Our visit to Block Island was a success. We toured the island in our hired Jeep and discovered some very pretty sceneries and lovely beaches. The island is very green, loads of pine trees and very well maintained houses scattered around. No towns as such, no real villages either. Not like in Martha's Vineyard. It must be an idyllic place for some peaceful and quiet holiday in a lovely holiday cottage on the beach... or on a boat anchored in a well protected bay like we were! Some photos of Block Island attached.

 

We then sailed back to Newport in head winds (again!), limited visibility due to torrential rain and a bouncy sea. But it was necessary so Mike could get his flight to Heathrow the following day.

 

Back to Newport we hired a car and off to Boston we went to take Mike to the airport.

 

Whilst Mike was away the Girls were playing... We went to Mystic - a big disppointment. We far preferred Stonington. As the rain settled in for the afternoon we decided that a bit of retailed therapy was needed so we found a factory Outlet and happily spent hours shopping.

We did the Cliff Walk in Newport and drove on Ocean Drive. All very scenic.

We also went to Cape Cod. Long drive because of massive traffic jams to get over the Cape Cod canal but worth it. Cape Cod is very nice with immense steep dunes beaches, lots of trees. Very quiet.

The last day of freedom was spent visiting Boston. We all fell in love with the town. So European.

 

Then it was time to go to th eairport to pick up the happy Granddad. He had had a great time with baby Jay and his parents and has brought back lots of photos and a few video clips. See below. He managed a quick flight to Peel and all seems well. Had a nice dinner with Scutch and Marie and some of the Atlantic tales grew even bigger. It was good to catch up with them and I think we musseled in on the winning pub quizz at the Legion!

 

On Saturday, Mike also saw John and Sue in Itchenor, Martin and Ali in Plumpton Green and Helen for a pub dinner which was great as they could catch up and spend time together. So Mike managed to pack in an awful lot in a short time. So if you are the one he didn't get to see, well he can only apologise!

 

Emma and Jamie have a lovely house and despite working unsociable hours all three of them seem to have a great thing going. And a very handsome Grandchild of course, according to Granddad. but I am sure we all agree!!!

 

Back in Newport and we found a generator engineer to fix our problem but not until the 20th of August. So we hoping to spend the next 3 weeks doing our cruise of The Maine coast, weather permitting. It has been somewhat unsettled so far. So looking out of the cockpit each morning will decide how far and where the cruise will take us but we will keep the blog going so you can follow us.

 

Love to all

Cat and Mike