Providence (Warwick), RI to Cuttyhunk, MA July 20 – 24, 2015

July 20 – 24, 2015 

Gonna be a busy Monday! Off solo for a cardio walk to the retail intersection of Warwick, RI, I returned to Brewer's Marina to bid Sam safe travels and to start the first of two loads of laundry in preparation for Sus' arrival early afternoon. Having spied a Supercuts early this morning, I off-loaded my bike and made a hasty trip to the retail intersection once again to have little Miss Hair Stylist make some minor adjustments to the Groton Supercuts cut of ten days prior. You know women and their bad hair days; after a series of bad hair days everyday, I knew what tweaking was necessary but wasn't brave enough to tackle it myself (and allowing Clay was out of the question!) Ahhhh, happy camper!

I met Sus' taxi upon my return and led the way to the boat for her to settle in. With female companionship, there's now strength in numbers! Watch out, Quickdraw! Note: 'Quickdraw' is Sus' nickname for Clay...no explanation needed. Sus and I headed to the pool for some lounge-and-talk time where we were joined by more and more 'swimmers' as the 5 o'clock hour approached. Folks in these parts are quite unfamiliar with...and equally curious about...the Great Loop, so the conversations gravitated toward that topic. Clay had opted out of pool time, but he would have loved sharing his stories. For someone who doesn't talk much, he's become quite a talker!

Tuesday morning I persuaded Sus to test her biking legs as we boarded our funky bikes and set off for again the retail intersection for a few produce items at the Stop and Shop (grocery store) and a 30-pack of Bud Light cans at a nearby liquor store. I was hesitant with bungee-cording a 30-pack to my book rack, so I asked the shopkeeper if I was unable to handle the 'package' could I return it? She laughed as did I. Sus was impressed. Clay was impressed. Heck, I was impressed! Now I know my limits...20# of wine backpacked; 30-pack of beer cans strapped.

We prepped for an early afternoon departure, bound for Newport, RI and arrived at Goat Island Marina some two hours later. I assessed our location, realizing we were a short bridge away from the harbortown proper. Clay chose this location for the lesser-priced-per-foot dockage, but we had an eye-opener when we realized his resource was outdated (2007). Oh my, pricey! Dinner aboard of skewered grilled scallops, zucchini, and jasmine rice ended our day...but Sus and I agreed that scallops aren't particularly a favorite of ours. Taste buds must be genetic.

A recap of Wednesday...We explored the Newport harbor on our morning walk, then regrouped for a tour of The Breakers (mansion) which was an awesome experience. Thanks to those of you who recommended this, and to Clay for arranging it! "The Breakers is a surviving jewel of the New York Central Railroad fortune, making a statement about the global sensibilities of the Vanderbilt family. The 70-room summer estate of Cornelius Vanderbilt II includes a two and a half story high Great Hall and a Morning Room adorned with platinum leaf wall panels. Its interiors feature rare marble, alabaster, and gilded woods throughout." Sus and I felt a certain 'kinship' with these folks, having performed the role of the dancing horse in our HHS production of "Hello Dolly." Check out the story with characters Dolly, Cornelius, Barnaby, and the rest. Brings back memories, even if the connection isn't quite legit!

Clay had purchased his online mansion ticket for an additional mansion tour during which time Sus and I were to 'shop.' But we spent considerable time exploring The Breakers (with our audio tour guiding our way and loving every minute of it); so Clay opted out of the second tour and chose to return to the Newport harbor with us for lunch at Belles (outside dining complete with ankle-biting flies). Following lunch, Clay returned to the boat while S&S wandered the shops, then boarded the launch for a waterway crossing home. With our fatigue and tired feet, the $3pp launch ride was a bargain!

Docktails on the fly bridge, Sus, Clay and I enjoyed wine/beer and snacks while recapping the highs and lows of the past twenty-four hours. A short distance but a very long wait away was dinner at the Marina Cafe & Pub which came highly recommended by our launch captain. Top draw was the fact the Marina Pub was CLOSE; top drawback, the restaurant had run out of food but attempted to fill our selections nonetheless. Bad decision on their part. Shame on you! Be honest with your customers! But we made the best of our dining (dis)pleasure and had yet another memory to share...and laugh about later.

Thursday morning gave us our final shopping opportunity in Newport before moving on. Sus and I bought matching turquoise souvenir sweatshirts (she's very convincing...I found out later that she had specific instructions from the Captain to "make Sally buy something.") It will be a great addition for our northern route through Canada and the Great Lakes next summer '16!

