Sublime to the mundane

Hi folks,

I decided against sailing closehauled in winds up to 25 and getting doused with cold water every few seconds. Hence, I remain in Annapolis.

The sublime, you ask? The Maryland Statehouse. What a thing of beauty. It has been in continual use since the revolution, although it did receive a nicely done addition over 100 years ago. It was the Capitol of the United States for a few months in the mid 1780s and in one of the chambers, General George Washington tendered his resignation to the Continental Congress. His letter of resignation is right there, for everyone to see. Truly an inspiring place to be. One thing that is great about a trip like this is touching so many of the places that have figured in our country's history. Like seeing items used by John Paul Jones at the Naval Academy. Or sailing across the mouth of the Potomac the other day, with nary a boat in sight, while imagining the same spot during the Civil War. I could go on, but you get the idea. The East Coast is enveloped in a rich covering of history that manifests itself wherever one turns. And I love it.

The mundane? Later, in the mid afternoon, I headed back to the shadow of the capital, and about 100 yards from the room George Washington addressed Congress, I dumped a load of rancid laundry into a machine and began the process of ratcheting up my standard of living a bit.

Good night, all

Charlie