Boat Show and Beyond

Well, we had a great time in Annapolis. Although we arrived early, and had time to see the area before the boat show, we ended up staying a whole week.

We biked into Annapolis to attend seminars on cruising by seasoned sailors and cruising couples. They all had written their own books, and had loads of hands-on experience. It was great to be able to ask them questions and hear their sea stories. We had a nice lunch with the Hawkins from Hawk, and saw a bit of the town.

We took an afternoon to tour the U.S. Naval Academy which was very interesting. The rigor of the program was impressive, and so was the high cost. I couldn't help wondering how that money might be spent on peaceful training, and diplomatic education. In the tomb of John Paul Jones - who fought in 26 sea battles and never lost a single one - I was struck by the emphasis our culture puts on military power. It may not be the way of the future.

We returned late, and had to negotiate those wooded bike paths after dark. Spooooky!

The next day, we went through the boat show, and bought that generator and several other neat things. We looked at all the latest gear, and asked loads of questions. It's fun to shop, and of course, to gawk at all the luxury yachts that are only for the super rich.

We were picked up by the rental car folks, and put our generator in the trunk. Now we could get around and re-supply properly.

On Saturday we hosted supper for Hawk and Island Time. Good fun and we realized how the cruising community forms tight bonds in a short amount of time. We have so much in common, and can learn so much from each other.

On Sunday we drove into D.C. and went to the Newseum with the Hawkins. What a treat for a retired newspaper guy. The Newseum is partly supported by the Freedom Forum and gave us insights into the history of our First Amendment rights. And there were displays of Pulitzer Winning photography and Journalism. Great Stuff.

On Monday the Hawkins departed for the long trip to Florida, and on Tuesday Terry on Island Time departed with two new crew members. We stayed behind to work on our radio which has become a marathon project. We're trying to set up a satellite radio through the existing stereo system. So far, nothing works, but West Marine is glad to sell us more possible fixes.

Harness Creek has been so beautiful and the weather has been perfect. We hate to move, but leaves are starting to fall and we have other people to see, and places to go. The full moon on Wednesday night is brilliant, and quite romantic. How lucky we are to be here to enjoy it.

Finally, on Thursday the 16th, we pull anchor and head for St. Michaels: a quaint little sea-side village on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We have to motor most of the way, but in the late afternoon, some wind kicks up and we hoist sail. An Island Packet is just ahead of us, and we start gaining on him. Just as we're about to overtake him, he turns on his engine, rolls up sails and moves out to a quarter mile ahead. Then the same routine follows, and we catch him again. Fun!

Finally at anchor, we settle in as rain begins to fall. We need a rainy day to catch up on housework.

Roy & Bertha