Friday, we departed Newport for Onset, Mass the start of The Cape Cod Canal. We left as the fog lifted and made it to the mouth of Buzzards Bay, before it returned with a vengeance. The next four hours I monitored the AIS system I. E. turning off collision course notifications, while Eric sailed the boat. When the fog finally cleared, we got a beautiful breeze from dead aft that helped push us up current as the tide turned. This made reaching the harbor in Onset much easier.
Once inside the harbor and rounding the corner to the mooring field, the first boat we saw was from Sarns Marine. Jante was restored the same time Eric was building Thistle in Tim’s yard. Eric and John had never met before but knew each other’s boat immediately. We shared a couple of meals and stories of Sarn’s yard. He left us with a parting gift of his Maine cruising guide. We are referencing it as we work on the blog.
We made a very short jump through the Cape Cod Canal due to a powerful current. Speeds unheard for a Bristol Channel Cutter.
Two speed boats were racing past the barge, they cut us off and turned so their wake covered our boat with water. I barely had time to save my hat! We arrived in Sandwich and I looked like I had been in a wet t – shirt contest. Not a good look!
Marblehead – where it all began. We started to Marblehead on a drizzly overcast morning. The weather prediction was light wind from behind. That quickly changed as multiple squalls came through. The wind went to dead on the nose 25-40 knots. The longest day on Thistle!
Jen offered us a guest room and we were more than happy to accept a hot shower and queen size bed. Time spent with family is special. We went through old photos, walked the town, played games, laughed and enjoyed the view of the harbor from the porch.
Marblehead Knits is one of my favorite knitting stores. It’s awesome. Jen and I went to an exhibit of J O J Frost in town. Interesting folk artist who painted on wood. They also have a special exhibit of Marblehead hand prints to celebrate 51 years.
Jen, Sarah, and Eric have been close cousins their whole lives. Their dad, Uncle George rowed Eric out into the harbor to see the sailboats, Graves Yacht Yard, and the Hood Sail Loft when he was 5. Sailing started here, setting a course for Eric’s life.
Books – Last Summer at Chelsea Beach rating 4.
Fair Winds. Eric and Sharon.
Sarah’s dog Tucker. Sweet old guy.
Trading Up in 2019 
Hi Sharon and Eric: So good to hear about what you are doing. Great pictures too. We are in Maine at Wooden Boat. Ron is taking a carving class and I’ m taking a pastel class. Weather has been good and tonight we got a boat ride out to a little island to hike around. Looks much like the North Channel.
We Can’t Wait continues banging its head against the wall. We got a big story in Crain’s Detroit yesterday about a company that had 560 employees providing care to survivors was closing it’s doors because it can’t survive the 45% cut. It keeps getting worse and worse. Tracy Samilton from Michigan Public Radio is doing a story too. And another senator just figured out what is going on and is now a strong advocate. So we’ll keep battling on.
Enjoy your sailing and keep us posted on what’s going on!!!
Peg and Ron
Sent from my iPad
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I’m glad you are getting some press and help. I pray everyday for success. How long are you in Maine ? We are in Glouster
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