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.
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