August 16-September 8       North Kingstown, Rhode Island

We enjoyed going to Circe with John and Maria for a delicious dinner. We returned several weeks later to have dinner with neighbors, Bob and Cecil. A planned dinner with John and Betsie at a nearby restaurant happened without David who was in the beginning stages of bronchitis.  The restaurant was charming but noisy.

Two days later, the bronchitis had become quite serious.  I became concerned and called for an ambulance to transport David to South County Hospital in Wakefield (about 20 miles from the boat).  With considerable efficiency and care, the first responders moved him from the boat into the ambulance.  I followed in the car and experienced a difficult trip as it was very dark except for numerous headlights almost blinding me as I drove to Wakefield.  After several hours in the ER, David was stabilized with injections and medication.  The return trip at 3:00 AM was much easier.

We were notified Stephanie would be coming on September 7 to help us leave the boat and come home.  We were surprised but she insisted she was coming.  We were delighted to see her and she immediately took over.  As David and I were still fighting bronchitis (yes, I had it, too), we welcomed her assistance.

We had long visits on the boat from Wes, the marina owner, and friends on the dock.  Rube came the following day and helped us load luggage and finalize boat matters.  Stephanie was a tremendous help in packing the gallery and cleaning the refrigerator (she is the best!).  The deposit was paid for winter storage for the boat and we assured everyone we would return next year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 14-15               Maine            

Our journey to Portland, our final destination, was again by US 1.  The day was beautiful and the traffic was light.  We enjoyed passing through the charming small towns along our route.

We were amazed by the huge port on the outskirts of Portland with its myriad of equipment and facilities ready to serve the large ships docked there.  The nearby downtown area was pristine and we easily found our hotel, the Hilton Canopy.  Again, Pretzel was warmly greeted and provided with a special bed, food dishes and a toy.  The room was spacious, modern and convenient to the waterfront and the old town area.

After a long nap, we walked down the street, perused the shops and found a lovely restaurant on one of the cobblestoned streets.  Vis Vecchio was crowded but graciously found us a great table.  Fried artichokes were our appetizer followed by salads and delicious seafood entrees.  We would recommend this place to others.

We returned to the hotel and visited their rooftop bar for drinks and desserts.  As it was dark, our view was limited but it was fun to experience the ambiance.

Rain began as we exited the hotel the following morning so David took me to the entrance of the Portland Art Museum.  It was a delight to once again see their collection of art and artifacts.  Their Impressionist paintings included works by Monet, Renoir, Pissarro and Cezanne.  N.C. Wyeth was well represented by several scenes of Maine.

Our trip home initially was in heavy rain but after an hour, we saw the sun.  We chose to stay on Interstate 95 all the distance to Wickford, hoping to avoid heavy traffic.  Once again, the area near Boston became very congested.  Too many people and too many cars!  We safely arrived at the boat about 5:30. We had traveled more than 700 miles on this trip.  Too weary to unpack everything, we collapsed on the sofa for a long nap.  Good to be home!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 12-13                                           Maine      

Soon we were in familiar territory as we reached Ellsworth and began the long drive to Acadia National Park.  This was a route we had travelled many times during our five years stay in Southwest Harbor.  We chose not to stay in Bar Harbor but found a small, pet-friendly accommodation in Northeast Harbor.  The rooms were recently remodeled but basic.  The location was great for our visit to familiar haunts.

We went into Bar Harbor to dine at a new French restaurant, Le Brun.  David had an appetizer of foie gras and I enjoyed a delicious mushroom tart.  The pomme frites were small and crisp just like the ones we loved in Paris. The following day, we returned to Bar Harbor and joined the crowds walking on Main Street.  Cruise ships come daily and offload more than two thousand people who are eager to experience Maine.  My favorite book store was thriving but my beloved Christmas shop was gone.

A visit to Southwest Harbor brought happy memories of our years docked at the marina.  Micah, the dockmaster gave us a warm greeting and we learned Jonah, his son would soon be graduating from Maine Maritime Academy.  We were fond of Jonah who often helped and became a basketball buddy to Tripp Galier when he and his parents visited us. Southwest Harbor’s quaint little library, one of my favorite places, was still the same as was Beal’s Lobster Pier, another great memory.

Dinner was at Copita, a new upscale restaurant in Northeast Harbor.  Located in a converted storefront, the décor was basic but the food was outstanding.  We lingered over dessert and people-watched.  Northeast Harbor is noted for its affluent and sometimes famous residents.  We recognized no one.

