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.