May 26                                    North Kingstown, Rhode Island

The sunny weather was an invitation to make another driving trip.  We would go to Mystic, Connecticut about 45 miles south.  We had spent considerable time there several years ago when David had an accident, broke his leg and stayed in rehabilitation for weeks.  We would look at the marina and see if we wanted later to go there in the boat.

We chose to make the trip off Interstate 95 in order to see some of the countryside.  This part of Rhode Island has many farming and wooded areas with lovely homes.  As we passed through small towns, we noticed most restaurants were closed and people were masked.  Everywhere signs reminded the governor had ordered all must wear masks if they venture out of their homes. 

We were surprised to find Mystic crowded with traffic and pedestrians.  Most shops were open and masks were rarely seen on the many people strolling through town.  We remained inside the car to be certain we did not come in contact with the dreaded virus.  We regretted not having the opportunity to visit a favorite marine store and a delightful book store that we had frequented.  Mystic seems to have prospered in recent years with considerable commercial additions and improvements.  It remains one of New England’s loveliest small towns.

The marina where we had docked years ago was crowded.  Although a large new restaurant had been built, the remainder of the facility looked shabby and disorganized.  We also inspected the marina on the opposite side of the river and found it to be more suitable, although much farther from town.

Rhode Island in Spring is like a huge botanical garden.  Blooming dogwoods, redbuds and saucer magnolias grace the lawns and woods.  The lilacs, irises, tulips (we even saw a field of blooming tulips), and rhododendrons are in profusion and their colors make even the most humble home seem beautiful.  The numerous stone walls which border almost every residence and snake deep into the woods are fascinating to us for they represent many, many hours of difficult labor. Wooden fences are rare and cyclone fences are never seen.

Despite an assurance our dinghy was ready after being outfitted with a new steering mechanism, we discovered that nothing had been done.  It remained forlornly neglected in a corner of the workshop.  Our departure from Wickford will be delayed until???????. 

2020

May 19-25                   North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Everything is different this year with the Coronavirus pandemic.  After more than a month of quarantine at home, we decided to continue our plans to return to Rhode Island and our boat.  We would be required to self-quarantine there but the venue change would be welcome.

The plane to Charlotte was about 2/3 filled and everyone wore masks.  No food or beverage service was offered even in First Class.  The connecting flight to Providence was similar but with fewer people on board.  The airport there was almost deserted.  Rupe met us and graciously agreed to take us to the rental car facility and then transport our luggage to the boat.  His help was invaluable as we were both tired and ready for naps.

The boat, shrink-wrapped since the fall, had been uncovered, washed and cleaned by Rupe and his helpers.  We settled in quickly and once again enjoyed the great view of the harbor area and the bay.  Later, David made a quick trip to the wonderful grocery store in Wickford for necessary food items.  He noted most businesses were closed and people were masked.

After he returned to the boat with multiple bags of food, we noticed the refrigerator was not cooling.  Once again, the fan had quit working. The call to a repairman went unanswered.  After several hours, David quietly began to dismantle the interior of the refrigerator, found the fan had “iced-up” and set about defrosting it.  Food was placed in a large ice chest during the interval.  The next morning, he re-assembled the parts, the fan worked and cooling began.  The man is amazing!!! The repairman never called.

With the exception of one lunch on the outside deck of a local place, we have dined onboard with fresh seafood and local specialties.   Narragansett Bay oysters fried in a cornmeal batter were outstanding as were grilled boneless salmon steaks with a dill-lemon sauce.  Really quite simple when one has the right ingredients and fresh seafood here is readily available and inexpensive.

Reading and needlepoint occupy much of my time.  I completed Deborah Feldman’s recent autobiography Unorthodox, a fascinating account of her life and eventual exodus from the Hasidic community in Brooklyn.  In many ways, it reminded me of another autobiography Uneducated.  Both authors rebelled against strong repressive authority figures and bravely endured the personal losses that ensued. 

I was able to participate in a GotoMeeting with my Kimbell friends for an informative lecture by Connie on Maori Art and Culture.  Hopefully, more of these educational opportunities will be offered by the Kimbell and/or the Modern.  It is a delight to be part of these two great museums.

An afternoon driving trip into Newport reminded us again of the beauty and unique historical heritage of that lovely place.  Some outdoor dining was available and many cars and pedestrians were seen, although far fewer than usual.  We stayed in the car and chose not to mix and mingle with the masses, some unmasked.  TV reports continue to show this area is not free of the virus danger.