First Trip of the Summer

I had anticipated a wonderful week of sailing to celebrate the importance of July 1st this year. July 1st had dual significance for me – it is the 2nd anniversary of my ovarian cancer surgery and 2 years of remission (Kenny Chesney’s I’m Alive), and the first day of my retirement, or the first day of the rest of my life Jason Mraz’s Living in the Moment.) Alas, the New England weather gods did not seem to recognize that importance. Fog, humidity, thunderstorms and sporadic downpour plagued us. After a 3-day delay, we finally left the dock on Wednesday, July 3rd, and headed towards Montauk, Long Island.  Although there was no wind at first, a breeze began shortly after we passed through the Race. We joyfully turned off the engine, and SAILED. Without the noise from the engine, the sounds of the whooosing waves against the hull filled our ears.

Once in the channel, we saw the familiar working boats and playing boats. Montauk, on the easternmost tip of the South Fork of Long Island, is know as “The End.” It is famous for its fishing, boasting more saltwater records than any other port in the world. The Montauk Point Light was the first lighthouse in New York state and is the fourth oldest active lighthouse in the United States. Without wheels, we don’t get to visit the land sights around Lake Montauk.

WATCH HILL, RHODE ISLAND   We continued onto Watch Hill next, close to our homeport of Groton, but still a favorite place to hang on the hook. Watch Hill has two beautiful beaches and is home to the famous Ocean House Resort. We still remember the original building. Although we can’t take advantage of the luxurious new Ocean House (except for one anniversary dinner), we appreciate the carefully authentic recreation of the exterior. It is truly beautiful.

Anchoring at Napatree always treats us to beautiful beginnings and endings to each day.

Long walks on the beaches are for exercise, discovery (sea glass), and creation (a simple stone tower on a log.)

There is nothing more calming and rejuvenating than a walk on a beach.

We could have called this the lostweekend  – we have never lost so many things!!

• I found a large beautiful piece of blue sea glass on Ginn Beach, and it fell out of my pocket somewhere. 🙁
• Al lost his hat, but recovered it from the water.
• Our beach umbrella silently “slipped” out of the dinghy on our way back from the beach.
• The strong winds knocked the boat hook off the boat (it had been supporting a sun shade over the aft cabin.)
• My best sunglasses disappeared. I was convinced they must have slipped off my neck and gone overboard on a dinghy ride. I was quite surprised to find them hanging from a light in the cabin. Hmmmm – Is this what happens when one retires??
• BUT it was the dinghy that caused the most trouble. It slipped its tie twice. Yes, twice. Once in Montauk from our friends’ boat; and then again in Watch Hill from our boat. Sounds like careless tying, but really, Captain Al is quite good at his knots. Gremlins? Al had to dive in and swim after the dinghy. Have you ever heard Eileen Quinn’s song, “Come Back Dinghy“? I guess it happens to us all at one time or another.