Day 1: Baltimore, Maryland

Date:                 July 9, 2019
Distance:            A few city miles
Average Speed:   N/A
Maximum Speed: N/A
Feet Climbed:     N/A
Day Trip:            Providence to Baltimore

Our journey to Baltimore started last night as we took the Amtrak train #67 leaving Providence at 10:22pm. Andy drove us to the train station and dropped us at around 9:00p. A bit early, but we had the bikes to load on the train and didn't know how this would go. As it turned out, we needed about 2 extra minutes to load the bikes, not the full 82 minutes but who's counting. Shortly after, they announced boarding for #67 so we loaded our bikes and boarded the train; it departed at exactly 10:22pm. We sat in the quiet car so we could catch a few zzzz's along the way. We thought the reclining seats might even be comfortable. We had illusions that it would be fun taking the almost redeye, but in reality it was a night mostly listening to other people snoring. Still it was exciting knowing we had begun our journey.

Let me backup - we first had dinner at O'Sushi's in NK with Andy before he dropped us off at the train station. A farewell dinner with a great guy! Thanks Andy!

Our favorite sushi place in NK

Packed and ready to go

The night before the snore

Outside Providence train station

Inside Providence train station

6:07am Baltimore train station

Getting bikes ready for the short ride to the hotel

It took us only 30 minutes to ride less than 2 miles from Penn station to the Hampton Inn.  Lots of one-ways and detours had us searching for the safest route to the hotel.  Oh, and a few wrong turns here and there.  We arrived at the hotel a little before 7:00a and were greeted by a friendly young lady behind the counter.  Check-in was at 3:00p, so we didn't think we would get a room, but wanted to at least offload the bike bags.  Much to our surprise, we were told we could check-in in 1 hour, and told to enjoy complimentary breakfast as well.  Now this is why we stay at the Hampton Inn!

Oatmeal and fruit

After breakfast, we checked into our room.  Just in time for the Serena Williams Wimbledon match and the Tour de France coverage. Steve fell asleep right away.  I managed to make it through the tennis match to see Serena win.

After a short nap, we set out to find a coffee shop.  3 Bean Cafe was highly recommended by Gina (Steve's niece) who lives in Baltimore.

Cool cafe

Cool light

After spending a short time in the cafe, we wanted to explore Baltimore harbor.

Harbor view

Bubba Gump are everywhere?

Someone is following me

Still following me

Gina recommended for us to visit Federal Hill. It is set high above sea level and sports a panoramic view of the city.

Not the one in Providence

Steve enjoying the view

Steve relaxing

Great view of the city

Me relaxing

We burned a lot of time with all that relaxing; it was time to hurry back to the hotel to get ready for the big night out in Baltimore. We had dinner plans to meet Gina and Andrew at the Rusty Scupper.  Gina had recommended this restaurant; a favorite of her Nanny's, too!

The cute couple

Close-up of Steve's crab cakes

Gina had scallops and crab w/mashed sweet potatoes.  Andrew shrimp with stuffed crab w/mashed butter potatoes.  I had the Chilean Sea Bass.  The food was outstanding!

Gina, Andrew and Steve in the City

We enjoyed dinner with Gina and Andrew tonight. You don't always get quality time like this to spend with family. We learned about Gina's hospital rotations, and Andrew's new job that he is starting on Monday.  We were very happy to see them both and to spend our first night out with them!

Tomorrow we spend another day in Baltimore.   Gina recommended that we visit Fells Point!