Loading...
July 28, 1983 - To Cuttyhunk, the Vineyard and HomeJuly 28,1983 The News - Review Page 11 To Cuttyhunk, the Vineyard and Home By PAUL STOUTENBURGH By now our three weeks' vacation afloat was well on its way. We'd caught up with our friends in Newport, where our cat jumped ship. Still searching, we stayed behind while our friends headed for Cuttyhunk. The next day, having finally found the cat a bit shaken but none the worse off we, too, headed out. Out on the East End of Long Island, we complain about a few conch pots in our bay waters, but after seeing the number of lobster pot buoys you have to maneuver through all along the coastal waters, I think we shouldn't complain. In some spots, particularly around jetties and rocks, it seems you could almost walk on the buoys they're so close together. A good wind blew us to our destination without ever having to change sail. On and on we charged, the white spray churning under our bow and our dinghy dancing tethered to the stern. On occasion we'd see the sleek shearwater gliding by on its long pointed wings. Often we'd see it until it disappeared in the trough of a wave, showing us how close it followed the rolling waves. There's no mistaking the shearwater's flight from that of the common gull. By midafternoon we had taken down the sails and putted into the narrow channel that led to the harbor beyond. Boats were already moored and anchored inside. Ashore were neat homes of year -round residents with the occasional summer bungalow that gave the area the feeling of an ideal vacation spot. Commercialism was not to be seen. Along the town dock that was modest were a few little rooms that housed local fish and lobster markets. There was a place to get ice and nothing more. Gas and fuel had to be gotten at another small dock out by the entrance away from everything. Later when we went for a short walk along the rocky outer beach, we passed a few small hand painted signs on the road pointing to a restaurant, a bakery, a tiny country store and the post office. We had snuck in without even being detected by our friends, who had already tied up at one of the $5 a night moorings provided for transients. A relaxed vacation had taken over. In one boat Bob lay stretched out under a sun cover fast asleep. The charm of the area had already taken over. After squaring away the sails and gear we paddled over in our dinghy to chat. We all got together for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed the carefree life our summer cruise was bestowing on us. And the Rains Came Weather predictions called for rain and fog and sure enough the next day the rain took over but it didn't hold us back from going ashore draped in our yellow rain gear. We explored the beaches and walked the cobble stones far to the west. Then we climbed the bank and waded through the lush wet grass of the western end of the island. No trees were here. Nothing but grasses and bushes as far as the eye could see. Back at the dock a family of Canada geese followed us to the boat begging for a handout. I wondered how they'd make out when all the boats leave in the fall and winter sets in. Let's hope their wings will take them to greener pastures. Our next venture was one in which all three boats would travel together. We'd have to tack our way up Vineyard Sound but that was no problem for the wind was good and all were anxious to sail. As the day progressed the wind increased until when we were opposite famous Woods Hole the seas were really running high. A heavy current running against strong winds produced a difficult passage. It was here that one of the other boats called over the radio that their dinghy ffoQ�� o� had just broken loose. By the time we got the message, got out the binoculars and scanned the horizon, we could see nothing but white caps. Their dinghy was like a balloon on the water and was soon out of sight of everyone. Shortly after we headed up the bay between East and West Chop lights, eventually tying up three abreast at one of the local marinas. The line from the dinghy had chafed through and parted. We called the Coast Guard to report the loss but never heard about the dinghy again. We spent one night at the marina dock but that was not to our liking what with recent memories of the cat finding her way off the boat so we called the Vineyard Haven Harbormaster who located an offshore mooring for us. This would be our home for the next three or four days and our dinghy our taxi to shore. Here the cat would see us off and always welcome us back when the sound of our dinghy was heard. Ashore we walked the Vineyard streets, admired the old buildings and beautiful landmark trees that gives the area its distinctive seaport flavor. It had climbed to fame during the notorious whaling and sailing days of the past. We even took a bus to Oak Bluffs and then to Edgartown, which bulged with tourists and the momentum of summer. One day we took a ferry to Woods Hole and visited their excellent aquarium and museum. All this