Sunday, 22 June
“You’re listening to Red Sox baseball on Sports Radio one-oh-three-point-seven, Providence – Westerly, W-E-E-I, on the Shaw’s Radio Network.”
Ah, yes, we are. The sun glistens on the Mystic River. The siren sounds as the railroad bridge swings open as another handsome yacht motors up stream. And the the parade—and the rest of the Mystic harborside vista—are enjoyed from some of the most cost-efficient waterfront property in New England: aboard Steadfast, the little yacht all the way from Hallieford.
Several times a day, a handsome antique ferry leaves the Seaport pier for a tour of Mystic Harbor.
Yep. Doesn’t get much better than this. A delightful denouement to a day of discovery.
After breakfast aboard, the Torqeedo electric outboard was re-assembled (shaft, tiller and battery) with care after her initial service this trip last evening. The 20-minute trip past mooring fields and marinas to the downtown Mystic Park dinghy dock began. Once there, the battery stowed in a backpack, there was a short walk across the Main Street Bridge to the bookstore to procure transportation. Better yet, Luke at the bookstore graciously agreed to have the Torqeedo battery left there plugged-in for a quick re-charge!
A $10 refundable deposit is all it takes for a bicycle and helmet and a great day exploring Mystic.
Mystic—an infinitely “bike-able” town—has it going on! The bikes and helmets are rented without charge. There are some steep grades west of downtown but mostly the area’s flat with a few rises here and there. So…
New colors for the 4th!
It was off to Worst—ahem, make that West—Marine (again) for an item or two. For instance, the ensign purchased on Independence Day had begun to fade and wouldn’t do for the celebration of the Fourth this year. There was a brief walk-through at Marine Consignment of Mystic that yielded a new 80-cent thimble for the dinghy painter. Big deal. Many colonial-era homes and their yards admired. And, yes, a stop at another clam shack for lunch. (Are you beginning to sense a theme here?)
A cone of home made ice cream at the Bridge Café tempted, until the menu disclosed the charge of four-bucks for a (one, single) scoop. Hmmmm. Maybe next time.
Back to the town dock, the dink was boarded and the trip ‘home’ begun. There was time along the way to admire a couple of stunning yachts tied up at Fort Rachel Marina before slipping under the swing bridge and crossing the channel.
It’s a bit of a hike up from the historic seaport but the taste of the ocean–and the view–make the Sea View well worth it.
Back aboard the “big” boat, the parade continues—even at 1800—and the Sox lead. With the promise of good “grits” at Block, dinner tonight will be on board. Eldrige indicates a mid-morning departure will yield a fair current tomorrow with Great Salt Pond the goal. But for now…
“…this IS the Red Sox Radio Network.”
Steadfast out. (brought to you by Verizon, the official phone provider of the Red Sox.)
At Sea with Steadfast 
I hereby stipulate that the green rising my neck is not mal de mar. Rather, envy. Mystic, Sailing, Red Sox, clams, sailing, Red Sox, etc, etc. I took my grandson for his first sail in a 12′ lapstreak wooden cat rig in Mystic harbor. That was cool.
Fair winds, following seas and expected wind shadows, Godspeed.
Dan
have you seen the new CW Morgan? Or is she on her cruise? I think she is out, no?
She’s out cruising NE, due back here next month. But she’ll be in New Bedford the week of the Fourth and we may see her there. Great fun here just watching the cats up and down the river, or just on moorings. Sweet.
She’s out cruising NE, due back here next month. But she’ll be in New Bedford the week of the Fourth and we may see her there. Great fun here just watching the cats up and down the river, or just on moorings. Sweet.
Good morning;
When I was in Salt Pond last year I ended up anchoring on the south west side of the harbor near the old tugboat (navy?) that someone lives on. I will catch up with you in Newport Harbor this week. Sounds like Weds or Thursday of this week. Are you going to the Jamestown or Newport side of Newport Harbor? What channel can I reach you on? Anchor, mooring or a slip?
Bruce
S/V Allure