Our Town

We live in a very special place. In sharp contrast to Washington DC a mere 40 minutes away, we're a little more laid back here on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Our town has a rich history, and a unique geography to match. Two bodies of water snake their way into town dividing it up into 3 peninsulas. The two "main" parts of town are divided by Spa Creek. On one shore you have Annapolis proper. Historic, distinguished, brick and column, home to the Naval Academy and the Capital of Maryland. On the other side, the neighborhood of Eastport. It's still the city of Annapolis, mind you, until about 10 years ago when some folks at a local watering hole pondered the ramifications of road work closing the bridge over Spa Creek, decided to secede. And thus formed the Maritime Republic of Eastport.

It's still part of Annapolis legally, but in spirit it's a nation all its own. We have our own flag, our own motto, and a governing body with really important representatives like the Minister of Propaganda, the Minister of Mixology, and Blimp Master. Yeah, you get the idea. :)

I say "we" liberally, we're not technically in Eastport, we're over on the other, other side. But we're closer to the Eastport side of town, so folks around here throw their allegiance to the Maritime Republic. And that's why we gathered out on the shores of Spa Creek this weekend to cheer on our team in the Annual Tug-O-War across the creek.

The rope is more than 1/3 of a mile long and stretches from the Annapolis proper side across the water to the Maritime Republic of Eastport. The entire harbor is shut down, waterfront roads are closed, people take to the streets with their beers, dogs, and kids (in that order)... and the competition begins.

(a view across to enemy territory)

For the record -- Eastport won! And here's a quote from our local newpaper:
"They are the oppressors and we are the liberators," said Travaglini, part of MRE's revolutionary council. "We picked the method of the battle. We are a peaceful people and this is our sport of choice. We do not raise our kids to play baseball or football. When our kids are old enough, they get a piece of rope and they go out in the backyard to learn to tug."

Good times! And aside from live music by Zach's favorite band (The Eastport Oyster Boys) -- the event raises lots of money for local charities. And they hold other fun events throughout the year like the .05K run that takes 35 seconds to complete. That's my kind of marathon! These are my people.