August 2025 – Exhale on the Water

That’s a Looong Bridge

The Gov. William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge spans over 4 miles! When it was opened in 1952, it was the world’s longest continuous over-water steel structure. Now, there are numerous bridges worldwide that beat that record.

The bridge name honors the former 52nd governor, who launched the construction of the phenomenal connector. But that’s a long name, even for a loooong bridge. Instead, you might call it the Chesapeake Bay Bridge or just the Bay Bridge.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Annapolis to Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Stock Photo Wikipedia

Notice the guard rails are low, and the bridge is relatively narrow. No wonder Susan Jellen is not fond of driving across this scary bridge.

From the water it was sweet to see this sailboat passing smoothly under the bridge.

A brief Florida visit

This week I flew to Fort Myers, FL for a brief visit, happy to reconnect with several friends. First, let’s check in on our wildest neighbor, Ollie, the Burrowing Owl!

Natural camouflage. Wittman Drive burrowing owl, “Ollie”.

Curious about the local critter? Here area few Burrowing Owl stats: typical adult height 8-10” / Wing Span 22”. Although they can dig for themselves, they often let other animals do all the work, taking over burrows of prairie dogs, skunks, and other digging animals. In some cases it is a revival of an abandoned site, but in other cases the smaller animal was “evicted” unfairly, without notice.

Fun fact – These owls are not great fliers, with relatively short wings and tail; instead they have long, skinny legs so they hunt mostly on foot, and they are fast runners when chasing prey.

Another fabulous fact – the sexes are identical in size and color, they both guard the nest and they both hunt. Thus, gender equality is real in this part of the animal kingdom! Whooo. Whooo.

Friendly Visits

A planned stop at St. Charles Yacht Club (SCYC) was intended to be brief, to retrieve a few club burgees for David B. Lucky me, the timing was perfect as I was invited to sit with the Commodore and his wife for dinner! Say hello to Greg and Paula Rocque. Special thanks to the GM Justin Fleming for preparing an exceptional steak with sautéed mushrooms (pictured here!) Kim H, wish you were there! And thanks to Madi for spoiling me, again!

Say hello to another friend, Dr. Joe Occhino (ret. dentist), you look great, Joe!

Wittman neighbors, Morgan and Pamela,

Steven with a “v” Hunt and Donna Wallace,

and it was great to see Caryl Moulder (not pictured). Here’s Caryl’s cat, the observer, Brock-a-lee; keeping a close eye on yet another DIY project from Sideways!

The talented Mr. Brock – a – lee above the cabinets

Rock Hall, Maryland

After a short flight from RSW to Dulles International, on Sunday Exhale and Tonto’s Reward departed Annapolis (Madi’s special place!) to Rock Hall, yet another small town in Maryland known for it’s seafood.

We had lunch at the Harbor Shack Waterfront Bar and Grill, just a short walk from the marina. Absolutely delighted to spot this meaningful authentic Alaska license plate from Seward, Alaska, where I went to high school, for real! Blaine and former mayor Jean Bardarson, did you give them your plate? Seems plausible!

Zoom in. Issued from late 1997 through late 2004, the design commemorates the Centennial of the 1898 Alaska Gold Rush, featuring prospectors climbing the Chilkoot Pass trail.

Rock Hall is such a cute town.

Family Time

We close with a photo from our granddaughter Pristine Bleu. Our great granddaughter Juliette Bleu Martinez is turning 4 in November; as you can she loves to read! Bravo Pristine!

She is so excited to go to school soon!

Celebrating Milestones

Birthdays: August 23, Matt Jackson; August 24, Patrick Mager – who says, “don’t let the old man in” (you are as old as you believe, so keep strong and live long)!

Up Next: – tonight the Bernstein’s and us will be spoiled with Sandy Grosvenor‘s infamous crab cakes, cooking and dining on her North Pacific, Road Trip.

Next stop is Chestertown, Maryland

Oh, Maryland

Her state flower is beautiful!

Maryland State Flower – Black Eyed Susan

With a total area of 12,407 square miles, Maryland is the ninth-smallest state by land area.

For Tyler: Ohio is almost 4 times the size of Maryland, at 44,826 square miles. Let’s also compare Maryland to my home state, Alaska, which measures in at 665,384 square miles or 54 times bigger than Maryland! How does your home state measure up? Click here

Annapolis Regatta

Annapolis is well known for Spectacular Sailboats! These are for Gail B.

Wye River, Maryland

Thank you again to Bob and Susan Jellen for introducing us to their oasis, Wye River. We anchored out near their home with Tonto’s Reward; it was their first big journey on their new boat.

