Last night, Margaret and I were discussing how we had not shared much of the last month that she was on Bear this summer, from our time in Annapolis to arriving in Norfolk. With lots of fabulous adventures – chasing rays in the dinghy, crashing two different regatta parties, getting personal with some Chesapeake Bay log canoes, etc. – in some cool towns – St. Mary’s, Solomons, and Crisfield to name a few – we realized we had a lot of stories to tell, places to review, and pictures to share. So, we decided we would make a concerted effort over the next couple weeks to document that part of our voyage, starting with our time in Annapolis.
After we dropped our crew, Vicki, off at the bus stop, Margaret and I spent the two days exploring Annapolis by ourselves. We settled into a routine that would remain in place for the two weeks we were in town; I would head into shore as soon as I woke up and get some work done at City Dock Coffee until Margaret gave me a ring, informing she had woken up. From there, we walked the streets of Annapolis and, often as not, ended up back at City Dock again to work, caffeinate, and use their internet.
After those first two days alone, my folks joined drove up from Florida to see us. It was also the first time that they were seeing Bear. We spent a good amount of time aboard the boat, playing cards, having some cocktails, and even going for a sail. But my parents quickly learned, after some good laughs, that they should take advantage of the water taxi as they had a bit of difficulty getting aboard from the dinghy and, even more, returning to the dinghy from the boat. My folks also took us grocery shopping, out for supplies, and to a bunch of great restaurants in town. And thus began our attachment to the Boatyard, a fabulous bar and grill in Eastport.
Bear on a mooring in Annapolis Harbor
Part of the Annapolis waterfront
For our good friend and loyal reader, Tate
We saw a couple doggie bars across the East Coast this summer
Good cheese abounds in Annapolis, but we usually know how to find it anyway
A little work before the folks arrived…seizing the ends of our docklines
We also did a little work on the outboard
There were a few downpours while we were in Annapolis
Wednesday night races passed right by our stern
More Wednesday night racing
Even more Wednesday racing
My folks look good even though they had just struggled aboard
What quickly became my folks’ preferred means of transportation
Mom checking out Bear
Dad hanging in the salon
Playing cards with my folks in the cockpit
Margaret taking us out the Severn for a sail with my folks
Enjoying being at the helm once we were out on the bay
And working the winches too!
Relaxing while we were out for our sail
My Mom enjoying being underway
Dad training for later in the summer
A anchored bulk carrier, our destination for the day sail
Margaret started the dinghy and took it around by herself for the first time while my folks were aboard
Someone is excited to be driving all by herself
And the anchorage was no longer safe!
My folks enjoying Bear
Loaded up with some boat supplies…thanks Mom and Dad!
My folks at McGarvey’s, one of the many bars and restaurants we went to
At Pusser’s
Slurping down oysters at Middleton’s
At our favorite place in Annapolis, the Boatyard