The past week I’ve been home, Eric and I have decided it’s time for a wind shift for several reasons. When we left in June, a few upgrades had not been completed and some extra creature comforts would be nice. We will return to Thistle next spring.

We ended up leaving later than we expected and never made it to our northern destination before heading south. Since we plan on leaving Thistle south, we would truly like to complete this leg of the journey by spending a summer in Maine.

I’ve really missed my family and I’m looking forward to spending this winter with them. My dad turned 90 this summer and he missed me a lot!

Thistle is tucked in at The Dutch Wharf in Branford, Ct. Taking a break was a tough decision, we made jointly. I’m counting the days until I board Thistle again but will cherish each day until then.

In all, we traveled about 1400 miles and visited 40 different harbors. Got our first taste of tides, fog, ocean swells, and salt water. We will reinstate the blog next spring when we head north. Our final destination still remains the Caribbean in 2020. Promise to include books we read over the winter in the next blog.

Peace and happiness to all. Eric and Sharon

My dad!!

I arrived back in Detroit yesterday. It was a planned visit to check on my dad and dog sit for my sister’s pets. I never imagined it would be so hard to leave Eric and Thistle. It’s been a fantastic summer! My boat handling skills improved. I’m proud to say I didn’t scratch the boat during docking, miss a mooring line, or fall into the water!

Sewing in the cockpit!

While in Mystic, we pulled out the sewing machine and made covers for the dorade vents. It’s not easy sewing on the boat but we are improving.

While at happy hour, Eric saw a man wearing a t-shirt with the Roseway on it. His girlfriend’s uncle owned the boat and eventually donated the vessel to The World Ocean School. The school recently took his family out for a sail and the sails have his name on the luff.

Our thoughts are with all the people affected by the hurricane. We are currently collecting information regarding the condition of the ICW ( inter coastal waterway ) and the Bahamas. We need to decide to proceed with our plans or go to Maine next summer and then the Bahamas.

Book review: Sharon

A Stolen Season by Steve Hamilton. 3.5 out of 5

Disrupt by Luke Williams. 4.5

Luke was the keynote speaker at a Liquidnet conference I attended.

Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell 4.5

Eric

The Borman Testament by Jack Higgins

4 out of 5. Fast paced spy novel.

The Dodson Boat Yard was a traffic jam of classic yachts: Hinckley, Little Harbors, Herreschoff, Concordia, and others. Then you have the lines for cheap ice cream and their wonderful restaurant Dog Watch Cafe. Dodson Boat Yacht was one of our favorite places to moor.

On Saturday night, we ventured to Noah’s restaurant again. Meryl Streep filmed her 2012 movie Hope Springs there. We sat at the bar for dinner and met another couple from the mid west. It turned out Eric and Dennis worked in the same industry and had mutual customers. They invited us to a concert that evening. We didn’t feel comfortable going back on an unlit dinghy late at night so we passed. Rita and Dennis joined us for a day sail on Monday by Fishers Island Sound. It was a perfect day to entertain new friends and introduce them to sailing.

Tuesday, we started our trek back to Branford with our first stop at Mystic. Taco Tuesday isn’t quite the deal it is at home. For $5 in St Clair Shores, you get three tacos and a margherita. Birmingham, tacos are $1 or $2 with a drink. Mystic $6 margherita and all you can eat tacos for $10.

Foul weather gear was necessary on our journey to the theater to see “Maiden”. The theater was a 36 minute walk from”Thistle”. Being wet and cold made us feel part of the crew as they raced in the southern ocean. We highly recommend the movie. The back story for getting the first all female crew in the Whitbread race was interesting. Tracy Edwards and crew managed to break the glass ceiling in ocean racing. We wondered how many girls have been inspired to learn to sail or compete in sailing because of these women.

Classic yacht details on a Concordia Yawl

Rozinante considered by many experts approaching perfection in design

Passing the cheap ice cream after happy hour proved difficult.

Book Reviews: Sharon

Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck 5 out of 5

Come Home by Lisa Scottiline 5

Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans 3.5

Half Moon Bay by Alice LaPlante 3.5

Book Reviews: Eric

Sea of Time by Will Hubbell 4

Easy on the brain sci-fi thriller

Chancellorsville by Stephen Sears

This is the first book I couldn’t finish on the ereader because of the complexity of the story and the inability to see the maps.

A wise man (Charlie) told us when we began this adventure there will days of Ying and Yang. On Sunday, Eric, Sawyer, and Elo dropped me in Newport so I could continue the journey. Ying and Yang. Great to be back with my husband but loved the time spent with them.

