We took our time leaving the Sassafras River, enjoying the first signs of foliage as we meandered out into the Chesapeake. With only 40 miles planned, we cruised at one Kumeiga (8 knots for the uninitiated) and arrived at Annapolis at 1:30, taking a slip at Annapolis Yacht basin, because we planned on spending two nights so we could explore the town.
Soon after arriving (and a nap) we headed out on foot and went inland to the highest point, where we saw a grand old residence (that turned out to be the Governors house) and numerous historic buildings. Everything was made from brick, houses, sidewalks and streets. Kind of like Providence meets Newport. Returning towards the waterfront we saw front end loaders filled with sandbags and shopkeepers building sandbag dams to keep floodwater out of their stores. Turns out there was more bad weather coming and flooding is common here. A call the dockmaster assured us that we would be OK in our slip, but sandbagged door fronts, a few feet higher than our pilings was disconcerting.
That night, the wind blew 45 straight up the harbor and straight at us. Although we were not behind a break wall, we were protected by two mega yachts to windward and perpendicular to us. Our fixed pier was awash but other than some tide related line tending, we had a noisy but safe night.
Friday was a complete and literal wash out. High winds and rain kept the town closed. We ventured out to the US Naval Academy hoping to join their 9:30 tour, but told that they were closed due to flooding. The Navy closes because of high water??? The town was awash, and we returned to the boat for and afternoon of…well boat stuff, hoping to spend some time here when we return in the spring.
