September 27th – Dartmouth to Cuttyhunk Island MA

We spent the better part of the day shutting down the house and packing food into Evergreen. I also needed to replace our mooring ball with the winter stick. We made it through the Padanaram Bridge at 3:00 and decided Cuttyhunk would be a good destination for the evening. It was a brisk sail over. We anchored in the pond around 5:00. The evening was spent sorting gear before dinner and sleep.

September 28th – Cuttyhunk Island MA to Block Island RI

The wind kept up all night but the harbor is well protected. Oliver and I went for a quick walk on the island before hoisting the dinghy up on deck and cranking in the anchor. It’s going to take me a few days to get used to the additional morning exercises. Lynne and I eventually develop a routine, it just takes a little while.

The sail over to Block Island could best be described as “salty”. The wind was behind us and we charged along with the waves. Since we were running downwind we sailed with just the Genoa up. We also had the diesel running for speed and control. The wave heights increased the closer we got to Block. We pounded through some of the largest waves we have encountered in the vicinity of Block Island’s North reef. I’d be willing to bet that a lot of ships were destroyed on that reef during winter gales. After rounding the reef the seas calmed down.

Block Island North Light

Exercise time at the beach.

We pulled into the harbor at Block Island around 3:00 and anchored. During the trip over, every loose item in the boat was thrown around. Ollie wedged himself into my berth and was happy to be back in calm water. Besides getting various cuts and bruises I managed to hurt my back. It’s happened often enough that I should see it coming. Perhaps if I exercised more and stretched, when not sailing, I’d be less damaged. We all went in to shore for some R and R on the beach.

Evergreen anchored in Great Salt Pond, Block Island

September 29th – Great Salt Pond/ Block Island RI

Last night we started off with an almost full moon but later on clouds and rain moved in.

We consulted with our weather sources and realized a few things. The wave heights would most likely increase today (Friday) and Saturday. The forecast also mentioned 100% chance of rain, measuring inches. In addition to those challenges, my back is sore and could use a little time to recover. We made the decision to stay in harbor for a couple of days. Things will likely clear up on Sunday and we’ll continue on to Connecticut or Long Island. We didn’t make it very far this week but at least we are moving.

September 25th- Dartmouth, MA

We poured a lot of sweat equity into Evergreen over the summer. The major fuel problems we had on the last trip were addressed. More thru-hulls were replaced. Wood was painted or varnished. The bottom was painted and our waterline raised. Lynne conquered the enormous task of sewing a new canvas dodger. When not working on Evergreen projects we worked on house projects.

Fuel tank removed.

Access ports installed.

Evergreen sporting new bottom paint and a new dodger (grey canvas).

We didn’t get any summer sailing in as Evergreen was hauled out of the water for most of it. We hauled at Bayline in New Bedford which is right next to the new windturbine terminal. It was interesting to watch all the giant parts arriving and being assembled for placement offshore.

Wind turbine parts.

Last but not least my Father gave us a new outboard motor for the dinghy. Lynne has always had a problem with our old one and the new motors seem easier to start. The old one served faithfully for 13 years and I hope the new one does the same.

New Honda motor.

On our last two trips we departed our home port on September 15th. This year the plan was to leave earlier but life got in the way. Then weather got in the way. As soon as the weather improves we hope to embark and start making some progress south.

On another note- WordPress tells me this is my 200th post. I didn’t think I had it in me. This blog has always just been one long conversation with friends and family.