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???????.