October 6-12                 Rhode Island and New Hampshire

 

Shannon was delighted to keep Pretzel again.  They had bonded well during our absence last year when we went to Europe.  David reluctantly handed over Pretzel with all sorts of instructions for her care.  He was already having separation anxiety.

Jerry had made all the plans and reservations for our trip.  He was also the chauffer and guide.  He expertly drove his new Alfa-Romeo from our meeting point near Boston through the small, historic Massachusetts towns to the White Mountains region of New Hampshire.

Our first sight of our hotel below Mount Washington and the surrounding mountain range was even more impressive than the photographs.  Opened in 1902 and presently owned by Omni Hotels, it has regained much of its past grandeur by extensive renovations which carefully maintained traditional features and many original structures.  Elaborate chandeliers and Tiffany designed glass windows and doors complimented the décor.  Our room was enormous and we enjoyed the great view of the mountains and foliage from our large windows.

One day was spent driving the famous Kancamagus Highway, a scenic route through much of the skiing and hiking areas.  The next day, we attempted to drive to the summit of Mount Washington but were allowed to ascend only part way due to ice on the road.  Despite the sunny, pleasant weather below, the peaks were covered in light snow.  The views were awesome and the foliage was spectacular throughout the area with wide expanses of reds, golds and oranges.

In North Conway, we stopped at The Christmas Loft, a large and very impressive Christmas store.  To my delight, I found a special nativity that will be adored by our great-grandchildren.  Now my challenge is to find room to display another one!

We enjoyed a memorable dinner at The Notchland Inn, a wonderful example of the arts and crafts architecture style, designed by Gustav Stickley, one of the founders of that movement.  Remotely located, the lovely1901 structure is surrounded by trees and gardens.  The interior is authentic with furniture, paneling, fireplaces and accessories of the period.  There are no television sets and guests are encouraged to play card or table games.  Dinner was a set menu and very good.  Mia, a Burmese Mountain dog, is allowed to come into the dining room and receive the adulation and petting of the guests.  Jerry and Jill were eager to see her again and had brought treats!

On Saturday, we enjoyed a delightful and scenic drive past numerous small farms with impressive large red barns in the Connecticut River Valley to Hanover, the home of Dartmouth College.  Despite the virus, students were everywhere enjoying the exceptionally warm and beautiful day.  With the beautiful fall colors filling the many surrounding trees, the red-bricked campus was quintessential New England.  Dinner and lodging were at the historic (but recently renovated) Hanover Inn where we could enjoy views of the campus green and activities.  Our journey back to Rhode Island was brightened by the sudden appearance during our absence of beautiful colors in the trees. 

Packing has begun and the boat is being readied for our departure tomorrow for Fort Worth.  It is always a bittersweet time but we are optimistically hoping we will return next May when the virus pandemic has been eliminated and normal nautical life and experiences can be resumed.  Once again, we had a delightful summer on The Bottom Line.

 

 

 

 

 

September 14-October 4                            North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Scott, the local refrigerator/A/C repairman extraordinaire, came again to diagnose and repair our temperamental refrigerator.  Replacing the full-size fifteen-year-old unit with a newer model is not an option.  It was installed by previous owners during an extensive remodel of the galley and pilot area.  To remove the refrigerator would require considerable demolition.  We will do whatever it takes to keep this one operating even though repair bills may exceed the cost of a replacement.  Once again, a part was ordered and everything worked as it should.

Consulting the weather charts, we finally found several favorable days for cruising with winds less than 12 knots.  Reservations were made at Sandwich Marina and Boston Waterboat Marina.  Jerry and Jill, our Boston friends would be free and we were eager to spend time with them.

Several days before departure, we took the boat to the nearby gas dock and filled the tanks.  I charted our course on the GPS and David ran through the checklist to be sure all was ready.  We were excited to finally be leaving Wickford Shipyard.

At 8:00 AM, Rupe came to take in the ladder and the lines and we made a smooth exit from our slip.  Before reaching the breakwater barrier into the bay, we experienced vibrations which steadily increased.  It was obvious there was a prop problem.  We had no previous indications and were very surprised by this occurrence.  With regret, we returned to Wickford Shipyard.

