June 12, 2007 Full day in Annapolis

Today started with a diver coming in to check the props and the shaft. We had a screw loose (most of you already know that) that had not been tightened down as it should have been when we had work done on the props before we left.
After he left we went to the Naval Academy and took a tour of the campus. It is quite a place with all the architecture and certainly not a place you get into easily. They have 12,000 men and women apply a year. They have to be recommended by a Senator or Congressman, have a parent who was killed in action, etc. etc. Not easy to get that far. Then they are cut to 1,200. Last year of those 1,200 only 1,025 graduated. The first two years are free, but if they continue into the third year they must repay all the money that has been invested to that point unless they sign up for a five year commitment.
Pictures are once again being stubborn and not showing up. When and if we ever get them in we will put them on for you.
The church is the chapel on the campus and is beautiful. John Paul Jones is buried in a crypt in the basement of the church and is guarded daily by navy cadets in two hour shifts all day.
After we left the Naval Academy we took a trolley tour. It was mostly about the homes in the area, but it was very interesting.
I also took some pictures at the party at the Yacht Club tonight. Would love to share them, but maybe later.
Dinner was wonderful!!! We managed to get to the Clubhouse just as a storm hit. Didn't last long, but pretty full of thunder, lightning, wind and rain.
Our hosts here in Annapolis have been Ann and Don Tate and they have done a great job. Seems we have some pretty organized people in Gulf Harbour Yacht Club. Everything has gone very smoothly and done very well.
Back to the boat shortly after dinner to let our dinner settle some before bed.
Looking forward to St. Michael's tomorrow. This has been a wonderful week so far and we look forward to our next few days.