Log 150; Day 417; July 12; 2009; Annapolis, MD.

Our day in St. Michaels began with Darrell and me, pulling out the smelly refrigerator and checking out the measurements...we determine that if we take off the doors, we think it will fit out the door

From there we take a walk into town, to check out the sites


At a local fresh market, the lady tells Deb and Donna all about Maryland Blue Crabs
And...explains how to eat them

We go to the local Crab House for lunch...but no one orders the fresh crabs. Donna does eat the crab cakes

After lunch we decided to take a tour of the Maritime Museum

They even have a local program where they repair and make boats on site

Deb and I got an education on crabs and oysters

In days gone by...this is how the locals harvested crabs. First you use this tool to dig down in the oyster beds

Then you check out what you brought up

And if your lucky (like Deb)...you'll find a oyster

Not exactly sure what Donna was doing here...but I had to put this picture in

And this one is Donna with her new necklace

Eating again...

Log 150
Day 417
Sunday, July 12, 2009

6:30 AM EDT
Location: Annapolis, MD
Weather: 74, with calm winds...forecasted to be 86 and sunny today

In order to make this log make sense, I had planned to say I was sitting in St. Michaels, because that is what the log will be about. But I can’t do that, because it’s not true. This morning we are in Annapolis...but here is an update of our time in St. Michaels.

Thursday, July 9th...The first thing in the morning I wanted to try to make the salon door open further, to get prepared for the new refrigerator that we planned to install in Annapolis. After trying what the experts at Cruisers told me, I quickly figured out that they gave me bad information, and the door would not open any wider than 22 1/2 inches. The bad news was the refrigerator was 23 13/16 wide (according to the specs). So, after a lot of discussion, Darrell and I, decided to pull out the refrigerator and see what we could do. After checking a few things, we figured out that if we took off the doors, and door frame, we could get the refrigerator to measure a little over 21 inches, and hopefully it would make it out the door. Hopefully.

After all the measuring, the 4 of us headed into town to check things out. Darrell and I quickly figured out our pace was not the same as the girls, so we walked off on our own. While the girls walked in and out of stores, Darrell and I walked past all the stores to the end of town. Seeing no store we wanted to go in, we walked back to Carpenter Street Saloon...we thought maybe there is something in there we would like. We were right...they had a great bloody mary, and cold beer. They even had popcorn. Jackpot. After a short while there...and a number of stories from the bartender...we headed out to meet the girls for lunch at the Crab House.

After a great lunch we decided to tour the local Maritime Museum. While I’m not big on these things (or didn’t used to be) it was very interesting to learn about all the local boats; lighthouses; hunting; fishing; crabbing; and oystering. It was basically a history of the Chesapeake, and all it has to offer. A nice 2 hour tour.

Back at the boat, we relaxed for the rest of the afternoon, and then went back into town for dinner. Our plan was to go back to the Carpenter Street Saloon for dinner, and that is where Darrell and I walked. But the girls were (for some reason) drawn to an open house we walked by, and when they met up with us at the Saloon, they told us the lady who had the open house told them a great pizza place to eat at. So...we apologized to our waitress at the Saloon; left there; and went down the street a couple of blocks to the pizza place. It was a great move. They had a cool atmosphere; great wine; and great pizza (maybe the best ever...according to Donna)

Back at the boat, the girls sat on the bow to watch the evening; Darrell watched some TV; and I did not last long, before I went to bed. A great day in St. Michaels.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 149; Day 414; July 9, 2009; St. Michaels, MD.

On the Patapsco River, very close to the Francis Scott Key Bridge, is this red, white, and blue marker. This is the spot where Francis Scott Key was in prison (on a ship) when the British were bombing Baltimore, and he got his inspiration to write the Star Spangled Banner

We were leaving Baltimore, and met this huge car carrier

Donna and Deb spent most of the ride from Baltimore to Georgetown on the bow of the boat

A shot of our marina for Tuesday evening

When we got to Georgetown, Donna and Deb jumped on bikes and toured the area

A beautiful sunset in Georgetown

Leaving Georgetown...you can see the Kitty Night House on the hill

As we traveled to St. Michaels, we say several fishing boats. I'm not sure what they were fishing for.

