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.