Annapolis
On Monday, after spending several enjoyable days in Ridout Creek, we
decided to experience Annapolis from the water. We also wanted to
scout out potential layover spots for the upcoming Annapolis boat
show. So we left Ridout Creek for Annapolis, about 10 miles away. The
wind was fresh, about 25 knots, and of course in the direction that we
wanted to go. The Women's World"s Sailing races were also on so we
were greeted with a contingent of colourful spinnakers being flown in
the gusty conditions as we headed for the bay. We have been to
Annapolis by land but never by water. A town always looks different
from the water and Annapolis was no exception. It was difficult to
pick out the creeks and bays until we were almost on top of them, and
there were marinas full of sailboats everywhere.
We decided to try Spa Creek, which is a creek running through
Annapolis and close to the area where the boat show would be held.
There were moorings out in front of the city on the bay side, and
moorings and anchoring further up the creek past a draw bridge. The
draw bridge opened on the half hour like the lift bridge in Burlington
so we felt right at home. We motored all through the creek where there
already were a large number of boats anchored, with very little
swinging room and marginal holding. After a few circuits, we opted for
a mooring down by the draw bridge where we would be close to town and
did not have to worry about boats anchoring (and dragging) on top of
us. From there we could go on a short dinghy ride to a dinghy dock on
a side street and walk into town, or dinghy a little farther right to
a dinghy dock in the heart of Annapolis.
Annapolis is the mecca for cruising boats heading south as there is a
major boat show during our Thanksgiving weekend. All the suppliers are
there so it is a good opportunity to get those much needed toys. We
caught up with the boats that had left Sandy Hook with us. All made it
through Isabel without injury or damage and it was great seeing them
again.
Annapolis is a great spot to explore and we were glad to see it before
the boat show took over. It originated in 1649, named after Princess
Anne - Queen Mary's daughter and is rich in history and period
architecture. Annapolis was once the capitol of the US, the Treaty of
Paris ending the revolutionary war was ratified in State House in
downtown Annapolis, and a plaque by the waterfront marks the arrival
of Kunte Kinte (of Roots) on a slave ship. The town is rich with
Victorian and Georgian buildings that have been restored. Apparently
a restoration society regulates any alterations to these historic
buildings with the exception of the colour. The owners can and do
express their individuality (or get even) with brightly coloured
exteriors. We took a bus tour through the town that highlighted many
of these buildings, sites and history. We also try to walk a different
route every trip into town to explore the side streets and alleys. Of
course finding a different route is always easy for me as I never
remember that last route I took. The waterfront was a hive of activity
as the whole area was flooded and badly damaged. Most of the stores
were open or opening but everything was still under repair.
Once again, cold weather from Canada overtook us. We had several
fronts sweep down, starting on Wednesday, and temperatures dropped to
the low 40's over night. One night we even had a frost warning.
Fortunately, we managed to find a source of cheap alcohol for our
little alcohol heater (not to mention a sale on rum for internal
heating). Our little heater and our plastic wrapped back porch (our
cockpit can be surrounded with clear plastic panels that keeps out the
wind and provides some solar heating when the sun shines) really saved
the day. Friends on a boat from Florida decided to up anchor and
started to head South. They had every article of clothing they owned
on and were not prepared for the cold. Actually quite a few boats
decided that it was time to head to warmer climates. After surviving
several nights, we met with our friends from Safina and took the bus
into a large shopping mall to pick up some warmer clothes - hopefully
that will stave of further bouts of cold weather. They say the weather
should be getting warmer next week so stay tuned.