Amazing Annapolis - Deja Vu!

"If you live a life of make-believe, your life isn't worth anything until you do something that does challenge your reality. And to me, sailing the open ocean is a real challenge, because it's life or death."        Morgan Freeman

Annapolis, Maryland is one of those unique small cities that just grabs you by the hair and says, "Hey check me out!" This town is like an open history book, rich in charm and full of flavor.  

The brick streets and knobby sidewalks downtown invite you to just stroll through and explore the many nooks and crannies that can be found among Mom and Pop shops, taverns, restaurants, row houses, and ice cream shops.  All of this and more is just a stone's throw from the waterfront.  Sailboats glide by, lovers hold hands, and  performing street musicians are common sites.

The scenic U.S. Naval Academy is a vital part of the downtown scene as it sprawls along the shores of the Severn River. 



This 2 day return trip to Annapolis in June was a bit of deja vu for me as I re-explored some sites and sounds of the area.  I returned this week on a scouting trip for the next great sailboat in my future.  The pending sale of Glory Days seemed to be on pace as I awaited for the marine surveyor to turn in his inspection report to the potential buyer.  I'm not much of a shopper but when it comes to looking for a new boat, well that's a whole other story.

There's nothing more dangerous than a boat nut like me looking at new sailboats when there is money in my pocket from the sale of Glory Days.   

The return to Annapolis was all the great things I had remembered about this by eating fresh crab and photographing sailboats on this gorgeous day in June.

Just across the Spa Creek bridge the Wednesday summer sailing series was concluding.     

The bridge gave me the perfect staging ground to feel the energy of the sailing community as the sun was setting.

After a frisky sail in the bay, these nimble vessels now dropped their sails like clothing and soon eased into their docks one at a time bare masted. 

It was a thing of beauty and my heart fluttered.

There must've been at least 200 boats softly drifting back into town each dropping their sails methodically with disciplined crew members handling the chores on deck.

Click the link below to see a 3 minute video of Annapolis Summer Sailing Series: 

Video Link Here: Typical Wednesday in Annapolis

Once the boats are back in their dock slips the friendly banter and camaraderie of a common bond was evident among the captains and crew. 

Annapolis reeks of history through it's architecture, shops, street scenes, and numbers  historical markers all over town.  It's a perfect town to discover on foot. 

The Maryland state flag in the foreground of a full moon rising.

From her historical buildings to friendly street scenes, Annapolis is a walkers paradise to take in the sites and energy of the people. Some streets are closed off on Wednesday nights in summer for street dining.  

The folk musicians at this local coffee house/brew pub allowed me to sit in with them on harmonica.  They played some local favorite tunes and old standards. 
 

Paddle boarding is popular for competition or pleasure.

The maritime mojo of this community is all around you.  Sailors, gift shops, marinas were the backdrop for a perfect day on this breezy June afternoon.

 So long Annapolis!  

My 2 nights here were a welcome reminder of what a unique vibe exists here.  But now it was time to return back to my Glory Days in Virginia where I would soon close the deal on her sale and continue my quest for the next great boat!