Chesapeake Bay Cruise
Some 10,000 years ago when the sea level continued to rise, the Chesapeake Bay began to form. For the next 7,000 years, river beds were engulfed by the Chesapeake Bay as we know it today. A Spanish explorer entered the bay in 1561 but failed to establish a settlement. Some 34 years later, the French started a colony where Annapolis is now located. This area is rich in history including explorations, settlements and conflicts. Our adventure of the Chesapeake Bay was October 22 ~ November 2, 2007.
Since 1600, the dynamic Baltimore has been a major waterways port. Once guarding the entrance to Baltimore’s harbor, Ft. McHenry successfully held off a British attack during the War of 1812. That victory for Baltimore is commemorated in a poem by Francis Scott Key and is now our national anthem. We enjoyed a trolley tour of the city.
The American Star is a new small ship with a maximum of 100 passengers. There were 83 passengers on our cruise. Our Chesapeake Bay cruise was relaxing and historically entertaining.
Dating back to the late 1600’s, Colonial Williamsburg is the historical district of the city of Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg has one of the largest collections of restored structures built in the 18th century. We originally visited this museum seven years ago.
Famous for the surrender of British General Cornwallis to General George Washington in 1781, Yorktown today is part of the historical treasures of Williamsburg and Jamestown.
Crisfield is known as the crab capital of the world. After a 1 hour and 15 minute ferry ride from Crisfield, we arrived at Tangier Island. Constant erosion has reduced this island to only 1-1/2 miles wide and 2-1/2 miles long. The island is no more than 7 feet above sea level. Its history dates back to 1608 according to its legend. Today about 45 percent of the 590 residents share the surnames of Parks, Crockett and Pruitt. The Crockett family is remotely related to the same famous namesake of the Alamo. The popular mode of transportation is golf card and bicycle.
Don Shomette, our on board historian, was a walking encyclopedia of Chesapeake Bay history. An archeologist, Don has published more than a dozen books on the subject.
The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge protects, preserves and manages wildlife and habitat on 27,000 acres of wetlands, fields and forests.
Dating back to the 17th century, St. Michaels is a quaint town with a wonderful maritime museum.
The capitol of Maryland, Annapolis has a rich history. It is known as America’s sailing capital and the home of the U.S. Naval Academy.
| Name |
Comment |
Date |
| Ed Koziel |
Neighbors of Karen Sexton. First time I've had the opportunity to look at a video of your trips. It's super, and look forward to viewing others. Fantastic job! |
May 31, 2008 |
| Karen Sexton |
Wonderful pictures. Really wants me to take another trip back! |
Nov 24, 2007 |
| A&B Bartlett |
Enjoy vicarious pleasure ...good video Frank |
Nov 18, 2007 |
| Gail Waldo |
We love all your slide shows. We now want to go to the Chesapeake Bay once again. |
Nov 13, 2007 |
| Larry Fly |
Wonderful. I enjoyed this very much. Thanks Frank. |
Nov 12, 2007 |