Companion Travels: Annapolis the Sailing Capitol of the World

Freighters Anchored Out in Bay

Coming into Annapolis

Friday July 12, we traveled to Annapolis, the sailing capital of the world. On the way in we passed Thomas Point Lighthouse. It is the only screw-pile lighthouse in the bay that stands at its original site. Today it serves as a shoal marker. There were a few huge commercial freighters that were anchored in the bay, perhaps waiting entry into port in Baltimore.

Thomas Point Lighthouse

Strange to see an Anchored Freighter

We arrived in Annapolis to a small private marina with 12 slips very appropriately called "Stella's Stern & Keel". What a delightful spot tucked away in a quiet corner behind a few private homes. There was power, water and one shower, which was primarily used by us since most of the boats their were seasonal stays and no one was on them. There was one young couple (in their thirties) that had arrived earlier that day on a sail boat. They had both taken 6 months off from work and traveled to the Abacos Islands in the Bahamas, with their cat "Leo". What a delightful couple! Now they were returning back to reality to their home in DC.

Stella's Stern & Keel

Nice Place to Relax

Captain Ron "Chillin"

Back Yard at Stella's

The Official Greeter

The Friendly People of Annapolis

Quiet Restful Marina

Saturday morning Ron and I dropped by the most interesting place for breakfast! "Chick & Ruths Delly" is one of those neighborhood eateries where the locals gather and guests are always welcome. The owners Ted & Beth are there every day and every morning they ask all the patrons to stand up and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. It was an awesome moving experience!!! Besides that the food was incredible and the service was over the top. Ted greets everyone at the door... and I mean everyone - kids, teenagers, parents, grandparents. You feel right at home as soon as you meet Ted.

After breakfast we took a tour of the city and the surrounding areas. Georgian architecture is the predominant style of homes in Annapolis, admired for its symmetrical design, classic proportions and decorative elements. But you do see quite a few Victorian and Gothic styles as well. After the tour Ron went to visit the United States Naval Academy and I went to a few art galleries.

Sub Memorial at USNA

Ron got onto the grounds of the Naval Academy and was in awe of the history there. Begun in 1845 on about 10 acres with 50 midshipmen, it is now a 338 acre complex that trains over 4400 midshipmen each year. So may great men have trained in and walked this 'yard' as it is called.
Beneath the chapel where many special weddings take place, lies the crypt of the Navy's father, John Paul Jones. The Museum in Preble Hall is laid out as a walk through the history of the US Navy. Wonderful Stuff Captain Ron says! Ron of course visited the Submarine memorial in front of Bancroft Hall. Good night shipmates!!!

Monday morning we left for Rock Hall and arrived at Rock Hall Landing Marina at 10:00 am. We plan to stay here till the weekend. One of my sisters (Chris) is coming to join us for a few days on Thursday. We are looking forward to fun times!