CD 2: Denton to Annapolis, MD. 54 miles/886’ gain

It has been a chilly and, at times, damp day on the bike at 53 degrees with intermittent rain.

Still, one could hardly complain about the virtually deserted country roads. Delaware and now, Maryland, have the smoothest bike lanes I’ve ever seen. They are, at times, as wide as a full traffic lane, and since I’ve seen exactly two people on bikes since leaving Rehoboth, it felt like being on a dedicated, private bike trail.

Maryland’s unique state flag bears the 17th C heraldic coat of arms of Cecil, 2nd Baron Baltimore. It combines the herald of his father (George, who founded the Maryland Colony in the 1630s) quartered with those of his grandmother, and is the only US state flag tracing its roots to English heraldry.

My step daughter, her husband and grand just returned from a two-week visit to Japan. They love fine food and adult beverages, and about every fifth photo from their trip is an image of some artistically arrayed Japanese dish. I, on the other hand, eat whatever is available. Today, I relived my Philadelphia childhood’s favorite, nutritious food.

No, I didn’t eat all of this, only the Buttercreme Cupcakes. But I’ll bet I could….

One can’t ride a bike, or walk, over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge connecting Maryland’s “Eastern Shore” region with the “Western”. Hitching a ride is only solution.

Once on the western side, and heading towards Annapolis, the road took to the skies, the first real hill of the tour, a 41’ gain Maryland monster. Such an ascent won’t even register notice in the very near future.

Annapolis has always been one of my favorite cities, and they have three marvelous hotels operated jointly and called The Historic Inns of Annapolis. I chose the Maryland House, which dates from 1776. After being rather cold and wet for much of the day staying in this ancient (for America) building is a genuine treat.

If you love history, as I do, you must come and visit Annapolis. For those of you who wouldn’t cross the cobblestone streets for history but would dash across an eight-lane interstate for a good meal, I promise to (finally) post something of interest. We’re entering soft shell blue crab season here, and I’ll be hunting them down and will share some images with you tomorrow.