Another Adventure on NH

New Horizon is now ready for yet another adventure. After having work completed in Chester Point Marine CT and a full day of engine maintenance , we are ready to head south. Nana and Nandad will leave Newport Yacht Club and start the journey to the Bahamas.

After a wonderful summer cruising Narragansett Bay, a once in a lifetime family trip to Ireland followed by a life changing pilgrimage to Fatima , we are ready for our next adventure.

Thursday October 19th NH has an early morning start from Newport Yacht Club. A beautiful fall morning with the sun shining and the seas calm NH heads towards Long Island Sound passing Block Island to port , we could clearly see the five windmills in the distance and the wonderful coast of BI. Lots of fishing vessels and the occasional sailing vessels are noted on this brisk day. We pass Westerly spotting Taylor Smiths property right along side the Ocean House at Watch Hill. Both stunning properties.

New Horizon arrives at Safe Harbor Bruce & Johnson’s in Branford. A tricky entrance with well charted and buoyed rocks - the Cow and Calf Rocks, Five Foot Rock, Blyn Rocks, Bird Rocks as well as Big Mermaid and Little Mermaid. NH has not docked at this marina before however Nandad was more than capable of guiding her into her slip. 

There are two homes sitting on the little islands in their splendor. Branford was originally a Yankee trading center and the original home of Yale University- according to Waterway Guide. We took the opportunity to meet with Bridget and Niamh and had a lovely dinner at the Home Restaurant downtown. So good to meet family. 
Tomorrow we plan to head for Safe Harbor Capri taking advantage of our Safe Harbor membership.

Now it’s the Gleeson’s turn

Michael arrives on Monday afternoon with Tigran and Viken for the day. We were all so excited to once again have cousins to play with. We took the launch out to NH to play with the dinghy, swim and jump off the boat in the Great Salt Pond - Uncle Michael proved to be the best motivator and guardian of the swimmers. Nandad instructed Tigran on all the mechanics of the boat and he happily soaked it all up. Despite a slow puncture Nana gives Tigran a tutorial on the eclectic engine however we almost sank so we had to call the launch to take us back to Champlin’s.

After saying our goodbyes to Michael and gang a very happy bunch walked to Paynes  for dinner and as we continue our adventures into town for Aldo’s a beautiful sunset in the background.Tomorrow Tuesday we will cruise home to Newport after three wonderful, packed weeks of cruising on New Horizon feeling full of gratitude that we could share with all the family. 

The Nevins arrive

Finally the Nevins catch the fast ferry from Newport after missing the ferry at Point Judith - no parking available! The gang joined together at Scotch Beach for the afternoon. Another wonderful day perfect for boogie boards, jumping waves and simply soaking up the warm breeze. We all gather at the Oars to eat and play corn hole.

The adults were able to have their own table ( very happy about that ) while the children also had theirs - the advantage of seven children and six adults. 

Sunday Ceire and Dave celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary at the best spot on the island Aldo’s. Dana and the boys left on the plane early this morning while Sinead and Emma join us at Champlin’s to use the pool and attempt lots of water sports before taking the car ferry back to Point Judith. It’s been a wonderful week on Block.

Ollie has managed the kayak and has successfully rowed out to New Horizon. Emma, Avie and Ailish attempt paddle boarding which proves to be quite challenging. The wind, current, boats, fast ferry etc prove to be quite the obstacle course. 

What a week on Block

This is the view from the pretty red stone farm house ( 1830 ) where the Arsenault’s are staying. The great salt pond in the background full of boaters here to soak up the fun on Block. Not a bad picture of the family either ! 

What a week we have had between the house and the boat, biking, walking, the beaches, the park, the ice creams, kayaking, sunsets ( especially Dory’s Cove ) and most delicious food. Of course we had to have the evening on the hill at the Spring House with the kids tumbling down while the adults enjoy wonderful cocktails. Scott Baer provided great sounds on the lawn. We were also lucky to snag a table for dinner - what a life. 

We now await the arrival of the Nevins for a few days so still lots more to enjoy.

The Arsenault’s Arrive on BI

Waiting patiently at the airport heading to Block Island. Saturday 15th the Arsenault’s arrive leaving from Westerly State Airport. Emma is the copilot so lots of excitement on the ride. They arrive safely without any weather problems - just as well they were not traveling on Sunday as the winds were high with thunder and lightening and heavy rains ! However Dana was the hero taking the car over fully loaded on a very choppy ferry and very unpleasant ride.

