Week After the Wedding

 A week has passed…..more later why the delays in posting of this journal of mine.

Oh, the wedding of my son, and his lovely wife, was beautiful and it felt good to be back on land amongst family and friends. My older brother David flew in from Calgary even. Pictures of the ceremony will follow shortly.  But you can imagine my little Miss Viva was stunning in her white gown carrying a basket of rose petals! What a love! She made me cry with delight to see how grown-up a 3 year old can be. Was able to spend a great deal of time in her presence and I loaned her my camera to take pictures, so I have very few of her.  Driving down to the rehearsal on Friday afternoon, she’s sitting in her car seat and asked: “Nana do you have my music?” Hmmmm……. hadn’t a clue! Steph didn’t tell me about special requests from her :)

                                                 The happy couple 24 hours before the big day!

Now it’s a week later, July 28th and not much further than where we were before the wedding……the gusty winds and thunderstorms were not allowing us any slack. We did manage to leave the Narragansett Sound Friday morning, and now we’re in S. Dartmouth, MA, a mere 11 miles from Cuddyhunk Island. As you know, we’ve been there and done that already, but it remains one of my favorite spots…..more people living there during the summer than the year round population!  My kind of place for peace and quiet and relaxation.

Leaving the Newport area yesterday I did notice some lovely summer “cottages”!! Oh, the lifestyle of the rich and famous. I would settle for the “poolside” cabana, with a view of the water and a glass of white wine in my hands! 

                                                                 A typical Newport "cottage"

As some of you know already (forgive me for repeating myself) and others can imagine, I’m rather numb at the moment. The trip isn’t going as planned. We were literally stranded in the Narragansett Sound area for days on end with very gusty winds and thunderstorms holding us attached to moorings.  I’m saddened by all of this Nature stuff that we have no control over. In a nutshell it means we will most likely (actually very likely) not be able to sail to Maine at all. Probably make it as far as the Boston/New Hampshire vicinity.  So as you’ve noticed the blog has taken a backseat. There are many days when I can’t get an internet signal and so the blog “sits” on a word document waiting for pictures to be added and then published……..all internet dependent you know. And then there are times I can’t write while we’re sailing because it’s too rough/windy/blowing/water spraying over the bow. By the time we get in, I’m exhausted and wanting to unwind with a book or card game or listen to some music or enjoy a glass of wine. And then laundry and showering and provisioning call…..it’s actually pretty busy being a “live-aboard”. And with all of this weather around me, my circadian rhythm has become one of going to bed when it’s dark and rising with the daylight.  The days do fly by!

             

Spent an evening on a mooring at the New Bedford Yacht Club (known as S. Dartmouth and Padanaram.....don't ask me why!!) this past Saturday. Amazingly they offer a free “launch” from your sailboat to the marina and back, so you don’t even have to put the outboard engine on the dinghy…..not difficult but becomes just another “thing” to do in order to get ashore and explore the little villages/towns after a long day on the water.  But I think it’s imperative to get on dry land and revitalize yourself by walking and interacting with other homo sapiens. We went exploring for an hour, and by my good fortune they had a street fair in progress. The gods are good!  Although our plans to go ashore for a nice dinner later  were “dampened” by some other gods who felt we hadn’t had enough of the rain dance scenarios.  A pleasant hot meal onboard warmed up both the main cabin and us…….and by candle light no less. Tomorrow’s another day so they say.

                              (This actually is another Launch boat from the Jamestown, RI area)

             

         We had been in S. Dartmouth, but they refer to it as "Padanaram", just south of New    Bedford; now hope to head through the Cape Cod Canal later today, Monday.

Now here it is Monday morning, the 30^th of July and I was awakened by a beautiful ray of sunshine pouring through the v-berth hatch. Could this really be? It ‘twas, and it felt sooooo good to see…..even the  birds came back chirping . Everyone’s spirits are alive and well! 

