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.
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!
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!
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
Exhale on the Water 