Saturday, Sept. 28

What a day! The wind is piping up and we are snug on our mooring. A front moved in last night (thankfully without the usual thunder/lightning) cooled the temps and brought and an incredible cloudless sky . We decided to visit the United States Naval Academy located in downtown Annapolis. The history, the traditions, the midshipmen (even though a large % are women), the fitness. We watched as a young woman, with a coach, attempted to jump off a diving board 3 stories high feet first. She didn't make it and if she doesn't before a certain period of time she (and any other midshipman who can't do it) will be asked to leave. The olympic pool where swimmers, in uniform, were asked to swim 1/2 mile and were graded according to speed. Watching 4,400 young men and women line up in their company and march, with band playing the appropriate songs, to lunch. The huge buildings built about 100 years ago inspired by French Baroque style of archecture, the goat and much more. In addition we spent a long time in the museum where there are about 50 boat models that were created in the early 1700's. Bill was in ecstasy, especially when I struck up a conversation with the curator and he gave us a behind the scenes look at the workshop. The day ended with our last ice cream until next Friday (our goal, realistic or not?).
Coming back on board we were greeted by our attack watch dog.