A diver was summoned and his quick inspection revealed the props and shafts were impacted by barnacles!  After several hours of cleaning, these pesky crustaceans were removed.  Too late to leave for our trip, we called to change reservations.

 Unfortunately, David pulled a shoulder muscle as he attempted to pull in a kinked power cord.  The pain was excruciating.  A visit to a local ER clinic showed he had tendonitis and only rest, heat or cold and pain medication would take care of the problem.  It was definitely not our day.  The shoulder continued to cause considerable discomfort and we knew David was in no condition to soon make the journey to Boston.

The boat was now located in a slip further into the channel.  Our view was across to the town of Wickford, the lovely marina leading into the town and the beautiful homes on the shore.  It was a lively area with people coming to stay on their boats and socializing with neighbors.  

Several days of high wind transpired before we finally had a sunny calm morning to make a brief cruise to test the props.  We enlisted the help of Rupe to join us and handle all the electrical cords and lines.  David expertly piloted the boat into Narragansett Bay and we cruised past familiar sights down to Newport and Point Judith before reversing and returning to port.  There was no vibration and all systems worked well. 

Our delayed plans to go to Boston were finally cancelled (despite losing reservation guarantees).  David’s shoulder was slowly improving but we decided it would be risky to attempt such a long journey.  To our delight, Jerry and Jill proposed a trip to the White Mountains.  We would spend four nights at the fabulous Omni White Mountain Resort and make extensive driving trips in the area to enjoy the fall foliage.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 9-13                       North Kingstown, Rhode Island

We departed the plane at DFW and were greeted by 110-degree heat!  We quickly realized why we wanted to return to Rhode Island as soon as possible.  Our brief time in Fort Worth was busy with family and taking care of home and office matters.   Heat and moisture had caused mildew on shoes and purses in our closets, some indoor plants had died despite the best efforts of Mario and Blake and my earrings meant to be worn for the wedding were missing (not to be found and probably misplaced by me months ago.) Otherwise, we were fortunate for the house, yard and cars were all beautifully cared for and we loved being at home. 

We regretted virus concerns kept us from attending the rehearsal dinner on Friday evening but we thought it wise to continue our masked and social distancing stance whenever possible.  Efforts had been made to observe precautions at the wedding which was difficult with 175 guests.  However, most people cooperated initially and we were hopeful no one became ill.  We left soon after the cakes were served.

The wedding was a beautiful, elegant event made even more special by the obvious love and delight of Taft and Kennedy.  They truly rejoiced in finally being married and having the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends.  It was a wonderful evening.  We were very proud of our family who “cleaned up well” and wore tuxedos and formal attire.  The three great grandsons, in their tuxedos, monopolized the dance floor when the music turned “hot.”

Our plans to return to the boat on Monday were aborted when David’s doctor called with news that a routine blood test revealed a potential serious problem.  He sent David to the ER on Monday morning for additional tests and possible hospitalization.  After several hours, he apologetically reported the initial tests had produced results that were not confirmed by later testing.  Other indicators also verified David did not have an infection.  Once again, he dodged a bullet!

We returned to Rhode Island on September 9 to beautiful cool weather.  Our plans to leave for a cruise to Boston were aborted by recurrence of refrigerator problems. Always something!!!  Instead, we spent a lovely day exploring the Narragansett-Point Judith area.  Unexpectedly, we found Aunt Carrie’s, a famous seafood restaurant begun in 1920 and still owned by family members.  It was once featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives TV show. Simple and quaint with lace curtains and views of the bay, it was a fun experience.  Fried calamari and coconut shrimp were great for an impromptu lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 4-August 27                North Kingstown, Rhode Island

The expected high winds came and were gone in one hour.  Rain was heavy for a short time and all was well before nightfall.  We could not believe we were so fortunate.  Despite all our preparations, we had neglected to secure the seat cushions on the bow.  We discovered the following morning one of the upper cushions had disappeared.  A call to Gidget, the local “Tailor to the Sailors,” whose shop is near our location, was successful in ordering a replacement.  Our negligence proved to be expensive!

