Day 208 - May 18, 2013: Annapolis, MD, and the United States Naval Academy

At dawn, we headed back across the Chesapeake Bay to Annapolis, MD, taking the shortcut between Tilghman Island and the mainland at Knapps Narrows. The channel is narrow and shallow in places and can have a strong tidal current. In the middle we encountered one of the few low bridges on the trip (under 12 feet) where we needed an opening. Shortly after, we passed the third of the three remaining screw pile lighthouses at Thomas Point Shoal. This one is still actively in use.

We approached Annapolis before noon in cloudiness and possible rain and chose to stay at the Spa Creek Mooring Field. It is under a bridge just past downtown and is in a very protected end of the channel just yards from a dinghy dock. It borders a park and promised still water and a quiet evening.

Knapp Narrows bridge

Thomas Point light house

Great Laker on the mooring ball in front of the Charles Carroll House

A major purpose of coming here was to see the United States Naval Academy, and we took the dinghy to the downtown dock, which is several blocks from the entrance gate. Tours, led by very knowledgeable docents, are given every 15 minutes or so and cover many of the buildings across the campus.

The academy was founded here along the Severn River in 1845 on a 338-acre site, which was previously Fort Severn, and has produced some of our Navy's finest leaders ever since. Many of the buildings are majestic and stately and suggestive of European palaces and cathedrals. There are 4,200 midshipmen here, and all live in the largest dorm in the country, Bancroft Hall, which is an incredibly beautiful building. The athletic buildings are state of the art, and there are classroom facilities next to the dorm, churches on the campus, and a museum of naval history which is outstanding. (Yes, two days, and I already succumbed to seeing another museum!) Being selected to the academy is a high honor, and I respect these fine young people for choosing to serve our country.

The entrance and center section of Bancroft Hall

The Academy Chapel

Inside the Bancroft Hall entrance

When Anne attempted to start the generator to prepare dinner, I discovered it was overheating due to a failed water pickup impeller. The rubber vanes on these pickups do wear out, and I had brought a spare along in case it was needed. After putting the new one in, the generator ran cool again. There are benefits to good planning!