June 2021 – Exhale on the Water

Time for ice cream!

While Mary visited family in Arkansas, Rick and Maddie were left in charge of the blog. We hope you enjoy their adventures 🙂

Looks like ice cream for breakfast!

Newport, Rhode Island

Maddie did so much walking she needed to rest her paws.

Cozy blanket courtesy of Gypsy, Sue Merritt

Maddie is always looking for a big tree.

A truly spectacular tree, worthy of a lot of dog pee.

Grandpa hates snakes, Maddie thinks they are cool, thanks Chris M. for sharing your childhood memento.

Touro Synagogue – Newport, RI

Fun facts: Built in 1759, the second oldest American Synagogue (the oldest is in New York, of course).

The earliest known Jewish settlers were from Barbados. Curious to learn more, click here for a virtual tour: http://jewishhistory.com/TOURO/

Boat for Sale – Steven with a “v”, this could be your next boat! W Class W.22 $189,000, trailer included.

“Then and Now: Tales from the Big Chair.” The 19-foot Windsor rocking chair marks the entrance to the Redwood Library & Athenaeum.

What do you think, Dana, will this one fit in your cockpit?

Speaking of family – introducing our new boat mascot, Ruth Gins-bird.

New Bedford-Fairhaven Hurricane Barrier

Now that’s a safe harbor!

The largest structure of its kind in the world. This unique hurricane barrier is the ultimate proof of Murphy’s Law as it has never been hit by a Category 3 hurricane.

Built in 1966 it cost $1,000 a foot, is long enough to span the 3.5 mile width of New Bedford, MA is as high (and is wider) than The Great Wall of China, and has enough steel in it to build a Navy destroyer. Its two huge steel navigational-sector gates weigh 400 tons apiece-each 35 tons heavier than the biggest locomotive ever built-and each as tall as a six-story house.

When the gates swing shut at the touch of a button to lock out devastating storm tides, they create a pond inside the barrier which could cover 6,500 acres of land with a foot of water. To learn more: https://www.westislandweather.com/thehurricanebarrier.htm

Fishing Fleet, New Bedford, MA

For more than 20 years, New Bedford has been the nation’s highest-grossing commercial fishing port.

In 2019, New Bedford reported $451 million worth of fish hauled in by its boats. The number one catch? Sea-scallops 84%. The second-ranked Port is Naknek, in Bristol Bay Alaska, which had $289 million worth of landings. The number 1 catch is salmon.

Sunset with Geese

Full Moon

New Bedford Whaling Museum

Established in 1903, the well-funded museum is overwhelming.

Mr. Wikipedia says, its collections include over 750,000 items, including 3,000 pieces of scrimshaw and 2,500 logbooks from whaling ships, both of which are the largest collections in the world, as well as five complete whale skeletons

Sandwich, MA

The marina is scary, at best, with a strong current and a tide swing of 11.5 feet. Just imagine, these pilings were almost submerged when we docked, making it a tricky maneuver, now they are over 10 feet high; Exhale was “sandwiched” into a narrow slip.

The oldest town in Cape Cod, settled in 1637, it is named for the seaport Sandwich, Kent, England. Yes, there is still an Earl of Sandwich in England.

This is for Maureen – can’t make this stuff up

Hugs and Kisses for my family. Introducing my youngest cousin, Cali.

Next up: Gloucester, MA; coming on board – Gail and Greg Doyle!

Celebrating Milestones. Birthdays: Ann Hughes, June 22; Mike Gillespie, June 23; Joe Occhino, June 26; Anniversary: Jamie and David Hendry, June 27.

Gribbles and Shipworms

Sunken by a gribble; when reality bites. Not an evil alien force from Star Trek, these invasive crustaceans are actually a type of clam. As their hard shells scraped away and hollowed out wood, they created a massive tunnel system from the inside, leaving significant damage in the hull of a wooden ship, not easily detected until it was waaaay too late. Think super sonic termites with a ravenous appetite.

Sag Harbor, NY – Moorings June 12, June 13

Exhale stayed in the mooring fields in Sag Harbor, with easy dinghy access to the sweet town. Tonto’s Reward was close by, at Sag Harbor Yacht Club. Together we toured Sag Harbor for two days.

Dining options in Sag Harbor were numerous, with lots of COVID cautious outdoor seating. You probably know, Capt Rick prefers to wear shorts and Hawaiian shirts, year round. As the temps dipped into the 60’s the rest of us had on long slacks and sweaters. Generously (out of pity), the staff offered him a blanket – actually two blankets – to warm his chilly bones.

3 Mile Harbor, anchorage – June 14

Exhale and Tonto’s Reward found a spectacular anchorage in 3 Mile Harbor. Yes, dinner on Tonto’s Reward was scrumptious.

An easy dinghy ride away is the new East Hampton Pointe. Magnificent does not describe the luxury of this “nearly” finished resort – worth a visit on the return route south when the resort will be fully opened.

