Day 22: Relaxing in Our Favorite Harbor

Manchester-by-the-Sea
After an intense day of sailing yesterday that wiped both of us out (especially Linda) we were very much looking for a relaxing day at our favorite harbor.  We have been up between 0500 and 0700 every day during this three week trip - except for today when we lounged in the V berth until around 0800.  Bob even had his coffee in bed. We were happy to see the sun and dry out the boat after four days of heavy clouds and fog.

We took our time getting up and moving; chatted with a very nice long time cruising couple on the docks about their nearly 10 year adventure in Europe and around the Mediterranean. Then eventually had a nice walk in to town.

Manchester Historical Society

Sauntered around town

What SUP!!
Last year we tried Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) for the first time (coincidentally in Manchester Harbor).  We keep toying with getting our own boards but realize that it is not very convenient to transport them on the sailboat.  Today we rented boards for a couple of hours to paddle around the lovely harbor.  It's a great way to get up close and personal to the many beautiful and varied boats in the harbor and the water temperature this time of year is great.

Oogling an especially impressive home

Low tide at the mouth of the harbor

Looking SE towards Misery Island

Linda lounging on her board

Bob posing

We found ourselves much more steady this year compared to last

Tied up astern to Fujin enjoying a beverage (Negra Modello)

Evening Company
Our sailing friends and Constitution Marina neighbors, Phil and Yolande, from Prairie Gold (http://haydongold.blogspot.com/) arranged to sail up our way this evening and meet up with us.

Phil and Yolande

Greg and Emily, also friends from Constitution Marina, could not get a mooring reservation but drove up to join us for drinks on Fujin followed by a fun dinner at Cala's in town. Bob and Phil ordered Fish n Chips. Bob waited patiently for Phil's review since this is the food of his people. "I'm enjoying it... it's not quite right, but I'm enjoying it". Good enough for Bob! After saying goodnight to Greg and Emily, Bob was able to get his coveted little dish of chocolate chip ice cream from Captain Dusty's. (Bob does not need ice cream each evening; he can stop at any time.)

Greg, Emily, and Bob (notice Greg gazing introspectively in to the sunset. This is where Emily should ask "what are you thinking about?")

We taxied our guests in shifts to and from the docks in Chin-Chin. They were generally very poor tippers.

We will return to Boston either tomorrow (Saturday) or Sunday morning.  I guess it's time to start getting ready to return to reality.  Almost.