Friday, April 20

"Ego Alley"

America's Sailing Capital

Annapolis, MD

America's Sailing Capital has more 18th-century structures than any other town in America.  It is a great place to wander around and take in all the history.  We toured the U.S. Naval Academy and watched the noon formation of the Brigade of Midshipmen.  This ceremonial tradition started in wartime when all the soldiers would form up to be accounted for.  Today, the cadets are divided into brigades (competing in the areas of academics, physical fitness and skills training each vying for top honors).  With "Anchors Away" and "The Halls of Montezuma" playing they march into Bancroft Hall for the mid day meal.  It was quite moving to see all these fine young people - indeed our country should be proud of them.  Wish we could say the same thing for our politicians in D.C.
We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at O'Leary's,  home to the BEST crab cakes you can imagine.  We had the crab cakes there 11 years ago when we picked up our first boat.  We were concerned that it had not survived Hurricanes Isabelle (2003) and Irene (2011).  It had and happily some great things stay that way.

Brigade of Midshipmen

White Label is in a slip at City Dock.  It is located along "Ego Alley", a thin slice of water where boaters come to parade their craft.  It is considered great sport to steam up the narrow channel and then make a U-turn before heading back to Spa Creek.