Stuck in Annapolis

Annapolis – September 28 to October 5, 2009

Help! We’re stuck in Annapolis and we can’t get out.

Most boaters would consider that comment blasphemy. Yes, there are worse places to be stuck and yes, it is by choice that we are here. A week away from the Boat Show and the place started to fill up. On Saturday the number of boats anchored at the mouth of Spa Creek increased by the hour and traffic was heavy going in and out of the harbor. We managed to get one of the rare mooring balls that will not be put out of service during the show and do not dare leave it. If we were not planning on staying for the show (and if it was not illegal) we could probably feed the cruising kitty by selling our spot.

Fortunately there is no shortage of entertainment.

With the Naval Academy on one side and the Eastport Yacht Club and Severn Sailing Association on the other there is always something happening. Most afternoons the sailing schools are out in full force. They start each session with a game of ring-around-the-rosy using the green mark that is usually just off our transom.

Laura - this could be you!

We have been serenaded by a gospel gathering that outsang the blues group on the balcony of the Eastport Yacht Club and were woken early on Saturday morning by the marching band at the Naval Academy with their Michael Jackson tribute as they warmed up for the band competition that was held before the BIG Navy vs. Air Force football game later in the day. Navy won the football game but I did not hear the results of the band match up.

Our new friends Hal and Penny from the sailing vessel Volanatis told us about a concert that was taking place in Eastport at the Maritime Museum of Annapolis. A little bit blues and a little bit country mixed with some East Coast sea shanty from talented musician Scott Kirby and his band in a very intimate venue that held about 150 people. Scott Kirby even has Canadian roots from Blow Me Down, Newfoundland. Thanks Hal and Penny for the recommendation.

For more go to www.scottkirby.com.

There is a constant parade of boats in and out of Spa Creek, everything from the mega yachts to the small but unique ones. Some are here for the show but many make Annapolis their home port.

The Pride of Baltimore

A canoe converted to a sailboat.

Hereshoff 12

Wedding party.

Sensei.

Wandering around historic Annapolis is fun too. This has been a busy place for a few centuries and many of the buildings have been around since the beginning including the oldest state capitol building that has been in continuous use.

Good Galley Gadgets

Doing anything on the boat takes at least twice as long as it would on dry land and you are always thinking about conserving water, electricity and coking fuel (a good learning experience for non-environmentalists). Good Galley Gadgets must meet as many of those requirements as possible and hopefully be lightweight and compact too. The Pasta Presto tube(as seen on TV) works well for cooking vegetables, past and instant rice without using a pot or burner once you have added the boiling water and the insulator does double duty keeping the coffee hot in the French press. The silicone steamer (thanks, Vera) uses very little water and can be crumpled up and stuffed in a small corner for storage. It can also be used to stop the pots from rattling when the sailing is not smooth. The KitchenAid stainless pots with their heavy, thick bottoms are as easy to clean as non-stick and keep food warm for a long time after the propane has been shut off.