News |Letter Out of India 30th Sept 2006
Out Of India
Birgitte and Ray Charmak
Sat 30 Sep 2006 18:25
Find our-selves all of a sudden back in Brighton to an apartment covered in
dust, a very dead car, plumbing problems and of course rain...... however,
nice to be back for a short visit. The Diary queen has neglected her diary
duties which was bond to happen sooner or later, never been very good at
such disciplines.
We have spent nearly 2 months on Out of India, and absolutely loving it!
Since last newsletter, we continued sailing in Maine for a few weeks. We are
already looking forward to revisit next summer. On top of my head,
especially a few places will stay with me: Frenchborough on Long Island, our
first stop in Maine and our first lobster, Sound Harbour and the most
spectacular walks at Mount Desert Island a National Park, Pretty March
Harbour with Heart jump, Heart
song, Blue Beech and Gary, and all the mud, ( a problem when having to wash
it off when lifting the anchored).
Blue Hill Bay with its beautiful library and wi fi facilities, great co op
and Ray who had to get into the freezing
water to untangle the tender line which got totally entangled with the
rudder, and in general blueberries, blueberries
and more blueberries and not to forget the mosquitoes..... advise to fellow
sweet bloodied creatures, take an antihistamine before tucking into bed.
Loved beautiful historical Castine and the bay opposite, Gary's hospitality
and the super dinner we had at the Pentagoet.Thanks to Blue Beach for lots
of fun, Henry's big kiss and to Thomas talking us into his liver rescuing
annual program (and then befriending Gary who is a professor in liver and
kidney
relating issues), we managed to stay clear of alcohol for 4 weeks, and now
almost feel like newborns with eyeballs so white they are nearly popping
out. But despite this newfound state of internal cleanliness, we have doubts
if this will be an annual thing, we would rather limit the general
intake.-time will tell!
Other highlights, well I am proud to say when we docked alongside in Camdon
we were told it was the best docking the harbour master assistant had seen
all summer long! How about that!
We spent a few fun days in Boothbay Harbour with JP and Kaki, thank you
guys, hopefully we will catch up with you in Florida on our way south. We
regret we didn't spend the last Saturday evening with you, it would have
been so much more fun, we had a rather unpleasant night sail to Cape Cod
canal. A bit like sitting inside the washing machine during the final spin
program. And we didn't even see a whale.
Thoroughly enjoyed seeing our South African fellow sailing friends on Moinoi
Jodine again at Block Island, stunning place which we will explore further
next year. Hopefully you will be with us.
Sailing into New York was certainly a major highlight, on a beautiful
sunny day, people waving at us making us feel like the long lost finally
coming back home. We were so lucky to get a docking space on the Boat Basin
on 79th street, and no sooner having landed, we befriend Mark and
Dean who shared their top restaurant tips with us. Anyone who visits NY, you
have to have sushi at Morimoto! Check out the picture on our website of the
crab roll. Only drawback, you do not want sushi anywhere else after!
We have become rather cultured all of a sudden, the new hot thing is now
guided tours. Another tip, if you are visiting the Metropolitan Museum of
Art, go on a Tuesday. They are known to be quiet because that is the day
when the theatres have their matinee performances. We had several guides
almost to ourselves and had a fantastic time, they were so knowledgeable and
made it so interesting and alive, great fun! We also thoroughly enjoyed the
Cloister, the MMA sister museum north of Harlem. NY is a amazing place, just
loved it!
Must say we tend to land on our feet, but nothing beats this. On our big
sail from the BVIs to the US, on one of our stops in Porto Rico, there is
only one
more boat anchored beside us, and as we drop our hook, they (Ray Strong)
shouts at
us inviting us for drinks. That's how we met Ray from Annapolis. The two
Rays have been emailing back and forth, and as we had more warranty work to
be done on the boat we agreed with Oyster to leave the boat near Annapolis.
Ray's neighbour happens to own a docking space where they live, and so it
happened we have spent the last 5 days with Ray and Pat on South River
Landing and left Out of India there whilst we are back in Europe for 6 weeks
free of charge. Not only did we instantly like Ray, but he also has the most
charming fun wife Pat. So much fun and we were so sad to leave
them,particularly as they won't be there when we return.
Well,that's all for now, I will write again when back on Out of India. We
are due
to fly back on Nov 7th. Meanwhile off to Croatia and Montenegro on Monday
for 10 days, then
Ray goes to Bulgaria whilst I visit Norway.
Ta ta for now,
R&B