Solomons Islands - Annapolis - C and D Canal - Delaware City

Life Imitating Art?

As we headed down the Potomac to Chesapeake Bay it was a most enjoyable trip, perfect weather, full sun and very light winds.  We ended up in the Solomon's Islands.  What a fantastic area, the maritime presence was vividly in view.

Peace and Calm

A Jelly

Solomons Island Maritime Museum

Many marinas in a small area, with sail boats being the dominate boat style.  There is a main street area and there are many bars and restaurants with a cozy feel about the place.  We took Daisy in the dinghy around the major portions of the entry area and it was great fun seeing the various boats.

Art Work on the side of a building

Machinac Island 630?

Blue Willow in her slip
in Annapolis
It was a tight one.

Brass model of the Maryland

Hall of Fame at the Academy

From the olympics

Army - Navy Game balls

'Roger the Dodger'
Heisman Trophy

Notice the images of a
porpoises  and human heads
The porpoise are friends of the sailor
and the heads indicate the Navy
Never forgets their men
who did not make it back

Midshipmen's dorm
"If you didn't  get it from the Navy,
You do not need it"

Midshipmens' Dorm Main atrium 

Chapel.
There are places to worship
for all religions, and a place
for non believers.

  

Each Stained Glass theme
was water oriented.

The candle and empty pew
is for the missing.....
Incase they should show up.

Blue Willow (lower right)
In her slip.

Sail races up the channel

50-60 sailing race boats were
taken out of the water, washed
and put in
storage in about 35 minutes.

We then made our way to Annapolis.  When planning for this trip many months ago, I thought that it would be great to visit here for the Blue Angles flyover at the Midshipmen's graduation.  Well, we arrive at a better time.  When I say arrived, I mean the following.  As we entered the harbor, I noticed many, many boats, and I could not see any markers, none!  Then, as I tried to maneuver into the Annapolis City Marina area, there were temporary markers placed to guide you in.  I was unable to see any markers temporary, or the real markers due to the vast numbers of boats.  I was approached four times by marine officials, and was told where to go (I think they really wanted to tell me to go somewhere else).  As we finally made it to our slip the practicing Blue Angels made their first practice flight.  Noise, chaos and a difficult slip entrance made me anxious, but I made it in, had a beer, and watched the rest of the practice session.  Vicki and I then walked around the area, and steeled in for the night. The next day, we toured the U.S. Naval Academy.  Superb.  We really enjoyed our tour conducted by a guide.  The campus, Athletic facilities, single dorm (for 4,500),  Chapel, and the changing of the guard were all impressive.  I spirit of USA pride enveloped me.  After our tour, Vicki and I went for a bite to eat at the town square.  We then set up chairs (near our boat), had a beer and watched a full performance of the Blue Angles.  I never get tired of seeing them perform.

One Boat going up the Chesapeake 

Blue Willow in Delaware City

Marina lounge area

Walkway at Delaware City

We then moved on to the C and D (Chesapeake and Delaware) Canal. The C and D canel  is located at the top of both the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays.  Originally we wanted to anchor out, but the weather was cold and rainy, so, we made the trek to Delaware City.  This city is only about 1,600 in population.  Not much there, and not much going on in town.  The marina is basically the main attraction.