A noon departure from Goat Island Marina saw the SaSea Sally cruising toward Cuttyhunk where an extremely stiff wind blew us into a very crowded mooring field. Broken communication with the dock master made us question the logistics of parking. Our directives from the dock master were to "find an open mooring ball and tie to it." Repeatedly, we found firstly, very few open mooring balls; and secondly, those available were either stamped 'private' or 'Anderson,' 'Smith,' 'Jones,' etc. Again, broken communication conveyed an emphatic 'NO' for those labels. 

(Please note that by now, the first mate was frenzied with the captain having run over a number of mooring balls without telling her he had the boat in neutral when running over said balls. Sus had the foresight to stay out of the way and mum! It was extremely windy!) Plan B: What were those vertical poles/pilings just north of the mooring (ball) field? When questioned, the dock master said they're mooring pilings...just tie to them. When Clay inquired, "How?," I'm convinced the dock master thought we were idiots! No, just inexperienced! Just collecting memories here! Piece of cake...once we figured the technique (this was only our second encounter with moorings, and we have since found each mooring to be designed differently, especially a pole). A sigh of relief was heard from crew and captain alike once the mooring was completed. Please remember we had almost gale force winds accompanying us (maybe not quite gale force but it was extremely windy).

It being now 4:10 p.m., Clay silently went to work launching the dinghy (and I'm sure praying the motor would start). It was quite evident he knew something we didn't. Communication? Ah, lobster order had to be placed in person (which means payment made) by 5 p.m. Sus opted for a shower while Clay and I dinghy'd to shore to order dinner. Trading places an hour later, I showered while Sus and Clay dinghy'd to shore to pick up the now-cooked lobster. Assuring Clay we had no lobster crackers nor nut crackers aboard, he purchased a set while ashore, then went about cracking and picking. Tasty!

Friday morning we walked the Cuttyhunk hill to reveal a stellar view; it seemed to be the 'thing' to do in Cuttyhunk. We stopped at The Market for a look/see; Clay seems to be in the mode of souvenir shopping, purchasing hats, tees, and koozies from these ports. Score a ball cap here. Shortly, a slick maneuver disconnected us from the mooring post, and we were destined for more adventure on Martha's Vineyard.

Stay tuned for the next installment of SaSea Sally Adventures with sister Susan aboard.

Port Jefferson, NY to Noank, CT, July 5 - 7, 2015

July 5 - 7, 2015

With plans this Sunday morning to motor toward Greenport, NY, we embarked on our journey shortly after 9:30 and spent the next five hours cruising. We'd had advanced notice of a tall ships festival in Greenport where a cancellation at Mitchell Park Marina allowed us dock space. "A tall ship is a large, traditionally-rigged sailing vessel. Tall ships, of which there are four types, are massive, with striking sails, and are easily spotted from a distance. There is a real science with regards to how these are made. They have been around for generations."

Awesome! Clay met the challenge of docking in this so-very-crowded Mitchell Park Marina with expertise which duly impressed guest-aboard Caroline. Heck, it even impressed me! Nice to have confidence in your captain!

The Village of Greenport had been chosen as host port for the Tall Ships Challenge 2015, July 4th - 7th, commemorating the historic Voyage of General Lafayette's 18th-century ship called the Hermione. The Hermione is a replica of a Concord Class frigate and was constructed in Rochefort, France. Today, the majestic vessel is the largest and most authentically built Tall Ship in the last 150 years. The Hermione set sail in France on her first voyage which took her across the Atlantic, launching an adventure that re-affirmed the historic relationship between the United States and France. That very ship was due to arrive Monday morning at high tide around 8:30 a.m.; currently, we understood six ships to be docked here this Sunday afternoon. What a remarkable sight to behold! In addition, we found a huge festival with street vendors, sidewalk sales, and live music in Mitchell Park. 

As I look over the promotional brochure now, it is obvious that, in the late afternoon hours we spent exploring, we missed many of the festival exhibits; it is as well obvious that a whole lot of people went to a whole lot of effort to make this event happen! The festival sponsors offered such activities as: nautical and historical displays and demonstrations, lighthouse tours, tours of the village historical blacksmith shop and antique 1920's carousel rides. But we had fun winding our way through the street vendors, street musicians, and beer stands nonetheless. We ended the day with dinner at The Loft on the upstairs deck overlooking the downtown and the harbor beyond.

