Day 27, May 21, 2012: We left Tilghman Island in our wake on May 17th bound for Annapolis. This is a short run across the Chesapeake but at times quite challenging. Knapps Narrows at the west end of Tilghman Island in just that—narrow and shallow. Once out of the shallows fish nets strung on poles can create a maze for the unwary skipper and a bad hair day from nets an menhaden tangled in props.

Annapolis, Maryland’s state capital, reminds us of Charleston, except for the hills. The capital sits on the hill overlooking the city and harbor area. It is the oldest statehouse in the nation and served briefly as the nation’s capital. The town is easy to walk around. The United States Naval Academy dominates the Severn River. The grounds are magnificent. The school year has ended, so no middies parading.

We stayed at the  Annapolis Yacht Basin in front of the Annapolis Yacht Club. The Yacht basis has fixed docks, allowing only the most athletic to board or leave the boat. The docks are reasonably kept but we have been in better marinas by far at half the price!

Baltimore is also a short run from Annapolis up the Patapsco River. The Inner Harbor Marina provides easy access to downtown. The docks are floating, concrete-paved, and quite new. The marina was nearly empty when we arrived. Our slip boasted an unobstructed view of the waterfront and the aquarium.. Yesterday, we tried to visit the Jewish Museum and the Lloyd Street Synagogue, one of the oldest  in the nation, but not in use. We were denied entry despite tours that were in progress. We were nicely dressed and offered a contribution for the honor of being granted access—but alas! We salved our hurt with a visit to Attman’s Deli across from the museum at the foot of Horseradish Lane. It was all we could do!

From the 27th floor of the trade center we take in magnificent  views of Baltimore in all directions.  We dined at the Hard Rock Café in the old power plant. Besides the cacophonous assault on our senses lunch was better than average—cooked to order not microwaved and apparently without barcodes.

Today is a miserably rainy day. Samuel and Sunny left on the train for New York this morning. We have enjoyed their company and the visit of their extended family since Annapolis. We will go to the Aquarium this afternoon. Tomorrow,  we expect to move on to Delaware City then make our break down the often hostile Delaware River and Bay to Cape May, New Jersey. We expect to spend Memorial Day off the water at Canyon Club Marina.