David continued to focus on his plans to add a console and steering to our dinghy.  He spent hours researching and talking to “experts” but no one was encouraging.  The Lehr propane motor is no longer being produced and the company is out of business.  Parts to facilitate a connection to the console were not available.

Never to be hindered by obstacles, David designed the needed parts, bought material, cut it to specifications and persuaded a welder here at the shipyard to weld the pieces to make the needed parts.

With Rube’s help, the console, new seat and steering were finally in place.  The results were successful.  We boarded with wine and snacks for a long-overdue cruise of the channel into Wickford.  The same skills, expertise and determination that once converted a Lay’s Potato Chip truck into a classy little motorhome had once again achieved a triumph.  Not too shabby for an octogenarian!

A trip to the Narragansett area to complete registration of our newly purchased automobile, provided another opportunity to visit Two-Ten Oysters, a lovely seafood restaurant with ample outdoor space for safe distancing and  accompanying dogs.  Pretzel docility remained at David’s feet, ignored all others and munched happily on bits of French fries.  As expected, the fried oysters were outstanding!

We are cleaning, packing and completing last minute details to return to Texas.  Kennedy and Taft will be married on September 5 and we are excited about this happy event and seeing again our family and our home.  We will return to the boat on September 7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 28-August 3           North Kingstown, Rhode Island

We enjoyed a long visit with friends from Boston, Jerry and Jill, and returned for a late lunch to Matunuck Oyster Bar near Port Judith.  Always busy, but more so with restricted dining due to space allocation, we were fortunate to receive reservations.  Oysters are not just local—they are home-grown in beds only yards from the dining area.  All the food is fresh and organic as the owner is an agronomist who turned a family farm into a prized Rhode Island facility.  The ambiance and the service are of the same outstanding quality as the food. 

 

The repaired propellers were finally loaded onboard today.  Hopefully, they will remain secure in the hold and we will never have to use them again.  David has become extremely wary of shoals and the damage they can do.

Hurricane season is here and we are anticipating some rain and wind from the latest one which is winding upward the East Coast from Florida.  We are safely secured between two much larger vessels which should be good buffers against the wind.  Food supply is more than adequate and we have generators on board if we lose power.  Today is beautiful with little wind and there is no indication of an impending storm.  We will see what happens!

July 4-July27                  North Kingstown, Rhode Island

We have been increasingly isolated due to a minor illness which left me fatigued and sleepy.  We have canceled twice on lunch dates with Jill and Jerry.  I have recovered with an adjustment in medication and much TLC from my favorite onboard nurse.  We are excited they are coming today and we will go to a favorite restaurant in Matunuk.  Dining out is a rare occurrence as we are wary of exposure to the virus.

I indulged in more Dick Francis mysteries but have also re-read Brunelleschi’s Dome to assuage my “guilt” for frivolous reading choices. Vasari’s Lives is on my Kindle and is a frequent source of enjoyment.  For the acknowledged first art historian, he included a good deal of gossip as well as fact in his narratives.

David completed his aft deck project and the results are amazing!  I have tried for years to bring a shine to the top of the bar area.  I used a vast assortment of chemicals and waxes but nothing was long-lasting.  With careful and meticulous work, David applied a lacquer overlay that provides a professional finish.   I am awed by the results.

Renting a car for our time in Rhode Island has become increasingly expensive.  We hope to return next year and, therefore we decided to buy a car and store it here at the marina when not in use.  By luck, we found a VW at a dealer in Cranston which we trusted to give us a good vehicle.  We love our new car and are happy we are not paying exorbitant rental fees.

News from family and friends continues to be positive so we remain content in our nautical environment.  If Kennedy’s wedding plans remain unchanged, we will return home on August 29 and then back to Rhode Island on September 7.

