Not hurt at all, just had a Laurel and Hardy moment when I went to go from boat to wet dock - boat went one way, I went into the water!  Climbed out, a little embarrassed, changed clothes and went about our merry way!

Next stop, Onancock (love the name!).