Resfeber: Essex, Mystic Seaport, Wickford

There’s actually a word that describes what I feel prior to some of our passages.  It’s not actually a fear, but definitely anticipation and a little anxiety, but in a good way.  Usually this occurs the night before a really long or challenging passage or before exploring new places such as New England.   I get too excited to go to sleep, often wake up during the night, and awake before the alarm.  It’s not ideal when you are tired before you even begin a trip.  It doesn’t hold me back though because the excitement fills me with adrenaline.

Our first stop after leaving NYC was Oyster Bay, a gorgeous anchorage lined with lush trees and small hills.  Scott had planned to install a second set of foot switches for the port side of the windlass which houses the new Rocna anchor.  However, just after dropping anchor, our friends Annette and Anthony on Magnolia (KK 42) drove up in their dinghy and invited us to dinner.  Of course the project could wait for another day because we were anxious to visit and talk “boat talk” with them!

At the mouth of the Connecticut River.

Griswold Inn, the place to be on Monday evenings. We were surprised at how many 20 somethings were packed into the “standing room only” bar.

The Connecticut River was our next home for 3 nights in another lovely anchorage.  Essex, a charming little town, was exactly what I had envisioned for all of the NE towns on our itinerary:  well-groomed historic homes formerly owned by ship’s captains and merchants, cute shops, and good restaurants with fresh seafood.  While touring the Connecticut River Museum we learned about the historical significance of Essex during the War of 1814.  The highlight of our visit was an evening of sea shanties at the Griswold Inn.  On Monday evening the four man group, The Jovial Crew, performed sea shanties which are work songs that were sung on sailing ships.  It’s easy to sing along with gusto as the lyrics are simple and repetitive and the chords are predictable.  I belted out the harmonies like a crusty sailor that had hoisted the jib all my life!  

The small boat hanging at the side held a group of men that rowed to the whale, harpooned it and drug it back to the ship.

Caldrons for whale blubber.

The top of the Charles W. Morgan

A replica of the Brant Point Light house built in 1746 in Nantucket, the lowest lighthouse in New England with the light only 26′ above sea level.

The restoration of the Mayflower II

Continuing with our theme of sailing ships we spent the next two nights docked at the Mystic Seaport Museum.  It was a special experience to actually dock on the grounds of the recreated seaport village and preservation shipyard.  Docking amidst its collection of historic ships allowed us to explore after hours at leisure.  I was intrigued by the whale boating exhibit and the Charles W. Morgan (the last American whaling ship.)  Scott was enthralled by the Plymouth Cordage Company’s ropewalk that was built in 1824.  In this 250′ portion of the original 1000′ building rope-making was demonstrated as it had been done up until 1947.  He was also fascinated with the shipyard where they were restoring the Mayflower II in preparation for the 400th anniversary of the pilgrim’s arrival in 1620.

Wickford Marina in Wickford, Rhode Island was a three night social event.  There were several other Krogens in the area and we made the most of our time together.  We enjoyed a delicious and Whole Food Plant Based dinner and a round of Azul on board Gratitude with Maria and Roberto.  Dave and Trish from Lauryl Anne hosted a potluck dinner for 12 Krogens in their beautiful beach home on the island of Jamestown.   We hosted a game night of Baggit and Telestrations with Gratitude, Bridget and Mike from Sea Shanty, and their friend, Tracy.  Wickford, on the western shore of the Narragansett Bay, had its share of historic homes as it was established in 1709 and features one of the largest collections of 18th century dwellings.

Next stop…Martha’s Vineyard!