Annapolis

We had a dreary wet and windy ride into Annapolis, but picked up a mooring ball in the main harbor and are here for three days.  The city and view are amazing and even better when the sun comes out.

Drift Away at anchor
















 We had dinner plans Saturday night and ate at Harry Browns on Capital Circle just in front of the State house.  Mark and Peggy Hannon suggested the restaurant and it was wonderful. Bill, Mark and I all had the Maryland soft shell crabs (you eat the whole thing) and they were delicious with a cheesy polenta.  Huge PEI Mussels to start and Lemon Cheesecake to finish.  They even had an electric limo to deliver us back to the dingy dock and then we motored back out to the anchorage.

Sunday morning we awoke to clear skies and sunshine.  Our plan was to visit the NavelAcademy on Alan and Bev Gray's recommendation and so we did.  First though being that it was Mothers Day we went to the Iron Rooster for brunch. When Debbie and I had gone over to walk Abby at 8:30 I put our name in for a table and said we would be back around ten.  When we arrived there were easily 50 people lined up outside waiting for tables and we were seated as soon as we walked in. Just like in the old days of clubs where the velvet rope lowers and you and your party are escorted straight in to a table.  Bill doesn't know what I said or did to the host but he has decided to let me take care of all future bookings and reservations.

Iron Rooster

Bloody Marys with a strip of bacon

The Academy visit starts with a 15 minute film and then we were lucky enough to have an hour and a half guided tour with one of the best tour guides we could have had.  He was a past Dean of Admissions and graduate of '65.  He told us all the stories of the plebes and firsties and what they were allowed to do and not. What life is like as a cadet and some of his experiences.  He had a nice repore with the students and greeted all that we passed.  We saw John Paul Jone's tomb, the chapel, museum, dormitories, formal hall, and the memorial hall and much more.  They feed 4400 students in 15 minutes three times a day in the mess hall.  All served family style.  The students are given an hour for lunch but most are done in 15 minutes so the can have 45 minutes of free time.  Many of the students have local "moms and dads" who volunteer to be supportive of the students on their leave times.  I believe Cynthia Shinn has done this many times.

This is the tower that all cadets are required to jump off of as a simulation of how to abandon ship.  Its 33 feet high and Chip told us that one of the secrets to successfully entering the water in a vertical position was not to look down to where you will land as that will cause you to rotate and belly flop

Peggy and Mark gave us a swag bag full of Maryland goodies to welcome us to Annapolis.  Old Bay seasoning, crab flavored chips, local cookies and salsa. When we returned after the Academy tour we sat on the aft deck watching the boats go buy and enjoyed a few beers and snacks.