Block Island, Rhode Island

Submarine!!!

We left Port Washington, NY and sailed to Clinton, CT for a couple of nights.  More weather was moving in and we decided we needed to get on up the Sound and sit out the rain in Clinton.  That is the thing about cruising you are always timing your travels with the weather.  They say the most dangerous thing on a boat is a schedule!  Unfortunately, for us I am still working and although we allow ourselves plenty of time there is still always a little time pressure.  Once the weather moved out, we headed out.  Our intent was to anchor at Fischers Island and head to Newport, RI the next day.  There is an area where the current runs swift called the "Race".  It is another area you have to time with the tide.  Well we reached Fishers Island really early and it looked like we would reach the "Race" at the perfect time so we changed course and decided to go on to Block Island, RI.  Block Island sits about 15 nm off the coast of Rhode Island in the Atlantic Ocean.  As I mentioned the Coast Pilot (information for mariners published by the US govt) warned of submarines operating in the area.  But... we never thought we would actually see one.  But there it was out in the Atlantic on the way to Block Island!!  Michael was really hoping to see one and so we were thrilled!

This is the entrance to an anchorage/mooring field called the Great Salt Pond on Block Island. 

Block Island, Rhode Island

Forty percent of the entire Island is set aside for conservation.  One of the last 10 places in the Western Hemisphere preserved.  In the summer it is a popular place.  Unfortunately, our outboard motor was not running so we did not make it to shore. And then again the next day we had to make a run for Newport as weather was bearing down on us! 

Mooring field in the Great Salt Pond, Block Island

Sunset - Block Island

We will be returning to Block Island and this time we will go see the town.  Beautiful little gem out there in the Atlantic Ocean!