We are in Annapolis. A beautiful town/city, similar to Newport. As one of my friends stated, “it could be described as downtown Newport and the Point section on Steroids”. There are so many places to explore, walk, visit. Restaurants , shops, history. I’m sure we will return again and again.
For this blog entry I have revived David Letterman’s segment “THE TOP TEN REASONS TO CRUISE MARYLAMD - NOT NEW JERSEY
10-‘EM ARE DUCKS! on our dinghy. Thanks, Peggie Perrotto for warning us AFTER the fact and having to clean up the DUCK POOP! Every morning I hear them quack, quacking around Annapolis harbor.. I wonder who else got pooped on?
These two came back later with friends! We found out later that we need toluft the dinghybout if the water so they will stay off.
9-NAVIGATING TIGHT AND SHALLOW ENTRANCES. Entering Chesapeake City was interesting. The current was so strong that we literally crabbed our way in. Then navigating the shallow areas into Fairlee Creek to meet up with Arlene and Kevin on 2 Frisky was another adventure. We survived! And will do it again and again.
Entering Chesapeake City we literally crabbed our way in. A 1-2 knot current pushing us down the canal made for a tricky entrance that we were led to believe was narrow and shallow. Luckily, it had been dredged and the depths were much easier to navigate.
On the other hand, Fairlee Creek was almost a bump and go. I saw 4.6 ft (we draw 5.5) at one point. But we kept on moving and made it in and out safely.
8-ANNAPOLIS WATER TAXI-This is an interesting concept. Bow loading and off loading. It came in handy when we had to load our groceries and a huge mystery box from West Marine.
The launches aren’t as efficient as those in Newport, and can’t carry as many passengers, but they have been busy this weekend, for sure.
7-US NAVAL ACADEMY.-a visit to the US Naval Academy revealed that John Paul Jones is a hero and holds court from a special place in an ornate (almost gaudy) crypt. The Academy itself is steeped in tradition, a beautiful campus, and the home of the Blue Angels.
Our shuttle bus driver took the time to take our picture in front of a Blue Angel at the US Naval Academy Stadium.
John Paul Jones sarcophagus. Little did I know that he was so revered for his bravery during the American Revolution that someone would go to all the trouble of finding his remains and constructing this crypt (made of marble) in the lower level of the Naval Academy Chapel.
6-C & D CANAL. This beautiful man-made body of water offered majestic views of the countryside. Huge ships transport the canal as well as pleasure craft of all sizes. Quaint villages/towns, state parks and businesses dot the shoreline. It was a fun ride, with the current we hit 10mph over ground.
One of many bridges over the canal. This one was BLM Blue. Very pretty
-Colorful house along the canal.
Tugs moored along the canal.
5-INEXPENSIVE DOCKAGE, CHEAP MOORINGS, FREE ANCHORAGES. I can’t help but constantly compare Newport with so many of the places we visit. Port Washington-2 free nights. $25/night after that includes launch service. Free pump out too. Atlantic City-$300 for a slip at The Golden Nugget, Farley State Marina. Electricity, water, use of pool, clean heads and laundry-$2/load. Utsch’s Marina-(Cape May)-$2/ft. Goody Bag and friendly staff. Chesapeake City-free town dock, free dinghy tie up close to town. Annapolis-$30/day for 7 nights, free, clean showers, convenient dinghy docks (even during the Boat Show).
The first 3 pictures show the progression of the Boat Show as it “crept” out into the mooring area. We are now only one row of moorings away from the show boats at the docks.
Tuesday and Wednesday nights the kids race race 420s outside the harbor, then sail back through the mooring area when done.
4-BEAUTIFUL WEATHER. Since we left Cape May we have had just gorgeous weather. We have had 2 evenings of Thunderstorms. Cohansey River and Annapolis. One day of the hot buggies, but the rest of the days have been just perfect.
3-ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW. It has been so much fun watching the Boat Show come alive. We have had a ringside seat from our mooring in the Front Forty. The atmosphere is one of excitement, anticipation, hard work, and serious play all rolled into one big party for 4-5 days. And... after all the sailboats leave on Monday the powerboats will start moving in. I hear it’s like an orchestrated event. .
2-A NEW MERCURY OUTBOARD ENGINE FOR OCD. Our 18 year old Tohatsu has served us well until this point. It has a few issues-like being difficult to start, not idling properly and just stopping. We have tried everything, David even took the carburetor out and cleaned it. We have talked nice to it, cursed it, and finally will bury it in the aft lazarette until we can figure out what to do with it. The replacement is a 4 stroke (eek!) 8hp Mercury (don’t panic Mom and Dad) with a 3 year warranty.
1-THE PLACES WE WILL GO. . St. Michael’s, The Solomon’s, and do much more to come.
THEY SAY St Michaels is beautiful.
There’s a rumor that Solomon’s Island might beat out Cuttyhunk as one of our favorite place.
Twinkling of lights, sound of gentle waves kissing hulls at rest, halyards and lines clanking against the masts with the sway of the boats and gentle night breeze. Ahh! The peace of a harbor at rest. (John Kaull, 10/5/2018)
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