As we went through Kent Narrows, we passed this old Skip Jack. I'm not sure if you can tell, but there are two small boats behind him. The front one is actually pushing the Skip Jack, which is his only power. It was a very crude set up, but it was working.

When we got to St. Michaels, there was another Skip Jack. This one is in the Musuem

Straight ahead is St. Michaels Marina...the town is just behind the marina.

Log 149
Day 414
Thursday, July 09, 2009

6:45 AM EDT
Location: St. Michaels Marina; St. Michaels, MD
Weather: 67, with light NE winds; forecasted to be 83 and sunny today

Tuesday...we left Inner Harbor about 9 am, after waiting for the office to open, so we could get ice. I think it would have been impossible for the weather to be any better. We had all the isinglass either taken down, or rolled up, to get a breeze. As many times as we have made that trip through the harbor over the years (we first boated here in 1985) is still does not get old, and with new folks on board, it’s fun to show them the area.

It’s a surprising (at least to me) 17 miles from the dock, out the Patapsco River, to the center of the channel on the Chesapeake. We cut the corner a little bit, to save some time, but it took us a couple of hours to reach the Bay, and then take the channel north. There was not a lot of boat traffic, but we did pass a very large ship coming in the channel. As we started to head north, the wind picked up a little bit, but it was coming from the south, so it just made the boat roll a little. Deb and Donna went out on the bow to enjoy the ride, and rode there the rest of the way. About 20 miles further north, we came to the mouth of the Sassafras River, and made a sweeping turn to the east to head up the river, and after another 10 mile run, we were in Georgetown.

The Georgetown area is really beautiful. I actually don’t remember where the town is, but I do know you can’t walk there from any of the marinas. This area on the Sassafras is really about marinas, and many of the folks who keep their boat here, are from the Philadelphia area. When we arrived, Deb and Donna decided to use the marina bikes, and take a ride into a small town (don’t know the name...but it wasn’t Georgetown) and check it out. As Donna put it “it was great exercise, but not worth the trip”. On the other hand, Darrell and I decided to do some exploring of our own, and ended up walking up the hill to Kitty Night House, to get a margarita. And, we both agreed...it was worth the trip. For dinner, we walked up the hill to the Kitty Knight House. This restaurant is built from the original home of Kitty Knight, who was a “revolutionary Belle and Beauty” (according to the book), and “a personal friend of General George Washington”. Supposedly...the British were trying to burn all the houses in this area, and Kitty was so defiant, that the British officer was impressed by her, and let her house stand. We are glad he did, because it’s a nice place, and a cool sight, sitting up on the hill, overlooking the marina.

Wednesday...another beautiful morning. 68 degrees; light winds; a cloudless sky. We were not in a hurry to head out, so after breakfast, Darrell; Donna; and Deb, walked up to the marina store to check out a few things. When they got back, we fired up the generator, unhooked everything, and left the marina about 9 am. The wind had switched overnight, and now the winds were coming from the North, which, the further we got out in the river, and out in the Bay, made it a little cool. We started out with all the isinglass open, but had to close some of it, to wait for it to warm up a little. But, as soon as we made the turn south (leaving the Sassafras River and joining the Chesapeake) the wind was on our stern, and it felt much warmer. The trip down to St. Michaels ended up being a 59 mile run. Once we got on the Chesapeake, we ran about 20 miles south to the Chester River, then southeast, to the Kent Narrows, and finally another 15 miles south to St. Michaels. We arrived at about 3 pm. While Darrell and I got the boat hooked up, and we checked in at the marina office, Deb and Donna went into town (which is only about 1 block from the marina). We decided, since we were going to stay 2 nights at St. Michaels, that there would be time for exploring on Thursday, so we stayed on the boat for cocktails and dinner. Another great cruising day.

Refrigerator update...things are not going as well as I had hoped. Deb is doing a great job of cleaning, and putting in new “smell removers” every day, but the smell continues to be there, and it looks like we will need to take more desperate measures. I’ve made a lot of calls to find a replacement, and have located one in Annapolis. We will probably have it installed on Friday. I have also made a few calls to the insurance company. The good news is that it is covered...the bad news is that our deductable is so high, we will have to pay for this ourselves. We have also solved the dilemma of getting the refrigerator out of the salon. I talked directly to Cruisers, and they told me how to move the door over further. I plan to work on this today.

