Exile: Out of the Sassafras and into Baltimore

9.26.14

After spending two nights anchored in the Sassafras River due to rain, we awoke to clear skies and pulled anchor at 9am.

Fort McHenry. "Whose broad stripes and bright stars... were so gallantly streaming! over the star-shaped Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, September 13-14, 1814. The valiant defense of the fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner'." Come to find out that this ceremonial "star spangled buoy" is set every June and removed every fall. "This is purely a ceremonial buoy that marks an important spot for American history. It is not used for navigation at all. Franciss Scott Key witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry where the Key Bridge now stands. And the buoy is placed at the approximate spot where Francis Scott Key wrote those words." Wow. Who knew? Google is a great thing to have at our fingertips!

We had a pleasant sail down the upper portion of the Chesapeake Bay and at 3:30 we were secure in a slip at the Anchorage Marina in the Inner Harbor. It was a nice marina but their WiFi signal was very sketchy. Our friends Bruce and Ellen picked us up and we went to Chipparelli's in Little Italy for dinner.

It was as good as always and the company even better! After a little work and laundry the next day, we left the marina, motored around the Inner Harbor and headed out to find a quiet anchorage. After passing the White Rocks off Stony Creek, then motoring into Bodkin Creek we had found the perfect place. The weather was absolutely beautiful and actually quite hot, so the next morning we decided to inflate our new paddleboard and give it a try. Once you get the balancing act figured out, it's quite fun! The Sunday recreational boaters came out and made it a little difficult with all the wake, so we called it quits and headed back to Baltimore.

"Old Ironsides", the USS Constitution is docked in Baltimore's Inner Harbor

These tanks are part of the Under Armour Corporate Complex. In addition to Michael Phelps, there is a rendition of Cal Ripken, Jr on the second tank and Ray Lewis on the third, a tribute to Baltimore's star athletes.

Michael Phelps - NOT!

Jeff had business in Atlanta Monday - Wednesday, so I spent lots of time walking around the area (I needed the exercise but not the blisters!).

Bruce and Ellen picked Jeff up from the airport and we took them out for an "hors' d'oeuvres" and cocktail cruise. It's so much fun meeting up with friends and family up and down the coast! We dropped them off at the dock and headed out to Rock Creek, and a very peaceful anchorage for the night and another spectacular sunset.

The Pride of Baltimore

Sailing is so freeing!

We made plans to get together with my cousin Gail and her husband Wayne for lunch on Friday. Once again they were kind enough to be our "mail drop", so we had packages and forwarded mail sent to their address in Arnold. We tied up at the Magothy Marina, only a few miles from their home for the night and used the marina's wonderfully clean laundry room the next morning. Gail and Wayne picked us up at noon (thanks Wayne for having our propane tank filled!) and we went to a great place called The Point for lunch, which is located at the Ferry Point Marina Yacht Club one creek over. We finally had crab cakes and they were fabulous! We enjoyed fun conversation as usual and left the dock at 2:30 to find another cozy anchorage. Gail and Wayne were leaving for PA to visit my Uncle Bob (Gail's dad), who is recovering nicely from a knee replacement.

It was only right that Gail take our picture as well. We all had a great time together!

A couple of hours later, and after poking around the Magothy River we anchored behind Gibson Island, where there is a horse farm believe it or not. Three more boats decided it was the place to be too.... The weather was overcast and predicted to blow a bit, so we've decided to spend the day and another night just to chill. The three other boats left at various times during the day and several others came and went. We'll see what happens tonight.
PS to Anne Welch - the Gibson Island Yacht Club appears to be doing well.