Another Great Boating City – Baltimore

August 28 – Sept 3, 2012

We arrived in Baltimore with Bon Voyage thinking we would both anchor in the harbor.  The anchorage area was a very limited space and the boat traffic was heavy and fast.  Next option:  call the city marina.  Yes, they have space for both of us on the same dock.  We are in the heart of the city… only steps from restaurants, shops and the race track that was installed for Labor Day week-end.  As the sun set and the lights came on we loved our view even more.  Besides the neon we enjoyed a full moon every night. 

This lightship was used in place of a light house to
guide ships at the entrance of the Chesapeake
Bay.  Twice she was caught in hurricanes that blew
 so hard the anchor chain broke.  A 2nd anchor had
to be dropped and the engine run full speed into the
wind to try to remain on station.
 

On Wednesday everyone (except me) voted to tour the four historical ships that are in the harbor.  But, you know me, always the good sport!  Off we go to look at four ships:  the US Sloop-of-War Constellation,  US Submarine Torsk, US Coast Guard Cutter Taney and Lightship Chesapeake.  They were very interesting, but four in one day was a bit much.  Oh, did I forget to mention, we had a fabulous lunch at Miss Shirley’s halfway through the tour.  That evening we got together for hors d’oeuvres and a pan of birthday brownies for Jon on the back deck.  This was a good way to complete the day and say bon voyage to Jon and Bonnie for a few weeks. 

Taney was attached to a Destroyer Division and was
in action December 7, 1941 when the Japanese
attacked Pearl Harbor.  It is known as "The Last
Survivor of Pearl Harbor". 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Constellation was commissioned in 1855.  Her 2nd
cruise was to the west coast of Africa to intercept
vessels engaged in the illegal slave trade.  The US
African Squadron captured 14 slave ships and
rescued almost 4000 people between 1859 and 1861.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Torsk was the last American naval vessel to sink
an enemy warship in WW II. 

 

Picturesque Fells Point in the background.

Trash pick-up boat travels through the bays

scooping up debris and limbs.

Brian and I had heard that Fells Point was one of the ‘don’t miss’ locations in Baltimore.  This city has four free bus lines that travel throughout Baltimore.  It can get visitors to most locations or at least close.  The only problem is -- this week most of the routes are altered because of the race track.  A typical side trip for us – a lot more walking than anticipated. 

                                                                                        

Preparing in the paddock

  

Ok, now the real reason we were in Baltimore this week-end.  The Baltimore Grand Prix, three days of racing on the streets of the downtown Inner Harbor.  Porsche won its class on Saturday  –YEA!!!  The Indy Car race suffered from light rain and numerous cautions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The trucks that bring in the Indy Cars.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camden Yards baseball stadium in the middle of
the race track.

Race Time!

 

 

 

 

 

Another ‘must see’ in Baltimore is Faidley’s Seafood in the Lexington Market.  We enjoyed their oysters on the half shell, fried clam strips and jumbo crab cakes between race sessions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two other Krogen couples have been in Baltimore for extended visits.  We got together with them for some of the race:  John and Paulette on a 58 foot and Seth and Judy on a 48 foot.  Seth is wheelchair bound.  We had been on their boat 15 years ago when it belonged to someone else.  It is a fabulous boat with an elevator and power swim platform that allows him access to the entire boat.  Really amazing!  Where there is a will; there is a way…….                               

Leaving the Inner Harbor we saw this vintage
sailing ship.  A great contrast to the Navy's
 current  ships.

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!