Scituate, MA N42° 12.198' W70° 43.226'
12 July 2008 | 42 12.198N 70 43.226W
Randy
Departed Martha's Vineyard on schedule at 0530, arrived in Scituate, MA at 1700. This harbor was the water version of Boston rush hour traffic. It took us 1 1/2 hours to take on fuel and water and then get our mooring assignment. Wall to wall boats passing within feet of each other in every direction, some sailing, most motoring. It was a chore, but we are all set for the night.
It turns out there is a fireworks display planned here tonight at 2300. We will try to stay awake, but doubtful, as this was a long day. Beautiful weather, and motor sailed almost all day. We timed our departure to arrive at Woods Hole at slack tide to avoid what can be as much as 9 kt current, about 5 nm from where we started at Martha's Vineyard. We got that heads up from Peter - THANKS PETER! Anyway, it was a beautiful trip and we made it through there in great shape, but had to slow down to time our arrival at the Cape Cod Canal due to the currents there, as there was going to be over a 3 kt ebbing current early in the morning working against us. Remember, we only travel at 6 kts motoring! Saw some guys working lobster traps from the shore, which was interesting. Also, we are getting into more and more lobster traps around here, which is like dodging mines in a mine field so you don't get the lines wrapped in the propeller. Can't wait to get to Maine where I am told they are thick as whores in Texas. Sorry Uncle Larry and Aunt Rita. ;-)
Planning to get Nikki's brother Jeff and 3 of 4 kids (Alyson, Trent and Luc) on the boat tomorrow morning for a short trip to Hingham, MA, a little closer to Boston. Then we will hang out there at least through Tuesday. Will try to get the windlass repaired there, as well as laundry, reprovision, and if all goes right, all three of Nikki's brothers (Jeff, Scott, and Stephen) will come out for a day on the boat Tuesday. It would be great to see some whales! We are in the middle of a Right Whale critical habitat preserve, but did not see a single %$#@&^! one (Nikki's words). I suspect we will continue the trek north Wednesday or Thursday. As always, weather permitting ...
By the way, I received word that my friend and fellow sailor Ted is fighting the good fight against a tough illness and has been on my mind a lot these last few days. You might remember that Ted and his wife Carol met me in Key West and we had a great time together. He was hoping to launch his sailboat "Indigo" in Lake Champlain this spring but hasn't been able to do that. I have been sending good thoughts his way right now, and I hope you will too.