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 10th
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 50th
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.
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 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.
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!
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!!!
Susan, I am so enjoying your blog. What a great adventure you are having! Thanks for inviting me along to enjoy your stories. Joyce
ReplyDelete