Gemini Loop: 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.