Another qualifier...first of all, there are a lot of pictures in this log, and I could have easily put in 3 times this much. Also...I normally try to put these in order to tell a story, but (I'm sure due to my inability to do it the right way) I got so aggravated trying to arrange them...some are out of order...sorry.
These first 12 pictures are of Newport, RI. It is one of the most amazing harbors I have ever been to. As some of my friends who have been there describe it..."indescribable".
This is the most mega yachts we have seen since Ft. Lauderdale...they were amazing
We followed (in the dinghy) a mega yacht coming in the harbor, and tying up...very cool to watch
You can buy lobster right off the dock...$45 @ pound
The downtown of Newport is very cool. It is where the feel of an old port town, meets the new and rich.
Ok...let's start at the beginning. Here we are leaving Mystic Harbor on Friday morning. The weather as perfect. Bright sun. No wind. Mild temperatures
After 25 miles on Block Island Sound with perfect weather, we enter Block Island Harbor. We were amazed at the number of boats.
We stayed at Payne's dock...it was the most crowded and disorganized docking situation I have EVER been to. It took us over 30 minutes of waiting, but they found us a spot.
We were rafted off another boat, and blocking at least 10 boats from getting out 
You can see from these pictures how they "shoe horn" these boats in
I hate to raft off another boat...but we had no choice
It seems most folk ride their bikes around the island
We...on the other hand...rented a car to see the island
This is one of their lighthouses. By the way...they just moved this one, because the ground it was sitting on was being eroded away
You can walk down these stairs (160 steps) to the southeast side of island. Deb and Terry did. Jeanine and I watched them
At the bottom of the stairs is a very nice beach
This was a very calm day...but you can see the surf coming in from the Atlantic was still strong
Deb probably took 30 pictures of the hotels and eating places on Block Island...here is a sample
The next day (Saturday) we left Block Island Harbor in very foggy conditions. This is a picture of the radar coming out of the harbor. Each of those dots is a boat, our boat is in the center, and that yellow line is our current heading
Here is a shot of the fog
We had about 25 miles to go to Newport, and I could see boats on the radar...then all of a sudden they would pop out of the fog...like this one
As we got close to Newport, there was a lot more traffic, and more boats would come out of the fog
This is our first glimpse of Newport Harbor, and the fog was just starting to lift
Here was a huge house built of a small rock
As we came into Newport Harbor, the fog was getting better
This shot is looking east at the town of Newport
One of the many pictures we took in downtown Newport (again...sorry about the order)
This is our slip in Newport...we were directly across from a huge yacht.
Log 163
Day 454
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
11:00 AM EDT
Location: Brewer Stirling Harbor, Greenport, NY
Weather: 90 degrees; hot and humid...forecasted to be more of the same for the rest of the day
Side note: We love having people join us on our boat...but it makes it very difficult for me to get these logs done. Usually I do the logs in the morning before Deb wakes up, but when Terry was on board, he gets up almost as early as I do, so I chose to spend time talking to him, rather than do a captain’s log. Hence...the reason I am behind.
Ok...let's start at the beginning. Here we are leaving Mystic Harbor on Friday morning. The weather as perfect. Bright sun. No wind. Mild temperatures
After 25 miles on Block Island Sound with perfect weather, we enter Block Island Harbor. We were amazed at the number of boats.
We stayed at Payne's dock...it was the most crowded and disorganized docking situation I have EVER been to. It took us over 30 minutes of waiting, but they found us a spot.
We were rafted off another boat, and blocking at least 10 boats from getting out You can see from these pictures how they "shoe horn" these boats in
I hate to raft off another boat...but we had no choice
It seems most folk ride their bikes around the island
We...on the other hand...rented a car to see the island
This is one of their lighthouses. By the way...they just moved this one, because the ground it was sitting on was being eroded away
You can walk down these stairs (160 steps) to the southeast side of island. Deb and Terry did. Jeanine and I watched them
At the bottom of the stairs is a very nice beach
This was a very calm day...but you can see the surf coming in from the Atlantic was still strong
Deb probably took 30 pictures of the hotels and eating places on Block Island...here is a sample
The next day (Saturday) we left Block Island Harbor in very foggy conditions. This is a picture of the radar coming out of the harbor. Each of those dots is a boat, our boat is in the center, and that yellow line is our current heading
Here is a shot of the fog
We had about 25 miles to go to Newport, and I could see boats on the radar...then all of a sudden they would pop out of the fog...like this one
As we got close to Newport, there was a lot more traffic, and more boats would come out of the fog
This is our first glimpse of Newport Harbor, and the fog was just starting to lift
Here was a huge house built of a small rock
As we came into Newport Harbor, the fog was getting better
This shot is looking east at the town of Newport
One of the many pictures we took in downtown Newport (again...sorry about the order)
This is our slip in Newport...we were directly across from a huge yacht.