East Hampton Pointe Resort – Lush landscaping marks the entry
photo by David Bernstein

Ready, Aim, Destroy

When you anchor out, you need to arm yourself for invasions.

It’s a Hard Life for a Boat Dog

Let’s be very clear. This is not what Maddie had in mind when asked if she wanted to go for a “walk”.

Why The Face? Where is the rest of the lawn?

Mystic Seaport Museum, CT – June 15, June 16

We docked AT the museum. An exquisite location, dockage includes passes to the grounds. The largest maritime museum in the US, notable for its collection of historic sailing vessels and for the re-creation of a 19th century seafaring village (more than 60 historic buildings), complete with well-educated docents in delightful period costumes. It’s mind boggling. So expansive it cannot be covered in two days (19 acres), we will be back.

The town is easy walking distance, with a plethora of unique shops and dining options. We give high praise for Anthony J’s bistro.

Have you seen the movie, Mystic Pizza! Here’s a little local trivia. Released in the fall of 1988, the movie centers on the Zelapos family restaurant, including the lives and loves of three waitresses, and the mystical family recipe that made the pizza famous (in real life, and in the movie).

This is for my nephew. Found at the entrance of the Seaport Marine Museum, this gem is called Kingston II.

For the Birds, or, LOOK UP!

A bird whizzed by our heads, maybe it was a sparrow, not too sure. The bird kept flying back and forth along the rafters at a rapid rate of speed, ignoring the human intruders. As we approached it’s turn around spot – well marked by a notable deposit of bird poop on the floor – I saw the nest overhead.

Lunch time

If this video works you will see and hear the magic of Mystic.

Best broom closet, ever!

Behind this door you will find a little slice of heaven – and we are NOT talking about cleaning supplies, or pizza.

A GIANT warehouse of historic boats that have been, or are being, restored.

This gem is 23’6″ x 6’2″, she’s similar in size to our Duffy electric boat. Given the name on the boat and the date, ca 1906, is it possible she belonged to Thomas and Mina Edison? The museum staff did not know. But the timing is plausible. To learn more about Mina, click here.

Newport, RI

Exhale will be taking a short respite in Newport, RI – June 17 through June 20. If you are nearby, give Capt. Rick a call!

Milestones: Paul & Celeste’s anniversary, June 14; Heather Rutherford’s birthday (Bushranger), June 15. Celebration of Life Dianne Gill, June 19, 2021

Next Stop: Edgartown, MA, June 21

A New York state of mind

“… I need a little give and take, the New York Times, the Daily News … I’m in a New York state of mind” Go ahead, name that tune.

It was a privilege to see Lady Liberty again, a symbol of freedom dating back to 1886. Cruising with Treble in Paradise and Tonto’s Reward, the iconic sculpture on Liberty Island greets all who enter New York Harbor. More on that in a moment.

Cape May – South Jersey Marina – Cape Island – June 5

Our stay in Cape May was very brief.

Arrived in Cape May around 3 pm, just enough time to do some quick shopping at their well stocked Ships Store – always supporting the local economy!

Sandy Hook, NJ – anchorage: June 6

Departure at 5:15 am – headed to open waters. Like an energizer bunny we did not stop in Atlantic City, NJ; or Barnegat Bay, or Mantoloking, or Manasquan. Cuz when the big water is calm you keep going, and going, and going.

Dropped an anchor in Sandy Hook, NJ at 7:00 pm. Over 100 nm, in roughly 14 hours! My union rep is NOT doing a good job. It was a beautiful sunset, anchored out with 3 flemings, Treble and Exhale.

New York Harbor

New York, New York – passing through the big Apple. Our plan was to anchor out behind the Statue of Liberty (2018 with Houlegan, Again) – but that area has closed, so we motored through New York City. Ain’t no stopping us now!

I LOVE New York. In my opinion, nothing compares to New York City. It is a vibrant blend of history and promise; home to a diverse, resilient population; a magnet for visitors attracted to a myriad of stimulating sights and smells. Lots of smells (Capt. Rick says, “some, not so good”). For me, the Big Apple represents the steady heartbeat of America. Beat on, sweet NYC, beat strong!

Tonto’s Reward cruised along side us. The splendid skyline reinforces “a New York State of Mind” (written by Billy Joel, 1976). Seriously now, is there anything more phallic than the World Trade Center??

World Trade Center: 1973-2001

Originally seven structures, WTC1 at 1368 feet, and WTC2 at 1362 were the tallest buildings in the world.

In July 2001 the NY Port Authority leased the WTC buildings to Silverstein Properties, Inc. No, I am not a shareholder.

Brilliant – the new World Trade Center, opened in Nov 2014, is 1776 feet high – it’s NOT a coincidence.

Safe Harbor Capri Mooring, Port Washington, NY June 7

🙂

Port Washington Launch, David and Gail Bernstein

Early childhood learning for Oysters. Curious what they teach the babies …

Did you know Billy Joel has a home in Oyster Bay, NY? Reportedly the mansion on the hill, and the house at the waterfront are his, along with all the surrounding greenery. Now that’s a New York State of Mind.

