2013-10-31 Maryland's Beautiful Fall on the Potomac

While having some work done on Spirit Journey we took a few days to explore the Solomon Island area.  One day we found a giant pumpkin patch...

And they decided to even decorate the rolls of hay!

and of course, Sponge Bob's friend showed up....

now, who would'a thought this up....

fall colors were just really neat...

another country church with cemetery that reflected lots of history of the region

 

 

Country church locations reflect times when distances were measured by buggy rides....

2013-10-29 Solomon's Island & Mini Cascade High Reunion

Allen Palmer, 12 year classmate at Cascade High joined us for an evening.  We had a 'minature' 50 year class reunion and talked about good ole' Cascade High.  Allen, semi-retired Professor at Brigham Young University,  had accepted an Honored Chair position for a year at Loyola University. 

 
 

Allen shared pictures of his wonderful family and his travels around the world.  He's served on numerous missions for his church as well as teaching and consulting assignments for higher education and federal agencies.

Michele found this picture which hangs in our salon... we thought it reflected our life philosophy a lot.

 

We had a diver clean under the boat for the first time since launch in late April.  Reports was everything was pretty clean down there.... tribute to staying on the move.....

Ron's done a lot of different things along the way but made clear this is one trade he was glad to have never had!  The divers that do this work have an extremely physical job and in what can be a very dangerous work environment. 

 

2013-10-25 Annapolis to Solomon's Island

Leaves were turning quickly so it's time to be on our way south, one more quick walk around the block and we're off to Solomon for a few days before heading into Chesapeake, VA for winter storage.

The anchorage is splendid at the setting and rising sun....

Seas were kicking up a little as we headed south....

The Admiral at the wheel keeps us on course with a soft ride.

 

Seas were not sure which way to roll today and the cool temperatures encouraged us to stay in the pilot house....

 Commercial traffic roll up the Bay at 18 to 22 knots....

Fall colors are in their prime and confirm that fall has arrived....

 
Fuel depot confirms we're near the turn to Solomon's and our favorite Calvert's Marina

We always look forward to coming into the harbor here....

Not sure, but this sure looks like a Skipjack used for oystering here on the Chesapeake.

October 23, 2013 Annapolis Exploration Day 2

We are touring the impressive U.S. Naval Academy today.  This home is the residence of the Academy's Superintendent (i.e., "President), and the first floor is used entirely for entertaining.  It's architecture has a French influence as the original architect, Mr. Flagg, studied in France and designed several of the campus' buildings with a touch of design similar to the palace at Versailles. 

Flowers are still blooming here!

The front entrance to the Academy's Chapel - unfortunately, it was closed today to prepare for a concert, so we missed seeing the inside.  It seats over 2,000 persons, and contains the crypt of John Paul Jones.

More campus scenes - the monument gets "greased" each year, and each Plebe (i.e., Freshman), must figure out a way to get to the top to retrieve a cup placed on the pinnacle - "a rite of passage" tradition. 

A side view of Bancroft Hall - it is one big "dorm" with over 5 miles of hallways.  The entire student body is housed within this complex, and this building also houses their dining hall.  Everyone eats each meal at the same time (family style).  Prior to entering the hall for meals, the "Mids" line-up in formation outside, weather permitting, and march in to the hall to a drumbeat and music provided by the band.  We were pleased to watch the lunchtime formation and then proceed into the central portion of the building only - known as Memorial Hall.

Formation...

Colors are presented...

Captain Hall Entering Memorial Hall.

Upper floor of Memorial Hall - many memorials/tribute plaques to honor deceased alumni. 

View from Memorial Hall window overlooking the dorm complex (Bancroft Hall).

Full exterior view of the Academy Chapel.

 

After lunch at the Academy Club, we toured the Academy's Naval Museum.  Again, the artifacts and displays were most impressive.

Beautiful scale models of naval ships.  One interesting fact I did not know:  Mids were required to learn every single name and use of each rope on the earlier ships, (numerous ropes as shown on these replicas) - and that is where the term "learning the ropes" originated.

 

The Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis.

Maryland's State Capitol Building in the middle of one of two 'circles' in town.  There are additional buildings used by legislature and staff, and all are connected by underground hallways.

Street scenes

We met new Krogen friends, Will and Sue, who reside in Annapolis, for dinner this evening.  They were kind enough to bring a local newspaper photo that was recently published promoting the big blue and white ship, a cruise ship, The Yorktown.  But...in the foreground you can see (the much smaller, but more beautiful) Spirit Journey on our harbor mooring ball!!!