It is an honor to be living alongside the Chesapeake Bay's Watermen and learn their traditions. Tilghman Island, Maryland is an intriguing, hard-working community that comes together in times of crisis.
Lovely Janice...can almost smell the salt air tinged with fish paint and diesel. It is just so world wide as workmen of the sea practice their art with that quiet wisdom born of a legacy of lore passed down over generations. Much love from the fishing port of Whitianga NZ. ....which is sadly being taken over by tourism and commercialism like so many others. (Took your advice and enjoyed the others ) Brian
So wonderful that you are recording this piece of history. I live in Mystic, CT. My parents owned 2 marinas so I grew up spending my childhood on the docks and water (running the office of one once old enough). Living on a sailboat as you do was my dream when younger. Lived on a 114' restored ferry boat after Superstorm Sandy for a while until my house was repaired... such a unique lifestyle.
You and I connected on other great thoughts but the comment I posted for this does not appear here so wanted to ensure that you knew how much I appreciated your telling me this story of yours! There is nothing quite like the feeling of water underneath you as long as you are comfortable with it. Then, Mother Nature provides fascination, food, entertainment, transportation and more from her depths. It's a unique life indeed, but I'd love to see that big old Ferry you were camped out on! Thanks Tania! J
I haven't thought about it before but I don't have any photos of my life during that period of time. How odd... possibly a side effect of trauma healing 🤷♀️
Beautiful story, Janice. We spend summers in Maine, and have a similar closeness with the lobstermen around Acadia. In awe of their boating skills and deep connection with their work. Your story made me eager to sail there sooner.
With a name like Severn Cummings, this young lad is rigged for a life on the greatest estuary ever, "The Chesapeake Bay". Seeing your photo of the Tilghman Island Bridge there is a restaurant right at the edge of the bridge that was one of our favorites. Can not remember the name but it "was" either Characters Bridge or Marker Five. It was right at the bridge with a dining area on top that was all windows. BEAUTIFUL spot to enjoy all of ones senses. I hope the wonderful people on the Eastern Shore can enjoy the best of life without giving up their way of life. Time and money can rake havoc upon the best. Wonderful article and with a human interest richness.
It's so true! Change is the only constant...the vibrancy remains here in our antiquated boatyard! Wonderful stuff. The struggles are real. On many levels.
Marker 5 still open weekends. Characters in new hands re-opening July. Waterfront dining on Knapps Narrows...we are a bit spoiled on that particular front. ....
Thanks as always for your input and commentary. The Chesapeake is like no other place.
Lovely Janice...can almost smell the salt air tinged with fish paint and diesel. It is just so world wide as workmen of the sea practice their art with that quiet wisdom born of a legacy of lore passed down over generations. Much love from the fishing port of Whitianga NZ. ....which is sadly being taken over by tourism and commercialism like so many others. (Took your advice and enjoyed the others ) Brian
I'll look up your hometown; yes, the oceans now draw the wealthy masses....I still find solitude and peace. Just have to wander farther...!
Ah Janice.....So do I. At 76 years old I so hear you. xx
So wonderful that you are recording this piece of history. I live in Mystic, CT. My parents owned 2 marinas so I grew up spending my childhood on the docks and water (running the office of one once old enough). Living on a sailboat as you do was my dream when younger. Lived on a 114' restored ferry boat after Superstorm Sandy for a while until my house was repaired... such a unique lifestyle.
Hello Tania--
You and I connected on other great thoughts but the comment I posted for this does not appear here so wanted to ensure that you knew how much I appreciated your telling me this story of yours! There is nothing quite like the feeling of water underneath you as long as you are comfortable with it. Then, Mother Nature provides fascination, food, entertainment, transportation and more from her depths. It's a unique life indeed, but I'd love to see that big old Ferry you were camped out on! Thanks Tania! J
I haven't thought about it before but I don't have any photos of my life during that period of time. How odd... possibly a side effect of trauma healing 🤷♀️
You never know where life takes you, the good, the bad the amazing! We are members of the Wooden Boat Museum up in Mystic. Cool spot! Enjoy it all.
Thanks for the connecction.
J
Beautiful story, Janice. We spend summers in Maine, and have a similar closeness with the lobstermen around Acadia. In awe of their boating skills and deep connection with their work. Your story made me eager to sail there sooner.
Thanks Egor. I'm having some troubles with my replies going into the Magic maze of Substack....
Glad you could once again relate! These men and women are awesome. ! Enjoy your passages north.
With a name like Severn Cummings, this young lad is rigged for a life on the greatest estuary ever, "The Chesapeake Bay". Seeing your photo of the Tilghman Island Bridge there is a restaurant right at the edge of the bridge that was one of our favorites. Can not remember the name but it "was" either Characters Bridge or Marker Five. It was right at the bridge with a dining area on top that was all windows. BEAUTIFUL spot to enjoy all of ones senses. I hope the wonderful people on the Eastern Shore can enjoy the best of life without giving up their way of life. Time and money can rake havoc upon the best. Wonderful article and with a human interest richness.
It's so true! Change is the only constant...the vibrancy remains here in our antiquated boatyard! Wonderful stuff. The struggles are real. On many levels.
Marker 5 still open weekends. Characters in new hands re-opening July. Waterfront dining on Knapps Narrows...we are a bit spoiled on that particular front. ....
Thanks as always for your input and commentary. The Chesapeake is like no other place.