So we were sailing across the Bay to one of our favourite anchorages on the Magothy River but the wind wasn't quite right to make it in one tack when Donna said "why don't we go to Baltimore instead? That was a good suggestion and we had a few very interesting days which underscores why it is important to just go for it sometimes.  While we prefer out of the way quiet anchorages, Baltimore proved to be entertaining and educational and we gained a greater appreciation for American history and how it relates to our own history as our two countries were just forming. We will not forget the scene as we were dropping anchor while all the people in period costume on the famous sailing vessel, The Pride of Baltimore,were holding their hands over their ears. The stern of the vessel was no more than 50 feet from us when a volley of cannon fire ripped and echoed through the skyline of Baltimore followed immediately by acrid smoke which stung our eyes and noses. Wow, what a welcome! Then next morning we were asked to move over a bit because we were right in the middle of the dragon boat race course which was to be used by 8 a.m.sharp. We  had the best seats in the house! The pictures will explain the rest.Well, almost.....we did have our alternator fail so that we couldn't charge our batteries-  a bit stressful but hey it's a sail boat and all is well again. We now are awaiting our next visitors at the end of September, Laura and Barb, Donna's long-time friends and then we will point the bow south and begin cruising for real.

Donna and Walter 

 

Dinner at anchor  in Baltimore's inner  harbour

Just as we were anchoring the Pride of Baltimore clipper  unloads a cannon volley  and we were  wondering if  this was  because we defeated them at The Battle of Queenston Heights....na!

The rakish Pride of Baltimore with the Baltimore skyline in the  background

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The Fearless, an urban pirate vessel complete with water cannons, Arrrr...

The USS Constellation,(circa 1870) the last true sailing vessel of the US navy

Windspell amongst dragon boat races, in front of the Baltimore aquarium, and the  US  second world war diesel electric submarine, Torsk.

Notice the dragon peddle boats in the background. This is not staged!

Firing the cannons that held off the British fleet at Fort McHenry, which led to American independence in their war of 1812. This is were Frances Scott Key was inspired to write the poem which formed the lyrics to the national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner.

A modern marine in period marine uniform

Helping change the Star Spangled Banner to a smaller one so that the  flag pole  won't break as the wind pipes up at Fort McHenry .

Sprinting to the finish

US Marines delivering a musket volley. Well trained troops could  fire three times per minute.

Baltimore inner harbour at dusk