Long Island Sound

Discovery Magic's Blog
John & Caroline Charnley
Mon 20 Sep 2010 22:27

Having left Newport at first light, we had time to explore the town of Stonington, before heading to Mystic Seaport.    As well as Stonington’s charm as a picture-perfect example of a New England town, I rather liked the fact that following a failed attack by the British in 1814, the town used its bonus prize of a large collection of cannon balls to decorate fence posts, mantelpieces and public parks.

 

As you head up the river to Mystic Seaport the narrow channel is packed with moored boats on either side, with clapboard houses and white spired churches adding to the changing scene.  The Seaport itself is a living replica of a 19th century waterfront community with lots of maritime exhibits and attractive buildings. I was concerned when John started eyeing up a large band saw in the timber yard saying “Just imagine what we could do with this!” – Fortunately he got distracted when an old steam boat blew its whistle and set off with its passengers enjoying some ragtime. 

 

Just a few miles from this old-fashioned town is Foxwoods – a gaming palace that rivals those of Las Vegas or Atlantic City, being the highest grossing casino just six years after it opened.  The Mashantucket Pequot Indian tribe have benefitted from a change in legislation exempting reservation land from local laws against gambling.  Besides the casino there are restaurants, hotel and a museum.

 

 We have been on board Discovery Magic for six months now and we have covered over 7,000 miles in that time.  It’s a great home, a fantastic way to travel and we lack for very little (I have thought of having a candle-lit bath in the tub on deck, but you often get canoeists and fishing boats coming by, so it’s not quite the same as in a house.)

 

Whilst we are romping along at 9.5 knots the first buildings of New York are appearing on the horizon – some 25 miles away. Little buds to begin with, gradually the shoots are getting longer and yet more are appearing.  Big Apple here we come!

 

We plan to leave the boat for a few days to explore the city and then head up to see the autumn foliage of Vermont

 

Not bad, eh!

 

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