We have been on the water now about 6 ½ weeks and have traveled 924 miles. It is amazing to think that one can drive that in a few days…but it is the process not the destination, as they say in boating!
We arrived in Baltimore on Wednesday, Sept. 6 in the afternoon. We stayed in the Inner Harbor Marina East which is right near the Inner Harbor, Little Italy and Fell’s Point; a great location. Our view of the Baltimore skyline at night was wonderful. Our good friend, Robin, lives about 15 minutes away and came by to say hello and drink some wine. It was great to see her again.
Thursday was boat washing and laundry day. Joy. It takes us most of a morning to wash the boat and is exhausting. But that gave us the afternoon to tour Ft. McHenry, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the Star Spangled Banner near the end of the war of 1812.
Ft. McHenry looks very much like Ft. Macon in Atlantic Beach, NC. We took the water taxi there and on the way home got off at Fell’s Point, home of Bertha’s Mussles, for a cold beer before walking back to the boat. Baltimore is doing a terrific job of updating the waterfront and we loved walking through Fell’s Point and Little Italy.
On Friday we went to the Aquarium. It is fabulous. The last time we were there was when Rick and I were dating 18 years ago! It has grown about twice in size since then. Robin was generous enough to take me to a wine store and grocery store that day. That was a huge help. We had a delicious dinner in Little Italy with Robin and her husband John that night.
On Saturday we walked down to the Inner Harbor and lucked upon dragon boat races being held there (but forgot to bring our camera). We were also able to visit with my nephew, Jamie, and his girlfriend, Carrie. It was great catching up with them. Then we were invited to Robin and John’s house for a barbecue that night. We got a great tour of their large, stately home, built in 1931 ... complete with now dysfunctional buzzers for the wait staff. Robin is still one of the best cooks I know!! The whole weekend just couldn’t have been more fun.
More pictures in Part II.