June 23-July 3                        North Kingstown, Rhode Island

We continue to be pleased we left Texas as we watch the news and see the rising virus count in our state.  The governor of Rhode Island, a Democrat, has even won praise from her Republican constituents for her aggressive stance in controlling the spread of the virus.  Citizens are complacent and uncomplaining about the restrictions.  Most stores have opened and restaurants are making adjustments to allow customers so a semblance of normalcy has returned.

Pretzel’s loud barking alerted me to a visitor at the door of the boat.  Looking out, I saw the cute little delivery truck for Twigs Florist and a big guy carrying a large and beautiful floral arrangement.  Our dear friends, Karen and Johnny Johnson had sent it as a lovely affirmation of friendship and a 4^th of July greeting.  Karen is a long-time friend from Big Spring days.  Her sense of style and taste makes Martha Stewart look like an amateur.  I have always admired her decorating and cooking skills and enjoyed her delightful sense of fun.  The floral arrangement was made to her specifications with pale pink peonies, white hydrangeas,  a dramatic dark maroon lily in the center and all sorts of lovely additions.   The delivery person told me the florist had been impressed to make such an order!

Strict observance at Wal-Mart no longer allowed Pretzel to enter.  We left her in the car with windows open for less than 30 minutes.  We returned to see an angry note on the seat and a woman nearby who yelled at us for leaving a pet in a car on a HOT day when it was 80 degrees (and raining slightly).  That temperature in no way was uncomfortable for our spoiled and very needy dog but I quickly thanked her for her concern and assured her we would do better in the future.  David was not given an opportunity to respond!

Our planned boat trip continues to be delayed because damaged spare props have not been repaired and returned.  They have been in the shop for a year.  Calls and a visit to the facility verified that work has not even begun!!!  Payment was made last year.  We are frustrated but can do little but continue to wait and apply pressure by calling.  Reasons for the delay have been unsatisfactory at best.

A lovely car trip to Old Saybrook and Essex gave us another opportunity to visit two distinctive Colonial Connecticut towns, both renowned for their impressive Federal style homes, exquisite landscaping and maritime history.  We hope to return later on the boat (with spare props onboard).  Lunch was at Flanders Seafood, a local favorite that deserved the praises.

June 16-22                              North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Our quiet, somnambulant existence suddenly changed on Tuesday when David looked out the door of the boat and yelled, “Wanda, quick call the police.  We are being invaded.”  I was in the galley and could only imagine protestors from Boston had come to Wickford Shipyard!  Fortunately, I was mistaken.  The invaders were Blake, Amanda and Winn.  They had flown to Boston, Ubered to Wickford and surprised us for a visit!  We were delighted and overwhelmed.

They quickly made themselves comfortable and pronounced they were starving.  With only a few minutes before closing, we called the seafood market across the channel and ordered two dozen shucked oysters and fresh swordfish for dinner.  Another great meal on the aft deck with the setting sun giving radiance and color to the bay.

A trip to Newport gave our guests another opportunity to see the mansions (exterior only).  Decreased traffic helped us make a journey on Ocean Drive before returning to Bannister’s Wharf for lunch at a favorite restaurant.  We were pleased masks and social distancing were being carefully observed.

As a Father’s Day gift, the Schoolers had arranged an afternoon of fishing in Narragansett Bay.  Captain Dave had an immaculate boat and hosted a four-hour fishing excursion which resulted in catches for everyone.  Winn caught the first and the most!   I remained on board with Pretzel and napped.

Evening cruises on the dinghy through the channel and to the neighboring beach area were fun for everyone.  Blake was adept in operating the engine and maneuvering in and around the many buoys.

Saturday was a special shopping day for Amanda and me.  Winn stayed with the other males and we leisurely perused the charming shops in Wickford.  Both of us made purchases but Amanda was more astute with bargains than I proved to be.  Dinner was a special occasion with steamed lobsters, shucked oysters and baked corn on the cob. 

With their usual organization and promptness, our guests were ready to depart the boat as scheduled and we easily made our reservations at a favorite local restaurant for a farewell breakfast.  Winn, who just completed first grade, amazed us by easily reading the comprehensive menu.  Despite the hiatus in regular school caused by the virus disruption, he obviously benefited from Amanda’s conscientious home-schooling regimen.  