In the early morning we were surrounded by fog, the perfect fishing conditions for this hearty waterman.

SFYC minyan! Orchestrated by the Jellens, we had a fabulous dinner at the Fisherman’s Inn in Kent Narrows.

10 friends from Southwest Florida Yacht Club (SFYC) gathered together for dinner – clockwise from the bottom – Susan Jellen, Laura Magers, Patty Letzler, Patrick Magers, David Bernstein, Bob Jellen, Tom Letzler, Rick Ginsburg, Mary S, and Gail Bernstein.

A proper Maryland Crab Feast

Bob and Susan Jellen generously included all 10 of us in their annual crab feast at their home on Wye River. Buttercup appeared to be the guest of honor – spoiled with the best chair in the house.

We relaxed poolside at the Jellen’s – it was time for the BIG bottles of wine :-)

Left to right, poolside gathering – Bob Jellen, Susan Jellen, Patrick and Laura Magers, Patty and Tom Letzler.

Susan shared her technique to crack and pick whole crabs. It doesn’t get any fresher than this!

Not pictured: Fresh Shrimp, Grilled Alaskan Reindeer Sausage (provided by Capt. Rick – from Costco in Anchorage, AK, thanks Finny), and LOTS of paper towels.

Really Sorry, the video of Susan was too big to upload, although not as fun, here’s a page from the Annapolis tourist guide with similar instructions (thanks Jamie and David).

Old Bay is the BEST seasoning on crabs and shrimp. Note to novice pickers – although it’s very, very messy, it’s sooo worth it!

After a perfect evening of amazing food and great friends here’s a view of the Queenstown Clouds – reflecting on the water at our Wye River anchorage.

From the anchorage back to the Jellen’s home, time for a Dinghy Ride on Inhale with the Bernsteins. Buttercup is sitting pretty!

Wye River Lighthouse – sharing the beauty.

Visitors on Board – Hendry Celebration

We went back to Annapolis, again. This time it was to meet up with Jamie, David, and grandson Tyler who drove from Cleveland, Ohio to Annapolis to climb on board for a long weekend. Tyler is 9 years old. Grandpa Rick let him steer the boat with his big feet.

In St. Michael’s those big feet found the original Watermen Boots, as well as Grandpa Rick’s favorite reclining chair.

Tyler also found the Penguin Mascot – nothing like a fluffy pirate companion.

Tyler and David discovered a blue crab near the boat, which David swooped up in a net.

A few days later they caught two more. For the trained eye, yes, the top crab is a female! All of the crabs were to puny to cook and eat. Catch and Release.

Tyler really liked the breeze on the fly bridge – it felt like he could fly.

Along the water way we spotted Navy Yard Patrol 686. Used for midshipmen’s training, this vessel was outfitted for oceanographic research.

More Maryland: Closing with an easy listening moment for Ray Houle – written and performed by Vonda Shepard for Ally McBeal – video “Maryland” Take the time to listen, it’s sweet.

Celebrating Milestones – Birthdays: August 19, Alisha Silverstein and Julia Goral; Anniversary: August 19, Danielle and Sandra; August 21, Tom Turke; August 23, Matt Jackson; August 24, Patrick Magers.

Next Up: Exhale is docked in Annapolis until August 24. If you are in the neighborhood, please visit!!

Rappahannock River

Can you say that three times, real fast? The river is downstream from Washington DC; beginning at the Chesapeake Bay, the river runs a total of 195 miles with a plethora of beautiful homes along the shore. The name may be very familiar if you love oysters!

Urbanna, VA

Exhale and Tonto’s Reward stopped for one night in Urbanna, or “City of Anne”, named after Great Britain’s Queen Anne. Year round population as of 2000 = 543 persons :-)

We stayed at Urbby Boatyard and Marina – once 4 neighboring marinas, it has since merged into one colossal marina, covering 7 acres and offering 172 wet slips. Owned and operated by Andy and Amy Anderson it was a wonderful spot. Boater’s Tip: We highly recommend you stay there! Check it out.

Andy and Amy Anderson – photo from their website

The full-service marina now includes a phenomenal New York deli with the freshest ingredients imaginable. I suggest you order the Hot Pastrami or my favorite, the Rueben; you won’t be disappointed!

Exhale was tied up at the one end of the marina, adjacent to the bridge, on a floating dock. Insuring lots of extra steps for all of us, Tonto’s Reward was berthed at the extreme opposite end.

