Oxford, MD

Here we are in Oxford, Maryland. True to form, Oxford is a sleepy, unremarkable town of the banks of a minor river. This Oxford is really sleepy, with a large collection of elegant old houses, a couple of inns, a few boatyards and the occasional antiques store and yacht sales office.

On reflection, it's surprising that there is even a playground, as the town feels as if it is populated by the over fifties, but perhaps it's for when those grandkids come to play. It isn't helped by the fact that last weekend's hot and sunny weather has given way to cool, windy, cloudy autumn weather and the wind whips the dusty orange leaves around the park in a cold whirl of oncoming winter.

It's the sort of day to curl up in a cafe/bookstore and read to the kids whilst cradling a hot mocha. Sadly, Oxford has no cafe, the resturant we headed to had closed for the season ten days ago and only the local mini-market was selling anything edible. So it was back to the boat for coffee and donuts instead.

So although Oxford is probably rather nice in the summer, it lacks entertainment value right now and we will head on tomorrow a mere eight miles to the town of Cambridge. Obviously this will be a more lively, happening town with a vibrant commercial life and even nicer inhabitants.

We have 'nana and grandpa' on board right now so the kids have twice as many adults to entertain, be entertained by, wind up, jump on and generally seek attention from. And they are making the most of it. They could do with some beach time, though - we tried yesterday because Max demanded a trip to the beach so I wrapped up warm and took him - but he only lasted fifteen minutes. It'll be good to go south once more!

After Cambridge we will move on and explore a little more of this Eastern side of the bay, there are certainly plenty of little creeks and inlets - then we will head up to Baltimore fom where Mum and Dad can travel easily to New York and we can head for a day trip into Washington DC to see this nation's great capital.