We took the boat over to Smith Island yesterday. It's the only way to get back and forth from the mainland to the island.This island that sits in Maryland waters of Chesapeake Bay has seen major changes in geology over the years but the livelihood of its people remains the same. Watermen who make a living fishing for blue crab are the main inhabitants. When oysters were plentiful in Chesapeake Bay, they would make a living oystering during that season. But with the decline in the oyster population, they mainly crab now.
The language of the inhabitants is unique because it still retains a trace of English accent along with some of the "backward" speak that is unique to these islanders.
We are staying at one of the two bed and breakfasts on the island. Last night, we went to visit some people that we know from past visits. And we got caught up on the latest island news about who had died and who had left to take jobs "off island".
There are few cars on the island but more golf carts than last time. We walk where ever we go, and today will make the mile long walk out to Rhodes Point which is one of the three main settlements on the island. I'm going to record some dialect and video to put up so that the accent can be heard. This place is worth a book devoted to the history of the people and the fishery. Maybe another retirement project?
It was peaceful going to sleep last night, listening to the sounds of the geese, ducks, seagulls, and soft rain on the roof. I smell the ham cooking so I'm heading down for breakfast. More on this unique place later.
I'm trying to do more of that now, Syd. Listening to the sounds of the earth. To remove the drama from my life. To release some of this anxiety. To find serenity despite Steven's bad circumstances.
ReplyDeleteAnd we got to visit too thanks to you sharing your trip with us! Beautiful! I would love to be there listening and I am looking forward to your audio of the accent.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a heavenly place to retreat. Somewhere to refresh your mind, and relax.
ReplyDeleteI'm envious as I have always wanted to go to a place just as you have described.
Enjoy yourself.
Great photos,thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteIn northern Michigan we have Mackinaw Island, where no cars are allowed. You take a short (usually choppy) ferry ride there. A fine place, but no unusual accents;)
ReplyDeleteYou remind me of a great vacation about 10+ years ago on the island of Grand Manan. Enjoy!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience with us Syd.jeNN
ReplyDeleteHi Syd, the place sounds facinating, I still would love to got to Brazil one day and go for a tour of the Amazon.
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky on your boat, to get away I have to climb throgh a fance to get into a chemical tip, no one ever goes there except me and my dogs but all around u can always hear the M62 Motorway, I would love to go visit my dads sister on the Mull Of Kintyre this summer camping, I can take my dad up as well for a night to meat his sister.
I told him Id take him tonight and me and Luke plus the dogs would camp, I might do it at Spring Bank
u have a wonderful way of describing the moods and impressions of ur journey. thanks! k x
ReplyDeleteSyd, I'm going to try tonight to mentally picture sounds of the geese, ducks, seagulls, and soft rain on the roof...and maybe get some sleep.
ReplyDeleteYou write such a good travelogue Syd. I love to hear you talk about all the local places and stuff. I get quite envious of you being so near the water, doing all the things you do. It makes me want to experience it all myself. One day, I hope.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a nice place to visit. At first I thought there were animals in those cages.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that you could actually stay overnight on Smith Island. I was there more than 30 years ago and it was like a completely different world. The only reason we got there then was because of a fisherman friend.
ReplyDeleteI love following you on your vacation.
a slice of heaven i tell ya!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing...it all sounds so wonderful and your descriptions make it even more so, thank you and truly enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a good time it sounds like - peaceful, quiet and lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your trip with us. And thank you always for sharing your thoughts and life.
ReplyDeleteMy brother docks his boat in Maryland and sails the Chesapeake Bay. I have been there but for the life of me can not remember the name of the place.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics!