The First Leg

      I have some catching up to do! Our itinerary for the first part of the trip was a 15 hour run from South Freeport to Gloucester, MA. From Gloucester we had another early morning departure and made it through the canal to Hadley Harbor in The Elizabeth Islands off Wood's Hole. Then it was a short hop to Menemsha Harbor on the Vineyard. This portion was marked by some unusual wildlife experiences. First, we saw great masses of bait with gannets diving repeatedly and porpoise circling. Then, off the New Hampshire coast, we had an infestation of biting flies. As a result, we had a visit by two bats who must have been taking advantage of the fly buffet. They circled the sail and one wedged itself between the mainsail and mast, hiking up with its arms like a furry mountain climber. Then, much to our concern, one decided to join us under the dodger, crawling into a pocket for a possible snooze. Not to be. Nico donned gloves and released it to the winds.  

 

 Then we had a run of delightful visits. First, we stayed with Alec and Sally who once again offered us their lovely guest room, laundry, and showers. We joined them for a visit to Chappaquiddick where we saw Raas and Brendan, Philip and Susan, and their families. Then we headed off to Block Island for two nights where we had the delightful surprise of being there at the same time as Steve and Allison Holtman. 

 

     The next stop was Stonington, Connecticut where we visited with Connecticut College friend, Linda Thacher, and stayed overnight at the pier of her club. Then it was a quick hop to Fisher's Island. There we visited with Nick and Anne Noyes. Nick gave us an extensive tour of the island and then we had a delightful dinner with them in their home. Lastly, we pulled into the Pine Orchard Yacht Club where Nico and I had our wedding reception nearly 40 years ago! My brother Truman met us there and we walked the old neighborhood which, like the club, has changed. Tons of rebuilding and evidence of lots of money. Our house was a tear down many years ago. We stopped in to see Cousin Christy and her husband Richard who still live there. It was a very rolly night in an exposed anchorage so we were glad to get out of there. We headed over to the leeward side of Long Island and tucked into Mount Sinai Harbor. Next adventure: heading down the East River.