was nice but I longed for a more quiet place and each time we got back to the boat moored off shore we found just that. Not Unlike L.I. Saturday, Barbara and I took our dinghy and explored the upper reaches of Lagoon Pond that is cut off from the main part of the harbor by a drawbridge. The area was much like the bays here on Long Island, summer cottages all along the shore, each with its small boat moored out in front. At the extreme end of the bay we went ashore and had a delightful lunch Barbara had prepared before visiting the unique Windfarm Museum. Here we found every kind of windmill along with numerous energy saving ideas and devices. I was fascinated by it and it reinforced my belief that we should utilize more of these never - ending resources. We left a day earlier for home because it was so hot and humid ashore. Though it was comfortable at our mooring those tied up at the marina were anxious to move. Cuttyhunk seemed like a paradise and that was where we headed. It was still hot traveling back and so we stopped off at one of the beaches where we had lunch and went for a swim. I snuck off and snorkeled along the rocks where I saw huge blackfish but not having a speargun had to leave supper behind. Because of the heat the next day, fog rolled in on us and kept us locked up in the Cuttyhunk harbor all day. We thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so that we stayed aboard lazily reading and enjoying the feeling of just doing nothing. At times we'd be in our own world while other times, with a slight shift in the breeze, fog would move away revealing ghost -like boats and places ashore. This area was more to our liking. As the dew dripped off the sail covers that night, it put us to sleep earlier than usual. The next day shone bright and clear. It was another day for exploring. This time we went along the north shore and it, too, HARDY PASSENGER - -This cat was no problem aboard our boat except when she jumped ship in Newport. Back again, she is content with the lazy life aboard. Photo by Paul Stoutenburgh had its cobbled stone beach. Bits of man's civilization dotted the area -- a piece of line, a plank from a boat, a child's toy, the inevitable plastic containers, all were part of the drift we walked over. Yet if left long enough it, too, would pass. One thing that's helped the streets and shores of the areas we visited is the returnable bottle. We saw few if any bottles or cans along the streets of Martha's Vineyard. Let's hope it will do the same for us when the time comes to implement it here this fall. Headed Back Home From Cuttyhunk we headed back to Point Judith where outside of the harbor we found birds working over the water which meant fish must be nearby. Sure enough, we caught three beautiful mackerel. They had grown since being down our way and were now good size. Needless to say filleted and cooked with herbs and butter they would make supper for all of us. Point Judith merely served as a stopping place and we were on our way the next day to Block Island. Again shearwaters were seen . along with the dainty little petrels that seemed to dance over the water. These dark seabirds are no larger than a robin and spend their entire life at sea with the exception of a brief period on land when they nest. Theirs is a life of continual movement. Block Island hasn't changed too much but what has changed it seems to me is the number of people there. Ferries from CIS the mainland come loaded with visitors that plug the small waterfront to capacity. It's turned into a vacationland and yet with all its people there's a certain charm to this offshore island. One visit ashore convinced us that the peace and quiet of our boat was the place to be. There we enjoyed a delicious dinner with the cat relaxed on the deck as we swung at anchor. Early next morning we headed west aiming for Coecles Harbor on Shelter Island. It was a day of light wind and brilliant sunshine and we were glad to get away from the sun under the protection of our cover. Despite the lack of wind, Shelter Island lured us like a magnet. It is such a Beautiful harbor and when we anchored amongst the boats we wondered how long these charming places that we know so well in our own backyard will remain unblemished. This is the time for good planning and foresight for without it we can easily lose our charm. From here on the boat almost seemed to know the way home. Past Little and Big Ram Islands, past Greenport, around Paradise Point, through Jessups and up bay to Nassau Point, then it was almost due north and we were home. Weary but content we paddled our dinghy in and tied it uli, its trailing days were over for now. We had seen many beautiful areas, sailed over some great waters but like home to most, this was the best of all. DONFT BE FOOLED! There Is a Difference In Treated Wood. And ALL SEASONS WOOD makes the lasting difference ... with quality. Get your money's worth! WADING RIVER STAMEN NESCONSET, 829 -8200 285 -8888 SOUND AVE. (RTE. 76A) M JERICHO