Log 163Day 454
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
11:00 AM EDT
Location: Brewer Stirling Harbor, Greenport, NY
Weather: 90 degrees; hot and humid...forecasted to be more of the same for the rest of the day
Side note: We love having people join us on our boat...but it makes it very difficult for me to get these logs done. Usually I do the logs in the morning before Deb wakes up, but when Terry was on board, he gets up almost as early as I do, so I chose to spend time talking to him, rather than do a captain’s log. Hence...the reason I am behind.
They are forecasting today to be one of the hottest days of the summer in New York. It only got down to 76 last night, and was 85 by 9:30. We are in Greenport, NY this morning (click here) to see our location on Google Maps. Here is how we got here.
Friday (August 14)...after a rainy day in Mystic harbor on Thursday, Friday morning was one of those perfect days. Bright sun; low humidity; no wind. We left downtown Mystic at 7:30 and went 2 to 3 miles to Mystic Harbor, where we filled up with fuel (325 gallons @ $2.94). After fueling up, we joined the eastern edge of Long Island Sound; then east a few miles to Block Island Sound; and 25 miles later we were at Block Island. We had read a lot about Block Island, but were not prepared for the amount of boats in Great Salt Pond (the harbor within Block Island). And...we were certainly not prepared for what we encountered at Payne’s Marina. We were told to go to Payne’s by a guy in Essex, but he failed to tell us how Payne’s works. Basically, it is a marina that will hold about 50 boats, but they pack up to 200 in there on weekends. This is one time where the picture does tell the story. As jammed in as we were...we were one of the lucky ones. We only had to climb over 1 boat to get to the dock, and we were on the end, so we could get out when we wanted to. It was a mess (interesting mess...but a mess none the less) but we finally settled in, and decided to go get some lunch. Terry had talked to a guy who said there was a great place...only a 10 minute walk. So...after 30 minutes...we got to the place...and it was “ok”. But, while eating we decided to tour the island, and ended up renting a convertible Mustang, and had a great time exploring. Most people do this on their bikes...but for my money, you can’t beat the way we did it. Again...the pictures tell a good story.
Saturday...we woke to bright sunshine, and warm temperatures, but by 8:30 the fog started to roll in, and you could see it was going to cover the Island. So...we made a fast decision to head out of the harbor, before we got stuck there (which many folks were). As we were leaving, it was getting worse, and by the time we got out in Block Island Sound, the visibility was less than 50 yards in many spots. We have great radar on Headquarters, so I was not worried, but there were lots of fishing boats out there...many without radar, so I was concerned about fast moving boats, that did not know we were in their area. With lots of “puckering” (and several blast on our horn to let someone know we were there) we made it to Newport (23 miles) in about 2 1/2 hours. I was concerned about entering Newport Harbor in a heavy fog, but the closer we got, the better it got, and as we came in the breakwater the fog was nearly gone. And I’m so glad it was, because along with being VERY busy, the harbor is just beautiful. Deb and I both commented it reminded us of the Monte Carlo Harbor, in Monaco. (If you are reading this log on email...go to the blog and see the pictures). After getting to our slip, we walked into town for some lunch, and then took an afternoon dinghy ride around the harbor. It was amazing (and fun) to see one yacht bigger, and more elaborate, than the next. The recession is not evident in Newport. The day ended (like most since Jeanie and Terry got on board) with a great dinner on the boat, and a walk into town for ice cream.
Sunday...our last full day with Jeanine and Terry started with Terry and I walking into town (in the fog) for some breakfast. We were looking for a little spot that served an old fashion breakfast, but instead found an interesting spot (the decor was like on of those California Kitchens...not my favorite) and both had great breakfasts. Back at the boat we relaxed, and made lots of calls to find Jennie and Terry a ride to the airport on Monday (we had planned to rent a car, and I take them back, but the weather on Tuesday called for stronger winds out of the SW, and I wanted to leave on Monday to avoid this). For lunch we walked into town, and found a great spot. In the afternoon, the girls decided to take a walk around the town, and Terry went back to the boat to watch the NASCAR race in Michigan. Another great dinner on the boat. Another walk into town (after dinner) for ice cream. Another great day.
Monday...the limo picked up Jeanie and Terry at 7 am, and we were again (for a few days anyway) on our own. It was very foggy in the harbor, and we waited until a little after 9 to head out. When we did, it was not bad in the harbor, but the fog got heavier the further we went, and it was almost 2 pm before the visibility was good enough for me not to drive by radar. It’s hard to describe what it’s like to drive without seeing anything (except what you see on radar, and hear on the ship to shore radio) but suffice it to say it is very stressful. Not necessarily dangerous (because I can see everything on radar) but very tiring, and I was certainly glad to see the sun finally break through...about 40 miles into our 60 mile trip. We finally reached Greenport Harbor about 4 pm, and it was almost 5:30, by the time we got the boat washed down, and organized.
Tuesday...hard to believe, it is almost noon as I finish this. Between all the pictures, and writing this, it has taken the entire morning. Deb has been busy doing several loads of laundry, and doing some organizing. We have more guests coming tomorrow afternoon (Steve and Claudia Larry) so we are getting ready for them. We had planed to go to Martha’s Vineyard on Thursday...but the winds do not want to cooperate, so I need to check the guide books for some alternate plans. We also want to take the courtesy van into town (Greenport) to get some groceries. We’re not sure where we’ll go from here (once Steve and Claudia get off on Sunday) we’ll just have to see what the weather brings, and which direction is best to travel.
