The passage back from Camden across the Gulf of Maine to the Cape Cod Canal was much easier than on the way there as there was no fog so we could see all the islands and the thousands of lobster pot floats long the way. The former had been previously obscured. However, we had light winds for much of the trip so we ended up motoring most of the way. We timed our arrival at the entrance to the canal perfectly for about 6 am so we caught the beginning of the favorable current. We saw green lights displayed at the entrance so were happy to proceed …… until we were approached by a canal patrol boat with flashing blue lights, “what have we done wrong?”, we thought. They announced that the rail bridge we were approaching was about to be lowered and we were to turn our boat around to stem the tide that was by now flowing at almost 4 knots. When closed the vertical clearance was 7 feet, so even the small day fishing boats had to wait for it to be raised again. It was an interesting sight.
So, now what? It was still early in the day and the weather was good so we decided to press on a bit further to Dutch Harbor, Rhode Island, instead of stopping in Mattapoisett as we had originally planned. Although they charge a bit more for moorings, it meant we could use their very efficient launch service and enjoy luxurious showers on dry land, which felt so good after 2 days at sea.
We had been debating where would be the best place to drop William and Karen off so they could make their way to Newark, NJ for their flight. In the end we decided to take them somewhere fun, hoping that Block Island would meet the bill. We had a great, if somewhat lumpy sail, across to B.I. then entered the famed Great Salt Pond that can accommodate an amazing number of boats, mostly either on moorings or anchored. Unfortunately it rained overnight and for most of our last day together so we only managed a short walk in the afternoon. The island clearly is a holiday destination for many folks who arrive by ferry or privately owned vessels. Lots of beaches, kids catching crabs in buckets, etc.
With sad hearts, we waved goodbye to W&K around 9 am yesterday. They took the launch ashore (so there was a much better chance their bags would remain dry), then a short taxi ride to the ferry that would drop them close to the train station in New London, CT. And from there, it was a straight shot to Newark through NYC. We miss them already!
After breathing out a little in the morning, we went ashore, rented bikes and cycled around most of the island, past the Southeast lighthouse atop the Mohegan bluffs …. it felt good.
Now there is no wind so not much point in heading out to sea for our return to the Chesapeake just yet.
1 Comment
Cliff
Hi Hope and Howard, wonderful to read about your adventures! Nancy and I sailed to Block a few years ago and also overnighted in Dutch Harbor. We enjoyed it as well, strolling around Jamestown, etc. We are headed to Block Island next Saturday ourselves, leaving Nyack Boat Club on Saturday morning, down the Hudson, around the Battery and we’ll pick our way out the Sound the following week. Any chance of you stopping by the Club on your way south? It would be great to see you!!