Upper Cheese: Baltimore!!!

09/10-12/2012  =>  Baltimore, MD   Inner Harbor!!!
Both of us were super excited to get to Baltimore!  We left Worton Creek pretty early (that no sleep thing helps when you have to get up before sunrise) to clear and windy skies!  I was so chilled that I broke out the sweatpants, sweatshirt, and ear muff!  Really couldn't complain though, as it was beautiful weather for sailing!  Unfortunately, we noticed a tear in the sail (along the boon, from about 3' in to the back end) and down went the sails...thankfully, we were already in the Patapascpo River, so wasn't too bad of a motor!

Captain Mike enjoying the "fall" weather

We have been to "Charm City" briefly (my Evans' family is from around here) but never to actually stay and enjoy the city!  We heard there was cheap and awesome dockage from the City right inside the Inner Harbor, but it was first come, first serve...and a bit exposed to all the passer-bys on the waterfront walkway...we decided to chance it anyways, and whoa!  Did we get an awesome spot!!!

We pulled into the dock a little after 12:30, had lunch, contacted my cousin Brian (who lives there) and were off!  We didn't go very far before seeing a huge crowd at the main entry to the Inner Harbor off of Pratt Street...apparently the city was celebrating its Olympic reps...including Michael Phelps...we got to see him fairly upclose (seriously, the TV doesnt add any looks to him...but his body...sigh...Mike get back into swimming please :))
Our view, and really where we are docked, is unbeatable!  We kept thinking the dockmaster would come over and make us move!!!  but he didnt (took our 1.25 a foot with a smile actually).  AND I found the Starbucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  this is much needed, as we ran out of instant (yuck!) coffee 3 days ago, and I need my caffeine!!!!!!!!!!!  and Free WiFi ...and power outlets..ha! As we never got to have my birthday drink out, we headed to Phillips Seafood on the Inner Harbor, and finally I got my celebratory Bloody Mary...complete with Bay Seasoning Rim, Shrimp, cheese, olives, and pepperoni as a topper!  Super Yummy!..though my mouth was on FIRE afterwards :)

09/11/2012:  Exploring Charm City
Our only plans for this day were to:   run the inner harbor walkway (me only, of course), explore Baltimore (via Charm City Circulator (free bus system!!)) and meet up with my cousin Brian and his fiance Kristen for dinner...
Baltimore is an interesting city...on the small side (compared to NYC) but really nice!  I am sure since we didn't feel like going the way of the Wire, there are areas of ill repute, but alas we didn't run into any!  We took the Charm City Ciruclator up to the Mount Vernon Area of the City, and walked back to the dock from there.  Was really nice to get out and stretch our legs, get into any city again!  we had lunch back on the boat (cheap that we are!).  I went to window shop while Mike explored the US Coastguard active duty ship...ha.
We met up with my cousin Brian and Kristen...who came to see our new place too!  They took us to a local outdoor crab place...and man, was it freaking awesome!!!  Crabs were super tasty, but so was this crabby pretzel with (with cheese!!) and steamed shrimp with potatoes/onions (more seasoning!)
Both of us really enjoyed spending time with my cousins!!! Thanks so much guys!!!

We are set to leave mid morning tomorrow for Gibbons Island (between Baltimore and Annapolis), as we have time to kill before meeting the Cinkewicz's in Annapolis...and if Gibbons Island sounds familiar, its where Wedding Crashers was set..