Leaving Acadia, we passed lines of cars parked on the side of the road by hikers who were taking advantage of the many exceptional trails thorough the woods.  Bicyclists were heading for the lovely carriage roads that go for many miles through the park.  Built by the generosity of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in the 1930’s to facilitate his love of carriage driving, the roads are a marvel of design and beauty.

 

 

 

August 2-11                    Maine

The weather was lovely, our projects on the boat were completed and we were eager to start our motor trip to Maine; therefore, we left a day earlier than planned.  David is an excellent driver who stays relaxed and patient despite the circumstances (although he will occasionally have an uncouth word for a reckless driver who crosses his path).

Our challenge in planning our trip was to find accommodations that allowed pets.  We had decided to take Pretzel with us.  August is a busy month in Maine for tourists so we were limited in our choices.

 Although we had chosen to take the loop around Boston, we encountered heavy traffic for more than an hour.  We finally were able to leave the interstate for the more picturesque and interesting US 1. We enjoyed Bath and Wiscasset, lovely places with many large older homes and antique stores.

 Our first stop was Rockland, Maine.  We were fortunate to have a lovely room at the Rockland Talbot House, a restored nineteenth century mansion.  Dinner was at Primo, a beautiful restaurant that was highly recommended.  The chef, Melissa Kelly, had twice won the James Beard award.  We were not disappointed—food and service were exceptional.

The following day, I visited the Farnsworth Art Museum and was once again thrilled to see their small but select collection of Maine scenes and artists.  My favorite was a painting by Will Barnet of women looking out to the sea.  We own three lithographs of his paintings which are displayed in our home.

Our next stop was Camden where we stayed at the lovely Lord Camden Inn located in the busy downtown area.  They greeted Pretzel with a sign in the lobby, a special bed in our room and treats.  Camden is noted for being one of the most beautiful towns in Maine and it has many lovely shops and restaurants.  We chose Sea Dog, a casual place for dinner (they allowed pets) for delicious steamed clams.

Driving northward, we were always near the water (Maine has the largest coastline of any state because of numerous inlets).  After passing Bristol (another lovely town) and Searsport, we suddenly encountered the magnificent Penobscot Narrows Bridge.  It is truly awesome.  Although designed by local engineers, it resembles bridges by Santiago Calatrava, the noted Spanish architect.

 

 

July 15-August 1                   North Kingstown Rhode Island

Summer in Rhode Island is beach time, The state has large lovely white sand beaches with wonderful conveniences, changing facilities, concessions, lifeguards, and close parking.  Smaller and more private beaches lack those conveniences but are perfect for the lazy sunbather or for intimate family outings.  We enjoyed going with Maria to Moonstone Beach and join in her quest for small stones washed ashore with the tide.  Maria needs 700 stones for her current craft project.  The waves were crashing onto the beach and it was delightful to walk in the surf.

We have enjoyed dining with Maria and John (steaks on the boat) and with Cecil and Bob, our neighbors.  We joined the latter at Circe, a lovely restaurant on the grounds of East Greenwich Country Club.  We watched the flocks of Canadian geese stroll on the greens.  The food and service were exceptional as was the conversation.  We enjoyed having the opportunity to learn about our neighbors’ life in California and their boating adventures.

Jill, our boating friend who lives in Canton, came for lunch at Matunuck Oyster Bar.  Since Jerry’s demise in October, she has made an amazing and positive change in her life.  She credits much of this to her new acquisition, a large Tuxedo male cat which fills het life with joy.  She came to the boat with beautiful flowers and wine to celebrate our soon to be 70^th wedding anniversary (and then treated us to lunch).

Three hot (90 degrees) days have kept us inside the boat with the AC going full time.  Lots of time to watch the Olympics, read and nap.  BORING.  Looking forward to our road trip to Maine next week.

 

 

 

 

July 7-14               Mystic, Connecticut

Time to clean the boat and change the sheets before our boating buddy, Charles Martin arrived from Houston.  He was glad to escape the chaotic scene in his hometown created by the recent hurricane.  Thousands were without electricity and the weather was HOT and HUMID.  Unfortunately, during his stay with us, his home generator failed and his wife had to move to the home of a relative. 

This was Charles’ third trip to the boat and we planned a journey to Mystic and Essex.  We would remain within the confines of Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River to avoid any difficult weather. Our plan was not foolproof for shortly after leaving our dock, we encountered heavy fog that necessitated piloting by radar.  David and Charles stood at the helm and maintained a careful watch. 