Today...we do not yet have any plans (at least that I am aware of) for today, but I’m sure we will do some walking into the town to check things out. The last time we were here was 9 years ago, so it will be interesting to see what has changed. Also...as many times as I have been here, I have never visited the Maritime Museum...so maybe that could be on the agenda today. Whatever the plan, I’ll bet it will not be a hectic schedule.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 148; Dy 412; July 7, 2009; Inner Harbor, Baltimore

Sunday morning, I was sitting on the back of our boat, watching folks across from us, getting ready to head out, so I decided to go over and help them get out of their slip.

This boat looks much bigger, but is 57 feet long, and he almost hit several thing as he was leaving.

After helping the boat leave, I got one of the bikes out, and decided to explore the harbor area

My exploring paid off...and I found a great area. When I got back to the boat, Deb and I jumped in the dinghy and came back for lunch in Fells Point

Last night, after the Thompson's arrived, Deb and Donna took a walk around the harbor

Do they look like they're already having a great time?

Log 148
Day 412
Tuesday, July 07, 2009

6:20 AM EDT
Location: Inner Harbor Marina; Baltimore, MD.
Weather: 70 degrees with no wind; forecasted to be 86 and sunny today

Another beautiful morning in Baltimore. Bright sun; no clouds; 70 degrees. Perfect. I’m on the back deck, with the doors open, and soaking it all in.

Sunday...after sending the log, I decided to get one of the bikes out, and do some exploring around the harbor. I knew where we got groceries yesterday (by dinghy), and where the West Marine was, but I did not know how (exactly) to get there by bike. So I took off, and just kept making right turns around the harbor (to keep following the water). It was an awesome ride. (It is amazing (at least to me) how much ground you can cover on a bike). I went through Little Italy, and several ethnic neighborhoods. I followed a red brick path that goes on for a long time, and kept heading towards where I thought the Safeway was. It took me about 40 minutes, but eventually I found it. I also found several nice spots where we need to come, either by dinghy, or bike. You can also take a water taxi there. One really cool spot is Fells Point, and after I got back to the boat, Deb and I took a dinghy ride there for lunch. It’s an easy ride to get there, but then you have to find a spot to tie up. There are lots of places...but they all are market with “no docking” signs. But...after a little wondering around, we decided to tie up at a dock made for kayaks. I’m sure we were not supposed to be there either, but we locked up the dingy, and went for it. We ended up having a great lunch at a place called Harry’s (not the right name, but I can’t remember it). We also met the owner, who also owns two other bars next door. Very nice guy, and he named the bars after his dogs (again...I can’t remember the names). We had a great lunch, and a great ride to and from Fells Point. After a relaxing afternoon on the boat, we had Pasta for dinner, and the movie was a recorded episode of Closer.

Monday...we spent most of the day cleaning the boat, and organizing for our guests, Darrell and Donna Thompson. I got on the hard top, and cleaned all the way down. Deb did the same inside. We also had a lot of changing around to do. First of all, when it’s just the two of us, we use the whole boat, and spread our things out. When we have guest aboard, we need to do a much better job of getting our things together. Also...we usually let guests use the master suite (it’s more comfortable, and private, for folks who are not used to sleeping on a boat) so we have to move our “stuff” up to the front bedroom, which is no big deal, but just takes some time. We also needed to make one more grocery run, so in the early afternoon we went back to the Safeway (by dinghy) and loaded up with supplies. Darrell and Donna arrived at about 5:30, and it was great to see them. When we did the Loop in 99-2000 they were with us for 2 different weeks, and they are great boating guests. Fun to be with; helpful around the boat; and no entertaining required. After a couple of beers, and catching up, we had spaghetti for dinner. After dinner, Deb and Donna took a walk around the harbor, while Darrell and I just relaxed on the boat.

Today...I am excited, because we have a great cruising day ahead of us. We are heading out this morning, and going up the Sassafras River to Georgetown, MD. It used to be one of my favorite trips on the Chesapeake, and we have not been there for over 20 years (I wonder if it is as special as I remember it?). I don’t exactly remember, but I think it is about 25 or 30 miles from here, so it will take us 3 to 4 hours to get there. We plan to stay one night, and then tomorrow head to St. Michaels...another favorite spot. The weather for the next 7 days looks to be awesome. Sunny...and in the mid 80’s...with light winds. Like I said...awesome.

