Fall in New England, Part 2

Edgartown Light, Martha's Vineyard

The wind picked up and kept us in port an extra day in Martha’s Vineyard.  When the weather improved we had a gorgeous fall day to transit back along the shore of this beautiful island.

Sailboat Enjoying the Beautiful Day

Cutty Hunk

We then set a course to the south end of the Elizabeth Islands where, at Cutty Hunk, we crossed over to Newport, Rhode Island, considered by many to be the yachting capital of the United States.  So many memories came flooding back as we cruised into Narragansett Bay.  We had lived in Newport in 1977 and 1978. 

Castle Hill Light

The Inn at Castle Hill

Passing the Castle Hill Light with the Inn at Castle Hill nearby we began to see the busy harbor ahead.  Fort Adams State Park continues to watch over the activities in the harbor.  

Many Sailing Ships Take Tourists Out on the Bay

Sailboat Passing 'Clingstone', the Famous House Built on a Rock in the Harbor

Fort Adams

We tied up at Bannister’s Wharf in the center of town, a perfect spot from which to revisit this beautiful and historic city.  

 

St. Mary's Parish Church Where the Kennedy's Were Married

An Unusual Use of Stones

Bowen's Wharf

Banister's Wharf

Park Dedicated to Doris Duke Whose Efforts Saved Much of Newport's Historic Past

It was in Newport that we bid farewell to Pete, Lyn, Bruce and Darlene with whom we had been traveling since Prince Edward Island and with whom we had enjoyed so many adventures and just plain good times.  Their schedules required that they move faster than we needed to and we would be leaving the boat soon for a few days.  It was sad to see them depart but we know we will see them again for future adventures.  We remained in Newport an extra day.

The Rose Island Light Sits Under the Newport Bridge

Point Judith Light

Stonington, Connecticut

When we departed Newport, we headed to Stonington, Connecticut.  Considered by many to be the most beautiful seaside village in New England, it is said to be one of the best preserved and least commercial historic towns in Connecticut.  We visited the Old Lighthouse Museum and toured the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House.  A former ship captain, he is famous for his discovery of Antarctica.  As the name implies the soil is quite rocky and many of the homes are surrounded by lovely stone walls.  

Old Lighthouse Museum

One of the Lovely Stone Walls

Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House, He Discovered Antartica

Picturesque Stonington

There Was a Nice Park For Hali

On Tuesday, September 24^th we left ‘Somewhere’ on a mooring and departed for Harry’s 50^th high school reunion in Las Vegas, Nevada.   

 

'Somewhere' on a Mooring While We Were Away

It took considerable research to find a suitable place for Hali but we got some excellent referrals to Boston House of Bark.   Knowing she would be well cared for we drove to Boston where we got Hali settled and then flew to Las Vegas.  The reunion was well attended and we both enjoyed it very much.  While there we visited the new bridge across Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel. We also drove out to Red Rock Canyon, another beautiful sight near Las Vegas. 

The New Bridge As Seen From the Dam

The Dam As Seen From the Bridge

Lake Mead

Red Rock Canyon

On our return, we picked up Hali and drove back to Stonington where ‘Somewhere’ was waiting for us.  It felt good to be back on board and on October 1^st we departed Stonington to resume our trip.

Fall Colors in Stonington

The historic village of Old Saybrook was our next destination.   

Two Light Houses Guard the Entrance, the Old Saybrook Light

The Lynde Point Light

Situated near the mouth of the Connecticut River, Old Saybrook was very important for coastal trade.  From the beautifully appointed marina at Saybrook Point, we enjoyed visiting the site of the Saybrook Fort and remains of the railroad round house.  

Remains of the Old Round House

The Footprint of  Fort Saybrook

Departing Saybrook Point Marina

Departing Old Saybrook on a beautiful morning we enjoyed cruising Long Island Sound.  Shortly after noon the wind picked up and we decided to stop short of our destination.  Our new destination became Milford Harbor.  We were very glad, we found Milford to be a charming town at the mouth of the Wepawaug River.  It seemed vibrant and busy while retaining its charm. 

 

Entering Milford Harbor

World War II Memorial, Can be Viewed From Any Direction

Bridge Over the Wepawaug River

'Explorer', Submarine Built by Simon Lakes in 1936

Milford was our last stop in New England and the last on Long Island Sound.  We regretted that this beautiful area was behind us but look forward to returning to New York City, this time by way of the East River.

Heading Out Onto Long Island Sound