June 26 we travelled to Annapolis, Maryland, home of the United States Naval Academy. The Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy and just a few blocks north of the city Marina. It is home to over 4,000 cadets who are in training to be officers in the U.S. Navy and Marines. Highlights of the Naval Academy tour are the noon formation, where the cadets line up in formation in front of Bancroft Hall for lunch, and the Naval Academy Chapel, featuring the dome, stained-glass windows and the tomb of John Paul Jones in the basement.

In the morning at 8 a.m. we heard the Star Spangled Banner being played. So amazing to see people out on their boats listening. This trip has sure made us appreciate the many armed branches of the United States. Thanks to all of you who are serving or who have served for this incredible country where we are privileged to call home.

We anchored on a mooring ball just across from the Academy. Once again, we were blessed. We arrived around 3:30. There are 40 mooring balls. We took number 39! I’m getting better -debatable! – at helping Captain Patrick hook the mooring ball. You have to get your boat close to the ball, and grab the chain attached to the ball with a boat hook, then secure that chain on the boat with a rope. We discovered we couldn’t use the snubber on this one – the hook didn’t fit. The mooring ball costs $30 for the night. We then took the boat ferry in closer to the city dock to explore.

The Annapolis City Dock is located along a finger of water at the foot of downtown known as “Ego Alley,” aptly named because many boats both large and small cruise up and down this waterway in the middle of town to see and be seen. There is a parade of boats all day long and into the evening. Annapolis is a large boating center and is self-declared as the “Sailing Capital of the World.” Annapolis was first settled in the mid 1600’s and is now Maryland’s State Capital.

Here are photos from our visit to Annapolis.