Boater’s Tip: the adorable town of Urbanna is easy walking distance from the marina. A very walkable little village, this photo is for Ray Houle, who loves trucks and classic stuff.

Here’s one more pair of Watermen Art Project boots, found in Urbanna! I love the authentic grass clippings on the toes of the boots.

Reedville, VA – a quaint fishing town

In 1874 fisherman Capt. Elijah Reed founded the village of Reedville, obviously naming the community after himself. Today Reedville claims to be is one of the major commercial fishing ports in the United States, second to Kodiak, Alaska. Let’s be real. You can’t really compete with Alaska since it produces about 60% of the nation’s commercial fisheries – including salmon, crab, Pacific cod, shrimp, herring, sablefish (black cod), pollock, and one of my personal favorites, halibut. Yum.

Take a look at Gail Bernstein’s blog to learn more!

The wealth generated from the fishing industry supported the construction of several Victorian mansions.

The 1909 Reedville Gables Victorian Mansion is now a lovely bed and breakfast.

Gail Bernstein and I strongly recommend a visit to the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum; if the building is closed don’t leave too quickly, make the time to walkabout (for Heather Rutherford), and enjoy the outdoor exhibits!

Reedville Fishermen’s Museum

And now, a new word (new to me, that is) found on the transom of this tiny boat located at the Fishermen’s Musuem.

Okay, readers, what is a Spat?

You are right, Alisha J, spats are footwear; for some it is also the past tense of spit; and for seafood lovers, it is a mollusc reference; essentially, it’s a baby oyster that has found a place to attach and grow. Here’s the official life cycle of an oyster, from FSU. Cool lesson!

Sorry, Capt Rick, Chitterchats Ice Cream Parlor was closed – open Thursday thru Sunday only.

Small towns have the most beautiful sunsets!

Spring Cove, MD, again

Exhale returned to Spring Cove for one night. The flowers and the grass in this location are stunning, attributed to the rich soil and rainy conditions. No brackish water here!

Cambridge Yacht Basin, Maryland

Founded in 1684 on the beautiful banks of the Choptank River, Cambridge, MD is one of the oldest colonial cities in the nation.

Choptank River Lighthouse

The original lighthouse at the Choptank River Station was built in 1871 in Baltimore. Keep reading – the lighthouse has a unique story to tell.

Tragedy Strikes – Bizarrely, the lighthouse was walloped by ice not once, but twice! The first collision was in 1880, cracking three pilings. The second time, in 1918, 30-foot high ice flows severely compromised the structure, causing it to topple into the raging river a few weeks later.

The freak loss was a tragic natural disaster. During an era of heavy steamboat, sailing and fishing traffic, it was the only manned lighthouse inside the Choptank River. Critical to safe navigation, the lights and fog bells helped to guide ships to Cambridge, and farther up-river to Secretary and Denton.

Unique Collaboration – In 1921, not long after the lighthouse crashed into the Choptank River, officials in Maryland reached out to officials in Virginia, striking a highly unusual agreement – to relocate the 1858 Cherrystone Bar Lighthouse from Cape Charles, VA (click to learn more) to Cambridge.

Cherrystone Bar Light, City of Cambridge stock photo.

The VA lighthouse had recently been mothballed and placed in storage, replaced by newer technology – with an automated fog bell. Unfortunately, it was another example of automation replacing a human.

Towed by barge about 100 miles up the Chesapeake, the VA lighthouse was successfully relocated to Choptank River, MD, labeled as the “original site” in the map below.

Fun facts for your Thursday night trivia teams – it was the only lighthouse to be transplanted and re-activated, and, it was the only one commissioned to serve in two states! Did you know that the fog bell in each lighthouse has a different sound pattern, so mariners could navigate in the fog?

Fast forward to modern times, the Cambridge River Lighthouse Society carefully rebuilt the Choptank River Lighthouse at the “replica site” shown in the map above – in celebration of the town’s rich maritime heritage.

The Choptank River Lighthouse replica was completed in 2012.

Now it is a popular museum located at the Choptank Wharf.

For more beautiful photos, click here: Jill Jasuta Photography

Family Feature

Reposting a photo from my Instagram feed – say hello to Juliette, she’s our great granddaughter, also Tony and Alisha’s granddaughter, and of course Pristine Bleu’s beautiful big girl! A statement of fashion at 3 and 3/4, she’s so adorable.

In closing we share this lawn sign, found at the edge of a well manicured lawn in Maryland. You probably know, the official motto of the United States, adopted in 1782, is E Pluribus Unum, translated Out of Many, One. The motto reflects the formation of the United States from the original thirteen colonies, which united to become a single nation. Diversity and unity can coexist. While the nation is comprised of many individual states, it is also one united entity.

