Bay Ridge
Alicia lives within walking distance of Bay Ridge, which is a beautiful neighborhood on the water. I couldn't stay away from here - walking, running, riding a bike - it was such a nice place to be. Alicia also said she loved telling her son Billy there was a secret trail, which I eventually found between the street and the beach. When you're on it, you're hidden from the road, but above the beautiful beach. Awesome place.
Billy Goat Trail
Alicia and I drove to go on the Billy Goat Trail, which is right on the Potomac. It has a great name, because you are really hopping on rocks for a long time! It was gorgeous, plus you had a spot where you had to climb up a steep part, plus you're balancing on rocks above a river, and I like hikes where you really could plunge to your death if you trip. They had all the regular 'you need water, this is a hard hike' signs that you can pretty much ignore unless you're in poor health. Super fun hike!
Annapolis by the water
Of course, it's on the water. We walked all along the water, got Alicia's son Billy ice cream, and had a wonderful time looking at the boats and all the people. One thing I love about Maryland is everyone's commitment to their state flag. No state has more of a connection to their flag, I'd argue. It is everywhere, it is easily identifiable, and I love it. It's flying from boats, it's on their logos, it's on babies' onesies. Everywhere.
Also I learned a word from Alicia. Burgee. It's a 'distinguishing flag of a recreational boating organization, most often in the shape of a pennant.' Please note, Alicia made fun of me when I called it a pennant. It just doesn't come up in my non-boating world!
Annapolis downtown
Alicia and I went to Forward Brewery and walked to the state capitol building. There were lots of people out in the lively downtown. (Last time I visited here we also visited the U.S. Naval Academy grounds. We also went to St Michaels, another nice seaside town!) We then did something I've never done before ...
Paddleboard yoga
So, I didn't like yoga until last year. Now I love it, and the chance to do it on a paddleboard? Why not?!
We went through Capital SUP. We walked to the dock and they gave us our weight, which was a Tide detergent container filled with sand. I plopped it on my paddleboard and we headed out to the middle of the water, where there were other classmates, our teacher, and a guitarist with an amp floating on a stage.
Right? Just my normal everyday yoga class.
I threw my weight over the side, and as the class started, I started drifting farther and farther away. My weight apparently wasn't heavy enough, or wasn't hitting the sand. A couple of other people had the same thing happen to them. The instructor told me I should head for a shallower spot, so I went closer to shore and had no problem.
The sun was setting, the music was beautiful, and it was all so wonderful and fun. The yoga instructor did some more difficult poses, like a headstand, and when people fell in, we would all laugh and good naturedly cheer.
All the elements - the sky, the music, the water - came together to make it a magical atmosphere. The people were all chatty and friendly too. Lovely time.
Alicia and I met her husband Bobby for dinner at the Annapolis Yacht Club that night. I also got to spend some quality time with her son Billy, who told me I was his best friend, probably because I have a lot of experience hanging out with little boys who love superheroes and wrestling.
If you have the chance to go to Annapolis, it's a beautiful spot. If you want to fit in, just wear anything with the Maryland flag - and use the term burgee correctly.
