Even though it looked like our weekend weather window wouldn't materialize, thanks to Ernesto, we still wanted to get to the west end of Long Island sooner than later. With that in mind and coffee in hand we were away early from the anchorage for the 55 mile run to Port Jefferson. Once again stronger than forecast winds pushed us along at a good speed before petering out early in the afternoon forcing us to motor the rest of the way. Port Jefferson is a fairly large harbour, the northern corner of the anchorage is protected by a high sand dune that is a popular spot for day trippers. As a point if interest the sand used in the concrete to build the Empire State Building came from this harbour.

Port Washington, our final stop on Long Island lay only 30 miles away allowing us to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out. Unfortunately, the morning breeze never materialized leaving us no choice but to motor. We had heard great reports about the service offered by the harbour master. The bay is surrounded by 3 or 4 marinas as well as a couple of yacht clubs who all use 2 big moooring fields. However, there a 20 guest moorings, 1st night is free, after that it's $35 dollars but that includes unlimited launch service to the public docks on shore. As it turns out Port Washington was the initial base for Pan Am airways Clipper flying boats in the 1930s and Curtis aircraft had a factory here. There's a beautiful Bay Walk park that skirts the harbour as well as a great band shell. The free Saturday evening concert featured a group singing early hits from the 1950s all the while attempting to dance like the Temptations!

Initially we thought we'd stay here 2 nights then push on to Sandy Hook, however, after studying the weather for the umpteenth time we decided to stay put. Turns out to have been the right call, even though we had heavy rain and a couple of thunderstorms roll through we made out much better then NYC and the Jersey shore.
So for now it's back to the drawing board as we try and work out our next step. In the mean time Dagny's deck is nice and clean after the torrential downpours and life is good.

Today's picture is of the lighthouse at Watch Hill Rode Island, home of the historic Watch Hill Inn where you too can stay for $1250 a night!