Just last evening we considered the possibility of turning around and sailing back to the Chesapeake Bay and forgoing the pounding of the winds against us coming from the north. But alas, we are heading north still, and hope to make Plymouth, MA later today. Wanted to get as far as Onset yesterday but the seas would not relent! Sooooooo, our course is going to be a long one today if we hope to make any progress in this northward bound venture. (It still is an adventure isn’t it? I keep telling myself that!)

We are leaving the little town of Mattapoisett in Buzzards Bay, as I write. Hope to get some pictures added to this and post it for you all……so off the word doc for the time being. 

Until later............

Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard to Dutch Harbor

             The beautiful weather continues, and I hope I don’t jinx myself by saying that!  It cools down, once the sun sets, in the evenings here at anchor.  By 7pm I’m sporting long flannel pj’s and a long cotton tee shirt.  Have also been closing both hatches (a rectangular opening in the deck through which passengers, like my granddaughter, can pass; also an opening whereby beautiful summer breezes tantalize us at night, along with the starry, starry nights!  And in the morning the sunshine beckons us to rise and make coffee.  All this coming through the hatch!)

I feel like I’m on vacation, and the boutiques keep calling to me….have bought for my children and myself. Need to start watching my spending habits and take on other hobbies like reading on the beaches and in the parks and staying off ALL “Main Streets”:) So tempting!

          

Tim and I spent a day touring the Island, and did a walking tour of Edgarstown, as well as picnicking.  Surprisingly, there hasn’t been the “crowds” I’m used to at summer vacation spots. It helps to be able to visit during the week.

         

The weekend has come now and the Vineyard Haven Regatta is in full swing! Various sailboats, as well as some Schooners, partake in the different races.  Slowly more “spectator” sailboats arrive for the festivities both on the water, and in the streets.  Along with the scheduled ferries carrying visitors to and fro, only remind us of the tourism that is so well known here on the Islands.

            

We were captivated by a young man who for over an hour kept us entertained with his kitesurfing/kiteboarding.  He used a board, with foot straps, and also used the power of a large controllable kite to propel himself across the water…..amazingly strong work-out. We were tired just watching him do all his maneuvers.

    

Sunday morning we headed out once again for Rhode Island so that I could catch a flight later in the week from Providence.  My son is getting married this week-end! Gosh that time came faster than I expected.  We enjoyd a gorgeous day of sailing, secretly hoping it wouldn’t end….but it did, at Cuttyhunk Island. Remember Cuttyhunk?  It is one of my favorite spots, where you can anchor or take a town mooring and drift off to sleep listening to the surf pounding on the other side of the rocks. (this through the opened hatches). The Raw Bar Boat once again visited us here, and this time we consumed fresh raw oysters.

          

Yesterday we went up for breakfast at the Cuttyhunk Fishing Club, and enjoyed the breathtaking views of the Island and sound.

            

Mid-morning we headed once again west towards Dutch Harbor but after 45 minutes we made the decision to turn around and head back to Cuttyhunk. The winds were howling and we were attempting to motor directly into the steady gusts. Not a good way to spend a day on the water, believe me. We would have been tossed and turned more than we wanted to be. We closed  all the ports since the spray from the crashing waves was coming inside….a bit unsettling for me to hear items in the cabinets being reshuffled by the thrashing of the water and the swells. But in the long end we arrived safely back where we left from, and I got another beautiful day here. Tim took me to the small beach where I spent a few hours sunning (like I needed to do anymore of that!!), and swimming and  reading and walking the desolate beach searching for that special seashell.

This morning, Tuesday the 17^th,  we left at daybreak in calm winds and hoped to make it to our destination this time, which we did. We are at anchor in Dutch Harbor til Thursday when I take the Jamestown Ferry, then an airport shuttle to the Providence Airport. Tim will then take a slip at the Wickfield Marina for the week-end so he can join me in Bethesda for the wedding on Saturday. Back to the boat on Sunday afternoon.