The fog finally cleared as we reached Fishers Island and the narrow route through the bay to the difficult and shallow route to Mystic.  David and I were amazed by the exceptional expansion of the marinas in the area and the hundreds of boats docked and moored there.  We had not brought our boat to Mystic since leaving in 2012 for Maine. 

We waited briefly for the huge railroad bridge to turn for us before entering the first marina on the left.  Port Rachel was a tight fit for The Bottom Line but we had excellent dock help.  We quickly Ubered into downtown for a delicious lunch at S&D Oyster Bar (actually a very nice restaurant with an extensive menu).  Mystic was bustling with many tourists and stores were happily accommodating them.

Without warning, David became ill during the night with a virus.  We waited until almost noon before leaving for Essex with Charles at the helm, myself at the GPS and David on the sofa oblivious to all.

Charles, a very experienced pilot, had no difficulty bringing us to the entrance of the Connecticut River and up the narrow channel to Essex.  The scenery in that area is beautiful with lush landscaping and majestic homes.  We docked at the Essex Yacht Club.  Charles Ubered into downtown and was given a VIP tour of the town by the accommodating driver.  Later, he and I went to the noted Griswold Inn for a dinner, leaving David to recuperate.

The Essex Yacht Club served delicious lunch and dinner and was easily accessible.  We enjoyed their gracious hospitality.  David soon began to feel well and then it was my turn.  The virus hit me and I succumbed to bed without dinner.  Charles was a  good sport about all of this although it was a less interesting trip than I know he had expected.

The Essex Yacht Club served delicious lunch and dinner and was easily accessible.  We enjoyed their gracious hospitality.  David soon began to feel well and then it was my turn.  The virus hit me and I succumbed to bed without dinner.  Charles was a  good sport about all of this although it was a less interesting trip than I know he had expected.

     

June 30-July 6                       North Kingstown, Rhode Island

We eagerly awaited the visit of Kennedy and Taft for the July 4^th weekend.  They would fly to Boston on the third, tour the city, spend the night then come to Providence on the train.  We met their train, took them to lunch and returned to the boat for long naps.  Dinner of steamed lobsters and blueberry pie was served on the aft deck on a lovely cool evening.

The following day, we went to Newport.  Kennedy had persuaded Taft to go with her again to The Breakers, the colossal mansion built by Commodore Vanderbilt.  We did errands while they were inside (five visits is enough for us).  Repeating last year, we took them for lunch on the patio at Castle Hill. 

On Saturday, we returned to Providence and the Rhode Island School of Design.  Their diverse collection is awesome, and we wandered through for two hours.  We agreed our favorite part was their excellent and extensive Impressionist paintings.  After our return to the boat, Kennedy and Taft made long runs through the neighborhood and the town.  Throughout her visit, Kennedy was awed by the masses of blue, pink and white hydrangeas on display in almost every yard.

As train schedules were not convenient for their return to the airport in Boston, we opted to drive them.  Actually, Taft, an excellent driver made the trip for us in excellent time.  They were lovely guests, and we reluctantly bade them farewell

 

June 23-June 29                       North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Frequent thunderstorms with torrential rain have provided lovely cool weather throughout the week.  Sunny skies always follow so the days have been pleasant.  We are being spoiled!  Masses of blue hydrangeas are everywhere and Rhode Island looks like a botanical garden.

I completed an interview at South County Hospital Cardiac Rehab Center and scheduled two sessions weekly beginning next week.  I have my new treadmill on the boat but have not used it since I injured my foot as I inadvertently increased the speed and had a bad fall.  It is much better now and I should have no difficulty in resuming exercises.

We plan on returning to Essex on the boat when Charles Martin comes later this month.  In preparation, we took a road trip to look at the marinas in Essex and Mystic. Rhode Island highways and roads are lined with heavy forests so the scenery is limited. 

Essex is the quintessential New England town with historical homes, stately churches and lovely shops.  Located on the Connecticut River, it has a proud nautical history which is enhanced today by several marinas, shipyards and yacht clubs.

Thirty minutes away, we visited Old Saybrook which lacks the charm of Essex but is known for its outstanding resort and marina.  We enjoyed its many amenities last year when we docked there on our journey with Dave and Samantha.  In a drive around the bay, we were delighted to see a large bevy of swans swimming in a cove.

