Day 7: Cruising to Annapolis, MD Homecoming

200 miles, 4 hours

It was a beautiful morning drive up the Virginia and Maryland eastern shore, with another crossing of the Chesapeake on the Bay Bridge (only 4.35 miles long).

Blue sky, puffy clouds, and low humidity enabled excellent visibility from atop the 180’ tall westbound span, making it easy for me to see Baltimore far off in the distance, which is well over 10 miles away.

My destination? Annapolis.

Annapolis is my hometown; I lived in or around Annapolis for over 60 years. Founded in 1649, Annapolis is the state capital of Maryland, has a population of only 75,000 residents, and is a top-rated tourist destination. Connected to three waterways (Chesapeake Bay, Severn River, and Spa Creek), it is renowned for its water-centric appeal. It is also a college town, home to St. John’s College (1784) and the U.S. Naval Academy (1845). Local Knowledge tidbit: how many college towns can boast jets doing a fly-over during every home football game?

Annapolitans can!

This small town (it is not a city) boasts hundreds, maybe thousands of unique characteristics, making Annapolis incredibly special. Some are historical, and some are interesting facts; the allure and the lore attract people to visit or make Annapolis their home. Most folks know that Annapolis is the Sailing Capital of America; however, a more precise and beloved descriptor by the locals is,

“Annapolis, a drinking town with a boating problem.”

Yes, Annapolitans love their boats. Some folks have 2-3 (or more) tied to their home dock (we did when we lived here). After all, you need one for day sailing/cruising, one for fishing, and a smaller one to take into town so you can tie up in Ego Alley for an evening of drinks, dinner, or ice cream.

A little after 2 pm, I pulled our rig into the back driveway of our friends, the Kreter’s spectacular waterfront home on the Severn River.

Club Level will be ‘docked’ here for several days, giving me time to reconnect with many friends and acquaintances we haven’t seen in a while.

Over the next few days, there is plenty to do. There is boating, hiking, biking, fishing, and eating (steamed crabs, crabcakes, local corn on the cob, fresh cantaloupe, watermelon, etc.). Then, of course, there are fourth of July fireworks celebrations (three nights in a row) and probably a beer or two (remember where we are, right?).

I would love to hear your favorite Annapolis stories or fondest memories; drop them in the comments below.