Wednesday, March 15, 2017

THE NEWPORT BLUES (AUGUST - NOVEMBER, 2017)









The USS Zumwalt docked at the Newport Naval Base.
It is HUGE, (picture doesn't do it justice) and blends in
with the background.
Since last August we have been hunkered down in Newport except for one trip to Cuttyhunk and the Vineyard.  We visited our new favorite restaurant in Oak Bluffs, the Red Cat, and of course the Black Dog. 

From August to October 15 Obsession didn't leave Newport.  David's treatments continued, and his days of feeling fatigued increased from 2 to 4 days.  The engine and electrical problems on board continued to plague us, so we just decided to enjoy being on the boat in busy and entertaining Newport Harbor.  During that time we watched the Island Moving Company rehearsing for a Peter Pan Production on board the Oliver Hazard Perry, went for a few motor boat rides on Perrin's new toy, Tinker Toy, and walked the streets of Newport. When a tropical storm moved close to New England in early September we graciously accepted an invitation from our nephew and niece Morgan and Jenn and family to stay at their house in Middletown. Later that week the USS Zumwalt sneaked into town without much fanfare, but certainly drew a crowd of on-lookers.  Truly a technological marvel and a sight to see.

We enjoyed many sunsets, shared dinners with Oldport Launch Drivers as they headed back to school, a road trip to Jamestown and the Boat Show were some of the highlights of September.  At the end of September on the spur of the moment we decided to take a longer road trip to Niagara Falls.  It was a wonderful get away, David was feeling a little stronger, and we took advantage of that. It is truly a  magnificent sight.  For some reason we can never leave water - and over the course of the 3 days we managed to wear 3 different color rain ponchos - pink, yellow and blue.

October brought not only shorter and cooler days, but Patriots Football and Presidential Debates.  We had to purchase new winter coats, (I threw mine of 20 years away, David's was hidden somewhere in storage), hats, glove, winter sweaters and jeans, and boots.  David agreed to help Perrin sail his newly purchased "home", Escape,  an O'Day 322, from the Connecticut River to Newport Harbor and Hotel and Marina where he joined us living aboard for the winter.  October 15 we began to settle into our winter home, met some new boating friends and looked forward to the end of chemo treatments the end of November.  We spent a few nights at The Inn on the Harbor and The Inn on Long Wharf in November and December, enjoyed the Annual Holiday Boat Parade with Perrin and Kenny aboard the Amazing Grace.


 Here are some pictures of the highlights of these four months.

The early September storm from Fort Adams.

Moon Rise over Boat Show Mid-September


Perrin joined us in Cuttyhunk aboard Tinker Toy in August.  We had
to tow Tinker Toy home to Newport.  Engine wouldn't start.  

I can honestly say this is one of my most favorite bars to enjoy
dinner in Oak Bluffs.  The Red Cat.  Small, but quaint and inviting.

Our only cookout in Cuttyhunk this summer.  But, as always,
a perfect setting, and albeit simple (hotdogs and wings) food,
DELICIOUS!

A walk along Bellevue Avenue.  The LaForge Casino always
boasts beautiful flower boxes.

We spent a few days dockside at Fort Adams, The Alofsin Pier.
Niemiec Marine came down to work on the engine

The Opti Nationals happened during the time we were dockside.
We were treated with this scene every evening after a full
day of racing on the bay.  There were HUNDREDS of these
boats and kids competing and having a blast.
A trip under the falls for a close-up view

Aboard the Hornblower to view the Falls on the Canadian Side
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The Opti Nationals happened during the time we were dockside.
We were treated with this scene every evening after a full
day of racing on the bay.  There were HUNDREDS of these
boats and kids competing and having a blast.

Escape - Perrin and David arrive at NHH&M
October 13, 2016.  The happy boat/homeowner, Perrin
is on the bow.

As the end of David's Chemo approached we stayed at
the Inn on the Harbor a few nights so he could sleep in
a real bed and be warm and comfortable.  We enjoyed
watching the harbor become empty of boats.
A family gathering for two birthdays.  Peggy and Lucy, in
early November.

The debates are over, the election too
Our President is...Donald Trump! I stayed up
all night on the boat election night waiting
for the result.  Only to wake up later to
the fact that he DID win.
A beautiful moon over Trinity Church as we head
to Benjamin's one night for dinner.
Dressed and ready to watch
SOME PATRIOTS FOOTBALL.  We watched most
of the games with our friends at The Landing in Fall River.
What a season, Way to go, PATRIOTS.

The hair is growing back, and he is sporting some
of the new winter clothes we had to buy
A beautiful (one of many) sunsets from the cockpit of Obsession
dockside at Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina (Treadway to us).

Nephew Kenny sports his Christmas Sweater at
the annual Boat Parade Celebration
My pictures don't capture all of the beauty, the lights of
Trinity Church, the moon in the upper left hand corner, the
boat lit up like a candle.  All part of the Annual Boat Parade that
we we privileged to view from aboard the Amazing Grace
with launch driver friends from the summer.

David ringing the bell at the Cancer Clinic on November 30, 2016.
The last day.  Hooray!