September 1-6                            Newport, Rhode Island

Our crossing from Sag Harbor to Newport took approximately five hours.  The scenery was lovely and the water was smooth.  The holiday weekend had begun and boats of all sizes and types were evident as we approached Newport. An active party scene greeted us as we entered the harbor.  We always marvel at the large home built on a huge rock near the harbor entrance.  It now rents for $17,000 a week .  We were treated to a magnificent sunset!

Our marina, West Winds, was the first on our starboard side after passing the massive hulk of Fort Adams.  West Winds was not our first choice, or our second, third, fourth, or fifth choice.  Waiting to be certain we had favorable winds for crossing, I had delayed making reservations in Newport and found our favorites were filled.   We were docked on the lower end of Thames Street. We liked very much the area as it was somewhat removed from the hordes clogging the streets and shops near Bannister Wharf. 

.  The sun continued for several days after our arrival and we took a long trolley ride to see the wonderful sights of Newport, including the many mansions, the church where JFK and Jackie married, and the lovely yellow Victorian home where Ike stayed as president when he came to play golf.  The Newport Country Club looks like a miniature Versailles on an isolated plain.  Newport’s ten mile Ocean Drive rivals and probably exceeds the charm and beauty of California’s Seven Mile Beach drive. 

Unfortunately, we had three active clubs with live music surrounding us.  Music (actually noise played and sung by little talented performers) continued until 1:00 AM.   On Labor Day, the noise began at l:00 PM and continued unabated until 1:00 AM.  We tried ear plugs but they were of no help.  It was the MARINA FROM HELL!!!!  With all the other marinas filled and Tropical Storm Hermine bringing rain and winds, we could not leave. The Baylor, TCU, and Texas football games brought us hours of great entertainment despite the weather outside and the noise from the clubs.

On Labor Day, the winds were so great that David chose to remain onboard.  I went seeking a book on Newport and planned a visit to the Armory and its antique collections.  It was filled with nautical treasures, books, chandeliers, and glassware.  Later, at The Mansions Shop, I found the same lovely hat Hilary Clinton was photographed wearing at the Southampton event on Sag Harbor.  Of course, I bought it.

We had planned to leave for Wickford on Tuesday but the storm continued to bring wind and rain.  None of the boats around us were moving.  Dock help came to double our lines.  There was no music on the docks and all the furniture from the bars had been moved inside.  At one time, the wind was almost 40 knots.  We were fearful our new bridge canvas would be blown away but it remained in place.