Into the Mystic

So we left Martha's Vineyard on the 14th of September to sail to Cuttyhunk.  Cuttyhunk is the only one of the Elizabeth Islands that is not privately owned.  From there our goal was to sail to Stonington, CT on Long Island Sound and then to Essex, CT.  Essex is about 5 miles up the Connecticut river, also off of Long Island Sound, which we hoped would be far enough from any weather related to hurricane Jose. 

Cuttyhunk Island

 It was foggy that morning and we had to wait till the tidal current was in our favor to make the passage.  By mid-morning we thought the fog was clearing enough so we took off.  But... the further we sailed into Vineyard Sound the thicker the fog became.  It was like sailing into a huge cloud.  We could not see a thing so we chickened out and turned around determined to try again the next day.  

Cuttyhunk Ferry Terminal

As planned the next day we set out again.  Initially, we thought it looked a bit better but once again the further we sailed into Vineyard Sound the foggier it became.  This time we decided to turn on our radar and keep going as we were running out of options.  We could not wait any longer as we had to get away from there and to our safe spot before Jose reached the area.  There is a passage that you have to go thru between the islands called Quick's Hole.  There is land on either side of the passage - but we saw no land or bouys.  We did not even see the huge fishing boat that passed right by us.  The only way we knew he was there was by his call to us on the VHF radio.  He said I am going to pass you - hold your course.  And then he sounded his foghorn once past.  We heard the horn but never saw the boat!!

Mooring field at Cuttyhunk

Right as we reached Cuttyhunk the fog cleared enough for us to get through the inlet.  And then about an hour later the fog just settled right down again and everything disappeared. 

Cuttyhunk is a very small island with a handful of full time residents.  Sailors love to visit though because it is such a unique place.  And we were able to get some Quahog which I love!

No Wal-Mart here.  This little market is all there is.  If you want anything else you have to take the ferry to the mainland.

Cuttyhunk Grocery

The next day our goal was Stonington, CT.  When we got up the fog was again so thick you could see next to nothing.

We kept waiting and waiting for the fog to lift but it was not going to happen.  Finally, when we were able to see the jetty for a few minutes we took off thinking if we can just get through the inlet surely the fog won't be as thick on Buzzard's Bay.  We were totally wrong about that. The fog was just as thick on Buzzard's Bay.  Our goal was Stonington but in light of the fog we changed course for Newport, RI.  The fog was so thick we could barely see past the bow of the boat.  As we were entering Newport Harbor we started seeing all kinds of boats on the radar!  Fortunately, the fog suddenly lifted as there were many, many boats in the harbor.  The boat show was that weekend and there was a regatta.  Thank goodness for small favors!

Cuttyhunk Inlet

All told we spent four long days sailing through dense fog.  Trying times for sure.  One thing for sure we were able to hone our radar skills!