Many little things I didn’t take into account with living on a boat. You need to take a slip and not a mooring or anchor so that your refrigeration and batteries are hooked up to shore power outlets, otherwise you lose all your perishables. And provisioning is not the easiest thing to do at times, especially if you’re walking a half mile or so just to get to the market, then carrying it all back with you. If you need too, you do this twice!

Will be enjoying some time on land this week-end with my family and friends. It’ll be nice to spend time with my children (and Miss Viva of course) and my older brother, whom I don’t get to see as often as I’d like, living in Calgary.

Sit tight til then:)

Block Island,RI,to Dutch Harbor,RI, then Cuttyhunk, MA

               Friday, July 6th

Enjoyed the evening anchorage in this Great Salt Pond, as it’s called, and ate leftovers rather than grill, for a change. Never even ventured to shore, with all the boats “stacked” together, both here at anchor and on the town’s moorings. Upon leaving, we decided not to wait for fuel here….busy! Will get it later on this week-end.

Leaving Block Island was like a mass exodus of boats of all shapes and sizes!  We were hoping for another quieter anchorage for this evening. Does make you wonder where everyone is going though…..

            The mass exodus of sailboats and power boats leaving for other anchorages

            This is a photo of Aldo's Bakery making their rounds amongst the hungry boaters, with their coffee and fresh pastries....how can you resist, you say? You can't!! Quite the entrepreneur!

Sailed into Dutch Harbor early enough to provision….no flies today, because  we were prepared: each having long pants and socks on to ward them off….go figure!! First thing I did was get out of those long pants and take a dip in the cool water to start the evening right!

             Tuesday, July 10^th

 As I sit here this morning, reminiscing about the past several days, I smile to myself. This is the area where I joined my husband last year and it has brought back some lovely memories…….those I will keep to myself! 

                        sooo cool and refreshing, as I wait for Tim to pick me up at the dinghy dock

After leaving Block Island, we have been extremely lucky with our weather, and anchorages. The crowds seem to have dissipated some, perhaps since the “holiday” week is behind us now. Anchoring in Dutch Harbor, RI has always been a delight, I guess, because of the small town feel to the marina and the town. They have the very best restaurants, and the best downtown “scene” with music flowing out of cafes and at the town square, which of course has a fantastic view of the town’s marina. I could actually see myself living here at some point……..hmmmmm. This old hotel is calling to me to spend a night, but for some reason I’d want to stay either in the early Spring or Fall of the year…..sweater weather for sure!

Close by is the Wickford Marina, where we took a slip so that we could do all our necessary chores, and then some sightseeing on my part.  To my delight was the 50^th Anniversary Wickford Art Show taking place downtown that had every imaginable artist show casing their varying styles of artistry. Did pick up a special piece for my daughter, and still searching for that certain “something” for my little Viva.

We were drawn again to Dutch Harbor for one more anchorage……there’s something about this Jamestown area.

                                    This is the original horse-drawn firehouse in Jamestown
 


And the lobster roll and Italian hoagie are the best anywhere at the DH Shack, right there by the Town dinghy dock.

                                   Dutch Harbor dinghy dock and mooring field beyond, in Jamestown, RI

 As we were sailing past the Newport Harbor Lighthouse, we were thrilled to see a  “Parade” of Tall Ships drifting out with all their sails up. Little did we know, that later that evening in Cuttyhunk Island, MA, we would once again witness this in a smaller scale, as we sat in our cockpit enjoying the lovely sunset.  

                                 Newport Harbor Lighthouse, with the surf crashing on the rocks

   The "Parade" of Tall Ships making their way out of  Newport, RI Harbor to visit other ports

                                                     This is Cuttyhunk Island, Mass.

              This is the Tall Ship that quite unexpectedly anchored right outside the mooring field; what a lovely sight to behold. AND, if you look further back to the right you can see yet another that decided to continue onward.

  Once in Cuttyhunk, another treat was purchasing FRESH shrimp cocktail from a family owned business specializing in raw oysters, clams and mussels. They come alongside your boat as they make their way through the mooring field. (Appropriately called the “Harbor Raw Bar” boat). I was told last evening that they’ve been doing this, everyday, for the past 31 years! Next time I'll get a photo; this time too interested in what they had to offer.......sorry.