Alert to the Hermione's arrival Monday morning, we put in a little cardio time but stayed close to the waterfront. Not sure we witnessed her actual arrival (think she kinda sneaked in on us), but her presence at the dock couldn't be overlooked. Repeated cannon report caught our attention in a big way as did the crew, fully outfitted in military dress uniform. And as the crew marched in cadence along the walkway toward the gazebo for the Welcome Ceremony, we realized what a truly remarkable sight it was to behold! Not your ordinary Monday morning scenery!

But, with places to go, people to see, and things to do, the Captain ordered the SaSea Sally crew (outfitted in morning exercise clothes, I'm sure a truly remarkable sight as well) to work as we untied lines, moved to the adjacent dock for a routine pump out, then departed Mitchell Park Marina bound for Noank, CT.

For four beautiful hours, we crossed the Long Island Sound from south to north and reached the Village of Noank, CT, where Jacksonville, FL friends Tom and Gretchen McKenzie had secured dock space for us at Noank Village Boatyard. Tom, with an ever-present smile, greeted us as we pulled along the face dock, caught our lines assisted by launch captain Alexa, and invited us to docktails early evening aboard his boat a short walk away.

What time remained of the afternoon hours, Caroline and I wandered the streets of this "quaint seafaring village which all but fills the small peninsula guarding the entrance to the Mystic River. Noank is quiet and noncommercial, a place for pensive walks with classic seascape vistas. Though the village is small and a throwback to a simpler time, it is a suprisingly good place to stop for basics." We poked through the offerings of the Noank Community Market which were quite extensive; we stuck our heads in the Universal Package Store and struck up conversation only to find that owners Mary and her hubby lived nine years in St. Louis behind Blueberry Hill; we accepted the offer of the volunteer at the corner thrift store to come in and take a peek. Purchased nothing, but had a divine time exploring.

After enjoying docktails and conversation aboard the Blue Moon (McKenzies' boat), Caroline, Clay and I wandered to the nearest seaside restaurant called Ford's for dinner. "Wandered' is a misnomer; we had pegged this waterside restaurant in advance and, upon disembarking from Tom's boat, we made a beeline to Ford's, fearing a crowd. Yep! An hour wait with a posted-sign BYOB and no OB with us, Caroline entertained us with various Columbia-Missouri-antics designed to forge a quick bond with the young hostess (Nora) to promote a more expedient seating. Unsuccessful the early seating, but Caroline, you were humorous, charming and delightful! I can always use a good giggle! I think Clay might have even cracked a smile or two. You go, girl! Where did she get so much energy?

Our wait paid off with delicious entrees for both Caroline and me as we chose the Asian salmon with coconut rice; Clay selected lobster thermidor with which he was well-pleased. Heck, he even graced his Facebook timeline with a photo post of this culinary delicacy; Sally's galley doesn't produce such (but could, mind you!)

Tuesday morning brought an early wake-up call with a 5:50 a.m. run to the Providence airport. Clay and I hugged Caroline with wishes for safe travels as we put my crew mate on her flight home. What a joyful long weekend we'd had with her on the Long Island Sound!

As we bring closure to Caroline's journey aboard the SaSea Sally on this July 7th, I, too, bring closure to this email. 

Port Washington, NY to Greenport, NY, June 30 - July 5, 2015

June 30 - July 5, 2015

To keep things in perspective for you and for me, we are currently traveling the southern shore of the Long Island Sound but will cross to the northern shore at some point in the near future near Mystic, CT. Currently, we are docked this Tuesday morning at Brewer's Capri West Marina where I can find no logic in transient dock space assignment! If marina owners truly wanted to promote the town of Port Washington, they'd at least have assigned us to the Capri East location. We'll make the best of this because we want to see the town, but it's quite a distance away. Enough said.

Clay and I walked a lengthy morning walk, then off-loaded our bikes for later exploration. After the activity-filled week in NYC, we needed a day to regroup so regrouping is was. We located the attractive downtown on a late afternoon bike exploration, then returned by way of Salvatore's Coal Oven Pizza for dinner. Dockage gets pretty pricey where we are and where we are going, so we'd had thoughts to locate to a mooring ball (never done a mooring ball before, but it can't be rocket science); but extreme winds and resulting white caps forced a second night at Capri West.

Winds continued Wednesday morning, but we transacted a late-morning departure and cruised toward Oyster Bay where we found a terrific (as defined by protection from winds/storms plus appropriate depth) anchorage at West Harbor, so dropped anchor early afternoon. We spent time planning and reading, then grilled skewered scallops and asparagus on the little Magma grill; what a fine purchase that grill has turned out to be.

