July 26- Threemile Harbor, NY to Block Island, RI

We headed out of Threemile early for the trip over to Block Island. We caught a favorable wind and current out of Gardeners Bay. We kept the wind until we rounded Montauk. NOAA had forecast some good wind for the morning which was supposed to increase through out the day. They even posted a small craft advisory.

I made a few sewing repairs and hoisted the Catalpa and Boot Key Harbor burgees back up the mast.

Goodbye Long Island.

The wind died in Block Island Sound. We still had 3 to 4 foot seas. Catalpa rolled rail to rail in a beam sea (waves coming from the side). I tried to get some sail up just to steady the motion but the rolling just knocked the wind out of the sail. It made for an uncomfortable ride. Life at sea is like that sometimes.

Block Island through the haze.

The wind reappeared the last half hour or so. By the time we were inside of New Harbor (Block Island) the wind was over 20 knots. It wasn’t really helpful for anchoring.

The harbors on Long Island seemed empty. I guess everyone is on Block Island. There are a lot of boats in here. I was here twice last year and I’d say it’s a typical mid-summer boat crowd. With the hot Southwest breeze blowing it was a busy evening. We’ve seen several boats drag their anchor and mayhem ensues. We haven’t seen any damage so no harm done. Our anchor has held. I hope it continues to do so.

Sunset on Block Island with a smokey sou’wester blowing.

July 27th & 28th- Block Island, RI

Another hot breezy day. This is summertime in the various sounds and bays of New England. We ventured out in the dinghy and headed over to a beach. Oliver chased his frisbee 500 more times. The swimming is great exercise for him. He slept for hours on our return to Catalpa.

Igniting the grill with the wind blowing is difficult. We had a good steak marinating for a day so I was determined. With the help of some extra buffering tin foil, the grill was lit. Steak and a bottle of Chianti for dinner last night. Today (the 28th) Lynne is going ashore to hunt for some clams or fish at the local market.

Some scenes from Block Island.

Throw It!

Too many boat pictures? Maybe. We didn’t go into town today.

The Oar. Open with Covid restrictions. We saw many people with masks.

We’re almost home. It feels a little strange to be back in familiar territory again. We had never sailed “beyond” Block Island until this big adventure. We had a visit from the captain of Improbability whom we met down in Boot Key Harbor. We also met up in Fort Lauderdale. Small world.

Catalpa anchored in New Harbor, Block Island RI