We were grateful and appreciative of their visit.  It had been an exceptionally delightful time.  The weather stayed cool and sunny and there were no problems with heads or other mechanical boat features.  Blake, Amanda and Winn are easy guests who look after themselves and often us as well.  More than considerate, they are innately thoughtful and generous.  We are fortunate.

June 10-15                     North Kingstown, Rhode Island

The teak blinds in the salon have been a problem since we bought the boat.  Several of them would not adjust properly.  Efforts to find someone to come onboard and make repairs were not successful.  In addition, the metal facing at the bottom of the windows had been marred by salt invasion.  After considerable trial and error, we finally stopped most of the salt from seeping through but the discoloration remained. 

One of the quality features of our friends’ Fleming motoryacht was the teak facing on the windows.  I probably noticed it more than most because of the problems we had on our boat.  In an “ah-ha” moment while meditating over a second cup of coffee one morning, David decided to install teak facings on our salon windows.

Teak was ordered, received, cut, sanded, stained and varnished.  The new teak pieces fit perfectly and we are delighted with the improvement.  Before completing the project, David made major adjustments to the blinds and they work much better.

The hot water heater, original to the boat, began to leak and David suddenly had another project.  Home Depot in Cranston (about 30 miles north) had one which met the needed specifications.  We made the trip and found the desired product—on sale!!!  At 30” x 19”, it fit easily into our car after the box was discarded.  With Rupe’s help, David soon had it installed and working great.  Now he is demanding time off to return to his more leisurely routine!

May 27-June 9              North Kingstown, Rhode Island

We were saddened to see the terrible violence occurring in cities throughout the nation and distressed that it was a distraction from the peaceful protests against police misconduct.  It was difficult to watch but could not be ignored.  As our son lived within a few blocks of the Santa Monica riots, we were very concerned.  Fortunately, he and his wife remained safely distant from the turmoil.

Wickford seemed to be insulated from the problems elsewhere and we continued to enjoy pleasant weather and days filled with peaceful activities.  Reminders of the virus threat were masks seen everywhere and limited access to restaurants.  We became even more proficient in cooking on board and did not feel deprived!

Jill and Jerry, boating friends from Boston, joined us one afternoon in Wickford.  We chose to dine on the boat as the view from the aft deck was especially lovely.  We had the boat clean and ready for company and our guests were properly appreciative. 

Dinner was begun early with fresh shucked Narragansett oysters for David and Jerry and various appetizers for Jill and me.  The guys devoured 18 large oysters and constantly praised their quality.  After salads, Jill and I enjoyed grilled swordfish and the guys had steaks brought from Costco in Texas.  Roasted asparagus and tiny Yukon gold potatoes accompanied the entrees.  Desert was a gelato duet with almond cookies.  The food was great but the company and conversation were outstanding.  We regret we rarely see these special friends.

David enlisted Rupe to find help to polish the sides of the boat.  This is a necessary maintenance project as oxidation makes the paint look dull.  Two fellows worked several days to shine the hull.

We made a long drive to Narragansett on a Rhododendron Run.  These magnificent shrubs are at their height of beauty for a very brief time.  On the way, we detoured at Bounty Shores, a lovely upscale beach community and were awed by the huge displays of blooms.  Narragansett Beach was crowded with young people in groups and unmasked.  They were ignoring the virus and enjoying the sun, sand and water. 

We had a great lunch at Matunuck at a favorite restaurant.  Masks were required except when seated and tables were widely spaced.  David had Rhode Island calamari (fried with hot red peppers) and clams and chorizo stew.  I enjoyed New England clam chowder and Oysters Rockefeller, very rich and delicious.  It was great to have someone else do the cooking!

The dinghy is now in the water but we have not gone for a ride.  I am trying to persuade David to buy a console for it but he is intent on finding one at the shipyard that is already outfitted.  It’s a marital stand-off!