Last week, I went out of Middle River to watch some reef balls drop near Tolchester Beach. Despite living in Baltimore, that was the first time I had departed from Bowley's Quarters -- usually I am leaving from Southern Maryland or the Shore. The trip up was pleasant enough; we passed Pooles and Hart-Miller Islands, we had good company and though the skies were gray, the 25-foot boat we were on seemed to be handling the chop like a pro.

But then things got hairy. There were white caps to go with the ominous gray skies, and when the boat stopped near Tolchester, and it bobbed up and down, I knew I was a goner. It's been years since I've been seasick on the bay, and I had forgotten the feeling of helplessness (not to mention unprofessionalism) that comes with standing over the side of a boat, holding on for dear life and praying that your glasses don't fall off. I knew I should have accepted those motion-sickness pills the captain offered. Next time, I'll pack my own...everyone was sympathetic, but nobody else got sick.
Anyway, despite having to write the story under less-than-deal circumstances, it ended up on today's front page. You can find it here.

Here's hoping next time I go out we won't have that dreaded chop...