Oxford Rocks

Oxford Rocks

Thursday 22nd October

I should start by saying I’m a Cambridge man, so not necessarily predisposed to think that highly of a place called Oxford. But I have to say Oxford, MD is terrific! We have had a great time here, no doubt helped by the absence of any wind or clouds and the 75oF temperatures. It has simply been the most beautiful day. 

First let me tell you about Trace. Yesterday in the late afternoon we were in the main cabin of the boat when Gloria heard splashing outside. We went outside to find a gentleman swimming next to the boat. Please note that it is now the third week in October! Anyway, we got chatting to an interesting man called Trace and whilst we relaxed in the cockpit and he treaded water for ten minutes we exchanged stories. Trace is a Hebrew / Greek scholar who couldn’t find employment so turned to Latin (naturally) and then taught for many years at Georgetown Prep school. He then decided to learn Chinese and I think now runs a business using his Chinese language skills. Of more note, these skills lead him to a relationship with a lady originating from Taiwan who just got engaged to. It was just great talking to him.

Today we rowed the dinghy ashore and spent a couple of hours wandering around Oxford. As claimed it is a beautiful quaint village. It has along history that dates back to long before the American Revolution / war of Independence and to us it seems more reminiscent of New England than old England. The village is almost surrounded by water on all sides with the Tred Avon River on one side and a small creek on the other. As sea level rises over the coming years we wonder how much of the property could be vulnerable to flooding. There’s not much in the way of facilities – one grocery store, two restaurants, four churches and maybe fifty Biden/Harris posters. That should tell you all you really need to know!

This evening we rowed back to shore to have dinner on the veranda of  the Oxford Inn. This turned out to be an exceptional meal in beautiful surroundings. Gloria had a garden salad with goat cheese, cranberries, squash and pumpkin seeds followed by sautéed scallops on sweet potato mash with leeks and a bacon balsamic vinaigrette. I had avocado tempura with leafy greens and Crab cakes as my main course. One review in “Active Captain” said these were the best crab cakes in Maryland and whilst no expert, I wouldn’t disagree. I do consider myself a connoisseur of sticky toffee pudding and the dessert that Gloria and I shared was top notch. We finished off the evening rowing back to Cotinga on mirror glass seas with a beautiful sunset as a backdrop … and Gloria did the rowing! 

Mike

38 41.734 N, 76 10.315 W

The Tred Avon River - foggy morning off Oxford

Tred Avon River - water like glass - our neighbors in the anchorage off Oxford

One of the many delightful houses in Oxford

The veranda at the Oxford Inn - an excellent restaurant

Amazing Scallops (iPhone)

Outstanding crab cakes (iPhone)