Gemini Loop: Deltaville, the Preakness and friends

We crossed the Chesapeake again on Saturday morning and arrived at Deltaville just before noon. It was a beautiful day for sailing! I don't like to cruise in sailboats, but I sure do like to see them.

Along this cruise, Steve discovered something wonderful about our AIS (automatic identification system, I think). It is a system that identifies other vessels and gives you information about them - mostly large vessels, but many smaller ones like us have it too. The AIS said that the large ship we could see was going faster than we were, and that if both of us kept our course and speed we would pass within 1000 ft of it. Not good news unless you want to get rocked or swamped. Steve slowed down for a while and we passed quietly by, about one quarter mile behind the big ship. Yay!

Our friend, Speedy Lloyd, came to the marina and met us to take us to their house. They are just back from a 3 month cruise down to Florida and their three grandchildren came for the weekend. Never the less, they took us in for a day or two. Speedy and Steve took the grandchildren swimming, while Nancy and I went with a few of their neighbors to a Preakness party and auction. I already knew Cathy and Joe from visiting aboard the Lloyd's sailboat. I met Judith and Priscillla along the drive to the party. Such wonderful friends! We enjoyed the day.

When you think of horse racing, you think of hats... and this party did not disappoint. It is an annual benefit for the community colleges in the region, and raises many thousands of dollars. The food was donated by local restaurants and wineries and was fabulous! I actually participated in the silent auction and got 6 hours of professional genealogy research... I'll find you yet, John Morgan!

Unfortunately, Deltaville suffered some from the recent tornadoes. I got a few shots of the damage.

We will be here for another day or two. Nancy is letting me do laundry and take baths!