More Sailabration!

Indonesian Tall Ship

 Well today was second day of  Sailabration for me. The DH (Darling Husband) wanted to see the Tall Ships so we headed out early for the Baltimore Harbor. I didn't have too much trouble finding parking thankfully.

Indonesia notice the carved wood on mast.

We walked to the Harbor and jumped right on the Indonesian tall ship. It was beautiful lots of carved wood. The crew was very friendly.

Ecuador

Then it was over to the Tall Ship from Ecuador. It was also very beautiful. I had to chuckle, they had a jolly roger flag and also a skull painted on one of their mask. When we got on it, there was music playing...latin salsa! People were dancing around. It was fun watching them.

USS Monsoon

The Tall Ship lines were getting really long so we high tailed it over to the Gray Hull ships.We were one of the first groups to get on the USS Moonson (coastal cruiser). The young man who did our tour was noticeably nervous but he did a great job and was very thorough. It was small but powerful little ship.

Some fancy gun...I forget what it was called

There was a little boy with our group and he was so smart. He was asking very pointed we thought out questions about the engines and also weapons. I wonder how he knew all that? He was only about 10 or so.

Bounty

Well as if I hadn't had enough of harbors and ships, in the evening I was off to Annapolis to meet a friend for coffee at the Harbor. And what did we run into? 

You guessed it another Tall Ship. This one was the Bounty ...built in the 60's for the movie Mutiny and the Bounty with Marlon Brando. It was closed so we couldn't get on it but it was cool to see it.

Sunset behind the State House in Annapolis

So what a fun day...not planned it just all happened. I love spontaneity.

It's a Sailabration

Mexico

 

The Fire Boat...welcoming the ships

     Today was a special day in our area. I live in Maryland not far from Ft. McHenry the home of the Star Spangled Banner. This week marks the 200 year anniversary of the War of 1812.  Today 40 tall ships and navy war ships sailed down the bay and into the Baltimore Harbor past the Fort. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful sight and I am blessed to have been able to witness it with my friend Charmaine and her sister Dee.  The ships slowed down at the Fort and shot blanks off at the Fort and then the Fort in return fired back.

       There were lots of people all along the shore, some on blankets, some in chairs and some like us sitting in the grass.There were lots of kids there too. I wish my son had my grandson this week. He would have loved this. 

As each ship passed by those on the shore would wave and clap.  The sailors would respond with waves.  Some of the ships, like the Mexican tall ship played music which you could hear along the shores.

    Park Rangers were all over the place pointing out the ships and which countries they hailed from. 

         The weather was perfect, low humidity, warm temperatures and a wonderful breeze off the water.  Everyone it seemed had a camera. But the guy on the right had the Big Daddy of Cameras! LOL. I couldn't resist sneaking a photo of him.

  There was so much to see on the land and in the water.  We even saw a rare sight. Off the bulkhead I spotted a sea ray going all over the place, fins rising up from the choppy water as if to say welcome, we are glad you can come celebrate with us.  The ships will be here until Tuesday. There are lots of things going on in the Harbor. Including concerts, the Blue Angels, ship tours, you name it. I hope I'm able to fit more.

It's days like this that I'm thankful that I was born in Maryland.