Mystic was bustling!  Streets were filled with people going into the stores and looking at the many window displays.  We had forgotten how viable this little town could be.  The marina where we had stayed for several weeks while David recovered from falling off the dock and breaking his leg, had changed.  It was very commercial and docks were tighter.  It lacked the cozy atmosphere we had enjoyed.  We checked other marinas to find one near downtown. 

On our return to Wickford, we ignored the sudden rainstorm to have lunch at an old favorite, The Dog Watch Café, noted for its great seafood.  Pretzel was allowed to dine with us and was a huge hit with the waitstaff,

 

 June 17-22                     North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Blistering hot temperatures were predicted for most of the East Coast (Bangor, Maine had over 100 degrees), but we were saved by several timely thunderstorms which brought lovely cool days to Rhode Island.  The marina is filled and we are witnessing a constant parade of boats through the channel to the bay.  This summer seems to be the busiest we have known in the five years we have docked at Wickford Shipyard.

Still trying to obey doctor’s orders, I installed my new treadmill in the aft stateroom.  My first effort to use it proved to be a disaster.  I inadvertently pressed the wrong speed button and was suddenly propelled off the machine onto the floor.  I was fortunate to have only bruises and scrapes rather than broken bones.  I have been more successful since and am enjoying the exercise. 

Maria and I shopped at West Marine in Middletown before returning over the bridge to Jamestown for more shopping and lunch.  Jamestown is a delightful small village noted for its beautiful historic homes and harbor filled with small boats.  Lunch was at East Ferry Market and Deli.  There was a 30 minute wait for one of their delicious sandwiches but we found a great outside table and enjoyed watching the busy nautical scene.  Later, Maria brought Charlotte, her bearded dragon pet, to the boat for us to admire.  David and I fail to share her fascination with this reptile.

Projects on the boat continue. A new commode had to be installed in the aft head (the other one had cracked and was leaking—probably due to improper

winterizing), a new beverage refrigerator for the aft deck and various repairs throughout.  Our beloved VW Touareg automobile (bought for $6,000 three years ago) exhibited a very disturbing and loud noise.  The bearings in the drive shaft were the problem.  A local mechanic found a replacement and we were soon enjoying quiet again.

We were delighted to welcome Jill Cohen to the boat on Saturday morning.  Since our last visit in October 2023, her beloved long-time partner Jerry Orloff, a dear friend, had died.  We shared her grief for Jerry’s passing.  We spent several hours on the aft deck reminiscing about our fun times together.  Lunch was at the Coast Guard House in Narragansett.  Upon returning to the marina, Jill unexpectedly saw Jerry’s former boat (which they had enjoyed together for more than 30 years).  Tears began to flow.  She is obviously very fragile although having dealt well with the many challenges faced after losing Jerry.  We hope to see her often during our summer in Rhode Island.

 

 

 

 

                                                2024

June 8-June 16              North  Kingstown, Rhode Island

 Our departure for the boat was delayed several weeks as I was recovering from heart surgery.  My cardiologist in Galveston was insistent I arrange for blood testing and cardio-rehab sessions during the time we spend in Rhode Island.  I promised do so and even bought a small treadmill to use at the marina.  Finally, we left Fort Worth early in the morning of June 9.  Rube met us in Providence.  We were greeted by a beautifully cleaned boat docked in the same slip we had enjoyed last year

I immediately collapsed on the sofa for a long nap while David (who slept on the plane) left for the grocery store to replenish our empty pantry. After spending more than $500, he returned with ample supplies for several weeks.  We were delighted to see John and Maria, John and Betsy and Bob and Cecil, friends from last year.  The weather was cool and sunny and we quickly adjusted to marine life.

Maria Carpenter, a teacher at the Rectory School in Connecticut, brought the class pet to the boat.  It is a bearded dragon which has been named Charlotte.  Maria is besotted with this animal (John much less so).

We have a celebrity boat on our dock.  It is a beautiful turquoise hulled 50’ sailboat that belonged to the late Jimmy Buffet.  He donated it to a sailing school and it is now for sale for $1,000,000 (original cost was much more).

After several days on the boat, we opted for lunch at a local restaurant.  Monahan’s Clam Shack in Narragansett has always been avoided due to the long lines waiting to be served.  On this day, the line was brief and we were finally able to indulge in their famous fried clam strips and French fries.  We agreed their reputation for outstanding cuisine was well-deserved.

We have engaged Carlos, Rube’s son-in-law, to come once a week to clean the boat interior and help with any other projects.  It is great to have competent help.  David is enjoying puzzles and I am already finishing my second novel.  Both of us are lazy spectators of the fascinating marina scene.