PicnicsPhotographySailing
Nature
|
Interesting Stories Archive
Here are a few ways to enjoy the Upper Chesapeake Bay, Susquehanna River and Havre de Grace. Just maybe you'll recapture the joy of 'losing time.' Susquehanna State Park consists of 2600 acres and is located along the Susquehanna River, north of Havre de Grace and south of the Conowingo Dam. The park is characterized by steep wooded slopes along the Susquehanna River, open rolling farmland on the upper elevations, and is divided into segments by a network of narrow wooded stream valleys. The Susquehanna River is the single dominant feature in the park. Of the many historic sites located in the park, the most significant are the water-powered grist mill built in 1794 and still operational, the Carter-Archer Mansion which was the home of Confederate General John Archer, the Miller’s House and the Jersey Toll House, all of which make the Rock Run Area of the park a major historic and tourist attraction. Other park development includes a camping area with 74 sites, a picnic area and a boat launching area at Lapidum. The campground is located off of Craigs Corner Road and is open from the last weekend in April until the first weekend in October. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Restrooms and hot showers are provided in each camping loop. A fee of $13.00 a night plus a $7.00 reservation fee is charged per campsite. Reservations can be made by calling 1-410-557-7994. Also a popular attraction in Susquehanna are the 12 miles of scenic hiking, biking and horseback riding trails which are available, connecting various points of interest in the park. A portion (w-1/2 miles) of the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways Trail travels through the park and is very popular with families and small children because of its stone dust base, flatness, and proximity to the Susquehanna River. Many wildflowers and different birds can be seen while leisurely walking the Greenways Trail. There are many programs and activities available at Susquehanna State Park. The State Forest and Park Service strives to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for you and your family. We hope you have the opportunity to visit us in the near future. Submitted by Ranger Rick Smith Spring 2002 - Lockhouse to Lighthouse publication Havre de Grace offers a number of wonderful picnic spots. From Tydings Park and the City Yacht Basin to the Lock House Museum grounds at North Park, you’ll find fun places to spread a blanket and enjoy a warm weather meal. At Tydings Park you’ll find tables and grills, a gazebo, and a great playground and sand area for the kids. Just down the hill is the Promenade Grille for those who prefer to ‘purchase their picnic.’ Of course, besides tables or a blanket, you are welcome to enjoy your munchies while sitting on a bench along the Promenade. Just remember: Do not feed the ducks and geese. Thank you! The area around the Concord Point Lighthouse is another great place to picnic. Either follow the Promenade from the City Yacht Basin, or if driving, the Lighthouse is located at the foot of Lafayette Street. In this same area, the grounds around the Decoy and Maritime Museums also offer great places for a picnic, to toss Frisbee, or relax and enjoy a good book. Throughout town there are great little benches where you can stop and have a bit to eat while your rest from you shopping and sightseeing. On your way to the Lock House, you’ll find Hutchins, David Craig and Jean Rogers Parks. Offering great scenic views along the water, you’ll find these parks relaxing. At the Lock House in North Park, you’ll be able to take a great walk. The McLhinny playground is nearby for the kids to rid themselves of a bit of steam. And they don’t even mind of you wish to enjoy your picnic on the Lock House porch. With the varieties of eateries and food stores our city offers, we’re sure we can please everyone’s particular taste. Take a time out ~ remove your shoes, relax and enjoy a picnic. For the avid camera-carrying daytripper, the city offers a wonderful variety of photo opportunities. The sailboats on the water are always beautiful, but try getting some photos at the start of the Thursday Night Races at Tidewater Marina. You’ll also want to be sure to get photos of the Skipjack Martha Lewis. Add the museums in the area for some great picture taking. For instance, the Decoy Museum has wonderful windows offering spectacular views of the Upper Chesapeake Bay, as does the top of the Concord Point Lighthouse. And the Lock House at the north end of town often has its windows and shutters open, offering some grand photo opportunities of the Susquehanna River and the various bridges. The various parks each offer their unique views for those candid shots. If you have a telephoto lens, you may be able to capture a heron, hawk, osprey or possibly even an eagle. Maybe you’re looking for a great shot of those wonderful human dynamos, called children! Be sure to include Steppingstone Museum at Susquehanna State Park on your list. The festivities around town offer even more great photo opportunities. From the art shows to the Independence Day Parade, the Candlelight Tours at holiday time to the changes of the seasons, there are always beautiful photos waiting to be discovered by you! One of my favorites is the absolutely awesome view just at dusk on the evening of the Fireworks for the Independence Day Celebration. Boats of all sizes – canoes to large sailboats and everything in-between – are gathered in the bay to watch the Fireworks. As the sun goes down and their lights come on, just at the very moment when it’s light enough to see the detail of the boats but dark enough for the lights to shine brightly, the bay appears to be a living Christmas tree. There, floating on the water, sit hundreds of boats. The crowds on the bank add to the excitement. And when the weather cooperates, absolutely no one is disappointed by the evening’s explosion of color. Enjoy