Fujin Voyages: Day 6: Laundry, Fuel and Wine

Westport and FL Trip & Sons Marina: Thumbs up!

Woke up to a guest on our V berth hatch:

Stow-away

First thing in the morning the nice folks at FL Trip & Sons Marina allowed us to tie up temporarily to the fuel dock so we could clean up the boat, fill water tanks, and get a pump-out. While we were there, we topped off the Diesel too. 3.5 gal - Not bad. We also took the opportunity to start our first load of laundry for the trip. (Linda caused a small flood issue in the laundry room.)

Wine Country
In the cruising guide for Westport, there is a bit about the Westport River Winery which is about 6 miles from the Marina. So we inquired about Bike Rentals or Taxi. No bikes to rent in Westport but if we ask for "Garcia", we can get a lift into town. While taking the launch back to the marina, we mentioned Garcia to the launch driver and he said... "why don't you just take my car. And, while you are out, go to the market and take a scenic drive." Really.

Launch driver, Rick, offered to lend us his car to go to the winery and to sight see. Wow.

Borrowed car for the afternoon. Beats a taxi any day.

This is not the first time we've gotten the impression of how nice people are in Westport. Everyone here has been awesome - the type of place where everyone seems to be smiling and says hello. The friendliness of Westoport was especially nice after our previous days with the somewhat "snooty" vibe we got at Beverly Yacht Club in Marion.

Private wasting at Westport River Winery (we got to keep the glasses)

The winery and the vineyard

On to Sakonnet Harbor
We finally departed our mooring during a strong river current. It was a little less than graceful but no harm done.

Westport River current at peak

Eventually we exited the river and got back into Buzzards Bay. I say that like it's a good thing. One again, going straight into the wind and waves to get to our next destination. We didn't even bother taking the sail cover off. Well we charged batteries and made some hot water (code for "ran the diesel a lot").

Splashing around in Buzzards bay. Not as bad as the other day.

Sakonnet Point Light

Sakonnet Harbor
The Cruising Guide says this is the place to go to get away from Newport. I can see that. It's a pretty tiny harbor but the breakwater keeps it mostly calm. Originally, the harbormaster was going to put us on a mooring out past the edge of the breakwater, but since Linda called, he offered her one in closer. Found out that when you call the harbormaster number in the cruising guide, you really get the Compton, RI Police Department and a rather impatient person on the other end (who gives you the right number to call)