Hot Annapolis

We spent 2 1/2 days in Annapolis. And hot it was! The harbor and adjacent anchorage spots were very crowded, yet we got lucky and found a great spot on Back Creek. A bit tight, close to boats off 2 marinas, and 2 other boats at anchor; but it turned out great.

For a city priding itself in catering to boaters, there was no reliable internet access, and the dinghy docks along Back Creek were rather poor. We ended up dinghying back to the main harbor both days, a 25 minutes ride due to an enforced 6 mph limit.

We toured of the Naval Academy, which was a true disappointment for both of us. Our guide was totally monotonous, did not articulate his words, and overall, the tour was uninteresting. I remember visiting the Academy 20 years ago and was impressed then. Things have changed.

As we were returning to our dinghy, we asked a man who was at the dinghy dock with his dinghy for information. He said "No English" with such a strong French accent that I asked him if he spoke French. "Oui, bien sur"...and the rest is history! He was the one man crew on Francis Renard's 80ft prototype power catamaran that we had noticed (wouldn't you....80 ft massive cat flying a French Flag?) anchored in the channel to the harbor. Diarra invited us to visit his boss because they both were sooooo pleased to find someone who spoke French. So we did and met Francis, a very amicable French man from Southern Brittany who does not speak a word of English. He had crossed the Atlantic via the Maderes Islands and went up the Caribbeans, Cuba, Florida, and now Annapolis. We (Annick) got so involved talking with him on his 28 ft aft deck that we forgot to tour the boat! We parted after drinking Perrier (no alcohol before 18:00 per Francis). Francis came visit us on our boat a little later (drinking time then...) that evening as he was interested in getting information on the St Lawrence River to Montreal (which we did 2 years ago). His family was arriving from France and they were headed to NYC. So we likely will hook up with them at Liberty Park. Then we'll visit his bar and boat for sure! Too bad he and Michael cannot communicate at all.

We visited the State Capitol the next day, and this was a very worthwhile tour. Annapolis served as the Federal Capital between 1783-1784 until about the time when the Treaty of Paris was ratified there.

Downtown Annapolis is quaint with all red bricks buildings and paved streets.

That night, a horrendous thunderstorm hit right above us. Winds were not too bad but the lightning was like Zeus himself was throwing the bolts. Holy Cow! Lasted quite a while, Michael camped out on the bridge ready to start the engines just in case, me on the aft deck monitoring the surrounding boats getting closer...we held.

Left Annapolis on Wednesday early morning headed to Chesapeake City to beat thunderstorms forecasted for that afternoon. More crabbers, lighthouses, container ships.

To fair weather and cool wines!
Annick & Michael cruising on Sirocco