What a whirlwind 48 hours it’s been! On Wednesday we bought phrase that David’s Thursday case cancelled so with Mema’s assist with the women and a spontaneous angle, we determined to move north to one among our favourite occasions, The Annapolis Sailboat Present. Very long time readers will know we’ve been very often to the boat present, starting in 2012 with child Hailey strapped to my chest. Good gracious, time flies y’all.
We bought lunch in Winston Salem at a wonderful little spot known as Younger Cardinal. Then we stopped by a RV dealership to rapidly take a look at some fifth wheels with bunks. We aren’t significantly purchasing however since we had been shut by, thought it might be enjoyable to see what they’re like.
From there we completed the trek via Virginia and previous DC to get to the cutest little city in all of the land, Annapolis, Maryland. From our home, it’s simply over 7 hours, however since we hardly ever get away simply the 2 of us, it felt like a day date.
We determined to splurge once I discovered the Waterfront Marriott had an obtainable room. We’ve at all times wished to remain there, because the it’s actually on the entrance to the present and is walkable to every little thing in Annapolis. We checked in, dropped our luggage, then went to wander the streets seeking dinner.
The city was full, however not slammed how we anticipated, so we loved poking out and in of some spots that appeared good whereas making an attempt to determine. In the end we determined to attempt a brand new spot proper close to the docks that simply opened up known as The Choptank. It was bustling however we had been in a position to rating just a little desk on the higher deck. It was just a little chilly when the wind blew, however it simply felt thrilling to be there.
And the meals? You guys I fell IN LOVE with this restaurant! It was fabulous. We shared oysters, tried the gumbo and the clam chowder, then every had our personal predominant dishes. We devoured all of it whereas overlooking the boats, chatting about goals, and taking within the environment, which was buzzing with good power. We chatted hearth with some people we met after dinner and it was simply such a enjoyable solution to finish the night, listening to about others’ adventures and goals.
We slept exhausting that night time and woke as much as a really wet Annapolis. It couldn’t dampen our pleasure although. We bought dressed, donned our rain gear (which for me was Hailey’s raincoat I snagged final minute), and walked to the Iron Rooster, a breakfast spot on the town.
We took our time with breakfast earlier than heading to the present round 10:30. With the rain, we began off principally within the tents, however slowly the rain started to dissipate and we made our solution to the docks. We headed straight for the catamarans, which regardless of the brand new fashions, felt like saying hello to an outdated buddy.
We poked out and in of the Lagoons, the Fountaine Pajots, the Antares, and others. We caught up with acquainted faces, together with Mark from S/V Subject Journey, at the moment anchored in Malaysia. Listening to tales from adventurers is so inspiring. We stopped by Outremer to see Crusing La Vagabonde’s boat.
By 1:00 we had been prepared for some lunch so we grabbed turkey sandwiches and a Ache Killer (when in Rome…) from a stand, then determined we wanted extra oysters, so stopped again by The Choptank. We ate oysters and chatted with new boat house owners and a few faculty youngsters earlier than making our manner again to the docks.
We spent the afternoon catching up with our pals at The Moorings (bear in mind after we took the youngsters crusing within the BVIs? It’s nonetheless their favourite journey!), testing the brand new Leopard boats, and appreciating the sunshine that lastly began to peek via, rainbow and all!
One other enjoyable spotlight of the afternoon was visiting the Youtube Crusing Channels sales space, the place we bought to satisfy and greet with Brian, Karin, and Brady from SV Delos. We watched Delos’ adventures starting manner again when Josje was a part of the crew and have checked in on them ever since. It’s been enjoyable to observe their journey and assembly them in particular person was nice, as all of them had been as real and pleasant as they seem on their movies.
We didn’t waste an oz of daylight, and continued to stroll the docks, bounce on and off boats, and once they lastly kicked us out, we ended up again at The Choptank. We now have to attempt among the different new spots subsequent time, however the comfort and caliber of this place was so good, we couldn’t resist capping off our journey with some pan seared rock fish, wedge salad, chili roasted oysters, and a few enjoyable banter with the bartender.
We had been up and out early Friday morning, making the 7 hour trek again dwelling in time to hug Mema with an enormous thanks, change garments, and head to Hailey’s soccer recreation. It was fast and loopy, however I’m glad we made it occur. It’s enjoyable to be dreaming once more.
