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,