July 4-10                               North Kingstown, Rhode Island

We arrived in Providence on July 4.  Miller had graciously agreed to meet us and bring us to the boat.  Our expectations of returning to a clean, repaired boat waiting in a slip with a beautiful view of the bay were quickly dispelled.  The needed parts had not been received, repairs were pending and the boat was on stilts “on the hard.”  The only nearby accommodation for us (due to the holiday) was a motel with 1950’s décor and dead plants in the flower boxes next to the door.  It was an adjustment from our lovely, elegant rooms in Oslo, Stockholm, Edinburgh and the Azamara cruise ship.  After a wonderful trip, we were again faced with reality.

The following day, we were allowed to return to the boat (via a 15’ ladder).  Work gradually proceeded, pumps for the heads were repaired, bottom was inspected and new canvas curtains were ordered to replace the cracked old ones on the aft deck.  It was not an ideal situation but better than the motel!

The boat was returned to the water on July 9 and we were docked at the entrance to the marina.  We have a great view of the harbor and bay.  Cool breezes provide natural air-conditioning. David will return to Texas on Sunday for a week to complete work for a client.  Although we plan to remain in Wickford Shipyard for the summer, we hope to continue making cruises to scenic places nearby or outside to Boston.