USB to my brain: Sabbatical Trip - Part 2

Saturday, June 17, 2017. That's a reminder to me more than it is a point of reference for readers. For today, we vaulted into September. That's how it feels, anyway. August proved to be a busy month that skipped by and so I had to postpone the already way-behind vacation posts.

We spent our last day in Annapolis at the United States Naval Academy. Once you fight the narrow streets and battle your way into one of the relatively few parking places nearby, and then march the distance to the entrance, you determine that it is well worth it. The majesty of the campus is only surpassed by appreciation for those who have served in our military.

The campus sits on the Chesapeake Bay where the Severn River flows into it. The walking tour (your only choice) begins outside the visitor center and your first view is the bay. Our guide laid out the requirements for entry into the Academy and then the grueling schedule they keep once there. With their college classes and study, military training, and required athletic participation, a midshipmen (or, if you are in your first year, plebe) doesn't have much time for anything else. Upon graduation, they serve a minimum of 5 years in the Navy or Marines.

Bancroft Hall - Dorm for all the midshipmen

All of the officers who teach or supervise live on campus

and proudly display the "Go Navy" banner which often

includes the line "Beat Army".

Battle of Midway Memorial

Other USNA sites

Did I mention that parking to visit the academy was a pain? Well, that proved to be a benefit in the long run. I left the tour about 20 minutes before it ended because parking is only for 2 hours. The tour is an hour and 15 minutes. The wait for a tour is about 45 minutes and, of course, there's the walk to/from the car. While searching for the ever-elusive gas station (trying to use the time well), I stumbled upon the Maryland WW2 Memorial. It is a small area in the median of an Annapolis road but the view that overlooks the academy and the bay is great.