Harrison Heads to Oxford (Guest Post)

If you notice a slight change in the tone of todays post, thank you for following Life in Boatland close enough to tell the difference. Today’s post is guest authored. 

The morning started with slightly clearer skies than the last several days had brought. Across the marina echoed sounds of cheers, small watercraft and an MC announcing the start of the Ironman Maryland race. Luck would have it we were smack in the middle of the event during our stay in Cambridge. We had a nice morning stroll through the neighborhoods on the opposite side of town from our adventure yesterday evening.  It didn’t take long to realize we were now where close to the starting point the swimmers had already transitioned into the next stage. So, back we went to the boat to sort out some breakfast and prepare the boat for our run north to Oxford.

Shortly after noon music started booming from the finish line of the Ironman. And that was our queue…off came the lines while a gentle breeze pushed Painkiller of the dock. We ran 12 miles over an hour and a half on our way north up to Oxford, MD. I was given the helm to take the boat out of the marina and get us on the way to our destination. With everything in our favor, and a very knowledgeable captain to guide me, I’ll admit, it is very stressful. Dave took the helm on the way in to Safeharbor Oxford as we started with a pump-out at the fuel dock. The marina staff was incredibly helpful and I’ve never scene someone so happy about the amount of suction from the pump-out apparatus! 

Unfortunately, almost everything from here was incredibly uneventful. What Pam rarely reports on are the close calls and near misses. I’m convinced that this is because they actually do rarely happen! After seeing the care David and Pam take while running the boat I’m not surprised. It’s impressive, very damn impressive! To see them navigate the boat in and out of slips and around marinas it shows the time and effort they have put in to learn the boat and how to operate it. Fortunately, we did have a little entertainment after we had tied up. Long story short, if you’re running with a mechanical issue, don’t hesitate to let people know. This would include marina staff, dock hands, people trying to help and especially people who’s boat your running into! So, you get the point. I’ll stop there on that one.

Oxford is a charming little town. Ashley and I took a short stroll to the beach to put our toes in the water and collect a few shells to commemorate this adventure for Harrison. We all walked into town to explore a little bit. We found street after street lined with incredibly beautiful houses. Shortly before 6pm the Church  began playing music that filled the air with hymns for almost 15 minutes. It felt almost out of a movie to be in a perfectly manicured town with tree branches tunneling the streets and a sunlit park in the background. Coming from the West there aren’t that many areas like that out there. It truly is remarkable the history of these small towns. 

The day concluded with us finding a relaxing and quaint  restaurant right on the water. The Crab Balls were incredibly good and the fish and chips will be well worth the alka seltzer. Around the corner of the restaurant was a local creamery serving some of the best ice cream we all agreed to have had in a very long time. Tomorrow will be another quick run up to Saint Michaels.

Thanks for letting me bend your ear for a few minutes on the adventures of Life in Boatland.

Walking along the Strand in Oxford

Harrison already has Nanni and Chief well trained! 


This is an original bell that was used in lighthouses of the area


Saturday Morning Breakfast in the salon. Ellie patiently waits for her share


One of the few business in Oxford. The grounds of this shipyard were meticulously maintained 


The Strand. This might be the best beach within hundreds of miles of coastline

Rare image of the author of Life in Boatland

Ironman Maryland. Cambridge, MD

Painkiller tied up in Oxford


There is a small ferry that shuttles over to a northern finger. Saint Micheals is only 6 miles-ish by vehicle. 

Old growth trees make for a scenic stroll through the neighborhoods

Oxford was established in 1683

Nanni in baby holding heaven. Chief in sausage eating heaven

Chief is always happy to lend a hand

Small artist studio on the strand



Scottish Highland Creamery. Next time you’re in Oxford, you must go there!


We’ll finish the day off with my two favorites!

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