I’ll keep you posted.
Bob
Friday (August 14)...after a rainy day in Mystic harbor on Thursday, Friday morning was one of those perfect days. Bright sun; low humidity; no wind. We left downtown Mystic at 7:30 and went 2 to 3 miles to Mystic Harbor, where we filled up with fuel (325 gallons @ $2.94). After fueling up, we joined the eastern edge of Long Island Sound; then east a few miles to Block Island Sound; and 25 miles later we were at Block Island. We had read a lot about Block Island, but were not prepared for the amount of boats in Great Salt Pond (the harbor within Block Island). And...we were certainly not prepared for what we encountered at Payne’s Marina. We were told to go to Payne’s by a guy in Essex, but he failed to tell us how Payne’s works. Basically, it is a marina that will hold about 50 boats, but they pack up to 200 in there on weekends. This is one time where the picture does tell the story. As jammed in as we were...we were one of the lucky ones. We only had to climb over 1 boat to get to the dock, and we were on the end, so we could get out when we wanted to. It was a mess (interesting mess...but a mess none the less) but we finally settled in, and decided to go get some lunch. Terry had talked to a guy who said there was a great place...only a 10 minute walk. So...after 30 minutes...we got to the place...and it was “ok”. But, while eating we decided to tour the island, and ended up renting a convertible Mustang, and had a great time exploring. Most people do this on their bikes...but for my money, you can’t beat the way we did it. Again...the pictures tell a good story.
Saturday...we woke to bright sunshine, and warm temperatures, but by 8:30 the fog started to roll in, and you could see it was going to cover the Island. So...we made a fast decision to head out of the harbor, before we got stuck there (which many folks were). As we were leaving, it was getting worse, and by the time we got out in Block Island Sound, the visibility was less than 50 yards in many spots. We have great radar on Headquarters, so I was not worried, but there were lots of fishing boats out there...many without radar, so I was concerned about fast moving boats, that did not know we were in their area. With lots of “puckering” (and several blast on our horn to let someone know we were there) we made it to Newport (23 miles) in about 2 1/2 hours. I was concerned about entering Newport Harbor in a heavy fog, but the closer we got, the better it got, and as we came in the breakwater the fog was nearly gone. And I’m so glad it was, because along with being VERY busy, the harbor is just beautiful. Deb and I both commented it reminded us of the Monte Carlo Harbor, in Monaco. (If you are reading this log on email...go to the blog and see the pictures). After getting to our slip, we walked into town for some lunch, and then took an afternoon dinghy ride around the harbor. It was amazing (and fun) to see one yacht bigger, and more elaborate, than the next. The recession is not evident in Newport. The day ended (like most since Jeanie and Terry got on board) with a great dinner on the boat, and a walk into town for ice cream.
Sunday...our last full day with Jeanine and Terry started with Terry and I walking into town (in the fog) for some breakfast. We were looking for a little spot that served an old fashion breakfast, but instead found an interesting spot (the decor was like on of those California Kitchens...not my favorite) and both had great breakfasts. Back at the boat we relaxed, and made lots of calls to find Jennie and Terry a ride to the airport on Monday (we had planned to rent a car, and I take them back, but the weather on Tuesday called for stronger winds out of the SW, and I wanted to leave on Monday to avoid this). For lunch we walked into town, and found a great spot. In the afternoon, the girls decided to take a walk around the town, and Terry went back to the boat to watch the NASCAR race in Michigan. Another great dinner on the boat. Another walk into town (after dinner) for ice cream. Another great day.
Monday...the limo picked up Jeanie and Terry at 7 am, and we were again (for a few days anyway) on our own. It was very foggy in the harbor, and we waited until a little after 9 to head out. When we did, it was not bad in the harbor, but the fog got heavier the further we went, and it was almost 2 pm before the visibility was good enough for me not to drive by radar. It’s hard to describe what it’s like to drive without seeing anything (except what you see on radar, and hear on the ship to shore radio) but suffice it to say it is very stressful. Not necessarily dangerous (because I can see everything on radar) but very tiring, and I was certainly glad to see the sun finally break through...about 40 miles into our 60 mile trip. We finally reached Greenport Harbor about 4 pm, and it was almost 5:30, by the time we got the boat washed down, and organized.
Tuesday...hard to believe, it is almost noon as I finish this. Between all the pictures, and writing this, it has taken the entire morning. Deb has been busy doing several loads of laundry, and doing some organizing. We have more guests coming tomorrow afternoon (Steve and Claudia Larry) so we are getting ready for them. We had planed to go to Martha’s Vineyard on Thursday...but the winds do not want to cooperate, so I need to check the guide books for some alternate plans. We also want to take the courtesy van into town (Greenport) to get some groceries. We’re not sure where we’ll go from here (once Steve and Claudia get off on Sunday) we’ll just have to see what the weather brings, and which direction is best to travel.
I’ll keep you posted.
Bob
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