Mystic CT – Exhale on the Water

We crossed into Maine some time ago; now we are in New York, again. That means this post will cover a lot of territory.

So, pour a cup of coffee, Ann Johnston, or a glass of wine, and let’s get caught up.

Dysart’s Southwest Harbor, Maine

Thanks to Jim and Susan Merritt, Exhale was scrubbed from top to bottom, just in time to say Hello to Ray and Caryl! Buttercup loves it when the cookie man is in the house.

Capt. Rick, Buttercup, Gail B, Caryl M, Jim M, Ray “Sideways”, and Susan Merritt

Reuniting with our 2018 Looper buddies, we intentionally overlapped our guests. Thanks to Gail and David B, Sideways was upgraded to premier class on the first night, spoiled in a cabin on Tonto’s Reward.

Visiting with two Hollywood Legends

An Elvis Co-star – It was a privilege to see Joan Freeman again. Look her up, she was an amazing star! She and her husband, Bruce Kessler were enjoying their summer in Maine.

Lobster Fest

Perfect Timing – Micah, the generous local lobster fisherman, holds an annual birthday party/lobster fest at the Dysart’s marina. We arrived just in time to chow down with old friends Bruce Kessler and Joan Freeman-Thank you Micah! Lobster-ific!

Rockport, Maine

We love Rockport. The sky tells the story, serene, and magical.

Unfortunately, Phil, there were no weddings to crash.

Boothbay, Maine

This photo was not altered in any way, the Maine weather was this perfect!

Portland, Maine – Dimillos

We said goodbye to Ray and Caryl in Portland, Maine – thanks for joining us guys!

Fashion Week – New York City, New York

I had the privilege, again, of supporting my daughter, Alisha Silverstein, during New York fashion week. Along with the insanely talented Carly Lennon Maurer (my niece), we spent 7 nights working in the Big Apple.

Hello New York! Carly Lennon Maurer and Alisha Silverstein

I am extremely proud of Mija who continues to elevate the Selkie brand with her exquisite talent. Here are just a few Selkie photos showing us at work behind the scenes in preparation of the fashion show

Alisha Silverstein and her cousin Carly Maurer

Alterations completed. Late night final touches.

A total of 64 outfits were displayed on the runway. All of them were customized to fit the models. Spectacular Results.

Yes, the starry night dress I am wearing and the black jumper Alisha is wearing are Selkie designs.

And yes, David Bernstein, we are drinking Aperol Spritz to celebrate!

Meanwhile, the show on Exhale went on as scheduled, with a well-qualified Understudy. A heartfelt thanks to First Mate / Photographer, Craig Adford! With Craig’s experienced, able-bodied support, Exhale continued to travel.

Crew change. First Mate, Craig Adford arrives.

Wentworth by the Sea, New Hampshire

Pickering Wharf Salem, Massachusetts

Witches for a Good Cause

For our Massachusetts friends, if you are looking for a local cause to support, check out this unique grocery store/food pantry.

The Daily Table, a Boston-based nonprofit. So far, the grocery store chain has a total of 5 stores, typically located in dense neighborhoods with little or no fresh food offered – known as food deserts. The Market is a unique food pantry found on the ground floor of North Shore CDC’s Lighthouses building at 47 Leavitt St. https://www.dailytable.org/

Photographed by Capt. Rick, the stores are absolutely beautiful.

Sandwich, Massachusetts

thru the Cape Cod Canal,

Pope’s Island, New Bedford, Massachusetts

uhhhhh – this is a hurricane warning flag

Flying towards the storm, again.

After an exciting fashion show, I met up with the crew of Exhale in New Bedford, MA, where they found protective shelter from hurricane Lee. Thankfully it was significantly less than predicted!

Note from the archives – New Bedford was the safe holdout we used when hiding from yet another hurricane in 2021. If you want to see the exceptional engineering watch this short video!

Closing the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier

I got to see Craig for one night, then he flew back to LA to celebrate Mason’s birthday. We said Goodnight under the Red Sky of New Bedford.

Mystic, Connecticut

Celebrating Milestones: Belated birthday wishes: September 10; Eileen Pitel; September 15, Tony Pearl Jam; September 18, Mason turned 5!

Coming Up: the next post will take us to Sag Harbor, New York. Thanks for following us!!

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.

Gribbles and Shipworms, Mystic Seaport Museum

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

Tag: Mystic CT

New York, New York

Gribbles and Shipworms