Rockin' and Rollin' in Annapolis

Yesterday we arrived at our much anticipated destination of Annapolis.  We had an uneventful day.  The wind shifted to the South, so for the first time in days we were running with it, which is SO much more pleasant.  Evan and I read in the boys' cabin.  No pictures today, since I'm getting an error message from blogger.  Sigh.

Our arrival was a bit more exciting than I like.  The winds were around 20 knots, and for those of you with boats - that is not an exaggeration.   We motored into the harbor, past mooring balls, to the tiny channel along the city docks.  We had such a small space to turn and back into our slip.  If Ryan missed there would be no chance to do it again because there was no space to pull out and start over.  I was on the bow with Zachary, getting lines ready.  Oh, there was no one to toss lines to, so we were on our own.  Did I mention the 20 knot cross wind?  There is also a bar/restaurant directly across from us, packed with people just staring.  Nothing like an audience.  The pilings were so close together as well.  So Ryan found the slip, turned the boat, and backed her in like the pro he is.  We got the lines tied and the ever-more-important fenders placed.  It was literally a threading of the metaphorical needle, with a 46 foot boat.  I'll post pictures tomorrow.  We could hear the conversations at Pussers, the restaurant/bar just off our bow now.  They were impressed.  So was I.  Even the Water Taxi captain walked down the dock to say "nice job, captain."

The afternoon was spent strolling around main street.  We had our requisite visit to Black Dog to get new t-shirts.  I got a sweatshirt and skirt that were both warm and comfy.  The temps are a little cool in the evening with all this wind. 

Ryan rented us a car, so while he put the kids to bed I went to stock up on groceries.  I found a Whole Foods.  I walked in there and felt such bliss.   The patrons there look so healthy, as if they've recently exercised.  It's rather weird, I know, that a grocery store evokes such bliss.  I was amazed at all the gluten free options.  I found my tahini, my almond milk, almond butter, and the produce I needed.   I also found  sunscreen without oxybenzone.   At the checkout counter, I got a serious case of sticker shock when I realized how much all this bliss was costing me.  

Today we are driving the rental car to Washington, D.C. to take the kids to the museums and see the sights.  I'm not sure they'll love it as much as the children's museum in Portsmouth, but either way it'll be an adventure.  I hope.