Sailing to Annapolis

We *love* when friends come to visit!  Rob trekked south from Traverse City last weekend to spend time aboard Virginia Dare.  We were happy to introduce him to Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, sail north to Annapolis, and tour the town and Naval Academy campus.

Ready to tackle three dozen crabs!

Put a major hurt on them, but had to bring a few home.

Sunday morning sail to Annapolis from Herring Bay

It was a beautiful summer day

Schools of minnows swim near the surface (little blips of ripples on the water) and big fish come and feast (all those white splashes)

Bloody Point Light (c. 1882), near Kent Island

Thomas Point Light (c. 1875), the most recognized lighthouse in Maryland

Rob is enjoying his vacation :)

LOTS of boats in Annapolis harbor

The Naval Academy is surrounded by water on three sides: Dorsey Creek, Spa Creek, and the Severn River

Ego Alley, downtown Annapolis

Someone paddling with his pooch.  The dog looked a little terrified.

Beautiful homes along Spa Creek

Mama and two ducklings stopped by at happy hour and were treated to some stoned wheat crackers :)

Can't say that we've seen a heron atop a tree before this.

Sunday evening's sun and moon set

Cut Throat Cribbage in the cockpit

Mandy reflecting in the morning light 

Dockmaster :)

Virginia Dare on mooring #68 in Back Creek

Quaint street

Winning Drive owned by Steve Bisciotti, the owner of the Baltimore Ravens

Kunta Kinte - Alex Haley Memorial

Delicious breakfast at the Iron Rooster...we stumbled upon it in October (on its second day open) and loved every bite.  It didn't disappoint this time either.

Maryland State Capitol

Capitol of the U.S. for nearly nine months

Stunning architectural details

George Washington (bronze) giving his resignation speech

Beautiful details

A nautilus in the stone floor

Main Chapel at the Naval Academy

Tomb of John Paul Jones, Father of the American Navy

I'll take feasting or frolicking, but not fighting....

Mahan Hall

Mahan Hall

Late lunch at the Boatyard, a new favorite!

The boys going to explore the creek

A lightning (what David learned to sail when he was a boy)

Virginia Dare (born August 18, 1587) became the first child of English parents to be born in present-day America on what is now Roanoke Island, North Carolina.  Last night (Aug. 18), the three of us toasted her with champagne and sprinkled some on her bow.  (Thanks to Alex for sending a photo from the Cincinnati Enquirer!)