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.