These next two photos are of Wye Island. Wye Island is a "Natural Resource Management Area," whatever that means. My poking around on the internet revealed this synopsis concerning the history of Wye Island:
"For over 300 years, Wye Island was privately owned and managed for agricultural use, including tobacco and wheat farming. Two of the most noteworthy owners were William Paca [interesting sidebar, Priya and I were married at the William Paca House in Annapolis] and Charles Beale Bordley. Mr. Paca, third governor of Maryland and one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence, owned half of the island north of Dividing Creek. Mr. Bordley was a distinguished lawyer and jurist who owned half of the island south of Dividing Creek. In the 1770's Mr. Bordley gave up his law career to devote his life to farming and make Wye Island totally self-sufficient. Under Mr. Bordley's control, the island prospered with its own vineyards, orchards, textile production, brick yard, and even its own brewery.
Eventually the island was sold off into at least 13 separate farms. The most influential owners were Glenn and Jacqueline Stewart. Ultimately they owned eight of the thirteen farms and turned Wye Island into a cattle ranch. The Stewart's built the hunting lodge (Duck House), which remains today on Granary Creek. In the mid 1970's the encroaching threat of residential development forced the State of Maryland to purchase the island to ensure its preservation."
Priya likes Mr. Bordley's definition of "self-sufficient," which is broad enough to include vineyards and a brewery. Having tasted wines made on the Eastern Shore, I understand why the vineyards didn't stick. While we were in Annapolis during our trip, we bought a bottle of "Gollywobbler Red," which is red wine produced by St. Michaels Winery. To our dismay, the wine tasted like Concord grape juice, which would have been fine if we were shopping for something to serve to children to make them go to sleep. Priya and I resolved that it should be called "Alcoholic Grape Juice. Great for Mixing!" and then we would have known not to buy it. Later, we examined the label more closely and found that it read: "This fun, fruit-forward wine is made with a combination of Concord grapes and a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon. A great picnic red with hints of lime and lemon. Drink it well chilled over crushed ice, or as a spritzer or martini." There you go. Always read the fine print.
If you want to visit Wye Island, the official website recommends that you bring bug spray.
In North Carolina we visited John, Kristen and Baby Rosie, and were joined by Mom and Dad, Jason and Marina, and Marc and Deanna. Here are some photos from that part of the trip.
Victory!
Don't worry Rosie, you're not related to him.
Rosie likes keeping her shoes on her hands. I don't know why but it's cute.
Don't let the pose fool you. He's neither strong nor muscular.
Why the grimace, Mr. Sandman?
1 comment:
to be clear, I liked that Mr. Bordley, astute legal mind that he was, realized you needed beer and wine if you are going to be self-sufficient. Someday, when I grow up, I hope that I too can give up my legal career to devote my life to the making of things as delicious as beer and wine. although I hope the wine doesn't taste like that gobblygook cr*p we had.
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