There was only one marina in Crisfield and it was home to more than 500 boats.  The town itself was quaint and the people embodied everything a true American small town represents.  They were friendly and hospitable; they treated us like we were old friends.

We spent the evening walking through the town and strolling the docks.  There were many transients there that weekend due largely in part to a trawler rendezvous.   The atmosphere was somber, but hopeful.  The air was warm and the music coming from the rendezvous reception lifted our spirits.  It was by far one of the most relaxing evenings we had had in a long time.

On Sunday, we left shortly after breakfast.  Our trip home offered us a reminder of the changed America in which we now lived.  It was a little overcast that day and we were one of the only boats on the Chesapeake.  Seemingly out of nowhere a Coast Guard helicopter buzzed over us -- not more than 20 feet above our tower -- with full artillery.  A reminder of the reality we had had the opportunity to escape, if only for a weekend.