TPKE. STAMEN BUILDING MATERIALS CORP. 1 July 28, 1N3 The Suffolk Times Page 11A To Cuttyhunk, the Vineyard and Home By PAUL STOUTENBURGH By now our three weeks' vacation afloat was well on its way. We'd caught up with our friends in Newport, where our cat jumped ship. Still searching, we stayed behind while our friends headed for Cuttyhunk. The next day, having finally found the cat a bit shaken but none the worse off we, too, headed out. Out on the East End of Long Island, we complain about a few conch pots in our bay waters, but after seeing the number of lobster pot buoys you have to maneuver through all along the coastal waters, I think we shouldn't complain. In some spots, particularly around jetties and rocks, it seems you could almost walk on the buoys they're so close together. A good wind blew us to our destination without ever having to change sail. On and on we charged, the white spray churning under our bow and our dinghy dancing tethered to the stern. On occasion we'd see the sleek shearwater gliding by on its long pointed wings. Often we'd see it until it disappeared in the trough of a wave, showing us how close it followed the rolling waves. There's no mistaking the shearwater's flight from that of the common gull. By midafternoon we had taken down the sails and putted into the narrow channel that led to the harbor beyond. Boats were already moored and anchored inside. Ashore were neat homes of year -round residents with the occasional summer bungalow that gave the area the feeling of an ideal vacation spot. Commercialism was not to be seen. Along the town dock that was modest were a few little rooms that housed local fish and lobster markets. There was a place to get ice and nothing more. Gas and fuel had to be gotten at another small dock out by the entrance away from everything. Later when we went for a short walk along the rocky outer beach, we passed a few small hand painted signs on the road pointing to a restaurant, a bakery, a tiny country store and the post office. We had snuck in without even being detected by our friends, who had already tied up at one of the $5 a night moorings provided for transients. A relaxed vacation had taken over. In one boat Bob lay stretched out under a sun cover fast asleep. The charm of the area had already taken over. After squaring away the sails and gear we paddled over in our dinghy to chat. We all got together for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed the carefree life our summer cruise was bestowing on us. And the Rains Came Weather predictions called for rain and fog and sure enough the next day the rain took over but it didn't hold us back from going ashore draped in our yellow rain gear. We explored the beaches and walked the cobble stones far to the west. Then we climbed the bank and waded through the lush wet grass of the western end of the island. No trees were here. Nothing but grasses and bushes as far as the eye could see. Back at the dock a family of Canada geese followed us to the boat begging for a handout. I wondered how they'd make out when all the boats leave in the fall and winter sets in. Let's hope their wings will take them to greener pastures. Our next venture was one in which all three boats would travel together. We'd have to tack our way up Vineyard Sound but that was no problem for the wind was good and all were anxious to sail. As the day progressed the wind increased until when we were opposite famous Woods Hole the seas were really running high. A heavy current running against strong winds produced a difficult passage. It was here that one of the other boats called ovlpr the radio that their dinghy (}oQdg o� had just broken loose. By the time we got the message, got out the binoculars and scanned the horizon, we could see nothing but white caps. Their dinghy was like a balloon on the water and was soon out of sight of everyone. Shortly after we headed up the bay between East and West Chop lights, eventually tying up three abreast at one of the local marinas. The line from the dinghy had chafed through and parted. We called the Coast Guard to report the loss but never heard about the dinghy again. We spent one night at the marina dock but that was not to our liking what with recent memories of the cat finding her way off the boat so we called the Vineyard Haven Harbormaster who located an offshore mooring for us. This would be our home for the next three or four days and our dinghy our taxi to shore. Here the cat would see us off and always welcome us back when the sound of our dinghy was heard. Ashore we walked the Vineyard streets, admired the old buildings and beautiful landmark trees that gives the area its distinctive seaport flavor. It had climbed to fame during the notorious whaling and sailing days of the past. We even took a bus to Oak Bluffs and then to Edgartown, which bulged with tourists and the momentum of summer. One day we took a ferry to Woods Hole and visited their excellent aquarium and museum. All this was nice but I longed