We enjoy Port Washington. Matt and his team
have cultivated an
atmosphere that is cruiser friendly. There are two day free mooring
balls, a great water taxi service, lots to do for fun and
re-provisioning, and harbor that is kind to the eye. We went to Ayhan's
Mediterranean restaurant; the Palace barber shop; shower, laundry, and
fuel at Brewer's; and groceries at the Stop and Shop.
We were ferried around
in the Port Washington
Water Taxi by Luke and Caroline. They drove us around last year also
but we are not sure that they remembered us. They do now. They will
pick up and drop off anywhere in the harbor. Not a bad deal. We used
them each and every day as we have been too lazy to pump up the dinghy
since Wilmington.
We left Port Washington three days ago headed to Newport
via Port Jefferson and Fisher's Island. First day out was a short trip
with little wind and favorable current (much of the way). It was hazy
and boring, except for avoiding the occasional fishing float. It just
takes one. We arrived at the Port Jeff inlet at the same time as a
ferry. We let them go first. Anchor down at 1445 near the mouth of the
inlet. We had a peaceful night.
Yesterday was a long run in hazy condition, little
wind, and lots of current, both with and against us. We favored the
north coast of Long Island after we left PJ at 0520 as the current was
with us. As it switched we headed for mid Sound to extend the
favorable current, and then headed for the Connecticut coast where the
foul current would be less.It worked pretty well as we arrived at the
Fisher's Island anchorage at 1530. This area is normally one of our
favorite for the sights of the many unique lighthouses but it was hazy
again.
Today saw another hazy day. Current was with us most of
the way. There is only a narrow channel leaving Long Island Sound to
the Block Island Sound. This pathway has significant shifting current
with rocks from both shores nearby. The local watermen found it
necessary to plant their nets and floats in both channels so as to make
a nighttime transit nearly impossible. Catch a float, hit a rock. Not
very responsible!
Arrived in Newport at 1130 with a sparsely filled anchorage
but with many lobster trap floats. Never saw them here before. Oh
well, it was not a problem. We tried to anchor near Little Ida Lewis
Rock but the holding was poor due to the soft mud bottom. So we
anchored west of the submerged sewer pipe with plenty of swing room for all.
The friendly harbor master came by to welcome us back. We always forget to ask for his name. Next time.
;