On Sunday, during our nightly harbor cruise we followed a Thistle (a one design boat) back to its harbor. They have a fleet of ten boats that race on Monday nights. Eric was invited to join the fun. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate. Multiple thunder storms even had the super yachts hurrying to get on a mooring. When the crews on these yachts start taking down the sun awnings and putting away the deck furniture it’s going to blow. A good forecasting tool.

Tuesday morning we left Newport heading to Stonington. Ying and Yang event. Winds were perfect to head to Block Island. Eric reset the course and we had our best sail of the summer. Block Island is similar to Mackinac Island. The town has two movie theaters (we want to see Maiden) and rumor has it the best lobster rolls. The town has 90 mooring balls on a first come first serve basis for $50. It’s Tuesday, this shouldn’t be an issue! Well it was and our only other choice was a slip at $6.50 a foot. Back to our original destination of Stonington. We had an 11 hour day of perfect sailing. Two close reaches at hull speed and Eric finally timed the tides correctly.

.

Stonington is a charming New England town. The harbor is like a museum full of classic New England wooden boats. The marina and buildings are also full of hidden treasures. Wednesday nights $20 lobster. Need I say more? We were disappointed to not spend time on Block Island but glad we found a treasure.

Book Reviews: Sharon

Nightfall Over Shanghia by Daniel Kalls 5 out of 5

I picked up this book for $.50 but it turned out it’s the third book in a series.

Definitely can be read on it’s own but wish I had known.

The 15th Affair. By James Patterson 3.5. I like the characters even though the plot is predictable.

Book Reviews Eric

Thunderstruck by Erik Larsen 5 out of 5

The story of Marconi the inventing of the radio and its early growing pains. A bit of history I knew little about.

Hitler’s last days. By Bill O’Reilly

4 out of 5

A good chronological account of the last year of the Third Reich and the Allied forces as they closed in.

Monday night I left “Thistle” and headed to Branford, Ct. with our son. His five month old puppy “Elo” decided to consume a sock. Granny Nanny is caring for Elo while Eric and Sawyer work. While I am away, Eric is doing boat maintenance.

It’s been a treat having an endless supply of water to do dishes and bathe. Since they have Netflix, I’m enjoying The Crown.

Eric and I did the Cliff Walk in Newport last weekend. The homes and scenery are breathtaking. Parts of walk are a little challenging and we were glad we wore the appropriate shoes!

On Sunday, I went on the downstairs tour of The Elm. The home was built by coal Baron Edwin Berwind in 1903. After his wife’s death in 1936, her sister moved into the home and eventually inherited it. Upon her death, two nephews put the home up for sale. The historical society was so outraged the buyers were going to turn it into a parking lot they raised $118,701 to secure its future in 1962.

Eric and I sailed over to Jamestown on Monday morning….

Being alone on the boat moored offshore is a very strange feeling. Two people on a boat the size of Thistle have to be a close team or it won’t work. Last night about midnight was dead calm with thick fog. The boat wasn’t moving at all and the fog seemed to silence the sounds of the night. I was just about asleep when something banged into the side of the boat making a big splash and sending me up on deck with a flashlight. Quite large fish were feeding on smaller bait fish and in the frenzy one banged into the boat. My first thought was Sharon would have been amazed. Single handed racing would be an exciting challenge but cruising is about sharing the experience. I’m really glad we can help out Eric and Sawyer but it will be nice to have Sharon back once Elo is healed.

Alternate Side by Anna Quinlan 3.5 out of 5

Pretty sad commentary on marriage.

Finished a Christmas Stocking

m

We arrived in Newport, Rhode Island on Monday. It feels like Monaco with so many large yachts over 100′ except they let the non rich and famous in the harbor. A mooring is actually a bargain for the east coast, $40 per night for Thistle. Mega yachts, past America’s Cup winning sailboats, and classic yachts pepper this harbor. While in Newport, we visited IYRS (the International Yacht Restoration School). This is a vocational school that teaches traditional boatbuilding skills. Behind the school on the waterfront, a 105′ schooner the Coronet is being totally restored. They allow you in the workshop to get a closeup view of the ongoing work.

We’ve had a couple of relaxing days here. Eric and I went on a walking tour of the historic district today. We found St. Mary’s church where the Kennedy’s were married.

St.Mary’s Church and remains of a 17th century windmill

Unfortunately, we missed the presentation done weekly about their wedding. Every evening, we take a dingy ride to gaze at the different boats or watch a race.

Last week we had a great sail to Jamestown, Rhode Island. Newport and Jamestown were packed for the annual Jazz Festival in Newport. So it was a quick visit in Jamestown then another perfect sail across Narraganset Bay to Bristol, Rhode Island. It’s a beautiful, quiet New England town that was once the center of yacht design and construction during the golden age of the Americas Cup at the turn of the 20th century. This is a must see museum in Bristol on the site of the Herreschoff Mfg Company where the Americas Cup defenders were built.

