East & South Islands

Well, me and Twixt sat down over a mug of hot tea looking at the map. There didn't appear to be that may islands in the west, so we decided to combine these with the islands lying to the south.

Now, this was going to mean a lot longer trip and considerably more Burgundy, so I got a good stock delivered.

The good and faithful Tetra could not cope with all this, so there was only one thing for it. To clear the barnacles off my old Dutch barge. This had plenty of storage space for all the crates and barrels.



This was purchased for one of Leeward Cruising club's event's to mark a memorial to Epi Emmons who unfortunately passed away last year.
Leeward have cruises on Sunday's at 1pm SLT and Tuesday's at 5pm SLT. and is a great way to meet people and enjoy some of the wonderful waterways of SL.

Western Islands - Gloucester

After a good nights sleep we awoke to find that snow had fallen while we slept.

It was a bright but crisp morning as we headed eastwards through the channel seperating the two islands before turning North to the two islands in Ogunquit.

On reaching the larger of the islands we thought this must be inhabited by really sporty outdoor types judging by the windsurfer and surfboard.

However on investigation, after hearing what appeared to be snoring close by, we found the owner who appeared NOT to be so sporty.



We quietly left him to his nap and went back to the boat to sail the short distance to the smaller island.

This was a lovely little lovers paradise with a wonderful warm fire and a guitar to seranade your lover before retiring to the tent for "cuddles"





This really completed the western half of the islands, however to reach home we decided to visit Winter Island which was on our way home to Marblehead and also to show you some pictures of the village square in Marblehead itself.

Winter Island itself is uninhabited at present.






Although there were some good hills to use our excellent TrYc sled's on

After a couple of glasses of Burgundy to warm us up we headed south on the last leg of this part of our trip and headed south to the main village of Marblehead.

And soon we were pulling into the main harbour of Marblehead.





And here are some pictures of the delightful village of Marblehead.

After a bit of window shopping and re-stocking on the Burgundy, we set sail and after a very short trip arrived home to some relaxation and a well deserved break.

Next up, after our break, will be a visit to the Eastern Islands, so watch this space.

Western Islands - Greenport

After a good nights rest and a hearty breakfast we had a good look around the island and found a few goodies to show you.

This should suit all the tiny people.

This lighthouse was inspired by by the RL one having the first woman lighthouse keeper at Gurnet Point at Plymouth New England.

This is the big house on the island.






After our exploring we headed back to the boat to head for our next destination, which was northwards to Amagansette.

We moored up here and went to explore.





There were a number of interesting things here.

The wreck of an old pirate ship.

Another of those doors

This one led to a sphere high above the island. We did not find this as good as the one in Bearskin Neck though.

A sign saying great surfing conditions, although as professional surfers we have to say the surf was not THAT good.

And what we wondered was the Doctor doing here. What strange aliens might there be?





After leaving this island, we headed east to Saltaire.

This is a barren place and nothing at all to be seen.

And so we carried on eastwards calling in at the lovely Plum Island for a break.

I was particularly fond of this bridge spanning a river there.

Then on again to the 2 islands making up the Gloucester sim where we had this close encounter with Moby Dick.

It had been a long day so this is where we moored for the night at the end of another glorious day's sailing.

Western Islands - Bearskin Neck

Well we got a sort of an early start today but climbing out of that warm bed was really hard. Once we got stowed away and underway we soon realised what a good decision it was not to try and navigate in the dark. As we headed north west to the second largest of the Bearskin Neck Islands, the waves crashing against the jagged rocks close by could have spelt disaster.

We circled round the island looking for somewhere to dock,but there was nowhere. What we did see however looking into the clear ocean was what appeared to be a fleet of submarines. Deciding to explore further we donned our scuba gear and went diving.

Following our underwater exploration we swam to the land and found some things of interest although maybe not of the caliber of some of the other islands we have visited.

Some furry animals live here.

If your from Massachusetts you may want to skip this picture.

They appear to like Christmas here.





After reboarding the ship we headed north to visit the largest of the Bearskin Neck islands. Hopefully there may be a store here that sells Burgundy.

At the southern most tip there is this small light to guide you safely into the harbour. If approaching from the south you need to keep well port side of this.

I loved this island, so peaceful, as I stood staring out to sea, the only sounds to be heard were the ocean crashing against the rocks, the birdsong, and ever so faintly, whales calling out to each other.

If you sit quietly for long enough you may even catch sight of the Orca.

Interestingly there is this sign that tells how Bearskin got its name.

And a rather sad one that tells of a fisherman lost at sea.

The western end seems to be where the sailing and surfing fraternity hang out.

While close by is this colony of rather strange frogs.

Oh and be careful of the Piranha if you paddle in one of the small lagoons. Ouch!




All to soon, it was time to set sail if we were to reach Greenport before nightfall.

We rounded the lighthouse there just as the sun was beginning to set.

Twixt managed to get this picture of this house highlighted against the setting sun as we sailed by.

And soon we were docking at this boathouse.

Where we shared this romantic moment as the sun finally set on another wonderful day.

And of course a glass of the burgundy.






Tomorrow we will explore the island and see what delights await us. Look out for further installments of our incredible journey of discovery.