Sunday it was again so foggy in Cuttyhunk that I didn't think we'd be able to leave. But Kelly Bates on Channel 10 news assured us that the fog would burn off by late morning. So we decided to head to the beach to look for sea glass and more rocks. David said he could make a water fountain with a fish tank bubbler and we saw a design with some rocks that gave us the inspiration. We are also collecting rocks from Cuttyhunk to make a doormat for our condo. The best beach for our collecting faces Buzzards Bay, and by 11:00 the fog had burned off nicely. We were back to the boat and underway by 11:30am and sailing another beautiful sail on a southerly breeze of about 12 -15 knots headed for Newport. Usually this sail is on the nose, and if you're lucky you might be able to do it in one tack - well, we weren't even close-hauled and again, the tide was with us. Close to the Sakonnet River the wind picked up to about 15-20 knots. Obsession says,"YES!" This is her wind. She settled in on a port tack, the rail not buried, heeling just enough. Closer to Newport we had to alter course about 90 degrees for the Fish Traps (thought they were supposed to be hauled after June 30) so we sailed very close to the reef, into Newport where we were greeted with 6 twelve meters starting a race off Rose Island.
The sail into Newport was just as beautiful as the rest of the day's sail - so much so, that we didn't start the engine until we were almost to Fort Adams. Our mooring was ready and waiting for us (so nice not to have to call and reserve like most of the people we hear on the radio). We had hot water for showers! and relaxed as we listed to people trying to secure or find moorings in the harbor. By 5:00pm Oldport didn't have a single mooring available. The wind really picked up - too windy to cook on the grill, so we headed into to Christie's for a burger and a walk downtown. On our trip back to the boat the sunset was just beautiful setting behind the Providence. David and I talked a little about our experience on board her a few summers ago. I suppose for some people it doesn't sound like fun, but we signed on to be the sailing chaperones for two weeks with at risk 8th and 9th graders from Middletown. We had some great days - a memorable "man overboard" and two overnights sleeping under the stars in Potters' Cove in Jamestown. I remember one student telling me the evening of the sleep over, "This is beautiful Mrs. Roehr. It's so peaceful. I've never seen the stars so bright." Worth it!!!
Woke up to thunder, lightning, heavy rain and strong winds about 4:00am - all hatches closed and we just rolled over until it was all over. This morning - sunny and warm. Going to be a very warm day here in Newport. Thinking that it's a day for errands in air-conditioned stores.
I'm at 41North typing this blog. It's a 5 star resort, on the waterfront in Newport where Christie's used to be. It is absolutely elegant - very expensive. We do it the cheap way - become members so we can tie up our dinghy at their beautiful dock, enjoy their relaxing and beautiful lounge and an occasional lunch. (Dinners are much too expensive). They have nice showers, and we can sit and relax in comfortable chairs/couches, use the internet. Last summer we had an offer for a free night in the hotel portion of 41 North. We used that option the night after coming home from our 3 week trip down Long Island and the Connecticut shoreline, ending with a stop in Block Island. Christen, Rob and Baleigh joined us in Block Island for a fun-filled day. The day after it poured rain and blew like stink so we motored back to Newport - Baleigh got seasick, I held her most of the way home wrapped in a white sailboat blanket. We arrived in Newport, wet, salty, bedraggled and tired. We were a little embarrassed checking in, but we promised the desk clerk that "we clean up good". The room was luxurious - a bed that you actually sank into it was so soft - a fireplace - with burning rocks! - a shower with water jets not just from above but from the sides as well. Fluffy white terrycloth bathrobes (good thing - I forgot my jammies!!) We enjoyed that night so much. And a note from the concierge, "Hope you enjoy your stay and get a chance to dry out."
Newport is no longer our home - it's become one of our destinations. It's hard sometimes to think about taking the bus to the store when we're here - but we do it without a second thought in the Vineyard or anywhere else. We have the advantage of having been Newporters and have our favorite places to visit, and we know our way around, but it's a different place for us now. We are tourists here now.
Our next destination is Block Island for a weekend with our friends from G-Dock at Borden Light. We are looking forward to spending some time with them away from the dock. It should be fun. The weather looks to be good for the weekend. Keeping our fingers crossed. Then a trip to Watch Hill - I want one of the Swan ice cream puff sundaes - before heading back to Newport July 22 for a Music Festival Concert at the Breakers. Then to Borden Light in Fall River for hair appointments and a family cook-out on the 24th. That will be the half-way mark of the summer since we both have to be back to school before Labor Day this year.
No comments:
Post a Comment