The official motto appears on common symbols of the U.S. government, including the Great Seal and the Dollar Bill.

Celebrating Milestones:

Birthday August 10, David Hendry; August 11 Romeo and Ruby

Anniversary August 12, Mike and Sue Gillespie

Next up: St. Michaels; Tyler, David and Jamie Hendry arrive soon!

Chesapeake Watermen and Women

First, a few more stops along the Potomac.

Mt. Vernon – President Washington

Roughly 15 miles south of Washington, D.C. you can find George Washington’s Mansion – Private vessels are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Fortunately for our pupster, you can tie up to the ferry dock for a few hours, allowing plenty of time for her to water a tree.

Restoration is ongoing at the mansion, proof that tourist traffic supports the facility.

Washington’s Tomb is easy to find. Rather modest in size, I was shocked to discover the tomb is beyond CROWDED. In fact, George, Martha and 25 close relatives are buried together. Not a big fan of tight quarters or over-crowded spaces, I say no thanks on the family snuggle.

As you can see, the view from Mt. Vernon is serene.

The museum was well air-conditioned, a welcome respite from the record heat. This musical tribute is for Ynot.

Within sight of the Mansion, we anchored out. It was a quiet night, with little wind.

We returned to Colonial Beach – this sunset is for Dave and Holly Lubs.

St. Mary’s College

First, a throwback to our prior visit to St. Mary’s in 2018. Say hi to Lorrie Swink, M/V Reality, and our original boatdog, Maddie Sue, taken 7 years ago.

– and here are some young sailor’s from St. Mary’s.

Kilmarnock, Chesapeake Boat Basin, Indian Creek

The quaint litte town was founded in 1650, yes, it is named after Kilmarnock, Scotland. Year round population is about 1,500. Immediately adjacent to the marina you find the Perdue Grainary (seen below). Today it is used for storing and processing corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Boater’s Tip: The Chesapeake Boat Basin marina has a loaner car; take a short drive (about 3 miles) and you will find lots of delicious restaurants and local shops, worth the visit!

Watermen’s Way

Watermen’s Way is a public art project honoring the Watermen and Waterwomen of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. It turns out the project was inspired by a certain pair of boots you might recognize from an earlier blog post – found outside the marine museum at St. Michaels.

The oversized fiberglass boots, measuring 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide, are iconic representations of the men and women who make their living on the water.

In real life, the sturdy boots are used by the seafood industry across the world. This blogger wore such boots working in more than one smelly fish cannery in Alaska. In the Chesapeake Bay the sturdy boots have nicknames like “Guinea Slippers,” “Tangier Tennis Shoes,” “Red Balls,” or “Bubba Boots.”

Designs from 15 local artists were selected by Virginia’s River Realm. The vibrant boots are on display in Irvington, Kilmarnock, Deltaville, and Urbanna. To learn more, click here :-) Each fiberglass sculpture is unique, drawing from themes that reflect the lives of the watermen and waterwoman who work on the waterways. Popular themes include harvesting crabs, oysters, and fish.

Irvington, VA; Tides Inn – Church Prong

The resort is surrounded by serene scenery, such as this.

More boots – the chosen artist from Irvington selected oysters and fish as her theme.

Soybeans – crops in VA

We have seen numerous fields like this in VA. After a little research, we confirmed the crop is in fact soybeans. Bravo Capt. Rick.

Soybeans are Virginia’s number one cash crop, bringing in $165.7 million to the state, grown from the Eastern Shore to the Shenandoah Vally.

Did you know that soybeans are used in over 1,000 industrial products, such as plastics, paints, soaps, and crayons. They are also a key ingredient in animal feed, cooking oil, bakery products, and even biodiesel. If you want to know more, here’s a link to the Virginia Soybean Association Uses of Soy. You can’t make this stuff up!

Proud Mama

Congrats to Dream House Press! My phenomenal son-in law has officially opened a new printing business in Huntington Park, CA. We are so proud. Bravisimo, Ynot!

**Tony Rodriguez,** co-owner, Dream House Press

Celebrating Milestones – August 3, Andrea and Carly; August 4, Weston Wayne Sumpter Straley is 12; August 6, Morgan Wasmuth is 8, and Tanja Elliott; August 10, David Hendry.

Up Next – Rappahannock River, home of the BEST oysters. Headed to Urbanna, VA; Since it’s less than 9 nautical miles from our current location (Irvington, VA) I got to sleep in on a Sunday. Whoo Hooo.