Summer is here!

We made a circuit of Baltimore's Inner Harbor before we left. It was so hot the day before that we didn't walk that far. The harbor is quite large, and has distinct "districts" like Fell's Point where we were docked. There is a great aquarium, with a submarine docked outside. Baltimore is home to the USS Constellation, sister ship to the USS Constitution in Boston. They keep it fully rigged, but it no longer sails.

The ship that is sailing is the Spirit of Baltimore II. It was very interesting to see them add sails, because we have both been reading the Master and Commander books by Patrick O'Brien. We followed it out of the harbor, past Fort McHenry. I jumped when they fired their cannons at the fort. We also saw the NS Savannah - one of the first nuclear ships.

It was an extremely hot day, even by Steve's standards. Not much breeze for a good portion of the day because we were going with the wind - and against the tide. As we got closer to our destination, the scenery became more interesting and the breeze picked up a little. The terrain here is hilly and a lush green. There were boats everywhere, taking advantage of the Memorial Day holiday.

When we arrived at Charlestowne, we turned on one air conditioner (aft cabin) and I retreated to read and nap. Steve went for a walk to North East, MD, which was very close by. His parents were married in the Episcopal church there. It's a beautiful church.

We leave today for the Chesapeake and Delaware canal. At the eastern end of the canal, we have arranged to leave our boat for our trip home. Today will likely be hot like yesterday - I'm praying for a breeze. We will have enough time to wash and clean up the boat and get a rental car.

Coming into the Inner Harbor

Spirit of Baltimore II

USS Constellation

Another view of the USS Constellation

The aquarium - note the submarine out in front

Leaving the Inner Harbor

Wasn't quite expecting that!

Such a beautiful ship

You can see the cannons lined up at Ft. McHenry

NS Savannah

Spirit of Baltimore II off our starboard

I love bright spinnakers!

Almost looks like fjords.

Baltimore

If there is a place I'd love to live other than Savannah, it would be Baltimore! They have even more ballast stone streets and old houses than we do, I think. And Baltimore is dripping with history!

After leaving Annapolis, we noticed a large ship behind us. I started hearing the "Jaws" theme in my head. The ship got closer and I went below to get everything ready for some heavy rocking. It was kind of anti-climactic after all that preparation - but I'm not complaining.

Coming into Baltimore, you pass under the Francis Scott Key Bridge and go by Fort McHenry. During the War of 1812,  Fort McHenry was the site of the battle that inspired our national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key. They have a large flag, with correct number of stars, that they allow visitors to help hoist.

The marina is in the oldest part of the port, the Fell's Point area. We walked around, finding interesting things and taking lots of photos. We did stop by Woody's Rum Bar for a couple of pina coladas... There are LOTS of neat little pubs, shops and restaurants. Wish we could stay longer, but we will be leaving in the morning...

Start the "Jaws" theme

The theme gets faster

You see the shark

Whew!

I think these two were napping

Another good day for sailing

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Baltimore in the distance

The visitors are raising the flag at Ft. McHenry

Oh say can you see?

Boats everywhere!

More ballast stones than Savannah!

I keep finding little friends

You know we had to stop here...

In honor of those riding in DC today for POW-MIAs

Doesn't this remind you of Savannah?

This guy built a scale model in his back yard of one of the ships involved in the War of 1812.

A hidden garden behind a fence. Of course I got the picture!

Robert Long House - the oldest urban residence in Baltimore

And last, but certainly not least, a pair of mermaids