the area; it’s sure to be an adventure for the photographer with a creative perspective. While visiting the area, one of the beautiful sights to enjoy is the Thursday Night Sailboat Races. These races run from April though September Starting at the Tidewater Marina at the foot of Bourbon Street at 6 p.m. There are 350 boats docked at Tidewater Marina where they employ 40 people year round. When the gates are open, the public is always welcome. There are great store offering a wide variety of boating supplies and souvenirs. The Thursday Night Sailboat Races are sponsored by the Havre de Grace Yacht Club. The public is welcome to watch the start of the race from the Tidewater Marina, any of the area docks or from the decks of several area restaurants. While checking out the marina scene, I learned that membership to the Havre de Grace Yacht is a mere $30/year. “You mean I could become a card-carrying Yacht Club Member for only $30 and not even have to own a yacht?” I asked. “Absolutely,” laughed Jeff Andrews, dock master at the marina, “Isn’t it great! We’re a fun, relaxed club, not the blue jacket and red tie group.” from Spring 1998, Lockhouse to Lighthouse publication BaySailIf you’ve never been on a sailboat and watching the races stirs the sailor spirit in you, then head for BaySail. You can enjoy a 3-hour Introduction to Sailing. Up to four people can enjoy this with a captain – a fine way to enjoy the bay and appreciate life on the water. Charters are also available with boats from 19 to 37 feet. Captains are available for additional fees. Contact BaySail for more information: 410-939-2869 A full range of courses is available for beginners to seasoned sailors wishing to sharpen their skills. All courses are approved by the American Sailing Association (ASA) and can be offered on your boat or one of theirs. The Skipjack Martha Lewis is another great way to experience the Upper Chesapeake Bay and a way of life that was part of our recent history. Specialty cruises and school programs are only some of the offerings aboard the Skipjack. In November through March you can actually take part in “Drudgin’ for Oysters” aboard one of the last vessels to dredge for oysters under sail. A little less adventurous? Step aboard for one of the public cruises and explore the Susquehanna Flats. For more information, call: 410-939-4078 Happy Boating!back to topThe following article may not seem like it belongs in the 'outdoor' section. But frankly, this author would prefer NOT meeting them outdoors!!! Bearded Dragons?Creepy crawlies, slithering wigglers and eyes that stare at you, unmoving, through many lids – these are not my idea of a good time. Enter – grandson. It’s amazing what you wouldn’t do with a son or daughter that you’ll risk with a grandchild. In this case, 10 year old, Brenden Laye took “Marmie” (that’s me) by the hand and encouraged her to touch that first Bearded Dragon. Oh my, what a writer will do for a story! The All-Maryland Reptile Show is where we are. The show occurs one Saturday each month, 11 out of 12 months each year. We are headed to the Havre de Grace Community Center. I had heard about this show but never thought I’d find myself visiting. It was an amazing experience in a number of ways. First of all, I must have talked to 18 people before I found one from Havre de Grace. They came from Washington D.C., Virginia, all over Maryland, Pennsylvania and as far away as Nashua, New Hampshire. This particular day was in February between snows! The second surprise is that the show entertains 600-1200 visitors at each event. I find that absolutely amazing. Once again, you have to honor those niche markets! Our first encounter is Dorraine Trout of York, PA as she cuddles with a Bearded Dragon lizard from Oakley’s Reptiles. As she chatters about this wonderful pet that originates in Australia, I am intrigued with its small dragon-like appearance (obviously the reason for the name). It just ‘sits’ there, seeming very placid and quiet. Brenden is delighted as he learns about these critters. I, on the other hand, am ready to move on. Next we visit the folks of Outback Reptiles, Fairfax, VA. Well, this one I enjoy through the camera lens. No way are these hands touching those slithery little critters! Goeffrey Wendell holds a Kenyan Sand Boa while Helen Russos offers her Gryavo Rainbow Boa a chance to pose for the camera. Close enough for me. But again, these folks from Rockville, MD seem to love these critters. Okay. Okay. Can we move on, Brenden! Next we meet Jarrett Keys who seems really excited to share his new pet – a tarantula! Alrighty now. I enjoy meeting his brothers who showed off a lizard and Iguana. They are here with their folks from Glen Burnie. Oh, boy… Can you believe it? Next I watch Ivana Farrar of Washington, D.C. ‘play’ with a python from M&L Reptiles. “It’s just a young thing!” Yeah, right! Kyle and Austin Marucci of Baltimore start to me feel a bit ridiculous about my ophidiophobia! Here they are tickling the Bearded Dragon at RJ’s (a vendor from Nashua, NH). I have no doubts that they think I’m pretty silly. By now I have made a few trips around the vendors listening and learning. So I look at Brenden, who has fallen in love with the Chameleon on his finger. I decide to be a bit adventurous. After all, it’s just a tiny little thing. (Yeah, so are spiders – arachnophobia!) And he’s right! It’s really rather fun. So I grow brave. Yep, brave enough to touch the Bearded Dragon. It’s bumpy, leathery, but not bad. Still, having a Bearded Dragon on my shoulder is NOT on my agenda. There’s something about those eyes! I touch. I smile. I get my story. Now let’s get outta here! In all seriousness, this was a great experience. I learned a lot about these pets and the people who breed them and those who own them. It’s a major family affair for many. I’ve done my best to get everyone’s names straight. If there are errors, I apologize. from Spring 2003, Lockhouse to Lighthouse publication back to top
|