As much as the pedestrian traffic grew, so did the water traffic on Ego Alley. Everything from kayaks to cruisers to go fasts. Fortunately for us we were somewhat blocked by the water taxis which loaded right behind us. Unfortunately for one trawler operator trying to back into a slip he hit the throttles instead of the shifter and knocked a piling into the side of the boat next to him causing one of the passengers to get medical attention. It's a wonder that more mishaps don't occur because of the narrowness of the alley.
Another advantage of our location was getting to see everyone get off the water taxi. While we were sitting on the back of the boat people watching I heard a call come into the Taxi requesting a pick-up of 4 people from the yacht Sophie which was anchored in the harbor.
The yacht, a Trumpy, is owned by Greta Van Sustrand and her husband and despite my pleas to Pam to leave her alone a picture was taken shortly after they got off the taxi.
The week-end started the graduation festivities for the Naval Academy and Saturday night was the ring dance. On our tour Pam asked if any of the Midshipmen ever failed to get a date for the dance. Our guide assured her that that didn't happen. From the number of young women walking around I would say that most could of had two dates if they wanted. All in all it was a quite impressive site watching the Midshipmen in their dress whites and their dates walk by in all their finery.
Sunday 5/22/11 In an effort to get out of Dodge before the natives got restless we pulled out of Ego Alley at 6:15 am and headed to Baltimore.
We arrived at the Baltimore City Docks at 9:45am and got settled in. At $1.50 a foot quite a bargain considering it's location right in the heart of Baltimore's Inner Harbor area. Plenty of Tourist attractions as well as eating establishments and only 3 blocks from Camden Yard, the home of the Baltimore Orioles pro baseball team.
Following a nap we prepared for guests. That's right. For the 2nd time since we left Florida we are going to be visited by Kurt & Tina. I think they're stalking us!
Other than their arrival the highlight of the day was watching the trash boat collecting the floating trash in the harbor.
Our guests showed up late in the afternoon after driving up from D.C. Of course Pam was ready with snacks. Kurt & Tina are new grandparents and it wasn't long before the two grandma's were showing each other their baby pictures.
Monday 5/23/11 Following morning coffee we set off strolling around the Inner Harbor area. We walked past the USS Constellation. The lightship Chesapeake. And the WWII submarine Torsk.
We continued on to Little Italy and found an Irish Pub. After begging them to open we found ourselves inside having Bloody Mary's.
Our next stop was a couple blocks away for lunch in an Italian restaurant which was very good and filling. Good thing we are walking!
After a few more stops it was time to head back to Tourist so the visitors could gather their things and head back to D.C. to fly home.
With daylight left to burn Pam & I decided to walk back and tour the Constellation.
They wouldn't let Pam climb up to the crows nest.
Low headroom!
We made it back to Tourist in time to have dinner before settling in to watch D.W.T.S.
I was extremely pleased to find this blog. I wanted to thank you for this good knowledge and I definitely enjoying every single small bit of it and I am looking forward to check out new stuff you post.
ReplyDeleteAnnapolis Taxi Service