Friday - ANNAPOLIS us Naval Academy
Who could forget our trip to the Naval Academy in Annapolis? Granite walls, marble floors, French architectural influence, war torn flag….all set at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Severn River. We were certainly impressed with the Academy, but what stole our hearts was the military parade by the midshipmen. Prior to the parade, our group gathered on the semicircular concrete bench (photo above). Behind us streamed the midshipmen coming from every door and down every sidewalk like ants from an ant hill. They were clear eyed and intent as they gathered in front of us on the plaza in a seemingly haphazard fashion. Suddenly, at the stroke of noon, lines formed with precision. The military band of percussion and brass made our hearts pound with patriotism as we watched these fine young people march with courage and commitment. Most of us concluded that indeed our country will be in good hands.
Lunch was downstairs at the Naval Academy Club, The Alley had once been a bowling alley. The food was wonderful.
More Friday Fun
That Friday the thirteenth was a truly beautiful spring day, so after the Naval Academy tour we returned to the fabulous Yellow House. This house was set on a finger of the Chesapeake and had three floors of windows looking out on the beautiful lawn, the quiet waters, and the wooded banks on the other side. Birds abounded: osprey diving for fish, cormorants sunning themselves, and geese swimming and squawking.
Happy hour started early as did the talking and the laughing. Louise did her usual magic with some local rock fish, pasta, and salad. It was a good day.
SATURDAY
Saturday was another beauty. In the morning a couple of us launched kayaks from the house and enjoyed a peaceful cruise and bird show. Others enjoyed the porch with a leisurely breakfast and lots of coffee. Later we rallied to join a boat tour of the scenic Severn River. What a lovely way to see the area! When the boat returned to the City Dock, we dispersed in small groups: some headed for shopping, others to a bar, and two nerdy ones took in some historical sites. None of us though will forget the many Bermuda clad young men spilling over into downtown Annapolis from the croquet extravaganza at the nearby St. John’s College:). Before long it was time to head to the riverside restaurant, Cantlers, for crabs. What a sight…line forming to park, long tables covered in paper, mallets at the ready, three dozen crabs, onion rings, hush puppies, and foam crab hats! It was a good day.
SUNDAY
Sunday brought rain and wind. After weather forecast updates, we decided we had just enough time to see the Eastern Shore before the worst of the storm arrived. Dixie and her crew stopped at a friend’s house on the shore; the other two cars headed to Pickering Creek Audubon Center. Three of us braved the elements to walk in this beautiful marshy area that was surely a hunter’s paradise. Later Faye was able to get us into the Miles River Yacht Club in St. Michaels for lunch. We ordered everything that had the word “crab” in it – really delicious. On to St. Michaels town center we went for a brief visit before the weather worsened. It was a good day.
The THONG is retired!
Thanks for the synopsis of the trip, Betty!