October 22, 2020 - November 1, 2020
During our last week in Baltimore we tried to complete many of the tasks we would not be able to complete in Annapolis. Since the City Dock Marina doesn’t have a facility like the boater’s lounge at Anchorage Marina I spent several afternoons in the lounge cutting out the strips I needed to create the quilt I want to complete for my son, Karl, during the winter. I figured having a quilt to work on when the weather is nasty this winter will be a blessing. I, also, cut out a dress and a couple of winter tops. Bob started to prepare the stern teak toe rail for refinishing, but with so much rain in the forecast he realized it would be impossible to complete the job before we left for Annapolis.
We attended a final get together of all of our boating friends on Thursday night (10/22). We discussed our plans for the winter. Some of our friends were leaving for New Bern, NC and others were planning to spend most of the winter in Florida. With the pandemic uncertainties no one was planning to cross the gulf stream to the Bahamas. From what we have heard the usual annual migration of cruisers down the ICW to warmer weather has been light this year. We will miss our friends, but will keep in touch throughout the winter. We will have a reunion party in May, no doubt.
On the health front, Bob finally got the report from his urologist. It was good and bad news. Bob does have cancer, but it is small and easily treated. He will have a consult with his doctor to review his options for treatment next week.
We changed our plans, due to weather concerns of course, and left for Annapolis on Saturday (10/31). We had a pleasant though chilly trip. The big landmarks we passed were the “Star Spangled Banner” buoy just east of the Key Bridge. The buoy marks the spot where Francis Scott Key wrote our national anthem. You can read the story of the buoy at this web site.Star Spangled buoy The Bay Bridge was our next big landmark. It is such an impressive structure especially when seen from the water. We arrived in Annapolis by 2:30 and settled in. Bob did an amazing job of docking the boat in a narrow slip with the stern in. I was pretty good with the lines, too. Since it was Halloween we sat in the cock pit and observed the various people going by, some in costume. The craziest group was four witches paddling by on stand up paddle boards. Although having the boat at City Dock with the stern next to the dock is almost like living in a fish bowl it is very amusing watching the passers by both on foot and in automobiles.
Sunday was restful with breakfast at Starbucks. We were hoping to go to City Dock Cafe, but it is closed until further notice (boo hoo). We made it back to the boat before the down pour and I made Pizza for lunch. We listened to the Ravens vs. Steelers game which was a real thriller but the Steelers won 28 - 24.
In Annapolis everyone is required to wear a mask on the street and inside buildings which makes us feel safer than if Baltimore. Stay safe and follow all of the recommended Covid protocols.
Thank you for reading my blog.
