Lake Tashmoo has become my favourite harbor in the Vineyard, not least by its name, which always entices the kids to do some silly joke. Harriet and TL, our new friends from Hands Across the Sea (see August 13th blog entry) recommended this place to us.

It is a sandy narrow inlet in the North area of the island, accessible only through a narrow entrance with depths of 7 ft or so at low tide, which deters many mono-hulls and big yachts. As we were sailing in, following the small navigational buoys (which are moved from year to year as the sand bottom moves around), a man was standing knee deep in the water just some 20 ft to our starboard; it was quite a scene. We settled in 9 or 10 ft of water and enjoyed the quietness of the place after the rocking and rolling in Vineyard Heaven.

Andrew was still with us and Effie, Eric and Will joined us for the weekend. As Roan described we rented paddleboards and all enjoyed more than we had expected. I am not sure if they are really a "fully body workout" but one does not get soaking wet and legs do not crump up as it happens kayaking. My feet were sore initially from holding tight into the board - claw or talon style - once I got more comfortable, my feet stopped trying to dig my nails into the board. Of course, the prize goes to Eric who delighted us with some yoga posses before falling in the water after a Warrior One.

After our friends left we stayed in this beautiful spot for several more days enjoying the peace and quiet ... and waiting for parts to arrive to the island West Marine. Mark replaced the anchor light, and we were once more officially lit at night instead of using the dim solar-powered garden light that we have at the stern pole. Mark also tried to track down the parts for the new spinnaker furling system that he had ordered from West Marine Rigging Department, but no cigar! Never mind, we will sail to Nantucket and then come back to Martha's Vineyard before heading towards Newport and Block Island.