Book Review:

Sharon

Where the Crawdads Sing 5 out of 5

First Women: Grace and Power. By Kate Brower. 3.5 out of 5.

Interesting topic and information but the style of writing felt tortured.

Target Alex across series by James Patterson 4 out of 5

Eric

The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw

Sobering to hear the stories of the depression era kids that won WW2. They are from my father’s generation so the stories triggered lots of memories. An inspirational read. 4 out of 5

Happy 5th birthday to my great niece. Also, my dear friend Heather is celebrating her birthday today.

After leaving Branford, we received an email from the folk singing group Mustard’s Retreat. We have been following them for 35 years and they were having a benefit concert for the Customs House Museum in New London, Ct. So we sailed to New London to join the fun. Familiar faces and our favorite music was like a little slice of home. Thistle was moored in the harbor ($5 per night) and we are now the first fans to ever sail to their concert. Michael isn’t currently traveling with the trio since he is caring for his girlfriend. On YouTube, check out a few of our favorites: Hopelessly Midwestern, Simple Faith, Great Lakes Fishing Trade, and The Wreck of the Julia Plant.

The Amistad was towed to New London and moored near the Custom House. John Quincy Adams defended the slaves and won their freedom. Amistad was moored 200 feet from where we are anchored. New London has several wonderful restaurants (Muddy Water, etc). The harbor is nice and the people are friendly.

Nautical library at the Custom House to die for per Eric.

We spent a few steamy hot days in Mystic Seaport. Happy hour at the air conditioned Mexican restaurant and coffee at the local bakery “Sift” were a hit. Ice cream at the drawbridge in the heat was also a good thing.

While in Mystic we were moored at a small boat yard that didn’t mind us doing some maintenance on the boat. Eric had to phone a friend i. e. Rich to sort out some electrical gremlins. The Mystic Seaport antique and wooden boat festival took place while we were in town. We motored in the dinghy a few times to see new arrivals. Tomorrow morning, we are leaving early to catch a fair tide that will propel us farther east.

We are wishing my brother Chris a speedy recovery from hip replacement surgery (he wore out the old one abusing the guys on opposing hockey teams).Get well soon so you can come join us for some summer this winter.

Book reviews: Eric

Killing Kennedy by Bill O’Reilly four out of five stars and it encouraged me to tackle Profiles in Courage. Will let you know my thoughts on it next week.

Book Reviews: Sharon

Secret Gift by Ted Gup 5 out of 5

Women’s Club 14th Deadly Sin by James Patterson. 4 out of 5

Summerland Elin Hildebrand 4 out of 5

The past week was so hot…how hot was it? Hot enough, I spent the night on Thistle’s deck. I’ve taken naps on deck but this was a first!

We arrived in Branford, Connecticut on Friday to spend a few days with Eric, Sawyer and Elo (Eric’s wife and new puppy). Initially we thought we would stay on the boat, but the a/c was too inviting. We had a great visit then a sail to Westbrook, Ct. on Wednesday.

We managed to see “Yesterday” at the theater. It’s worth your time and money!!

Since we are short on sailing tales, we decided to share some of the challenges of living on a boat. Grocery shopping has been an adventure. We have purchased more food from 7/11 type stores the past 5 weeks than in 38 years of marriage. In Pirates of the Caribbean, Captain Jack wants to know “why is the rum always gone” its because there are no liquor stores within walking distance of the waterfront! Total strangers have offered us rides to the boat after watching us carry several bags in 90 degree heat. Before purchasing an item, I now consider the weight. When mooring out, you load everything into the dingy then put it on the boat before putting it away. Much easier to jump in the car and run to Krogers!

Grocery shopping in Branford,Ct.

I used to have a huge walk in closet. I now have a cupboard and a few things in a hanging locker. My clothes currently would fill one Rubbermaid container. Not the size with wheels! The saying still holds, I wear 20% of my clothes 80% of the time.

If I see a laundry mat close by, I always do laundry! One marina advertised a laundry and when I went to use the washer and it was still full of water from the previous year. Needless to say, I took an Uber! I’ve walked as far as a mile each way to get the job done.

Sailing to Branford!

Eric found a Super Cut before we entered the Erie Canal. I wasn’t sure about getting my haircut there. Thankfully, Eric’s hair will grow back. Eric took a picture through the port hole of me. I found a salon in Oyster Bay for a haircut and color immediately after that.

I faithfully wear my FitBit and try to get a minimum of 10,000 steps. This past weekend exercise was a lot more fun with Elo. We went hiking and walked through town. Normally, I have resorted to walking up and down a dock or the boat to meet my target.

Just finished a baby blanket, so hopefully I will be reading more.

Harlan Coben. Don’t Let Go 4 out of 5

Enjoy the week! We are headed to Mystic Seaport and Mustard’s Retreats concert.