for a more quiet place and each time we got back to the boat moored off shore we found just that. Not Unlike L.I. Saturday, Barbara and I took our dinghy and explored the upper reaches of Lagoon Pond that is cut off from the main part of the harbor by a drawbridge. The area was much like the bays here on Long Island, summer cottages all along the shore, each with its small boat moored out in front. At the extreme end of the bay we went ashore and had a delightful lunch Barbara had prepared before visiting the unique Windfarm Museum. Here we found every kind of windmill along with numerous energy saving ideas and devices. I was fascinated by it and it reinforced my belief that we should utilize more of these never - ending resources. We left a day earlier for home because it was so hot and humid ashore. Though it was comfortable at our mooring those tied up at the marina were anxious to move. Cuttyhunk seemed like a paradise and that was where we headed. It was still hot traveling back and so we stopped off at one of the beaches where we had lunch and went for a swim. I snuck off and snorkeled along the rocks where I saw huge blackfish but not having a speargun had to leave supper behind. Because of the heat the next day, fog rolled in on us and kept us locked up in the Cuttyhunk harbor all day. We thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so that we stayed aboard lazily reading and enjoying the feeling of just doing nothing. At times we'd be in our own world while other times, with a slight shift in the breeze, fog would move away revealing ghost -like boats and places ashore. This area was more to our liking. As the dew dripped off the sail covers that night, it put us to sleep earlier than usual. The next day shone bright and clear. It was another day for exploring. This time we went along the north shore and it, too, HARDY PASSENGER - -This cat was no problem aboard our boat except when she jumped ship in Newport. Back again, she-is content with the lazy life aboard. Photo by Paul Stoutenburgh had its cobbled stone beach. Bits of man's civilization dotted the area -- a piece of line, a plank from a boat, a child's toy, the inevitable plastic containers, all were part of the drift we walked over. Yet if left long enough it, too, would pass. One thing that's helped the streets and shores of the areas we visited is the returnable bottle. We saw few if any bottles or cans along the streets of Martha's Vineyard. Let's hope it will do the same for us when the time comes to implement it here this fall. Headed Back Home From Cuttyhunk we headed back to Point Judith where outside of the harbor we found birds working over the water which meant fish must be nearby. Sure enough, we caught three beautiful mackerel. They had grown since being down our way and were now good size. Needless to say filleted and cooked with herbs and butter they would make supper for all of us. Point Judith merely served as a stopping place and we were on our way the next day to Block Island. Again shearwaters were seen along with the dainty little petrels that seemed to dance over the water. These dark seabirds are no larger than a robin and spend their entire life at sea with the exception of a brief period on land when they nest. Theirs is a life of continual movement. Block Island hasn't changed too much but what has changed it seems to me is the number of people there. Ferries from OR the mainland come loaded with visitors that plug the small waterfront to capacity. It's turned into a vacationland and yet with all its people there's a certain charm to this offshore island. One visit ashore convinced us that the peace and quiet of our boat was the place to be. There we enjoyed a delicious dinner with the cat relaxed on the deck as we swung at anchor. Early next morning we headed west aiming for Coecles Harbor on Shelter Island. It was a day of light wind and brilliant sunshine and we were glad to get away from the sun under the protection of our cover. Despite the lack of wind, Shelter Island lured us like a magnet. It is such a beautiful harbor and when we anchored amongst the boats we wondered how long these charming places that we know so well in our own backyard will remain unblemished. This is the time for good planning and foresight for without it we can easily lose ourcharm. From here on the boat almost seemed to know the way home. Past Little and Big Ram Islands, past Greenport, around Paradise Point, through Jessups and up bay to Nassau Point, then it was almost due north and we were home. Weary but content we paddled our dinghy in and tied it up, its trailing days were over for now. We had seen many beautiful areas, sailed over some great waters but like home to most, this was the best of all. DON'T BE FOOLED! There Is a Difference In Treated Wood. And ALL SEASONS WOOD makes the lasting difference ... with quality. Get your money's worth! WADING RIVER STAMEN NESCONSET 929 -8200 265 -8888 SOUND AVE. (RTE. MA) M JERICHO TPKE.. STAMEN BUILDIN�MATER�IAWP.