After a few instructions Emma has become our dinghy Captain transporting us to the beach, the dinghy dock and Champlin’s Marina - Mom does look a little stressed - just kiddin but we did get wet! Of course our first stop was a ride over to dinghy beach where we cross the street to ride the waves at Scotch Beach. 

Next was Aldo’s for dinner and vacation has to start with some delicious ice- cream. A successful night onboard New Horizon while Sinead awaits checking into The Red Stone Farm house for the week.

Sunday morning we hail Aldo’s Bakery to come to NH and everyone has some sort of deliciousness for breakfast. We managed a ride over to Champlin’s to have some fun on the lawn and Sinead was able to check into the house before the absolute heavens began to fall. We all took a taxi to the Poor People’s Pub for some wonderful food while poor Dana was traveling on the nightmare ride on the ferry. 

When Nana and Nandad arrived back to the boat the rains were so strong the life jackets exploded ! You can see the sailboat in the background drying out all their cushions. 

New Horizon on Block Island

Does life get any better! Our first night on BI on a private mooring so we will need to scout in the morning. Nana and Nandad welcome their long time friends MJ and Dave onboard. We also met another long term friend Ellie and Richard so we joined company and went to Eli’s for dinner.

Thursday morning very early start for our buddy Dave whose job it was to watch the mooring field for boats leaving so NH can pick up an orange ball. By 10 am there was no activity in the mooring field so Nana called the Harbormaster who came to our assistance and reserved a green ball for us 76 which could handle our weight and size. We were ever so grateful and now can secure our position until we are ready to leave. We are excited to spend the week on the Great Salt Pond while our daughter Sinead and her family rent a house nearby. 

The picture above is before our dinner at the SpringHouse where we ate Al fresco overlooking the wind farm. The atmosphere is just high energy with Adirondack chairs scattered all over the extensive lawns, with little feet running and rolling down the hills and a violin playing in the background. The food is simply delicious and the chef uses a lot of fresh produce from the garden out back. 

The picture below is MJ and Nana heading into Champlin’s for the practical side of boating - laundry ! A very wet dinghy ride over to Andy’s Way after a wonderful lunch at the BeachHead. 

Champlin’s was bought over by TPG three years ago and now the property is a high end resort. They renovated 44 guest rooms and continue to have three dockside bars , two restaurants and of course live music. The movie theater unfortunately is no longer in operation and the playground is now a covered function area. The pool area has been extended and you can purchase a daily pass to use the facilities. 

Friday July 14th a stormy rainy day. We were still able to get off the boat and have a wonderful lunch at the Oars before MJ and Dave returned to Franklin. 

Menemsha

New Horizon is on a slip in the Menemsha Basin and what a great spot. Here is the place to be if you enjoy fresh fish cooked at the dockside. The beach is also right there providing an excellent spot to relax and enjoy the surf. While taking a short stroll along the path Nana came across a very unusual sign. Generally the signs warn you about the angry dog however this one warns you about the angry turkey! 

You also know you are in the basin by the wonderful sculpture of the spear fisherman.

Monday is a very rainy day and the perfect day as it turns out for Nandad to have his ear seen to. For several days now it has been painful and he has not been able to hear properly !,,, very frustrating. We made an appointment at the Vineyard Medical Care and took two buses from the basin. Of course we were early for our appointment so we had to wait for an hour in a very small intimate waiting room. The building appears to be a very old home converted into a medical centre. A very busy centre with a steady flow of patients and lots of magazines to read so not a bad place to be while it poured rain outside. After Nandad was seen we take another bus to the Apothecary to pick up his medicine. Another hour wait however this time there are very comfortable rocking chairs, tea and the newspaper - so Nana thinks this happens quite a bit on the island! While Nana waited Nanadad took another bus to Oaks Bluff and we both met up again at the bus depot to return to the basin. The perfect rainy day to get to know the Vineyard Transportation System and very much appreciated the medical attention provided. Hopefully Nandads double ear infection will clear up soon with the medication. We left the boat basin at 1pm and returned at 7pm.

Tuesday July 11th is a perfect beach day with plenty of sun and wind. Our intention was to take the little bike ferry across the basin and ride the three miles  to Gay Head Light. However Nandad volunteered to take the bus again to the grocery and stock up before leaving for Block Island in the morning. Nana was happy to do her yoga and hit the beach. We had the most perfect sunset right over Cuttyhunk to end a wonderful day.