Herrington Harbor North at the top end of the Bay is where we will stay for a month to do some exploring. Voted the top marina in the US it is home to over 600 boats of all types. Most of them go nowhere most of the time and a walk around the area indicates that some of them haven't moved for a very long time.

The weed growth at the waterline level and the bird droppings on the rigging and deck are telltale signs. This doesn't mean they are derelicts by any means - just not totally loved. This location is only about 25 miles from Washington DC and ideally located for a cruiser wishing to go sightseeing.

Despite its size the marina is a very attractive area. Care has been taken to preserve the wetlands out of which it was created. Wildlife is prolific - a huge number of ospreys nesting on any pole with impossibly balanced nests, swallows nesting under the dock, ducks and wading birds, and as dusk falls deer nervously appear out of the edge of the wood that hugs the north side of the marina.

For us humans who live here the showers are superb, there's a gym, swimming pool and bbqing areas with all the equipment and two superb air-conditioned lounges with TVs and a small library.

It is picturesque by night -the dock lighting has been well thought out to offer great ambiance.