Cuttyhunk to Mystic and spots in between

Underway from Cuttyhunk under power, at the mouth of the Sakonnet River, we suddenly noticed a decrease in speed and a drop in RPMs. We immediately wondered if we had wrapped a line from a fishing float around our prop. There are plenty of these to dodge in these waters (not quite as many as in the Chesapeake, but still numerous), and we generally keep a sharp lookout, but Lee Andrews on his Tartan 3800 had hailed us on his way into Jamestown, and during our conversation with him, we temporarily lost focus. We continued on for a bit, and the situation remained the same. We made the decision to take a detour into Jamestown, to the marina Lee had mentioned. This would give us the opportunity to check out the situation. So we called Conanicut Marine Services and reserved a mooring. Dick wanted to dive under the boat to see if there was anything wrapped around the prop. We also knew that if we needed services, such as a diver, we would be able to get assistance here. It was fairly bouncy when we arrived, so we took the launch ashore for a walk with Jonah. While there, a couple approached us and asked, "Weren't you just on Cuttyhunk? We recognize your dog!" We had a nice chat with Wendy and Gene, who have a Freedom 30. They were now on a mooring at Dutch Harbor Marina on the other side of the island from Jamestown. Then back to the boat, and Dick dove underneath, but the water was dark and there was still a fair chop, so he was unable to see anything. We decided to try putting the engine in reverse for a few minutes in the morning, hoping that if something was wrapped, it would un-wrap. We would motor out, and if all was well we would contine, and if speed and RPMs were still not right, we would go around into Dutch Harbor, which Wendy and Gene said was very protected and quiet. After running the engine in reverse the next morning, all seemed fine, so we continued on.
If we were to return here another time, we would go into Dutch Harbor Marina. Conanicut Marina is very nice, but is quite exposed, and the anchorage was rolly. Also, Newport is right across the harbor, and while it was fun to watch the boats coming and going, this also added to the chop. There is a ferry that runs from Jamestown to Newport, so this would be an easy way to get into Newport, without actually being moored or spending the big bucks to stay at a marina there. We did see some vey impressive boats headed into and out of the harbor!
So we were now underway to Block Island! We had been warned not to go there on a weekend, but it was Friday and that is where we were headed! We arrived about 4:00 in the afternoon, and called the harbormaster to inquire if there were any available moorings. We were put in a private mooring for Friday night, for one night only, and were told that we would probably be able to pick up a town mooring Saturday morning, between 7:00 and 9:00. So up early Saturday AM, Jonah and Dick ashore and back by 7:00. Then we cruised through the mooring field, and by 7:30 we were on a mooring! On a town mooring, we could stay as long as we wanted. We watched other people looking for moorings as well. It is possible to anchor at Block Island, and many do, but the anchorage is deep, and we have heard many stories of people dragging anchor there. We wanted to be able to sleep at night. $40 per night seemed a fair price for a good night's sleep! Being at Block Island was like being at a carnival! Dinghies, sailboats, powerboats, silicone, the launch, kayaks, paddleboards all coming and going all the time. This was very different from Marthas Vineyard and Cuttyhunk. Lots of dogs, Jonah had a great time swimming! Karen rented a kayak and did some exploring. We stayed here 3 nights total, had dinner out one night at Dead Eye Dick's...very good!
The weather is starting to change...we were actually chilly our last night here when returning to the boat in the dinghy! After such a hot summer, the cool air felt good.
Monday morning, it was on to Stonington, to a mooring at Dodson's Boatyard. We had been here several weeks ago. After our time in the islands, we needed to do laundry (not Jonah's fault this time!), get ice, take showers and do some major provisioning for our trip home. On Tuesday, our friends Linda and Ed drove over from their boat in Westerly, RI, just around the corner from Stonington. Ed and Dick visited (and ate ice cream) while Linda and Karen did some provisioning at the the Big Y supermarket in Mystic. What a nice store! It was so helpful to be able to do this: thank you Linda and Ed! It was nice to be back at Dodson's again; this is a very well run marina, with complete services available and very friendly, helpful staff. We were very pleased to be on a mooring close to the dinghy dock, and surrounded by Hinckley and Morris sailboats! Our last night there, we had dinner at the "Dog Watch Cafe," a very popular spot. Jonah was on the patio area just off the deck, and received lots of compliments!
On to Mystic the next day, only 8 miles (4 miles by land!). In 2004, we attended the Sparkman and Stephens 75th anniversary celebration at Mystic Seaport (we drove there by car). It was here that we met Rick and Carol Clark, who sail their Tartan 34C on the Chesapeake. Rick and Carol have become good friends, and we have visited them several times at their home on the Chesapeake.
We decided that we wanted to see Mystic from the water, so we opted for a stop here. We sailed part way, which was lovely. Then up the winding Mystic River to Brewer's Yacht Yard. Except for the one night at Cuttyhunk, this was our first night at a dock in 17 days! Moorings and anchoring are great and have their advantages, but being at a dock is a real treat! This is a very nice marina, and we wouldn't hesitate to return here another time. The location is great, and we can walk or take the dinghy to downtown Mystic. Mystic is a busy spot, but it was nice to be able to walk around a bit and do some Christmas shopping! While Dick and Jonah were waiting outside a store for Karen, a man approached and said "I know that dog! He barked a me, but I didn't take it personally!" This was an emplyee of Dodson's Boatyard!
We had planned to leave this morning, but the forecast was for 20 knot winds from the SW, which would be right "on the nose" for us. No sailing, powering all the way. We have been there, done that, and it isn't enjoyable, so we opted for one more day here. We are glad we did! This afternoon we took the dinghy for a long ride, up the Mystic River, past Mystic Seaport, and took Jonah for a swim. Actually, he jumped around in a lot of muck, but he had a great time!
We are now headed west back through Long Island Sound enroute to NYC and the Hudson River. We are planning for another slack tide at Hell Gate!