More of our week in Inner Harbor Baltimore

During our time here I got to accomplish one item on my list of things to do has been the Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore.  When we kept our boat here I didn’t get to go because they were not open on weekends.  I got my chance and enjoyed the time thoroughly.  Dave enjoyed it as well.  What a marvelous job they have done with the exhibits!  Even if you are not in the profession you would enjoy time there.

Baltimore has expanded their walk to extend the horseshoe of the harbor.  Parks are beautiful and the two free bus lines allow tourist to move through the city without moving their cars. We did bike to Fells Point to our favorite spots, the Blue Moon and Jimmy’s and Bertha's.     

Little Italy did not disappoint either.  We actually found a new place that served faccoca.  Faccoca is a different pizza crust.  Jo Benny's opened three months ago and they treated us very well; a huge meatball and a cream puff desert on the house.  The screen for the outdoor movie is being redone for this season.  The owner of the apartment from where the projection is done passed away but they have it all in place.

Our slip was along the wall and it was so interesting to watch the people.  Saturday morning on the walkway in front of the Under Armor store there was a yoga class.

 July 4^th was a busy place at the marina although the Arthur and the cold front produced some nasty conditions on the Bay preventing some boaters from arriving for the fireworks.  No problems here with the floating docks but we understand that the tide was extremely low.  We went in to the harbor for some of the entertainment.  The highlight of the day was the arrival of Brad and family for the fireworks.  We had not seen the grandchildren since Christmas.   My how they have grown, especially Owen!  Owen, the climber, was difficult to keep safe and at one point he made a plunge for the dock.  The fireworks was not the best we have seen, it did bring out the air horn and whistle competition in the marina.  The crew left after the on shore crowd dispersed and a tired set of grandparents need a good night’s sleep to prepare for the next day with them.

The cold front brought cooler weather and 55 and 61 degrees overnight were welcome with high 70s and mid 80s during the day.  The family arrived around noon and we went out for a harbor cruise.  The older children were fascinated by the submarine, Coast Guard vessel,  the Liberty Ship the John Brown, and Pride II of Baltimore; oh yes the pirate ship.  On out to the Francis Scott Key Bridge which the children have crossed many times and the buoy marking where the Star Spangled Banner was written.  We motored on to White Rocks and into  Rock Creek looking for our former boat, Blue Chip.  Anchoring for lunch was not a good Idea, the rollers were dangerous but we managed to get lunch.  On our way back we did the perimeter of Fort McHenry and Alyse and Nathan got a chance to steer the boat.  Owen slept in my arms all the way back.  A sweaty experience but a treasured time for me.  When we returned I took the three children to Pierce Park for an enery release.  Dave and Brad talked business and Tina chilled.  

Brad picked up a roasted chicken for dinner and Tina made two delicious salads.  We found a picnic table on the dock so we could spread out.  As usual the children were not hungry.

Back at the boat Dave was filling the water tank and Nathan was on the dock with him.  Nathan stepped backward and went down and under the water.  Dave will never forget seeing him down there in the water.  Nathan is proud that he can swim and tread water.  The first thing he said as we stripped him down was, “ I should have had my life jacket on.”  Lesson learned!  Alyse saw him and yelled, “Man overboard!”  Brad took him for a shower and they all went home to their Grandparent’s Shiplet in Pasadena.  A DAY TO REMEMBER!  So blessed it all turned out well.

On Sunday we bike into Canton down by the Water front and up around the square.  Years ago if you mentioned that I would bike in this town I would have just laughed at you.   We found a place for lunch, sat down with Bloody Mary’s and ordered when Dave realized he had no wallet with him.   The owner of the Speakeasy on O’Donnell Street said no problem, eat and go get your wallet.  Food was great and Dave biked back while I waited at our outdoor table.

In preparation for starting our trip home I did the laundry and had a nice shower.  While waiting for the laundry we were treated to a show of the marvelous sculpture and glaze work that Capt. Bill Flohr.  We were in AWE.  Never judge a book by its cover.

It is Monday and we are starting South and on the homeward bound leg of the trip.  The weather has turned hot again.  By lunchtime will be in Bodkin Creek  and tying up at the Shiplet’s pier for the night.  (Tina’s parents)  Tuesday on to Solomon’s and Wednesday at the dock of the famous hosts in Reedville, VA. The Keith’s.  I think their roster should read the days they did not have guests…..  Conditions on the Bay are looking favorable for us.