Angels in Annapolis

Ordinarily one wouldn't consider an air show -- no matter how spectacularly choreographed -- a sports event.  But an afternoon enthralled by the acrobatics overhead was also a timely reminder of a valuable venue that contributes so much to Maryland sports and recreation -- the Chesapeake Bay and the rivers and creeks that feed it.

The annual visit by the Blue Angels is one of those events that people who live along the Severn plan picnics and parties around. But anyone with a seaworthy vessel usually has standing arrangements to raft with friends, bond with family, or charter party.  I was fortunate enough to be on the guest list for the latter.

Although I lived along the Severn for many years (and fell into category number 1) it's been a long time since I've experienced the show from the water.  It was an excellent vantage point to see just how many types of crafts call the Chesapeake home (or work.)

I recognized a number of the sailboats as regulars in the Wednesday Night Races and other regattas held regularly in Annapolis.  Surprisingly, there were several deadrises -- the old wooden workboats used by watermen who have fished and crabbed the bay for generations.  Of course, every available party and tour charter was booked months in advance, and they muscled their way to mouth of the Severn for a more panoramic view.

There were also flotillas of kayaks and canoes threading among the anchored boats and rafting parties.  Adventure and outdoor sports are big in Maryland, and there are a number of small businesses around the state (including Annapolis) where small crafts can be rented.  I wouldn't have guessed that party-hopping was the original purpose, but on a day like this -- that was the boat to have.

I did see one peculiar contraption that has to qualify as some sort of outdoor sport, but I'm not exactly sure what.  Gliding through the anchorage was what looked like a gondolier.  Except there was no gondola.  When we drew closer, you could see if was a dude on some kind of board (smaller than surf; larger than boogie) paddling.  Or poling.  Or punting.  I'm not sure what it was, but it didn't involve a sail or flippers.

(This sounds like something new I have to try.  Hope my kayaking buddy Arlene is up for it)

There were also a number of "head boads,"  the fishing trawlers that take recreational anglers out for a day on the Bay.  It's a big business in Chesapeake country.  These boats, and the marinas that house and supply them, are a largely unseen segment of the sports and tourism scene.  Some of these enterprises have been family owned and operated for years.  Most of the year, the coolers in the back are used for bait and fish.  On days like this, they hold cans and bottles.  On Blue Angel day, the fish get the day off.  Nearly everything that floats is part of the celebration.

Terry and I were talking about how hard it is to calculate the economic impact of outdoor sports and recreation in Maryland.  Yes, they do studies for big events like the White Marlin Tournament in Ocean City, and some of the large regattas in Annapolis and the tall ship events in Baltimore.  But under the surface are those small businesses who host hunting parties, provide fishing charters, lead outdoor adventures, rent canoes and kayaks and bicycles.

Maybe there is even someone who rents one of those stand up floating boards.

So on this Memorial Day weekend, remember the natural treasures of Maryland and how they contribute to our sports and recreation scene (and economy.)  If you're traveling to the Ocean, pedaling the Alleghany Highlands, hiking the C&O, or paddling the Potomac, you are enjoying just a few of Maryland's finest sports venues.  They are a reason why many folks come here to enjoy The Land of Pleasant Living.