July 6th and 7th- Solomons Island to Annapolis, MD

We hope everyone had a nice Fourth of July weekend. We did a little grilling, a little swimming, had a few beers, and watched fireworks over the harbor. Some were so close that we actually had paper fragments, from the rockets, on the deck. There were no official fireworks but many locals just launched pyrotechnics out of their backyards.

The Fourth at Solomons Island with an almost full moon.

On Monday we left Solomons early for the trip to Annapolis. Annapolis is one of the sailing capitals of the world. We had to cover a few miles to get there but I was determined. To start our day we had almost no wind and current running against us. It was looking like we were going to get there pretty late. Then, a small south wind came up directly behind us. I have this pole (reaching pole) that I almost never use. By using the pole the genoa sail has a better angle for picking up a following wind.

I once used this pole to attempt to sail through the Cape Cod Canal. Don’t attempt to sail through the Canal. It’s not legal. The Coast Guard will persuade you to turn your engine on. They actually chased us down in some sort of gun boat. I didn’t hear my radio but they had a bullhorn.

I set up the pole and Catalpa picked up some speed. The wind increased and we gained more speed. Our prospects for making it to Annapolis (in a reasonable amount of time) were looking much better. The reaching pole works great. I should use it more often. We sailed up the Severn river and grabbed a mooring in Spa Creek. I’m glad we were able to sail to the sailing capital of the Chesapeake.

Not much wind here. Later, we were plowing along at 6 knots.

Our mooring is right off of the harbor canal called Ego Alley. Big boats parade around. We are in the center of it all. I have to say that Annapolis is a terrible place to be during a pandemic. There is so much to see and do. There are restaurants, bars, tour boats, galleries, and shops. All easily accessible to the various dinghy docks scattered around town. We are trying to be careful and avoiding all of it. I’d like to come back someday and spend some time here. How often have I thought that since coronavirus has become a part of life?

Some scenes from Annapolis.

Ego Alley.

Ollie likes it. There are many ducks around that he would love to chase.

Maybe I could get a job chasing ducks?

This yacht was so big I couldn’t fit it all in the picture when it cruised by.

The mid day temperature has been close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. We have a couple of fans to help move air around the cabin. We ate dinner in the rain to cool off last night.

Much appreciated rain approaching.

Sunset in Annapolis.