Oyster Bay Brewing Company. Beer test – what would you chose? Sideways – can you identify the beer that is mine? Here’s a clue: the 4 people at the brewery were David and Gail Bernstein, Capt. Rick and me. Round of drinks: 2 IPAs, 1 Original American Lager and 1 Barnrocker.

Safe Harbor Bruce & Johnson’s Marina: Branford, CT June, 10 and 11.

Yes, REM, we are in Connecticut! With COVID protocols in constant flux, Yale discouraged visitors, but we will be back in the fall to tour the campus with Tonto. We did find these architectural gems:

Branford Public Library – MDCCCXCIII – Roman Numeral time. Do you know the year this library was completed? Answer below.

Finally, a little deja vu for my brother and his boys. Notice the Tonka truck is getting buried in that sandbox.

Milestones: Happy birthday Gramma Finny, June 9

Next up: Sag Harbor Launch & Moorings, on Long Island, New York

Answer: MDCCCXCIII = 1893

The fixer

Capt. Rick loves projects, and he keeps the engine room pristine clean (you can never have too many paper towels, right Sideways!?). Thankfully Capt. Rick has a keen ability to diagnose and fix almost anything – including the air conditioner sensor. The task of putting everything neatly back into the cupboard was a bigger challenge.

Plans? We don’t need no stinking plans!

It is no surprise that before we commenced our planned adventures on the Great Loop (~ 9-month voyage in 2018) both the schedule and the route were carefully charted. Ah yes, all you experienced boaters, you can hear the roar of laughter.

IF you stick to a schedule, you find yourself in rough waters. Simply stated, a rigid schedule is dangerous. For us, the reality of the ever changing water conditions, and a credible threat by the crew to jump ship, taught Rick to relax his planning mode a little (I said a little).

Three years after completing the Great Loop, the journey to Maine is “subject to change”. A loose schedule makes sense, EXCEPT when you face a national holiday. Memorial Day weekend is the official launch of summer boating everywhere. Translation: Good luck securing a last minute reservation at a marina, and forget about finding a quiet spot to anchor.

Giving Thanks to Mother Nature!

A nasty storm did us a favor, causing fair weather boaters to cancel their holiday plans, and opening up space at a well-protected marina, a respite from the storm.

Windmill Point, Virginia – May 29 (Saturday) and May 30 (Sunday)

The marina was “sold out” for the weekend. Sincere thanks to the harbor master who put Exhale on the wait list; he said only a handful of boats would arrive before the storm. Tied securely we stayed for two nights, pounded by the rain.

Spring Cove Marina, Solomon’s Island, Maryland – May 31, 2021

With the rain behind us, we traveled north to the beautiful Solomon’s Island.

Hello Annapolis, Maryland! – June 1 and June 2

Two days in Annapolis, rain free. Can you believe it Tim & June? Tied to a mooring ball (at $35 per night), we reunited with Tonto’s Reward (thanks for slowing down, Bert and EJ). Treble in Paradise arrived on June 2.

Annapolis architecture is divine, with well-preserved structures dating back nearly 400 years. Home to the US Naval Academy and St. John’s College, constructed in 1696, the area is extremely walkable with LOTS of local shops and restaurants. And it’s very dog friendly!

Celebrating June Pride

Annapolis City Center bronze statues – “Alex Haley, shares stories with a diverse group of children.”

“We must be in this place as one village. It is not enough that we learn to live together, we must learn to respect and love each other.” Mandinka Elder, Roots

Still Pond anchorage, Maryland – June 3, 2021

Anchored out with Tonto, we found a lovely gunk hole. What’s a gunk hole you ask?

Wikipedia says: Gunkholing is a boating term referring to a type of cruising in shallow or shoal water, meandering from place to place, spending the nights in coves. The term refers to the gunk, or mud, typical of the creeks, coves, marshes, sloughs, and rivers that are referred to as gunkholes.

Maddie takes her time on a little beach walk with the boys.

Delaware City, Delaware – June 4, 2021

The marina in Delaware City was a bit remote. Although it was slow to get an Uber or Lyft driver, there were plenty of bikes.

With great effort, the 3 musketeers are together again. Treble in Paradise, Exhale and Tonto’s Reward docked in tandem.

Thanks Treble for speeding up.

Milestones: Craig Adford, Amanda Saylor, Mark Marlow and Skyllar June bug, all on June 1; Sue Gillespie, June 2 and Lorrie Swink, June 3.

Congrats to #DougAndDanaAndABoat! The NP4906 – original Exhale, and former Mimi’s Oasis (Hello to Grant and Nancy Jonsson) – was officially named Tumbleweed; she’s “Back in the Saddle Again” :-). Looking forward to our reunion Doug and Dana!

Next Stop: Cape May – South Jersey Marina