Annapolis

Thomas Point Lighthouse, just south of Annapolis

Made it to Annapolis.  Initially concerned about predicted thunderstorms, we thankfully had an uneventful motor trip north about 41 miles on Tuesday from Solomons.  Passed this screwpile lighthouse and anchored at the mouth of the Severn River at the city mooring field for two nights.  Annapolis is all about boating and especially sailing.  Everywhere you look, you see, packs of little skiffs and dinghies with children learning to sail.  So cute.

Young sailor

Annapolis is all about boating (and paddling)

Though the anchorage was a little exposed and rolly, we had front row seats to watch the Wednesday evening races.

Winner!

Here they come!

Known as "rail meat," these folks lean over the side to shift weight thereby increasing speed

Took care of groceries, doctor and dental appointments (nothing urgent).  Found Trader Joe's!  Took care of the usual refills and pump-outs.  Speaking of which, we've befriended one of the pump-out boat guys, Stan, who calls himself a "stool-bus driver."  He also says, "I'm the number one guy for the number two job!"  A 65-year-old retired Rubbermaid engineer from Ohio, he now lives on his boat (not the pump-out boat).  Stan speaks fondly of his wife, Toots, who passed away some time ago and of his two step-kids in Ohio.  He's got a great sense of humor and playfulness and is a welcome new friend.  He showed us where to anchor up Spa Creek where it would be much calmer, so we are now anchored there.

He stopped by the other night to share some red wine and chat in the cool evening breeze.  In the past, he traveled quite a bit for Rubbermaid and had some good tales to tell.  At one point, with a childlike glint in his eyes, he exclaimed, "Let's go feed the goose!"  So we piled into his dinghy with a bag of corn and found the white China goose with the light blue eyes.  Sure enough, she (he?) came right up and ate out of our hands.  The next day we fed her again.

Stan and his gorgeous goose

Blue eyed beauty

The queen and her servants

Except for the little water taxis and weekend boaters, for an urban spot the anchorage in Spa Creek is calm and beautiful.  We are happy to spend some time here to explore the city and for repairs and respite. 

View toward town

View of homes

View up the creek (see why we want to stay awhile?)