July 20th- Port Washington, NY

The heat wave is here and it is plenty hot. I’ve rigged up every piece of canvas we have to provide some shade on deck. We put the thermometer outside. It’s reading 100° F in the shade. The canvas also helps funnel a little air into the cabin. Cabin temperature is in the mid 80s. Low tech air conditioning.

I’ve been looking at the chart for Long Island and been thinking about places to go. Our next stop will most likely be Port Jefferson. Beyond that my choices were to go over to Connecticut (maybe Old Saybrook again) or stay on Long Island a few more days.

A book that I’ve read several times and has greatly influenced my local cruising habits is “The Coasts of Summer” by Anthony Bailey. I was thinking about that book this morning while scanning the charts. Unfortunately I learned Anthony Bailey passed away back in May due to Covid-19. He worked for The New Yorker magazine for 35 years and wrote 23 books. Rest in peace Mr. Bailey.

In “The Coasts of Summer,” he takes his boat from Connecticut and heads over to Gardeners Bay on the end of Long Island then up into Buzzards Bay. It’s been a while since I read the book so I don’t remember his favorite spots. I’ve always been intrigued with the idea of going to Gardeners Bay but have never made it over there. It’s looking like we might spend some time in Gardiners Bay (maybe 3 Mile Harbor) before shipping out to Block Island.

We were able to pick up groceries from a farmer’s market and Stop & Shop so we are back to having gourmet meals. We’ll have to fuel up before leaving. We may depart Port Washington tomorrow.

Port Washington.