July 26-August 10             North Kingstown, Rhode Island

This is the height of boating season for Rhode Island and our marina is always a popular destination for boaters on Narragansett Bay.  This year there is an added attraction as we have three large yellow plastic ducks perched atop one of the central docks.  They were a gift from the marina owner to his grandchildren and everyone is enjoying the whimsical touch.  Channel 10 from Boston interviewed the grandchildren and showed the ducks on the evening news. 

Another interesting sight in the dock next to us is a beautiful 104 year old excursion boat owned by one of our boating friends.  He collects older boats and may charter this last one for parties.  It is in pristine condition and a    showstopper!

With persistence, Maria obtained reservations for the newest popular restaurant near us.  Located in a beautifully renovated diner, Il Milano seats fewer than fifty people (there is a lovely outdoor venue) and serves delicious Italian dishes.  We were pleased with the excellent food and attentive service.  The unusual, somewhat quirky setting does not detract from the upscale ambiance.    We returned the following weekend with Cecil and Bob (on the boat next to us) and dined in the garden area.  We had another lovely evening with exceptional food.

Eric Philbrook, our neighbor in Fort Worth, came to Massachusetts on business and we were delighted he accepted our invitation to the boat.  He came for drinks on the aft deck before dinner at our local favorite, Tavern by the Sea.  We were fortunate.  We had a perfect table on the deck with a lovely view, great service and wonderful food.  The weather was cool, and we enjoyed a long, interesting evening as we learned more about Eric and his experiences.  We continued for dessert on the aft deck of the boat.  Eric left the following morning to visit his mother in Portland, Maine.  We were delighted to have him visit.

August 11 is Victory Day, a state holiday commemorating the end of WWII, and will be the final day of a beautiful weekend with sunny skies and little wind.  We are enjoying hours sitting on the aft deck and watching a parade of boats, kayakers, and paddleboarders.