Day 249 Annapolis 5/20

At U.S. Naval Accademy






USNA






Housing at Accademy







1700's Historic State House







Historic Signage at State House







At State House




We left St Michaels at 6:30 to travel 30 miles in calm seas to Annapolis arriving at 10:30. Outside of the harbor entrance were 7 freighters sitting at anchor waiting for clearance to head to Baltimore. We were told it can take many hours, even days to get the okay to proceed up the Chesapeake. We stayed at the City of Annapolis docks for $2.00 ‘ plus power. The harbor is not much more than a couple of blocks long and is very narrow with restaurant row on one side in Eastport and tour boats and a boardwalk on the other side where we are docked. Too bad for Tom we won’t be here on a week-end because they call this “Ego Alley”. It is a constant parade back and forth of pricey fast boats with beautiful young women sitting on the bow. We will also miss a blues fest this week-end featuring Chuck Berry and Buddy Guy along with a long list of other artists.

Our good friends, Ed and BJ Skinner that we met at Harbour Cay Club in Marathon, live here in Annapolis and graciously picked us up for a personal guided tour around Annapolis including a drive through the campus of the United States Naval Academy. What an eye opening educational tour of this extremely historic community. Thank you Ed.

The academy is the undergraduate university for the Navy that prepares young men and women to become professional officers. I read online that they could also be assigned to the Marines and other branches of the military besides the Navy. Prospective candidates must be first appointed by a Congressman, Senator, Vice-President, or President; and must pass a physical fitness test and a medical exam. Midshipmen (students at the academy) who resign or are expelled from the academy in their first two years incur no military service obligation. Those who are separated — voluntarily or involuntarily — after that time are required to serve on active duty in an enlisted status, usually for two to four years. The alternative is for separated Midshipmen to reimburse the government for their educational expenses, though the sum is often in excess of $150,000. The decision whether to serve enlisted time or reimburse the government is up to the Secretary of the Navy.

Here at the Annapolis City Harbor are other looper boats including “Mint Julep”, “Fortuity”, and “Freedom”. Annapolis additionally offers several mooring balls and we understand there are several loopers in the mooring field. The provided water taxi offers free shuttle transportation from the mooring field to the city docks. We spent the last few hours of daylight touring this historic city. The area around the State House is just absolutely amazing. We snapped many images; it is just unfortunate that it was such a cloudy day. The images don’t capture the real beauty of the area; however the experience is nothing less than awesome.

After a very full day of touring this exciting city, we walked to a very nice dining establishment “Harry Browne” recommended by Ed Skinner and we were very pleased with the high end quality of food and service. I highly recommend this restaurant.

There is a lot more to add to this energy packed location. However, today, we have a wonderful opportunity extended to us from Ed and BJ Skinner to tour Washington DC. We are not going to pass up this most gracious offer. More to come tomorrow.