SOLOMONS, MD TO ANNAPOLIS, MD

Sunday, May 24th, 2015

Day 293
Miles Traveled: 52
Total Miles Traveled: 4001



  We again were traveling with Craig & Donna on "Mighty Fine" and Dan & Jacque on "Horizon Chaser".  As we were leaving Solomons, MD, we saw a statue on the shoreline of the Patuxent River.  Our tour guide Craig on "Mighty Fine" pointed it out.  Its name is "On Watch" and stands to commemorate the World War II U.S. Naval Amphibious Training Base.  Over 60,000 troops trained at Solomons during the war.  Very appropriate for this Memorial Day Weekend. 

"On Watch" statue

  We saw two more lighthouses on our trip today.  One was on land and the other was out in the waterway. 

Cove Point Lighthouse

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse

  As we neared Annapolis, MD the number of boats, particularly sailboats, began to increase.  Many of the sailboats had brightly colored sails.  There was some wind today - a sailors delight.

sailboats near Annapolis, MD 

  After turning up the Severn River, the U.S. Naval Academy came into view.  Most prominent was the dome of the Naval Academy's Cathedral. 

headed up the Severn River - U.S. Naval Academy ahead

  We turned up Spa Creek and downtown Annapolis began to come into view. 

downtown Annapolis, MD

  We continued up the creek and had to try and hold position while waiting on a low bridge to open.  This bridge only opened on the hour and half hour.  We arrived about 15 minutes after the hour, so Dan had to maneuver around other boats, canoes, paddle boards, and water taxis while waiting for the opening.  Finally, the bridge opened and we proceeded up the creek to the mooring field.  This would be our first time on a mooring ball.  A mooring ball is a large float that is attached to the bottom of the waterway.  There is a line attached to it that you connect to your boat.  It is sort of like anchoring, but you don't have to use your own anchor.

  Once we were secured on the mooring ball, we put our dinghy in the water and went to check in with the harbormaster for the mooring field.  Annapolis is a very boat friendly city.  Many streets end on the water, and, at most of them there are dinghy docks for public use.  Downtown Annapolis was a "sea of people" since it was Memorial Day weekend.  Lots of shopping, eating, and drinking was occurring.

downtown Annapolis, MD

buildings in downtown Annapolis, MD  

  We walked around downtown for a while and stopped for appetizers and then dinner with Dan & Jacque on "Horizon Chaser".