Annapolis

We had a short window of calm water on Thursday morning which we took to make our way to Annapolis. Because the forecast winds were to reach 30 knots in the next few days, we opted to go into a marina instead of taking a mooring ball in Spa Creek which is our preferred spot in Annapolis, one of our favorite places on the Chesapeake Bay.  Our arrival happened to coincide with graduation at the Naval Academy and the town was packed with midshipmen and their families. A party atmosphere pervaded.  Friday morning was gloomy and rainy with strong winds, we were sorry that there wasn’t better weather for the graduation which was held outside.  We were fortunate that we could remain on board until the rain stopped and do our sightseeing in better weather.  We visited the Maryland State House, the oldest in the nation still in legislative use.

Tower of the Maryland State House

 One cannot avoid the sense of history that permeates this magnificent building.  It had been the capital of the United States between November 26, 1783 and August 13, 1784 and was the sight where George Washington resigned his commission before the Continental congress on December 23, 1783.  The Treaty of Paris was ratified by congress to end the revolutionary war on May 7, 1784 at this location as well. 

Maryland State House

 On the Naval Academy grounds we visited a wonderful exhibit on the War of 1812 highlighting the naval influence on the outcome.  It was fascinating and well presented.

War of 1812 Exhibit

While we were there we visited the chapel with the crypt of John Paul Jones, father of the United States Navy.

Chapel at the Naval Academy

Chapel Exterior

With the continued high winds we decided to stay an extra day. On Monday, May 26th we departed for Havre de Grace, located on the Susquehanna River at the head of the Chesapeake Bay.