After a steaming hot day in New York City, we were reflecting on the past week as we returned to Thistle moored in beautiful Oyster Bay.

Well, that is how we started the blog on our way back to the boat on Wednesday from NYC. Shortly after we returned, a thunderstorm rolled in with pouring rain and wind gusting to 60+ kts. Heavy lightening bolts pounded the anchorage for over a half hour and visibility was cut to zero. Eric had to go on deck to cut our sun awning down. He left it up since I’ve been melting from the heat. What was Sharon doing? Reading a book for the most part. To steal a quote from Captain Sig Hansen “it got very nautical”.

Now the rest of the story…

We continued our trip down the Hudson River and stayed at the Hudson River Maritime Museum/ Boat Building School/Junior Sailing Center. This covered all the bases for Eric and he enjoyed comparing notes with the instructors from the school.

It was fascinating motoring to New York City during rush hour with ferries, tour boats, helicopters, etc. The standing waves were so big, we shipped green water over the deck. Our initial plan was to anchor behind the Statue of Liberty. The sea state was so rough we went to Liberty Marina and had our first taste of New York pricing. For $5 per foot a night, the amenities are first class. Another Bristol Channel Cutter owner Alec walked down the dock after a friend told him there was a boat like his in the harbor. Since July 4th, he has been living on his boat while working in the city. I wish him luck this winter without heat. It was cool to meet a kindred spirit.

On Tuesday we headed to Oyster Bay. The trip to Oyster Bay included motoring the length of the East River (from the southern tip of Manhattan near World Trade Center to Long Island Sound). We started the trip at 5 am to catch a fair tide and were rewarded with a beautiful sunrise and a fast ride. The East river is not a river at all. It is a tidal estuary that separates Long Island from the mainland. The current flows very fast in both directions depending on whether the tide is coming in or going out. At the Long Island end there is a narrow spot called Hell’s Gate where the water flows faster than our boat will go. So that’s why we started the trip at 5 am to catch the tide when it was flowing the direction we needed to go. We were going 10 kts without a sail up.

We’ve had our challenges this week but continue to learn how to be cruisers. In New York City, we went to the 9/11 Memorial, NYSE, Grand Central Station, Times Square, and stopped by to see a sell side trader, Ed. It’s fun being a tourist.

Book Ratings. 5 out 5 top rating.

Unlikely 13 by James Patterson 3

Eric reread The Dove by Robin Lee Graham. 5 The book he discovered when he was thirteen that was the seed for this trip.

I’m almost done with a baby blanket so the reading list has suffered.

Practiced inflating and launching the dingy.

On Tuesday, we left the Erie Canal after 9 locks in one day. As we motored into the town of Waterford after leaving the last lock on the Erie they were playing “Stars and Stripes Forever”. It seemed so appropriate since July 9th would have been my mom’s 89th birthday. She loved a good march. FYI, Warren Concert Band is playing on Belle Isle August 4th.

We are currently at Castleton Boat Club. They offer a DIY gin pole for $50. I assumed incorrectly other sailors would be working with Eric while I spent the day knitting. The members can not help because of insurance restrictions and no other transient boats were around. Eric is always optimistic about what I can do. I ran the crane and at one point man handled the mast. It’s the first time I’ve had a piece of the action and I kept saying I owe Tim Sarns big time.

The Erie Canal was an interesting body of water full of small towns and history. The Remington company (known for firearms, razors, and typewriters) was located in Illion. We stayed on their terminal wall which was a Rv Park and Marina. The marina was just a sea wall but bonus points for having a Dairy Queen. Our friend Eli suggested we stop at his favorite restaurant “Russo’s” in his hometown of Amsterdam. We had a great Italian dinner and stayed on the terminal wall for free. It’s been fun on the Canal but time to start sailing.

We’ve been gone 23 days. I managed to catch every line in the locks and not do any major damage to “Thistle”. Everyday is different and I have enjoyed the challenge so far. I still miss family and friends. Sadly, my cousin Pete passed away suddenly last week. I regret I couldn’t attend his funeral today. I hope his family finds peace and we send our prayers.

Book review. 5 stars top rating.

Unfortunately, I’ve read a lot of three star books lately.

Blessings. Ann Quilan 5

Fly Away. Kristin Hannah. 3. (Too sad)

Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich number 20 and 21 Rating 3

Cute characters, the mom keeps making homemade chocolate cake and I long for a piece from my favorite baker Anne.

Unlucky 13. James Patterson women’s murder club series. 3

Eli’s recommends Russo in Amsterdam

Mast up in Castleton, N Y

Out of Erie Canal

Downtown Albany, N Y

Pedestrian walk way

Off tomorrow, hopefully under sail.