Having decided to anchor in West Harbor two nights gave opportunity to launch the dinghy Thursday morning and explore the town of Oyster Bay. The dinghy behaved admirably which is pretty much a first! (But it does seem to deflate rather quickly; guess we'll put that on the to-do list.) We glided over smooth waters then picked our way through an extensive mooring field of sailboats to a dinghy dock at Sangamon Yacht Club. We had no permission to tie up here other than verbal ok's from a couple of yacht club members who really had no authority to grant us permission; these situations bother me far more than they bother Clay. I was only hoping our dinghy would be here upon our return; it would be a LONG swim (and I'd be sure to let him carry the 36-pack of Bud Light we'd purchased while in town).

We ambled through the town with Clay busily snapping pictures of railroad stations, historic markers and the like. Me, I was more interested in a lunch spot which I found in Sweet Tomato. Little lady in line guaranteed me we were at the right spot for lunch; she added you can't go wrong with any menu item selection. I especially liked the menu wallboard with a column of 'healthy choices.' My portobello wrap was fabulous; Clay enjoyed his seafood chowder as well. 

We returned to the dinghy with the 36-pack Bud Light in hand (first time to see beer packaged as 36 cans with no 24's available). Bud got carried alternately by Clay and me to the dinghy dock for the ride back. So glad Clay didn't have to swim it back; it'd have been a challenge for the fella! (For me, too, for that matter, tho my training is a bit better). We thought, being upcoming July 4th Weekend, that the beer was a great bargain; but back at the SaSea Sally and reviewing the receipt...hmmm...not so much. Without the receipt being itemized, we finally figured there's a $0.05 can deposit per can. Guess we got some exercise...and beer.

Friday after my tracking and stowing the dinghy, we pulled anchor and motored toward Port Jefferson, arriving four hours later at Danford's Hotel and Marina adjacent to the ferry stop in Port Jeff. Our destination here was two-fold (maybe even more but we didn't know it yet): 1) our friend and repeat cruiser Caroline Gower was due on the ferry (whichever one she 'makes' given the number of connections she had this Friday of July 4th Weekend); and 2) Clay's Amazon package was shipped here. Please note Clay was anxious on both counts because it will mean, once again, he will have cell connection (he's had to share mine...or should I rather say, he temporarily adopted mine and has had to share it with me). Caroline will arrive with Clay's new temp cell phone in hand, and the Amazon package holds a new case and battery. Thanks Caroline! And, a big thank you to sister Sus who has transacted this loaner phone for her very grateful brother-in-law! And her very grateful sister!

Caroline arrived on the 6 p.m. very large ferry which carried automobiles and passengers, both of which came streaming out. Caroline, after a very exhausting day, appeared with an extremely small roller tote and an extremely big smile. What a wonderful perk to our Friday evening she was! Once settled in, she joined us for dinner at the Hotel's restaurant called Waves. We all chose fish entrees with Caroline and me selecting salmon while Clay chose lobster.

Saturday morning I ventured out on an early scouting mission to find a walking route for us only to find sidewalks already lined with occasional sling chairs, beach towels and people. I solicited information from a corner cop who detailed the annual July Fourth parade to begin at 10 a.m. and to wind through downtown on Main Street. Were we in for a treat! After a walk and a quick breakfast, we joined the masses dressed in red, white, and blue to celebrate Independence Day with a 1.5 hour parade. Bagpipe bands, fire department drum corps, firemen marching in cadence, firemen marching not much in cadence but with spirit, and fire truck after fire truck after fire truck. Caroline made comment she'd never seen so many fire trucks, EMS vans, and emergency equipment vehicles from so many townships gathered in one place to roll in celebration of our freedom!

Following the parade, we returned to the boat for showers and to dress for lunch aboard, then a shopping opportunity for Caroline and Sal while Clay did what captains do in the absence of their female companions. Caroline and I got caught in a gentle rain shower, let it bother us little, ducked into a Gap store where we each made a purchase (Happy Birthday, Sister Sus!), then returned to the SaSea Sally. First wine, cheese and crackers, then grilled burgers and romaine, we filled our evening with good cheer and frivolity before witnessing fireworks we were told we wouldn't be able to see from our location.

Our plan this Sunday morning is to motor toward Greenport, NY, spending much of the day cruising. I will touch base again once we reach our destination. Caroline is a joy to have aboard, and I do believe she is as thrilled as we are to have sunny skies and calm waters.