Annapolis

11/5/06

Odds and ends

Today was spent provisioning and fixing. We set up the grill that was given to us by Linda and Deb. I can’t wait to get some fresh fish on it. The mast boot was replaced. The impeller of our raw water pump was replaced. Brad fixed the bilge pump which was clogged. The throttle, which had been slowly decelerating, was tightened. Most the essentials seem to be in running order at the moment thanks in a large part to Jeff who was kind enough to stay after all the fun was done and drive us around on errands. The boat is far from clean though because our dock seems to be a bird sanctuary. There is dung everywhere. On the upside there is a great blue heron that hangs out on our dock (we’re pretty sure he’s not the culprit). What a magnificent bird.

11/4/06

Tug-of-war

The most wholesome Saturday ever. We awoke early in anticipation of a tug-of-war contest we had heard about the previous day. Eastport, the peninsula that we were docked at, lies across a small river from Annapolis. Apparently for the past 9 years there has been an annual tug-of-war contest spanning the river, pitting Eastport vs. Annapolis. A giant rope is strung across the water to teams on either side of the river. The event is reminiscent of a town fair with fried dough venders, beer and live bands. Last year Annapolis swept the five events (men’s, women’s, coed, political, and yacht clubs). This year since we were pulling for Eastport, Eastport swept. We weren’t sure if we would be able to participate since we had seen sign up sheets everywhere but almost upon arrival we were asked to pull in the political event. The contest was between the two candidates for US congress from 3^rd district in Annapolis. We of course got asked to pull for the republican side. I’m not ashamed either because they were better funded. We were given brand new work gloves for the event that work wonders on a live-aboard boat. Two shirts also came with the little muscle we contributed. The atmosphere at the event was electric. This town lived and died with every foot gained or lost by the tuggers. It was quite an experience. The rest of the day was spent hanging out with two friends from Wesleyan that came to visit. Sadly, they missed the event. We went to bed early, exhausted from the night before.

11/3/06

Annapolis ho!

We left Middle River at 8am after a glassy night on the water. The wind was mild and with us for a change. We motor sailed for stretches when the wind dropped below 5 knots. Just prior to entering Annapolis harbor, Hal and Brad saw a Bald Eagle swoop down and snatch a fish out of the water with its talons. I arrived on deck just in time to see the bird flying away, fish in tow. Around 3 we tied up at the Eastport Yacht club docks which were significantly discounted due to reciprocity. Our primary goal on Friday was to secure storm sails. We headed to Bacon and Associates, a used sail store. Little did we know, we would be entering Heaven. Not only did they sell used sails, but everything we could think of used. Unfortunately, after barely enough time to purchase a storm trisail we were tossed at closing time. Too many stones were left unturned at Bacon. We will have to return. Jeff drove down in the late afternoon to spend the weekend with us. What a treat! At night an old friend of mine dragged some of her friends to Annapolis to do some bar hopping with us. Next thing we knew it was 3am, 5 hours later than our normal bed time. Time passed too quickly.