Leaving New England
August 29, 2013
I suppose we reached a milestone today when we sailed from Essex, Ct. past Old Lyme and Old Saybrook to Port Jefferson, New York on Long Island. We left New England with fond memories of the history, the harbors and the mystique of such a grand sailing area. Thus, we completed part of the dream hatched long ago on Canyon Lake, Texas. We always thought we would get just one shot at this area, particularly Maine. Now, we are not so certain since we both agree we had a wonderful time visiting those lobster pot filled bays featuring cool summer climates and many beautiful islands. Who could forget the majesty of Sequin Island or the history of Isle of Shoals? To southerners, the first visit to Boothbay, ME and all those variations in how lobster is served is a trip to the candy factory. It is way cool to buy the bug from the boat. Little did I know that Bear would get her lifetime fill of that critter.
Once we sail back through the East River in NYC, we will close our guidebook on this area and open one not so well used on the Chesapeake. We think now that we will leave Why Knot in the same place we left her last winter. Family matters will not allow enough time to take her farther south but there is a reward to the thinking. Since we may sail east again next year, we are in a better position to start that from the Chesapeake.
We are now in Port Jefferson, NY. This is a place that shook off an industrial side and is now a great stop for cruising boats. A huge ferry stops here several times each day. We moored close in and the fee included a launch service to town. There is a memorial on the waterfront that commemorates citizens who fought in America's wars. There is also am impressive one that lists those who died on 9/11 in the City. My guess is that there are at least three dozen on that list. Wow!

Now, if I could just get Scurv to be quiet whilst on the launch, things would be better. He gets torque up with other strangers and dogs aboard. The water gun does no good to keep him quiet.
Speaking of Scurv, he has not had a trim in two months and now resembles a big Q tip with a knotty coat. I think I will try to trim that this afternoon, if he will let me. Bear has had some crud the last three days and is only now starting to mend. That leaves Scurv and I on our own resources and alone in the cockpit while underway. He is a poor conversationalist so I wind up talking to myself. Come to think of it, I'm not much of a conversationalist either.
Goodbye, New England. Maybe we will visit again next year, time, tide and God willing.