Yes, I’m still catching up……………
Two weeks after the 4th, we went to Block again. Since we are on a short leash for most of the summer, we can only go places within a 4-5 day reach, mostly alternating between Watch Hill and Block. I don’t love Block as much as I once did. I can’t believe I said that out loud – please don’t scream at me if you are a full-fledged BI Lover. It has changed over the past 10 years, becoming less friendly to boaters who do not want to stay at a dock or a town mooring. The anchorage has shrunk considerably as the field of private moorings has grown. Now, this year, only half of the dinghy dock at the Boat Basin in front of The Oar is dedicated for dinghies. The “half” designated for tie-up is the low tide side, literally unusable at low tide. To avoid the low tide and climbing over dinghies 3-4 deep, many people now beach their dinghy over by Payne’s or onto other side of the Boat Basin. Because I must wear expensive compression stockings for my lymphedema, that isn’t really a viable option for me. Al has to let me off at a dock, then take the dinghy over himself. Consequently, we never went into the town on either of these trips. Block Island really needs to build a dedicated town dinghy dock. We rarely have this problem on any other island or port and feel much more welcome.
Long distance pics of Al taking the dinghy over to the beach.
OK, the whining and moaning is done. Get over it, Michele.
Some things don’t change. The next generation of Aldo is out and about bringing treats and goodies to boaters in New Harbor.
We found a good location in the anchorage by Breezy Point this time, one of our favorite spots. This is where Al put the little Snark through her paces for the first time (Three Little Boats). FYI – The Snark has been named Petunia, consistent with the flower theme for our “little boat” fleet. Here’s a thought, do you name dinghies and kayaks? I have seen dinghies with names, usually something cute and related to the “big boat”.
I love the way his leg hangs over the side. The toys are out and playtime begins!
Foggy mornings, but sunny days.
Whenever we are at Block, we survey the anchorage looking for boats we might know. We found Summer Sun with Bonnie and Austin onboard in their usual spot. We met them waaay back, about 20 years ago, through the Long Island Sound Catalina Association (aka LISCA) when we had our Catalina 34, the first Kindred Spirit. We made a lot of friends over those years and had some great sailing times. Come to think of it, we own a Catalina again — little Marigold, our Capri 14.2.
Bonnie and Austin are dedicated clammers, so of course we joined them. Well, Al joined them. I don’t clam, but I do take photos!
Clamming’ and jammin’
The four of us enjoyed a multi-course dinner of stuffed clams and clam chowder.
We also had a chance to see Sally and Ted on Amici, Connecticut folks we met cruising who were at Block as well.
While playing around in the kayak and Snark, I spied a familiar looking boat pass by — Spindrift, from Branford. We had met Marge and Bob at the Dismal Swamp Center in September, 2015 (Doin’ the Dismal).
Flashback to September 2015 — Spindrift and Kindred Spirit at the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center.
Clearly, there was only one thing to be done. We must have a Happy Hour gathering on Kindred Spirit with our collection of boating friends.
Happy Hour on the flybridge
We had a very enjoyable 4 days at Block, peaceful and playful, with plenty of camaraderie.
