Today marks my final day of three weeks on the Eastern Shore of Maryland -- two in my former stomping grounds of Easton, followed by a week, just 80 miles south, in Crisfield. My lengthy stop in Easton this year was a full agenda of healthcare appointments, birthday celebrations, outdoor activities, visits with friends, and a little moving help for a friend. While I'll admit to cruising by my little bungalow (which needs yard work!), I can't say that Easton feels like home. That said, the time and attention given by friends has me missing this little spot, and my birthday celebration was just grand! I'd also forgotten how much fun it is to go to the mailbox every day! I am feeling right at home in my tent, and Crisfield is a friendly town of just over 2,700 people. Once called Somers Cove, it was renamed in 1866 for John W. Crisfield, who was instrumental in bringing the Eastern Shore Railroad here so seafood could be shipped across the U. S. and make Crisfield the "Seafood Capital of the World." While the health of the Bay impacted the industry, in some small way, crabs and tourism continue to support this southern-most spot in Maryland. Sadly, most of the labor force in Crisfield works elsewhere on the peninsula. Crisfield is also just 12 miles by boat to Smith Island, first settled by British Colonists in the late 1600s. I did indeed visit Ewell for an afternoon, and while it's the island's largest town, it's more like a small neighborhood of days gone by. Most noticeable is how incredibly quiet it is as most transportation is by foot, bike or golf cart on this island with 2 miles of roadway. There's a museum, a church, two restaurants, and a gift shop, and not a single person passes you without a pleasant greeting. After visiting the museum and following a walking tour, I had the pleasure of meeting Jacob, "but you can call me Jake," who shared his perspective of life on Smith Island with me for nearly half an hour. He's 8 years old. Add that to the list of special moments! Tomorrow, I roll to the Outer Banks with hopes that we say "adios" to Jose!
12 Comments
Sue
9/14/2017 10:55:30 am
So glad you had a nice visit to the Eastern Shore. I am anxious to seeing the changes from Irma as you go south...
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Judy
9/19/2017 12:19:13 pm
Sue: Thanks for visiting! Wish you would've pitched a tent and come to Smith Island with me to meet Jake! No Irma changes here on the Outer Banks & just survived a challenging night of Jose passing by. Curious on your Florida decision -- drop me an email when you know if you're pushing your diving trip forward eh? j.
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Eileen
9/14/2017 12:46:46 pm
What no Smith Island cake? Crisfield will definitely be on agenda next trip south.
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Judy
9/19/2017 12:20:19 pm
Eileen: I actually had the famous cake back in '07 at a Tilghman Island Seafood Fest. No wasting calories unless it's chocolate or PIE! j.
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Karen
9/16/2017 04:05:31 pm
So great getting to spend time with you! Enjoy another year of adventure and loving life!
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Judy
9/19/2017 12:21:30 pm
Karen: Thanks for the bookmark now in daily use (#49?) and for making time for two visits! As always, keep me posted on the goings-on. I really don't want to have to return to be mayor! j.
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Hamilton Lois
9/16/2017 07:29:04 pm
Even I felt nostalgic for Easton reading your words. So great to have you here and leave me organized and packed. Keep hav'n fun and freedom, looks good on you!
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Judy
9/19/2017 12:22:55 pm
LO: You are welcome. I am indeed enjoying people I've known forever and for 5 minutes :). A friend has classified me as "feral"; it seems to fit! j
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Claudette
9/17/2017 11:59:24 pm
Once again, you did justice to the new area you traveled to. Photos are beautiful and interesting.
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Judy
9/19/2017 12:23:55 pm
Claudette:
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Barb
9/25/2017 10:09:05 pm
Hey Judy, In love w/ your haircut. Steep Brockport competition. And thanks for the update. Hope you're out of storms way.
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Judy
9/26/2017 07:04:28 am
Barb,
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