This past weekend was rather gloomy and sticky in Chestertown, Maryland but the town was "hopping." There were a lot of activities planned - namely the reenactment of the War of 1812: Battle of Caulk's Field! Yeah... Woo-hee! :) I was there alone this weekend - as the parents were and are on Lake Michigan.
The "Pride of Baltimore II" was in Chestertown, Maryland to be part of the "goings on."
It was a "privateer" circa the War of 1812. This ship has been a hard luck case. On May 14, 1986, returning from the Caribbean, a microburst squall, 250 miles north of Puerto Rico struck the Pride. Winds of 80 knots hit the vessel, capsizing and sinking her. Her captain and three crew were lost; the remaining eight crewmembers floated in a partially inflated life-raft for four days and seven hours with little food or water until the Norwegian tanker Toro came upon them and rescued them.
The ship in the photograph is the second "Pride." On September 5, 2005, the "Pride of Baltimore II" suffered a complete dismasting while sailing in a squall in the Bay of Biscay off the coast of France. The ship returned to port under motor power for repairs.
There were "public sailings" on the ship and it sailed past the houseboat several times but I didn't go on any of them.
A view of the mast and rigging.
The town was festooned with 15 star flags from 1812. Note the stars.
In Fountain Park, I found a crafter's display of carved wooden fishes. This is a "Dolphin" or "Mahi Mahi." I didn't bring this home. I wouldn't know where to put it.
Motoring past the wharf is the Anne D., an Echo Hill Outdoor School buy boat.
I took a boat ride in my dad's boat with a fellow "Wharf Rat" to see the Pride of Baltimore II from the water. The Schooner Sultana is in the distance on the right. It is about half the size of the Pride.
Of course, it wasn't all boat riding and sightseeing! I took a couple long walks up the hill from the wharf and visited with my friend Huckleberry. He's not been around for several weeks and I was beginning to worry about him. We enjoyed a pleasant belly and ear-rubbing (for him) reunion.
The sky that evening made me think of several friends - and since I was at the wharf alone - I kind of got lonesome.
The next day I went into town, mostly just to see some people, and caught this young woman tossing some coins into the fountain at the park. The family had a large dog that they tried to have pose in front of the fountain for photographs, but he wasn't having any of that! They finally got a "sort of good one" when someone else took a snap with the whole family at the fountain (see Flickr if you want)
My car turned 150,000 miles on the way back to the houseboat. It is getting old.
While I was at the wharf, the one-legged lady sent me a cellphone photo of Barley - and labeled it, "My Copilot." He's so cute. :)
15 comments:
What a nice outing. The wood carvings are awesome! Wish I had a talent for that.
The pooches you encounter always make me smile. They know a true friend when they find one.
Ships have certainly changed. The old ones had a lot more style to them, but didn't fare as well in the long run. Love the sky pic, of course, and your two furry friends. Sounds like a very nice weekend with decent, if sticky, weather. ;)
I'm sorry you were feeling a bit lonely, but it looks like it was an otherwise enjoyable weekend.
Lovely outing, thanks so much for sharing it with us! I'm sorry you were feeling lonesome though :(
Nice end of summer weekend, Iggy! It would have been fun to see some of the sites that you shared with us. I would have liked to look at the carvings, but like you not purchase any, not sure where they would go. Maybe time to start thinking of car shopping?
betty
Sounds like an enjoyable weekend, too bad you were there by yourself. What a pretty sunset!
I KNOW THIS FOR A FACT. If I ever intend to come and visit you, I will have to do it towards the end or the beginning of summer. Because I know a good peaceful time will be had. Hiking and boat riding and visiting pawsome four (or three) leggers. Glad you had a nice weekend!
How lucky are you to see some tall ships! The history in your area is just awesome! Those are some great carvings...but I wouldn't know where to put one either! I think your camera lens needs cleaning...I am seeing a smudge on some photos. 150,000 miles...you better go car shopping! :)
Your long weekend was better than mine, we did absolutely nothing!
I love your treks, history and pictures..
Great photos of a lovely weekend!
Thanks for sharing ...
Great shots of the "Pride of Baltimore II" clipper ship. Just think of what it takes to sail one of those ships.
The wood carvings are awesome. Would love to see them up close and personal. I'm amazed at what some people can do with a chainsaw and wood. There is a guy who goes to the Troy Fair each year and carves some very amazing things out of wood.
I love seeing your world thru your camera lens. I see so much that I would never see if you didn't share your pictures. Thanks for taking the time to send them my way once in awhile. I do appreciate it. They always brighten my day. :)
I hope you had a good weekend this weekend. *hugs*
What a terrific trip! I don't know a lot about ships and boats but you certainly do! My son Jeremy loves history. I will have to let him read this post. Those wood carvings are so cool. I would love to have a crafty talent. I love those furry friends you found along the way! I always appreciate your kind words at my blog. I am pokey getting around lately. But my heart is always with my blogging friends here. Have a great week!
Oh, hold out for 200,000. You can make it! ;)
Gorgeous photos!!! I do so miss the ocean and the east coast in general! Our truck is from 2005 and we have about 80,000 miles on it. It's paid off so we are trying to make it last as long as possible!
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