Time Can Be So Magic

This is the title song from an album of
children's music that our kids loved to
listen to on the boat.  

Over the course of the last month we've experienced many ups and downs.  David is continuing with chemo, he feels great most of the time, has occasional days when he's weak and has little energy, but overall he's been doing fine  He has lost all his hair, so decided to shave it all off, and I'm getting used to his new look.  It's even been an adjustment for him.  He says he used to run his hand through his hair, and occasionally he still goes to do that, and encounters no hair, just a bald head!

The engine and electrical system on Obsession are still presenting problems.  Bluish smoke and fumes from the exhaust sent us to New Bedford for a few days to have it checked out.  We got no definitive answer, and had to return to Newport.  A week later we spent a lovely week in Cuttyhunk. On our trip home the engine just stopped runningoff of Sakonnet Point.  Luckily there was enough wind to sail into Newport, and we called Sea Tow to tow us to a slip at the Alofson Pier at Fort Adams.  We have been there for a few days now, awaiting the mechanic.  The Opti Nationals were going on during our time dockside, and we have had a prime seat watching them leave every morning and return every evening.  Pictures can't do justice to the vision of 400+ kids in Optis, plus all the support boats.  It's quite an undertaking.  We are thrilled to see Newport hosting such a great event.  It brings back fond memories of our days of racing and volunteering as race committee.

Facebook has an app that reminds me every day of things I've posted in years past.  I share some of them on Facebook, but more importantly it has served as a pleasant reminder of all the wonderful travels we've had aboard Obsession over the years.  We have truly enjoyed our summers on the boat. This summer is quite different, and we are trying to make the best of it despite a few setbacks.

We've only been to Cuttyhunk and Block Island. We have enjoyed more time in Newport on our mooring, and found that using the launch service to get around the harbor is THE way to go. We also can spend hours listening to the VHF.  Other boaters coming into Newport to find moorings, dockage, anchorage etc.  It is a different summer for us.

Here's a pictorial overview of our travels/experiences with captions.

The gradual loss of hair.

Sunset from  Pineapples at The Hyatt, Goat Island - 

A trip to Block Island with Perrin and Kenny.
Another one of my famous "butt" shots.

Are you really steering that boat, Kenny? 

The winners!  A game of Corn Hole at The Oar.

Some pictures of Cuttyhunk - you see the most
interesting sights there.

I never saw anyone sitting/lounging on the
"pink flamingoes".

We finally had dinner with these guys - well not
really, we took the pizza back to the boat.

It wouldn't be Cuttyhunk without at least one
boat aground in the pond.

In our spare time (we ARE retired) we practice
taking selfies.  We need MUCH more practicer.

Scallop and Bacon Pizza from Sopranos in Cuttyhunk.
It's like a scallop and bacon appetizer
on STEROIDS.  SOOO GOOD!

New Bedford/Fairhaven swingbridge.

Friends CJ and Lori from Borden Light met us for dinner
in New Beige (New Bedford) Fun night.

The fishing boat masts help create an interesting sunset.
This is only a fraction of the fishing boats
docked in New Bedford.

This will always be one of my favorite views from our
favorite anchor spot in Cuttyhunk, our favorite place.

On Chemo days we do laundry back at the Landing at
South Park (our condo).  This is our view.  Not bad, huh?

In contrast to New Bedford, the masts of these maxi-boats
also provide an interesting skyline, day or night.

Jazz Festival Weekend we had visitors, neighbors of
my sister Nancy.  Kim and Sean.  They had a great day
at the festival and joined us for cocktails before heading back up
the bay.

Another selfie.  Happy Birthday, David.  (Notice the bald head?)
Champagne at 41North and dinner at 22 Bowen's.
It's almost becoming a tradition.

A Cuttyhunk Sunset

A Newport Sunset from Fort Adams.

7 little Optis - all in a row.  There were over 400 of them
buzzing around the harbor for three days.  It was a National
Championship Regatta hosted by Sail Newport

Perrin's new (to him) boat - Tinker Toy, alongside of
Obsession.  He was one happy guy the day it was launched.

Taking the guys for a ride.  At least he could go fast
when I wasn't aboard.

A final "butt shot".  I was sitting in the inflated "couch" in the stern.
Fun ride.