                                                            Tried to save you some!!

We went ashore this morning to get in a good walk and stretch our legs. There’s a favorite spot of mine, that’s not only historical but has beautiful views of the Elizabeth Islands to the east, and Martha’s Vineyard to the southeast.  It’s the Cuttyhunk Fishing Club, founded in 1894, and boasts of a fishing trip there by President Theodore Roosevelt. It is now opened to the public as a Bed and Breakfast, and it serves breakfast to the public everyday, which is a must to do!

                                                            Cuttyhunk Fishing Club

 And, of course, I found time to sneak into a Corner Store and bought a new game for the boat called “Bananagrams”…….just wait til you see this game Steph and Maggie.

 

Before leaving the mooring, in CALM waters, Tim hoisted me up the mast in a Bosun’s Chair, to the spreaders, to tighten 2 screws on either end. I must say that I’ve never experienced a fear of heights, and tested that again today with no problem!  And the view from those heights was breathtaking. I would do it again!

                                                 NOW, it looks scarey to me!!!  He owes me something, right??

Beautiful country, this Cuttyhunk Island

                                                    Could almost pass for Ireland countryside

Now, we’re off to “the” Vineyard……..yes!!!

Coecles Harbor to Block Island, Rhode Island

Yesterday was an extremely quiet 4^th of July, but most likely the loveliest as well. Being content in staying and relaxing the day away, we took the dinghy to the Coecles Marina for some water, in both liquid and frozen molecular state……a commodity that we cannot live without! The day started peacefully enough, and then boaters of all kinds came in to anchor….some just for the afternoon/early evening hours to swim, and a few sailboats  that intended to linger along with us. We enjoyed a fantastic sea breeze all day,  and almost felt guilty just thinking of the soaring temperatures back home, affecting so many…..some still without electricity from Friday’s storm.

            There's a bird sanctuary across the way, making this anchorage so peaceful and serene.

These down times are so relaxing in every way.  Chores can be done at a leisurely pace, or not done at all! Reading is so enjoyable with a cool liquid refreshment at your side, and watching the activity of others swimming, taking dogs to the shore for you know what, and the occasional anchoring/re-anchoring that plagues even the best of sailors, but fun to watch anyway and hear their conversations being exchanged…….hmmm…..many a “couple” learn to cope through these situations!

I was treated to not one, but SEVEN fireworks’ displays (way off in the distance) throughout the surrounding inlet here, from just after 9 pm to almost 10. The breathtaking show was accented by lightening in the skies that only grew stronger and more laser-like as the nightfall set in upon us. Unbelievable display of nature and mankind together…..will never forget it.  It was only moments later, at the “final”  finale of the show that the rain came with gusty winds. Closing up the boat’s hatches and port windows has become effortless as the two of us go about it without even having to say anything!  Besides, many times this drill occurs in the middle of the night and you’re soooooo tired anyway you can’t speak!

   

                     This is the evening sunset, just before the fireworks show(s) and the thunderstorms. 

 

Motor-sailing to Block Island presently after lounging and enjoying coffee under the clear sunny sky in that lovely cove. It’s amazing to me the earliness of our day’s beginnings, almost as though the brightness of the early morning entices us to get on with our day! 

Just saw a working fishing boat, most probably pulling up his nets, and the number of seagulls surrounding him was astonishing! Such scavengers they are! Hope to catch this in a photo sometime...today it was too amazing, just had to watch and be captivated by it all!

Unwelcomed flies have invaded our domain once again. Not sure the garlic is the answer! Thinking we need to get a second flyswatter (no, not another Tim!!) just in case this one bites (pun?) the dust…..oh my! What would we do without a swatter?  I did mention that these flies are hungry and do bite didn’t I?  The winds carry them offshore to anyone passing by in a pretty sailboat.  One lovely creature that did hitch a ride with us was a Monarch butterfly. Stayed for quite awhile “resting” on our dodger.