Well...it’s now 7:05...no one is up yet, but it won’t be long. The traffic in the marina is just coming to life. I need to go get some breakfast, and then get the boat ready for cruising. It’s going to be a great day.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 147; Day 410; July 5, 2009; Inner Harbor Baltimore

It was a beautiful day in Baltimore on July 4th, so Deb and I decided to take a dinghy ride and find a spot for lunch. We didn't find a place to tie up...but Deb did take a few shots to give you a feel of Inner Harbor.

The shot below is a big barge that they converted into a swimming pool, and it sits outside one of the marinas

Here is one of the bigger yachts in the Harbor

This is a good shot of what the Inner Harbor looks like as you enter it (from the east; looking west)

Not long ago, this harbor was all about these warehouses, and industry. Today, these warehouses have been converted to shops and condo's, and they did an awesome job

You can take a tour of this sub

Or...you can rent these paddle boats

Or...you can take a Harbor tour on the Spirit

If you stood right downtown, and look east, you would see our boat at Inner Harbor Marina

While I took a nap...Deb took a tour of the area. Way to may people for me.

And it looks like most of them stayed for the fireworks

There were thousands sitting around the Harbor

Most of them waiting for the fireworks to start...which they did at 9:30...and ended less than 20 minutes later. Surprising (disappointing) for Baltimore? We report...you decide

Log 147
Day 410
Sunday, July 05, 2009

7:10 AM EDT
Location: Inner Harbor Marina; Baltimore, MD.
Weather: 70 degrees with light wind; forecasted to be 78 and mostly cloudy today

At sunrise this morning, I could see a little sliver of the sun, and then it disappeared, and has not been back since. The forecast says 30% chance of rain this morning, then mostly cloudy for the rest of the day. But, it’s warm out, and a nice morning here at Inner Harbor.

Yesterday...was a beautiful day in Baltimore. Most of the day was bright and sunny, and only a few clouds came in late in the day. I washed down the boat first thing in the morning, and then Deb and I took a long dinghy ride around the harbor. Our plan was to find a spot to tie up the dinghy, and walk to a lunch spot, but we could not find a place we felt comfortable tying up. So, we just had a nice ride around the harbor area. The pictures we took will give you a little feel for the harbor area, but, like most pictures, it does not do it justice. The harbor was very busy, although, there were more people, and less boats, than I thought there would be.

After riding around for a while, we decided to take the dinghy back to the boat, and walk into town, and have lunch. We ended up stopping at Hooters, and had a great lunch. After lunch, Deb walked around town, and I went back to the boat, and took a nap (got up too early). Deb came back about 3:30, and reported that the crowds were building, and that I would not have liked to be in the middle of all of that. I agreed, and told her the nap was just what I needed.

For dinner, Deb felt (for some reason) we needed to dine on “all American” food, so we had hot dogs, and baked beans. When it comes to food, I am pretty easy, but I must say the dogs and beans were very good. After dinner, Deb was excited about the fireworks, and could not sit down, so she wondered around the marina. I took advantage of the down time to watch the first part of a NASCAR race in Daytona (I recorded the rest, and will watch it Sunday afternoon). The fireworks themselves were not what either of us expected. Not as big a production, and not near as long. We both actually felt bad for saying so (because we didn’t want to be ungrateful), but we just assumed that it would be something like Chicago...and it was nothing like it. Still...it was fun.

Refrigerator update...it still smells, but I think it is getting better (Deb is not convinced). We are using the helm refrigerator, and the new large cooler we bought, and it’s working great. We still use the freezer, and I had tater tots from there this morning, and they were fine, so we are both hoping it will just take time. Each day we put different charcoal; coffee; and baking soda, in there to absorb the smells.

Today...no real plans yet. Today, or tomorrow, I need to get up on the hardtop and give it a very good scrubbing. When we were at Anchor Bay Marina, the boat got so filthy from all the parking lot dust, it will take a few washings, to get it back to normal. Each time it rains, the boat gets streaks on it (from the hard top dirt). But, a good cleaning will take care of that. We also need to start preparing for Darrell and Donna to arrive (a little extra cleaning, and organizing). Deb mentioned walking into town to pick up a few things. And...this afternoon I want to watch the Daytona race. Just kind of a lazy Sunday...and I love it.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob