CAPE MAY TO BLOCK ISLAND to PARKERS on CAPE COD

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It's taken us 3 weeks to get to Block Island from Florida with fairly steady progress.  The weather reports have changed dramatically to the point that the real weather that's sort of accurate is forecast only about 24 hours ahead.  Many times when the forecast is 4 days out it's totally wrong.  Can't really plan. Several times we almost didn't leave, but then the forecast was changed 180 degrees, and we could go.  None of the heavy winds that were predicted hit us.     

Since we hugged the coast this time as we went north we did not lose internet connection.

Nothing to report except some pictures that show off the ocean.  We did zero sailing.  Motored the whole way with light winds frequently on the nose. 

We left Cape May, NJ Monday, May 14 at 6:45 am with a number of power boats a head of us.  It only took a day and a half to get to Block Island some of it through incredibly thick fog.  Thanks to radar, tracking, and auto pilot we could take it easy as the boat wended her way.  There are instruments on the panel ahead of me here.  So I just sat up once in a while, looked at the radar to see if any boats were in our way and be sure we stayed on track.  Easy Peasy.  Mazu still panting and shaking.   I think this is her last voyage.  I'll spare you gray photos of the fog.

This is just before the huge storm that hit the New York City area on Tuesday where 2 people were killed.  The forecast was rain and higher winds.  These are the cliffs of Block Island, RI.  As you can see it's pretty calm and sunny. 

  Here is another boat just entering New Harbor, Great Salt Pond in Block Island around Tuesday, May 15th at 4:30 pm.

 

Our track to Block Island primarily through thick fog with no visibility.  Then the sun came out just as we got closer.  Good ole Block Island has banned the sale and use of balloons and sky lanterns because of their harm to wildlife and the environment.


Just as we got into the harbor there were whitecaps and a huge wind came up.  I think we got in just in the nick of time.  The storm that hit New York hit here.  We went way in and picked up a mooring.  There were only 4 other boats on moorings.  With no one around it was free.  The whole place looked like nothing was open.  We didn't drop the dinghy for Mazu because it started to rain.  We closed up everything, Mazu went on the bow, we turned on Netflix "Longmire,"  and felt cozy in our snug salon.   The next morning was so calm, glassy still water.

amazing reflection in the mirrored waters.

Block Island Town dock 

Getting off the mooring in calm wind and flat seas to head for Parker's at Pocasset,  Cape Cod

Passing Block Island Light House on our way toward Buzzard's Bay.  The rain was just behind us, but didn't catch up with us until we were on our mooring at Parker's.

The good news is that we've gone a few days with NO boat fixes.  Tomorrow, Marblehead - through the Cape Cod canal early.  The canal is about 10 miles then 45 miles to our mooring and the launch at Marblehead Yacht Club.  We are going to Shubie's (a family owned long time deli market in Marblehead) champagne tasting, free, 4-7 to celebrate our arrival.

To contrast from the gray days, here is our pink Bromeliad all the way from Fort Pierce, FL where we bought two at the Farmers Market.  After over 3 weeks hanging in the cockpit it's still blossoming a new violet flower every day.