The Rappahannock, the Potomac, the Patuxent , the Choptank, the Honga and the Nanticoke are only six of many major rivers and streams that exit off Chesapeake B ay and where we had superb anchorages on our way to St Michaels, Maryland which sits nestled in a cosy bay off the Miles River on the east side.

This small village has a quiet and unhurried feel about it despite the bustling tourist business in the background. Its historic district is beautifully preserved, museums burst with artifacts from the civil war, take a sunset cruise on old skipjack oyster boats, visit the winery - the tourist brochure was full of things we never managed to do.

William's nephew Tom and his wife Audra are due to arrive tomorrow with the latest member of the family - the lovely 8 month old Amelia. We are hoping for a weekend of relaxed sailing but the weather has other ideas although somehow it didn't seem to matter.

Eateries thrive around the harbor and lunch on their arrival was a great experience at the Crab Claw Restaurant over looking the harbor. William and Tom were knee deep in the debris of steamed crab, Audra and I took the vegetarian route with delicious salads.

Our sail the next day had Amelia showing us how it should be done - with a smile.