While on our way to Pancake Point, we found ourselves dealing with a swarm of pesky bugs that tested our patience. Thankfully, Chris had just the tool to combat the flying nuisances—a Bug-a-salt Salt Gun he received as a birthday gift the previous year. With a twinkle in his eye, he spent the afternoon taking aim and firing at those bothersome bugs, turning the annoyance into a playful game.

As we sailed near the Solomons the following day, we spotted three boats anchored and rafted together, proudly flying Looper flags. Curiosity piqued, we decided to dinghy over and introduce ourselves. To our delight, we discovered that one of the boats had kids on board! Ewan and Gwynnie immediately hit it off with the other boat kids, enjoying some gaming time together. This encounter would lead to new friendships and shared experiences. As we bid farewell to "the trio" of boats—Saga, Lil Sudden, and Coda—we stumbled upon another couple who had just completed their Loop on a sailboat, a Pacific Seacraft 37. We exchanged boat cards, chatted about our respective journeys, and captured a fun group picture of our fleet of dinghies—with the crews of SV Fika, SV Hele Aku, MV Saga, MV Lil Sudden, and MV Coda.

Leaving behind the Solomons, we set our sights on Harris Creek. The wind favored us for part of the day, allowing us to hoist our sails and relish the feeling of gliding through the water. While most of the trip required motoring, the conditions were delightful, and we embraced the serenity of the journey.

Our sailboat found a peaceful anchorage near the charming community of Sherwood in Waterhole Cove. We were pleased to discover a nearby public dock where we could securely park our dinghy. From there, we embarked on a delightful walk through a small cottage neighborhood, crossed a two-lane highway, and reached the local marina restaurant. 

The bar and restaurant at Lowes Wharf Marina Inn, where our walk took us, are particularly popular on weekends, offering a unique dinghy service to ferry boaters from their anchored vessels to the marina. Family-friendly, dog-friendly, and often featuring live music, the inn and restaurant provide a welcoming atmosphere. With 10 hotel rooms available, it's the perfect spot to unwind and savor the waterfront ambiance.

Our next destination was the historic town of St. Michaels. As luck would have it, the wind was on our side, filling our sails and guiding us along a beautiful zigzag track. We anchored up in the tranquil waters of San Domingo Creek, ready to immerse ourselves in the rich history and coastal charm that St. Michaels had to offer.

From unexpected encounters with fellow Loopers to combating bugs and embracing the joys of sailing, our Great Loop journey continued to unfold with surprises and delights at every turn.