This place does have an amazing breakfast every morning--Best Western Rockville, for future reference. Today we had Biscuits with eggs, bacon and gravy, and grits, and waffles. The boys were happy, especially with the unlimited bacon!
We started out in Annapolis today, Ian's future alma mater, possibly.
Annapolis has more sports than any other college in the country. Here on display they have the actual Heisman Trophy for Roger Staubach.
In 1880, on the way to play Army, the Navy realized they didn't have a mascot. They saw some goats on farms as they passed, and Bill the Goat became the mascot. They are now on the 32nd generation of Bill the Goat.
This bandstand honors Charles A. Zimmerman, who wrote "Anchors Aweigh".
While we were touring around, this hawk flew down and landed on the limb of a tree above us.
Ian explored the "sample" room, which demonstrates how the cadets are expected to keep their room neat and orderly at all times. Could be a steep order for Ian--he might find himself on K.P. or guard duty a few times!
This Blue Spruce was growing in front of the Ward Building. I never saw one spread out like this before--they must have trimmed it to make it do this.
Ian and Jeremy posed by the sign on the street in front of the visitor's center: Cooper Street.
From Annapolis, we moved on to Fort McHenry, which was the sight of the great American defensive stand during the War of 1812 that so inspired Francis Scott Key. He was a lawyer who had negotiated a prisoner release, and was on a British ship when the bombardment happened. He was so stirred the following morning by the site of the 15-star flag that he penned the words that would later become the Star Spangled Banner.
Forrest found himself in an underground jail cell while there at Fort McHenry. He tried to negotiate with Jeremy down to an affordable price to get him to go in the jail, but Jeremy held firm at $10 and refused to do it for less, so we never got a deal.
After the fort, we headed over to the Baltimore Aquarium, a very special place with very expensive parking. Sherry took this picture of the converted Power Plant while Forrest parked the van. This place combines Hard Rock, ESPN Zone and Barnes and Noble in one location.
Forrest enjoyed Baltimore, and would like to return for a more focused visit.
We recommend the starting with the dolphin show, followed by the 4-D theater at the aquarium, which was a perfect pattern that resulted in minimal down time.
This week has been more geared for Ian, and the aquarium was really more suited to Jeremy. He greatly enjoyed the dolphins, who could jump over 10 feet out of the water.
One the trainers got into the water with the dolphins and showed how they are great mimics.
The 4-D movie experience was fantastic. We watched in 3-D, got misted with water, snowed on, bubbles filled the theater, had our legs attacked, felt the wind in our face and got punched in the back. Everybody laughed a lot, but Jeremy was wanting to leave before we finished (we made him stay an "enjoy" it).
We took this picture of a bearded dragon for our friend Emily, who has a few.
This is a picture of a stonefish. If you look carefully, you will see the downturned mouth just above and to the right of center.
Took this picture of a longhorn fish for Scott.
Sherry took several pictures of birds--this is one of the better and brighter ones.
Ian enjoyed looking at this submarine. Unfortunately, we didn't have the time to let him explore it. Forrest told him he could come back here on his honeymoon.
We also took this picture of a Cane Toad. Ian and Jeremy do not remember watching the hilarious and insightful Cane Toad documentary at Uncle Jared's house. We'll have to watch it again.
Ian and Jeremy mimicking a whale's large mouth.
We ended the day back in Washington, while it was cool, seeing the monuments at night. The boys enjoyed the Lincoln memorial. In Night at the Smithsonian, Lincoln gets up and intervenes.
Sherry took this night shot of the Washington Monument with the capitol in the background.
We walked through the Vietnam Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. This is one of the ghostly soldiers in the Korean War Memorial.
Altogether, we had another very productive day. Our vacation is half over, and we are finally beginning to realize the magnitude of this incredible journey.
