September 2011

This has not been the season we hoped to have.  Way too many family and business conflicts.  The worst part is we have decided to not go to Florida.  Our cruising kitty is insufficient and we felt family considerations precluded the trip.  Anchorages in Florida are becoming scarce so we will need to budget for using slips far more than we ever did in past years.  So we will layup in October at Portsmouth RI and use the winter to rebuild the kitty and add some small but important upgrades to CODA.

Early Fall Trip to favorite northeast anchorages.


Finally slipped the mooring lines on Sept 19 and headed to Block Island where at this time of the year cruisers can enjoy all the island has to offer without the crowds.  Moorings are now only $20 a night.


In a walking trip to the village we met a local named Bill with whom we shared a beer and exchanged reading favorites.  In a moment of special fun he and Herk discovered they both enjoy history and have both read "The Island at the Center of the World".  Bill gave us a ride to our dinghy.  Nice guy and we were able to help setup an anniveray dinner in Newport.

Then, in incredible coincidence we met another couple from Portsmouth NH.  Since we were both walking our Porties it was natural to chat, but then discovered the dogs were in the same litter in Boston 8 years ago and are brother and sister.  So we all dinner together and we gave them tips for their passage to Ft Lauderdale.  This is the cruising community at its best.

Block IS looking north from Old Harbor

Here are a couple of pictures of Block in the shoulder season.  Really foggy weather, but warm and no seas.  From here we hope to head back to Shelter Island.  Not ideal conditions, but the slow pace is working it's way with us.

Bella swims with CODA in background

The residents held a car show on Block Is. to benefit a day care center.  It was old fashioned fun.

dodge Truck circa 1940