Marriage Savers

     “How much do you think our marriage is worth?” Brenda asks Mike as she is shopping online for communication headsets (We can purchase them at a discounted price through the AGLCA; Several other Loopers have them and recommend them; they’re called “Marriage Savers.” Really.  That’s the name of the model).  “Is it worth $200?  $800?” She asks.

     “$200 for sure,” Mike responds, “Probably not $800.”  

     Brenda responds, “How much do you think your life is worth?” …and then she orders a pair.

After a couple of evenings anchored out on Mill Creek in Solomons Island (because of wind and thunderstorm warnings, we stayed an extra night), we started cruising at 7 am on a placid Chesapeake Bay northward, arriving in Annapolis by 2 pm.   We moored in Annapolis Harbor and took the ferry taxi to the city docks.  Our mission:  To explore this colonial town, the capital of Maryland and self-proclaiming “Sailing Capital of the World.”  This evening at 6:30 pm, there was a sailing race event in the harbor.  Being the last Wednesday of the month, restaurants had tables set up on West Street for “dining under the stars.”  The downtown is quaint and interesting, with several choices for eats.

Tomorrow we plan to get to shore for a Starbucks (maybe) before touring the U.S. Naval Academy and Museum.  We’ve got a place picked out for a late lunch featuring crab cakes, “the thing” to order when you’re here.  In a full-color brochure, the City has put together an excellent “walking tour” with explanations of the historical sites and landmarks.  Annapolis is a vibrant town and we look forward to learning more about its role in American History and the Navy.

Here we are on Main Street in downtown historic Annapolis.

Anchored at Solomons Island, we took our "new" 2005 Yamaha 8 hp motor for its inaugural ride on the dinghy.  It started just great and Mike was completely pleased with it until he sped up and it sputtered and lost power.  His troubleshooting didn't bring the desired results except that he knows its fuel-related. The whole thing put Mike in a grumpy mood that even an ice cream bar couldn't lift him out of.  

We spent an extra night at anchor to avoid cruising through any thunderstorms on the Bay.  This gave Mike time to get what he needed to change the engine oil.  Doing this in 90-degree temps made the water around us too tempting to resist.
 (Had we not had plans to meet Loopers Ed and Sheila, MV "Floating Debt" for dinner,
Brenda thinks she would've jumped in as well--the water was inviting!!.)

We pulled anchor this morning at 6:45 a.m. and enjoyed a smooth cruise towards Annapolis.  This is one of several tankers we saw on our way northward.  You get a sense, too, of the calm water.  Such a difference from the ride we had just a couple of days ago.

Here's a glimpse of historic Annapolis's Main Street.  It lends itself to a laid-back atmosphere.

This shop looked interesting; Brenda likes its name.

We witnessed this sweet scene from across the street from an ice cream shop: 3 Naval Academy Cadets sitting on a bench enjoying their cones.  We're looking forward to visiting the Naval Academy tomorrow.

This is the Annapolis State Capital.  We'll learn more about this structure and its history tomorrow.  All we know today is that its dome is constructed from wood.  It was for a short time in early America, our nation's capital, and it's the oldest state capital in continuous legislative use.

We had to stop for a light dinner at "Chick & Ruth's Delly," an old-time type cafe.  Seated is Shiela and Ed with Mike.

This is the Annapolis City Hall. 
Walking around the block, we were surprised at the modern-looking backside to this building!

This building is home to a 1747 Pub.

On West Street, it was an evening to "Dine under the Stars."
With cooling temperatures and lingering light breeze, what a beautiful evening for the event.