Well, we’ve made it to Block Island, and it’s nothing like the anchorages we’ve been spoiled with in the past.  Very crowded, and lots of powerboats speeding by with their water skiers and little tubing kids. A sight to see, just for this evening, because tomorrow we will refuel and head to Narragansett Bay for lovelier spots.

Hope this finds everyone well, having had a great 4^th, and enjoying their summers…..it’s half over already!!

Port Jefferson to Coecles Harbor, NY

Last evening a tugboat came into the harbor and tied up to a BIG mooring. It was quite the sight to see with several small sailboats (and sailors) sailing around him, apparently having lessons in the art of racing.

Upon awakening this morning, much to our astonishment, An Cobh had been literally
 “s_ _ _”   upon by some very large flying creatures!  While Tim made the coffee and readied the boat for departure, I was found using bucketfuls of salt water to wash away their evidence.  My, afterwards the deck looked great if I may say so myself!

Carefully timing the comings and goings of local ferries, we headed on our way through the narrow entrance of this harbor.  We have a long day ahead of motoring so an early start was our desire, and even with the minor setback we were doing well.

Once underway we were once again barraged by those black, blood-thirsty flies. I became an avid google-searching maniac trying to find what to do about these pests.

Tim thought I was crazy when I came out of the galley with minced garlic in an open plastic container. I urged him to “try” the remedy with me and rub some on our lower legs, especially the ankles.  After several hours, I think it may be the solution we’ve been looking for, besides the fly swatter! (as long as we both wash it off at the end of the day).

As the day progressed we were both in agreement to seek shelter (pun) on the eastern shore of Shelter Island, about six miles southwest of Orient Point, rather than Greenport, as originally planned. This lovely harbor is called Coecles (pronounced cockels), and is very pristine and Maine-like in it’s beauty.  

And talking of beauty, there was a swan that greeted me this morning, and a pair of them this evening after we anchored.

This evening a pair of them!

What a lovely sight, a church situated on the point of Plum Island. Wondering the history on this……..more later if I find anything. At this point I noticed a riptide between Plum Island and Orient Point……rightfully called “Plum Gut”.

Here is the map of the area....Coecles is where we are....do you see us?

        Another view of the area, here on the "edge" of the Long Island Sound, getting very close to Block Island, in the Atlantic Ocean.

Refreshed after an afternoon dip, I emerged only to see some jelly fish surrounding the boat…….glad I didn’t see them first, not sure I would have gone in?!! Well, maybe!!

Will enjoy this area, perhaps even stay another day.......depends on how we feel in the morning!!

Port Washington to Port Jefferson

Spent a lovely weekend in Port Washington, on one of the Town’s free moorings, which is almost unheard of in these days and times. There are some marinas that will charge you a fee just to use their dinghy dock!  This surprised me, because on the Chesapeake Bay that’s not a common practice at all.  The stores are abundant here for all the provisioning you need, so we took advantage of that and made two runs in the dinghy.

We passed by Execution Rocks Lighthouse, in the middle of Long Island Sound, not too far from New Rochelle, NY.  It is rumored that the lighthouse’s site got its name before the Revolutionary War when the British executed prisoners by chaining them to the rocks at low tide, allowing the rising water to drown them. (No one knows how true that may be).

Have taken a picture of our sailing vessel to share with you, since you’ve seen the height of the mast already. She’s a lovely lady and sails so well in light wind. Today we were averaging 6 KTS. 

We’ve been blessed with lovely weather lately……a very brief rain shower last evening but by the time we closed the two hatches, and the eight port holes, the rain had ceased! Not even enough to empty the dinghy of rain water.

Will spend a quiet evening here at anchor, then head out tomorrow to Greenport, NY  at the Eastern end of Long Island.  There are storms forecast for tomorrow evening and Wednesday. It would be a long 10-12 hour day, but that’s ok, it’s good to keep moving onward to Maine.